FRIDAY JULY 03, 2020 VOLUME 114, No.27 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

LIAT Stories Re-building the Geothermal Party with a Man damages Page 3,7 Auxilliary Update twist clamp and 13 Page 5 Page 17 Page 15 Page 18

This is the shared view of David Massiah, Chairman of the Regional Consortium of Unions representing LIAT workers, and Capt. Patterson Thompson, Chairman of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots In his letter to Association (LIALPA). the employees, PM This indication came from Gonsalves sought to the two organizations after a assure employees that their statement by Prime Minister severance and outstanding Gaston Browne of Antigua on salaries “will be urgently The recommendation Saturday, in which he said, addressed.” inter alia, that should LIAT go for dissolution of the company As it stands, the Antigua- (LIAT) will be advanced for into liquidation, it would be based financially strapped hard-pressed to honour approval to a general meeting airline owes its staff an REGIONAL of all the ordinary shareholders severance and other AIRLINE LIAT, dubbed estimated EC$94 million in entitlements to its workers. of the company. severance and holiday the Caribbean Airline, is All of this was disclosed by LIAT is said to have a work heading into liquidation. payment, which, Dr. Gonslaves force of some 600 persons with Chairman of the Shareholder admits, it is unable to pay since This is the consensus of 400 of those being nationals of Governments Dr. Ralph it is “insolvent” and “doesn’t a weekend discussion Antigua, according to the Gonsalves, Prime Minister of have any assets to pay anybody Gone are the days involving the airline’s four Antigua Observer of June 30, SVG, who reported the decision anything.” when the Prime major shareholder governments 2020. to his people via WE FM radio Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ministers Gaston — Antigua and Barbuda, on Sunday, and communicated the two Unions representing Browne Barbados, Dominica and St. Browne in a rage (top right same by way of a circular letter LIAT workers have indicated and Dr. Vincent and the Grenadines hand corner) dated Monday 29th June, to all that it is going to be difficult Ralph Gonsalves held (SVG) — Directors and at least And while Dr. Gonsalves last employees of the airline. convincing LIAT’s ground staff one head on how one of the airline’s creditors, Sunday went to pains to assure and pilots to accept reduced critical it was to ‘keep the Caribbean Development Severance to be addressed LIAT staff in SVG that they severance, reduced wages and LIAT in the sky’. Bank. other benefits. Continued on Page 5. 2. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Corporate Stowe takes Corporate Public Speaking title

WHILE EIGHT OF THE NINE theory, because in risk of bankruptcy when for her effort, took home REPRESENTATIVES argued practicality, the vitality they spend money that $2,000 and a special in the affirmative on the anticipated falls short. they can ill-afford on package from FLOW. prepared speech topic “This,” she said, “was CSR programmes, simply Nicolette Nichols of ‘Corporate Social supported by studies to keep up with the the Treasury Responsibility (CSR) plays from Princeton trend. Department was third a vital role in SVG’, it was University which found Among the prizes that and was awarded the contestant who argued that firms involved with Stowe received was a EC$1,000 and a special in the negative that won CSR are more likely to cash prize of $3,000, a package from FLOW. the prestigious title of the get away with crimes, as special package from There was also a 2020 SVG National opposed to those with Platinum Sponsor Table Topics/Impromptu Corporate Public Speaking comprehensive FLOW, a trophy and a segment. Championship, held on programmes.” fruit basket. Elingford Roban Jr., Saturday 27th June at the “If you want to give us Aviar Charles, representing the SVG Russell’s Auditorium, something, give use representing the Tourism Authority, was Stoney Grounds. something that is National Insurance adjudged the winner in Ruth Stowe, genuinely good and not Services (NIS), placed this category and representing the made in China,” she second overall. received a cash prize of Kingstown Cooperative quipped. Charles, a former Miss $500.00. Credit Union (KCCU), She pointed to the SVG, said that her Terrece John from Corporate Public Speaking Champion Ruth Stowe was adjudged the overall money to support journey to success came Coreas Distribution Ltd. National Corporate being congratulated by Nikala Williams, FLOW’s demonstrations of CSR because of CSR, was declared the second Public Speaking as having to come from including her Marketing and Corporate Communications place winner and Champion. somewhere, and she participation in the Miss Manager. In her prepared posited that in most SVG pageant. received $300. Ruth Royal St. Vincent and Employees Cooperative speech, Stowe advanced cases, “it comes from She pointed to the Stowe placed 3rd. the position that people increasing the price of business community’s The other finalists in the Grenadines Police Credit Union (GECCU) should refrain from goods and services.” attitude to the COVID-19 this the second edition of Force; Shaniese Cole and Jada Ross who getting too caught up in She further noted that pandemic as another the Championship were representing Massy represented the SVG what CSR embodies in small businesses run the positive of CSR. Charles, Sylvorn Lavia of the Stores; Andreka Samuel Squash Association. (KH) of the General Desiree Richards praises NCPSC

DESIREE RICHARDS, Richards, in a live interview speaking, your organization preliminary. “ If you Managing Director of with Deputy Chair of the has such a tremendous work saw the preliminary Metrocint General Insurance NCPSC Tamira Browne ethic, and I really want to and you saw today, Company, Metrolife Agency during a special segment of commend you and your you would see that Inc. and The Vincentian last Saturday’s finals, organization,” said Richards, these persons Publishing Co. Ltd., was showered praises on the the daughter of Edgerton improved recognized as the Patron of NCPSC. Richards, founder of the significantly, and I the SVG National Corporate “As I sat and looked at the Metrocint General Insurance think that is a Public Speaking amazing talent on stage …… Company and herself an credit to your Championship (NCPSC), NCPSC is doing a tremendous Attorney-at-law. organization,” she during the finals of the 2020 job in developing Richards, who is also a said. edition held on Saturday 27th communication and leadership motivational speaker, noted When prompted at the Russell’s Auditorium, skills across St. Vincent and that the participants improved to give advice to the Stoney Grounds. the Grenadines. Frankly significantly after the young professionals, Richards urged the Desiree Richards (right) being participants to interviewed by Tamira Browne transcend beyond during a special segment of their boundaries. the finals of the 2020 National In elaborating, Corporate Public Speaking she said: “For Championship. example, you can register as a you have organizations to participant, it’s support you. So, seek the something that opportunity to be affiliated makes you feel with positive organizations uncomfortable … like NCPSC and Toast you go out of the Masters, that would allow you way to make to see beyond what you see in yourself yourself.” uncomfortable so And as a parting reminder, that you can grow. the Business Executive Because if you stay shared, “We all have in your little corner excellence within us, and I you are not going to encourage you to try to explore grow. It takes that. I do believe that we courage to do so but possess God-given gifts, and understand that we need to honor our Creator you are not going to by really maximizing those do so by yourself; gifts.” V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 3. POST LIAT: Dr. Gonsalves focusing on SVG needs AS REGIONAL AIRLINE has two 30-seater LIAT heads into SAABs and one 19- dissolution/liquidation, St. seater, offering a Vincentian and the total of 79 seats, and Grenadines is touting the SVG, as he knows it idea of using two locally to be, operating owned aircraft carriers - through Adelphi Air, One Caribbean and SVG uses four twin otters AIR – to service the air and other aircraft. travel needs of “So I am looking, Vincentians. I am focusing my Even as he admitted attention on what that the issue of a lack of we can do to help air access could these particular PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is potentially be airlines in the looking to local airlines One problematic, Prime circumstances,” the Caribbean (pictured) and SVG Minister Dr. Ralph PM said. AIR to fill the void in passenger Gonsalves, speaking on And as for LIAT air service to Vincentian WE FMN last Sunday, being replaced by a travellers. emphasized, “As far as new entity upon its St. Vincent and the liquidation, as Grenadines is concerned, proposed by Prime I am very interested in Minister of Antigua making sure that we and Barbuda, have to make relevant Gaston Browne, the connections, and SVG Prime connections, particularly Minister, who is Trinidad, Barbados, the chairman of the Windward Islands, go principal Shareholder payment. I am not going is retained, or anything discussions with the two Vincentians to and from right up to Antigua, and Governments of LIAT, into those discussions, like that.” local airlines (as the country.. to make I’d expect that in the noted in his radio except to say I am not At this point he referenced), and his their connections.” northern part, there’d be address: hung-up as to what name reiterated that he was in objective “is to get (KH/DD) aircraft operating out of “I see Gaston.. making Antigua to make some the point - the Prime sort of connection.” Minister of Antigua and He added, “I am Barbuda - he has spoken PRYME names not to making no promises or quite expansively and … pledges to anyone I saw a report that he Right: Minister of concerned with LIAT has said air transport is be published Finance Camillo because of all the legal the only thing he get out Gonsalves has circumstances. I am of the region and he given a guarantee seeking to see what can wants to maintain the THE NAMES OF Minister of INDIVIDUALS receiving Finance, Camillo that no more be done to assist the LIAT name; he wants up names of PRYME movement of visitors and there to be the grants under the Gonsalves told Promoting Youth Micro Parliament on grant recipients people to and from our headquarters still and will be published. destination.” creditors will have to Enterprises (PRYME) June 22 that he According to the Prime take a haircut, including programme will no longer was in be made public. agreement with the decision Minister, One Caribbean people for severance taken by the PRYME reside in the country, implementation unit that and even accusations of from hereon in, they will political affiliation being respect the LIAT to dissolve: Browne takes considered when confidentiality of reviewing applications applicants and awardees. for grants. This comes after the colleagues to task All of this was names of the first 160 regrettable, Gonsalves recipients were stated, and he apologized Continued from Front Page. He described LIAT, according close down and they will spring published. to those who had already to the Observer, as “not an up?” Gonsalves noted that been “assailed and would be taken care of and that Antiguan institution but a Browne, meanwhile, went on to the action has become traduced.” there were some things in place regional one.” declare that if no other options necessary given that Rest assured, though, that could take up the slack when Regarding the liquidation of are agreed upon, his country may following the publication information on PRYME LIAT ceases to fly (see article on LIAT, PM Browne said that have to look at operating its own of the 160 names, “a grants — without naming page 3), Prime Minister Browne Antigua supported that option airline, and he took his umbrage number of recipients applicants, will be made was in a no nonsense mood on “contingent upon the even further by announcing that found themselves victims as seen fit and Monday, establishment of a new regional Antigua and Barbuda may have to some very vitriolic appropriate. The Antigua Observers airline.” to consider opting out of the attacks on social media, Minister Gonsalves reported him as accusing LIAT PM Gonsalves, though, told OECS and CARICOM, since on public air waves and told the Parliament that shareholders of “selfish motives.” listeners to WE FM radio here on “fellow shareholder governments even their own villages up to June 12, 1,509 In reference to his shareholder Sunday, “I’m not getting involved had sparse interest in integration for doing nothing more persons had applied for colleagues, he said he feared some in arguments about if there is a and enhancing the region.” than applying for a grant PRYME grants, and 254 of them were “thinking new airline, regional airline, LIAT operated 491 weekly and receiving support for persons had received singularly,” that “they are where it is to be located, what flights to 15 destinations from their small businesses.” grants totaling EC$1.7. concerned about their countries private sector should be involved. Puerto Rico in the north to There was, according The Unit he said, was only,” with no consideration that I hear a lot of private sector Guyana in the south. Its to Gonsalves, even an receiving an average of Antigua and Barbuda, by it being people talking, but I want to see passenger service has remained outcry about a recipient 100 applications per the headquarters of the airline, where their money is. Remember suspended as a result of the who allegedly did not “was offering a regional service.” the number who wanted LIAT to COVID-19 pandemic. week. (DD) 4. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Court Ex-cop beats murder charge agreed with Charles’ Arnos Vale between with Connell that there of September 1. He was investigator, Inspector Attorney Grant Connell’s August 31 and was no evidence up to 50. Sherol James who submission that there September 1, 2018 and that juncture to make The P.I started at the testified on Tuesday. was no evidence to make stealing EC$2,074 in out a prima facie case Kingstown Magistrate’s Charles was a out a prima facie case cash, the property of against Charles on the Court earlier this year. Constable at the time of against Charles. Gevandean Wilson, the murder charge, he did The Prosecution called the incident. As a result, Senior owner of the business. not agree with the no several witnesses, Magistrate Rickie The Senior Magistrate case submissions made including the Burnett discharged will also give his ruling by Frederick on behalf of Charles on the murder on the burglary charge Harry, and that of charge. on July 8, in respect of Hanson. Uncle charged with The Magistrate all four men. Both Hanson made his own reserved his decision on matters were heard in submission, as he was the other men, Glenville one Preliminary Inquiry. unrepresented. Harry of Vermont along When the Prosecution In Delpleche’s view, nephew’s death c with Jerome Ollivierre rested its case on there was enough and Ulric Hanson, both Wednesday, Connell evidence so far for a JUST OVER a month after 9-year-old Jamarie of Mayreau, until July 8 submitted that there was prima facie case to be Phillips of Richland Park was chopped to death, his Stories by HAYDN when he will rule on the absolutely no evidence made out against Harry, uncle, 21-year-old T-Zan ‘Zaza’ Phillips has been HUGGINS no case submissions from against Charles that he Ollivierre and Hanson on charged in connection with the incident. Harry’s Attorney Vynette was ever part of any the murder charge. The Phillips appeared FORMER police officer Frederick and Hanson enterprise to commit the trio will know their fate before Chief Magistrate Ettian Charles who was who is unrepresented. act of murder, and on July 8. Rechanne Browne at the among four men charged Attorney Kensha therefore, at this Speaking with THE Serious Offences Court with the 2018 murder of Theobalds who held the juncture, the prosecution VINCENTIAN following last week Thursday Security Guard Rodney fort for Attorney Israel had failed to make out a the proceeding, Connell charged with murder. He George of Victoria Village, Bruce on behalf of prima facie case on the said, “Whatever action was not required to plea, was cleared of that charge Ollivierre, made no charge of murder against resulted in a charge of as murder is an on Wednesday. submissions. his client. this nature, had nothing indictable charge. As the Preliminary The four were charged He indicated, however, to do with my client”. The 9-year-old body’s Inquiry (PI) entered its with murdering George that the prosecution may George’s body, with with chop wounds to the final stages at the between August 31 and cross that hurdle on the throat slit, was neck, head and hands, Kingstown Magistrate’s September 1, 2018, as burglary charge. discovered in the was discovered in the Court, Senior Prosecutor well as entering the GEC However, while the building of GEC Auto front yard of his home at Adolphus Delpleche Auto Supplies building at Senior Prosecutor agreed Supplies on the morning Richland Park. The matter has been adjourned to September Magistrate shows 24. T-Zan is also charged with unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm on appreciation for journalists Vibert Nedd of Richland Park, as well as damaging T-Zan ‘Zaza’ Phillips SENIOR Magistrate and had to go back Offences Court and show appreciation for the Nedd’s property. Rickie Burnett outside. Kingstown Magistrate’s work journalists do. Both offences were reportedly committed at highlighted the The reporter, however, Court has been limited to Several years ago, Richland Park on May 29. important role returned to the Court about five chairs, since Justice Odel Adams (now The accused appeared at the Serious Offences journalists play, as he shortly after, as the around March this year, deceased), during a High Court last Friday in relation to those charges. They presided over a sitting of Senior Magistrate told to facilitate the physical Court sitting here, were transferred to Mesopotamia Magistrate’s the Kingstown one of the police officers distancing protocol pointed out that Court, and adjourned to July 17. Magistrate’s Court on who was sitting to give occasioned by the journalists should be He is also charged with damaging the property of Wednesday. her a seat, even if he COVID-19 pandemic. better accommodated Osborne Ambris of Richland Park on the same date. Burnette made the (officer) had to borrow a However, after the during Court sittings, as That matter was adjourned to September 24, and is point when a journalist chair. issue with the journalist they play an important slated for the Serious Offences Court. role in getting the from another newspaper “The journalists have surfaced, Burnett It is alleged that T-Zan was shot in one of his information to the public, legs while the police were trying to apprehend him, who was about to enter an important role to pointed out that it was and he was instrumental the Court to cover a play. I always try to time to put some more in having a media box and had to be warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Preliminary Inquiry accommodate them”, chairs in the Court room. inserted at the High Hospital. (P.I), found that the Burnett said. He is not the first Court building. When THE VINCENTIAN had contacted seats were all occupied, Seating at the Serious officer of the Court to However, journalists Commissioner of Police Colin John on June 19 to continue to write in their inquire as to why nobody was charged with laps at the Magistrates Jamarie’s death, up to that date, he explained that Court, and sometimes T-Zan was still hospitalized, and was also supposed have difficulty getting a to have undergone a Psychiatric evaluation to seat when turning up to determine whether he was fit to be interviewed by cover proceedings. the police. Diamond men cleared of robbery charge THREE MEN who were charged with information to the investigator. the robbery of retired school teacher Shamol Williams, Jovanny Jeff Morgan at his home at Diamond, Stephens and Daneoll Craigg, all of June 26, 2019, were discharged at the Diamond, are charged with being Serious Offences Court last week, as armed with a gun robbed Morgan of a the Prosecution offered no further white HP laptop valued $3,000, a evidence. Samsung Plus cellular phone valued When the matter was called, Court $1,000 and $500 in cash. Clerk, Corporal Atnel Ash informed They were also charged with the Court that Morgan communicated entering Morgan’s house as a to him by telephone that he did not trespasser on the same date, and had want to proceed with the matter. with them a weapon of offence, to wit, Ash said that Morgan also a gun. indicated that he had relayed this Both charges were laid indictably. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 5. V News Taking back the Auxiliary Police Force MEMBERS of the Auxiliary of the Royal seniority St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Commandant of the SVG Auxiliary Police Force is determined to work towards restoring that Force to its once status of respectability. Force are an important part of the Former CoP service. Charles had And as is stated in Section 63 (1) of certain Police Officers. However, the standards have promptly availed the Police Act 391 under ‘Authority “Because putting a firearm in dropped over the years and the himself to an and pay’: ‘Every member of the someone’s hand is a very dangerous organization is crying out to be interview with Auxiliary Police shall have, exercise thing,” he said. returned to the position of THE and enjoy the same powers, In order to be issued a firearm, you respectability it once enjoyed. VINCENTIAN, on authorities, advantages and have to be trained, and auxiliary Michael Charles, former being told that immunities as a member of the Force officers are not trained in the use of Commissioner of Police who now heads complaints/ and, when called out for service, be firearms, Charles explained, “So, while the Auxiliary Police Department, allegations had been made by a liable to the same duties and they are complaining, the recalled that when he joined the Police member of an Auxiliary Officer. responsibilities’. Commissioner will not put a firearm in Force in 1981, he was assigned with The officer, who spoke on the basis their possession.” an auxiliary police officer. of anonymity, addressed a number of Salaries and wages “This was the level of respect the issues affecting him and his A work in progress Auxiliary had back in the day,” colleagues, one of which was the lack Another grievance expressed was Charles told THE VINCENTIAN. of respect shown to Auxiliary Officers that of salary; that Auxiliary Officers Charles admitted that some of the In those days, the thing that by higher ranked and even members of were paid less than what was paid to allegations made were indeed distinguished the Auxiliary Officer the same rank of the Police Force. Police Officers of equal rank, despite accurate, but indicated that the from a regular Police Officer, was the Even Police Officers fresh out of provisions in the law for equal pay. “officers were the architects of their red stripe that runs along the side of training school, according to the “We do the same thing the police own misfortunes… the way they carry the pants leg or skirt of the Auxiliary complainant, were of the impression are doing… we serving and themselves.” Officer, the Commandant explained. that they were senior to members of protecting…we took the same oath and He added, “Many times I have to Charles admitted that a lack of the Auxiliary, even if those Auxiliary everything… .,” the Officer talk to Auxiliaries on the streets; they discipline has begun to creep into the Officers had enlisted for several years complained. want to pass in rum shops and so on. Auxiliary Force, e.g. not taking up before. According to the Police Act: ‘Every The Commandant disclosed that assigned duties and use of alcohol The Officer contended that under member of the Auxiliary Police when former Commissioner Keith Miller had while on duty. the Police Act 391, the Auxiliary Police called out for service by the started doing some training on enjoy the same rights, privileges and Commissioner under the provisions of weekends. Members of the Auxiliary Complaints about perceived freedoms as police. section 55 shall be paid for his services Police are subjected to a certain level from such monies as may be provided of training, but it is not as rigid as it is by Parliament, at the same rate as a for the regular police, he explained. member of the Force of equivalent According to Charles, there was a rank’. move to re-introduce a programme of On this point, Charles clarified that training, but with the onset of the although there are laws regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, they have had to amount that auxiliary officers are to suspend it. be paid, the reality is that they are At the helm of this project was the daily paid workers. Adjutant of the Auxiliary Police Force B.T Marksman who was working along Licensed firearms with Charles to restoring some respectability to the organization. Under Section 59 of the Police Act, Charels assured that they will be ‘Every member of the Auxiliary Police resuming training for auxiliary shall be provided with a short manual officers, more so now that some of the describing the powers and duties of issues affecting them have been the Auxiliary Police, a badge, a baton highlighted. and such clothing and other “Most of the times we do not hear equipment as may be approved by the anything from the affected officers. Commissioner’. Even during meetings, nothing is But, referencing that Auxiliary said,” he complained. Officers are often assigned to what is He assessed the information relayed known as static duties, where there is by THE VINCENTIAN as very usual, a real chance of something dangerous noting that in most cases we cannot do occurring especially at night, the without it. complainant said that he believes that AS “VERY USEFUL “Because they Auxiliary Officers should be allowed to are very useful. In most cases we carry weapons. cannot do without them,” Charles told Charles, however, told THE THE VINCENTIAN. VINCENTIAN that even during his “It is just that the standards have time as Commissioner of Police, he deteriorated over the years, and we was very cautious about issuing are not sure how this happened,” he firearms and firearm licences to said. (DD) 6. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 7. V News St. Lucia supports new entity

entity be established to replace LIAT, and that the name LIAT be retained. Browne must have been put off by his colleague and Chairman of the Government Shareholder group, PM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who made it clear, inter alia, when he spoke after last weekend meeting of LIAT’s shareholders and Director, “I’m not getting involved in arguments about if there is a new airline, regional airline, where it is to be located, what private sector should be involved.” However, PM Browne must have been well pleased to learn that St. Lucia has said it will support a new regional airline, if one is to emerge Prime Minister Gaston Browne (right) got a boost from the dissolution of LIAT. There is no way PM Gaston Browne is going to sit of support for his suggestion of establishing a St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is back and allow Caribbean Airlines to move in and new airline, from St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen reported by Antigua News Room, an Antigua Online take over from LIAT. Chastanet. News Agency, to have given that assurance. “If the airline has a very well selected board; a pump money into a debt-ridden LIAT. THERE WILL be no monopoly of air travel in the region. board that understands business, particularly The St Lucia prime minister noted that there are This is the expressed position of Prime Minister aviation and one the company is allowed to make all some territories — Dominica, St Vincent, and the of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, in the necessary business decisions and we are not just Grenadines for example — which depend on islands response to a suggestion that the Trinidad and going to be a shareholder attending a meeting… If such as St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and Tobago owned Caribbean Airlines should take over we see the executive not doing a good job and the Barbados for their link to the international routes, LIAT. executive can be fired, then St Lucia will support and determining the types of aircraft that is best LIAT, the cash-strapped, debt-ridden regional such a venture,” PM Chastanet is reported to have suited for these routes is critically important. airline whose principal shareholders are the said. “There are some hard economic rules that must government of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, This statement is indicative of a position the St. be followed and observed,” he stated. Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Lucian Prime Minister is headquartered in Antigua, is heading for has articulated on many liquidation. occasions in the past, Talk of Caribbean Airlines replacing LIAT as the which he had often major inter-island connecting air service in the coupled with a vehement region reportedly surfaced in certain circles, as a repetition that his response to PM Browne’s suggestion that a new country was not going to 8. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 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 Making a mockery of Banana Talk: “Who Can’t Hear, Go Feel” Parliament (This is a reprint) A HEALTHY PARLIAMENT, it is ideal that we are fostering a new ONE THING was sure during these past several opening weeks for this year, the said, operates on three ‘D’s - debate, Caribbean Civilisation, founded on country has been thoroughly educated as dissent and discussion. As fate the principle of ‘government by the to its banana industry, its hopes and its would have it, a fourth D has people, for the people’. fears. nested in our parliament, with a Unless you live elsewhere, there If not before, we now know that lives adversely affected by down turn. degree of permanence. That D is no doubting that the fourth ‘D’, banana is our chief money spinner, the The typical banana farmers can now stands for disruption or as others disruption, has crept into the mainstay of the economy, the principal buy only the basics for living. Small would have it, deterrence. Vincentian parliament and has employer which touches the lives of business like boutiques, gift shops and For yet another time in our become a bone of contention, not nearly every Vincentian. eating places quietly close their doors. Parliament, an Opposition’s Private only for parliamentary functioning Lome, Europe’s single-market, dollar Only essential goods are imported, Members Motion, the ‘COVID-19 but also for the people of this fruit, and “Banana War”, are common- village grocery shops fold up, wholesale Pandemic -Management of the country. place words bandied about all over the vans stop plying the country route. Economic and Social Consequences The characterization of place. Unfortunately, we understand There is a drop of consumer durables, and government revenue accordingly of the Pandemic’, even though listed parliamentarians going after each that our industry lives a precarious on the Order Paper for the sitting of existence depending on our meeting the shrinks with less imports. Health, other like fowls in a cockfight, education and public works programmes June 22, 2020, at day’s (June 22, stipulated quotes with quality fruit. throws open larger questions about are thus cut back, and the Civil Service 2020), was not even allowed to be the role and relevance of the A little problem that we have to get sorted our right away is that of our pruned. The Public Sector begins to lay tabled. institution. off workers and stream-line their As it stood, every little and even Disruptions have become an conception of quality becomes irrelevant, if it differs significantly from that of the operation. big loop hole in those Rules was endemic feature of the functioning One danger point is reached with used (or is it abused?) so as to European consumer. The latter is the of the Vincentian Parliament. Not king,; he calls the shots. So it matters banks foreclosing on mortgages on prevent this Motion from seeing the doing/allowing genuine debate and not if our fruit is tastier if it has spots account of unpaid loans. Homes are sold light of day before the stipulated discussion is a mockery of that put the buyer off. The European out and land prices drop sharply, but cut off time. democracy, which is another ‘story’ goes for appearances, and determines there are few takers with the ready And, of course, that foiled any all by itself. the market whether we like it or not. We cash. chance of another Private Members And in the meantime, the simply have to fall into line if we want Unpaid bills also mount up with the Motion being brought to Parliament Honourable Speaker of the House, to stay in business. utility companies, and there is during this calendar year since, in the man with the gavel to bring Even so, it must be apparent to all widespread disconnection especially of accordance with the House Rules, order and decorum to the sacred that a major shift will have to be made telephone and electricity services. only one such Motion is allowed in a chamber, advances a ‘proposal’ for away from bananas in the coming years. Transportation declines and van- drivers are driven against the wall with calendar year. debate on the mode of dress for But we desperately need this period of himself and members of the House. respite variously and aptly described as banks foreclosure on loans. And the Worse, as though to make a vicious circle bites deeply with the Officers of high public office are “breathing-space”, “stay of execution” or mockery of our Parliamentary dwindling of the tax base and Democracy, the Motion that was wont to leave a legacy. Is a change “reprieve”. In terms of modern civilization, we could hardly make it if Government’ further loss of revenue. deterred, according to the Rules, of dress code something that the The environment suffers with current Speaker would want to suddenly the plug was pulled out. cannot be deferred to another Writing in the publication indiscriminate foraging for fire-wood, sitting unless one of the majority leave as his legacy? hunting for animal-food and fishing. There are, like this piece “Windwards Weekly”, Lennox members took it up. Convincing a Honeychurch painted a frightening The crime rate climbs with increased purports, greater and much more majority member so to do is a portrait of Dominica with a collapsed attacks on visitors, dashing the forlorn herculean task if ever there was sacred things to which our new banana industry. What follows is a hope for an alternative Tourist Industry one. Speaker could give his attention, similar picture projected on a Vincentian that was planned to pick up the pieces. Sad that the noble tradition of But no!!! He seems bent on canvas. The scenario will go something Drugs and drug-related crime enjoy a good climate as many people wink at ‘debate, dissent and discussion’ is continuing down the ‘old dusty road’ like this: which, try as much as his infractions of the law which bring scarce soiled by a Parliament that is A fall in price brought on by market predecessor did, even with money into circulation. structured (not of our own doing if forces or whatever, will first of all wipe admission of grave error as it There are wild public demonstrations the truth be told) to weigh heavily out the marginal farmer who will not be relates to a motion the opposition able to meet his cost of production. which lack conviction and hallow calls in favour of the majority, so that it attempted to have debated, he left Overall production drops and falls for the Government of the day to resign, can put spent to any effort to most things undone. short of quotas. “Dollar fruit” moves in for the sake of change. encourage healthy debate. Our Parliament is the highest for the kill and gradually takes over. We can avoid the possibility of the But, are we not in control of what law-making body in our land. If we Then people will realise the real length forgoing by making an honest-to- goodness attempt, firstly, to produce and how matters of state unfold in are true to ourselves and what our of the bananas finger that touches all quality bananas during our grace period, our Parliament? So when we fail to forebears fought for, we should and sundry in the community. Members exert that authority and allow of the urban middle class and the secondly, to capture a piece of the demand more of our shipping business where much of the disruption to the sacred tenets of parliamentarians. professional service (including doctors ‘debate, dissent and discussion’, it is and lawyers), who have never touched a real action is, thirdly, to seek our viable One opportunity towards this end alternatives in the interim. an affront to holding fast to the lies just around the corner. plant or dug a hole, would have their THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 9. V Views Demits, son does not replace him HE CAME in on a wave of popularity. The attributes that belong only to God. He Rather than bowing out gracefully, Jonathan to succeed him, but this was people clamored for him. They anointed changed long established laws and he sought desperately to hold on to not to be. him and may have given him a Spiritual traditions to suit himself. Rather than power. He knew he had to go, but Rather than peacefully handing Bath. He appeared to be the long relying on God’s prophets for advice, wanted to hand over to his son who over power to the next Government, expected leader. He was tall, handsome, he sought comfort and consolation in was not at all suitable for the task of Saul chose to fight the anointed and eloquent; one who would stand with Obeah, mistakenly thinking that he restoring the high ideals to which the successor, and eventually dies the World Leaders. Their urgings and could consult wizards to know God’s country aspired. However, God’s plan disgracefully in Office. This was his actions were tantamount to creating a will. He thought he could work Obeah was for someone else to rule the fate despite knowing that he was ‘Revolution’. They shouted, “The voice of for God, not recognizing that country, and this is what played out in rejected by God and the people. His the people is the voice of God.” Although obedience is better than sacrifice. As History. mantra seemed to be ‘to hold on to this was not God’s intention, he let the he grew old and dementia and Despite his shortcomings, David, power by any means necessary and at people have their way. perhaps senility were appearing, he son of Jesse, succeeded Saul as King any cost’, and this was his downfall. His early years in power were fairly could not recognize that his of Israel and proved to be ‘a man after successful, but the power soon got to contribution to the political landscape God’s own heart. The story is recorded Anthony Stewart, PhD his head, as he tried to assume was complete. in 1 Samuel. Saul wanted his son Doing the Learning on the honourable thing I SEE WHERE, Mr. Editor, you did the honourable Basketball Court thing and wasted no time in getting an apology off to the Prime Minister. THERE ARE five things there was nothing you hand. We’ve all seen The way I see it, if you know you erred, and I learned playing can do to stop us. My leaders who pivot there is no use in trying to say you didn’t by basketball that ball, my rules. Keep your without sharing all the fighting the issue in court, then the honourable contributed significantly team informed. reasons. The result? thing to do is to admit you erred and get on with to my success as an 2. Always be ready to Their team ends up business. In so doing, there is no time wasting and adult. pivot: Flexibility is the confused, frustrated, and no money down the drain. 1. Communicate with key to all successful demoralized. The thing is, if I know you well, Mr. Editor, you openness and full plans; be ready to change 3. Face your fear: Give would have passed this whole business by one of transparency: Many of direction based on the people on your team a your legal friends and, if I really know you well, my teammates often current information chance to talk about that friend would not be a person from here in SVG. criticized me for available, and your team their fears and respect For except for one or two ULP diehards who changing and calling out will adapt. Great leaders their concerns, about the plays as a point guard, know when and how to new direction. Don’t accomplishments of the would know no better, there was hardly a beep from team and the effort and any of the political sides on the matter. from the top of the key. pivot. Your team will underestimate the need They always wanted me take their clues from you to allow for dissent and contributions of the I think, my friend, you can rest assured you have individual. You cannot no friends on either side, and if you have enemies, to develop a code to as long as you honest disagreement on signal the play we were communicate effectively how to achieve the stated succeed without everyone it’s probably a blessing. doing his/her part and One thing for certain that I know, and that is about to run. I was of the and with confidence. If goals. Take time to opinion that because I you are wrong that’s address their concerns taking care of each other. that you are not for sale. As a leader in these Keep on doing what you’re doing, my friend. had the ball, I can tell okay, you will get the and when it will do no you what I was going to ball back, just stay harm to the bigger goal, unprecedented times, Charles, Edinboro do. If we did it correctly, focused on the task at allow for the introduction remember you don’t need of new options to the to know all the answers, playbook. but you need to share 4. Do the hard work: what you know at all Restoring relationships No matter how well you times. Give yourself and think you know the play, your team permission to RESTORING found, but not limited to: to be honest with each Don’t fool yourselves, or the game plan, be make mistakes, be relationships is of between spouses, other. This would involve it is hard to forgive, but committed to the practise willing to acknowledge paramount importance, between parents, open discussion and it can be done once we those mistakes, and seek God’s help. sessions. Be willing to especially that broken between parents and openness to accept help others succeed and more importantly be relationships have children, in the wrong. Many times we Coupled with all that willing to make the was mentioned before, is remain flexible and agile. contributed to the hurt community, at the work play the blame game, i.e. 5. Say thank you: necessary changes and anger that many place, in organisations to blame someone else the willingness to change quickly. and to love each other Celebrate and persons are carrying. and in church. except ourselves; it is acknowledge the And bear in mind that In restoring always someone else’s despite our own hurts Horatio Skeete, USA these broken relationships, both fault or someone else and challenges. If we truly forgive those who relationships can be parties must be prepared who is wrong and not have hurt us, then it me. becomes easier to love. Big up to ‘Bigger Biggs’ However, as we move The humbleness to say to restore relationships, I AM TRULY glad for ‘Bigger Biggs’. They say the we are sorry and to truth always comes to light, and I hope that this is we have to be honest to forgive others is admit we are wrong, and what will happen, now that he has a chance to important. The challenge the authorities in court. humble enough to say we humbleness of asking for are sorry. forgiveness plays an I don’t think I know another man who went This will lead to important role in through what ‘Bigger Biggs’ went through and FORGIVENESS — that restoring a relationship. came out fighting. He is a born survivor, a warrior. we forgive those who We must be humble I was not directly affected when they forced have wronged us, after enough to let go of the Biggs’ business to close down, but a relative of mine they would have past and accept each was, and it took that relative a very, very long time admitted their error and other. before he found new employment. I think they saw seek our forgiveness. It is my prayer that as my relative as a supporter of the NDP just like how But we must also a people, we would seek they saw Biggs. forgive ourselves, stop by God’s help to restore But what is even more outstanding about this blaming ourselves when the broken relationships man, is that he continues to employ a lot of people we have been forgiven by that exist in and around in that food outlet he operates. The man is a true, others. us. Let us have a true Christian, and I wish him all God’s blessings. More importantly, we stronger family, home, I know that he will battle to the end, and I pray cannot expect to be church, nation and that he will have the strength to see his fight to forgiven by the Lord if communities. victory. we don’t forgive others. (St. Matthew 6:15.) Kennard King A Mespo man 10. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Views SVG: A functioning society, and working NDP has a better way for youths ON THURSDAY 25TH JUNE, the New economy during the COVID-19 pandemic Democratic Party (NDP) held a successful youth forum. In that session, Introduction youths shared their experiences of hardship, neglect, victimization, On Thursday, June 25, 2020, the discrimination and hopelessness under “I am mad because of the high Ministry of Health, Wellness and the the Unity Labour Party (ULP) levels of sexual violence against Environment issued a press release women and girls here in St.Vincent informing the nation that Saint Vincent scientific and very caring, proceeded government. The NDP has a better way. and the Grenadines had achieved zero with purpose, showing the region and We offer hope and we see the talent and and the Grenadines, and an apparent active recorded COVID-19 cases. This the world we are very mindful of the energy of our youths as pivotal in an disregard by the ruling regime. I am means that all 29 positive tests have virus, but would be forced in perilous effort to move St. Vincent and the mad because citizenship means fully recovered and are medically inertia by it. Grenadines forward. nothing — ask the cruise ship workers, cleared. From the date of our first The government took all protective The stories articulated by the the students in Cuba and Jamaica. recorded positive test on March 11, measures. Schools were closed one youths are well known, and most I am mad because of the poor and 2020, this country has conducted over week earlier, with the Ministry of youths can relate to them. It was despicable healthcare system here in 840 tests, the bulk of which were done Education making relevant heart-rending to listen to their St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and I at the CARPHA lab in Trinidad and arrangement to ensure the continuous presentations. It is even more am mad because fifteen years ago we Tobago. However, approximately 150 learning of our students. Needless to depressing for young people who have were promised a national stadium; tests were conducted locally, thanks to say, Dr. Friday allowed opposition graduated colleges and universities today we could only get a basic track. our enhanced capacity that now allows politics to cloud reason, urging that and are finding it extremely difficult Yes, I am mad.” us to do in-country testing. schools be closed, not to return until to be employed. Some people are at Before any Caribbean island 2021. Making every effort to reassure home for a number of years and Plans for our youths recorded a positive COVID-19 case, the society at large that the safety of cannot find a job. As a result, they SVG put the necessary protocols in our children was paramount, the become frustrated. The NDP has stated that its major place based on the advice of the WHO government met with stakeholders, The following are excerpts of one of priority is to create the environment and PAHO, that included partial bans and with Ministry of Transport and the presenters of how she sees the to provide thousands of sustainable on travellers from specified countries Works including BRAGSA to look at jobs for the youths of this country. We including China, screening at ports of situation: ways to safely restart face to face will implement a number of novel and entry, and advisories detailing proper learning. By the end of May, there “In the recent past here in hand hygiene, social distancing and was a phased re-opening of schools, St.Vincent and the Grenadines, we innovative programmes and policies other measures necessary to prevent beginning with students writing exit have witnessed many acts of violence that will create an enabling the spread of the virus. All countries exams, with all measures to ensure and desperation from our young environment for thousands of jobs to implemented quarantine measures for full and complete safety of our people. Many of them have been be created. For example, the visitors arriving from certain students. All Grade 6 students were labeled as mentally ill. Just recently implementation of the Citizenship by locations, with this country being the able to write their CPEA on June 25th in Richland Park, a young boy was Investment Programme will be an first in the region to actually execute and 26th. killed in a most gruesome manner. I instant game changer for economic the quarantining of new arrivals. It There was also the accelerated roll would say, therefore, that we in St. growth and development and job was not long before COVID-19 out of the universally praised PRYME Vincent and the Grenadines have a creation. impacted the entire region, as member program, offering grants to small problem with mental health. The NDP has also identified state after member state of CARICOM businesses, with over 160 successful “On the heels of that incident, the Information Technology as an confirmed positive cases. applicants obtaining sums from $2500 Prime Minister of this country was important area that will provide Countries had to act swiftly to to $40,000. The agriculture sector asked a question about mental health. opportunities for our young people. prevent the situation from spiraling received an injection of over $12 His response was to state dismissively We will place tremendous emphasis out of control. Measures included the million. All the while SVG continued that people must ‘own their madness’. on Information Technology to tackle closure of exit and entry ports, the its regular shipment of produce to In the present climate, I thought that the unemployment situation which issuance of stay at home advisories, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, response was a most insensitive and exists among our youths, in this complete lockdown, and in the cases of keeping our farmers and traffickers out of touch comment that one could country. employed while helping our Jamaica and Saint Kitts/Nevis, states get from a Prime Minister of a We will continue to provide the of emergency. These measures CARICOM sisters. Some businesses opportunities for higher education for implemented by our Caribbean scaled back activities, while offering country. neighbours brought economic activity special relief incentives to customers “As a young woman I am angry. I more young Vincentians to obtain to a standstill; schools were closed and who may have difficulty servicing want to own my anger and madness. I degrees at home and abroad; create a citizens were locked in their houses their accounts. But by-and-large, am saying, ‘Yes, I am mad’. I am mad diversified scholarship portfolio by unable to move about freely, in some businesses kept their doors open. The because as a young girl, I was told if I providing incentives and scholarships cases facing the possibility of arrest vendors at the vegetable and fish studied hard and did well for youths who excel in sports, the for venturing outside for anything markets as well as street vendors academically, I will be rewarded. I did arts and extracurricular activities. We other than essentials. These measures continued to ply their trade, securing that up to Community College and will also ensure that meaningful had a crippling economic effect, with their livelihoods. Imagine the graduated with subjects in Law and employment is created for these some countries’ revenue projected to economic disaster that may have Communications and can’t even get a youths after they have completed drop by as much as 80% as in the case ensued if this ULP government had job in a supermarket. their studies. of Antigua and Barbuda, forcing abandoned reason and courage “I am mad because I see persons Further, we will encourage a delays of central governing payment adopting the ill-conceived non-idea of who I know are employed not because culture of youth entrepreneurship and Godwin Friday’s NDP to shut down including salaries! It not difficult to of their qualifications, but because of provide the environment for them to imagine the social, psychological, and the country, effectively bringing the grow. We will establish a National functioning of our society to a halt! their political connections, and I who other terrible consequences of this have worked so hard am told Development Bank, to eliminate the halt on national economies. Simply But wisdom triumphed once again credit problem and make financing put, countries in the region had not over childlike fear! Thanks to which continuously ‘no vacancies exist’. I am mad because I see so many young more accessible and more affordable just stopped working, they had not just our economy but indeed for local businesspeople, especially stopped functioning! In SVG, the ULP society never entered a coma. men and women on the block with nothing to do. I am mad because so small businesses. Our youths will government led by a man with an benefit immensely from this bank. indomitable spirit in whose breast Conclusion many young people I know are being gunned down in the streets. This bank will also provide training hope springs eternal, refused to and technical assistance in entertain the idea of putting the Keeping our Vincentian society “I am mad because unemployment functioning and our economy working Agriculture, tourism, fisheries, small country to sleep, regardless how among young people here in business development and human temporarily. during the COVID-19 pandemic St.Vincent and the Grenadines is over underlines that SVG has a resource development. 46%. I am mad because We will also focus on sports and SVG never stopped functioning government led by a Prime Minister unemployment among women here in who constantly applies his heart to skills training. Vincentians have seen St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Exposing the panic-laden and wisdom, consulting the professionals the decline in these areas since the and following the science. But more over 30%. I am mad because according ULP took power in 2001. It is the unwise consistent calls of the Dr. Hon. to the IMF, Vincentians are worse off Godwin Friday-led NDP to shut our than anything, a man who truly cares intention of the NDP to revive these for all, but first and foremost the least today than they were in 2001. crucial areas of development, so that borders, and institute “Chinese-style “I am mad because for years, we draconian measures”, that would have fortunate. He knows they must be our youths can benefit. The NDP will all but crippled normal functioning of cared for! Our people are blessed with were on the cusp of an economic take restructure the schools’ curriculum so our society, PM Gonsalves poured wise, innovative, creative and caring off and today we can only boast 0.03% that sports education can again be a scorn on this irrationality; and, leadership. We see this repeatedly economic growth for 2019. I am mad priority. More hard courts will be determined to proceed without through the actions of this ULP because too many young girls are constructed, enclosed, lit and properly histrionics, cognizant of and believing government. The most important take forced to prostitute themselves to maintained to facilitate various in the resilience of our people, gave away from the way SVG managed the advance in life. I am mad because it sporting disciplines, and at least one the assurance and demonstrated that Covid-19 pandemic is, that while the seems that it’s only at the end of rest of CARICOM is trying to figure playing field in each constituency will our economy can continue to function. every five (5) years the government be lit to encourage more participation The ULP government then, with out how best to get their economies and countries working again, we remembers that I want plywood, in sports. The NDP will make SVG soberness and maturity, being proudly boast, SVG NEVER stopped! galvanize, lumber and cement. work for all the youths. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 11. V Views The Power of Restraint Too early to call

“He who controls others may be THE 2020 ELECTIONS are rapidly powerful, but he who has mastered approaching. Gonsalves loves December himself is mightier still.” ? Lao Tzu – elections. We offer 2005, 2010 and 2015 younger, a former national footballer Ancient Chinese philosopher and election cycles as proof. He repeatedly and diplomat, carries an expectation writer. said the elections will be called before burden. NDP has held the seat since year-end. Constitutionally due March 1984. Bramble may not lose any of the 2021, Vincentians can expect to go to the support the former Opposition leader WHEREVER POSSIBILITIES exist for or employed to provide customer polls later this year. interacting with others, there will also service or patient care seem to be so held. However, he must get to East be occasions for misunderstandings and Kingstown as soon as the airlines start very lacking in relation to how they Last Saturday we made the following flying. A delay increases problems in disagreements. Discourteous service respond to those individuals that they post: providers, disrespectful commuters, the constituency for NDP. are required to serve. It is often quite ‘The 2020 elections in SVG is too Orondi Brewster, a medical doctor selfish drivers, unreasonable customers, visible that so many of these early to call as opposed to too close to stands in for Sir Louis Straker who ungrateful children, and insensitive individuals appear to be more focused call. If you are a betting man, the best ensured that Central Leeward stayed in parents are but a few of the examples of on power/commanding rather than you can safely say is ULP 6, NDP 4. the ULP column since 1994. Brewster the stages that are sometimes set for us demonstrating that they care or are Don't assume that either side will easily possesses a strong, booming voice. to play out a response to an irritating concerned. In so many cases, they get the coveted 8 victories necessary to Whether his youth offers a connectivity situation. And while we may be able to provide evidence that they lack the form the next government.’ that allows him to build on the ULP’s justify responses that are tinged with power of restraint. They are too Supporters from both sides of the 2015 314-vote margin, is to be seen. He anger, we may often discover that a easily enticed to be caustic. And in so political divide jumped on the post. We will be strongly tested by Ben Exeter. more productive outcome is generated doing, we (the recipient of their were called crazy, unscientific and Exeter’s candidacy, underrated in 2015, when we exhibit the power of restraint. negative responses) are required to worse. One leading official of the ruling sent the ULP leadership into a tizzy Life’s varied situations will show some restraint. We conclude party said the post was intended to offer last election night. periodically appear to test us to the support to the NDP, but it was too late. Exeter’s legal challenge of Sir Louis’s that they may have lacked proper Other ULP supporters with an inside core. There will be times when training at home or may have brought election remains unresolved. The entire challenges emerge in relation to track posted numbers from a poll and NDP leadership and its supporters their “home problems” to the declared that the ULP will do even whether or not we should respond in a workplace. However, neither excuse remain convinced they were cheated out better this time than in 2015. of a seat and the chance to topple the manner that demonstrates restraint is acceptable. Even when under Opposition supporters quarrelled. Many or the lack thereof. For example, a ULP. To his credit, Exeter, who resided tremendous pressure we are required said our forecast had to be wrong in Canada for decades, remained recent visit to a hardware store in to demonstrate the strength of because Vincentians were so fed up search of a plumbing fixture grounded and continued to work with character that commands us to with the governing party that this time voters. The ULP will not underestimate generated a most irritating feeling demonstrate control. Many of the there must be a change. Some said ULP his chances this time, while Exeter will when one of the workers responded to older generation would have has cheated since 2005 so expect them be revving for the victory he is my request for assistance by recommended that we pause to take to cheat again. convinced was stolen from him in 2015. answering in a manner that left me several deep breaths or to slowly We maintain that as of July 1, 2020, Only the politically naïve will count him feeling that this was not part of her count to ten. They anticipated that the elections are too early to call. Plain out. job description; she was not there to the pause would aid in relieving the Talk did not say too close to call. Too South Leeward is a seat that the guide or serve customers but to tension and dispelling an otherwise early to call simply means that much ULP should have easily won last time. engage in conversation with her co- confrontational outcome. We treasure can happen between now and elections Its leadership sacrificed it in a political worker. My brain quickly processed their wisdom. day. gambit that almost cost the party the the situation. Should I opt to remind As best we can, we must seek to elections. Nigel Stevenson, the two-time her that I was a customer needing avoid being easily provoked or Unless there is a massive swing incumbent is a lacklustre candidate, but away from the ULP, PM Gonsalves, service? On the other hand, should I angered. Epictetus (50-135), the the NDP election machine in South tactfully suggest that it is in her best Saboto Caesar, Gustaus Stephenson, Leeward is stellar. It took the party Greek Stoic philosopher, reminds us Jimmy Prince and Camillo Gonsalves interest, and that of the firm that she that, “If someone succeeds in home in 2015 and could again this time will retain their seats. The safe bet is around. works for, if she provided the provoking you, realize that your mind that newcomer, teacher/historian, necessary assistance sought? Or is complicit in the provocation. Which The ULP offers Dr Minerva Glasgow, Curtis King so well rooted in West St a life-long NDP supporter. Dr Glasgow, should I leave her to “stew in her is why it is essential that we not George, will beat back a spirited and miserable, unhappy state”? an accomplished executive, is an respond impulsively to impressions; energetic challenge from Kay Bacchus unexciting, dour retiree who will be Sometimes, our choices in situations take a moment before reacting, and Baptiste. are neither right nor wrong. We can hard-pressed to enthuse the voters. you will find it easier to maintain Dr Godwin Friday and Terrance Worst, the ULP did precious little in the easily justify whichever choice we control.” Ollivierre hold the Grenadines seats, last 10 years to endear itself to South make. In this case, I opted to search We must continue the legacy of while Major Leacock and Daniel Leeward voters. The most neglected for the item without her assistance. guiding our wards to think and act in Cummings will get third terms in constituency in the country, it’s In my disappointment and anger, I responsible ways especially when Central Kingstown and West anyone’s guess whether the current opted to show some self-restraint and frustrated and/or angry. We have Kingstown. efforts to get some things done will not not “pour fuel on the fire”. To me, it the privilege of guiding them to be There are 5 seats in play at this amount to too little too late. South was not worth it. I had power to considerate and respectful citizens. juncture. The Leeward constituencies Leeward is a marginal seat and the dismiss it and reflect on the guidance Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), one which are currently held by Patel ULP could surprise. provided by the Roman emperor and of the Founding Fathers of the United Mathews, the retiring Sir Louis Straker Montgomery Daniel vies for a 5- Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius States of America, reminds us to and Nigel Stevenson. consecutive victory in North Windward. (121-180) when he said, “You have “Educate your children to self-control, In 2015, the ULP narrowly lost Reports are that he will be challenged power over your mind — not outside North Leeward, and Carlos James must by a female teacher. He won by 320 to the habit of holding passion and now fancy his chances. However, the events. Realize this, and you will find prejudice and evil tendencies subject votes in 2015, an increase of a mere 70 strength.” Sometimes others may ULP having lost by a mere 12 votes votes after the ULP spent heavily to an upright and reasoning will, and may have hurt its chances by back- very well interpret that strength to be you have done much to abolish misery following the Rock Gutter disaster that loading much of what it had to do for took the lives of several young people. a weakness but we, you and I, must from their future and crimes from the year before the elections. The determine and justify our responses Daniel, as Housing Minister, was also society.” Critical social skills and coronavirus slowed ULP’s attempt to in control of the government’s lumber, noting that we will periodically be personality traits are developed in our finish projects and win favours. There is required to demonstrate the power of cement and galvanize giveaway homes, schools, and churches. We a mad rush to repair the roads, rebuild bonanza. restraint … for a greater good. have been commissioned to train our the bridges and the wharf at Yet an 8 to 7 result compelled The foregoing example reminds us wards to develop the discipline of self- Chateaubeliar. With high Gonsalves to pleasurably declare ‘A win that we do not have to fight every restraint. As leaders in our homes, unemployment and growing is a win.’ battle. And we must be especially on schools, workplaces, and the hopelessness, James, aloof and In politics, a lot can change in a short guard to ensure that we do not allow community at large, we must convey pompous, will not easily remove the space of time. All politics is local. ULP others to sour our spirits. This is that restrain is necessary if we are to rabble-rousing Mathews. is going for a 5th term. Many are especially so when confronting be trusted and respected. The two contests to watch with neglected, turned off or simply not unhappy, miserable, angry So, we press on through this often hawks’ eyes are those in East impressed. This reality explains individuals. Bohdi Sanders (born challenging maze called life, knowing Kingstown and Central Leeward. Luke Gonsalves’ nervousness as reflected in 1962) suggests that we should “Never that its beauty will periodically be Browne is a formidable challenger. his overbearing, daily attempts to respond to an angry person with a punctuated by the ugly behaviours Contesting against the leader of the saturate the news media with his voice. opposition in 2015, he shaved more than fiery comeback, even if he deserves and attitudes of others. But we will Because postcolonial SVG is not post- it...Don’t allow his anger to become 300 votes off Eustace’s 2010 victory colonial, the light-skinned Friday will not be daunted. We will take each margin, to lose by less than 150. He’s your anger.” step in its stride knowing the we be his biggest threat to the continued youthful, aggressively determined and domination of local politics. Whoever We commend those individuals possess the power of restraint. overly committed to winning. His father who, regardless of the pressure that triggers the imagination of the populace has long labelled him a future Prime will win. We await the day of decision. they face, go out of their way to make Send comments, criticisms & Minister. His ambition to lead may others feel welcomed and cared for. suggestions to prove his undoing. However, it is often considered ironic Send comments, criticisms & [email protected] Browne will face Fitz Bramble who suggestions to [email protected] that the individuals who are recruited replaces Arnhim Eustace. Bramble, 12. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Views LIAT - long-term addict IF YOU KEEP giving a drug addict drugs, The prime ministers of these that it cannot become addicted to they will continue to rely on drugs. shareholder governments must be held government bailouts. now? This should have been said over The relationship between LIAT and accountable for the incompetent It would be unacceptable to the 40 years. LIAT needed to be leaner, its shareholder governments has governance of LIAT. It was reported taxpayers’ of LIAT shareholder efficient and viable 40 years ago. It is mirrored that of a drug addict and his that in all of 2019, LIAT made a loss governments, for these governments to ludicrous that this is only being said drug suppliers. For decades, LIAT of about EC$12 million. Even without continue to wastefully throw away now, in 2020. has been managed poorly and been a COVID-19, LIAT was failing and in millions of dollars of their money on LIAT has been in crisis and utter financial failure. LIAT has been in debt. another poorly run airline. Gonsalves financial chaos for decades, even debt for decades, but its shareholder Wrongful trading is a serious must stop wasting millions of dollars though LIAT has had a virtual governments have kept on pumping offence which is punishable by law. of SVG taxpayers’ money to prop up monopoly on regional air travel in the millions of dollars into it, to cover that Wrongful trading is when the directors LIAT or any other airline. It’s like Caribbean. This is because LIAT’s debt. know that the company is insolvent; throwing money down the drain. shareholder governments have been LIAT has never bothered to they know it will not be a temporary Thousands of households in SVG incompetent and continually failed to properly restructure, to run efficiently state and they have no way to pay live in poverty, without mains water tackle the real problems within LIAT. and to create a profit, because it their creditors. Wrongful trading could and electricity, and with their children It was reported that the Prime knows that when it needed a quick also be proven if the directors willfully going to bed hungry. SVG taxpayers’ Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, ‘fix’, its shareholder governments allow the amount of debt to increase money should be helping these poor Browne, said the formation of the new would supply that ‘fix’. LIAT has been whilst they are trading. There are households. The poor of SVG should entity must be done swiftly. This is addicted to bailouts for decades and its statutory rules and regulations that not be neglected, so that Gonsalves wrong. The formation of the new shareholder governments have been deem wrongful trading unlawful. can waste taxpayers’ money entity must be done properly. It would happy to waste taxpayers’ money to Whatever happens next, if LIAT subsidising the air travel of the rich. be foolhardy to rush to create a new satisfy LIAT’s addiction. reforms or a new airline is created, It was reported that one of LIAT’s entity and that new entity turns out to LIAT has never been forced into governments must not subsidise this shareholder governments said that be as bad as, or worse, than LIAT. The rehabilitation to get off its addiction, new entity. Governments must not “the new airline will be much leaner new entity must be financially so it is no surprise now to hear that create a new bailout addict. than the current LIAT… But if you are sustainable. LIAT will more than likely be Whatever new entity is created, it going to have a new entity that is Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc liquidated; that it will collapse, again! must be set up properly so that it is scaled down, that is viable, that is (Hons) MSc, MBA, says that LIAT has LIAT’s shareholder governments must run in an efficient manner that leads efficient, that can meet the been in debt for decades and addicted take responsibility for LIAT collapsing, to a profit. The new entity must be run connectivity needs of the Caribbean to government bailouts for decades. It because they have failed to force LIAT as a private company and funded by people, then clearly that has to be the is time to stop the addiction. The new to operate in a manner that would money from private investors. The new option that we pursue.” entity must be a privately funded create a profit. entity will only run well if it knows Why on earth is this being said company. The grass in the drains of Kingstown gives testimony A FEW MONTHS ago, the “bright flag on the pole” of St. Vincent and the But how prepared, how qualified is Promise to revive the banana Neglect of the drains” A poor Grenadines was held aloft by our the ULP government to play the Industry reflection Prime Minister, who, with eloquent declared role of defending the people speeches, sought to infuse pride in our of the small disadvantaged nations of What a great pity, that Ralph Citizens, it is time to remove this people on the occasion that St. Vincent the world? Gonsalves did not honour the promise “wutless stain”, this lack of pride will and the Grenadines had made history A farmer is not equipped to do he had so spiritedly made in 2001 to cause us pain, the pervasive grass in by becoming the smallest nation ever worthwhile work on the farm, if he revitalize the Banana Industry here. the drain exhibits disdain for the to have the distinction of sitting on leaves home with a new cutlass, but He would have had the satisfaction of people by the administrators who “in the United Nations Security Council, depends on a rusty file to sharpen it being the young scholars “soar with Cabinet” enjoy healthy dinners at the as a non-permanent member. Dr. with, and the hoe on his shoulder had their wings unclipped” enabled by the expense of the people. Do we expect Ralph Gonsalves had clearly been resting un-used in the sun and incomes of their banana farming that our colleagues in the Security demonstrated his enthusiasm, with the rain for several months. A families. Council of the United Nations will be which he indicated it would dispassionate examination of the Today, these families are hurting, impressed favourably when they see significantly enhance the reach of St. modus operandi of the Ralph for instead of Ralph Gonsalves and his abundant evidence of neglect in our Vincent and the Grenadines, as it Gonsalves led regime over the last men honouring the promises they capital? undertook to speak on behalf of the fifteen years, clearly shows that they made in 2001, to revitalize the That almost derelict pole — standing small, disadvantaged nations of the are not reliable material on whom one Banana Industry, they mashed it up. valiantly in the drain next’ to our world. can depend to look out for the So, today we ship ‘no bananas, we ship noble Parliament Building and on In this acclamation of the interests of the people. With respect to no bananas today’. However, it must which is displayed a bold “COVID-19” acknowledgement of the enhanced his management of the interests and not be forgotten that Renwick Rose of sign, speaks volumes of the quality of status, Dr. Gonsalves seemed to have business of the people of St. Vincent ODD fame, and WINFA distinction, management in our capital. Despite enjoyed substantial support at home and the Grenadines, he has turned out participated actively, in the crippling the appearance that the pole can fall and abroad. The leader of the to be “superlatively untrustworthy”. of the Banana Growers Association, at any time, because one-third of its Opposition Dr. Friday himself was The evidence of that has been well leaving the farmers scrunting and the circumference at the base has already clear on that matter. documented. economy dead. been eaten away, the good pole stands We have been represented on the A glimpse of his crippling of our It is worthy of note that despite the defiant, its agony seemingly soothed Security Council of the United Nations economic well-being can be seen when fact that Renwick Rose had by a beautiful tuft of green grass for six months now, but I have not as the case of Leon “Bigger Bigs” Samuel participated in the neutralizing of our which hides its eroded base. On this yet heard anything on the news, is examined. I remember “Bigga” from largest farmers organization in his pole there are clusters of wires which indicating that any issue had gone to several decades ago when we met at home land St. Vincent and the lead to the Parliament Building where the United Nation’s Security Council Bernard Punnett’s garage, where he Grenadines, he was in Geneva, the people’s representatives meet to for adjudication, and that St. Vincent had come to do some tractor work. Switzerland delivering an address as direct the business of the state. and the Grenadines had played a role From the short conversation I had Chairman of the Executive Committee It is reasonable to say, therefore, in the satisfactory resolution of it. with him, I saw that he had big ideas, of the World Banana Forum. It is that the exhibition of neglect, the There are still eighteen months to go and he was logical. By now he should reported, that in delivering that evident lack of pride and the in terms of our stint as a member of have been a multi-millionaire! address, Renwick Rose called for “new indifference to the well-being and that distinguished body, and Incidentally, Leon’s father was forms of engagements and exemplary comfort of the people, as reflected in considering the instability and Joshua Samuel, a man who played a relationships”, to avoid the negative the extended prevalence of grass in uncertainty, which seem to be always prominent role as a member of the St. situations of the past which had led to the drains, are irrefutably the hovering, St. Vincent and the Vincent Banana Growers Association a virtual “race to the bottom”. And products of our Parliament. Grenadines could well be called on to which up to the 1980s had at least this Banana Forum was held on The citizens should now be play some part in the discussions nine thousand members. Joshua had November 8th — 11th 2017. How long demanding that the drains of which the Council would be burdened his farm in Glenside in the Marriaqua has our banana industry been dead? Kingstown and other communities be to consider, as they endeavor to bring Valley. Bananas allowed Joshua to How have we benefited from properly cleaned before schools re- relief to the suffering citizens of some provide adequately for his family. One Renwick’s participation in that open. Free the drains of grass before nation or nations. of his sons is an important player in Forum? This is one of the subjects on they come back to class! an internationally recognized which we need some discussion. Too Is the ULP prepared for the task? organization. much grass in the drain! LeRoy Providence THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 13. V News NO LIAT⁄. NO AIA

the Argyle International with or without the Airport (AIA) will challenges occasioned by become a “white COVID-19. elephant.” And as far as a new His reading of the tea entity replacing LIAT leaves with respect to the upon its dissolution, AIA must have been Leacock is not at all predicated on the fact excited about a quick that LIAT was the main response to this scheduled passenger air expectation. carrier serving SVG, He all but said that even in the face of much the region could not touted direct flights from depend on any of the the USA and Canada, by large international The Argyle International Airport will be severely affected by the dissolution Amercian Airlines, Air airlines — Virgin, British of LIAT, Leacock said. Canada and Caribbean Airways, American Airlines. Airlines, even Caribbean St Clair Leacock, The Central Airlines — to invest in a Parliamentary Kingstown new entity since they Representative for representative also cited were all in “debt up to Central Kingstown, the debilitating impact their necks.” says governments must LIAT’s dissolution would Those airlines are not run away from have on the local hotel themselves looking for dealing with air industry, not least being bailouts; they could not transport problems that that there would be no be expected to “bail us confront the region. scheduled nor sustained out,” Leacock reasoned. airlift of regional visitors Further, the MP OPPOSITION into St. Vincent and the suggested that there was PARLIAMENTARIAN St. Grenadines. no private sector entity Clair Leacock has issued a Existing hotels will in SVG, for that matter call for the problems suffer, and those whose anywhere in the OECS, thrown up by the recent investments in the that would even think of LIAT debacle to be industry have begun to buying out or bailing out addressed and addressed take shape will be having LIAT. soonest. doubts about the “Whether we like it or Speaking earlier this feasibility of their not, the governments will week on the heels of investments. have to and bound to and news that a proposal had In not as many words, compel to get back into been made for the debt- the trained Business the solutions of air ridden airline to go into Consultant opened transport problems in liquidation, Leacock discussion on the harsh the region and eat warned that if the LIAT economic times that lay humble pie,” Leacock problem is not resolved, ahead for this country, said. ‘Cooperatives for a better world’ Kingstown St. Vincent & the Grenadines June 24th, 2020

THIS IS THE THEME for International Day of Cooperatives, which would be celebrated on Saturday, July 4th, 2020, by three (3) The River Bank Gardens at Stoney Ground, the venue local Cooperatives for the celebration, is the result of the work undertaken in the state of St. through the River Bank Gardens Environment Vincent and the Protection project. Grenadines: Alternative during the ‘economic be promoted for Holistic and Organic recovery period,’’ post maintaining a healthy Cooperative Society Ltd., COVID-19 pandemic. diet. (AHOCS-SVG), Goodwill Among the activities The joint cooperative Fisherman’s Cooperative during the open day, activity to celebrate ‘’ Society, and the would be short speeches Day of Cooperatives’’ North Windward by representatives of the would take place on Cannabis Cooperative. 3 cooperatives, the Saturday 4th July at The objective of launching of a Farmers Riverbank Gardens commemorating the ‘’ Market by AHOCS, with Environment Protection Day of Cooperatives, ‘’ is an emphasis on Organic project at Stoney to raise awareness of the Foods, healthy living, Grounds, Kingstown need for unity and and the use of natural beginning at 7 a.m. with cooperation among herbs and bush the opening of the cooperatives in striving tea/roots. Fish - a rich Community Market. to ‘’ build a better world’’ source of protein - would (Source: Coops as referenced in article) 14. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V News Police Force shows appreciation

THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT AND THE St. Vincent and the Grenadines appreciation of the plaque. He GRENADINES Police Forcepresented Police Force and St. Vincent and outlined that he is more than a plaque to the Melisizwe Brothers, the Grenadines as a whole. He happy to partner with the Royal in recognition of the group’s support thanked the brothers for their St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the Police Band and for generous contribution of the Police Band and the Police Force promoting the name of St. Vincent musical instruments donated to as a whole, to promote future and the Grenadines on the global the Royal St. Vincent and the ventures. He thanked the stage. Grenadines Police Force Band on Commissioner and the Police In a brief handover ceremony June 8, 2020. He proffered that the The plaque was designed and held at Police Headquarters instruments would play a pivotal made by Vincentian craftsman Mr. Conference Room on Monday June role in the development of the Rowland “Scrappie” Dopwell and 29, 2020, Commissioner of Police Police Band. crew. Mr. Colin John handed over the Mr. Mark James, in accepting plaque to Mr. Mark James, father the plaque on his sons’ behalf, (L-R): Mark James, father of the of the Melisizwe Brothers. expressed sincere gratitude. He Melisizwe Bothers, accepts a According to Commissioner stated that the smiles on his sons’ plaque from Commissioner of John, the Melisizwe Bothers has faces — seen as they joined the Police Colin John. impacted positively on the Royal presentation via Zoom, illustrated THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 15. V Grenadines Feature Celebration with a Twist

delicacies, a blessing was pronounced on the proceedings by Pastor Alfred Charles, following which Ms. Johnson gave an outline of how the function was conceptualised and organized. Tannis then personally thanked the nurses for their service over the years, and expressed a special sincere thanks for the health care provided to him and his family. Nurse-in-Charge at the Bequia Hospital, Sis. Maurice Simmons, thanked both Mr. Tannis and the staff of the Fig Tree for giving them the surprise treat, which she Sylvester Tannis (seated) surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Sis. Maurice Simmons, Nurse-in-Charge/Bequia, assured was thoroughly thanked Sylvester Tannis for his thoughtful appreciated by all present. gesture. nurses — those who toil in beef or chicken for meats, The grand finale was a an often take-it-for- served with rice and peas, surprise presentation of a human image and besides THE VINCENTIAN, granted service to green pawpaw pie and birthday cake to the mankind. fresh mixed vegetables; that, his own image. which has had a long ‘birthday boy’ by Ms. Those who know association with Sylvester June 24, 2020 marked and dessert, for the Veronica Lewis. And it the achievement of Tannis’ persons with a ‘sweet Sylvester Tannis and Tannis, congratulates him was no ordinary cake. Not Cheryl Johnson, would on his milestone of his three score and ten. tooth’, of coconut ice only was it large but it During that sojourn, he cream and coconut cake. know that party time or 70th Birthday. May you bore an image of Tannis, not, the activity would live to enjoy many more. has had his fair share of But before guests who commented that it ‘near death’ experiences. delved into the Cheryl have complied to a ‘T’ with (Submitted by Don de was the first time he was the protocols occasioned by Riggs) His family, too, had their Johnson engineered seeing a cake with a share as well. And so he COVID-19. And it did! thought it fit and timely that he show appreciation in a tangible way, to ‘those TCMP’s capacity to be enhanced often neglected but The special 70th important roles provided moorings towards creating a fully Birthday Cake with by our health care workers trained and equipped team of Sylvester Tannis’ image - the nurses’. rangers at the park; and to on it. The decision made, thus establish a comprehensive began the collaboration biophysical (conch, coral reef, sea IT COULD BE DESCRIBED as between Tannis and turtle) monitoring programme. a birthday party with a Cheryl Johnson, By way of tangibles, the project twist. Proprietor/Manager of the will deliver new dive equipment, There are very few Fig Tree Restaurant and biophysical monitoring equipment, The Tobago Cays – the only people in this world that Bar. and two 60hp (4-stroke) outboard Marine Park – protected area – would ‘throw a party’ and Ms. Johnson, no engines for the TCMP patrol vessel. in SVG. shower gifts on the stranger to volunteerism A virtual launching of the invitees. and philanthropy, quickly project was held on Tuesday June One such person is the embraced the intention, SVG as a whole. 16th with remarks from Director of The Tobago Cays Marine Park is brother of the writer of and availed her place and Grenadines Affairs Mr. Edwin this article, and the other, culinary expertise in the only marine protected area Snagg, Chairman of the SVGCF (MPA) in St. Vincent and the who perhaps is the most support of the activity and Mr. Michael John and Lesroy Noel recent inductee, this side challenge i.e. a birthday Grenadines (SVG). The main Mr. Vanburn Harry - CEO SVGCF Manager of TCMP. management office is located on of the world, into this party with a twist. hands over cheque to Mrs. John described the Park as exclusive club, is Bequia- And so it was that the Union Island with a satellite office Dorette Hooper Noel - TCMP. world class, encouraged that on Mayreau, and is staffed by born, former Customs guests — immediate students be educated about it and Officer, retired Bequia nineteen permanent workers family, close neighbours THE TOBAGO CAYS MARINE reminded that in as much as the Revenue Officer and including a manager, an and friends and guests of PARK (TCMP) has received a grant project will deliver tangibles, it was Councellor-at-Large, accountant, administrative officers honour the nurses - turned of XCD$131,360.00 from St Vincent also development human resources Sylvester Tannis. and a team of park rangers. up at the Fig Tree and the Grenadines Conservation and education. In celebration of his The Park is located Restaurant and Bar to Fund (SVGCF). Noel presented the project as 70th birthday, Tannis approximately 5 miles sailing east dine on an appetiser of The grant, in response to a being consistent with and helping decided to use the occasion of Union Island and is a 6,450 either pumpkin or calaloo project proposal title ‘Enhancement to address a number of St. Vincent of his personal milestone hectare multiuse land and sea MPA soup served with freshly of resource management capacity and the Grenadines regional and to lavish praise on and which include five primary baked buns; a main course within the Tobago Cays Marine international commitments and show appreciation to the — buffet style — of fish, uninhabited Cays: Petite Tabac, Park’, is earmarked for use to national biodiversity priorities. Petite Bateau, Petite Rameau, enhance the institutional capacity “The conservation measures Baradal, and Jamesbyand the of the TCMP, so that it is better implemented within the TCMP inhabited Island of Mayreau. equipped to fulfil its mandate ‘to addresses SVG’s attempts to The waters of the TCMP has protect and conserve the resources address over-exploitation of plant extensive coral reef, seagrass beds of the Tobago Cays’, while being and animal species, habitat loss or and sandy bottom habitats, home environmentally friendly and fragmentation and global climate to healthy populations of marine climate smart. change as articulated in the life (fish, conch, sea turtles). The project will be executed over National Biodiversity Strategy & Similarly, the Cays are also home a one year period driven by the Action Plan for St. Vincent & the to significant populations of objectives: to reduce the emissions Grenadines,” Noel said.Noel also terrestrial flora and fauna and increase fuel efficiency of explained that the management of (iguanas, tortoises, opossums and operations by at least 20%; increase the TCMP is responsible for the birds). The rich biological diversity institutional capacity by training at conservation and sustainable use of of the TCMP is further enhanced least four park rangers in water- the resources, so as to preserve the (seated centre) by the strong seafaring history of Sylvester Tannis and nurses from based activities, monitoring marine historical aspects while developing sailing and fishing of the adjacent the Bequia Hospital who were able to attend the resources and maintaining novel livelihood opportunities for islands. (Source: TCMP) ‘birthday with a twist. the people of the Grenadines and 16. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 17. V Environment

A decision regarding the SVG Geothermal Update continuance of the project will be made on the return of Viability, Finance plan, the technical team. Leeward instead (Final Pt) Editor’s Note: The following is the final of a three part series which seeks to give an account of how the Geothermal Project at La Soufriere has panned out. The series makes no attempt to be editorial in approach. Instead, it reports the facts as relayed to the writer. described as “some of the Finance Plan best in the world.” The Leeward slopes of La Soufriere (background) And when the work THE PROJECT may fail which would have been studied as a possible got going in earnest, “we economically, Dacon location for the Geothermal Project. had drilling supervisors delineated, but it is now from the Philippines, an established fact that the overseas based pressure; the ability of geologists from St. Vincent and the professionals. mitigating the risks to California, so we had a Grenadines possesses Dacon was succinct in the developer without very good team but we’re geothermal resources. his praise of the causing the developer to also working with a risk According to Dacon, financing design of the ask for a greater return of exploration that we the Project Manager, it project, lauding it as because they didn’t have knew from before,” would take about 8 “perhaps the best put to put in their money Dacon said. weeks from the moment together geothermal and take any risks — just the technical team project in the Caribbean the whole structure and Drilled in the wrong Getting the equipment to a site on the Leeward arrives here, to ascertain in terms of how it was the project partners place….. ? would have been a costly undertaking and not as whether the project can set up; the utilization of involved.” easy as this photo implies. go forward. He was, the grants, the He reminded that And as for the ‘talk’ however, tightlipped utilization of the informing the project about the location of the drilled the wrong place astronomically, costly about the observation of contingent plan; the preparation and plan drill site, Dacon declared, and we should have operation. the on-going case studies ability to mitigate the were persons from New “I want to say this drilled up Leeward. “It would have meant that his team here is risks without the Zealand, Iceland and because I hear it on the “First of all, we’ve had that we would have had developing, as they await government being under Japan, persons he radio all the time that we studies for geothermal to bring in the since 1990 actually. We equipment by a barge had 6 or 7 feasibility into Chateaubelair, studies, and every one of which would have meant them came up with the that we would have to Seabird harvesting increases same result — we have a had to do some work on ALTHOUGH SEABIRD from mainland Saint Vincent and very good potential but the jetty and then, even HARVEST AND EGG Grenada. Despite lockdowns and the infrastructure costs after, that we would have COLLECTION are prohibited by restricted movements during is too high and we can’t to do even more civil legislation of both Grenada and Covid-19 in recent months, EPIC get the capital works than we did for investment to move the Argyle International St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has received increased reports of Airport — widen roads, research by Environmental seabird harvesting during this forward. Every single study looked at the etc. Protection in the Caribbean time. Although laws prohibit the As it were, the cost of (EPIC) shows that the practice taking of seabirds, their chicks North Leeward end,” Dacon, assured. that project would have continues to occur, primarily and eggs, enforcement of these been too high even before amongst fishing communities and protective laws has been limited North Leeward was attractive, the Project drilling commenced. recreationists. due to the difficulty and expense “If we went to the Harvesting often occurs in in monitoring the remote islands Manager admitted, because the exploring Leeward end the risks of tandem with other activities, in the Grenadines. geologists noted the exploration would be less such as goat hunting, fishing and To address the issue of seabird Laughing Gull eggs are surface manifestations as but the cost for cook-ups on offshore islands, harvesting in the Grenadines, infrastructure is high frequently collected at certain is evident in the hot while chicks and eggs are EPIC is collaborating with and on the Windward times of the year. (Credit: springs that are found additionally collected and authorities, organizations and end the risks of Juliana Coffey) “in the river going up to brought back to main islands for local communities of both nations exploration is higher but Dark View Falls, going the infrastructure costs distribution amongst family and to enhance capacity for seabird seabirds, for both Saint Vincent up to the top.” friends. protection and raise awareness of is lower. At the end of and the Grenadines and Dacon explained that the day we have to look Practitioners originate both conservation needs. EPIC has Grenada, is the continued and the water temperature within the Grenadines and also additionally developed a network at the costs and the risks extensive harvesting of seabirds, increases as it gets closer and we felt that by going of individuals throughout their chicks and eggs. to the volcano, the Grenadine — close to the volcano we’d Interviews amongst fishing reinforcing the be able to tap into the especially fisherfolk and communities on six of the knowledge there’s a same resource. And the tour operators — trained Grenadine islands in 2019 source underneath the science suggested that in seabird monitoring indicated that more than 50% of river, and that, he we can, Dacon and patrolling of threats respondents have harvested confirmed, “was an summarized in support at remote islands. seabird chicks and eggs before. indication of heat and of removing the Leeward All in all, seabirds A higher number indicated suitable permeability.” side as a viable option. have declined by that they consume seabird Leeward site too costly “If the project fails it approximately 70% products but are not involved in is not because we went to worldwide, with declines the wrong place. It is harvesting. And 60% were not However, as he in tropical areas thought aware that the practice is illegal the only option we had be more than 90%. pointed out, “the terrain for the costs and the in both Grenada and Saint in that area is very In an assessment of Vincent and the Grenadines. budget,” the Project seabirds in the Lesser challenging” and to move manager concluded. It is vital that we act now to the all-important drilling Brown Booby chicks killed at a Antilles by EPIC, protect the seabirds and their researchers found that rig up to that site would jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail Grenadines nesting colony. (Credit: K. nesting sites. (Source: EPIC) have been an .com Lowrie) the greatest threat facing 18. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Police Businessman charged for damaging clamp

POLICE HAVE arrested and executed on June 28 from the vehicle. lawful excuse damaged charged Lennox Jack, a after investigations The act, Police said, one (1) Orange Vehicle 50-year-old businessman revealed the accused had was committed at the Clamp valve, the of Liberty Lodge for the cut a vehicle wheel clamp Reclamation site on June Property of the offences of Damage to with an unknown object, 26. Government of St. Property. in what persons said was Jack was officially Vincent and the The arrest was an attempt to remove it charged that ‘without Grenadines’.

The clamps in use here are said to be foolproof.

He was expected to black Samsung Galaxy appear in court this week J3 cellular phone and to answer the charge. $300.00EC in cash. Though Police did not The men were confirm it, speculation additionally charged with here is that this is the allegedly robbing a 23- first reported case of year-old unemployed anyone tampering with man also of Belair, of a the vehicle clamps used quantity of personal by the Traffic items value $800.00EC. Department against Police say the suspects vehicles parked in no allegedly used a gun in parking zones or in the commission of the offences. places that threaten to The incidents occurred the safe flow of vehicular on 25.05.2020 at Belair. traffic. (Source: RSVGPF) The men appeared Robbers arrested and before the Serious charged Offences Court to answer to the charges on And as the spate of 25.06.2020. Bail was not robberies continue here, open to Garraway Police reported that they because he is presently arrested and charged serving a sentence. Oranson Garraway, 21- However, Williams was year-old old Labourer of granted bail in the sum Layou, and Juran Alex of $5000.00 with one (1) Williams, 21-year-old surety. He was ordered Electrical Assistant of to surrender all travel Barrouallie, with two (2) documents and to report counts of robbery. to Barrouallie Police The accused men Station weekly. The allegedly robbed a 32- matter was adjourned to year-old self-employed 25.9.2020. man of Belair of one (1) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 17. 20. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V News 00J88DH – WALTER RICHARDS:

continued with his Walter was my driving cheerful demeanor, his instructor. I got to know wife Helen a constant him and his family as we A Tribute angel by his side. attended the same And about a month church. He was ago I heard his voice over recommended as a great I HERE SALUTE A FALLEN personal friend. the airwaves calmly tutor, and a great SOLDIER … Amateur Radio It is with sadness I greeting all the listeners instructor he was. operator, avid table tennis witnessed his slow and wishing them well. Early in the training, player, driver instructor, demise. He never once Little did I know that he taught me how to Large-Haul Trucker, caring fretted to me about his that would be his last reverse and I remember father and loving husband. condition, but did let me ‘73’ over the airwaves. reversing in his small That is how I knew know what he was going Hilman Imp from where Walter Richards, a long through. Yet, despite the My driving instructor KFC is located in Arnos standing family and writing on the wall, he Vale, for almost a half

Walter Richards

mile going up into getting into an accident. Queens Drive. That was a lesson well learnt… so The Ham Operator much so, it made driving forward appear so easy. It was Amateur Radio Needless to say, I passed (Ham radio) that really my road test. cemented our friendship and his friendship with The table tennis Champ many radio amateurs locally and regionally. I must confess… I The Helen-Walter never won a set of table combination was always tennis against Walter. I the looked forward to worked out with him and ‘norm’; if Helen checked others at the AVESCO in first during our local tennis house. and regional radio He was indeed a networks, Walter would Knight of the Green follow and vice versa. Table winning the They were the only National Veterans active husband-wife Champions title on combination throughout several occasions. He the Caribbean. wasn’t just good, he was As radio amateurs we great and loved the often assist each other sport. with the setting up Many newcomers equipment, from time to would misunderstand his time we would visit his quiet demeanor and end home to assist with up getting an ‘under-10’ running cables and to their surprise and erecting or dismantling embarrassment. antennas, especially I recall that when we when a storm was were warming up, we threatening. We never would rally for several that home without some minutes without the ball fruit presented by either leaving the board. Helen or Walter. Walter was the As a Christian consummate gentleman believer, I do not fear for tennis player; he never Walter’s soul … absent boasted about his skill from the body, present nor about having with the Lord. So while defeated the many I will miss his opponents he did. companionship, I am personally happy that Trucking the following scripture rings true: ‘precious in In his trucking the sight of the Lord is business Walter was the death of his Saints’ - punctual, and his truck Psalms 116:15. was always clean and The following regional well painted. Whenever Hams asked that their his truck was parked on condolences be expressed the ETJ apron, you knew to his family” 8P6JB- that Amerijet wasn’t far Ron, J69B-Bernard, away. KC2ADI-Tony, V44KBP- There are other Terry, J39JT-Peter, persons who can attest to 9Y4HW-Harry,J39JF-Joy his efficiency in the & J39JX-Floyd. trucking business. I say though: I can’t remember Contributed by: ever hearing of Walter Donald A. De Riggs THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 21. 22. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 23. V Business RFL records US$81.7 million in half

Nigel Baptiste, President of Republic Financial Holdings year profits Limited (RFHL).

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: May 6, billion or 17.9% over the total assets at including credit cards. The Group has 2020: The President of Republic March 31, 2019 reflecting mainly the also contributed a total of US$2M to Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), Nigel acquisition of Scotiabank’s operations national COVID-19 initiatives across Baptiste, announced today a profit in St. Maarten and the Eastern the territories in which we operate.” attributable to shareholders of the Caribbean (except Antigua and Stressing the importance of a parent of US$81.7 million for the six- Barbuda) on November 1, 2019 which prudent approach given the many month period ended March 31, 2020, a added US$1.9 billion to the Group’s uncertainties as a result of the current decline of US$36.1 million or 30.6% asset base. The acquisition of pandemic, Mr. Baptiste went on to say, below the corresponding period last year. Scotiabank’s banking operations in the “Notwithstanding the public health preserve the capital available to the These results reflect preliminary British Virgin Islands remains measures implemented to date, there Group, the Board of Directors has estimates of the financial impact of the ongoing, with the Group presently is uncertainty globally in respect of the declared a reduced interim dividend of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic engaged with the regulator in that intensity and duration of this crisis, US$0.09 (2019: US$0.19) per share on the Group as a result of increased territory to obtain the requisite and it is unclear what the social, payable on June 5, 2020.” operating expenses during the latter half approval. economic and market conditions will In closing Mr. Baptiste added, of March 2020 and the setting aside of Mr. Baptiste said, “Cognizant of our be like once the crisis is over. “Republic Financial Holdings is well- additional provisions of US$55.3 million responsibility to help our clients, staff, Prudence requires therefore, that placed to make a major contribution to for the first half of Fiscal 2020 (2019 - and communities navigate these financial institutions adopt a defensive the regional recovery effort and is fully US$20.3 million) to cover potential unique challenges, the Group posture to preserve the stability of committed to doing so. We will seek to future losses. instituted several measures, including individual institutions and the balance the interests of all our Mr. Baptiste advised that total loan payment moratoriums, waiver of integrity of the overall financial stakeholders as we all shoulder the assets stood at US$14.8 billion at fees and charges, and interest rate system. Therefore, until the full responsibility of restoring sustainable March 31, 2020, an increase of US$2.3 reductions on loans and advances repercussions are clearer, and to growth to the territories in which we operate.” 24. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice My innocence is threatened Dear George,

I am 15 years old and living at home with my mother, stepfather and my sister who is 7. I am trying very hard to maintain my sexual innocence until I meet the share your intimate and other man I would make my husband, but moments with, is very noble and there is pressure all round, e.g. from commendable. Continue to say a the boys and girls at my school, but resounding no to your mates at school most of all from my stepfather. and anyone else whose sole intent is to I threatened to tell my mother get your intention to maintain your about his advances on me, but he sexual innocence. countered by threatening to leave. If As for your stepfather, that matter he leaves, it would be hard since he must be dealt with more seriously. pays the bills; my mother is You owe it to your mother to let her unemployed. know what is happening so she can Even if I told my Mom, I don’t know make a conscious decision about her if she would believe me, but I know it future with this man. There is that would break her heart just to hear it. chance it may hurt her more if this George, I am depressed. I am continues or gets much worse, only to thinking of running away from home discover in the bitter end that you but don’t have anywhere to go. Maybe kept it all from her. You have to trust it’s better if I kill myself. There are her as your mother, to do what is right not too many people in Vincy who you by you. can trust, which is why you are my I am also suggesting that you get best option. professional help to point you in the right. Ask your mother to accompany Very worried you. A good place to start would be to contact The Marion House. Dear Very worried, If at any point you feel you are not getting anywhere, feel free to let me Thank you for sharing. Your goal of know. The very best to you. wanting to keep your virginity intact and waiting for that special person to George

in denial, waiting for a Find someone else miracle cure to his abusive and cheating Dear George, came on to her numerous ways. times. A good man would not SINCE meeting my I keep asking myself lay hands on you, neither boyfriend, I have cried why I remain with him. would he look to find more than I ever did How long do you think I satisfaction in any other before. He is very should wait before woman. You need to put abusive and each time he making a move to a higher value on your hits me and I threaten to leave? Do you think, like time and turn the leave, he gets on his I do, that with time he page. You cannot move knees and begs me not to would change? forward if you allow and makes outlandish yourself to be bugged promises. The last Seeking answers down with dead weight. promise he made was to Find someone who can take me on a cruise, but Dear seeking answers, complement you and who has conveniently used would bring joy and COVID-19 as the reason Your boyfriend has laughter to the he hasn’t done that. shown what he is made relationship, rather than Besides being abusive, of, and now it is entirely tears and worries. he cannot be trusted. My up to you to accept that cousin has told me he picture or continue to live George To abort or not to abort⁄.

Dear George ready to be a father, then why go ahead and have unprotected sex? IT HAS ONLY been two months since You seem to be the number one my girlfriend and I have been going candidate to be the father of that steady, and during that time, I have child, and possibly the only one, so it’s seen her four times and we have had not useful to play the ‘it-wasn’t-me’ sex once. card. A real man accepts The last time I saw her, she responsibility for his actions, and that informed me she was pregnant for me. is what you need to do until you can I have a feeling she’s lying so as to prove otherwise. trap me into marriage. You do not have to marry her, but it I told her if the child she is carrying would surely show her the type of man belongs to me, she is better off getting you are should you embrace this rid of it. She insisted she was not pregnancy and give her the kind of having any abortion, support she expects from you. Is it wrong for me to tell her she Remember, she has the right to can count this relationship over if she carry her child to full term, and you do decides to keep the baby? not have the right to demand of her to abort the pregnancy. Not stupid Whatever is the final decision between you two, it is worth Dear Not stupid, remembering that at the end of the day, both of you would have to live You need to know that it only takes with that decision. one sexual encounter for conception to take place. If you know you are not George THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 25.. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You are best to avoid confrontations. If you’re single, get out there and you’ll ACROSS Hold on; your time will come. Your mate meet someone new. Don’t overdo it. will enjoy helping out. Go with the flow Make changes in your domestic scene. 1. Face part and don’t be concerned about your own Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of 4. Talented cook job. groups that want you to contribute 8. Hourly charge financial assistance. 12. of yesteryear TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) 13. Deep devotion If you put your mind to it, you could SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) 14. Immoral entertain or host a multitude of social Make plans to meet again in the near 15. Unlocked anew events. Don’t be a pest or a trouble- future. You should try to elaborate on an maker this week. You will attract idea you have regarding a product or 17. Hand surface members of the opposite sex readily. service for the home. 18. Acorn sources 19. Travels via ship GEMINI (May 22-June 21) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 20. Brick pro Your partner may not understand your You’ll regret every word for some time to 23. Be unsuccessful mood swings but if you are willing to come. You must be careful not to ignore 24. State emphatically communicate, a lot of grief can be the needs of the youngsters in your 25. Guiding principle avoided. Travel will also entice you. family. You should get out and enjoy 29. Beguiling Novak Don’t make promises you can’t keep. social events. 30. Broken-arm support CANCER (June 22-July 22) CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 31. Halloween greeting Rewards for past good deeds will You can bet that situations will get out of 32. Ousting highlight your day. You may be in an hand if you allow others to interfere. This 34. Drain problems 4. Freshly 26. Silvery metal 38. Choir gown extremely passionate mood this week. is a great day for a family outing or just a 35. Hen shelter laundered 27. Shrub anchor 39. Continual You need a change of pace. Sign up for drive. You will have an interest in 36. Eating plans 5. Horn toot 28. Barking pets pain courses or join fitness clubs. foreigners and their cultures. 37. Scout collective 6. Nights before 30. Halt 40. Whip (cream) 39. Aid (criminals) 7. Gave lunch to 33. Lost heat 42. “_ a boy!” LEO (July 23-Aug 22) AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 41. Bread bun 8. Compensated 34. Quote 43. Corrode You should get out and enjoy social Travel will be most enticing. Consider a 42. Arctic frozen masses 9. On the market 36. Sums owed 44. Sticky gunk events where you are likely to meet new cruise. Spend time getting into physical 10. Cultivate potential mates; however, don’t over activities with your lover. Take time to 46. Symphonic woodwind 37. Run slowly 45. Far from bold spend. You may find your mate help children with projects that may be 47. “__ Girl,” TV sitcom 11. Lawn trees somewhat perturbed. Your stability will too hard for them to do on their own. 48. Pleased cry 16. Hardly rich aid you in getting support from your 49. Care for 19. Vocalized fellow workers. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 50. Matched groups 20. Construct Don’t fall for damaging rumors, and 51. Playtime object 21. Tel __, VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) refuse to get involved in gossip. Pay Middle East Take time to talk things over. Travel for attention to small but important details. DOWN port business or pleasure. Discord may arise Limitations will set in if you haven’t 22. Clause with someone you’re close to. Don’t followed the rules. Don’t let your work 1. Glass vessel separator force your opinions on friends or and your personal life interfere with each 23. Serpent relatives unless you are prepared to lose other. 2. Ripen their favor. 3. Romance (someone) tooth SOLUTION 25. Lingerie buy LAST WEEK’s 26. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 27.

Football Club ChampionshipsÊ resumption imminent

Carl Dickson- President of the SVGFF

positions. He assured that winners would be declared and promotions and relegations made. “Let it be known that a cancellation does not equal to nullification,” Dickson underscored, adding that there are mathematical formulae that can be applied in order to arrive at the final positions. Looking ahead to future championships, Dickson assured First Division Points Standing Premier Division Points Standing that “testing” for the coronavirus will be part of the THE TWELVE FOOTBALL CLUBS in Grenadines Football Federation, temperature checks on entry to that the challenge of regulations. the Premier Division as well as the who will be present at the the venue; sanitising of the stigmatisation is his greatest When the championships twelve in the First Division, have Victoria Park during matches, dress rooms prior and after fear in getting the necessary were halted, the race to the indicated their willingness to be tested for the coronavirus. matches, and sanitising breaks testing done. First Division title was among resume the St Vincent and the The condition also extends to mid-way in each half of a match. “All players and match Layou, Volcanoes Pride and Joy Grenadines Football Federation’s barring any club player, Each club would be allowed a officials will do a mandatory and Largo Height. Two of the (SVGFF) National Club management official or match maximum of twenty- three (23) baseline testing, but there is the three will gain promotion to the Championships. official who is not tested for the persons in Victoria Park. challenge of stigmatisation as Premier Division of the next Suspended in mid-March, coronavirus, from competing No spectators would be the coronavirus is being treated edition of the Club after the COVID-19 was and/or participating in the allowed into the venue. in the same way that HIV and Championships. declared a pandemic, the championships. AIDS are being treated,” The Premier Division is more championships were suspended Also, anyone who tests If there is a cancellation Dickson said. open, and could go down to the with thirty—five (35) matches positive on the second testing He stated that generally, like wire. still to be played in the Premier will result in their club mates President of the SVGFF- Carl HIV and AIDS, no one really is Four clubs will be demoted Division, and seven (7) and any other club (payers) they Dickson told THE that keen on knowing his or her from the Premier and First outstanding in the First competed against being re- VINCENTIAN that the decision status. Divisions. Two clubs will be Division. tested. to restart the championships But should the promoted from the First The planned resumption, The National COVID- 19 represents the will of the championships be cancelled for Division, while Parkside Rollers slated for later this month, Taskforce, which is tasked with twenty- four clubs. any reason, Dickson informed and Richmond Hill, which ended would be contingent on all enforcing related protocols He assured that organisation that the Executive of the first and second respectively in players, team officials, match across the state, also demanded: would be compliant with the SVGFF and the clubs would the completed Second Division, commissioners, referees, and random testing throughout the protocols. come together to decide on the have gained spots in the First staff of the St Vincent and the resumed championships; The SVGFF President noted best way to declare the final Division. Women’s Football gets financial boost THE US $ 500,000 during the disruption funding brings some noted that the funding can Associations must be ALLOCATED to the St caused by the COVID- 19 semblance of equality. assist the SVGFF in better accounted for, with Vincent and the pandemic. “It is good that serving the female side of accompanying Grenadines Football “ I am happy for it… Women’s Football is the sport. audited statements. Federation (SVGFF) Indeed it will boost the getting this type of “It is an opportune time Member Specifically for Women’s development of the funding, because the for a project to be put in to Associations also Football, has been hailed Women’s game here in St men’s game has been help get more females have the option of as a “boost” by national Vincent and the given most of the funding involved,” Bramble added, applying for a loan Under-17 Female Coach- Grenadines,” Bramble and the attention, so it is explaining that the for up to 35 % of Andrew Bramble. assessed. good that FIFA is looking injection of the FIFA their revenue, to a The SVGFF and the Bramble, who coached in this direction,” Bramble funds are coming at a time maximum of $ 5 other 210 Member SVG to the title in the commented. when the female side of million. Associations of FIFA, the inaugural Senior Women’s Among the first set of the sport “is showing some Confederations Andrew Bramble sport’s governing body, Windward Islands coaches to take to upward mobility.” (like CONCACAF) have been awarded a total Football Association Women’s Football here in Meanwhile, FIFA has are each given grants of The FIFA package to its of US $ 1.5 million in (WIFA) Tournament in St Vincent and the stipulated that the monies $2 million and loans to a Member Associations, is grant funds, as relief 2015, said that the Grenadines, Bramble given to the Member maximum of $4 million. worth $ 1.5 billion. 28. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Sports Maloney excels in the USA SHAFIQUA MALONEY, a Fulbright College of Arts team, you have been Vincent national record ahead. This achievement “social and physical Vincentian 400 and 800- and Science, Arkansas named to the J. William of 2:12.23 set by Kineke will give her a better issues with her,” and he meter athlete on University, USA, has been Fulbright College of Arts Alexander in 2009; sixth posture at the university arranged for her to scholarship at the William recognized for her and Science Dean’s List. in the 800m at the SEC … putting her in a migrate to St. Kitts, outstanding You have earned this Indoor Championships position to get assistance under the care and academic work recognition by with a record breaking to do her Master’s guidance of coach Denise at the college, completing a minimum of career best time of programme.” Dailey. amidst her 12 credit hours and by 2:08.19; fifth in the 400m Ollivierre recalled first Her development and success on the earning 3.75 grade point (56.35) and first in the meeting Maloney in 2010 achievement while track. average or higher. This is 4×400m relay (3:46.58)at when he was asked to competing as a school Her an outstanding academic Arkansas Invitational; assist with the Penn athlete there, were good commendation accomplishment of which eighth in 400m (56.00) at Relay team from the enough for her to win a read: “In you should be very Red Raider Invitational Thomas Saunders scholarship to the USA. recognition of proud. I hope that your and seventh (55.45) at Secondary School. your Dean’s List status at the Razorback Invitational; The renowned coach Stories I.B.A.ALLEN scholastic University of Arkansas set an indoor best of said that he noted some performance will encourage and 24.99 in 200m at during the inspire you to seek the Razorback Invitational. spring 2020 same mark of excellence Michael Ollivierre, in all that you do.” founder and head coach Netball training Shafiqua Meanwhile, on the of IT DAT Academy with Maloney track, Maloney which Maloney was (foreground) concentrated on the associated before she was part of goes virtual indoor circuit over the went off to the USA, her College’s last year or so. Among commented, “I am proud winning team her accomplishments: of her achievement, and I MEMBERS of the Senior National Netball Team in the 2020 fifth in the 600m at the believe she will go on are not being ignored during this ‘period of 4×400m relay Arkansas Qualifier in a and do better things on lockdown’ occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. at the Indoor Vasha Adams, Head Arkansas then career best of the track and 2:11.16 to break the St. academically in the year Coach of the team, Invitational. confirmed that “We have been doing things virtually. Workouts programmes are being Williams pleased with sent to the players, including what we call a ‘two week challenge’.” She assured, “We are doing all to make sure first outing they are keeping fit and stay in shape while SHANTEL WILLIAMS, the 100 and 200 meters be training on a synthetic protecting themselves track specialist who has completed her first track on which I am going at the same time from semester on an athletic scholarship in the USA, to compete, compared to COVID-19.” said, “It went well with both academics and on the home where I can only Adams said that track.” train on grass.” there are plans to Williams is presently enrolled at the Benedict And, recognising that include other players in Vasha Adams – Head College in South Carolina pursuing studies in there is a world of the programme. Coach of the Senior Business Administration and Management. opportunity before her, she “We have to make Reflecting on her arrival in the USA, she said, “It is taking time to focus on National Netball Team – sure all our netballers is bent on keeping was not too bad. I went up when it just started to her starts. are fit and safe”, Adams get cold … that was one of the hardest parts…. but “I am working hard on netballers focused on said and pointed to an the sport during a overall it was good. My coach and my team mates my start in the 100 anxiety among players made me feel comfortable.” meters, and I have period of no Williams believes that in the new and different improved on that, so I just to return to competition competitions. environment and training facility, her performances need to work on my beginning with the ‘fast can only improve. endurance. While I am five netball competition’ proposed by Doris Mc “The gym at the College is good, and the fact I get back home that will be my Intosh, President of the SVG Netball Association. to train on a synthetic track at least twice a week main focus,” Williams With respect to the Under-16 netballers who was different. This will definitely help me as I will shared. Shantel Williams were already in training for the Windward Islands The young athlete has intends to grab every Championship which was cancelled as a result of her gaze trained on opportunity while on COVUID-19, Adams said, “We are working competing in the most scholarship to advance together to come up with different ways on how to prestigious track and field herself academically keep them engaged in netball and not to let their event sport in the world. and as a track and field spirit drop. ,,,, There is always next year so we are athlete. “My aspiration is to see working to make sure that we have an even better myself at the Olympics… team and this break will give us that I am giving myself until 2025, but in order for me to opportunity.” get there, I will need to train extra hard and Adams appealed to all netballers to use this compete in various athletics meets. At the College, downtime to acquaint themselves with the rules of we are involved in competition almost every the game. weekend. This helps me to gauge where I am,” “You cannot be good netballers unless you know Williams acknowledged. The confident young lady is also excelling in her the rules,” she advised. academics. She gained six A’s during her first Introspectively, Adams acknowledged that if she semester. is to help the players develop, she has to be on top She is set to enter the second semester (lasting of her coaching. three months) in August, but she has been given an Towards expanding her capacity, she informed option to continue the course online because of the that she is expecting “to take part in a virtual COVID-19 pandemic persists. She will make that coaching meeting which will broaden my decision soon. knowledge which I shall willingly pass on.” THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 29. V Sports Karate training kept alive STUDENTS of the St Karate School have Josh Peters, a student father, admitted that he Vincent Seishin Karate resumed training but in a of the Kingstown got “involved in the School and the Bequia Kiai smaller group. Preparatory School, and karate programme, to According to Sensei one of the youngest support my son.” Gibson, the instructor, students told THE He has since grown the training is VINCENTIAN he was beyond that and has conducted in keeping enjoying the sessions, recognized that the sport with the present saying, “I am learning the is “a discipline…. teaches Out of focus COVID-19 situation. back stance, front stance self defence mechanisms “Training was off for and uprising blocks, and I … and I would encourage MANY A TIME, we as Caribbean people seem one month in April due am enjoying it”. a lot more persons to get bent on self-destruction. As much as the West to the coronavirus Josh said that he chose involved.” Indies Cricket team stands out as symbol of pandemic, so I decided the sports because, “I He was high in praise regional unity, that very pillar has served as the to do at least three to want to show my talent of Sensei Gibson for “his battlefield of numerous territorial skirmishes. four persons while and it teaches me to be work and effort.” The latest one with the call for the removal of maintaining social disciplined and focused.” Sensei Gibson took the Phil Simmons, might be the tip of the iceberg. distancing,” Sensei He has his aim set on time out to explain that West Indies Cricket has potential on the global Gibson explained, getting to the “black belt” karate is geared towards scale, especially when the players keep their end adding that the idea is level, the highest developing rounded of the bargain and play to the ability which the Sensei Gibson, instructor to keep the students accreditation individuals. region knows. at the Seishin Karate and enthusiastic for when in the sport. “Karate teaches There are open displays of flagrant disregard the Bequia Kiai Karate full instructions Garry you to be disciplined for levels of discipline as manifested by some Schools. resume. Peters, Josh’s and focused. Unlike players. other sports, in When it comes to West Indies Cricket, the karate we enforce slightest requirement can throw absurd the discipline a lot, responses. With the emphasis on ‘Black lives since we recognise it matter,’ there is the possibility that we can be as a tool for life. It doing ourselves exactly the opposite with the is not just about handling of our own matters. punching and Whether the call in Simmons’ removal kicking,” he stressed. succeeds, the damage is already being done with The Sensei the driving home of the insularity tendency. conceded that It seems that the impact of the results of the learning the art is West Indies election is taking its toll. Josh Peters, challenging, perhaps The current board played into the hands of one of the moreso than other critics in their anxiety to get rid of the incumbent youngest sports, but to perfect coach who had shown some progress. students it brings great Our performance at the World Cup was under Sensei satisfaction. demoralising. Phil Simmons’ recall to the position Gibson’s care of coach served as a platform for rapprochement. Students in a Karate training session. and guidance. I.B.A.ALLEN But with the new dispensation globally, Simmons may have found himself in the path of a razor. When our thoughts should be focussed on the Zefal Bailey to Âwheel English encounter, the West Indies players will be obsessed about potential repercussions of Simmons’ attendance to funeral for which permission was acquired ahead of the tour. and come againÊ Simmons seemed to be somewhere in the midst of controversy. That factor has been a recurring ZEFAL BAILEY has to and the Grenadines part of his career. ‘wheel and come again’, Cycling Union. The timing of this latest controversy at the as he failed to topple the That race began at the adjustment to conditions of trans-COVID nine-year-old Hill Sprint Sol Gas Station in Arnos dynamics opens the team to snide remarks. record of his elder Vale and finished at the While cricket is viewed as the gentleman’s brother- Shimano Bailey. Belmont Look Out, a sport, the intensity which surfaces on the field of This was his intention distance of 3.2 miles. play, engages the emotions of substantial portions when last Sunday he Zefal was the first to of populations across borders. saddled up to be part of cross the finish line but One hopes that the players, management and last Sunday’s road race his 17 minutes 48.78 those engaged in the mission in England stick to hosted by the St Vincent seconds, was slower by the original script and ‘bury the hatchet’ so that over one minute, than the West Indies come firing on all cylinders when Shimano’s record of 16 the Test match series begins. minutes 40 seconds. Cricket has shown itself as perhaps one of the In his failed attempt easily adjustable sporting disciplines with the to displace his brother’s COVID context. Football is asserting its prestige, record, Zefal attributed but the nature of the exercise involving close his “slow time,” to some contact will throw up some uncertainty about the continuation of such games. faults on his bike. In any event, COVID-19 is nothing to gamble But oblivious to any with. Measures to implement post-COVID record breaking protocols must be taken with caution. There is objective, was second time in rushing to what is hoped is the natural place- Sherwyn James, passage of the pandemic. who stopped the clock at It surfaced without warning and continues to 18 minutes 39.89 Veteran cyclist Leroy weave a path of destruction that is more deadly seconds. Trailing the top Constantine made his Zefal Bailey making his that any natural occurrence. COVID-19 is of two was Antonio first appearance for way to the finish line at different proportions, and some world leaders still Richardson. His third 2020 in last Sunday’s the Belmont Look Out. operate in a state of paranoia. place time was 20 event. The alterations on the global scale as a minutes 59.07 seconds. consequence of the COVID conditions have Orel George was And, completing the providing cyclists with returned the earth to some level of naturalness fourth in 23 minutes 04 list of competitors was activities during the which has impacted on world health in a different seconds, while fifth was veteran cyclist Leroy COVID-19 pandemic. way. Carlos Rivas in a time of Constantine, whose time The next road event of While COVID-19 takes its toll, there are 24 minutes 55.59 was 31 minutes 08.26 the SVG Cycling Union’s pockets of healthier atmosphere spurred by the Shimano Bailey still seconds. Rivas Young seconds. calendar is set for 12th slowing down of travel which engenders the holds the Hill Sprint was sixth in 28 minutes The event was another July, from Georgetown to jungle technique of survival of the fittest. record. 06.12 seconds. Keep Fit event, geared at Tourama. 30. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 31. V Classifieds

MARY VENITA GRANT (RICHARDS) of Georgetown CYNTHIA CHARLES SYBIL LEONIE NEE THOM The Holy ANTROBUS Trinity Arnos Vale Anglican Wednesday 1st Methodist Church July 2020 Church Georgetown New Testament Thursday 2nd On Thursday Church of God July 2020 2nd July, 2020 Wilson Hill Viewing: Viewing: Viewing: 1:30 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm Service: 2:30 pm Service: Service: 2:00 pm 3:00 pm

CECIL CLEBERT ASHFORD GORDON ROBERTS AUGUSTINE Sunday 28th LAIDLOW Sunday 28th June 2020 June 2020 At Kingdom Saturday 27th Clare valley Life Ministries June 2020 Seventh day Keartons, Kingstown Adventist Barrouallie Chapel Church Viewing: 2:00 pm Viewing: 2:00 pm Viewing: 2:00 pm Service 3:00 pm Service: 3:00 pm Service: 3:00 pm AI REAL ESTATE Mesopotamia (Camel) 19,944 sq.ft @ $2.75 p.s.f. - $54,846.00 - BB169 Pembroke 11,135 sq.ft @ $16.00 p.s.f. - $178,160.00 - BB230 Ottley Hall 9,117 sq.ft @$7.00p.s.f. - $$63,819.00 - BB232 Georgetown (Grand Sable) 12,000 sq.ft @ $6.00. - $72,000.00 - BB168

(784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell [email protected]

FRIDAY JULY 03, 2020 VOLUME 114, No.27 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 APPEAL FOR FUNDS TO AID SOSO Winston Soso for whom an appeal to aid his medical and the last four decades, it is only Soso, St. Vincent and the life needs has been mounted. right that we, in turn, give Grenadines’ first-ever Soca back to him our financial Monarch, was among two by NELSON A. KING support in his time of need.” other honorees at the event, [email protected] ‘The Friends’ said that their the others being Barrouallie- US CORRESPONDENT appeal will be officially born Dunniston Woods, who launched on Sunday, Jul. 5, at received the SVGOP AN INFORMAL Brooklyn, New 8:00 p.m. on a daily Vlog, Outstanding Member award, York-based group calling itself owned and hosted by Doyle, and Kylla Herbert, president the ‘Friends of Winston Soso’ is but noted that the GoFundMe of the South Jersey Caribbean appealing for community account was already active. Cultural and Development support for the popular “So, feel free to begin your Organization, who received Vincentian calypsonian, dubbed support,” the ‘Friends’ the “Caribbean Person of the the ‘The Rolls Royce of Calypso’, appealed, assuring, “All funds Year” award. who recently suffered a minor raised by the GoFundMe “This is great, wonderful,” stroke and is on dialysis benefit will be transferred to Soso told THE VINCENTIAN treatment. Winston as the only then, in an exclusive “As you may be aware, beneficiary.” interview, after receiving the Winston has to do dialysis The “Friends” said that the award. L-R: three times weekly and has Winston Soso and Adrian Bailey, one of the persons goal is to raise US$50,000 for “I feel honored to be spearheading the effort to assist the once soca star. recently had a minor stroke,” Soso. honored,” he added. “When said the all-Vincentian you’re honored, it makes you venues in the New York “Throughout much of his ‘Friends: — Allan Doyle, owner Soso Honoured feel good to do more (for the metropolitan area (e.g. music, one can hear the of Sans Souci Studio in community).” Madison Square Garden, romantic overtone, which Brooklyn; Adrian Bailey, a In November 2012, the Soso said he began his Brooklyn College and Radio reflects right back to his early renowned Vincentian Philadelphia-based St. Vincent singing career in the early City Music Hall), and other days singing love ballads,” musician; and Laverne and the Grenadines 1970s as a solo act doing major US and Canadian cities. said SVGOP in its souvenir Munroe, a retired registered Organization of Pennsylvania ballads. Later, he joined the He also performed in the journal. “That’s why he is nurse, who hails from (SVGOP) honoured Soso with popular Vincentian band, United Kingdom. called the ‘Rolls Royce of Soca.’ Georgetown — in a Facebook the ‘Vincentian Person of the Clymax, as lead vocalist, In 1979, Soso said he went Soso is also revered in his post. Year’ award at its 17th performing at various events solo, recording his first album, native land for having Soso is unable to work and Annual Gala Dinner and at home and in the Caribbean. ‘Too Much Corruption’, but it represented the nation in support himself, the Group Dance, commemorating the In 1978, Soso said he left was his 1985 “I Don’t Mind’ goalkeeping, for five years in said, adding, “He has brought nation’s 33rd anniversary of his native land with Clymax, that skyrocketed him to the early 1970s. us so much great music over independence. and performed at several stardom. SALT WHISTLE BAY TO GET ATTENTION by DAYLE DA SILVA forthcoming by the first or available move is the second week in July. placement of boulders to ACTION is expected in the All of this followed a visit to protect the Bay, while we short term, aimed at stalling the site on May 31, 2020 by come up with a long-term any further erosion at the personnel from the Office of solution,” world famous Salt Whistle the Chief Engineer and other He assured that studies are Bay, Mayreau. engineers. on-going to determine a Finance Minister Camillo Both long-term and short- suitable long-term solution to Gonsalves, in giving an term plans were discussed to the problem. update on proposed address the erosion currently In the wake of the restorative work at the site, threatening what is known as announcement that work is told Parliament on June 22 one of the best beaches in the expected to begin soon, the that since the tender for region, and which, as a residents of Mayreau were restorative work was popular destination for asked to discontinue the advertised June 9, three visitors, provides an placement of rocks and conch contractors had responded, opportunity for making a shells along the coast line, as and it was now up to the livelihood for many residents a remedial measure. Tenders’ Board to decide on of the island. These will have to be who is awarded the contract. However, as the Minister cleared to accommodate the In the absence of any real response by the authorities, The Minister was hopeful disclosed, “The consensus was placement of the boulders. residents took to using conch shells to stop the erosion that this decision will be that the most readily taking place at Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau.

Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.