FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.32 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Senator Complaints Carpie No eruption at DCash: making Morgan breaks against police a killed La Soufrière payments easier silence concern Page 2 Page 15 Page 16 Page 3 Page 4 ASSAULT ON PM DRAWS WIDESPREAD CONDEMNATION by KENVILLE HORNE Following a break in proceedings, the crowd ON THURSDAY, 5th August, surrounded his vehicle at approximately 5:15pm, making it difficult for Prime Minister Ralph his convoy to enter the Gonsalves was physically House of Parliament. assaulted and wounded He then alighted the while entering the House vehicle and attempted of Assembly during a to enter on foot. demonstration against an A projectile was amendment to the Public hurled at the Prime Health Act, which will Minister, which struck require most frontline him in the head, inches health workers to be above the temple. The vaccinated against Covid- Prime Minister, 19. bleeding profusely, was A few hundred taken to the Milton demonstrators, Cato Memorial responding to a call to Hospital by his security action from a number of detail and later unions, social activists transported to and Leader of the Barbados for an MRI Opposition, picketed scan at the Queen outside the Parliament Elizabeth Hospital in building in Kingstown. Bridgetown. The demonstrators Some protestors marched around the celebrated the Prime town, eventually Minister’s injury by congregating outside the chanting. “The World House of Parliament. Boss head buss and a Vehicles were prevented police man is guilty,” from moving freely and World Boss is in while opposition MPs reference to a conversed with proclamation the Prime On August 5, 2021, on what is now being referred to as ‘Bloody Thursday’, Prime Minister Dr. Hon. protestors, those on the Minister made during Ralph Gonsalves was hit by a projectile originating from the crowd outside the House of Assembly, government side were the 2020 election which had gathered in protest against an amendment to the Public Health Act. verbally assaulted. campaign. However, the brunt of The attack on the Minister of India, Ralph Gonsalves of St. health. We will miss your The Commission of the the protestors’ anger was Vincentian leader drew Narendra Modi Vincent and the presence at the UNSC Organisation of the directed at the Prime regional and condemned the attack. “I Grenadines,” Modi said. Open Debate on Eastern Caribbean State Minister and as he made international condemn the ghastly “Excellency, I wish you Maritime Security his return to the house. condemnation. Prime attack on Prime Minister quick recovery and good today,” he said. Continued on Page 5. 2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News ÂCarpieÊ killed

POLICE SAY THEY ARE INVESTIGATING the circumstances surrounding the shooting of 29-year-old Romano ‘Carpie’ Thomas, a self-employed man of Mc Kie’s Hill on the Sunday 15the August. According to reports, at about 6:38pm, an unknown person disguised as a homeless man and armed with a gun, shot Thomas multiple times about his body in Paul’s Avenue. He was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for medical attention, but succumbed to the injuries during the early hours of Monday morning . Thomas is the father of a son and is often seen in his company. According to a resident in Paul’s Avenue, “Carpie was a very easy going person. He always have his son with him and takes care of the little boy, so it really sad how Thomas in happier times with his son. somebody just kill him and left the little boy fatherless,” said the resident. Persons with information are asked Reports are that after Thomas was to contact the Assistant Commissioner shot, he asked to be turned over on his in charge of Crimes at 1784-456-1339 side, at which point he whispered to a or Officer in Charge of the CID/ Major lady to tell his son that he loves him. Crimes Unit at 1784-456-1810 or “any Thomas’ death is recorded as the Police Station or Police Officer you are 25th homicide for 2021. comfortable with”. (KH) V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 3. PM defends Sheltering amended Bill Abuse FACILITIES ADAPTED to accommodate persons displaced as a result of explosions at La Soufriere PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph person to be exempted if volcano are being put to wrong purposes. Gonsalves has defended the individual made a Elderly persons and children were being left the amended section of statement in writing or without family supervision. That was pointed out the Public Health Act that furnishes a statement by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves in a radio was passed in Parliament from a health officer. address last Wednesday, August 18. on August 6 saying that But as was explained “We have to take care of the elderly,” Gonsalves there must be a roster of by the Minister of stressed. doctors to assess the Health, St Clair Prince He echoed a story of a trend whereby grown medical grounds for an while putting forward adults were leaving their parents at hospitals. He exemption for taking the the Bill in Parliament, acknowledged that there are instances of poverty, COVID-19 vaccination. the amended law but outlined that there are ways to get help. According to provides for an “We have a strong social safety net,” Gonsalves Gonsalves, there must be exemption from an order asserted and indicated his intention of seeing the a roster of doctors to requiring the person to practice of abandonment stopped. Other areas of assess a medical an accepted medical concern to the Prime surrounds drug, sexual, condition. practitioner who as verbal and physical abuse at Shelters to the “And the medical certified the medical extent that the Police had to be called. officer of health, he is in grounds in writing and Shelter woes also centre on theft of equipment, charge of the clinics and makes further provisions utensils, and supplies. Persons have resorted to hospitals…but even if a for the Chief Medical selling mattresses provided as part of the relief certificate is issued for Officer to have the efforts triggered by the April 9 blasts. the police or nurse to get individual examined by Another form of abuse is that of returning an exemption, it must be an approved medical Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has elaborated persons with guests. They come especially on the advice from more practitioner to determine on the issue of exemptions as it relates to COVID- Thursdays and benefit from relief packages. then one doctor,” he said. whether an exemption 19 vaccination. Explosions in sporadic bursts, on the mountain “For persons to tell me should be granted. peak over 13 days unleashed tons of ash which that there aren’t doctors The health minister Godwin Friday in his ought to deal with the spread wide. Scientists attached to the Seismic who will write a medical said that this measure response during the doctors. Research Centre based at the University of the certificate…it happens in was put in place to debate in Parliament “If you know that, West Indies St. Augustine Campus, reduced the relation to sick leave,” prevent certificate said that if the Bill was then deal with the alert level at the volcano, allowing for some form Gonsalves continued. peddling. seeking to get at doctors doctors,” Friday said. of normalcy in the endangered Red Zone. The former Public Meanwhile Leader of who peddle certificates, (DD) Some 1300 persons were reported to have been Health Act allowed for a the Opposition Dr then the government in shelters up to August 18, but they are expected to be relocated by Monday, August 23. That is to make way for the reopening of schools scheduled for October 4. Senator Morgan breaks silence Prime Minister Gonsalves is aware of the impact of children being out of the classroom and involvement in an incident in which to her, at the risk of sees it as having significant repercussions. (WKA) businessman Cornelius John was shot her reputation being in the left leg at his home in Diamond ruined even further she on April 13. had decided to speak up then. of the story will be overshadowed by a After months of protest and public “It is disappointing that the false narrative that aims to damage pressure, Morgan was charged with underlying agenda here is set to the reputation and career she worked assaulting John with intent to wound destroy young, black woman leaders so hard to build. “ Despite this, I won’t him. Assistance Director of Public who are determined to pass on the stop making efforts to improve the Prosecution, Karim Nelson is charged baton of modernity and progression to lives of others,” the statement with wounding John and unlawfully the little girls of St. Vincent and the concluded. discharging a firearm at him. Grenadines,” said Morgan. The victim of the gunshot injury The Senator in a slight admission of “I have faith in our legal system and was also charged with one count of her involvement in the incident, I trust that justice will prevail. The using threatening language to Morgan attributed her action to a her intrinsic unfortunate situation that I found and two counts of using threatening desire to empower women. myself is due to my intrinsic desire to language to his wife, Nicole John. In a media statement dated help others, especially women who ask When the parties showed up at the Tuesday 17th, Morgan said that she for my assistance. It was also due to Calliaqua Magistrate Court on had previously reserved her right to my desire to find solutions to gender- Tuesday, the Magistrate Zoila Ellis- comment and interact with the media based violence and domestic abuse in Brown recused herself from hearing before then, since she had assumed our communities,” said the senator on the charges because Senator Morgan Senator Ashelle Morgan that anything that she said would the reason she became embroiled in happens to be her family counsel. The have been misconstrued, twisted or the incident. matter has been transferred to the EMBATTLED GOVERNMENT sensationalized and that public Morgan said that because there Mesopotamia Magistrate Court for Senator Ashelle Morgan has broken reporting illustrated such. According were malicious forces at play; her side hearing on August 27. (KH) her silence, 4 months after her 4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Court Complaints against Police, a serious concern

Stories by process of being arrested understand what they information that Romero police abuse, and he HAYDN HUGGINS or taken into custody. were saying because of was struck by a police (Magistrate) checked it Lawyers also make the language barrier, and officer, was true or false, out and it was correct. SENIOR MAGISTRATE such complaints on when he replied in he keeps hearing these “The police must stop Rickie Burnett is behalf of their clients Spanish, he received lash complaints all the time. it”, Burnett declared, concerned about the during the hearing of from the police officer. “It is something we “When I speak like this, number of complaints court matters. Romero’s attorney have to rectify”, said and it is published, the regarding police abuses One recent allegation Jomo Thomas told the Prosecutor, Sergeant police will curse, but they that come before his involved Venezuelan Court that according to Cornelius Tittle. need to come into this Court, from time to time. national Elmundo Jose his instructions, his “Based on what the court, and hear what I And while he made it Valerio Romero who client, a 30-year-old accused is saying, he hear”. Magistrate Rickie clear that he was in no appeared at the father of a 1-year-old can’t speak English”, The Prosecutor Burnett position to say whether Kingstown Magistrate’s son, came to these shores Burnett noted. suggested that a these complaints are true Court this week on three to make life better for “We are persons who programme be disembarking without or false, he thinks he has charges of illegal entry himself, because of the have to deal with the introduced at the police the consent of an enough judicial into this country. situation in Venezuela. public, and I am a training school in which Immigration officer, and understanding to Romero, who cannot Thomas said, “Romero father”, the prosecutor constitutional law is knowingly and willfully highlight the issue. speak English, told the rented an apartment, replied. taught, so that the police allowing himself to be Persons who appear Kingstown Magistrate’s and when the police The Magistrate then could know how to deal landed as a prohibited before the Courts, Court, through an came there to execute a disclosed, in the absence with certain situations. immigrant. complain, from time to interpreter, that when search warrant on of Romero, who had Romero had pleaded All three offences were time, of being beaten or the police met him at a August 8, 2021, they already left the Court, guilty to entering the committed on August 8, manhandled while in house in Union Island he roughed him up and after being fined, and state of St. Vincent and 2021. police custody, or in the was unable to boxed him in his face”. ordered to be removed the Grenadines at Union Romero was fined The Magistrate said from the state, that a few Island, other than at a $300 forthwith in Union that while he could not months ago, a person port of entry, entering Island on August 8, 2021. Magistrate say whether the made an allegation of the state of SVG, and recuses herself Second person jailed in from SenatorÊs gun, ammo disappearance

man had pleaded not Grant Connell, in his related offences in this matter guilty when he initially mitigating plea last country, and the role of MAGISTRATE Zoila Ellis- appeared before Chief week, told the Court that the Court in sending a Browne has recused herself Magistrate Rechanne his client had received strong message to would- from hearing the matters Browne at the Serious several threats, and be offenders. He involving Attorney and Offences Court on June obtained the firearm to however, noted that government Senator Ashelle 21, but Browne recused protect himself and his Samuel cooperated with Morgan, Assistant Director herself from hearing the family, as the defendant the police, and was a of Public Prosecutions Karim matter, and the case was had unsuccessfully person of good character Nelson, and Diamond Former national transferred to the applied for a firearm which will go in his footballer Myron resident Cornelius John, on Kingstown Magistrate’s license. favour. He also took into the basis that Morgan is her Samuel has been Court. account his guilty plea. sentenced to 18 months But while Senior family counsel. Samuel however, On July 19, 26-year- in prison. Magistrate Rickie The matter in which changed his pleas to Burnett took into account old Avi King of Diamond Morgan and Nelson are guilty when the matter that there was no Village was sentenced on defendants has been Magistrate Zoila Ellis-Browne A SECOND PERSON is was called in that Court evidence that the gun multiple charges in transferred to the behind bars after last week, but sentencing was used to inflict harm, connection with the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court while the one in receiving sentences in was adjourned to or for anything unlawful, disappearance of the which John is the defendant, has been transferred connection with the Monday. he contended that the guns and ammunition to the Biabou Magistrate’s Court. disappearance of four The firearm and from the Armory of the Magistrate Bertie Pompey presides over both Court cannot overlook guns and a quantity of ammunition were found Georgetown Police Courts. Samuel’s intention to ammunition from the at Samuel’s home on take the law into his own Station. Morgan is charged with assaulting John with King, who had pleaded intent to wounding, while Nelson is charged with Armory of the June 17, during hands, and there was no guilty to the charges, had wounding John, and unlawfully discharging a Georgetown Police investigations into the voluntary surrender of firearm. Station. disappearance of three the firearm. He noted his sentences run John has been charged on two counts of using On Monday 16, former Glocks, a M-4 rifle and that firearm offences concurrently resulting in threatening language against his wife Nicole John, national footballer Myron several rounds of attract custodial his having to serve two and one count of using threatening language Samuel was sentenced to ammunition from the sentences, except in years and eight months against Morgan. He is represented by Attorney 18 months in prison for Armory of the exceptional behind bars. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, while Attorney Ronald possession of one Glock Georgetown Police circumstances. He Zackrie Latham, 25, of Marks is representing Nelson and lawyer Dwayne .22 pistol without a Station. stressed that in the Diamonds village, who Daniel is representing Morgan. licence. He was also fined In handing down the Magistrate’s Court was a Police Constable When the three initially appeared at the $3,500 by December 31 sentences, Senior firearm or ammunition attached to the Serious Offences Court on June 25, they pleaded or nine months in prison Magistrate Rickie possession carries a Georgetown Police not guilty to their respective charges, were for possession of 15 Burnett followed the maximum penalty of Station, up to the time of granted bail, and their matters transferred to the rounds of .40mm sentencing guidelines, $20,000 or seven years in his arrest, and Meshack Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court. ammunition without weighted the aggravating prison, and a person Dublin, 26, also of They have maintained their innocence. licence. and mitigating factors, could also be fined and Diamonds Village are The charges against Nelson, Morgan and John The sentences will run and did the necessary confined. awaiting trial, on reportedly stem from an incident at Diamond on concurrently if the fine is calculations. Burnett highlighted multiple charges in April 13, during which John was shot in his leg. not paid. Samuel’s lawyer, the prevalence of firearm connection with the The 28-year-old Layou matter. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 5. V News Assault on PM draws widespread condemnation

differing perspective and to exercise Gonsalves strongly reiterated belief in pursuit of political purposes is entirely the rights to dissent peacefully and the solemnity of the vote, as a unacceptable. We expect that the responsibly,” adding further that the cornerstone of parliamentary perpetrator of the actual act of commissioners extended their best democracy and basis of governmental violence will be brought to justice. wishes to the Prime Minister for a legitimacy. It noted that in spite of his Such an act is to be unequivocally speedy recovery. injuries, the Prime Minister welcomed condemned. Equally to be condemned The Caribbean Community all peaceful demonstration as a are the instigators and back-room (CARICOM) also joined in the fundamental right enshrined in our authors of this kind of violence,” condemnation. “As Chair of the Constitution, but cautioned that according to the statement from the Caribbean Community, Prime legitimate peaceful demonstration Prime Minister’s office. Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and should in no way impede The Prime Minister has since been in my own capacity, I condemn the parliamentarians’ rights of entrance treated and has return to the state. physical assault upon the Prime and egress from the House of 56-year-old Vendor, Annamay Lewis of Minister of St. Vincent and the Assembly. Layou is charged with wounding the Grenadines. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves,” “Moreover, the use of violence in Prime Minister. She has pleaded not said Gaston Browne, Antigua Prime guilty. Minister, adding that the assault was serious and almost fatal. Annamay Lewis of Layou has been He said that the introduction of charged with wounding the Prime violence into the political life of Minister. CARICOM is “shameful and Continued from front Page. deplorable”, stating that those responsible for it must be brought to justice with all due dispatch. Browne added its voice in the condemnation of further wished the PM a speedy violence perpetuated on the Prime recovery. Minister with, “The Commission urged The Prime Minister’s office also all parties including and especially issued a statement following the opposition elements in the OECS to unfortunate incident. The statement maintain a posture of respect to noted that Prime Minister Ralph 6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 7. V News Safety training for fishers coming

THE SAFETY AND BY EXTENSIOn Senator Israel Bruce for the Fisheries Co-Management main purpose to improve the the equipment that fishers have minister to indicate what was Project (CARIFICO) 200 safety practices of fishers and access to at sea has been cause being done to address the manuals were produced and to reduce the risk of getting for concern by officials at the problem with communication distributed and some lost at sea in the event of an fisheries division. devices, live saving amenities equipment — which included accident under extreme And as such, a policy and training. life jackets, VHF radios and weather conditions. decision was made to develop The question was raised in compasses. “The overall goal is to a basic fisher training manual light of the recent incidents of He added that the fisheries minimize the occurrence of the for the training of new and fisher folk that have gone division has been able to loss of lives at sea,” Caesar existing fishers. missing at sea. procure some additional said. (DD) So said Minister of According to Caesar, in equipment aimed at training Agriculture, Forestry, 2018 through the assistance of and re-tooling over 200 fishers Fishers should be better Fisheries etc. Saboto Caesar in the Japanese Agency for in safety at sea. versed in sea safety very response to the question posed International Cooperation Training is expected to soon according to Minister in the August 5 Sitting of (JAICA) and the Caribbean begin this month with the with responsibility for Parliament by Opposition Fisheries Saboto Caesar. 8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Editorial Have people lost their trust in the Close family circles as a police? even in ‘normal’ times, the wanton factor in Caribbean politics brandishing and discharging of THE LAST GENERAL ELECTIONS were firearms have morphed into a (An abridged version of an original in fact held in St. Vincent and the situation in which anti-police publication in THE VINCENTIAN August defeated by Grenadines, 5 November 2020. The brutality has become a major new 16, 2013. Austin who results of those elections threw up yet theme of the protests. headed a again the first past the post anomaly Many recall the good relations CARIBBEAN POLITICS has been noted rival party! of one party gaining the majority of between the police and the for its dominance of the family over the For some forty years Antigua had seats but losing the popular vote. citizenry. Are those days gone? If past seventy years or so. That historical been a Bird sanctuary led by Vere Bird, Ever since, there has been an they haven’t, there is enough to phenomenon is largely understandable then his son Lester assisted by Vere Jr. undercurrent of disrespect for the speak to the mutual trust between up to a point. What I wish to point out We wrap up this section by citing return of the Unity Labour Party to the police and the citizens being on here is that its rationale gradually faded some interesting avuncular relationship: government. the brink of collapse. with time and that family politics is a Duncan O’Neal and Prime Minister The Opposition New Democratic Several factors can explain why thing of the past, whereas we in SVG Errol Barrow of Barbados; Joseph Gibbs Party, with its ‘majority popular our citizens have come to distrust seem bent on giving it a new lease of and Dane Hilda Bynoe Governor- vote’, from Day One, took to the the police, e.g. invasion of places of life. General of Grenada; and the colourful streets in the name of one cause or abode without due cause and legal Let us start with Jamaica. Its politics Robert Bradshaw and the currently the other, but in an underpinning instruments; excessive display and today hardly bears the imprint of the controversial Denzil Douglas of St Kitts. show of its ‘majority’ and ‘hope’ of a use of weapons; general heavy- “Great Cousinhood”- Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante- who headed new election. handedness of the police. Welcome Home Camillo in the early 1940’s the PNP and JLP But even as they exercise the Together these factors combine which still vie for power. But right to protest, those who are to create nuisance to the public Back home we followed the father and pose substantial threat to significantly absent are the influences of and son tradition with, for example, prepared so to do must realise that direct descendants of the Great Men. personal safety. Herman and Herbie Young, George the authorities, vested with We jump from North to South and This will, if it hasn’t done so Charles and son Kenneth Williams, enormous powers under the law, note that the husband and wife team of have an overwhelming advantage already, prompt more people to Vincent and Glen Beache, and John and political leaders was born in Guyana Jerrol Thompson. over them, when it comes to power take to the streets to voice their with Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan. anger and to rally against the Current moves by SVG’s Prime and equipment. It spread to the immediate North to police in defence of themselves, Minister Ralph Gonsalves suggest that Citizen protesters are at a huge Grenada where a diluted form took in disadvantage and at the mercy of their property and communities. he desires to impose his son Camillo as Eric and Cynthia Gairy and SVG which head of his party, the ULP which has those who wield state power but The driving force behind the boasted Ebenezer and Ivy Joshua. been running the affairs of SVG since who, in accordance with this vested ongoing protests is the strong urge Then there has been a plethora of virtually the start of the twenty-first public power, are supposed to be among our citizens to defend their century. subject to rigorous legal constraints. freedom from fear and their siblings which added lustre to the human rights. politics of their country, like Siboonath Absolutely nothing is wrong if We should be thankful that the Camillo had worked himself up through The people of this country have and Rudrinath Carpildo and Ashford action on the streets, even with its the ranks of the party and/or recent demonstration that such long been accustomed to a social and Mitra Sinnanan and A.N.R Robinson and Lionel and John Donald Government. action can become violent, has not system and lifestyle under which The great examples in the West resulted in the invocation of everyone is entitled to personal senior and junior all of Trinidad and Tobago. Indies of yester-year, Michael Manley Emergency Regulations, under freedoms. and Tom Adams, sons of their more which the Chief Executive is given Any attempt by the authorities Travelling North, we encountered in St Lucia the Compton duo of John and illustrious fathers Norman Manley of immense powers, thereby opening to mount a trail of unwarranted Jamaica and Grantley Adams of Clive, the Bousquettes of Allan and the door to the "totalitarianism’ and action against perceived Barbados proceeded by the democratic dealing a shattering blow to the perpetrators against the state James, and the Odlums, George and route here suggested. The son paid their rule of law. and/or to impose restrictions on John. Generally, they followed a great dues, won their spurs, and eventually Yet there are protestors and, if civil liberties will automatically tradition probably started by Allan earned the top position. the truth be told, there is a growing provoke (further) widespread Lewis and son, Vaughn. Furthermore, in the Democratic number of persons not involved in resentment among the public. In Jamaica there have been the Lloyd world the father to son succession the protests, who voice the concern At the heart of the values that brothers (P.N.P) and the Hills (JLP) normally takes place after the that law enforcement officers are characterise Vincentians are The classic pair in this category has intervention of one or two seasoned ignoring legal constraints and their freedom, equality, rule of law, been the Dominican brothers of Michael party faithfuls. The Birds’ case is an own code of practice, when dealing justice, democracy and human and Roosevelt Douglas who both held exception to abhor. The Manleys were with the protests and protestors. dignity. the Prime Ministership in succession separated by Donald Sangster and the What appears to be the abuse of If a party vested with public and both had their stints suddenly cut Adams by Dr. Cummings and Bernard power and the use of excessive force power attempts to violate these short by fatal maladies. St John. by the police against protesters and core values through executive Montserrat has been an exception The latest news is that Camillo is to even ordinary citizens have measures or forcible actions in the that proves the rule. William Bramble be sworn in as a senator and the infuriated the people. name of law enforcement, there is was succeeded as head of Government country’s Foreign Minister. His next And if the police behaviour is no doubt that the people will rise by his son Austin: that is, the father was promotion will be as the new leader of extended into the wider society up to defend these values. U.L.P when Papa has vacated. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 9. V Letters Is there a role for the A case SVG Christian Council? of bad TODAY, I am calling on precedence governing public committee comprised of public forums” such as another group of leaders protests. Mr. John, that members of both political streets, sidewalks, or to step up in our time of apology is owed to the parties and other civil public parks. However, I CANNOT say how body of Vincentians, not need. Yes, St. Vincent nation. organizations, to the government can utterly aghast I am that just the Government. Christian Council of I am on record facilitate a review of the impose “time, place and this Government, in its This is why I strongly Churches (SVGCCC), now publicly decrying his law (Public Order) for manner” restrictions; for attempts to get people to believe that this is the time to step up and poor job performance. It continued relevance. We example, the government take the vaccine, would ‘amendment’ is a case of show some leadership. You is not for me to say need to ensure that may require a permit for go to such a questionable bad precedence. It not cannot be an organization whether he should keep every element of the law large protests or prohibit length as to change a only takes away the that simply issues his job or not; I think applies to where we are unreasonably loud sacred tenet of the rights of Vincentians greetings and messages those who know me today and what we have demonstrations that Constitution to remove under a now or future to the nation on special know what I would do if considered acceptable disturb others. No “voluntary”. We must government, it also sets occasions (Christmas, it were my problem. Yet over the years. Calm restrictions should ever stop to question up and secures any Independence, etc.), or I appreciate his mea down, folks. I am not be made based on ourselves about the future arbitrary call for calm and restrain culpa, but I am worried, suggesting management content or the meaning and attempts to ‘amend’ the after predictable activism Mr. Commissioner, that or law enforcement by organization applying for implications of such an Constitution for any self- and unrest resulting in in order to compensate committee. But, I do not approval to protest. amendment. serving interests of this injury and or destruction for your negligent think a person in the In its quest to sway or any future of life and property. If you behaviour, you will be current administration Horatio Vincentians to take the government. Moreover, haven’t noticed, we are on enthusiastically could be viewed as vaccine, the Government we could no longer claim the verge of a breakdown enforcing a law that has objective by the majority has moved in stages we have a Constitution, of our civil society; this is not been reviewed in to interpret and enforce from perpetuating but rather a document not an overstatement. Our over thirty years. I feel this generally neglected ‘grandiose’ claims of subjected to the dictates collective failure to that this will lead to law. I think we may being vaccinated, to of someone or some objectively call out the more chaos and possible want to make some providing gifts and government. political leaders in the abuse of power in the changes to the current lotteries to incite others Editor, the integrity past is paying dividends. name of the law. law, but that’s not my to take it, to issuing and high esteem of the In a statement last Now, what do I see as playground, and I subtle and open threats Constitution must be week, the Police the role of the SVGCCC believe in letting people of losing jobs to those preserved and respected, Commissioner Colin in this process? First, do their job. who don’t, to now or we have nothing. John apologized to the before the complete I believe we have a infringing on the rights Prime Minister for his breakdown in civil constitutionally of Vincentians by Citizen of SVG failure to strictly enforce society, you should protected right to protest ‘amending’ the the law/provisions appoint a council sub- peacefully in “traditional Constitution. Editor, the rights of Just asking!!!! all Vincentians are In the absence of Man- enshrined rights by the About-Town, I would Hatred is one hell Constitution and like, with your protected and respected permission Mr. Editor, under the Constitution, to ask a few questions to replace the hatred collectively. Hatred can the sacred law of the of a thing with love. I can testify to to criticize, disagree upon which I hope the land. relevant parties would the fact that when we without hatred. The Constitution is HATRED of any kind is We ought to love each love and forgive those We need, as a nation, reflect. Here goes: not someone’s personal * Why is it only after one hell of a thing. We other regardless. who have wronged us, it lead a person to become often overlook hatred as What is sad is that novel which they can a series of protests, releases the power of violent; it has the edit as they please, and and especially after the a sin and something even many professed God where HE takes in potential to destroy dangerous. Even in the Christians are filled with as easily as they please, one in which the PM charge and gives justice. others and is one of the or whenever it pleases was hurt, that we are religious circle, hatred is so much political hatred. It is my wish that as a contributing factors to hearing that the recent often overlooked. But Sometimes, many of us them. Furthermore, if nation, we would seek to high rises in crime. the Opposition does not protests that don’t fool yourself, it is are afraid to have love and forgive and May we look inward overwhelmed very widespread. We conversations where we agree with the enacting remove the hatred from and gain the strength of the amendment, there Kingstown were sometimes disagree because there is our hearts. It is only by from the Lord to love illegal? underestimate the so much venom of hatred is no way the House of removing hatred and and not hate. May God Parliament should pass * How come only two damages it can do. that is released in the replacing it with love can bless us all. protesters were singled Almost daily we hear words. But as a people if it. Both the Government we move forward both and the Opposition out to be the subjects of on radio, talk show hosts we are really mature individually and Kennard King arrest, detention and spurring out hatred. We enough we would be able represent the collective charges in this regard? have many times allowed * If the NDP this venom that comes declared that it from hatred from call-in Some history of emancipation organized the protests programmes to fester, (not all), how come the leadership of that sadly, but true. This AS EMANCIPATION month paper) in the 1800s. This The Indians arrived and, by hatred manifested itself party was not arrested nears its end, we cannot allow Afrocentric Religious/Political force of violence the black people and charged? in the last protest. Now this piece of hidden history to slip Order demanded the right to own were driven down to Stubbs, don’t get me wrong, I am * Was the away from us. What is known and control the plantation in a Victoria village and nearby areas. Commissioner of Police not saying there should today as the Christian Pilgrim cooperative manner. They wanted The Indians lived in Calder not be protest. However, asleep at his desk Faith, enacted under the to be the owners of the means of peacefully without intermarriage during all the noisy it should be peaceful and Marriage Ordinance, Cap. 151 of production. until the late 1950s. Today, there protests or was he without hatred. the Revised Law of St. Vincent That didn’t go down well with are almost 100% Indian patiently and silently, If we are indeed a and the Grenadines (No. 245), on the British plantation owners intermarriages. And, the black like a true servant, Christian nation, then the 22nd May 1951 and and their governments. They people had no other choice than awaiting guidance from the principles of God’s incorporated in the Parliament of went to India and deceived some to go back on the estate and above? Word must be followed. SVG, was gazette on the 11th Indians, telling them that they work, seeing the British had the * Does anyone recall We are told to love. Even March 2011, has a hidden origin. were going to take them to a very Indians working on the estate. that we said then that to love our enemies as This Faith was established on fertile country where they will This page is too small to give Cato wanted to create ourselves. Of course, we own their own farm land and the whole history. a police state? Can we ought to hate the wrongs the Calder/Argyle estate as soon say the same thing as slavery was abolished (on home. That became a reality. but not the individuals. Christian Democrat now? 10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Focused government providing focused leadership Is SVG moving towards a Police State? Introduction DEMOCRACY is under threat in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Unity ALMOST two weeks after the illegal Labour Party (ULP) administration is on protests called for by the opposition that a mission to destroy our democratic was responsible for the assault and principles that we have practiced over wounding of Prime Minister Gonsalves, Secondary School and the Sandy Bay the years. Since the ULP gained power, arrest and charging of Mr. King and the mood in SVG is one of calm with law- clinic as part of the continued they have been chipping away slowly at Ms. King in this manner will not deter abiding citizens going about their improvement in infrastructure above our democracy. The raids on protesters’ people from standing up for their business. the dry river. homes by the police and the arrest of The conversation on radio, in bars, democratic rights. He reiterated that Kenson King and Adriana King are more Kenson King and Adriana King, like on the “blocks’ and on social media is Securing citizen’s health signs that the police are being used to still dominated by that unprecedented many other persons who were in the silence and intimidate Vincentians who protest actions, had legitimate event where a violent mob that Just this week, the first tranche of oppose this government. resorted to disrupting traffic and Pfizer vaccines arrived in in country, reasons to protest as the Bill being lighting fires in the street, turned making it the third vaccine this Statement concerning the arrest introduced by the government was their anger on the country’s sitting government is making available to its and charging of Kenson King and very unpopular throughout the Leader and inflicted injury on him citizens. The level of vaccine hesitancy Adriana King country. He committed the New that could have caused his death. remains a concern, especially among Democratic Party to continuing to Some are still in disbelief, questioning our frontline workers and the support the ideals of democracy, and whether this is the Saint Vincent and government is doing its best to ensure On the afternoon of Friday, 13th the rule of law, and to standing with the Grenadines we are building, and that options in vaccines are available August, 2021, Ms. Adriana King and the people, including Kenson King the quality of examples being set for to citizens as continued efforts are Mr. Kenson King were arrested in and Adriana King, in the exercise of the future generation of our country. made to get as many Vincentians separate actions by the police. Ms. their democratic rights. We are not a The robust campaigning is normal, vaccinated. The AstraZeneca, Sputnik King was taken to the Central Police police state, he noted, and therefore political picong and satire is V and now Pfizer are readily available Station in Kingstown and later the rights and wishes of the people acceptable, but never ever before have here, while some countries in the transferred to the Questelles Police we seen or experienced political must be respected. region are still having difficulty Station. Mr. King was taken initially When called upon by the violence like this. The clarion call to sourcing vaccines for their citizens. to Questelles Police Station but was those protesting by opposition vice Magistrate, Mr. King and Ms. King This is remarkable and the later moved to the Central Police each pled not guilty to the charges president St. Clair Leacock, stating government continues to encourage all Station. They were kept in police that the ‘peaceful’ has been removed Vincentians to get vaccinated and to brought against them. Their cases custody until Sunday afternoon. They were adjourned to the 17th November from the protest, signaled the those frontline workers that are at were each charged with four offences. intention to do what they deemed 2021. They are represented by greater risk of contracting Covid-19, Following ceaseless efforts by their necessary to draw attention to the the encouragement is even stronger. lawyers Mrs. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, issues being highlighted. One lawyers led by Mrs. Kay Bacchus- Mr. Israel Bruce, and Mrs. Shirlan This country has made great strides Baptiste, who called the protester felt it necessary to hurl a in acquiring vaccines that are safe, Zita Barnwell. missile at comrade Ralph on his way and effective in reducing the spread of Commissioner of Police and the Head to Parliament, an action that achieved Covid-19 and also in significantly of CID without having her calls Raids on protesters’ homes great success, wounding our beloved reducing critical illness, answered, they were given station bail Comrade, causing his blood to spill on hospitalisation and death from the and released on Sunday evening. They On August 7th, 2021, heavily his white shirt. Upon return from virus. Vaccines remains the most had spent two days in jail under poor armed ‘Black Squad’ police officers Barbados where Comrade had some effective tool yet in the tool box used living conditions. raided the homes of several persons. tests performed on the advice of the in the fight against Covid-19 and the Kenson King and Adriana King The only thing that these persons doctors at MCMH, he swiftly returned government has ensured that options were each charged with four (4) to the business of managing the have in common is that they are are available to Vincentians. While counts of breaching the Public Order perceived to be persons who were affairs of the State, the job he was the government doesn’t intend to Act, as follows: that on July 29, 2021, elected to do by the people of this make the taking of the Covid-19 directly involved in the demonstration each: (i) was concerned with in Kingstown on Thursday 5th country. vaccine mandatory, it has become organizing a public procession without necessary in some positions that the August, 2021. There is no indication Rebuilding and resettling in the red notifying the Commissioner of Police whatsoever at that time and none now taking of the vaccine be required to at least 24 hours before the zone protect both the employee of the State that any of these persons have procession, and (ii) took part in a committed any offence. It is clear that and the general public from the severe public procession in contravention of A priority of the ULP impacts of Covid-19. The the authorities are coming for the administration is to oversee a smooth misinformation spread by some, Section 5(1) of the Public Order Act, people who they perceived as being in and orderly resettlement process of designed to create political mischief and that on August 5, 2021, they the forefront of the demonstration. We residents from communities in the through the use of fear, should be committed similar offences stemming can expect therefore that other Red Zone that have evacuated since avoided and citizens should consult from the protest action held in persons will also be on that long list of the April 9, 2021 eruption of La the guidance provided by the Kingstown on that day. persons that they have targeted. This Soufriere. Many of these residents government in relation to the Clearly, all the charges stemmed is clearly an attempt to intimidate who still live in emergency shelters positions and their requirements. from the protest actions that were and to frighten protestors, to frighten have been anxious to return home to organized in Kingstown by the New their properties and livelihoods, but Conclusion Vincentian citizens who have taken to Democratic Party, the Public Service the street because they are in were unable to do so because the “all- Union and SVG Teachers Union and clear” had not been given for them to The focus of the government, even disagreement with the government other social partners in opposition to particularly regarding the Bill that return. Much work in clearing and in the aftermath of the violent, illegal the Public Health (Amendment) Bill cleaning had to be done, as well as the protest that took place on August 6, was passed in the House recently to restoring of pipe-borne water and 2021 remains steadfast on the and other serious issues. amend the Public Health Act. electricity was ongoing in management of the affairs of this Despite widespread public Further, the common denominator communities above the dry river. country for the benefit of all its disapproval of the Bill, the among all those persons who were Exceptional work by BRAGSA, citizens and residents. The attempts government pushed it through harassed by the police and had their VINLEC and CWSA has finally seen a by the opposition NDP and those Parliament in the early hours of devices taken under warrants that restoration of the amenities and sympathetic to its long-lived Friday morning, August 6th, when frustration on the parliamentary were signed by a Justice of the Peace significant work in clearing much of most people in the country were which say they were searching for the large boulders and debris that opposition benches have had no asleep and were unable to hear from success in derailing the excellent work firearms, electronic devices, prevented the free movement of of the government. Many other areas the government why they were documents, and to conduct an vehicular and pedestrian traffic in could be discussed; the work in amending the law. some communities. The all-clear has investigation into unlicensed firearm. agriculture being done to assist Kenson King and Adriana King This is clearly an attempt on the part now been given for residents to return farmers to get back up and running on were taken to the Magistrate’s Court home from August 23, 2021 and this of the authorities, on the part of police their farms, the work in tourism with on Monday, 16thAugust, 2021. led by Commissioner of Police who is news was met with excitement and the first cruise call made in this Present at the Magistrate’s Court in relief by the very patient residents country in almost 2 years are supposed to serve all the people, is an Paul’s Avenue were Leader of the attempt to suppress the people from who are ready to return to their love examples. The tourism story is most Opposition, Dr. the Hon. Godwin ones. The government can now focus remarkable, as the work by the coming on the streets of Kingstown to on its promise to relocate a number of Ministry to create a bubble that would Friday, Hon. St. Clair Leacock, voice their opposition to what the families whose homes have either accommodate the cruise ship, proved Senator Shevern Lewis-John, Hon. government is doing. been destroyed or are in areas that quite effective and has been welcomed Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble and The actions of the authorities and have been deemed unsafe. Comrade by the agents so that another ship is family members and friends of both the police in this country are Ralph has assured residents that this due to dock. If their intention was to persons. Many other members of the frightening. It is a dangerous course caring ULP administration will not topple the duly-elected government public who came to express solidarity through the use of chaos and violence, that they are taking. Undoubtedly, it allow affected residents to “fend” for with Mr. King and Ms. King were is an attempt to take away our themselves, but continue in the they failed miserably as this ULP stopped by armed police from coming government was not shaken, but has fundamental rights and freedoms that tradition of assistance that will near the court, suppressing the show are enshrined in our constitution. We improve significantly the living remained resolute in its pursuit of a of popular support for them against circumstances of residents. Work will modern, post-colonial, competitive, will not be deterred and they will not many-sided economy, that is as once their arrest and charging. succeed in doing so. also begin on the Sandy Bay local, regional and global. Dr. Friday commented that the THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 11. V Views Follow the process The Taliban’s victory and America’s decline Guest Column by Chris Hedges dissenter. Those “Pay attention to detail … always.” who spoke out Nigel Chambers, Inventory Control in THE US EMPIRE is in terminal decline and against the Procurement at One St. Vincent Group heading for a dystopian future. Yet no one idiocy of the Inc. (OSV). – not the generals, or politicians, not the looming CIA and intelligence agencies, diplomats, bloodlust were slandered and cast into or the journalist from the establishment the wilderness, where most remain. HERB HICKLIN, a Canadian animal feed media who serve as cheerleaders for war, Those who sold us the war kept their specialist, was responsible for the sure that the systems and structures not the compliant academics or the megaphones, a reward for their service management at East Caribbean Feeds that keep society strong are well defence industry will be held accountable to empire and the military-industrial Limited (a subsidiary of East Caribbean entrenched and adequately maintained. for all the military follies that herald its complex. Group of Companies) when it was Our justice system provides clarity in imminent collapse. Historians call the self-defeating established in the early 1980s. He relation to what is acceptable The return of the Taliban to power is military adventurism of late empires sought to develop a culture that behaviours for individuals, groups, and one more signpost of the end of the ‘micro-militarism.’ The historian Alfred encouraged employees to make every American empire. The two decades of Mc Coy says ‘While rising empires are the society at large. As responsible combat, the one trillion dollars spent, often judicious, even rational in their effort to avoid mistakes. This could be citizens, we are expected to uphold the the 100,000 troops deployed to subdue application of armed force for conquest accomplished if/when individuals law. We are to perform our various Afghanistan, the high-tech gadgets, and control of overseas dominions, discipline themselves to pay attention to tasks with honesty and integrity. We Hellfire missiles and bombs, air fading empires are inclined to ill- detail and to follow the established imbibe the wisdom that is entrenched commandos, black sites, torture, considered displays of power, dreaming processes and procedures. However, he in the old sayings; “Honesty is the best electronic surveillance, attack aircraft, of bold military masterstrokes that would remind staff that in the event that policy”, and “Do unto others as you mercenary armies, infusions of millions would somehow recoup lost prestige and a mistake occurs, whether it be due to would have them do unto you.” We of dollars to buy off and bribe the local power. Often irrational even from an human or equipment error, every effort cannot go far wrong if/when we follow elites and train an Afghan army of imperial point of view, these micro must be made to correct the mishap 350,000 failed to defeat a guerrilla army military operations can yield these priceless rules. In doing so, we in one of the poorest countries on haemorrhaging expenditures or before the product leaves the plant. establish processes that guide Earth. humiliating defeats that only accelerate There is wisdom is following such a individuals and societies to do what is Empires at the end are collective the process already under way.’ procedure in a manufacturing process. right. Once these rules of behaviour suicide machines. The military in late The death blow to the American This is also an important principle in life – and engagement have been established empire becomes unmanageable, empire will, as McCoy writes, be the developing and maintaining the discipline all we need do is develop the discipline unaccountable, and endlessly self- loss of the dollar as the world’s reserve to follow the established method if we are to follow the processes that have been perpetuating, no matter how many currency. This loss will plunge the to avoid or minimize mistakes. established. We will do what is right fiascos, blunders, and defeats it visits United States into a crippling and Advocating that systems, structures, … and encourage others to do likewise. upon the carcass of the nation, or how prolonged depression. It will force a and processes be followed does not much money it plunders, impoverishing massive contraction of the global As we engage in following the the citizenry and leaving governing military footprint. imply that we stifle innovation. processes that have been established institutions and the physical The ugly, squalid face of empire, with Managers, leaders, and supervisors for personal and corporate infrastructure decayed. the loss of the dollar as the reserve must continue to encourage effectiveness, it is so very important to The human tragedy — at least currency, will become familiar at home. improvement in product and service understand and appreciate why specific 801,000 people have been killed by The bleak economic landscape, with its offerings. This is important if firms are steps are created and followed. direct war violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, decay and hopelessness, will accelerate to stay ahead of their competitors. Parents and teachers need to bear this Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan is reduced an array of violent and self-destructive However, there are basic principles in mind when providing instructions to to a neglected footnote. pathologies including mass shootings, that must be followed even when doing their wards. There may be some Empires tend to collapse in an orgy of hate crimes, opioid and heroin so. There should be a disciplined military folly. The Roman Republic, at overdoses, morbid obesity, suicides, citizens who may argue that they do its height, only lasted two centuries. gambling, and alcoholism. approach to the tasks performed in our not need to communicate such benefits America is set to disintegrate in roughly The state will increasingly dispense homes, schools, and workplaces. To do to their juniors or direct reports. the same time. The is the enemy within. with the fiction of the rule of law to rely otherwise would encourage anarchy However, this writer begs to differ. It is one of the dark ironies that it exclusively on militarized police, and mayhem. Our goals are more There is ample evidence that when an was the American empire, led by Jimmy essentially internal armies of likely to be achieved when we commit individual has an understanding and Carter’s National Security Advisor occupation, and the prisons and jails, to paying attention to detail. Our appreciation for why a task is Zbigniew Brzezinski, which spawned which already hold 25 percent of the objectives will tend to materialize when performed (and done in a particular the mess in Afghanistan. Brzezinski world’s prisoners even though the we seek to follow established processes. way) they are more likely to follow the oversaw a multibillion-dollar CIA covert United States represents less than five For example, as children we were operation to arm, train, and equip the percent of the global population. process advocated. Communication is Taliban to fight the Soviets. This Our demise will probably come more advised to check the pockets of our critical in enhancing the understanding clandestine effort sidelined the secular, swiftly than we imagine. When clothing before placing them in the pile of and commitment to the activity. democratic opposition and assured the revenues shrink or collapse, McCoy of clothes to be washed; there was a There will be instances where ascendancy of the Taliban in points out, empires become “brittle.” An process of checking pockets before individuals may stubbornly (and Afghanistan once Soviet forces economy heavily dependent on massive washing. Failure to do so may have unwisely) seek to veer from the withdrew. The American empire would, government subsidies to produce resulted in items such as ballpoint instructions or guidance provided. years later, find itself desperately trying primarily weapons and munitions, as pens, pencils, or pieces of paper Such persons, for a host of reasons, to destroy its own creation. well as to fund military adventurism, smothering and causing damage to the may attempt to do things their own The attacks of September 11, 2001 will go into a tailspin with a heavily garment and/or the individual engaged were not an existential threat to the depreciated dollar. way; circumventing tried and tested United States. They were not politically Prices will dramatically rise because in the handwashing exercise. There ways of performing specific tasks. This significant. They did not disrupt the of the steep increase in the cost of was wisdom in following that process. may sometimes be the result of balance of global power. They were not imports. Wages in real terms will We can understand and appreciate laziness. On other occasions it may an act of war. They were acts of error. decline. The unemployment level will companies that establish systems, just be that the individual is The only way to fight terrorists is to climb to depression-era levels. Social structures, and procedures that help to determined to be defiant; bent on isolate them within their own societies. assistance programs, because of a improve their effectiveness and bucking the system. This could be a If America had the courage to be contracting budget, will be sharply efficiencies. Many companies now have most dangerous approach and may, vulnerable, to grasp that this was an curtailed or eliminated. These manuals of procedures. Most of these depending on the situation, result in intelligence war, not a conventional developments will fuel rage and hyper- documents would have been patiently damage to property or people. For war, it would be far safer and more nationalism. It will spawn an crafted and edited by members of their secure today. authoritarian state to keep order and a example, consider the electrician who But the attacks gave the ruling elites creeping Christianized fascism. respective management teams and with knows that he should turn off the lusting for control of the Middle East, The tools of control on the outer valuable input and insight from junior electrical power before seeking to especially Iraq the excuse to carry out reaches of the empire, already part of members of staff; individuals who are repair an electrical fixture. However, the greatest strategic blunder in our existence, will become widespread. intimately involved in the particular in his haste, arrogance, or folly, he American history: the invasion of The wholesale surveillance, the process. Among other things, such proceeds to engage in repairing the Afghanistan and Iraq. The architects of abolition of basic civil liberties, documents highlight the step-by-step gadget without first turning off the the war, including then-Senator Joe militarized police authorized to use practices that should be followed in main breaker. To his dismay, he Biden, believed they could implant indiscriminate lethal force, along with relation to procurement, finance, erroneously makes a connection that client regimes by force throughout the the censorship of the press and social operations, fleet management, code of region, and use the oil revenues in Iraq media, will define America. results in electrical voltage passing to cover the cost of reconstruction and We are not the first empire to suffer conduct, and so on. Such a document through his body. This could have been magically restore American global this fate. It is a familiar ending. provides members of staff with a clear avoided if he had followed the process hegemony. It did the opposite. Imperialism and militarism are poisons indication of what is expected of them of removing the electrical power source Invading Iraq and Afghanistan, that eradicate the separation of powers, and the roles played by various before embarking on his efforts to do dropping bombs on villages and towns, designed to prevent tyranny and stakeholders in meeting a common the electrical repair. This scenario kidnapping, torturing and imprisoning extinguish democracy. If those who goal. It is anticipated that the clarity pointedly reminds us of the value tens of thousands of people, resurrected orchestrated these crimes are not held provided in relation to the derived from following the process. the discredited radical muslims and was accountable through mass resistance, organisation’s systems and structures There is wisdom in doing so. a potent recruiting tool in the fight we will pay the price, and we may pay it will enable staff members, against US and NATO forces. soon, for their hubris and greed. There was little objection within the departments, and the enterprise to Send comments, criticisms & power structures to these invasions. Send comments, criticisms & better meet its objectives. suggestions to Rep. Barbara Lee was the lone suggestions to [email protected] Similarly, in life, we need to make [email protected] 12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views ULP regime put jail before education

FOR A LONG TIME, it seems that the ULP numbers than any other period in our youths can only look forward to pacing regime has had too much focus on history. In 2009, more boys failed up and down in a cell, as they are locking our children up and not enough common entrance than in any other denied a proper education. time on educating our children. single year in our history. We see From childhood, why don’t we give A flagship project of the ULP fifteen and sixteen year old male our children a proper preschool regime is the Belle Isle jail. The fact youths entering into criminal activity education, then a proper primary that the ULP regime built a jail before and going to jail. education, then a proper secondary children with a world-class education creating a world-class education The ULP has failed to deliver an education, then a free university system. system is appalling. Even today, we do effective approach to help our boys to education in SVG, then give them According to the Leader of SVG not have a free, universal preschool stay out of trouble and jail. Too many marketable skills so that they can Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan system for all our children. It is the black youths who do not get a good compete in the global job market. Bertie O’Neal BSc (hons), MSc, MBA, children of the poor who suffer the education end up in jail. This ULP Don’t our children deserve better? our youth are our future. We have a most, as many thousands of them miss regime’s incompetent governance The effect of the ULP regime’s civic responsibility to allow them the out on the opportunity of attending cannot, and should not, be accepted by divisive educational strategy is opportunity of a world-class education preschool before going to primary our society. horrendous. It has created an from preschool to university. A Green school. Clearly, the ULP regime’s education imbalance in our society, where those government would create an SVG Green Party is deeply revolution has failed when so many of who are left behind — the children of environment in which the sky is our saddened by the backward thinking our youths are herded into jail, rather the poor — will forever be struggling to children’s limit — not the Belle Isle jail! policies of the ULP leadership. They than being given the precious catch up educationally and financially. built a thirty million dollar jail before opportunity of a lifetime of wealth They will be destined to a life of www.svggreenparty.org building a world-class education which comes with a university poverty and be unable to cope in a fast https://twitter.com/svggreenparty system. We still do not have our own education. If there was compassion in changing world. Crime is a definite off- https://www.facebook.com/SVG- university. the ULP government then all children shoot of this sort of policy. Green-Party-1 Under Gonsalves’ watch, black in SVG could look forward to a happy No doubt the ULP regime will build youths have been going to jail in larger future. Unfortunately though, many more jails before they provide our

1. 5 years is too long a period and Dollars without sense those who did the reckoning in their head would not remember. Accounting and auditing needs to be done on a by Anthony Stewart, PhD less than 25 cents. Some do not bother Department of Consumer Affairs needs yearly basis. to pick up coins of any amount from to look into this and ensure that our 2. The bank accurately records that PENNIES and cents have been taken the ground. local people are not discriminated the money of $95 million left the bank. out of use officially but many shops Of late, some shopkeepers have against in any way. 3. The Accountant General was continue to quote prices using them. been refusing to accept 10 and 5 cent Accounting for our own money is a unable to provide documented The idea of rounding off has taken pieces for payment. But consumers challenge. Loans, mortgage, goods evidence of how the $95 million was hold everywhere so that many no must assert their right to make credited from shops, and monies spent. longer worry about using such small payments using the currency of legal borrowed from relatives, and friends The appropriate action to be taken denominations to balance their tender. This includes 10 and 5 cent are all recorded carefully. If my appears to be: accounts. Rounding off $95 million to pieces. Some establishments have been payments are not forthcoming, they 1. Determine where the money went $0 is quite a leap. School children no quoting foreign currency in their give me a reminder so that they can if possible. Embezzlement? Theft? longer seem to want to deal with coins pricing, distressing locals. The collect. I, myself may not keep Misappropriation? meticulous record of what I owe. If I 2. Resignation of the Accountant am confronted about bills I owe from 5 General? Minister of Finance? years ago, I am not likely to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry remember. It appears that the of Finance? Prime Minister? Accountant General is in a similar Government? position. 3. Bring Motion of No Confidence in Checks and balances should have the Government if this is a normal been put in place so that taxpayer’s democratic country? money can be safeguarded. This means 4. Parliament provides sufficient that for every quantity of money that staff and funding for yearly is spent, a corresponding check written Accounting and Auditing. in the name of the recipient keeps 5. Employ Forensic Auditors and tract of it. Balance occurs when Police to find and return the $95 reconciliation is made with the Bank. million to the Government Treasury. Thus, the Bank as well as the 6. Provide the Parliamentary Public Accountant General’s workers will be Accounts Committee with office space, keeping records of the same a secretary and sufficient funding to expenditure. I call this Double Entry. do their work. Additionally, any receipt generated, It appears that those currently and any minutes or directive from a responsible authority linked to each responsible for the country’s finances check is noted, lengthening the money are unable to account for the trail. Receipt #s, photographs of the whereabouts of $95 million from 5 recipients and goods purchased may years ago. We were not given proper also be recorded. It is now easy to accounting for Argyle International make electronic files. So, there is no Airport. Financial problems will be shortage of documentation records. compounded if they are not dealt with Text messages can also be used to expeditiously. The most recent 5 years record instructions taken on the go. may very well reveal additional Professional Accountants may have potential improprieties. All this seems their own terminology with different to lead to Misbehavior in Public Office meanings, but for me and many and I am not interested in anyone ordinary folks, my method may suffice. going to jail but that all the monies be According to the Auditor General, returned by those who removed it $95 million dollars was removed from without proper authorization and the Government’s Overdraft facility at documentation. Integrity legislation the bank from 5 years ago and the would have kept people with sticky Accountant General did not provide fingers from putting their hands in the sufficient documentation detailing the cookie jar. We need to act now before whereabouts of the money. It is to be all of us are reduced to abject, noted: EXTREME, poverty. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 13. V News ROC (Taiwan) donates oxygen concentrators to SVG

AMBASSADOR OF THE following upon previous REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN), donations of ventilators, HE Calvin Ho, donated 30 sets of medical masks, protective oxygen concentrators to the gowns and other medical government of Saint Vincent and supplies to the government the Grenadines, on behalf the and civil society of Saint government of Republic of China Vincent and the Grenadines (Taiwan). since the outbreak of COVID- These items, handed over 19 in 2020. on 10th August, were received In addition, the Embassy of by Permanent Secretary in the ROC (Taiwan) has made Ministry of Health, Wellness several donations of medical and the Environment, Mr. resources to the Bequia Cuthbert Knights. The Hospital and the Nurses Ambassador of the Republic ceremony formed part of the Association of Saint Vincent of China (Taiwan), HE Calvin Embassy’s series events in and the Grenadines. He Ho and Permanent Secretary celebration of the expressed his admiration for in the Ministry of Health, 40th anniversary of diplomatic the resilience shown by Cuthbert Knights share a ties between the Republic of Vincentians in the face of the light moment during the China (Taiwan) and St. volcanic eruption of La presentation of 30 oxygen (inset) Vincent and the Grenadines. Soufrière. He affirmed the appreciation to the support of the Republic of China concentrators to the As both countries continue on belief that the hardship would Saint Vincent and the (Taiwan) as it continuously Governmnent of SVG. working closely in all areas of end someday and confirmed Grenadines to Taiwan in provides critical equipment mutual cooperation, the that Taiwan would stand participating international and medical supplies at the oxygen concentrators for the donation symbolized the firmly with Saint Vincent and organizations and events. time of urgent need. He welfare of the people and partnership between the two the Grenadines to address the Permanent Secretary reiterated that the Ministry of expressed gratitude on behalf countries. global pandemic and natural Cuthbert Knights expressed Health, Wellness and of the government and people Ambassador Ho revealed disaster issues. Ambassador his appreciation for the Environment would make the of Saint Vincent and the that the donation was Ho also stressed his support from the Embassy of best use of the 30 sets of Grenadines. 14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Education Teachers receive training in

Minister of Education, Teaching Reading Hon. Curtis King by GLORIAH… Caribbean Joint Board of He stated, “I want to commend relevant pedagogical skills Teacher Education, the the Ministry of Education and necessary for effectively “IT IS THEREFORE CRITICAL that University of the West Indies its partners: the USAID, the teaching our students those who are charged with the and the OECS Commission. East Caribbean Joint Board of using the best approaches delivery of education, have the The course which centred Teacher Education, the UWI to enhance their reading capacity to deliver that quality around the Teaching of as well as the OECS performance especially in education; and it is within this Reading in the Primary Commission for working the foundation grades: context that we can see this Grades, formed part of the together in producing this Kindergarten to Grade wonderful activity this morning.” Early Learners Programme programme that sought to Three.” She further urged These were the words of within the Ministry of enhance the quality of our the teachers to make Minister of Education, Hon. Education. The participating teachers, to put them in a maximum use of their happily as they develop into Curtis King at the ceremony of teachers went through three position to deliver quality newly acquired knowledge and well-rounded, successful the presentation of certificates months of Specialised Training education.” skills in a consistent and students.” for a Reading Certificate Course and were presented with Also on hand to give effective manner, then ended The new school year is undertaken by twenty-three certificates upon completion. remarks was Mrs. Elizabeth with a mantra for programme scheduled to begin on October teachers, which was held at the The Education Minister Walker. She highlighted outcomes. She articulated, 4, 2021. These teachers will Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, expressed heartfelt thanks to benefits of the programme as, “Let us all be rewarded with have great opportunities to 10th August. those entities who came “You are the beneficiaries of a the shared joy witnessing our put what they have learned The programme was a forward to commit to the reading programme that was students read effortlessly and into practice. collaboration between the delivery of quality education. designed to equip you with the YATE enrollment in Union Island RESIDENTS ON youth in a number of areas UNION ISLAND will including plumbing, garment be expected to improve production and horticulture. their skills in a range Last Tuesday the Minister of technical and of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves vocational areas joined Minister of Education, following the inception Curtis King in welcoming the of the YATE program first 25 YATE enrollees in on the island on Union Island. Tuesday. According to Gonsalves, Youth & Adult “This first cohort will be Training for certified in bartending and Minister of Education, Curtis King (furthest left) with Employment (YATE) restaurant operations, in light enrollees. is one of three skills of the tourism developments in training and the Southern Grenadines”. facilitating a population of develop and pursue further certification He said that YATE provides skilled, hardworking, certified employment related training. programmes currently a stipend to enrollees, and will and trainable youth in SVG,” It is the first time residents underway in SVG , continue training youth said the Finance Minister. on the Grenadines Island will along with SKYE and through July 2022. “This The YATE program is be able to gain training in two Minister of Finance, Hon. ANEW. In 2020 YATE $5.7m programme is another designed to assist adults CVQ level 2 courses. Training Camillo Gonsalves provided training to over 400 small down payment in between the ages of 17-45 to begins on Monday 23rd. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 15. V News No eruption at La Soufrière by GLORIAH… issued a statement …and coming heavily will wash coming off the summit of small and they coalesced increased activity levels so too Michelle Forbes down in the river valleys the volcano. This is and began getting bigger at the volcano nor any ON SATURDAY, 14th from NEMO has issued a in the North-east above related to the excessive and bigger and became presence of new magma August, a huge, all-white lengthy summary the Rabacca River.” rainfall that we had. more visible for wide reaching the surface, the cloud appeared in the statement about what Dr. Gonsalves’ caution We’d expect that because areas around the likelihood of any same area where huge transpired,” he said, echoed the report of of the hot rocks that are volcano. The volcano is explosive activity is ash plumes have been “those persons who are volcanologist Professor at the surface, not erupting. It’s not negligible. appearing after the saying the Soufriere is Richard Robertson. …whenever there is a lot doing anything more La Soufrière volcano explosive eruptions of the erupting again, they’re According to NBC Radio of rain, the rain is going unusual that it’s been began effusive eruptions La Soufrière volcano. just wrong! It’s not true, 705, in its to flash, to steam and we doing.” in December, 2020; then As images of this it’s false! Richie communication with the will have heavy Professor Robertson began erupting phenomenon were Robertson has said scientist, he is reported steaming. Today when further stated that explosively in April, plastered across social repeatedly and so too as saying, “Earlier today, the clouds cleared the because this kind of 2021. Its final explosive media, layman NEMO, that because of people would have noted steaming started. The activity was neither eruption occurred on explanations followed. the heat of the rocks at white steam plumes plume started quite indicative of any 22nd April, 2021. Many felt that it was the La Soufrière, when the result of an ‘obvious’ rains come you’ll have follow-up eruption, while steaming and the plumes others described it as you see, is just that.” ‘just a cloud above the Adamant that there Soufriere’. In an online was no increased seismic post circulating across activity, the Prime platforms, a speaker is Minister reiterated that heard as saying, “La persons should listen to Soufriere is in motion. I the authorities before believe this is a slight spreading false eruption going on at this conclusions. Listen to moment.” Professor Robertson, Prime Minister Dr. listen to Michelle Forbes, Ralph Gonsalves listen to the speaking on Saturday, seismologists, listen to 14th August on NBC Ralph, listen to Radio, chose to calm “the Montgomery Daniel. anxieties of persons who What we are having at have been troubled by the moment is a lot of the reports”. “Our own rain as you know, and we Professor Richie have had some lahars, Robertson of the SRC some mudflows. There’s who is here in St. a lot of material up there Vincent, would have and the rain that is

Plumes of steam observed in the vicinity of the La Soufrière volcano after heavy rainfall last Saturday. 16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Business DCash: making payments easier His delivery came from the economy ought to be Minister sees the safe money dealings. His ECCB headquarters in St. engaged in the introduction of the appeal is for merchants Kitts, in a Zoom link with developmental process. DCash facility here as and the wider business its Vincentian counterpart. To that end, Antoine sees “creating new environment to link up Antoine cited the early receipt of opportunities for digital with the DCash system. “payments” as the “life- payments as putting cash to thrive.” “Get it early,” Gonsalves blood of every economy” matters into the present Government will be advised. hence the need to make day reality. “This is our using the facility and There is no question sure that workers get future,” Antoine quipped, persons will soon be able as to Gonsalves’ anxiety their money in a timely and added the “future is to get their Public to get the DCash train fashion. now.” Assistance payments rolling. The session was The ECCB Governor through the DCash For him, DCash is beamed at Frenches praised Vincentian outlet. “safe, effective, quick,” House in Kingstown Finance Minister Camillo Those receiving and he welcomes it as Minister of Finance, marking the launch of Gonsalves for his Income Support as a “critical to getting St. Hon. Camillo Gonsalves the new money endorsement of the result of the Volcano Vincent and the endorsed the DCash Timothy Antoine, arrangement. Antoine DCash initiative. Relief efforts can also Grenadines out of this initiative. Governor of the Eastern expressed delight that Representative for this look forward to DCash antiquated business Caribbean Central Bank St. Vincent and the country on the ECCU’s payments. environment.” The ECCB officials are who joined the press Grenadines was into the Monetary Council, Gonsalves is urging It there was any doubt making it clear that they conference via the new era of cash Gonsalves welcomed the Vincentian business as to the credibility of are not in competition Zoom platform, lauded dispersal. new platform for doing houses to latch on to the the new business era, with any other digital the DCash initiative. The Governor pointed business. He laments DCash era. live demonstrations of cash providers and that to benefits of the DCash this country’s continued He also sees it as a transactions were there is space and TIMOTHY ANTOINE, the interjection and sees it as reliance on raw cash. He pillar in regional displayed across the opportunities for anyone. Eastern Caribbean Central helping to “build our describes that solidarity with faster region with triangular Antoine used the Bank’s Governor is keen digital economy in the dependency as an transaction across the interaction between opportunity to point out on seeing workers getting Eastern Caribbean “impediment” to rapid region. governor Antoine, the need for update laws their wages more speedily. Currency Union (ECCU). progress. “It will be a boom in Minister Gonsalves and in the financial sector. And the best way of Antoine noted the He alluded to the regional commerce,” local worker Timothy According to him, work is ensuring this is embracing opening of the Argyle multi-island nature of Gonsalves cited. Scott. A lively interactive progressing on a ‘Modern the use of DCash Internal Airport as a the state, and with the He echoed the benefits session ensued with Payment Services Bill’ payments. Antoine plank of the nation’s displacement forced by of the new dispensation, interest peaking as to the which is slated for conveyed his feeling last development, but noted eruption of the Soufriere with the features of prospects of the new introduction in 2022. week Thursday, August 12. that all sectors of the volcano, the Finance speedy operations and thrust. (WKA) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 17. 18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News SVG Red Cross pledges

President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Bernard Morgan, has pedged the organisation support to Haiti which was hit by a to support Haiti devastating earthquake recently. PRESIDENT OF THE ST. moment of need. He The President deeply Vincentians are VINCENT AND THE stated that through the empathises with the suffering from the GRENADINES RED CROSS International Federation Haitian people and effects of a volcanic (SVGRC) Bernard Morgan of the Red Cross and Red agonises about the eruption, Morgan is is pledging support of the Crescent Societies (IFRC) suffering and economic confident that organisation to Haiti as he is pledging his hardship that they Vincentians would see that nation grapples with support of appropriate endure in the wake of the need to assist Haiti the aftermath of a 7.2 human resources to such devastation. This, at this time. magnitude earthquake on respond in the areas of he said, is coupled with He recounted that he August 14th. disaster management persistent poverty which received support during Morgan said that and operations. He said creates a development the SVG volcanic SVGRC is in support of the SVGRC has done it dilemma that has eruption from many the people of Haiti and before and is more than plagued the country in Caribbean leaders stands in solidarity with prepared to assist Haiti its recent history. including the President them during this during this time. Despite the fact that of the Haitian Red Cross who pledged his unwavering support to the national society. phase where we are the Vincentian people. In speaking about the considering restoring The SVGRC President local disaster situation, livelihoods, rebuilding said that any support he said “Although we are and rehabilitation. Isn’t extended to the still in the disaster… we it incumbent on us, devastated nation of have to underscore that because of this tragedy in Haiti will be we have reached to the Haiti to pause for a commendable. point of recovery. We are while, reflect on how The Haitian out of the immediate gracious God has been to government declared a emergency phase and we us, and that we can lend state of emergency after are entering now into the a helping hand to a a 7.2-magnitude recovery phase. We got Caribbean sister nation earthquake struck the tremendous assistance in who is now in their country on Saturday terms of food, water, immediate emergency August 14th, leaving at clothing and other relief phase?” Morgan said. He least 1,297 people dead items, that people needed continued, that by and more than 5,700 immediately after the supporting Haiti, it will injured, according to the impact of the eruption. only show the true country’s civil protection Now, we are going into a character and strength of agency. (Submitted) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 19 . 20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News SVBLA gives a helping hand PERSONS LIVING WITH much closer to benefitting specifically caters to their financial DISABILITIES are that from a facility that needs, thanks to a contribution from the St. Vincent Building & Loan Association (SVBLA). On Monday, 17th August, the SVBLA handed over a monetary donation to the President of Voice of the Disabled, Mrs. Cheryl Adams, at the corporate Left to right (back): Mr. Sebastian Forde - head office of the St. Insurance Manager, Mrs. Ava Weekes - Customer Vincent Building & Loan Service Manager. Left to right (front): Candice Association. Voice of the Sealey - Marketing Officer and Mrs. Cheryl Adams - Disabled, a rural, President of Voice of the Disabled. community-based, non- profit organization, is teaching of Home 03, 1941, is owned and pursuing the goal of Economics to disabled managed by Vincentians, establishing a Centre of persons so they can be for the benefit of Learning at the Old San more independent in Vincentians. Located at Souci Community their homes. Halifax Street, Centre. The President, The St. Vincent Kingstown, St. Vincent Mrs. Adams, expressed Building & Loan and the Grenadines, the her delight and gratitude Association continues to Association was founded to the SVBLA and stated focus on giving back to with the intention of that the donation will go the Vincentian providing Vincentians a long way in assisting community. The public with a means to practice with the labour cost and can have a glimpse of the thrift through regular, repairs needed for the work completed so far at systematic savings and a facility, especially since the learning centre site way to experience the joy financial support has by visiting the SVBLA and pride of owning their been difficult to come by social media pages over own home. Today, the locally. She further the next few days. Association offers a added that the centre St. Vincent Building & range of services which will offer sessions in Loan Association: include Loans, Deposits Craft, the teaching of Incorporated on July 04, and Insurance products Braille, Information 1941 but began geared towards building Technology as well as the operations on January lives one step at a time. (Submitted) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 21. V Diaspora TTSVGSG announces The EB John Memorial Bursary AUGUST 19, 2021 marked the first anniversary of the passing of colleague, friend and founder, Evans Bernard John. In commemoration, The Toronto SVG Support Group (TTSVGSG) announces the establishment of an annual education bursary, The EB John Memorial Bursary. The bursary will be awarded each year to a National of St. Vincent and The Grenadines pursuing post-secondary studies in the Communication Arts or related field at the Open Campus of the University of Evans Bernard John the West Indies. In the first year, the Bursary two thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars ($2,000 EC) will be awarded to one individual. Details on the application and selection process will be provided at a later date. The bursary amounts and awardees will be announced each subsequent year by TTSVGSG. The TTSVGSG expects this bursary will help deserving individuals achieve excellence in a field that was close to EB’s heart and thereby, be a fitting tribute in his honour. In addition to its charitable activities in Toronto, the following is a synopsis of some of the Group’s support efforts in SVG: * Worked together with CARI-ON, the SVG Association of Toronto, the Consulate General of Toronto and other groups and volunteers in sending 14 shipping containers of relief supplies to SVG in response to the recent La Soufriere eruption. * Donated to: - SVG Rotary Club South - Christmas toys annually - Lions Club South — Christmas family food baskets annually - Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre - Integrated Team Developing Athletic Talent (ITDAT) Academy - St. Vincent Autism Society - Various schools in SVG - books and printers - VINSAVE - video projector, popcorn machine and groceries * Sponsors two students through the SVG Association of Toronto’s Adopt-A-Child Program. * Donated together with The SVG Association of Toronto: - An SE-1200 ECG Unit to the Chateaubelair Hospital (2019); - Blood pressure units to SVG medical clinics (2018); - Funds to the School for Children with Special Needs in Kingstown (2017). * Initiated and facilitated the donation of 60 hospital mattresses to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital from Toronto’s West Park Healthcare Centre (2019). * Provided funds, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Toronto, to construct a house for a family in North Leeward following the December 2013 floods. EB founded The Toronto SVG Support Group in 2012. His vision for the Group, as stated among its core objectives, was to promote and facilitate positive interaction among nationals of SVG throughout the Diaspora, and to partner with or otherwise support any other SVG and Caribbean group or persons with a similar vision. Through its steadfast and consistent contributions, activities and support to other groups since 2012, EB’s vision has been, and continues to be, fulfilled. (Submitted) 22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice Not too old for sex Dear George, I AM 65 YEARS OLD and my wife is 58 years old. We have a problem in our marriage: my wife thinks I think too much about sex at my age. I have a very strong sexual desire Not happy. 90 percent of the time. My wife keeps saying, “Me too ole for sex now” and Dear Not happy, this gets me mad. She criticizes me and is asking me to “cool out”. George, It would be indeed be sad and if my wife has resigned from sex, I am unfortunate if this issue ends up being very much still on the job. I find her the cause for the breaking of your highly unreasonable to expect me to marriage. One of the golden rules of live the rest of my life sitting on ‘dry marriage is that neither partner ought dock’. I told her to get her act to withhold themselves from the together or I’m getting my satisfaction other. Your wife may not be aware whether she likes it or not. There is how much you are affected by her lack nothing physically wrong with her! In of interest in sex and may therefore her late twenties and early thirties, need to see a sex therapist or a she would make me beg for my marriage counselor. This is a matter bedroom pleasure. When I began that should be discussed at length and looking for another woman she wised its imperative that both of you start up and did a little better. Now that thinking about ways to meet the needs we are getting down in years she is of the other, putting aside selfishness holding fast to the view that sex is not and replacing it with understanding for old people and I have a serious and heightened intimacy. problem with that. It would be a sad affair if this becomes a deal breaker in George our marriage. A question of trust

Dear George, after, saying they had judgment by having her fun and it was just like ex at the house during FOR THE PAST 2 old times. He further your absence; and yes, months my wife and I said, “Now you are the text message can be have not touched each reminded what you have interpreted in more than other. I feel that she is been missing.” She one ways than one. But, either having an affair explained that statement at the end of the day, with her ex or had one. by saying he was this is a question of She tearfully denied this, referring to his funny trust. This matter needs but I do not believe her. jokes. This has been a to be properly ventilated One day, I got home major stumbling block to until both of you can see from work and met them us carrying on as usual. the point of view of the both sitting in the living Somehow I have this other and find a way to room having a annoying feeling in my write this off as conversation over gut that I’m being something that should drinks. I work from 7am played. have never happened to 7pm and she told me and will never happen that her ex who lives Disturbed again. It would help if overseas “dropped by” your wife could the house since 12 noon. Dear Disturbed, understand that by She admitted she knew keeping the Ex out of the he planned to visit her The circumstances equation, it allows for a days before. She told me that you have described healthier relationship. If she advised him to come do not prove beyond the you two cannot resolve when I am not home shadow of a doubt that this civilly then I advise because she knew I your wife is having or that you get a would object to him had an affair with her professional to assist visiting. What made me ex. Yes, her actions can you. even more suspicious be described as about this visit was he somewhat shady. Yes, George texted her not too long she showed poor Fraudulent representation of love Dear George, So much for real love. I MIGRATED to New York three Hurt. years ago and promised my girlfriend I would find a way for her to join me Dear Hurt, soon after. Things did not work out as planned and she is still in Unfortunately, some people are SVG. Word came to me that she fraudulent representatives of love but moved in with another man while that does not mean there is telling me she is patiently waiting on something amiss with the concept of me. I asked her about the rumor I love. Love does not allow certain heard and she denied it. I was so in practices to take place. You went love with this woman that I was away with the intention of making actually contemplating moving back things better for you both but she to be with her. When I mentioned probably had other ideas. It would this to her, she quickly discouraged have been best if she had honestly me and begged me to stick it out for communicated her feelings about your both our sakes. George, the truth of prolonged absence and intentions not the matter is, she was living with to wait around. Take it for what it is another man and is carrying his and start focusing on improving your second child. It is beyond me why she lot until you are ready to love again. did not tell me this at the beginning. George. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 23. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) ACROSS They will not have the patience to wait You should be able to get a lot done. for you to complete things that they've Travel and communications will not run as 1. Added fuel to asked you to do. Try to be fair in your smoothly as you had hoped. Travel will be 4. Sleeve end dealings with acquaintances. Deceit with favorable. Your involvement in 8. Antlered animal coworkers is apparent. organizational events could open doors to 12. Furious feeling new and exciting opportunities. 13. Eye flirtatiously TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) 14. Swinging Horne Physical activity will help defuse your SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) frustration. Investments may be Show what a dedicated person you can 15. Ascot alternative misrepresented this week. Your ideas be. Opportunities to make financial gains 16. Game birds may be good, but they aren't necessarily through investments look promising. You 18. Cloth remnant right for everyone. will meet exciting new people through 20. Feathered critter interest groups or functions that you 21. Ink-holding implement GEMINI (May 22-June 21) attend with your children. 23. Shiny fabric Try to iron out any friction over money 26. Caesarian title with your mate or conflicts could prevail. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 30. Snatch Sign up for tours or courses that will Visit someone who hasn't been feeling 32. Beneficial enlighten you. You will be in the mood to well lately. Reevaluate your position and 33. Aries symbol socialize. You will gain a lot if you listen. make decisions about your future goals. 35. High point You should consider getting your whole 36. Sticky slime CANCER (June 22-July 22) family involved in a project at home. 37. Threw a fist at Avoid friends or acquaintances who drink 39. Hauls too much. You can't lose this week CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 43. Juniper-flavored 6. Went airborne accustomed 48. Three-piece – unless you get involved in gossip or You'll regret every word for some time to liquor 7. Worries 41. Comedic bit 49. Irritable overwork to the point of exhaustion. You come. You may be looking through rose 44. 24-hour spans 8. Incline 42. Maple 50. Steno tablet need to get down to basics with regard colored glasses. You will find yourself tied to yourself. 46. Duck cousins 9. Six plus four sweetener 51. Enjoyed oysters to the phone. Try not to get involved in 10. Colony insect or oatmeal other people's problems. 50. Text division 45. Mentally LEO (July 23-Aug 22) 54. Unopened blossom 11. Vaporous element healthy 52. Be a thief It will be all around you. You can win AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 55. Resting on 17. Saltwater body 47. Loses power 53. Cherry see points with children if you take the time Satisfy your passionate mood. You are 56. Single group 19. Imitated to show interest in their best to do something energetic with 57. Massive 22. Neither this – that accomplishments. You may want to get friends instead. Make changes in your 58. Sum owed 24. Ruler segment involved in some kind of creative group. domestic scene. You can make new 59. Dogs and cats 25. Christen Spend time getting to know each other. friends if you get involved in group 60. Farmyard shelter 26. Souffle item activities. 27. Frame of mind VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) DOWN 28. Unacceptable You can make career moves that will PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 29. Knock loudly bring you a much higher income. You Pleasure trips will turn out to be better 1. Temper tantrums 31. Snooze place may be angry if someone tries to take than anticipated. Sign up for courses that 2. Rocker Clapton 34. Coffee container

credit for something you did. You may be will bring you more skills. Close deals that 3. Forest dweller 35. Skin blemish SOLUTION emotional about the way an organization have been up in the air and move on to 4. Reddish-orange metal 38. Dark times LAST WEEK’s you belong to is handling its business. new ones that appear to be profitable. 5. “How repellent!” 40. Become V 24. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

SVG gains top ten finishes in

From left: Trevor Bailey (President of the SVG Cycling Union), Albert Quammie, Zefal Bailey, Cammie CCC Adams, Emmerson Holder. ST VINCENT AND THE of a second slower than American GRENADINES gained two Bailey’s. St Vincent and Championships on top-ten finishes when the the Grenadines Sunday 15, where Bailey Caribbean Cycling representative, Albert alone completed 106 Championships (CCC) took Quammie, finished miles course, which was unable to finish. Bollers and Desron Manager, respectively. place last Thursday, 12th twelfth. The event was won by Andre Martinez Bailey, Quammie and Bynoe in the Masters The Three Stage Race August, in the Dominican won by Joshua Kelly of Soto of Colombia in 3:38. Adams, will turn their Category and Amber includes a Time Trial, a Republic. Barbados in a time of Bailey, who placed attention to the Elite Glasgow of Squash fame, Criterium and a Road This, as Zefal Bailey 1:53.31. Seventeen thirty-sixth, was seven Category of the Antigua who will participate in Race. placed ninth and cyclists started the race, seconds behind the and Barbuda Cycling the Elite Female Peter Durrant is the Cammie Adams tenth, in with only fifteen winner. Federation’s Subway segment. defending champion in the 57 miles Road Race. completing. Quammie dropped out Three Stage Invitational, Shimano Bailey and the Masters category. He Bailey clocked 1:54.04, Meanwhile, the of the race after 60 miles, this weekend. Emmerson Holder are champed in 2019, the while Adams’ tenth Vincentian trio also while Adams crashed on They will be joined by accompanying the last occasion that the place, was a hundredth participated in the Pan the last lap and was Peter Durrant, Martin cyclists as mechanic and event was held. X-Cel Summer Camp opens

THE X-CEL SPORTS CLUB 10th Annual Summer Camp was officially opened earlier this week at the Richmond Hill Playing Field. This year’s camp is being held under the theme ‘Developing Quality’. Over 50 athletes, inclusive of persons as young as nine years old, Godfrey Harry, Head coach of are expected to X-Cel Sports Club, aims to participate in the two- assist athletes to acquire the week camp, and Godfrey competency required to Harry, X-Cel’s Head move from one level to the Coach, emphasized that next. this year they are going back to full schedule. Left: Athletes get briefing at “We are focusing on the beginning of the camp. three basic track and field events - the throws, will be going off to a jumps, sprints — and will scholarship in the United also have a netball States,” Harry cited. component.” He also highlighted, “We There will also be also have athletes from the “development sessions,” camp who are now coaches — Harry said, “with persons focusing on specific events like understanding of what is convincing that his Sport the long and high jumps, and expected at the next level,” Club’s Annual Camp has like Shantel Legear, Javid coming in to speak to the Marksman, Ronique Dowers. athletes on different life the sprints where the Harry explained. borne fruit. concentration will be on using Camp participants will also “We have athletes who So we want to make sure we topics.” can continue developing With the intention of going the starting blocks. be involved in some mini- came out from these camps “Even if they do not perfect competition events as a means who are overseas — Kyleann athletes with quality so they beyond simply bringing can move on to the next level.” athletes together, the Head it, we want to make sure that of judging their progress. Kirby, Zenron Chance, Uroy they get the basic and the Coach Harry needed no Ryan, and Zamisha Myers who Coach noted that they will be I.B.A.ALLEN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 25. V Sports National U-20 Female Football Provisional Squad named

NATIONAL Female Under-20 selectors Rachel Edwards, Samayaa Connell, groups will be combined with have named thirty-nine (39) players Saquana Duncan, Shelicia Joseph, the twelve teams emerging ahead of the final selection for the Shakeyra Kydd, Sonja Mc Kie, Teia from the group stage, in which CONCACAF Qualifiers next month in LaBorde and Tishana James. sixteen teams, divided into Shaielle Williams Curaçao. St Vincent and the Grenadines is four groups will contest for Kendra Findlay The squad includes ten members placed in Group A, along with honours. who were part of the 2019 team: Bermuda, Dominica and the US Virgin As such, the USA, Mexico, Samonique LaBorde, Ashanti Douglas, Islands. The Vincentians are slated to Canada, Haiti, Trinidad and Kitanna Richards, Areka Hooper, open their campaign at the Hato Tobago, Jamaica, the Arenna Grant, Denel Creese, Cassian Ergillo Stadium in Willemstad on 13th Dominican Republic, Samuel, Shaielle Williams, Kendra September versus Dominica, and Honduras, Guyana, Findlay and Shannel Lampkin. engage the US Virgin Islands on 15th Guatemala, El Salvador, They are joined by Aresia Miller, September. The final qualifying Puerto Rico, Panama, Cuba, Ashante Bowens, Cavorn Delpesche, match will be against Bermuda on Nicaragua and St Kitts and Clenetta Brudy, D’ Andrea James, De’ 17th September. Should St Vincent Nevis, are the sixteen, based Andrea Barbour, Denella Creese, and the Grenadines top the group, a on their rankings. Jayana Glasgow, Jefiesha Ackie, place in the Knock Out stage awaits. The group stage takes Jonella Alexander, Kacy-Ann The rest of the qualifying phase place in early 2022, to be Providence, Kayanna Douglas, sees the Cayman Islands, Anguilla and followed by the Knock-Out, Keyrena Jordon and Kaywana Byron. Martinique in Group B, while St which is a single-match The rest of the provisional squad is Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and elimination. Kaylra Jackson, Kendra Isles, Curacao are in Group C. Group D is The three teams from the Khadiah Ashton, Kiara Jackson, made of Grenada, Suriname and elimination round, will book Areka Hooper Kizzy-Ann Providence, Kyla Gibson, Belize. places to the October Finals, Shannel Lampkin Monella Lavia, Rhondo Augustus, The winners from each of the which are scheduled for Costa Rica. 26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Sports Ryan has shown marked Caribbean Premier improvement

UROY RYAN, a resident of contributing factor in Uroy Ryan League kicks off Gomea and a past student him winning the has no of the Thomas Saunders NACAC Under-18 Long complaints IF THERE is hint of the “Indianisation” of the Secondary School, is Jump, when those about his Caribbean Premier League, it might be true. But currently enrolled at Games were held in enrollment at there is nothing sinister about that, for India is the G.C. Foster College of Costa Rica early this G.C. Foster proving itself as the foundation of modern-day Physical Education & year. College. cricket, even though they are not the official Test Sport, Jamaica. He is looking forward world champs. New Zealand eclipsed for that Ryan is a field athlete, to complete his external honour, recently. far at G.C. specializing in the Long exams next year after Foster, Reflecting on the last week of Test cricket and Jump. His training which he will pursue the results, India might be the happiest nation in Ryan under the expertise advanced studies in admits, “I the world. They crowned the pleasure with an available at the G.C. Coaching and ecstatic and enthralling victory over England at can’t Foster College must have Management. complain Lords last Monday. been a major And we have not heard the rest of the drama as And as for his time so because I am improving drastically and have to it unfolded. Whatever your perspective, India thank God for the must be commended. opportunity. There are activities, events, analyses, and “Before I left SVG I speculations that take place off the field of play, Creese makes early was jumping 6.5 meters but it is what happens on the day that matters. and within a year’s time India stormed to victory in dazzling fashion, and I am jumping 7 meters with that has emerged a new era of Indian cricket which is the currently of having not to rely on their traditional spin the national Under-20 bowling. departure for Japan Long Jump record in Once ridiculed for their fragility to fast SVG. As for the high bowling, India has turned the tables. jump, I am now jumping So when the Caribbean Premier League winds Coach Ricky Dean 1.94 meters which is my up Wednesday September 15, there will have been said that he had high personal best. I am some influence on the tournament. Three teams expectations for his always looking to have the Indian signature. First it was the athlete even though he Trinbago Knight Riders, a spill of the Indian- improve but as my long got into swimming just and high jumps specialist based Kolkata Knight Riders. This season sees over a year or so ago. the St. Lucia Kings, with a franchise controlled by advises, it will take hard “As the first work and dedication to the KPH Dream Cricket brand, the consortium Paralympian from SVG, that owns Punjab Kings. achieve more.” it’s a historic moment, so And even a he is doing The Barbados Royals, formerly Tridents, have I expect him to do his some Rajasthan Royals connections. well academically, he best… he is a very also has his eyes set on The other teams in this year’s CPL are Jamaica determine and confident Tallawahs, Guyana Amazon warriors and the St. qualifying for the next Kitts/Nevis Patriots. This year’s showdown begins guy as he always strives Olympics. Thursday, August 26 when Jamaica Tallawahs for gold, and once he “I know the Olympics play St. Lucia Kings, followed by Trinbago Knight improves on his time in is of a high standard but Riders against Barbados Royals. Berlin he will more than once God has plans for All matches will be at Warner Park in St. Kitts. likely advance to the me and I continue to The Indian nation would have enjoyed the result semis,” Dean said. train, I definitely believe of the first Test West Indies versus India, if only Like Creese, Dean I can make the Olympics for the fact that their neighbours and arch said that going into team,” he said. enemies were beaten by a West Indies outfit, by Japan earlier to train in Ryan is now home the slimmest of margins. The second test in that the 50 meters at Nippon enjoying some rest and series is into its first day today August 20. Sports University before recreation, but he is also No less drama is anticipated at the Sabina the Games start will be a Park in Kingston Jamaica. committed to assist the plus, in that he will be X-Cel Sports Club That match, once out of the way will provide Dexroy Creese (left) and coach Rickey Dean more mentally prepared the platform, for perhaps a late surge by some comprise this country’s delegation to the 2020 Summer Camp, which as well as acclimatized to began earlier this week. players, at earning a call up for duties in the ICC Paralympics in Japan. the water temperature. World Cup carded to start in October. “Based on his body I.B.A.ALLEN One like Keswick Williams will be keen to structure, I believe he make a statement to the selectors that their THIS COUNTRY’s first which permits a will have a good reach in decision to leave him out of contention for recent ever Paralympian has swimmer to compete in the water as he is very duties was a mistake. He will be doing his best to headed out early for Freestyle, Butterfly and tall, and I expect him to impress, even if it means filtering his way into the Tokyo, Japan, host of the Backstroke events. heart and soul of the Punjab Kings dynasty. do better than in Berlin,” 2020 Summer Creese will compete in Dean said hopefully. There will be many issues to consider while the Paralympics branded as the 50 meters Freestyle. tournament gets going. As part of his Tokyo 2020 Paralympic As he prepared for his preparation, Creese had With the sporting events prevalent and Games, to be staged from departure, Creese said, dominant on the international stage, the appetite his first taste of August 24 to September “Going into Japan earlier international competition for competitive local action is increasing. 5. is important for me as it But except for the fourth version of the Vincy when he participated in Premier League, there has been no other cricket Swimmer Calville will allow me to get the traditional Berlin competition. Creese, aka Dexroy familiar with the 50 World Series, Germany, If the reopening of schools is anything to judge, Creese, and his coach meters’ pool.” from June 17 this year. there might be some sprinkling of competition on Ricky Dean left here for He didn’t hide his He competed in the Male the threshold. For if youths continue to be out of Tokyo last week excitement saying, “I am 50m and 100m Freestyle. the fold owing to the restrictions, in addition to Thursday, Aug. 12. upbeat about the Creese’s first plunge the breakdown of civic values which the He is classified as a opportunity and I am into the pool in Tokyo educational system triggers, the sharpness and Paralympic S9, i.e. an going to give it my 100 will be on August 30th. coordinative requirements of a well-rounded above-elbow and/or percent. My aim is to go student will be lost. above-knee amputee, for gold.” I.B.A.ALLEN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021. 27. V Classifieds

AGIVA VERONICA JOSEPH HILLAN WASHINTON POMPEY JULEYLET SOLOMON Monday, 16th Sunday, 15th August, 2021 August, 2021 Sunday, 15th Church of God St. Bethel August, 2021 Worldwide Spiritual Baptist S.D.A Church Mission Church Barrouallie Redemption Block 2000 Viewing: Sharpes Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 9:30 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: 10:30 a.m. Interment: Glebe Hill Interment: Kingstown Cemetery Cemetery Kingstown Cemetery

JANET ALBERTINA SAMUEL WALTER AUGUSTUS BUTLER MARY ADINA a.k.a. J.A.S a.k.a. Jango SIMMONS

Sunday, 15th Saturday, 14th Saturday 14th August, 2021 August, 2021 August 2021 S.D.A Church Bellevue NTCOG, Richland Park Pentecostal Diamonds Viewing: Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m. Interment: 11:00 a.m. Interment: New Richland Park Interment: Adelphi Cemetery Cemetery Colonaire Cemetery AI REAL ESTATE Cedars 4 bedrm House on 7,955 sq.ft. - $325,000.00 - H130 Prospect Apartment Building on 7,135 sq.ft. - $835,430.00 - H144 Revierre 26,410 sq.ft @ $4.50 p.s.f. - $118,845.00 - BB193 Pembroke 11,135 sq.ft @ $16.00 p.s.f. - $178,160.00 - BB230 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell [email protected]

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.32 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 PUBLIC SERVANTS FACE PUBLIC ORDER BREACH by HAYDN HUGGINS

JUST ONE WEEK after Commissioner of Police Colin John declared recent protest actions in Kingstown illegal, two public servants have been arrested and charged in connection with two of those events. On Monday, Adriana King, 41-year- old secondary school teacher of Belmont, and Kenson King, 34-year- old Prison Officer of Park Hill, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, on four charges each, in violation of the Public Order Act. Adriana, a teacher at the St. Vincent Grammar School, has been charged with, that on August 29, 2021, Kenson King has also been charged Adriana King (right) in conversation with Attorney Shirlan Barnwell (left) and around 9:30 a.m. at Kingstown, she members of the opposition after being charged on Monday. was concerned in organizing a public for matters stemming from the procession/public meeting, without recent protest action in Kingstown on August 5, 2021. “Any person organizing or concerned the organizers, and anyone involved in notifying the Commissioner of Police in organizing any public meeting or those actions could be charged. at least 24 hours before the procession, Both defendants were charged public procession, (exclusive of Monday’s appearances in Court of contrary to Section 5(1) of the Public funerals), shall notify the Adriana King and Kenson King came Order Act, Chapter 396 of the Revised separately, and were called separately to the dock where the charges were Commissioner of Police at least 24 about a week after Annamay Lewis, Edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and hours before the time fixed for such 56-year-old vendor of Layou, was the Grenadines 2009. She is also read to them. They pleaded not guilty to the charges before Senior meeting or procession, and shall state taken before the Kingstown charged with knowingly taking part in the time and place proposed for such Magistrate’s Court to answer a change that procession, on the same date, in Magistrate Rickie Burnett, and were represented by Attorneys Kay assembly, and in the case of a of wounding Prime Minister Dr. Ralph contravention of Section 5(1) of the procession, the route proposed to be Gonsalves by striking him with a Act. Bacchus-Baptiste, Israel Bruce and Shirlan Barnwell. followed. missile in his head, as the Prime The teacher is additionally charged Section 5(2) states that, “The Minister and his security entourage with committing two similar offences Following an application by Bacchus-Baptiste for full disclosure of organizers or any person who were returning to the afternoon on August 4, 2021 around the same knowingly takes part in any public session of Parliament on August 5. time, contrary to, and in contravention all relevant material to the case, as soon as possible, the Senior Magistrate meeting or public procession held in Police reports are that protesters of Section 5(1) of the Act. contravention of Subsection 1 is guilty blocked the road leading to the Kenson is facing four similar ordered disclosure by September 10. The matter has been adjourned to of an offence under the Act. Parliament building and, as the PM charges, two for being concerned in The Commissioner of Police told and his security attempted to get to organizing the event, and two for November 19. Kenson and Adriana were taken THE VINCENTIAN last week Parliament by foot, a protester threw a knowingly taking part. Tuesday that all recent protest actions projectile, and struck him in his head, Those offences were also allegedly into custody last Friday afternoon. They were subsequently charged, and held in the vicinity of Parliament and resulting in a wound. committed in Kingstown on July 29 around Kingstown were illegal, as no Lewis has pleaded not guilty to that and August 5, 2021 around 9:30 a.m., granted station bail on Sunday evening, station bail will continue. notification was given to the charge, and the matter has been contrary to, and in contravention of Commissioner of Police, and therefore adjourned to September 15. Section 5(1) of the Act. Section 5(1) of the Act states that, Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.