The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017 VOLUME 111, No.06 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Former property owners at Argyle who gave way to the construction of the airport, turned up and were showered with praise and thanks.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

LAST WEDNESDAY, former the many gatherings we had Former home and landowners at between 2005 and 2007. It property Argyle descended on the site looks as though we are owners of the Argyle International together again, but this time received Airport (AIA) where their we are smiling,” Dr Rudy plaques of homes and farms once stood, Matthias, Chief Executive appreciation. for one reason – for the Officer (CEO) of the Here Sam government to say thanks on International Airport Agard receives behalf of a grateful nation. Development Company his token from What started almost 12 (IADC) commented. PM Dr. Ralph years ago is now complete. Gonsalves. “The faces remind me of Continued on Page 3. 2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V News Siblings and loved ones remember Aziza

(Standing): Martin Quashie Jr. (boyfriend); (sitting back row L-R): Enrico Browne (brother), Terise Browne (sister), Ashica Wiltshire (cousin); (Front L- R): Collin Wiltshire (cousin), Azinza Browne- Dennie (sister), Tashica Wilshire and Deandra Dennie (cousins).

THE SIBLINGS AND LOVED elder brother, reflecting ONES of Aziza ‘Ziza’ on his sister’s early Dennie said her presence upbringing, recalled that will be dearly missed. when she was growing Aziza was the 3rd of 4 up, she had the attitude children for her mother of a tomboy. “It’s just Donna Browne of the other day she become Redemption Sharpes. more open and start She along with two of wearing skirts,” he her colleagues from the quipped. Division of the Technical When questioned and Vocational Studies about what he would at the Community miss most about his College, perished in a sister, Enrico responded, vehicular accident in “Just her presence, Barbados, Sunday 29th knowing she was here.” January, crashing Aziza’s cousin - Aziza’s dream of Deandra Dennie becoming a crew member described her as a very of a cruise ship. intelligent and humble Azinza Browne- person. She said that Dennie, youngest sister when they were growing of the deceased, up, they were very close, described her as a very but later became distant. strong person, who would She regretted not tell it like it is. She maintaining a closer remembers her sister relationship with her disciplining her cousin. “Now that she is whenever she stepped gone, all the memories out of line. “She was real flashing back. If I could straight-forward,” said talk to her now, I would Azinza. tell her I wish I was a She last spoke to her better cousin,” said sister on Saturday 28th Deandra. January, the day before Martin Quashie Jr, her death, and Aziza’s boyfriend for 3 remembered telling her years, disclosed that the sister to bring KFC since last time he spoke to her, she (Aziza) was at KFC she was excited about celebrating with returning home. He Kemelius Boyea on his confessed to liking birthday. She recalled everything about her, Aziza saying, “Make sure and revealed that she you have cake and my was planning to start a bed when I come”. “life plan” in which they “If she was here now I would be together. “She would show her more was the first girl I ever love,” Azinza added. love,” he intimated. Terise Browne, Aziza’s Sisters Tashica eldest sister, said that Wiltshire and Ashica she and her sister had Wiltshire, cousins of such a close relationship Aziza, said they would they could have spoken always remember the about anything. She said great times they had the day her sister was spent at her home, leaving, she was in a stating that she was a joyous mood, since it was person who was always her first time flying. But on the move and enjoyed the news of her death is cracking jokes and difficult to digest. “It’s dancing. like a certain time you Aziza’s body is think she is gone and expected back in the another time you don’t,” state today (Friday) and Terise said. her burial is scheduled Enrico Browne, Aziza’s for the 26th. (KH) V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 3. NDP not supporting

Below: Not even a discussion among (L-R): Dr. Godwin Friday, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Arnhim VAT increase Eustace could change the NDP’s posiiton on the increase in the rate of the VAT here.

THE PEOPLE OUGHT to stand up people are already finding it and have their voices heard in difficult to pay this and have protest against the proposed 1 parked up their vehicles,” he percent increase in Value Added continued. “People need a Tax (VAT), which is expected to break, they want to be able to take effect on May 1 this year. go in the stores and buy what That’s the position of Dr. they want to buy, its simply Godwin Friday, Leader of the not fair,” Friday lamented. Opposition, who made his As part of its fiscal feelings known as he rebutted measures for 2017, Minister of the Prime Minister/Minister of Finance, Prime Minister Dr Finance 2017 Budget Ralph Gonsalves announced presentation. on Monday that government According to Friday, the will introduce a 1 percent levy opposition New Democratic on VAT, moving it from 15 Party (NDP) was adamant percent to 16, effective May that an increase in VAT was 01. not appropriate, based on the He also announced an state of the economy, but the increase in the rate for government went ahead in the accommodation and other 2016 budget to announce that tourism related activities from it was introducing VAT on 10 percent to 11. basic food items that were He defended the measure, previously left off the list. saying that in light of the That in effect was an frequent natural disasters, increase, Friday said, and now central government has that the heat had passed, incurred extended cost in the government had now gone rebuilding/replacement of ahead and implemented a 1 homes, bridges and roads. percent increase. Earnings from the Levy But the Leader of the the idea of increasing the rate increase the rate of VAT by as “How can we support this? will, according to Gonsalves, Opposition Dr Godwin Friday of VAT. much as 3 percent. We know the problems people be used to capitalize the called out the Gonsalves led In fact, Gonsalves “I don’t know where this are facing,” Friday said. Contingencies Fund, which he administration, saying that responded to that claim during came from,” Gonsalves told “This year is VAT, next said was being established in the NDP had come out ahead a press briefing in January members of the press then, year it might be the rate of pursuant to Section 72 of the of the government in 2016 last year, dismissing it and adding that he never vehicle registration — some Constitution. when they heard that the rumour that his contemplated an increase in government was pondering on government planned to VAT. (DD)

Both Prime Minister Saying thanks Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and CEO/AIDC were in Continued from Front to have to acquire process,” Matthias said. high spirits as they Page. anybody home. If this Sometimes it took more led the showering of was to be done, would be than one visit between thanks on former He walked those in mutiny and marching in the negotiating team and property owners. attendance through the town, so we spent a lot of a property owner before process from inception; time agreeing to prices,” the deal was closed, but homeowner at Argyle from the days of walking he continued. eventually the process have settled and have door to door to alert the was complete. been paid. residents at Argyle that Increasing the value “I want to thank you. He informed that the the international airport We have talked and government had to project was to become a Initially, the worked hand in hand,” people, and I want to moving and rebuilding, acquire 460 vacant reality, and that they government hired a he added. thank you again,” he and now, as a result of parcels of land, and 142 would be affected. British company to said. the understanding and homes, up from an initial Back then, the process oversee the task of A wonderful people There were political cooperation, the single count of 135 homes. was not easy because valuating the vacant risks involved, according biggest capital project in The facility sits on 275 only a small percentage parcels of land and Prime Minister Dr to the Prime Minister: “I the country has become a acres of land, purchased of the population homes that were to be Ralph Gonsalves referred could have fall flat on my reality. in the amount of EC$138 believed that such a acquired. However, to the many former face if you the “We have come this million. Of this figure, project was possible. according to Matthias, residents of Argyle homeowners had said far, grace has brought us EC$58 million have been “Sometimes when we the figures presented gathered, as contributors Ralph, go to hell.” this far, and grace will spent in the purchase of knocked, you can see the were, in the IADC’s to community and But as was earlier take us home,” Gonsalves homes at an average of people inside, but they view, lower than nationhood. pointed out, the process said. EC$410,000 per home, got easier, and the then not coming out. And you anticipated and a “You made this far Still holding out and EC$80 million have are knocking, and they decision was taken by easier than it otherwise residents began asking been paid out to not coming out, because Cabinet to increase the would have been the questions about landowners in the area. they knew we were payment by 15 to 20 case.” relocation and the overall And amidst the When it was also done, coming,” Matthias said. percent across the board. And the entire process project, Gonsalves showering of thanks and however, the Argyle “We couldn’t build the There were many was done without one explained. the amenable International Airport is airport here if you did issues involved in the case of acquisition, it was Some practical atmosphere last now a reality, thanks in not move, and we did not negotiating process all done by consent, measures were Wednesday at the AIA, no small measure to the want to put the Prime which lasted two years. Gonsalves said. implemented to assist Dr. Matthias disclosed hundreds who sacrificed Minister in any trouble “It was not a simple “What a wonderful the process of persons that all but one former their homes and lands. 4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V Court

the Serious Offences But during his Court before Chief conversation with THE Magistrate Rechanne VINCENTIAN later, the Lawyer offers help with Browne on Tuesday, lawyer acknowledged when Police Constable that in reality, the Court Sheffique Joseph of the cannot provide that list Criminal Investigation for the PM. He added, Department (CID) had however, that, “Maybe list of tardy policemen the files in a gun and one of the Prime ammunition possession Minister’s advisors could Stories by HAYDN Grenadines Police Force Attorney Grant Connell matter ready for trial in update him on those HUGGINS (RSVGPF). thinks it’s time that a three weeks. police officers who don’t And Connell, who has list of tardy police The Chief Magistrate prepare their files for DEFENCE LAWYER Grant appeared as a lawyer in officers be made applauded P.C . Joseph, Court, resulting in the Connell is suggesting that several gun-related and available to the PM. and acknowledged that collapse of several cases. Prime Minister Dr Ralph drug-related matters, is there are police officers I am fed up with the Gonsalves be provided prepared to facilitate the came while speaking to who work hard and lackadaisical approach of with a list of the non- process of getting that THE VINCENTIAN on excellently, while some some police officers in performing officers in the list together. Tuesday. They were in don’t. She also made getting the files ready on Royal St. Vincent and the Connell’s comments response to the Prime reference to the PM’s time for trial”. Minister who stated on comments on the issue of The lawyer pointed Monday evening, during performance in the police out that, “I am in the P.H. Veira hit a his 2017 Budget force. Courts every day. I see Presentation Address, In relation to the who are performing and that the majority of tardy police officers, who are not. I can second time police officers perform Connell suggested that, facilitate the process of well, but there is a the civil service, if they LESS THAN ONE WEEK after “We should help the providing the list of minority of non- want to become civil Prime Minister by incompetent police an office attendant employed at performing officers for servants. P.H. Veira & Co. Ltd was creating a list from the officers for the Prime whom there is room in A classic example of Court.” Minister”. reportedly robbed at gunpoint, good policing surfaced at the supermarket of that company was reportedly burglarized. Reports are that between Court officers applaud 10:11 p.m. on Saturday, February 4 and 6 a.m. on PC Sheffique Sunday, February 5, young investigator Joseph came burglar/burglars entered the in for high supermarket , cut off the QUESTIONS regarding who Moah Williams, charged with a praise for his padlock on a vault, and made merit promotions in the Royal St. similar offence. diligence to off with EC$15,000 in cash. Vincent and the Grenadines Connell, who also represented duty. Up to press time Police Force (RSVGPF) surfaced Williams, noted that that offence “There are Wednesday, police were here, after a young police was reportedly committed since Dennis talented, investigating the report. investigator was praised on March 21, last year, 11 months Richardson and dedicated and Last Week, two 15-year-old Tuesday for having the files in a ago, yet the files in that matter two 15-year-old hardworking police officers boys, and 23-year-old Dennis gun and ammunition possession were still not ready, despite boys, are charged without a stripe. I often question ‘2Pac’ Richardson of Glen matter ready for trial, in less than several adjournments, and with robbing a the methodology behind how appeared at the Serious a month. prosecutor Richards was seeking officers rise in rank in the police P.H. Veira and Co. Offences Court, charged with The Constable - Sheffique yet another adjournment. force,” the lawyer stated. Ltd. office Apart from commending P.C robbing the P.H. Veira Joseph of the Criminal “How could a man like attendant. Joseph for having his files ready employee, Dwight Ryan, 30, of Investigation Department (CID), Sheffique Joseph remain Choppins, of a bag containing for trial in relation to an offence, ‘stripeless’? What is the was commended by Chief dated January 10 this year, EC$34,715 in cash and three cheques which Magistrate Rechanne Browne, encouragement when police together valued EC$2,165.50. Connell praised the young officers perform well and are Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin detective for his firmness on the The bag, the money and the cheques reportedly Richards and attorney Grant overlooked, while others whose belong to the company. stand while being cross-examined Connell who represented the track record has very little or The suspects are also charged jointly with in several matters. defendant, Shane Davis of nothing to show, rise in rank?” possession of a firearm with intent to commit the “I have seen other lawyers Connell questioned. offence of robbery. One of the juveniles is charged Dorsetshire Hill. come here and can’t penetrate the When contacted on Wednesday, separately with conspiracy to commit the offence of Connell told the Serious good officer.” Connell said, Assistant Superintendent of robbery. Offences Court that it was adding that he has seen police Police (ASP) Clauston Francis, The defendents were not required to plead when amazing that some police officers officers, achieving the rank of second in Command of the CID, Superintendent, “fall apart” under they stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne could prepare their files in less confirmed that Joseph is an than four weeks, while others, cross-examination. excellent detective. Browne. Speaking with THE The juveniles, represented by attorney Grant including senior officers, were Translating that into military delinquent in this regard. VINCENTIAN later that day, language, ASP Francis described Connell, made their Court appearances on Connell expressed the view that Thursday, February 2, in camera, and were granted One such matter involving the the officer as a ‘top dog’. lack of readiness of case files for there are many other officers in Joseph has been a member of bail, while Richardson who appeared in Court on the Constabulary like Joseph Friday, February 3, was remanded following strong trial surfaced earlier that morning the RSVG Police Force for the in the same Court and involved whose performances are past six years. objections to bail from prosecutor Station Sergeant overlooked. Elgin Richards. Richards contended that investigations were Offences Court on ongoing, and expressed the view that if released on Veron Primus on further suspense January 4 this year. bail, the defendant would interfere with the So far, 12 witnesses witnesses. He added that the firearm allegedly used THE VERON PRIMUS murder which was scheduled to continue have testified for the prosecution, in the incident was not recovered, and that Preliminary Inquiry (PI) will on Monday, January 6, was and another four or five may be Richardson was a flight risk, as he was resume at the Serious Offences further adjourned due to the called. apprehended in the Grenadine island of Mayreau. Court on absence of Senior Prosecutor When the PI resumes, the He was represented in Court by attorney Ronald February 20. Adolphus Delpleche, who was Senior Prosecutor is expected to Marks. The PI, still on leave. make an application under the Reports are that Ryan was en route by foot to Primus, 39, of Vermont, is Witness Protection Special deposit the money for the company when he was Veron Primus charged with the murder of real Measures Act, in relation to a held at gunpoint and relieved of the bag containing is also a estate agent Sharlene Greaves. certain witness. the cash and cheques. person of The body of the 36-year-old At the conclusion of the P.I., The assailants then fled, using the route at the interest in the Dorsetshire Hill woman was the Court will decide whether or back of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal murder of a found at her Bijou Real Estate not there is sufficient evidence Corporation, Kingstown. student in office, Arnos Vale on November for Primus to stand trial in the The incident was reported to have occurred in Brooklyn, New 13, 2015. She had sustained High Court. the vicinity of the Postal Corporation and the First York, in June multiple stab wounds. Primus is conducting his own Caribbean International Bank on January 30. 2006. The PI started at the Serious defence. V Regional Marley’s recordings found rotting in hotel basement Rolling Stone Magazine, in listing Robert ‘Bob’ Marley among its top twenty (11th) recording/ performing artistes of the 20th century, described him as ‘musician, humanitarian and revolutionary’. (Credit: the indian express) ROBERT NESTA ‘BOB’ Masters”, were originally MARLEY was reggae’s first thought to be damaged global superstar. He beyond repair by flooding attracted music fans and and, when found, were even non-music fans around covered in a sticky resin- the world, and is revered in like material. his Jamaican homeland as a But now, thanks to national hero. modern day technology, Little wonder, all but three master reels therefore, that even in have been successfully death, his work, his cleaned and restored. philosophy continue to The 40-year-old tapes One of 13 reel-to-reel draw the stares and gazes are the original live master tapes found in a and eyes of the world over. recordings of concerts Bob damp hotel basement in Bob died in 1981 at the Marley and the Wailers Kensal Rise, north-west age of 36. His released staged in London and London, where Bob work up to that time had Paris between 1974 and already placed him among 1978. The concerts were Marley and The Wailers the top recording and recorded on the only stayed during their performing artistes of the mobile 24 track studio tours of Europe in the day, and his popularity vehicle available in mid-1970s. (Credit: The continued to soar, with Britain at the time, Telegraph) dozens of his greatest hits loaned out to Bob Marley and collected works and the Wailers by The oozing from every inch, released since his death. Rolling Stones. and in truth, saving the And for those who The discovery of the sound quality of the thought his back catalogue tapes makes for recordings looked like a had been exhausted, think interesting reading. hopeless task”. again. They were first Undaunted, however, A run-down hotel in an discovered and rescued he and Gatt took the unfashionable corner of from the scrap heap by damaged tapes to a Mr north-west London - pure chance when Joe Nichols at White House where Bob Marley and his Gatt, a businessman and Studios, in Weston-super- band The Wailers stayed long-time Marley fan, took Mare, where he succeeded during their European a phone call from a friend, in painstakingly restoring tours of the mid-1970s - who told him that he was them to their former glory. has now thrown up a doing a building refuse The project took nearly treasure trove of clearance that included a year, as each tape was previously lost recordings some old discarded 2” delicately and by the legendary singer, tapes from the 1970s. meticulously cleaned. according to a report by “…I couldn’t just stand “The end result has the Telegraph, UK. by and let these objects, really surprised me, The Telegraph reported damaged or not, simply be because as they are now that ‘Thirteen reel-to-reel destroyed … so I asked in a digital format and are analogue master tapes - him not to throw them very high quality, it shows official high quality away,” Gatt is reported to the original recordings recordings of concerts have said. were very professionally which in some cases have Gatt passed the master made. From the current only been heard recordings to his business find of 13 tapes, 10 were previously on bootleg or partner, Louis Hoover, restored, two were blank inferior versions - have himself a jazz singer. and one was damaged been discovered rotting Hoover, as thrilled as beyond repair”. away in the hotel’s damp he was to receive the It is hoped that at some basement’. tapes, admitted that when stage they will be released The 24-track he saw them, “It was gut in vinyl, download and CD recordings, known in wrenching. There was versions. (Source: The music circles as “The Lost literally plasticized gunk Telegraph) 6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V Diaspora Garifuna group opposes TrumpÊs executive orders “We also invite all voters to Order by rejecting a request tweet their senators and use by the US Department of US Federal Judge - James the hashtag Justice (DOJ) to immediately Robart of Federal District #WithholdConsent,” the group restore the president’s travel Court in Seattle, Washington said. “Doing so can bring the ban. put a temporary block on Senate to its knees and block The US Court of Appeals President Trump’s or severely slow down the for the Ninth Circuit in San immigration order to ban agenda of a president who Francisco said on Sunday that Muslims from seven does not represent the a reply from the Trump countries. majority of Americans.” administration was now due The Garifuna are an on Monday. immigrant ethnic group of The ruling meant that mixed ancestry — descendants refugees and travelers from of Carib, Arawak and African the seven predominantly people living along the Muslim nations would, for Caribbean Coast in Belize, now, continue to be able to Guatemala, Nicaragua and enter the US, according to the Honduras. They originated New York Times. from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Order denounced Jose Francisco Avila of President Donald Trump As a seafaring people, they arrived in the United States The order has also been Garifuna PAC, said it was derided the Seattle federal important that Garifuna district court judge James as merchant marines during denounced by Caribbean World War II. American Congresswoman involved themselves in the Robart for lifting the ban on political process of the USA. nationals from seven Muslim New York City is currently Yvette D. Clarke, warning countries. home to the largest Garifuna that it may even extend to the population outside of Central Caribbean. the board; and so, we have to Yvette D. Clarke, Caribbean America, with an estimated Last Sunday, Clarke, the make sure we come together,” by NELSON A. KING 200,000 living in the South daughter of Jamaican added the representative for American Congresswoman, [email protected]; Bronx, Harlem, and immigrants, told an the predominantly Caribbean was quick to add her voice to [email protected] Brownsville and East New emergency meeting of the 9thCongressional District in the denunciation of the US CORRESPONDENT York in Brooklyn. Muslim community in her Brooklyn. Executive ban. Brooklyn, New York district, “We cannot as a nation that “the importance of THE BRONX, New York-based The Executive Order that she was concerned that allow xenophobia to participation in the American Garifuna Political Action Trump could expand the ban undermine our principles or political process becomes very Committee (Garifuna PAC), a Trump’s executive order, to the Caribbean “if we don’t racism to determine our evident when we consider the non-partisan organization that signed on Jan. 27, bars all organize and push back now. policies,” she added. results of the recent provides opportunities for nationals from Iran, Iraq, “We know that in the Meanwhile, Jose Presidential Election and the Garifuna and Communities of Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria Caribbean region there is a Francisco Avila, treasurer of uncertainty of federal public Colour to participate in the and Yemen from entering the very healthy Muslim Garifuna PAC, said in policy legislation, which will American political process, is US for the next 90 days. population from Guyana, to justification of his have side effects reflected at urging strong resistance to It also stops the entire US Trinidad, to Jamaica across organisation’s involvement in the state and city level.” United States President Donald refugee program for 120 days, the ‘politics of the USA, said, Trump’s executive orders on indefinitely bans Syrian immigration. refugees, and halts the “As Immigrants from Demonstrators gather in Copley Square for planned entry of more than the “Boston Protest Against Muslim Ban Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, 50,000 refugees in the US Nicaragua and St. Vincent and and Anti-Immigration Orders” in Boston, fiscal year 2017, which began Massachusetts, on January 29, 2017. the Grenadines, who have in October 2016 and will end migrated to America since the in September 2017. 1930s, we absolutely reject But a US Federal Judge - President Donald Trump’s James Robart of Federal hateful executive orders,” said District Court in Seattle, the group in a statement. Washington on Friday night “Our country is a country of temporarily blocked Trump’s immigrants and refugees,” it immigration order from being added. “It’s what makes us enforced. strong. Inscribed on the Statue On Saturday, Trump sought of Liberty is a poem that to belittle Judge Robart, an welcomes the tired, the poor appointee of former President and the huddled masses. George W. Bush, describing President Trump definitely him as a “so-called judge” needs to read it.” during a tweeting rampage. In addition to resisting and “The opinion of this so- objecting to Trump’s executive called judge, which essentially orders, Garifuna PAC called takes law-enforcement away on US Senate Democrats to from our country, is ridiculous launch “an organized effort to and will be overturned!” withhold consent on the Trump wrote. Senate floor, for resisting a A United States federal president who has no mandate appeals court early Sunday and cannot claim to embody struck another blow to this the popular will. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 7. V Parliament AIA in Focus: Enough assets to pay debts

THE ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL issue of air access.” AIRPORT (AIA) has a debt of “The AIA holds out EC$400 million, of which immense development EC$300 million are accounted possibilities,” the Vincentian as soft loans mainly from ALBA, Prime Minister pointed out. The Argyle International Airport debt is provided for, says Petro Caribe and Taiwan. He alluded to the 2015 Staff PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. This was spelt out by Prime Report of the Article IV Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Consultation of the Vincent and the Grenadines, a 300 KW Solar PV system, in the 2017 Budget address International Monetary Fund at home and in the diaspora.” according to Dr. Gonsalves. last Tuesday, as he sought to 1 which estimated at least 1.5 Some $31.5 million has “The targeted aim is to give a detailed account of the percent increase in our been provided for in the 2017 secure in the shortest possible undertaking to construct the country’s gross domestic Budget for payments related time, solar capacity at AIA of airport. product in the medium term, to the completion of the some two megawatts,” Dr The Prime Minister pointed from operations at Argyle. construction of the AIA, and Gonsalves outlined. out that holdings owned by the Dr. Gonsalves is confident the acquisition of furnishings The AIA has been granted AIA, not including the airport that chairman of the and equipment for its appropriate certification or itself, the International Argyle International Airport C operation. There will also be approval as an international Airport Development ompany - Garth Saunders, a temporary subsidy for its airport by the Eastern Corporation and National working in tandem with the accomplishment “amidst all operation, Dr. Gonsalves Caribbean Civil Aviation Properties Limited together local Tourism Authority and the topographic financing, stated. Authority. But “on account of make up the $400 million. all other stakeholders, would managerial and resource Electricity use at the Argyle the prerequisites for the “In short, there are enough make a success of the AIA. challenges,” as one “to be International Airport is of publication of the civil aviation assets available to pay for the The Prime Minister recorded with justifiable concern to Dr. Gonsalves, and charts and procedures of the debt of the AIA,” Dr. described AIA as a “metaphor, approbation in the annals not he referred to an agreement AIA and the very workings of Gonsalves indicated. a symbol, an alive testament only of Vincentian and with the CARICOM international airlines He locked the AIA to “four to what a determined people, Caribbean history, but in the Development Fund for a soft- themselves, regularly major initiatives in the field of properly led, and supported by developmental story of loan agreement of about $2 scheduled international flights civil aviation undertaken by a wave of principled disadvantaged nations across million, to fund the first phase will not be available in the the Unity Labour Party internationalist solidarity of time.” of a solar energy project at the first few months of AIA’s government since 2001 to friends and allies, can He is urging everyone to new airport. operations,” The Vincentian address the critical achieve.” “make the AIA work to the The initial phase of this Prime Minister said. (WKA) developmental socio-economic He referred to the benefit of the people of St. project is for the installation of Dr. Friday unhappy about matters related to the AIA LEADER OF THE the AIA opening Godfred Pompey, in Argyle, He said, however, painted in party colours,” OPPOSITION, Dr scheduled for February which the ECCAA that the party was Friday said. Godwin Friday has 14, Friday said that indicated that it had concerned about the “Our position of the indicated that he has there were a few issues conducted its seeming lack of airport is this: We written to the Eastern regarding the state of assessments on January transparency or support the intention to Caribbean Civil Aviation readiness of the facility. 19 and, based on those accountability that build an international Authority (ECCAA) He referred to the assessments, it had characterized the airport at Argyle, but we seeking answers to work that was done on cleared the airport to undertaking of the do not support and we concerns related to the sections of the runway begin operations on project. deplore the politicization approval granted to recently to attend to February 14. In fact, he said, that has taken place; the begin operations at the what Minister of Friday, though, members of the reckless behavior that Argyle International Transport and Works, questioned the method opposition have has taken place in the Airport (AIA). Senator Julian Francis used by the ECCAA to continually voted in administration, planning He made the said were some “weak grant approval, and approval of government and financing and disclosure on Tuesday, spots”. disclosed that he has borrowing money to fund execution of the project,” during his response to Friday took issue with since written to ECCAA aspects of the he continued. Prime Minister Dr Ralph this, saying that he was requesting details with construction of the “We call for a Gonsalves’ 2017 Budget advised that the problem respect to their facility. comprehensive report of Leader of the address delivered on was serious, with a good assessment and its Opposition Dr Godwin Monday. chance that it could subsequent approval. This did not deter the the status of NDP from highlighting construction, financing, Friday is still uneasy Dr. Friday said that reoccur. granted. about aviation approval he agreed with the Prime He read from a copy of Dr. Friday took the their dismay with what certification and they described as the prospective sustainable and accountability as Minister that all the letter date January opportunity to make they relate to the AIA. Vincentians ought to 23, 2017 and addressed clear that the opposition politicization of the operation of the airport, project. including but not limited work together to make to the Permanent NDP was never opposed the present - I don’t the airport work. Secretary in the Ministry to building an “Even before the to, the audited financial construction, it was statements from 2008 to think that is too much to However, even with of National Security, international airport at ask,” Friday said. (DD) 8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 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 VAt increase- It might mean... VAT (VALUE ADDED TAX) is a tax on goods and services. It is applied to most products consumers buy and basic services they access for daily living. Some goods may be zero rated (i.e. they are on the ‘VAT list but not subject to VAT, yet), or are exempted. A pocketful of problems to handle In our case, most goods and services are subject currently to VAT at a rate of 15%. But come May 01, 2017, that rate will increase to THE POLITICAL POT is approaching 16% on consumer items and services, and an increase from 10% to 11 boiling-point. Within the next two % on marine/tourism related services. months or so, it is likely to blow its top. The increase was justified as a means of capitalizing the Disaster We continue to tread the path to which Fund, and was coined a ‘Disaster Levy’ by the Minister of Finance in we seem committed, a fight to the finish his 2017 Budget Presentation. The connotation of that coinage (i.e. in an internecine war. levy) is that the increased VAT rate is temporary in nature, and the Let us look at the current rundown. the heads of state. Gun Munro’s wife was Minister of Finance did say that this fiscal measure will be reviewed We are now in the throes of a very English. Lady David Jack was born in the after three years, during which time it is expected to account for an important budget session. As soon as it is USA of Vincentian parents and carried a additional $10 million per annum in revenue. formally through, we are on to a very Vincentian passport; Charles Antrobus (It is interesting to note that the period over which the increase significant convention of the NDP, the became divorced from his Vincentian wife will be applied, i.e. three years, would bring us up to the time for first since the election of Dr. Godwin and wedded a Trinidadian; Freddy another general election. Just a thought by the side.) Friday as the new President, following the Ballantyne, with even-handedness, Unless the basic principle of profit and loss has gone through some tenure of Arnhim Eustace after some married four times - two Vincentians, one extraordinarily, radical turnabout, the increase in VAT is expected to eighteen years. Canadian and one Pilipino. Rupert John lead in an increase in the cost of goods and services to the consumer. All the while, the election petitions was the sole head of state with a single This eventuality (increased VAT) could well deter consumers from have been hanging in balance before the Vincentian wife. spending, and could even contribute to pushing the economy court, and due to be heard after about Another statistic which is most downwards if not precariously bordering a recession, even though fifteen months following an election that interesting: Edgie Richards is the only modest growth is projected for the 2017 fiscal year. returned a disputed one-seat majority for person to have run in three constituencies, Maybe importers, wholesalers and retailers will bring forward the ruling ULP, a record of sorts in terms for three parties, and lost every time. In their purchases to beat the VAT hike, leading to some static in the of the delay involved. North Windward for the PLM in 1957; for government’s expected collection windfall. Three weeks prior to that outcome, the the PPP twice in East St George in 1961 Whatever, the rise in VAT could also be expected to help keep Argyle International Airport will be and 1966; and once for Dr Gideon inflation well above the percentage target, or purported targets for opened, which has been anticipated as a Cordice’s SNM in a by-election in Central 2016. worrying controversial happening. Leeward in 1983. Given the likelihood that consumers would now buy less in a Then March 28, National Heroes Day My better friends have always warned climate of an increased VAT rate, and given that many of our rolls by, which to date has offered one me of hiding my light under a Bushel. So consumers live from pay cheque to pay cheque, spending most of hero only, Joseph Chatoyer since 2002. I beat my chest a little on reading of a what they earn in goods and services, the climate of an increase in For fifteen long years, the ULP cricketing feat of 5 wickets for 7 in a July VAT could have much the same effect on incentives as an increase in administration has been unable to 2016 article by Patmos Richards, in a soft say, income tax — the resulting situation being one of less real take- enlarge the category of National Heroes. ball match in Kingstown. home pay. At least the AIA won that competition of In 1950, 67 years ago, in a Junior Overall, consumers could be made to feel poorer. sorts. House match played on the Grammar Moreover, the increase in VAT, as modest as it might appear, And preparations are underway for the School pasture, with “leather seed” ball, I could well have a negative effect on productivity growth and stands 40th anniversary of our modern carnival captured 7 wickets for 7 runs, all clean a good chance of reducing economic incentive to trade. General taxes next July, which just about synchronises —bowled, for Green House against Reeves could also suffer as lower productivity growth leads to reduced with the like anniversary of the Comrade House. overall output. in the field of politics, as a fresh crop of My victims were the opening pair of And, as raised in our Editorial post the presentation of the 2016 leaders emerge to take over the fortunes of Ashton brothers from Layou, Fosdick F.C Huggins, Raymond Liverpool, Alfie Budget, what does this mean for the informal economy? A higher the ULP. But that is running ahead. A lot of Roberts who played later for the West rate of VAT could also encourage individuals (consumers) and firms Indies, Phil Ambris who became a lawyer to conduct business in the informal economy. Studies of countries turbulence will accompany the foregoing events, and “This Week” expects that the and was fatally shot in Arthur Williams’ where VAT regimes are in place and in some which have ‘seen a chambers, and Joe Linley who is still need’ to increase their rates of VAT, have shown that the ‘black next six months will be hectic at least. So we will concentrate on a few pleasantries, living in Florida, USA. market’ tends to be larger and more active in countries with high Lester Huggins is also still living at rates (of VAT), even in countries, the report says, where corruption is neutral facts and small talk for the rest of “This Week”. Layou. He claims not to recall my feat in considered to be weak. full, but I remembered getting him first Even with raising the threshold (the value of a business that First of all, here are some interesting facts in SVG politics. Heads of ball for nought in both innings. He obligates it to become VAT registered), investment could be a shaped up as a left-hander in the first and problem for informal and even small businesses; they cannot grow Government often took non-Vincentian wives: Mrs Ivy Joshua, a Grenadian; Mrs a right-hander in the second, in which he like formal, better capitalized businesses, and therefore, the creation settled for the rest of his career, which of real wealth over the long term in the economy could well be Lucyann Cato, a Nevisian; Mrs Pat Mitchell, a Canadian; Mrs Eloise was nothing short of illustrious. hindered. Indeed, This Week acclaims Lester Informal and ’black market’ businesses are wont to spend their Gonsalves, a Dominican-Trinidadian. As Huggins our best all-round sportsman for meager resources on avoiding detection (beating the system), paying an educated guess, the next Prime the 20th Century — medium-fast bowler, off officials throughout the system, etc. And if it is that the informal Minister will either be Camillo Gonsalves dashing stroke-player, a left-wing in economy expands because of what is enacted in the mainstream of with a Jamaican wife, or Godwin Friday football and goalkeeper of class, a quarter- the economy, this could well breed draconian countermeasures by tax with a Trinidadian wife. mile and performer of the jumps and authorities, putting additional cost on formal, legitimate business. To date, Arnhim Eustace has been the hurdles, great swimmer with mastering No one wants to see this economy go belly up, but we must only Prime Minister with a native wife, the dives. acknowledge the possible positive effect of any fiscal change as well which probably explains why he served as In short, at 80 years, Huggins deserves as the possible negative effect and, at the end of the day, admit to be PM for only half-a-term! some national accolade as the complete being correct or to being wrong. It has been a not dissimilar story with sportsman of the 20th century. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 9. V Letters

world that is, day by the day, decreasing in size, Stop the old talk given the time it takes to Shame communicate across the REGARDLESS of what members of the public They should remember globe? is said, the Argyle who fail to accept that, that even those fifteen And all those who International Airport is and some of them even minutes of fame will make a public outcry here and it’s not going continue to wish harm on disappear. should think of what it on Julian means for the stability in anywhere. Ralph the project. When I think of the Gonsalves deserves Why can’t we just airport, I think of how our land. FAIR IS fair. When a man is wrong, he should say credit for making it simply accept the truth? big our country has Time to stop all this that he is wrong, and those who he calls his friends happen, and we should It seems some persons become. Not big is size cross talk and get down should tell him that he is wrong. not try to dispute that. just have to oppose but big in attraction. to setting the path for For too long now I have listened to debates in But there are still something for opposing Tell me, who would want reaping the benefits of the House of Assembly, and heard our elected some unreasonable, sake, so that they could to invest in a country our our international airport. representatives and senators abuse their unpatriotic or just continue to get their size that continues to be privileges. downright ignorant fifteen minutes of fame. locked away from a George, Campden Park Take what happened during the last debate — the one on the Estimates for 2017. I am referring to Senator Julian Francis who told what is supposed to be an Honourable House, that the Suppressing the truth NDP, if it gets into power, would reduce the size of the public service — how they would put people out of work. OPINION suppression is show host asking replaced by false Now, that is unfair, and was meant to not new in the questions about past statements which deliberately mislead the public. Daniel Caribbean, but news financial tractions; override all (Trump: “It Cummings was the one who raised the issue of suppression, suppression accrete with PM stopped raining when I the public servants; but it’s no way you could of the reporting of facts, Gonsalves’ enforced started to speak...my draw from what he said, that he was saying what is, if not new, an passage of the inauguration crowd was Francis said he said. Francis should have been ominous growing trend. “cyberbullying” act, and bigger than Obama’s), put in his place for misleading the House and the Venezuela’s de facto fake news statements ignoring or dismissing public; but we know how that stands with that. censorship (harassment that the airport is underlying reality, one So much for an Honourable Speaker, eh? of the media and “open”, but omitting the has to fear what this It is one thing to say that that is all part of the imprisonment of fact that there is no presages. A political game, but it’s another thing when we try journalists); the murders access to regularly Government’s statement to frighten people by putting your own spin on of journalists in scheduled international of “false news” is real what somebody else said. Honduras and passenger flights. These news to the media. The This type of low-down behaviour must stop, Guatemala; the are only recent obvious conclusion is especially lowdown behaviour by those who say attempted suppression of highlights. There are that this paves a path they are leaders. One of these days, the shoe the reportage relevant to doubtless others more toward demagoguery. If Orwell’s 1984 or 1950s & might be on the other foot; but I hope those other Texila University in worrying I have missed. you can keep the voting 60s Haiti–or Nazi feet would not put those shoes in such mess. Guyana; Keith Mitchell In an age of populace ignorant, or by Germany–that’s the in Grenada taking legal “alternative facts”, where manipulating what they path they followed and Charles, Edinboro action against a talk real facts, the truth and can see or hear on the the path we are on. reality, are refuted, media, you can control And by the way, since contradicted and the country. Welcome to when are sex toys considered contraband in The AIA February 14 St. Vincent? I couldn’t The law is an … find it on the Government’s web site or event is non-historical I WILL BE THE FIRST to say we have to be careful anywhere on the Internet. THE AIA WAS supposedly Mulligan’s Cay would be about what we say in public these days. Gone are the days when we could have said some really ‘bad’ things constructed to accommodate threatened; the mountain range Cassandra international aircrafts including a could be a safety threat to and get away with it. But these days, in what I call the new period of suits, we have to remember that we might Boeing 747, with a capacity of aircrafts; the water table was very not be able to get away with upwards of 487 passengers. All of close to the surface and would saying slanderous things the aircrafts which are advertised affect the runway; the threat of the about one another, and worse, for landing at the AIA on Feb. 14, cross wind, and because it blew making threats against like the Sunwing aircraft with a from the sea; the likelihood that people’s lives. capacity of up to 186 passengers, the exhaust (aviation fuel fumes) But even when I say that, I can land at the E.T. Joshua could pose a problem for nearby wonder sometimes why we Airport. residential areas; there was no bother with certain things, It appears that PM Gonsalves space for a second runway. when we know what was said did not obtain appropriate The AIA project was a red light doesn’t mean a thing. clearance for certain types of — a no go. Take the case of Paul aircraft to land at the AIA. I stand by the view that PM Scrubb. After all the goings The AIA will see chartered Ralph Gonsalves and his regime and comings, the State said flights on February 14. What has turned a deaf ear (and may be a they had no evidence to happened to all the airlines PM blind eye) to the concerns, and proceed with the case. This Gonsalves said were lining up, proceeded to spend $1.4 billion to after the state blocked the eager to land at the AIA? relocate the E. T. Joshua airport to young man from travelling Some may say that regardless of Argyle. back to the USA, and causing the situation, SVG nationals can Expect that there will be no him to have to start all over at now fly direct to the USA and difference. AIA will be kept ‘busy’ his place of employment. Canada. But when it all adds up, by LIAT, Amerijet, SVG Air and I can’t help but think this no airline is going to operate at a Mustique Airways aircraft, just was poor behaviour on the loss. There is simply no demand to like the E,. J. Joshua airport. part of the state. But then sustain regular international I was right on Brexit. I was again, we know who control flights into the AIA. We might right on Donald Trump. I am right the arms of the state, and to consider subsidizing these on the AIA. The AIA is a dead what end they will use it. aircrafts’ cost to fly to the AIA, but man in a casket. Who is going to compensate we will need a cash cow, which we Could somebody be charged for this young man for all that he don’t have under the PM gross mismanagement of public lost? Gonsalves’ regime. funds? This thing they call the law Certain warnings were made as Two All Fools’ Day in SVG in certainly makes an ass of early as 2007, regarding the 2017? Now that’s historical! itself sometimes. construction of the airport at Argyle: the migratory birds on Kadmiel McFee Ole Revolutionary 10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V Views The Argyle International The Argyle International Airport (Excerpts from Dr. the Hon Godwin Friday’s Address on the 2017 Budget) Airport: Making it work WE IN THE OPPOSITION have never dismissed the Argyle International Introduction Airport. Mr. Speaker, we have never dismissed the idea of building an THE ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT International Airport on St. Vincent and will be a hive of activity this week end, as the Grenadines. Mr. Speaker, we know organizing committees make their final the dreams of all Vincentians and the Argyle, even before a single shovel preparations for the events to mark the frustrations they have coming home was put in the soil, he went at great opening of this all important project. This from abroad. We share those as well, Mr. Vincent and the Grenadines, at home length to characterize this airport in week, we present an excerpt from the Speaker. We know how our people yearn political terms. This is what he said 2017 Budget address of Prime Minister Dr. and in the diaspora. It is our patriotic duty to ensure that this happens. for the day when they could fly from “All this is realizable only with a ULP Ralph Gonsalves, in relation to Argyle some international destination home. government, without the ULP there International Airport. Capital Resources What we have demanded, however, will be no international airport, only “Argyle International Airport: on behalf of the peoplem, Mr. the ULP administration can deliver Making It Work In the Budget for 2017, capital Speaker, is that if the project was this. It is so crystal clear.” In other resources of $31.5 million are allocated going to be done, let it be done right, words, even before construction to make payments related to the both from the technical and the started, it was being painted in party The Argyle International Airport financial perspective. The NDP has (AIA) is scheduled to be opened on completion of the construction of AIA, colours. In fact, I am not the only one February 14, 2017. This project is one and the acquisition of furnishings and been very early and very consistently saying that. I read the opinion piece of four major initiatives in the field of equipment for its operation. a supporter of building an by Kenneth John sometime ago in the civil aviation undertaken by the ULP Additionally, as anticipated, there is a international airport on mainland St. newspaper and he was characterizing government since 2001 to address the temporary subsidy for its operation. Vincent. or describing that very same process. critical developmental socio-economic Mr. Speaker, one significant Mr. Speaker, just to show you how You will recall too, Mr. Speaker, issue of air access. The other three are: operational cost of the AIA is that of long and how consistently the NDP that when the very first set of heavy The saving of LIAT and its on-going electricity. As Honourable Members are has been behind the idea of an equipment came through Kingstown restructuring, and development; the aware, over a year ago, at a public international airport, I would read to do the earth works at the airport; establishment, in conjunction with the signing ceremony at Argyle, I signed from the 1999 budget address. There they were transported to the site five other independent states of the with the CARICOM Development Fund is a section in it called Airport (CDF) a soft-loan agreement of just over parading in red. Was that a mere OECS, of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Development. It says, “As was coincidence? As some apologists had Aviation Authority (ECCAA) as a EC $2 million to fund the first phase of indicated in the budget address, the a solar energy project for the AIA. said, when people complained about Category One Civil Aviation 1998 budget address, this government it, they said “who - e- hut -e hut”. Jurisdiction; and the construction of the VINLEC is executing this phase of the with the assistance of the Caribbean project in the sum of $2.4 million. More recently Mr. Speaker, on 6th jet airport at Canouan. Each of these Development Bank earlier this year December, 2015, three days before the has been contributing positively to the Additional grant resources for solar energy at the AIA are available to commissioned a study on airport general elections, a chartered LIAT socio-economic development of St. development on mainland St. Vincent. Vincent and the Grenadines and will supplement this allocation. The initial flight landed on an unfinished airport, phase of this project is for the Specifically, the study was required to and was greeted by a sea of red. Was continue to do so in the future. establish the current demand and The fourth civil aviation pillar, the installation of a 300 KW Solar PV that for technical reason or for system. The targeted aim is to secure, estimate future demand in the political reason? AIA, holds out immense development country. In essence, we were possibilities. Even the admittedly in the shortest possible time, solar Mr. Speaker, I still can’t capacity at AIA of some two megawatts. interested in finding out the understand why it was necessary on conservative projections by the 2015 requirements for the establishment of Staff Report of the Article IV We are seeking to obtain the bulk of the 6th December for a LIAT plane to fly Consultation of the International funding for this strategic venture air facilities to accommodate small to into Argyle, an unfinished airport, Monetary Fund, estimated at least a 1.5 through grants. medium size jet aircraft. The and then for a year later not a single percent increase in our country’s GDP consultants conducting the study were flight has followed. Clearly, it was a in the medium term from the operation ECCAA Approval also required to prepare preliminary political stunt indeed, to improve the of AIA. We must thus all make the AIA designs and cost estimates, including ULP chances of winning the general work for our nation’s further Mr. Speaker, the AIA has been the cost of mitigating adverse elections which took place a mere development. I have every confidence granted appropriate certification or environment impacts and phasing of three days later. that the AIA’s management, under the approval as an international airport by expenditure of the optimum solution Mr. Speaker, Argyle International Chairmanship of Garth Saunders, the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation determined. Airport is an extremely costly project working in tandem with the SVG Authority (ECCAA). As I had indicated “The report on the first phase of the and it has been implemented with Tourism Authority and all other hitherto, both on account of the study has been received and is being zero transparency and accountability. relevant stakeholders, would make a requisites for the publication of the civil reviewed. The study pointed to two The original cost was announced to be success of the AIA. aviation charts and procedures of the main options. These options relate to $481 million. Sometime in 2015, it AIA and the very workings of the development of the existing site at international airlines themselves, had raised officially to $729 million. AIA a national symbol the ET Joshua Airport or the We were told yesterday that the cost regularly scheduled international flights development of a completely new site will not be available in the first few is $700 million and that within kind Mr. Speaker, I do not intend to be at Argyle. Without the benefits of contribution the value of the work was detained today by providing rebuttals to months of AIA’s operations. However, preliminary designs, the costs of these LIAT and other intra-Caribbean over $1 billion. the mountain of falsehoods, options are not available. This The NDP had a study prepared to unwarranted, negative, and even carriers, regular charter flights from information will be available on unpatriotic, statements made against and to international destinations, and give an estimate of the cost of the completion of the second phase of the airport, and the study revealed that the construction and operation of the cargo aircraft, will immediately enhance study and will be the basis of a final AIA by minority elements, largely air access to and from St. Vincent and the airport would cost $1.1 billion. decision. The second phase of the This was when the government was stuffed with political prejudice. Even at the Grenadines for passenger and cargo study will be completed at the end of this very moment, some of these traffic. I am sure that the operation of saying it will cost about $500 million. jaundiced political elements, spurred on the first quarter in 1999.” So, it seems that we are right on track the AIA will prove the politically So you see, it started with the by the “dog whistle” utterances off some jaundiced doomsayers wrong again. Mr. Speaker. more supposedly respectable opposition NDP! And it’s the same study by MM We have a project, according to the personalities, are willing the AIA to fail Cost of the AIA and M that was used by government government, that should have taken or are wishing it a tsunami of harm, for to go ahead with the Argyle three years to build at a cost of $481 no reason other than the celebrated fact The estimated cost of construction International Airport. million, but instead it has gone eight that the Unity Labour Party and equipping of AIA is approximately Mr. Speaker, moreover, anyone who years, Mr. Speaker, and closer to $1 government has accomplished a EC $700 million. The actual estimated doubts that we have supported the billion in cost and a large part of that veritable miracle by turning a long-held value of the construction is in excess of project, even with all its difficulties, cost is long term debt. dream of a hopeful people into an EC $1 billion, much more than the should simply recall that on several In actual fact, after nine years of historic reality. actual construction cost, given the in- occasions we voted in this parliament construction and hundreds of millions The AIA is not only the largest kind assistance provided by our several to approve borrowings to construct the of dollars spent, Mr. Speaker, the capital project, by far, ever to have been partners. The debt on the AIA is airport; even though we had problems government’s mismanagement of this constructed in St. Vincent and the approximately EC$400 million, most of with the way in which it was being project from start to finish means that Grenadines. It is also a metaphor, a it (over EC $300 million) in “soft loan” accounted for. I believe that most taxes and hardship for Vincentians symbol, an alive testament to what a terms, mainly from ALBA, Petro Caribe, Vincentians are on our side in this will continue. determined people, properly led, and and Taiwan. Assets, mainly property discussion. Most of them absolutely Then to add insult to injury; when supported by a wave of principled owned by AIA (but not including the support the idea of having an internationalist solidarity of friends and we asked in this House, Mr. Speaker, airport itself), the IADC, and National International airport. But many for an audited statement of the allies, can achieve. The construction of people are dismayed by the the AIA, amidst all the topographic, Properties Limited (for IADC), amount financial accounts of the IADC, none to over EC $400 million. In short, there politicization, the division, the lies, was forthcoming. Mr. Speaker, this financing, managerial and resource the gross mismanagement, the challenges, is one to be recorded with are enough assets available to pay for shows contempt for the very idea of justifiable approbation in the annals not the debt at AIA. complete lack of transparency and the good governance. And now in less only of Vincentian and Caribbean I invite all of St. Vincent and the lack of accountability that have than a week, a chartered flight to history, but in the developmental story Grenadines, including our Diaspora, to embodied the project! come into Argyle, which will cost this of disadvantaged nations across time. celebrate when the AIA opens on In 2005, when Prime Minister, country, based on what I heard the Now, all of us must make the AIA February 14, 2017. The AIA is a Gonsalves, announced his intention to CEO of the Tourism Authority saying, work to the benefit of the people of St. magnificent accomplishment.” build an international airport at more than half of a million dollars. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 11. V Views Accepting without understanding Democracy and human nature WHAT IF DEMOCRACY doesn’t work? “Sometimes difficult things will What if it never has and never will? emerge in our lives that will shock us What if government of the people, by the and seem to have us emotionally people, for the people is a fairy-tale? paralyzed. We can spend so much What if it functions as a justifying myth time trying to understand such an for liars and men Gods? event when a much better approach There are plenty of reasons to raise their interests. these questions. The lies, would be to accept the situation and teaching me about poultry, pigs, and We are suckers for language. Ask move on with our lives. We can learn exaggerations and fear-mongering on Vincentians if they want better roads, small ruminants. He also taught me both sides of any important debate; to accept without understanding.” – many useful life lessons. The schools and readily available medicine Dr. Richard V. Telloni (1947-2013), Donald Trump’s ability to shake off in our hospitals, and vast majorities quotation that was used to introduce almost any scandal and exposure, and former Professor in the Veterinary this essay was shared with me one will say yes. Ask them if they are Technology Department at the State his eventual triumph as president of willing to pay more in taxes to pay for evening as we discussed some of the the United States; the election of University of New York Farmingdale traumas of life. He knew what these important indices of civilization, Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, and most, even those with means, will tragedy was. He experienced who gleefully compared himself to PROFESSOR RICHARD TELLONI was an disappointments and hurt. And he tell you only a wicked or depraved active member of the Partners of Hitler: are these isolated instances, or mind would craft such a proposal. explained that so very often we spend do they reveal a systemic problem? Americas St. Vincent/Farmingdale (waste) time trying to understand Even the less ambitious notion of Chapter. He regularly visited St. Vincent Democracy for Realist, published democracy — that it’s a means by life’s varied tragedies when it would last year by the social science and the Grenadines in the early 1980s be much more productive the accept which people punish or reward and conducted training programmes professors Christopher Achen and governments — turns out to be the distress and move on with life. Larry Bartels, argues that the “folk aimed at assisting the poultry and pig This is especially important when the divorced from reality. Some take the farmers to improve their animal theory of democracy” — the idea that populist view that government should trauma has resulted from another’s citizens make coherent and husbandry practices. He was especially actions. Sometimes we can spend so do whatever it takes to solve the fond of the local farmers and, on his intelligible policy decisions, on which problems confronting the country, yet much time trying to achieve the governments then act — bears no return to the USA, regularly enquired impossible — changing someone. None decry the growth in the national debt. about Melville Clarke, Ralph Clarke, relationship to how it really works. Or Those supporting the government will of us has the ability to change the could ever work. ‘Tookie’ Bowman, and Michael Davy. past or to change a person’s behaviour not bat an eye when it is revealed Dr. Telloni was a very popular Voters, they contend, can’t possibly that the national debt is now $1.6 pattern. The best that we can hope live up to these expectations. Most are lecturer at the State University of for is to influence them to change — billion. They may even frown on a New York where he was instrumental too busy with jobs and families and rational call for a forensic audit of we cannot change them. The only troubles of their own. When we do in training a number of veterinarians person we can ever change is that some high priced projects like the and veterinary assistants. His visits have time off, not many of us choose Argyle airport. individual to stares back at us when to spend it sifting competing claims to the Caribbean were usually we look in the mirror. Regardless of The obvious answer is better arranged during the period when his about the fiscal implications of information and civic education. But how powerful or influential we revenue generating provisions in the students were on summer vacation. perceive ourselves to be, the only this doesn’t work either. People who By the mid 1980s he was persuaded current budget. Even when we do, we are most informed tend to believe person we can ever change is don’t behave as the theory suggests. to extend his services beyond the ourselves. stories about perceived political shores of St. Vincent and the Our reasonable main theory of opponents. Why? Because, unlike the Sometimes life will present us with democracy is grounded in the Grenadines. He travelled to St. a platter of disappointments and pain. worst-informed, they know the full Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Enlightenment notion of rational implication of acting on facts. These traumas may take the form of choice. This proposes that we make Antigua, and Montserrat where he physical or emotional agony. Therefore, the tiny number of people shared his knowledge and experiences political decisions by seeking with a very high level of political Sometimes they are inflicted on us or information, weighing the evidence with the farmers there. He was well someone dear to us. They may come information tend to use it not to loved and respected wherever he in various shapes, and may remain and using it to choose good policies, challenge their own opinions, but to went. for varying periods. Sometimes they then attempt to elect a government rationalise them. Political knowledge, Professor Telloni was challenged by appear in solo, and at other times that will champion those policies. In Achen and Bartels argue, “enhances a chronic thyroid abnormality that they bombard us in droves. There are doing so, we compete with other bias”. resulted in him being grossly times when we are convinced that we rational voters, and seek to reach the Direct democracy, elections, overweight. By the mid 1990s he was have overcome them, only to discover unpersuaded through reasoned referenda and citizens’ initiatives, required to occupy two adjoining that they reappear; seeming to re- debate. seem to produce even worse results. passenger seats when travelling by emerge with greater strength. In reality, Achen and Bartels Those with more money to spend tend plane. It was then that he opted to Regardless of how they look and how research suggests, most people to win the votes of persons who may discontinue his visits to the frequently they visit, we have a possess almost no useful information know better. Whether representative Caribbean. However, we retained tendency to seek to discover the about policies and their implications, or direct, democracy comes to be sporadic telephone communication meaning or value of the occurrence. have little desire to improve their owned by the elites. since then. During recent years his We may lose sleep, appetite, and state of knowledge, and have a deep This is not to suggest that it has no telephone remained unanswered stress ourselves out as we seek to aversion to political disagreement. We virtues, just that they are not the whenever I sought to communicate make sense of what may otherwise base our political decisions on who we principal virtues we ascribe to it. It with him via that mode of appear to be a senseless incident. We are, rather than what we think. allows governments to be changed communication. It then dawned on seek to understand why, how, and so In other words, we act politically without bloodshed, limits terms in me that I could use the Internet to on, and lose sight of the fact that we not as individual, rational beings, but office, and ensures that the results of seek to track him down. It was my may never really be able to as members of social groups, elections are widely accepted. most recent Internet search that understand or unearth the deep expressing a social identity. We seek In these respects, it beats directed me to his obituary that was meanings behind the event. Why out the political parties that seem to dictatorship. But is this all it has to published in 2013. I then understood would a spouse pack up and leave correspond best to our culture, with offer? A weakness of the book is that why his phone remained unanswered. when they are most needed? How can little regard to whether their policies most of its examples are drawn from He was not there. He had moved on a father abandon a child even before support our interests. We remain the US, and most of those are old. to eternity. But he left behind some he/she is born? Why does this loyal to political parties long after Had the authors examined popular very fond memories; treasured investment go belly up after so much they have ceased to serve us. Our experiments in Venezuela, Bolivia and moments that will forever linger with time, money, and effort has been current political landscape is a prime Ecuador, the fragmentation of me and with the many others whose exerted? We seek to understand and exhibit of this finding. traditional parties in Europe and the life he touched with his acts of to explain. We seek closure and Of course, shifts do happen, movement that culminated in Bernie kindness and his warm, humble healing through these understandings sometimes as a result of extreme Sanders’s near miss in the USA, they persona. and explanations. However, we must circumstances, sometimes because might have discerned more room for Richard and I became very close understand and appreciate that there another party positions itself as a hope. This is not to suggest that the friends. He shared many useful are some situations that we will never better guardian of a particular folk theory of democracy comes close lessons about poultry pathology, pig fully understand or appreciate. That cultural identity. But they seldom to reality anywhere, but that the production, and small ruminant is how life is. It is at times like these involve a rational assessment of situation is not as hopeless as they production during his early visit to St. when we unearth the wisdom of policy. propose. Vincent. I was then employed as a abandoning our search for meaning, The idea that parties are guided by Persistent, determined, well- technical serviceman at East and resort to accepting the situation the policy decisions made by voters organised groups can bring neglected Caribbean Feeds Limited. It was so and moving on with life. We can find also seems to be a myth; in reality, issues to the fore and change political very thoughtful of him to peace and comfort in counting our the parties make the policies and we outcomes. But in doing so, we cannot subsequently arrange for me to spend losses, mourning the outcome, and fall into line. To minimise the rely on what democracy ought to be. time with him at New York State moving on — accepting without disconnect, the gulf between what we We must see it for what it is. More University at Farmingdale. He was understanding. perceive and what we believe, we importantly, that means especially instrumental in teaching either adjust our views to those of our understanding who and what we are. me about key aspects of poultry Send comments, criticisms & favoured party, or avoid discovering pathology. I will be forever grateful. suggestions to what the party really stands for. This Send comments, criticisms & Professor Telloni went beyond [email protected] is how people end up voting against suggestions to [email protected] 12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Argyle airport is a flight safety risk

ACCORDING TO THE NEWS newspaper of that large parts of the Argyle airport mass tourism, the greater is the Friday 3 February 2017, the International runway are sinking. growth in poverty, a dependency Airport Development Corporation’s It is dangerous to have parts of the culture, destitution and crime. As Communication Officer, Jennifer Argyle airport runway sinking. St. Barack Obama said in April 2015, With all the major flight safety Richardson, when contacted on last Vincent could be without an airport on SVG should copy the Singapore hazards at Argyle airport and a week Wednesday afternoon about the a regular basis, if Argyle airport is economic model to bring prosperity to sinking runway, Royal Air Force Argyle airport runway, said essentially closed frequently for runway repairs. our people. Argyle airport will not Safety Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan “some remedial work” was being done Leader of SVG Green Party, Retired boost the economy. O’Neal BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, is because “soft areas” of the asphalt British Royal Air Force Safety The sinking Argyle runway is making an emergency call for Argyle surface “were a little soft”. Engineer, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal representative of the sinking SVG airport not to be opened as it is unsafe. This presents a serious danger at BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, calls for economy. Patchworks repairs to the Argyle airport. If the Argyle runway is immediate compaction tests on the SVG economy over the years by the SVG Green Party sinking without any weight on it, Argyle runway. This is needed to prove ULP regime have failed. So too will www.svggreenparty.org imagine how much and how quickly it to the public and to certify that the Argyle airport. Find us of Facebook and Twitter will sink with the weight of airplanes Argyle airport runway is safe for on it. The runway is built on a swamp, aircrafts to use it. This is in the and is sinking in a number of areas. interest of passenger flight safety. The arrow on the accompanying It may be that, at best, Argyle photograph shows one of the black airport can only be used by small, light areas on the runway, illustrating the planes, because the runway is sinking. recent repair work in early February Argyle airport runway is continually 2017. undermined by flood waters, and this In the interest of passenger flight can cause sink-holes. safety, Argyle airport should not be At Brisbane airport, Australia, they opened on 14 February 2017, as it waited 4 years for the soil to settle, so would put passengers in harm’s way. that the soil could compress naturally An airplane attempting to land on a and take the weight of large aircrafts. runway which is not hardened, can Doing patchwork repairs on the result in a serious airplane accident. runway at Argyle airport and not The recent digging up and repair giving the soil time to settle is a big work on the Argyle airport runway danger to passenger flight safety. need time to cure. Soil takes time to According to Ivan O’Neal, who has a settle, sometimes 2 to 4 years. It would Master’s degree in Macro-economics, be foolhardy to close E.T. Joshua on history has shown in many Caribbean The arrow showed the black area on the runway of recent repair work. 14th February 2017, given the fact countries, that the greater the focus on ValentineÊs Day – Glamorizing Ancient Paganism (Editor’s Note: The views expressed in professing a faith in the Bible join in to determine the veracity of True described inoffensively as the ‘Feast of this article are solely those of the the celebration. What can be wrong Worshipers engaging in the customary Slaves.’ In some cases, pagan practices Assemblies of Yahweh). with such a day of fun? To the sincere festivities of this day. transferred themselves to Christian seeker of truth, each day observed as a The celebration of Valentine is worship…December 25th remained, CANDY in heart-shaped boxes, celebration (akin to a holy day) must linked to a Roman holiday- Lupercalia, but changed its character. Sometimes depictions of Cupid shooting his bow, be closely examined to determine if it which shared most of the customs pagan Gods enjoyed an easy greeting cards expressing affection for agrees with the Word of Yahweh. incorporated today into the popular transformation and, the retained a special person of the opposite sex, Special days or holidays with pagan Valentine’s celebration, although our jubilation of their festivals, became and red hearts placed as decorations, origins are not sanctified by Almighty contemporary Valentine’s Day comes Christian.” (page 73). comprise just a few of the items that Yahweh. Should we celebrate days one day earlier (on February 14) than The World Book Encyclopaedia relate to the annual celebration of that Almighty Yahweh has not the Roman Feast. This was a states: “The Romans celebrated their Valentine’s Day. People blindly sanctified? Where did these days contrivance by ecumenical Roman feast of Lupercalia as a lover’s festival observe this Day year after year, originate if not from the Bible? With Catholic teachers who found that by for young people. Young men and without ever considering the true these thoughts in mind, let us briefly relabeling the Roman holiday with the women chose partners for the festival origin of this day. Even those consider the origin of Valentine’s Day, name of “one of their saints,” they by drawing names by chance from a could effectively merge the customs of box. Then the partners exchanged gifts a pagan holiday into the Christian as a sign of affection. They usually calendar. continued to enjoy one another’s In the book ‘Life and Leisure in company long after the festival. Many Ancient Rome’, we find some very such courtships ended in marriage. frank discussions about the conversion After the spread of Christianity, of the pagans to popular Christianity. churchmen tried to give Christian “After paganism (followed) meaning to the pagan festival. In 496, Christianity. Now there were new Pope Gelasius changed the Lupercalia public festivals, in particular- Easter, festival of February 15 to Saint and the old pagan festivals should Valentine’s Day on February 14. But, have vanished …But superstition does THE SENTIMENTAL MEANING OF not obey instructions, and the ordinary THE OLD FESTIVAL HAS man is reluctant to turn his back on REMAINED TO THE PRESENT carnal enjoyment…Among a TIME.” haphazard recollection of imperial What a candid admission! Why birthdays, circus days, birthdays of should a true worshipper continue to martyrs and the major festivals of the celebrate Valentine’s Day, knowing Christians Church, there are included that it is originated from gross nine of the old Roman festivals, to paganism? We must all be careful to whose pagan attribution a blind eye consider our ways, lest we be deceived might be turned, including the and lose our salvation.“ Beware lest Lupercalia and the Saturnalia, any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Messiah.” Colossians 2:8. Let us honour Yahweh by keeping His commandments and doing those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Sheldon Govia The Assemblies of Yahweh THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 13. V AIA Feature

The world-class passenger terminal of the Argyle International Airport was provided for by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Left: Mountains had to be levelled to make way for the runway.

Below: The Control Tower is said to be equipped with the most modern aviation-related instruments. One Man’s Dream: Argyle International

Airport to become a reality. other from the USA. The official Other airlines and by BEN HARRISON – many have dedication and private aircraft, both jet International described unveiling of the and prop driven are also Correspondent as an plaque expected among the first Drone aeriaL photos historic commemorating the official landings at AIA. courtesy: Ken Picknell speech the opening of the Argyle On these historic CEO of Tennan intention of International Airport, occasions next week, tens Construction) the will occur next week of thousands of government on February 13th, Vincentians, invited THROUGHOUT HISTORY, to construct The Fuel Dump at the Argyle International Airport - a pre-requisite followed the next day, guests and visitors will despite naysayers and an for any International Airport. February 14th witness history in the those with alternative international (Valentine’s Day) by making. THE agendas, the vision and airport at Argyle. It routed and bridges were Argyle International the arrival of the first VINCENTIAN will be dreams of great leaders would be the largest built. Airport A.I.A. has passengers on two there: We hope all of you, have become realities. infrastructure project In spite of overcome incredible chartered aircraft, one our readers, will be In St. Vincent and the ever undertaken in the overwhelming odds, challenges and obstacles, from Canada and the there. Grenadines, through history of St. Vincent much of the past decade, and the Grenadines. irresponsible media, During the following political opposition and year, ending in December individual self-styled 2006, a team of Cuban critics, have fueled a and Venezuelan non-stop aggressive engineers and campaign to discredit the technicians began building of a truly preliminary studies on international airport. the project, including However, on February complete topographic 14th, 2017, against what surveys of the area; many would think were testing of the rocks and impossible odds, the soils within the airport vision and dreams of one zone; and sophisticated man, Prime Minister the wind studies to Honorable Dr. Ralph determine the best Gonsalves , will become a orientation of the main reality: A reality that runway. will go down in history Over the ensuing as one of the greatest decade, mountains of infrastructure projects in solid rock fell to the the history of St. Vincent continuous power of high and the Grenadines, and explosives and huge will contribute in an earth-moving machinery. unprecedented way , to In a cost-effective, the growth, the economy environmentally and indeed the entire conscious way, the mega- future of our country. tons of rock were reduced Twelve years ago, on to various size stone and August 8th, 2005, Prime gravel aggregate, used as Minister Dr. Ralph the foundation for Gonsalves addressed a connecting service roads gathering at the and runways capable of Methodist Church Hall supporting modern wide- in Kingstown, body jet aircraft. Rivers announcing, in what and streams had been re- 14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 15. 16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V AIA Feature Many things to treasure Right: Coast line at Argyle before the construction of the Argyle International at Argyle Airport. ARGYLE IS RICH IN HISTORY and also very much a part of our cultural heritage, with our East Indian heritage being particularly linked to this area. Before Left: The Roman the 1970s, few people lived in Argyle, as Catholic Church it was mostly a large agricultural estate. was demolished to Many crops were grown at Argyle make way for the including sugar cane, arrowroot and Airport. tobacco, but it has perhaps been best known for ‘groundnuts’ (peanuts). Right: Amerindian Coconuts, sea grapes and fat pork also and European grew in abundance, and many people artefacts from the went especially to pick the grapes. site of Argyle. After the rebuilding of the Catholic Church at Argyle in the 1920s, they placed a shrine dedicated to the Virgin their sports at an people, especially children; however, Mary at the site of the ‘Argyle rock area known as there are rarely any reports of face’ petroglyphs; and every year, prior taken place there that led to findings ‘Corner Rock’- a ‘sightings’ nowadays. to Lent, a pilgrimage was held there. such as post holes from the site of a flat area close to the sea off the old As the site of The International The petroglyphs generated much Cayo village, a burial site, as well as main road. Interschools sports were Airport, Argyle continues to be a interest in archaeology, and Dr Earle other petroglyphs and artefacts. held at the pasture at Rawacou, in significant part of our cultural Kirby (a local archaeologist) often took In the 1950s and 60s, the primary which and Mesopotamia and Brighton heritage. groups of people to Argyle to search for schools from Stubbs and Biabou, then schools participated as well. Also in pottery or artefacts. Several ‘digs’ have later from Calder and Argyle, held the 50s and 60s, during Nine Mornings Editor’s Note: Published as prepared a steel band from Stubbs would go to by National Treasures of St Vincent Argyle and back, and people would join and the Grenadines. them along the way. The Argyle River was central to many activities. At one time, the people from neighbouring communities would go to the river to get water and to wash clothes. The river was also a popular site for ‘cooks’ and picnics- both in the daytime and ‘at moonlight’; and on Sundays, many people used to go to wash their vehicles there. Fishing and catching crayfish were popular activities, and the Argyle River was and still is one of the main areas in St Vincent for catching tri tri. Argyle was once considered the The Discovery Day holiday, which ‘groundnut basket’ of SVG. used to be celebrated on 22nd January in St Vincent, was a big event at Argyle: people gathered from all over the island. There would be a “blocko,” and large speakers along the side of the road would blast the popular calypso and soca music of the day. At ‘Corner Rock’ there was a stage set up for a variety of performances. Cars and buses would park all along the sides of the road; food and drinks would be on sale; families would come out, and people would ‘lime’ throughout the day and into the night. At Easter, kite flying was the main pastime at Argyle. People would fly kites in the area around ‘Corner Rock’- it used to be an informal, unorganised activity; but in the 1990s, it was organised and sponsored as a competition by a local business. Moonlight walks at Argyle were also popular, and the area was well known as a “park out” spot, perhaps because of the darkness and isolation. This may be why there were ‘sightings’ of “Jablesse” and “Rounce”, manifestations from our Caribbean The Shrine set in the rock folklore. Stories were told that scared petroglyphs at Argyle. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 17. V Parliament No FAA approval necessary THE FEDERAL AVIATION most powerful aviation Gonsalves said is a which, Gonsalves said, operate here, Administration (FAA) is not authority in the world…” Category Two. have come before and are however, he required to certify, or give But according to Officials from the FAA scheduled to visit again explained, by the approval for operations Gonsalves, the authority are however invited to sometime between the definition the to begin at the Argyle required to give approval audit the ECCAA, but end of this month or organization International Airport (AIA). is the Eastern Caribbean “they don’t come to early March. supports Prime Minister Dr Civil Aviation Authority aerodromes to give He added that he airline activity Ralph Gonsalves made (ECCAA), who applies approvals,” he said. heard that people were and helps formulate Prime Minister Dr. Ralph the point in response to a the guidelines and What is required in saying that the industry policy and Gonsalves has cleared claim made by the standards of the terms of transport and International Air standards, and is not the air with respect to Leader of the Opposition, International Civil safety is the Transport Association involved in the approval from the FAA Dr Godwin Friday during Aviation Organization Transportation Security (IATA) was also required certification of airports. for the AIA to become his contribution to the (ICAO). Administration (TSA) to grant permission (DD) operational. budget debate on ECCAA is a Category approval, officials of before airlines could Tuesday. One authorization body Friday, in addressing and the jurisdiction the international airport under which St Vincent project said: “At the core, and the Grenadines is Health Ministry addressing problems the airport which they classified under is MEDICAL PERSONNEL in the Ministry of Health, say is ready; the country Category One. Wellness and the Environment are aware of the needs to see a plan for So for example, as the fact, and are working on a systematic approach the way forward. We prime minister towards solving the problem of prolonged waiting need to know if it has explained, flights can time at the Accident and Emergency Department at requested FAA approval; depart locally and enter the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. this is necessary for United States’ airspace, The Minister responsible, Senator Luke Browne American airlines to but this cannot be done said during his contribution to the 2017 Budget operate here. And as you out of Barbados which Debate on Tuesday, that he had spoken to the Chief all know, the FAA is the Medical Officer, Dr Simone Keizer-Beache, about looking for a solution to the problem. PM clears the air on He added that he was aware that this was one of many problems that the health ministry was new Telecom Levy working on sorting out. Another issue that Browne mentioned in his The Minister of Health, Senator Luke Browne, has contribution to the debate was the ministry’s ability promised action with respect to attending to the PRIME to pay for and distribute medication and other MINISTER Ralph reoccurring delays in administering service at the medical supplies. Accident and Emergency Unit of the MCMH. Gonsalves has “Things are not as bad, moved to clear up I heard the random and a misconception loose talk about our surrounding the ability to pay for 2% telecom- supplies, and the munication levy, shortage of medical one of the fiscal supplies,” the minister measures the said. government Seems like Dr. Godwin Friday He admitted that there announced in got his lines crossed when were some challenges in relation to the 2017 he rebutted government’s this particular area, EC$ 976.4 million plan to introduce a new however the ministry was budget. Telecommunications Levy. currently up to date on The Prime its OECS Pharmaceutical Minister/Minister of Finance was responding to a Procurement Service concern raised by Opposition Leader — Dr. Godwin (PPS) payments, and a Friday in his rebuttal on Tuesday. shipment had recently Friday it was who said that people who do not arrived with some of the have monies on their phones can’t make a call but medical supplies which can receive one. “So imagine you can’t make a call were previously in short and you have to pay 2 per cent to the government supply. to receive (one),” said Friday. The ministry paid The Prime Minister rose to say that he did not some EC$3 million to want people to go to sleep with the misconception, secure supplies in 2016. and proceeded to explain that the 2% levy applied The Pharmaceutical to incoming calls (from overseas) and data. “That Procurement Service would mean that incoming calls and data, that if operates a restricted somebody calls somebody in St. Vincent that international tender person who receives it don’t have to pay ….. through the OECS E- Because under the existing arrangement, the Tendering System where person who makes the call will have to pay the suppliers are pre- 2%, that is 2 cent on a dollar,” said Gonsalves. qualified to assess quality standards, technical “The 2 percent will be deducted on incoming competence and financial calls not those originating from St. Vincent, but viability between incoming calls (from overseas) and data, because competing suppliers. there is an arrangement when someone makes a Once that is call from outside into St. Vincent, they have to completed, PPS then pay to the network here, and that is where the negotiates an 18-month payment would be made for the 2 cents on a framework agreement dollar,” the Prime Minister explained. with the suppliers who “So all this talk today about Community then ship directly to College students don’t have any money and they member states following have to pay ….. I just don’t understand,” on which PPS then Gonsalves noted. instructs the Eastern The 2 percent Telecommunication Levy Caribbean Central Bank introduced in 2017, complements a 2% tax already to pay suppliers 60 days imposed on calls originating here. (KH) after shipments are received in port. (DD) 18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V Arts GLENROY BROWNE presents: ÂAngels of the CaribbeanÊ A RECENT FACEBOOK POSTING also holds a Bachelor’s degree ideologue out of him. filled with peace and read something to this effect: in Theology, and is a Minister A life of success, both tranquility, and a new ‘Why is it we must rest in peace of the Gospel, ordained by the professionally and familial, understanding of the world but can’t live in peace?’ New Testament Church of God should have set him on a and its people. The rather simple question (Tennessee). course to a comfortable Through pain, brought into focus what He likes to think of himself material life, but ensuing disappointment, evenly a readers can look forward to in today as a Teacher of the challenges, disappointments period of being penniless, he a book to be launched here on Gospel, as against a Minister by those he trusted, heart- arose, especially after the March 4, 2017. of the Gospel. Whatever his rending disapproval by his visit of an Angel while he The book is entitled ‘Angels choice of reference, he will be peers, seem to push him on a lay helpless on a hospital of the Caribbean — A Chronicle the first to admit that he has path towards apathy and bed, a transformed person of Resilience’, and its author is rediscovered his Christian denial of self. —renewed and fortified by Glenroy Edison Browne Glenroy Edison Browne. faith on which he was Already beaten at the anvil, the resilience he had publishing his first book with Glenroy is perhaps best nurtured, redefined it in it would get worse when his discovered through all the the intention of having his known in his homeland St. keeping with a new sense of wife died and he, himself, was drudgery and pain. ordeals teach lessons about Vincent and the Grenadines as self, and is ready to share the given up for dead after a And that the appearance resilience and faith. an Agronomist — one who transformation in his life horrific vehicular accident. of the Angel is pivotal to The book is not yet toiled in the efforts to which motivates him today, All of that came into focus this transformation, is borne available in bookstores, but modernize agricultural and characterizes his caring, in his time of physical pain out by the very name of the can be accessed in part at practices here, a pursuit to forgiving and resilient spirit. and prolonged rehabilitation, book, whose pages will add Google which he felt committed Without going into detail, but he threw it aside, and detail to that mystifying but at https://www.amazon.com. beyond the call of duty. More Glenroy’s first full length book awoke a new person — a life-changing experience. We welcome Glenroy recently, he would be recalled is more of a memoir than it is person with a rediscovered ‘Angels of the Caribbean’, Browne to the literary for his entrepreneurial spirit, an autobiography. meaning of his formative its author says, tells a story landscape of St. Vincent and and as being the ‘man’ who It traces a life with Christian faith — and more that is steeped in lessons of the Grenadines, and feel put ‘Labour Gas’ on the local references to an early importantly, how that faith is resilience and forgiveness; one assured that this, his first of a market. Christian foundation, through applied to his relationship rich in the understanding of promised series of Very few would know that a life of academic achievement with others. the spirituality that awaits us, publications, will move us as Glenroy, in addition to his alongside studies of political And in his newness came only if we would welcome it; much as it would enhance our under and post graduate thought and non-traditional new relations, changing the one intended to share the lives and relations with degrees in political systems that, he ideologue into a humanist, goodness of life with others. others. Agronomy/Agriculture Science, admits, made a socialist with a new lease on life, one

‘Angels of the Caribbean; A Chronicle of resilience’ will be launched here next month. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 19. V Education Mustique Charitable Trust supports literacy

ON THURSDAY, January 19, 2017, Lavinia Gunn, Administration Director of the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT), cut ribbons to officially signal the opening of refurbished libraries and literacy centres at Colonarie and Park Hill Government schools. The funds provided by the Trust transformed two rooms in which teachers can work along with students to enhance their (students’) reading, writing and listening skills. At the official opening of the Literacy Centre in Colonaire, Head Teacher Mr. Wayne DaBriel thanked the Trust for its generous donation to the school, stating that the creation of the centre will make a worthwhile difference in the lives of the present The party at the batch of students, as well as for those opening of the to come. refurbished Certificates of appreciation were learning facility at presented to Mustique Charitable the Park Hill Trust Administration Director Lavinia Government Gunn, and also to Christabel Ashton, School. the local representative for Hands well as technical Opening of the Library/Literacy Across the Sea which donated books. guidance from Facility at the Colonaire Mrs Ave-Ann Legair, a member of the Peace Corps Government School. school’s Parent Teachers Association Volunteer “Teacher provided tiles for the floor. Rae”, the school The Facility at the Colonaire At Park Hill, teachers and students now has a facility of Governmet School is now were just as excited as those at which all can be refurbished and fully Colonaire, with the opening of their proud. equipped. brand new library space. MCT is pleased Mrs Elizabeth Johnson, Head to support the efforts of the Ministry Teacher at the school, expressed of Education, the schools and their similar sentiments as she too praised teachers, to raise the levels of literacy the Trust for its exceptional work in in primary schools in St Vincent and St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Grenadines. particularly in the area of education. Five other primary schools have She recounted that the school’s library previously received support from was in a poor condition, but with the MCT. Considerable improvements in assistance of the Mustique Charitable literacy skills have been recorded by Trust and Hands Across The Sea, as these schools. It is anticipated that Colonarie and Park Hill Government schools will soon be reporting that their students have had similar successes. The Trust thanks all who collaborated on these projects. (Source: MCF) Expressions of gratitude at the Park Hill Government School.

The refurbished facility at the Park Hill Government School. 20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice Married to a Âvillage ramÊ Dear George, think he should be having thinks that the persons to sex. Had I known he had sex with just onewoman. whom he is married is this way of thinking, I Dear MY HUSBAND does not As a matter of fact, he there as a guarantee for would not have married Hurting him. wife, counselling is another Right now, I cannot red light indicator that stop him from behaving It is very unfortunate there is no future with like a village ram. We that what you know now him. Let him know you have been married now did not come out before would not be putting up for 6 months and I am you committed to with this any not happy at all. He said marriage. longer. You can get he is not going to change That said, what you supportive counseling in his ways, and if I do not need to understand is the meantime to help you like it, I can take a that you are a sitting chart your way forward, hike. He has also made duck for STDs. You and do get tested for it clear that he will not have to be concerned STDs and do everything discuss his problem with about your personal well- to protect yourself. Your anybody, since they are being. Your husband’s health comes first, and all hypocrites. I want to reckless behaviour can no one should be allowed know what I should do at prove very expensive to to compromise that. this stage. you. George Hurting wife His reluctance to get A big liar!!! Dear George, money, and she said it relationship for it to came from her folks work. Lies and deception THIS WOMAN I am overseas. That is a big are a ‘No No’. with is a born liar, and I lie, and I told her so. Your girlfriend might do not want to have She said she was want to be with you, but anything to do with her sorry, and wants me to this could be for all the whatsoever. continue being with her, wrong reasons, and you She told me that I am but I cannot. Am I being have to decide if she is the only man she has, mean to leave her? with you for the wrong and yet still she has reasons. Once you are different men talking to Shock and done convinced that the her on WhatsApp, and reason(s) has(have) some even send her Dear Shock and done, nothing to do with love, money. I discovered this then you have to move when I searched her Truth and trust must on. phone. be ever present in a I asked her about the George ‘Sizing up’ the problem Dear George, damage to her private was me who did the parts, and blamed it on damage to her the last WHAT SHOULD a man the man she is with? time we had sex; but, do if his wife went out That is exactly what George, this cannot be and had sex with another happened in my case. true, because just a few man and received And she insisted that it days ago she accused me of being “too ‘small”. I do not want to have anything to do with this woman, George! Goner Dear Goner,

You are the best judge of your situation. You know that, based on her accusation of you and what has just happened to her, you are not the guilty party. Have a serious talk with her and let her come clean. If she decides to do this and wants to have another go with the relationship, then it is your decision to make. George THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 21. V Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) issues. Try to make arrangements with Don't lend or borrow money or close friends or relatives to spend a few ACROSS 43. Winter fabric belongings. If everyone wants to do days away. 44. __ or nothing their own thing, let them. Don't let co‐ 1.Tachometer 45. Space craft’s workers get wind of your ideas or they Libra (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) might try to take credit for your hard Pamper yourself; the self‐esteem it letters path work. Be discreet and don't present brings you will be most gratifying. You 4. Enjoy 48. NYC summer your ideas until you're certain that might be overly emotional when dealing thoroughly setting they're foolproof. with your partner. Arguments with relatives may lead to a split in the (2wds.) 51. Behave or Taurus (Apr. 21‐ May 21) family. Don't let friends convince you 9. VCR adjuncts print preceder You'll have problems with authority that you should contribute to something 12. Birthday 52. Baseball’s Pee figures if you don't play by the rules. you don't believe in. Someone may be trying to pull the number Wee wool over your eyes. Don't make large Scorpio (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) 13. “Remember 53. Understand purchases or investments. Some of You will enjoy travel and getting the __!” 54. Timetable your new friends may not be that together with peers. You can make the trustworthy. most headway if you put in some 14. Slang for “up abbr. overtime. Don't get intimately involved to date” 55. Dance Gemini (May 22‐June 21) with a co‐worker. Stick to doing things 15. Damage movements You will feel the limitations if you have that will make you a better person both been overdoing it. Try to compromise physically and mentally. 16. “The buck __ 56. “__ and the rather than having an all‐out battle. here” City” One sided attractions are likely. Your Sagittarius (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) 17. French article mind is on moneymaking ventures. Someone may not be thinking of your best interests. You should be trying to 18. Egyptian DOWN Cancer (June 22‐July 22) clear up legal contracts that have been queen, Train” (2wds.) ground (abbr.) Be careful not to exaggerate when pending. Find out all the facts before informally 24. Phone‐ 42. Ingrid 47. Bloom buzzer interacting with your lover. Get out and you jump to conclusions. This will not 1.Zodiac animal enjoy some entertainment. Take your be the best day to initiate change. 20. Scatter around 2. Snead’s org. answering Bergman’s 49. Grade an time and try not to overload yourself. 22. Alternate 3. Storekeeper word role in egghead Travel and social activity will bring Capricorn (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) 25. Neighbor of “Casablanca” never gets about interesting talks, not to mention Try to satisfy both of your needs. Don't 24. Colors 4. Tension contacts. overspend on luxury items. Your words 26. African nation reliever Mex. 43. Puff of smoke 50. Range rider’s will be taken out of context if you're 27. Basic nature 5. Singing voice 28. Not useful 46. Went on a nickname Leo (July 23‐Aug 22) evasive with co‐workers or employers. It 29. Make healthy pension You can get into weight loss programs will be all around you. 31. Female chicken 6. Truth, in China or go out and change your image with 32. Cokes, e.g. 7. Ref, in baseball 30. Hence a new look in clothing, hairstyle, and Aquarius (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) 34. Asia’s neighbor 8. Own 32. Bleepers s attitude. If they want help that's great, You can convince anyone of anything. 33. Dunce ’ but if they try to take credit for your Use some diplomacy to get your point (abbr.) 9. Day after Wed. K work, you will have to set them across delicately. Try not to hurt your 35. Heart‐healthy 10. Grape site 36. Major N E straight. Your main concern will be to partner's feelings. Misunderstandings at engineering O cereal 11. Come forth in I spend as little as possible of your own work could easily lead to your demise. E

school (abbr.) T cash in the process. Balance is required 37. Ice formation a flood 37. Biography, for U if you want stability. Pisces (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) 38. Data, 19. __ astray W L Your ability to work with detail could informally 21. Half a fly short T

Virgo (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) help you achieve your goals. Travel will S 39. Chooses O Opportunities for advancement at work be enjoyable but could be expensive. 39. The “V” in VCR 22. Eight, to A are apparent. Use some diplomacy to Get proper medical attention and 40. Canter and Eduardo 40. Hunter’s prey S get your point across delicately. confront your situation decisively. You gallop, e.g. 23. “Take __ 41. Touched L Correspondence may not clear up can make progress professionally. 22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V News Sixteen graduate from ECCB workshop

A GRADUATION ceremony was held at into 4 modules, and the facilitators the National Insurance Services (NIS) included Dr. Julian Ferdinand, Glenda Conference Facility on Thursday, January Francois, Felix Lewis and Paul Morris. 26th, for sixteen persons who had The Ceremony paid tribute to successfully completed an Eastern former Governor of ECCB the late Sir Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Dwight Venner. According to Elritha workshop on Small Business Miguel, ECCB Resident Management. Representative in SVG, Sir Dwight Graduates (standing) with Workshop facilitators and ECCB Bank officials The sixteen were Shemieka was very passionate and enthusiastic (seated). Matthews, Clive Mofford, Nevorne about ECCB’s public education and Duncan, Shanelle Adams, Tamara Da outreach programme. “He used every development of active community and outgoing NIS Executive Director Silva, Nichole Samuel-John, Nerline opportunity he got at meetings to outreach programme,” she added. Reginald Thomas also addressed the Cambridge, Shawnette Boyde, Marvo receive an update on the programme. Miguel congratulated the ceremony. O’Brien Morgan, Agnes Goodluck, In fact, he himself spoke about the participants, noting that from the 24 Tamara Dasilva and Kevin Bailey Kevin Bailey, Madanna Douglas, programme in many of his meetings persons who registered 16 graduated, delivered reviews on the workshop on Christal Walker, Bartholomew and conferences,” Miquel told the bringing the Alumni to 440 persons behalf of the graduates. Quammie, Westfield Williams and graduates. who would have graduated from ECCB Each graduate received a certificate. Teval Horne. In continuing her praise of the coordinated courses in SVG. “We trust Tamara Dasilva, Clyde Mofford, The objective of the workshop was renowned economist, Miquel said it that you will utilize most if not all of Bartholomew Quammie and to provide authoritative knowledge, was Venner who started the Small techniques and advice given to you in Shawnette Boyde received special practical skills and a greater Business Workshop. “Not only did Sir the four modules that were covered in awards for their involvement and understanding of how to manage the Dwight oversee the development of a the programme,” Miquel told the willingness to assist throughout the day to day operations of small very vibrant public education graduates. course of the workshop. business. The sessions were divided programme, but also led the Felix Lewis, General Manager at Co-sponsors of the ECCB workshop Centre for Enterprise Development included the NIS and the CED. SVGTCCU rewards Christmas promotion winners

THREE PERSONS have During a handing over $1000 worth of groceries The promotion was open won major prizes in the St. ceremony at the from Corea’s Minimart. to SVGTCCU members Vincent and the SVGTCCU on Wednesday, In an Interview with who applied for loans at a Grenadines Teachers first prize winner Jeneth THE VINCENTIAN special rate of 7.5% Credit Union (SVGTCCU) Jack collected a flat screen Newspaper, Marketing and interest, between October Christmas Promotion, television. Joan Bardoo Development Manager at 2016 and January 31st while six others were received a brand new the SVGTCCU - Ezekiel 2017. awarded consolation audio stereo system as a Richards said that the The consolation winners Prizes. second place prize, and promotion dubbed were selected on a weekly third place winner Angela ‘Christmas Loan Special’ basis, while the three Ezekiel Richards, SVGTCCU Marketing and Crick, who was not was one of the many ways major winners were Development Manager, assessed the present, should have of the credit union giving selected during the final promotion as fulfilling its purpose of giving collected an award of back to its members. draw which took place on back to the Credit Union’s members. Jeneth Jack collected her Tuesday, February 7, first prize of a flat screen at the Credit Union TV. headquarters. The consolation Prizes included hams, gift vouchers and bottles of wine. “It was a good reward giving back to our members for their participation in or activities,” said Richards, who added, “Others may take your interest, but Teachers Second prize winner Joan Credit Union takes Bardo gladly accepted her interest in you.” (KH) audio stereo system. V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 23. Vincy Masters take Over- 35 Football title

Calliaqua – beaten finalists.

Computec Vincy Masters – 2016/17 Champions of Over 35s Football here.

COMPUTEC VINCY MASTERS penalty each in regulation on kicks from the penalty spot, last Sunday night at Victoria time, with Wesley Charles the as the two had played to a nil- Park, landed the 2016/2017 villain for Vincy Masters and nil draw. National Lotteries Authority/SVG Reginald Payne - Calliaqua. Computec Vincy Masters Masters Over 35s title, when Payne also missed his try in gained $ 3000, Calliaqua - $ they beat Calliaqua 3-2 on Calliaqua life-line in the 2000 and Sion Hill- $1000. kicks from the penalty spot, penalty shootout. In addition to the cash after the score was tied 1-1 in It was one step up for Vincy prizes, the three top teams regulation time. Masters, who had to settle for received trophies and gold, In an ill-tempered the second place behind South silver and bronze medals. encounter, Kenlyn Gonsalves Leeward, when the last Calliaqua’s Gosnel Cupid netted for Vincy Masters, competition was staged in was named the competition’s For the second year running – Sion Hill has placed third. while Lawrence Franklyn 2015. best goal keeper, while equalised for Calliaqua with a Before the finals, Sion Hill Layou’s Lawrence Joseph, The Most valuable Player of Marley Lewis- RSVG Police; late penalty. retained the third place after with eight goals, was the each of the competing teams Tyrone Prince- SESCO; Both teams had missed a beating the Expendables 7-6 competition’s top goal scorer. was acknowledged and Caswin Mason- Expendables; presented with a trophy. Lawrence Joseph- Layou; Dexter Walker Saville Hope — Murray’s was the recipient Village; Fabian Guerra — for Computec Vincy Vintage Gold; and Randy De Ill-tempered Masters Final: Masters, with Freitas- Royal Roots. Gosnel Cupid, the South Leeward and North choice for East also participated in the Calliaqua. competition. Caesar calls for stock-taking The other MVPs It was disclosed by were Anthony organisers last Sunday that Victoria Park, Caesar Masters organisation’s second came close to Carrington- Sion they are working to have a spoke specifically to the president, also found it regulation time, when an Hill; Marlon fixed period for the issue of ill- discipline. incomprehensible that awarded penalty to James- Bequia; competition. “… You want to do the players in the Calliaqua was hotly same set ah things which competition will play disputed by the we are trying to teach that hard so as to put opponents. the young people not to their opponents at risk of Persons at the venue do…One of our primary injuries, such as “break last Sunday expressed aims when it comes to foot.” that the competition Erratum: Masters football is that Caesar’s plea came should be strictly for we have to set an directly after an ill- persons 40 years and St. Vincent and the example to the other tempered final between over, and that players generations,” Caesar Computec Vincy Masters who are still active in the commented. and Calliaqua — a final Premier Division of the Grenadines’ winning Glenroy Caesar Admitting that the which saw several yellow National Club standard of Masters cards being issued, and championships, should Artistic Gymnasts to CONCERNED with the football is relatively one player from be barred from direction in which the high, Caesar, however, Calliaqua being ejected participating in Masters SVG Over 35 National urged the players to “Leh by referee Johmal Allen, competition. again compete in the USA Masters Football we show the youths dem for whom the match The current SVG Over Competition is moving, how to play, but most proved a handful, he 35s competition makes president of the The US location for SVG’s Dolphin Gymnastics significantly we have to having been at times provision for three and Health Academy referred to in last week’s organising committee — instil a kind of discipline intimidated by some players who are over 35, Glenroy Caesar, has paper was given as Houston Texas. This year’s on our players that we players. but not yet attained the competition will be held at the ESPN Wide World called for players to do see (is) creeping in On two occasions, the age of 40. some stock-taking. …Please let us take the match was held up for Persons who oppose of Sports Complex® at Walt Disney World in Addressing the closing opportunity to really prolonged periods. that provision, believe Orlando Florida, where they have been invited to ceremony of the enjoy ourselves as The first was after a that the three players compete in two competitions: The Presidential 2016/2017 competition masters.” heavy tackle on a Vincy can make a lot of Classic and The Magical Classic on February 18th last Sunday night at The SVG Over 35 Masters player, and the difference in teams. and February 20th. 24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN V Sports SVGFF holds FIFA Referee Course ON THE BACK of hosting a Futsal course for coaches The classroom sessions last week, the SVG Football Federation continued its serve as a setting for development programme initiative with the holding of interaction of participants a FIFA Referee Course this week. and the presenters, and The course, which began on Monday at the Arnos involves the analysis of Vale Playing Field Conference Room, was expected video clips applicable to the to conclude today, Friday. rules of the game, Coswell Cambridge, Fitness Instructor of the SVG Cambridge said. Referees Association, anticipates that the course Practical session will help to improve the standard of the local complement the classroom referees. work. “From time to time for the past five years, we Cambridge said he is have had similar courses for the referees … where pleased to see an increase of we focus on fitness and the technical aspect in the interest from referees, and Course Instructors (L-R): Victor Stewart and classroom and on the field,” Cambridge told THE believes it is important for Joseph Taylor. VINCENTIAN. them to get as much knowledge from the course. Coswell Cambridge “Honestly, you tend to see – Fitness Instructor It-DAT leads all in Relay Classic the same set of referees of the national attending these courses, but football referees in SVG. It-Dat Athletics over the last three years, we Club topped the have seen an increase in the medals table in number of referees attending courses. We have last Saturday’s added seven new referees to the course this year, National Relays which I think is very good,” Cambridge said with a Classic, held at tone of satisfaction. Victoria Park. Cambridge admits that it will take lot of work if It-Dat referees are to get to the top of their game. completed the The course was facilitated by Victor Stewart — a day’s event with Technical Instructor from Jamaica, and Joseph 11 first places Taylor, a Physical Instructor from Trinidad and and 8 second Tobago. places. They were followed by I.B.A.ALLEN High Performance with 9 first SVG Community places and 6 second places. Members of the It-Dat Athletics Club that took top honours at the recent Relay Wins, 9 first Classic. College launches places, 9 second athletes prepared well,” places, and 6 third places. It- Ollivierre stated. Dat Athletics Academy’s He explained that his Rugby Club Teams (1) and (2) together won 11 Club is determined “to first places and 8 seconds places. keep the athletes in RUGBY CONTINUES to impact the sporting The combined St. Vincent shape and exposed for landscape here. The most recent inroad comes with Grammar School and X-Cel the upcoming season, the news that a Rugby Club is soon to be Athletics Clubs won 6 first places, with the objective being established at the SVG Community College. with St. Martin’s Secondary to create opportunities Students who have grouped themselves in what winning 5 first places. for our athletes to is named the SVG CC Rugby Club, were expected to Coach of the It-Dat Athletics represent SVG, to begin drills this weekend, beginning today Friday, Club - Michael Ollivierre believes position themselves for at the Sion Hill Playing Field. his Club’s performance was a awards and scholarships, A source from the SVG Rugby Union said they direct result of the training and generally to prepare “are excited to be able to offer a new sport to not leading up to the Relay Classic. them for life.” only the college students, but also to any staff who “We at the It-Dat Athletics In terms of strides would like to get involved. This is an opportunity Club worked in conjunction with made, Ollivierre noted Relay Action returned to Victory Park. for persons to get involved in a sport they might not the Chatoyer Athletics Club improvements in the have heard of before, increase their fitness, improve coached by Pamenos Ballantyne female Under 18 category. He is CARIFTA Games level. life skills, meet new persons and be part of a team.” to stage several meets, and we hoping to take a team to Grenada More than 11 Clubs competed The Club will be open to students and staff, male also participated in some for the KFC Relays on in the Relay Classic. or female, across all Divisions of the College. organised by the Team Athelics February18, and is also looking over the past few weeks. So the forward to have an impact at the I.B.A.ALLEN I.B.A.ALLEN Cash Wiz supports swimmers TEN-YEAR-OLD MELODY BULLOCK Squad is a great way to help the It is a branch of a of Harmony Hall and ten-year-old community. Cash Wiz sees great Caribbean-wide service, Damani Bennett of Glen are now full potential in the success of competitive first established in 2009 in members of the Black Sands Swim swimming in St Vincent and the Provincials, Turks and Squad. Grenadines, and wishes to encourage Caicos, and now active in Their membership was made possible more families to get their children 18 locations throughout the through the sponsorship of Cash Wiz involved in this after school-activity.” Caribbean region. (St. Vincent), marking that company’s The sponsorship assures Bullock and first venture into providing sponsorship Bennett the opportunity to improve L-R: Melody Bullock for community-based programmes. their swimming skills and to be exposed age 10 of Prospect, Cash Wiz Manager, Brad Leacock to the lifelong opportunities that Coach Kyle Dougan of said, “We strive to lead by example as a competitive swimming has to offer. Blacksands swim good business operation here in St Cash Wiz, located in Sharpe Street, squad, Damani Bennett Vincent and the Grenadines, and we feel Kingstown, offers an instant cash of Glen also 10, and that providing a swimming sponsorship service to those in need, by buying and Cash Wiz Manager opportunity with Black Sands Swim selling quality retail products. Brad Leacock. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 25. V Sports Pope plummets Victors One bowlers GIDRON POPE TOOK no topscored with 31, mercy on a hapless Victors and Kelon Davis 4 One attack as he for 23 made him torpedoed his way to 118 Saints’ standout in 61 balls, to book a bowler. place for defending Providence champions Flow Radcliffe Electronic Solutions in the Super Six round of North Leeward the 2017 NLA/Neil booked their place in The other angle Williams T20 Cricket the Super Six when Competitioin. Pope struck they had the upper OPPORTUNITIES abound for sporting twelve sixes and three hand on Belfongo on exchanges, with the Argyle International Airport fours to propel Radcliffe to Sunday, at the in operations. Sporting associations in fields afar 173 for I wicket in 17.4 Arnos Vale playing overs, in reply to Victors now have the opportunity to broaden their field. North Ronique Laborde Miles Bascombe Gidron Pope One’s 169 for 4 in 19 training regime using St. Vincent as a base. The Leeward posted 206 hit 89 for North hit 72 for Victors smashed 118 overs, with the in-form onus is now on the relevant local authorities to for 6, thanks mainly Leeward. One. from 61 balls ensure that adequate facilities are in place to Donwell Hector, 50, and to Ronique Laborde including Miles Bascombe, 48 being 89 and Shamon respond positively when the requests come. under to Carl work of three fours their leading run-getters. Hooper 62. Belfongo The avenues open up for the local Football Joseph Law Chambers RW and 12 sixes. The match, played last failed miserable in their Federation to arrange ‘Friendlies; so that our ASCO by 17 runs. Sporting Sunday at the main Arnos chase managing a mere squad could be kept in shape and get them ready Scores: ASCO totaled World SVG Com-munity for the ongoing competitions. Vale Playing field, was 87 all out in 16.2 overs. reduced to a 19-overs 177 for 9 in 20 overs - College. Scores: RWSW It is unquestionable that the eleventh hour Kelshun DaSilva 35, Community College 95 in approach to preparation is detrimental. Players affair. Other weekend Guardian General preliminary round Jeremy Layne 3 for 38; 19 overs - Anthony have to get used to appearing with some degree of French Verandah CC 160 Charles 4 for 9 (including regularity on the pitch. That will enhance their Saints, who had already matches booked their Super Six for 9 in their 20 overs - a hat-trick), Edson fitness and maturity. Rayon Williams hit 56. Williams 3 for 12; spot going into last On Saturday, Victors The spillover will be movements up the Owia Stars had the Smashers 95 for 4 in 12.1 weekend round of One beat Combined rankings. There is no good in languishing in the better of Triumph overs - Raymond Rouse preliminary matches, Youths by 59 runs. deep end of the scale. Prospects for local players United. Scores: and Ozico Williams 21 confirmed their position Scores: Victors One 187 from your country lessen, and there is a Triumph United 132 for not out each, Rayshorn at the top of Group C for 4 in 20 overs - Miles corresponding downward slide in almost 7 in their 20 overs - John 4 for 17 with a 103-run win over Bascombe 72 and everything. Andrew Glasgow 42; The French Verandah Bequia Cricket Donwell Hector 33; Associations have to move up the Owia Stars 134 for 4 in SVG Community College Association on Sunday, Combined Youth 128 for organisational ladder and engage in long lasting 17.5 overs. Shem Browne recorded victory against Arnos Vale Two. Saints 6 in 20 overs - Alston ventures, so as to sustain the ongoing need to be 67 and Owen Lorraine Bequia Cricket amassed 212 for 6 in Bobb 3 wickets for 12 disciplined. 34, Kanaka Smith 3 for Association. Scores: their 20 overs, with Seon runs in 4 overs. It cannot be a case of hanging on and 27. French Verandah CC 171 Sween,37, Rickford RW Sporting World depending on hand outs. Football clubs, or any On Sunday, Combined for 9, Dion Bynoe 31, Walker and Kenroy SVG Community College type of Club for that matter, have to get into the Youths returned to Jenry Ollivierre 2 for 15; Peters, 32 each, and defeated Radcliffe Too by business end of the bargain and secure homes for defeat Owia Stars. Bequia 57 in 13.5 overs - Vincent Cupid, 30, seven wickets. Scores: their sport, so as to strengthen their base and Scores: Owia Stars 115 Jeremy Haywood 4 for leading the way. Bequia Radcliffe Too 104 in 12.1 development of the particular area. in 19.3 overs, with Omar 17, Ronaldo Franklyn 2 then faltered under the overs - Antoneil Browne The facilities provided for communities will Lavia 33, Oneil for 12 and Rayon weight of the challenging 28, Rayshorn John 4 for have to be embraced. They must not be allowed Endeavour 3 for 15; Williams 2 for 21. victory target and closed 15; Community College to be abused and vandalised, for they must be Combined Youth 118 for The Preliminary on 109, their tenth 106 for 3, Anfernee part of the national resources. 6, also in 19.3 overs - round of the competition wicket falling with the Joseph 32. Coordination must be smooth with the Sammy Peters 23 not will end this very last ball of their 20 French Verandah SVG education institutions. Sporting talent is normally out. weekend with three overs. Jenry Ollivierre Community College went unearthed at schools. Education officials have to Smashers made light matches. find ways of harmonising sporting and academic programmes. Academics are not confined to classroom activities. Sciences have to be put forward to Ian Allen liking dual role cover the areas of agriculture, fisheries, art and craft and music. IAN ALLEN SAYS he has of Control, Allen There is no separation between sports and welcomed his new role of will coordinate culture. The broader one’s cultural foundation is, Territorial Development Officer and supervise all the better is one’s chance of excelling on the (TDO) for Cricket in the activities of the sporting front - or in any sphere for that matter. Windward Islands, as well as various Perhaps the Cycling Union will be spurred into Development Officer of the St development action and revive their calendar of activities to Vincent and the Grenadines programmes of take advantage of the new travel advantages. Cricket Association Inc. the St Vincent Concentration on other ongoing matters of Allen took up the role of TDO and the national concern has shifted attention from the at the start of the New Year, but Grenadines National Sports Awards, which has been has to double up as the DO for Cricket scheduled for March 4. That will be enough time cricket here. Association- for the flow of new traffic within the air. And the Responding to his new SVGCA Inc. under motivation will be high among athletes for undertakings, Allen said, “So far the supervision of Ian Allen (left) working with Shaquille Browne inclusion on next year’s list of awardees. it has been good… It is an the executive of (centre) and Teron Simon (right) at the Arnos Congratulations in advance to those who will opportunity for me in new roles that Association. Vale One Playing Field. be showered with recognition for their and a chance to still contribute to The SVGCA contribution. cricket in St Vincent and the Inc. last year had advertised the Reports are that a few persons The Grenadines can think of expanding their Grenadines and the Windwards.” post of local development officer, were interviewed for the position, Easter events to cater for the anticipated Allen served for the last ten which it said would have been a and an announcement was to increased visitor arrivals with the addition of the years as coach of the Windward part time assignment. have been made following the Argyle Airport. Islands senior cricket team, now According to the SVGCA Inc., elections of the SVGCA Inc. last That makes it ideal for a genuinely national renamed the Windwards applicants had to possess at least December. exercise, in regard to yachting. Those in Bequia Volcanoes in keeping with the two coaching qualifications and at Allen is a former St Vincent and Union Island can be encouraged to introduction of franchise cricket in least ten years of coaching and the Grenadines, Windward collaborate to ensure that the events on their the Caribbean some three years experience. Islands and West Indies fast respective zones attract maximum participation. ago. Additionally, the SVGCA Inc. bowler, and takes over both posts There are the constraints. The islands have Apart from making had encouraged persons with from another former St Vincent that capacity, but stretching it beyond limits will recommendations and drafting strong cricketing backgrounds at and the Grenadines and be tantamount to cutting down the breadfruit development programmes for the the national, regional and Windwards player- Irvin tree. Windward Islands Cricket Board international levels to apply. Warrican. 26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 27. V Classifieds

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017 VOLUME 111, No.06 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 GOVERNMENT’S FISCAL MEASURES FOR 2017 THE FOLLOWING are extracts of small business… Airport. The expected revenue from the Budget Address 2017, “Accordingly, I propose to in the short-to-medium term as delivered by Prime Minister amend the VAT Act in order to from the ASC, landing and and Minister of Finance Dr. increase the registration parking fees, rentals and other Ralph Gonsalves. threshold to $300,000.00 with charges will cover effect from May 1, 2017. This approximately 50% of the Disaster levy increase in the Vat threshold figure for the AIA. The means that approximately 88 central Government is “.. Indeed we have registrants will be removed providing a subvention of $5 calculated that no less than from the VAT Register. … million in 2017, which will be 10% of the public debt has “The estimated loss of insufficient to fund the been incurred for disaster related projects and revenue from this measure is shortfall… initiatives, narrowly defined. approximately $3.5 million per “Accordingly, I propose to “In order to help offset the annum.” increase the ASC on cost of these natural disasters, passengers departing by we propose to introduce a 1% Profession Licence Fees aircraft from SVG to levy on consumption in the EC$100.00. This measure will state. “… over the years the be implemented from “…The most effect efficient compliance rate for this Februay15, 2017 and will yield way to give effect to this measure has been extremely approximately $5 million per measure is to increase the low due in part to the laxity of annum.” standard rate of VAT from the Inland Revenue Aliens Landholding Licence development of small 15% to 16%, and the rate for Department…. Stamp Duty businesses. I am also accommodation and other “..Now that the VAT “The Aliens Landholding proposing a reduction in the tourism related activities from “The Stamp Duty payable threshold is to be increased… License is a charge imposed Traders Licence by 50%.... .” 10% to 11%. This measure on transfer of property many of these persons on sale of property to non- will take effect from May 1, constitutes an important practising these professions nationals… Telecommunication Levy 2017.” revenue source for central will benefit by not having to “I propose to amend the “…The revenue yield from Government. .. in 2016 charge VAT on the services Schedule as follows: “In the 2016 Budget I this measure is estimated at revenue from Stamp Duty on they deliver… * Where the value of the introduced a 2% levy on $10 million per annum.” property amounted to $30 “Accordingly, I propose to property does not exceed telephone call originating from million, approximately 5.1% of Value Added Tax increase the fees payable $100,000.00 - $10,000.00; SVG. These funds are current revenue… under the Profession Licensing * Where the property allocated to the Zero Hunger “Unfortunately a number of “…the VAT registration Act by a factor of 20 %... .” exceeds $100,000 - $10,000 Trust Fi=und to assist the legal professionals have threshold was set at $120,000, plus 7% of the value in excess government in its fight to devised various mechanisms to and has remained at this level. Airport Service Charge (ASC) of $100,000.00.” eradicate hunger in our There is good evidence to evade this tax. … country. … The 2% levy will suggest that raising the “The annual cost of “I therefore propose to Traders Licence also now be applied to threshold would reduce operating the AIA is estimated amend the Stamp Duty Act in incoming calls and data. This order to strengthen its administrative costs of IRD at $20 million, some $13 “… Lifting the Vat measure becomes effective provisions. .. “ (Inland Revenue Department) million more than currently threshold is one such measure from March 1, 2017.” as well as the compliance cost obtains at the E. T. Joshua which will aid in the

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