FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.29 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Jail for G’town Friday urges Remembering Tributes to Bequia woes guns protests Dr. John Soso Page 28 Page 4 Page 5 Page 15 Page 16 FIRSTFIRST ROADROAD FATALITYFATALITY FORFOR 20212021

Chavel Cain was the only fatality in last Sunday’s accident along the Mandela The Toyota Marino rested on its hood after running off the road. Highway. stop after the accident Highway (Leeward remove someone from the A police transport happen.” Highway) just outside vehicle. rushed him to the Milton This was one of the the Windsor Primary A utility pole could be Cato Memorial Hospital comments overheard school, left the male seen bent out of its where he was coming from among the driver of a Toyota original position pronounced dead. number of persons who Marino dead, and two indicatingthat the Police confirmed that had gathered at the females injured and vehicle might have the dead man as 27-year- scene of a vehicular hospitalised. crashed into it. old Chavel Cain of Belair accident, last Sunday, When this reporter got Inquires revealed that and listed him as the July 18. to the scene, the car was the persons were trying first road fatality for The accident, which ‘sitting’ on its hood and to remove the driver, 2021. The vehicle, by KENVILLE HORNE “THEY WERE RACING and occurred along the persons could be seen which they did, after the other vehicle did not Nelson Mandela frantically trying to some effort. Continue on Page 3. PEDESTRIAN HIT BY CAR WHILE CROSSING ROAD by GLORIAH… to call for the ambulance. When asked if anyone had Those who had assembled ever cautioned him about it, ON WEDNESDAY 21ST lamented the fate of the nurse the vendor said, “No. Well he JULY at around 3:35 in the who laid prone on the ground, go learn now because he afternoon, a female pedestrian having been “knocked off the bounce the nurse!” wearing a nurse’s white crossing” as several persons When questioned if he uniform, was hit by motor reported. actually saw what had vehicle, PP 831, driven by a A particular group was happened, he said “I see when male. quite irate, accusing the he lick she back. He come The accident occurred on person they identified as the down here and turn and lick Bay Street between Ace driver of being known for his she off the crossing.” He Hardware and Corea’s Heavy reckless driving. reiterated that the accident Hardware. A seasoned vendor, pedaling should provide a good lesson A large crowd quickly items on Melville Street, was for the driver. assembled. Some encircled the downright angry. He told Another onlooker stood victim while others hastened THE VINCENTIAN, “He all- quietly but a mark of being time speed down here! This is upset about her. Accident victim readied for his street, every time he does transporting to the hospital. come and speed down here!” Continue on Page 5. 2. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 3. Vaccination hesitancy: A matter of concern

ACCORDING TO A DASHBOARD REPORT 10 doctors being vaccinated — that is released by the Ministry of Health last not safe for anybody.” No COVID-19 variants in Monday, 25,506 COVID-19 vaccines have Dr. Keizer-Beache disclosed that SVG been administered here. Of these, they are looking at small groups where 15,673 are first doses and 9,983 second they can have one on one interaction As for the concern about doses. “to try and address some of these COVID-19 variants in And while these national figures do complaints.” SVG, the CMO stated not come close to the expectations of And on the issue of adverse reaction emphatically on Sunday, government, of even greater concern is to the vaccine, the CMO reported zero that there was no evidence the vaccine hesitancy among staff in incidents/reports of any such reactions, of any COVID-19 variants the Ministry of Health. especially clots. in St Vincent and the During a call to last Sunday’s WE She insisted, “We haven’t had any Grenadines. FM Issue on Hand programme, Chief deaths associated with the vaccine, as She supported that by Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Simone in direct cause of death,” and in sharing that, “we are Keizer-Beache said, “We are engaging response to a social media post that constantly sending them — doing more sessions with them cited four deaths after persons were [samples] to CARPHA to try and address their concerns in vaccinated, she said, “Upon and, as you know, we test terms of the hesitancy... we are not investigation, the Ministry of Health here.” seeing the numbers that we would can now say that those claims were She repeated that the expect to have... in the emergency false and that this country still stands latest reports have shown room, where we only have about two of at twelve COVID-19 deaths.” that “we still don’t have any variants of concern.” The New York Times has advised that the variants about which the Caribbean and the Americas There is no want of vaccines here and the PM should be concerned are: has alluded to 50,000 doses of the Sputnik Vaccine having already arrived here. (See story Alpha — which emerged in on 13) Britain and is now dominant in the USA; Beta — which emerged in South Africa; Gamma — emerged and remains prevalent in first appeared in Brazil; and Delta — India. First road fatality for 2021 Continued from Frontpage.PM214, a to the Botanical Gardens. blue Toyota Marino, is said to be In related news, reports reaching owned by Jerome Cain also of Belair. THE VINCENTIAN said that a Police also disclosed that the BRAGSA water truck overturned in vehicle was travelling in the direction the Rabacca area on Wednesday. of Kingstown when the driver lost While photographs indicated control and ran off the road. extensive damage to the vehicles, The condition of the two females THE VINCENTIAN can confirm that was unknown up to press time. no one received any major injuries. Health and Tourism personnel are working diligently to prepare for the In the last month or so, there have Those concerned were taken to the return of cruise ship visitors. been at least three vehicular Modern Medical and Diagnostic accidents — last Sunday’s inclusive — Centre, Georgetown, where they were along the stretch of the Leeward treated and discharged. Getting ready for the Highway between the two entrances cruise ships THE CRUISE will greet and meet those cruise ship have already INDUSTRY is set to persons,” Keizer-Beache been mounted. resume with some level explained. Health officials met of normalcy and local According to the CMO, with taxi drivers a few health officials are said that means that persons weeks ago, and although to be working on offering products for sale the CMO said that the protocols in anticipation to those visitors will turn out was of the arrival of cruise have to make up their disappointing, the plan liners and passengers to mind to get vaccinated. was to continue with the Port Kingstown. “That is the sort of interactions in order to Dr Simone Keizer- bubble which extends encourage them to Beache, Chief Medical from the cruise ship on become fully vaccinated, Officer confirmed this land,” she said. as the numbers of taxi while speaking on radio For persons who operators presently on July 19. cannot take the vaccine, vaccinated was not “The emphasis is on they will be subjected to satisfactory, especially as vaccinated passengers tests Keizer-Beache it related to taxi and just as they are further noted. operators assigned to the looking at vaccinated Efforts towards Argyle International passengers, you have to readying all stakeholders Airport. (DD) look at the persons who for the return of the The BRAGSA water truck lay on its side. 4. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Court Youth jailed in firearms disappearance

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS Photos courtesy: Kenton Chance

AVI KING, one of four men, including a police officer, slapped with multiple charges in connection with the disappearance of guns and ammunition from the armory of the Georgetown Police Station, will serve two years and eight months behind bars after being handed a series of sentences to run concurrently. The 26-year-old Diamond/Villa resident received that sentence for possession of an M-4 rifle, serial number W877775, which is categorized as a prohibited weapon. Such weapons are used mainly in the military, and members of the public are not allowed to have them. (left) Firearms expert, Station Sergeant Maxian Myron Samuel, Zackrie Latham, and Meshack Dublin await Richardson of the Special Services Unit (SSU), told Nationally acclaimed their day in court. the Court that the gun had a maximum firing range footballer also awaits was the father of three children and is expecting of 2,652 meters and an effective range of 460 meters Avi King may have his day in court. more babies by January. King’s father was which can cause serious damage. He estimated the benefitted from a expecting surgery on Wednesday, and his mother maximum firing range as the distance from the reduced sentence but their matters, to was unemployed. She noted that he was employed Serious Offences Court building at Pauls’ Avenue to because of his early which they have pleaded in the electrical field, but he like many others, was the sea on Lower Bay Street, Kingstown. It can be guilty plea. not guilty, and were affected by the fall out, as a result of the economic fired semi-automatically and automatically. granted bail, have been situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, but King was also sentenced to two years on each of transferred to the Colonaire Magistrate’s Court. when he was working provided and assist the less two charges for possessing two .22 glock pistols, Before handing down the penalties on King, the fortunate. without licenses, and eight months on each charge Chief Magistrate lauded his attorney Nakita According to the lawyer, King was the main of selling those glocks, without have a firearms Charles for her sterling mitigation plea, as well as provider for his child and girlfriend, who is also dealer’s license. the response from prosecutor Renrick Cato. She unemployed. King also received, a 2-year sentence for described both presentations as concisely and “His economic circumstance frustrated him, and possession of 305 rounds of ammunition, and eight substantively put. caused him not to think of all the consequences. He months for sale of 15 rounds of ammunition without “Had it not been for the sterling and strenuous connected his mind solely to what there is to be licenses. mitigation plea on your behalf sentencing would gained if the venture was successful”, Charles said. That ammunition was contained in a magazine. have been different”, she told King. She added that But she added that when he was faced with the He was also sentenced to two years for entering the if the matter had gone through a full trial, the reality, he sought to correct what wrong he had Georgetown Police Station with intent to commit an offender could have ended up with a sentencing done. She asked the Court to impose a non-custodial offence. ranging from four years upwards. sentence. The Magistrate ordered forfeiture of $3,200 with She noted that possession of a prohibited firearm In response, Prosecutor Cato declared, “Firearm which King was found. He was charged with carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison in offences have gone sky high. When not in possession of the money, knowing or believing, the Magistrate’s Court, while possession of a possession, is the use, and the Court has a duty to directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, represents firearm or ammunition without a license, and protect the law abiding”. the proceeds of criminal conduct. carries a maximum penalty of seven years in the He highlighted that one of the charges was King was also charged with possession of another same Court. possession of a prohibited weapon, and referred to glock, which was not recovered, but Prosecutor Brown agreed that King played a significant role the evidence of the firearms expert, who highlighted Renrick Cato withdrew that charge. in the recovery of these weapons before any harm the range and effectiveness of that gun. The offences reportedly occurred in Diamond was done, but said she also had to take into account Cato also stressed that the weapon could be fired village and Kingstown in June 2021, on various the seriousness and consequences of firearm related semi-automatically, as well as automatically and dates. offences, and the fact that that a police station was that King was also charged with possession of 305 All the sentences handed down by Chief involved. rounds of ammunition. He asked the Court to Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious She commended King for his full cooperation with impose a sentence that will reflect the seriousness of Offences Court on Tuesday, are to run concurrently. the police. He had not previous convictions, and the crime. King pleaded guilty to the charges when he benefitted from one-third reduction in sentence A June 4 release from the Police Force had initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on because of his guilty plea. indicated that the Major Crime Unit (MCU) has June 21, but sentencing was adjourned. The Magistrate agreed with King’s lawyer that been ordered to investigate the incident, in which an Zackrie Latham, 25, of Diamonds Village who when the youngster became aware of the undisclosed number of guns and ammunition had was a police constable attached to the Georgetown consequences, he sought to correct what wrong he gone missing from the Georgetown Police Station. Police Station up to the time of his arrest, Meshack had done. She told him, “You are still young. We all And on June 21, the police, in a follow release Dublin, 26, also of Diamonds Village, and Myron fall short, but what is important is for us to pick up disclosed that the four men had been arrested and Samuel, 28, of Layou have also been slapped with after we fall short. charged. (More Court Stories on Page 20) multiple charges in connection with the incident, In mitigation, his lawyer told the Court that King On July 19 he went to Union Island and picked up one Joel Barker, who AK pistol lands man in jail boarded the boat with bags and buckets, and they left for Canouan AFTER THE BOAT on which he was The sentences are to run pistol, was made in Serbia, has a where Parsons boarded the boat along travelling developed mechanical concurrently. magazine capacity of 30 rounds, and with another person who asked for a problems, Winston Parsons found “Guns are dangerous weapons. They was in good working conditions. ride. They left for mainland St. himself in more hot water when law take lives, they ruin families. Stay Caine said the weapon was semi- Vincent but the boat developed enforcers found him in possession of a away from these types of offences. automatic, and estimated a maximum mechanical problems, and had to be prohibited gun and 67 rounds of There are not benefits to be derived firing range as the distance from the towed to Mustique. It was on their ammunition, after the boat was towed from picking up guns or walking Serious Offences Court building to arrival in Mustique that law officers into Mustique. around with them,” Chief Magistrate beyond the sea walls on Lower Bay conducted a search of the boat And things became even hotter for Rechanne warned Parsons after Street. He said that with a full 30 revealing the gun and ammunition the 32-year-old Penniston resident on handed down the penalties. round magazine, the gun could create contained in a bag. Wednesday when he appeared at the Parsons pleaded guilty to both a lot of damage. “These are serious offences and the Serious Offences Court. He was charges and told the Court he found In presenting the facts earlier, crafters of the law have put certain sentenced to four years and nine the bag with the gun and ammunition Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court things in place because they are months for possession of the prohibited in Canouan. that on July 17, Parsons contacted the serious offences. A gun is not a gun, a 5.56 mm firearm. He was also Ballistics expert, Station Sergeant owner of a speed boat, operated as a walking stick,” the Chief Magistrate sentenced to 15 months imprisonment Julian Caine, a Special Branch Officer, water taxi, to pick him up in Canouan, told the father of three. for possession of 67 rounds of had told the Court earlier that the and on July 18, the boat owner went to ammunition. firearm, usually referred to as the AK Canouan and overnighted. Continued on Page 20. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 5. V Politics Dr. Friday urges more protest Francis scoffs

“We are going to be on the can’t run a country just streets on the 29th by going around and (Meeting of Parliament). I begging. Grants and aid want the people money are critically throughout this country to important to poor understand that!” developing countries just That’s the word from like St. Vincent and the President of the New Grenadines, but you Democratic Party NDP, have to also generate Dr. Godwin Friday as he economic activity to help spoke on last Tuesday’s businesses succeed, to New Times programme, give people a chance to aired on Nice Radio. gain employment and As far as he was good paying jobs.” concerned, things have He cited the Ottley not changed since the Hall Marina and Dr. Godwin Friday (centre) promises to lead the protest next week Thursday last protests and even as Shipyard as a potential (Inset) he thanked those who source of major and Senator Julian Francis will be watching to see if ‘he grows the crowd’. came out, the Opposition employment …… but the Leader urged them to ruling government didn’t return to the street. want it to succeed He said that Dr. Francis reasoned, that give the assurance that “Come with your because it was an NDP Friday also wanted to here were several the government was strength, your voice, your project. grow the “little crowd he national setbacks which concentrating on leading courage your has outside into caused the politics to the country through all determination… your Julian - Don’t Protest something,” so he will be suffer, but he sought to the disasters. (SG) determination to not be watching (on the 29th intimidated. …… Stand Dr. Friday’s comments July) to see what the up for the things that did not escape the ears of crowd will be like. you believe in for this the ruling Unity Labour The longest serving country!” Dr. Friday Party. Senator in this country beckoned. Its General Secretary, Parliament claimed there He assured that the Julian Francis, on his was confusion in the New Democratic Party regular Tuesday evening NDP camp, with many will lead the protest radio programme on believing that the ‘tail action because they STAR FM, scoffed at Dr. was wagging the dog’; believe that the actions Friday calling the people that Dr. Friday was not taking place in the out to protest. strong enough to carry country, demonstrate in Francis described Dr. the position of the NDP very real, strong and Friday as “dubious” as he and that he was vigorous ways that the claimed to be protesting embarrassed by the loss operations in the country against Senator Ashelle in the November 2020 are unsatisfactory. Morgan but then called general elections. On that note, Dr. for fresh elections. Francis was adamant Friday referenced what Ashelle Morgan, that he knew what he said was the poverty Francis said, was no caused the “fall off” in in the country, a result of longer important to the votes for the ULP in the the poor economic NDP, and he posited that 2020 general elections, policies implemented by but those findings were the government. fresh elections was now the NDP’s agenda. not things to talk on air. He refrained, “You It was unfortunate, Pedestrian hit by car while crossing road Continued from Frontpage.

When asked about her countenance, she told THE VINCENTIAN that she knew the driver from Largo Height. She explained that her boyfriend is from Largo Height and that same guy had almost knocked her down while she was crossing the road in that community. In further disgust, she explained that it was the norm in Largo Height for persons to dash out of the road whenever that particular The driver of PP 831 disembarking driver was approaching. the vehicle after the accident Luckily, it did not take long for the occurred. ambulance to arrive. The nurse was for the ambulance to make its quickly and carefully strapped in on a departure, even as the police made gurney and put into the vehicle for their markings around the car and transport to the hospital. spoke with the driver. A pedestrian ably cleared the space 6. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Media Release BACOL hosts media conference on the status of the legal action filed at the CCJ to compensate British American policyholders

For Immediate Dissemination MONTSERRAT St. George, Grenada. July 21st, 2021. Kharl Markham P.O. Box 1 BRITISH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED 100 Banks Estate and Colonial Life Insurance Company Limited Policy Banks Holders Group (BACOL) will host a virtual Media Montserrat Conference on Monday, July 26th, 2021, to inform the Tel: (664) 491-2498 / 2848 Caribbean and international media (and by extension, Email: [email protected] their readers, listeners and viewers at home and in the Diaspora) of the status of the legal action filed at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on July 13th, 2021, in ST. KITTS AND NEVIS pursuit of fair and equitable compensation for British American Insurance Company policyholders and beneficiaries in seven OECS countries. Larkland Richards Larkland M. Richards & Associates The filing of the lawsuit is the culmination of years of painstaking work and a long journey that ST. KITTS began with the formation of BACOL in 2015, after it emerged that British American policyholders in the Unit C15 The Sands Complex OECS would not be offered compensation on par • ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, ST. LUCIA, with that awarded to policyholders from other George Street, MONTSERRAT - July 29th, 2021 Basseterre, St. Kitts CARICOM nations, following the 2009 collapse of Zoom Link: the insurance company. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86225878460?pwd=RH Tel: +1 869 465 3696. BYZ3ZtR2RrTTQ0bmVXcCtQLzRNUT09 Fax: +1 869 466 3043 The Media Conference will be addressed by Meeting ID: 862 2587 8460 Email: [email protected] BACOL President, Dr. Patrick Antoine, and the Passcode: 110568 legal team, headed by Mr. Simon Davenport, Q.C. NEVIS • UNITED KINGDOM AND THE DIASPORA Media houses are invited to join the Media - July 30th, 2021 Box 807 Conference on the Zoom meeting platform at the Zoom Link: Main Street, following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83353272119?pwd=T2 Charlestown, Nevis https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83273743441?pwd=c2 RYajhHKzlhUDRhelQ1TXlqYk9LZz09 Tel: +1 869 469 4696 N0MWFwZ0FKSHN2WDNFUGw3dHNzUT09 Meeting ID: 833 5327 2119 Fax: +1 869 469 4697 Meeting ID: 832 7374 3441 Passcode: 875007 Passcode: 678534 ST. LUCIA Since its formation, BACOL has held Case Managers consultations with aggrieved policyholders Dr. Kenny Anthony throughout the OECS, to apprise them of their The following Case Managers are authorised to Anthony and Antoine Chambers rights, and to invite them to become members of register Policyholders of British American Insurance Maurice Mason Avenue BACOL, the only legally viable option to obtain fair Company Limited to participate as litigants in the compensation. It should be noted that currently, the Sans Souci BACOL legal action before the Caribbean Court of Castries only other offer of compensation from the appointed Justice: judicial managers, is for 30 cents on the dollar. St. Lucia Tel: 1 758 285 2263 1 758 518 1000 BACOL, through the CCJ and on behalf of its ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA members, is seeking full compensation plus interest Email: [email protected] for 10 years. Stacy Roach-Richards Richards & Company ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES The legal action filed by BACOL at the CCJ Victoria Chambers represents Policyholders of British American The Colony House Insurance Company Limited from Antigua and 41 Nevis Street Kay Bacchus-Baptiste Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts St. John’s White Chapel and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Antigua Kingstown Grenadines. Antigua & Barbuda Tel: (784) 457-1828 / (784) 528-8903 Tel: (268) 562-1705 E-mail: [email protected] Registration of policyholders wishing to join the [email protected] class action is already underway, through a network [email protected] of Case Managers located in every participating Stephen Huggins country. DOMINICA Corner Middle & Bonadie Streets Kingstown Next Actions – Online Town Hall Meetings Heather Felix-Evans/ Jeffrey Douglas-Murdock Tel: (784) 456-1687 Optimum Legal E-mail: [email protected] BACOL will hold a series of online town hall Attorneys-at-Law & Notaries Public meetings to apprise policyholders of the lawsuit and VeRu's House answer questions, as per the schedule below: 54 Hillsborough Street Louise Mitchell P.O. Box 1595 Roseau LMJ Chambers • GRENADA - July 27th, 2021, 6:30 p.m. Dominica Upstairs BDO (Opposite Church of Christ) Zoom Link: (767) 440-0816 / 6901 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81067430477?pwd=WT Kingstown Park Kingstown E-mail: [email protected] St Vincent and The Grenadines ZMbnNtcFNPRmNyTUxLM2VRU2x6dz09 [email protected] Meeting ID: 810 6743 0477 Tel: (784) 453-1722/1 (784) 494-1001 E-mail: [email protected] Passcode: 56628 GRENADA

• ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, Paula Phillip ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, DOMINICA #7 Lucas Street - July 28th, 2021, PO Box 1091 6:30 p.m. St George Zoom Link: Grenada https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88618532438?pwd=WH Tel: 1 473 404 2226 VtZHFXK1pQdnB4N21EVnJjcEZxQT09 Email: [email protected] Meeting ID: 886 1853 2438 Passcode: 381583 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 7. 8. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 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 Managing ourselves August Monday is no more HOW MANY OF US BELIEVE that government? (First published in THE VINCENTIAN flash and colour and music, bearing in Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Local government serves a two- August 02, 2002) mind Shake Keane’s observation that has taken on too much responsibility fold purpose: the administrative they who like to jump up only develop as it relates to planning and purpose of supplying goods and UNTIL NOW, we have celebrated their feet. directing what is the best for this services; and to represent and Emancipation Day on the first Monday in In this context, I take a leaf out of PM country? involve citizens in determining August, partly so that we can make use “Son” Mitchell’s book in daring to make a If the truth be told, we have to specific local public needs and how of the preceding Sunday and enjoy an blast or two on my own trumpet. admit that no matter how good his these local needs can be met. extended weekend holiday. My first article written on intentions, no man is an island. Seen in its real sense, local The ULP on the other hand, in its Emancipation appeared in “Flambeau” in Despite their best efforts, Prime programme of manufacturing “Historic” 1965 under the title “Footnotes on representative government occasions, had ordered that we switch the Minister Gonsalves and others connects representation and Slavery”. This pioneering effort appears holiday to the 1st of August, the original in the booklist of black studies in U.S before him, in the face of administration at national level date on which slavery had been abolished challenges occasioned by natural Colleges down to this day. with the local levels. in 1834. I followed up in “This Week” with some disasters and our vulnerability to And yes, we understand that But a case could equally be made out pointed references to the Plantation external, global shocks, have local government is that part of the that emancipation was granted on the mould which churned out a people struggled to position our country whole government of a nation or first Sunday in the month of August in sculptured in the distorted image of their on a clear path to sustainable state which is administered by 1834, with a public holiday naturally Masters, Black effigies of White economic growth,. authorities subordinate to the state following on the Monday. Colonialism. Neither have Dr. Gonsalves and authority, but elected Carnival, which once took place The titles of a representative sample his predecessors been able to independently of control by the immediately before the Lenten season, of the articles are indicative of their guarantee safe communities and state authority. now has a date in mid-July, but the content, slant and concerns. attend with any exactness and Now, more than ever, as we Monday-Tuesday climactic scenario has “Emancipation: Looking Back (1988); consistency to simple things like move to rebuild after a devastating been preserved for socio-economic “Abolition and Mental traffic management and ongoing volcanic eruption and a recent reasons. Emancipation”(1993); “Some Trademarks road repair and restoration. hurricane, we can see the Similarly, in this plural State, of Slavery (1994”; and significantly, For this country to realise its effectiveness of a local government mainland workers in the Grenadines in “Emancipation Day Ignored (1998)”. maximum potential, every able- structure in ensuring equity in the particular need the extra weekend day to Still, one has to be grateful for small bodied citizen should be allowed, distribution of materials and earn a brief respite home. This has now mercies. After all, current Prime Minster encouraged and supported to supervision of contracts, etc. been denied for no compelling reason. It Ralph Gonsalves of Portuguese extraction participate in the process of In simply language, local is simply a fetish favoured by the ruling on two counts, can hardly be expected to national growth and development. government will return the post party which wishes to create the identify with the Black cause which is a One structure, not foreign to our office to its role as a place for impression of a serious concern with pre-condition to understanding slavery, history and allows maximum “penny bank” savings. We would historic-cultural matters. its aftermath and the likely remedies. participation by citizens, is a local once again report to the Warden’s The unvarnished truth remains, Sympathy from on high, we can be government structure that allows Office to make our payment of however, that few people celebrate assured of, but never empathy by the the people in the communities to property taxes, liquor licences and Emancipation Day appropriately. It is very nature of the situation. manage themselves. other government services. The simply a time for fun and games and Participation, patronage and paternalism That is a proven fact in every Community Centre, not a Learning excursions. Indeed, as late as 1998, the are guaranteed, but never real developed country in the world, yet Resource Centre, will re-emerge to date slipped by like nobody’s business. involvement or true identification! our leaders and aspiring leaders encourage cultural activities and True, the ULP claims that it needs 1st August may experience difficulty in fall miserably short of embracing other presentations. first to zero in on the proper date to lay establishing its credentials in the popular this. What do they fear? Physical works — road and drain the basis for appropriate celebrations. conscientiousness, but we wish it safe In supporting local government, repairs/maintenance/cleaning will But we could have killed two birds with passage all the same, in the national we align with Mr. LeRoy return as a responsibility of the one stone, simply by choosing the first interest. Providence, a regular contributor local government structure, i.e. Sunday in August, as happened in 1834, Indeed, we are twice blessed in this to our opinion pages, who has effectively the community. and permit the holiday to fall on the year 2016. It is a time when Black people made it his mission to remind all Structures and programmes will following working day! are seriously questioning our apparent of us about the effectiveness of this be put in place so that the In any event, one cannot just press a demotion to a white value-system, just at structure, based on his own community becomes once again the button to summon nationalistic feelings the moment when Abolition Day falls on experience of having lived and breeding ground for sportsmen and and put in an order for the correct August Monday thus recapturing the worked during the period when sportswomen, and the community celebratory mood. We have supped full of spirit of emancipation which so far, has local government was an integral will be made to contribute to these instant liberations, like instant failed to deliver on her promises: part of our national management caring for playing fields and other coffee that stimulates momentarily flattered only to deceive. structure and process. sport facilities. without leaving an afterglow or lingering There has been too much rhetoric. Few would argue against local And if this country is to ensure effect. This Emancipation Monday, August 1, let government being a crucial aspect that it faces up to the challenges of It calls for hard slogging in the field of all our people in their several ways of the process of democratization corruption, wastage, poor planning, broad education, not the slap-dash, quick- highlight our grievances and hope in and intensification of mass crime and a lack of vision for a fix which Ralph and Rene think they generally “Walking the Talk.” participation in the decision- sustainable tomorrow, we need to could pull off with Michael Peters, And the many who wish for some Lennox Bowman and Cecil Ryan at the making process. Can we truly say change the governance structure. relaxation and fun might betake that our political system is controls. themselves to the NDP celebration of Local government reform must Depth is the name of the game, not a complete and democratic if it does Daniel Cummings at Bottom Town, at the be integral if not the nucleus for skimming of the surface of things: main entrance to the Victoria Park. not have a system of local this change. studied reflection and deep thought, not THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 9. V Letters Police Force: More than one bad apple

MR. EDITOR, how many of used it as a means to get away from co-operating. but one must not fight Black Power carried in last week’s your readers know that the my feelings over to the Our situation, Mr. fire with fire. The power demonstrations in issue, we long for the day Royal SVG Police Force Top Brass of the Police Commissioner, could be a of the police lies in Trinidad in 1970, when when we can truly boast has its own website? How Force. case of lots more than applying the law, not he tried to disarm them about an independent many of you who know Perhaps it is time that one bad apple. force, though it is he couldn’t. How Police Force. about the website, know I use it to remind the I will not comment on understood that certain Trinidad has developed that it can be used “to local constabulary that what occurred between incidents might warrant since that we can all see Charles, Edinboro interact and share they are to serve and the police and the force. The bottom line is from the reports coming information and ideas” protect, with courtesy, protestors recently, but I that the greatest weapon out of that country. with the Police Force? integrity and respect for want to draw attention of the police is the law Perhaps the How many of you who the rights of all persons. to the manner in which not the gun. Commissioner of Police know that, have used it for Perhaps I will use it to police generally approach And that is another can speak to his that purpose? tell the Commissioner civilians. To say the thing, Mr. Editor. Have subordinates about this I want to believe that that one bad apple can least, they are not very you noticed how police display of guns even not many persons know spoil the whole basket, civil and this often officers show off their especially in rather about, nor far less have and that that bad apple results in a similar guns in public and simple cases. used this website. I have is usually one who reaction from the brandish them for the All in all, the recent found it useful because it creates problems with civilians. smallest difficulty they complaints about the gives news about the civilians not realizing I know, for example, encounter? I recall, Mr. Police Force brings the Police Force … about that his/her bad that mini bus drivers can Editor, you saying to me whole operation of the arrests and others behaviour can impact be uncouth in their once that when Dr. Eric Force into question, developments in the negatively on the entire reactions to a police Williams armed the The quicker, as Force — but I have not Force, and turn people officer stopping them, police force during the Horatio said in his piece Those uncivil Consult with the teachers omnibus drivers FIRST it was a teacher According to the Union and there’re in the best stating the fact that our head, it was unfair to position to say what the pulse-beat of where children are not reading have all children do the really is going on. their students really are. IT IS MY OPINION that we have bent backwards according to their ages, same tests as they were Nobody sitting in some And by the way, I to accommodate our omnibus operators. It is and I concluded that at different stages as far office can truly know wonder how many of us, important that we address their concerns because what that teacher was as their instructions what to do without including the in the absence of a National Transport Service, saying is that we don’t were concerned. And consulting first with the government; see teachers they provide a vital service to the nation. I will be seem to care; that we are then there was teachers. They are the as ‘professionals, just the first to agree that the country could well be only concerned with disagreement about the cogs that make the like doctors and lawyers? brought to its knees if these buses were to shoving the children purpose of those test. system turn, not the Maybe it is because withdraw their service for an extended period of through the system. To me, Mr. Editor, in principals nor the our officials don’t view time. Then last week, on my humble opinion, education officials. They teaching as a true That said I am disheartened by the behaviour of your back page, there these so-called education should not be ignored, for profession and teachers some of omnibus men. And it seems with all that was that clash between officials need to consult it is they who should say as professionals, why the Traffic Department of our Police Force claims it the Teachers Union and more with the teachers. how far this education they are ignored. is doing, whatever it is doing has had little or no the Ministry of After all, it is the teacher revolution should go. impact on curbing the unruly behaviour of a lot of Education about the who spends the most Consult the teachers; Claude the omnibus drivers, who continue with their Diagnostic Tests. time with the students they are the ones with lawlessness and anarchy on our roads. Over time, as I see it, the behaviour of a lot of omnibus drivers has got progressively worse. Unforgiven and hatred Successive governments have either lacked the will or creativity to change the culture of UNFORGIVENESS and life there would be hurts to forgive we tend to a daily basis, and even recklessness that prevails over the omnibus service hatred are among the and disappointments, want to take revenge. face to face encounters. in this country. It is as though the authorities are most prevalent wrongs in even rejections. And Together, these wrongs Sadly but true, many saying to the commuting public, “Get accustomed to our society. Yet, we many times this can lead can lead to homicide and Christians find it or walk!” hardly talk about them. to unforgiveness and other crimes which have themselves practising I don’t want this society of ours to descend to a Yes, we know that in hatred, and when we fail lasting effects on us as a hatred because of practice of always people. Besides that, we politics. having to resort to are told that if we don’t So, hatred is punitive measures to Committed to my mission forgive, the Lord will not unchristian. It is address a problem, forgive us. The reality is unfortunate that we especially one like THE COLLABORATIVE efforts of 2020 and having fallen in love with the that many who are very judge a person’s this, but there have (attorneys) Jomo Thomas and Maia island my desire was to apply for active in churches fail Christianity based on got to be some Eustace enabled me to get the results residency and a work permit. under this category of party politics while measures that the that were achieved in the High Court The end goal was to live in SVG, not forgiving. Therefore, projecting the image that Government can on Tuesday (July 20). open bakeries and hire ex-convicts it is fair to say that if we are righteous even introduce that will As an attorney myself, I understand which is a dream I will take to other they don’t forgive then though we have hatred encourage omnibus that there are always multiple shores and countries. the Lord will not forgive in our hearts towards drivers into adopting obligations often at the same time. The beaches, great weather, fresh them. If a person is not others. some semblance of Thomas and Eustace sacrificed their fruit and vegetables are all things that forgiven by God, then In conclusion, we civility on our roads. time from other cases to provide me I cannot get in the UK and are the that person will end up know that hatred and It is time for a much needed legal assistance for which reasons why I dreamed of making a life in Hell. unforgiveness continue change of behaviour I am grateful. here. Hatred leads many to to plague our nation and and a change of When I arrived to SVG on August My faith as a Christian gives me the become violent and to the world at large. If we culture. Some of us 20th 2020; celebrating my birthday on ability to forgive, remain positive and want the worst for the are indeed a Christian have had enough of August 27th; and travelling between focus on the future that lies ahead of person who they hate. nation, we ought to the incivility, the various islands giving free me. Where there is hatred, follow Christ who told us recklessness, even education and empowerment talks and That future includes promoting my there is also the to love our enemies and profanity-hurling presentations on human trafficking and new book, ‘Can You Keep A Secret?’, likelihood of a desire to do well to those who insults and child abuse prevention, I never once which is NOW available for pre order suffer patience. dangerous driving. do something to hurt the envisioned that things would end in on Amazon.com, and continuing the other person and/or wish We should all look We hope the this way, receiving a temporary work of my grassroots inward and put away the authorities can find a defeat even death on residency application denial and being NGO www.changingcases.org that person. hatred and solution to this the subject of deportation proceedings I will continue my anti-human unforgiveness. May God unbecoming trait. In this country there particularly after having travelled trafficking work by changing one life at is so much political continue to bless us all. extensively to 36 other countries. a time. hatred. Expressions of Senior Citizen My flight was cancelled on Sept 10th Kennard King Driver hatred are expressed on Juanita Headley radio and social media on 10. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Wealth creation through home ownership SVG is poverty rich Introduction POVERTY is defined as the state of being extremely poor. Poverty means IN THE WORDS of one commentator, as that the income level from he drove around the country on a recent employment is so low that basic human visit home, “Saint Vincent and the needs cannot be met. “St. Vincent and Grenadines is a permanent exhibition in the Grenadines is a poverty rich houses”. This is the reality across this emphasised. Prior to 2001, one of the country of 110,000 people. The requirements of financial institutions country,” Major Leacock. Thousands of government denied knowledge of the country, from Fancy in the North to families are living in abject poverty in St. Union Island in the south, as Vincentians regarding mortgages was that a report and said the poverty study was mortgagee could only access between Vincent and the Grenadines. The Unity incomplete. invest in houses and the beauty and Labor Party (ULP) government has majesty of these homes are displayed. 80%-90% of the mortgage needed to Contrary to what the government is finance their home. This presented created this poverty rich country. saying, poverty in St. Vincent and the Interestingly enough, this was not much difficulty for potential the case twenty years ago as many of Research has shown that poverty is Grenadines is real; we are witnessing homeowners as many including young linked with negative conditions such our hard-working citizens especially professional and junior or mid-level it every day. The uproar that was those employed in the public sector as: substandard triggered when I Witness News aired public servants, police, nurses and housing, homelessness, inadequate found it extremely difficult to buy or teachers may not have accumulated a video captioned, ‘Storm exposes build houses. Since the coming to nutrition and food insecurity, shocking poverty’, was no surprise to the savings necessary to cover the inadequate child care, lack of access office of the Unity Labour Party, so additional funds needed. The ULP us. But, some persons were appalled rapid has been the transformation government immediately, recognising to health care, unsafe neighborhoods, while others wanted to crucify the right before our very eyes that it is this situation, began offering 100% and under resourced schools which producer of the programme. Three hard not to notice even for the most mortgages to public servants, police adversely impact our nation’s years ago, I Witness News also adamant of deniers. The housing teachers and nurses though the children. Those conditions can be featured a story entitled, ‘Children 6 revolution that occurred in this National Commercial Bank. This lead identified in this country and are country, under the leadership of & 10 among family living on streets of to many of these workers finally being severely affecting most Vincentians. Kingstown’. The story dealt with a Comrade Ralph, who had a very clear able to access the full financing In an effort to get a true picture of vision from the very beginning, has family of five, including two minors, a needed to acquire their first home. poverty in St. Vincent and the 10-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, expanded home ownership and There was also a knock on effect, as Grenadines, in 2017 the government increased the housing stock in this and an 18-year-old who were living other lending institutions readjusted began preparations to conduct a under a tree in Kingstown for almost country by more than 60% in 20 their policy to also offer 100% years. This feat was not achieved by Poverty Assessment. Four years later, four months. Examples of poverty in mortgages to the same category of the government has failed to release guess-work and coincidence, but it workers, and eventually to its the this country. was the result of a clear vision, and the report to the general public. What The ULP government for the current situation where it is offered is ULP government hiding? deliberate plan and the proper across the board to potential twenty years in power has execution of that plan. The housing The New Democratic Party (NDP) mismanaged the country’s economy homeowners. It is now easier in SVG, has been calling continuously on the revolution that has taken place is to access financing to build your first which has contributed significantly to built on three pillars that would be home, than to buy a car and many government, in and out of parliament, the increase of poverty. This country examined briefly; a land reform Vincentians continue to take to release the report. In late 2019, the is at the bottom of the OECS as it program, 100% mortgages to public advantage of this opportunity Honourable Daniel Cummings asked relates to economic growth. The servants, teachers, police and nurses provided through a policy of the ULP the Minister of Finance the following and the low income housing project. government has failed to create government. question: “The country poverty meaningful employment. These three pillars of the housing assessment was launched with much revolution have together presented an Unemployment is at its highest. The Low and middle housing fanfare in St. Vincent and the overall unemployment rate has excellent opportunity for Vincentians Grenadines in February, 2018. The to own their first home and greatly increased from 20 percent to 26 One of the campaign promises of IMF’s report put unemployment percent and 46 percent of young increased and improved the housing the ULP during the 2001 election stock here in this country. among youths here, in St. Vincent and people are unemployed. Those figures season was that it would build 500 the Grenadines, at about 46%. Would were before COVID-19 and the Turning dead capital to live capital low income houses within its first the Minister please explain why the term of office. That promise has led to volcanic eruption. We were told by the country Poverty Assessment Report Minister of Finance that since new housing communities in Fitz which should have published in As part of the government’s land Hughes, Peters Hope, Clare Valley, COVID-19 the situation is worse. reform program, the Comrade Ralph March 2019 as promised by the That 420 businesses have been closed Green Hill, Diamond Sans Souci and government, is still not published; lead ULP government approached this Byrea (Manning Village). The and 2754 jobs have been lost to in two ways: Firstly it offered title to construction of houses for low income how much was spent in undertaking COVID-19. The ULP government has individuals living informally on earners allowed many Vincentians the assessment, and when can, we, no clue as to how to solve the current government lands and secondly, whose income may have been too the people of St. Vincent and the unemployment situation. identified parcels of lands owned by small to enable them to own a home Grenadines, expect the report to be the government to be sold at prices The government has destroyed the independently, to be given that made public?” An answer is yet to be productive sectors. Despite the below market value. This particular assistance by the government. The given. initiative hit at the heart of poverty importance of agriculture to the programme was so popular, with Two years later, Leader of the economy of this country, the reduction, impacting positively many significantly high levels of demand Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday, on individuals who may have began their government has systematically that it was extended to include the Thursday 29th July asked of the diminished the agricultural sector. domestic settlement either by construction of houses for middle “squatting” or who may have inherited Minister of Finance: “The report for The ill-advised policies of the income earners, a lot of whom were the 2018 poverty assessment has not property from parents who before young professionals starting out on government have forced many them began the informal settlement. been released to the public by the established farmers out of agriculture, their first home. This housing government but was made public by What was clear in their situations programme by the ULP and vast areas of formerly highly was that they were unable to use the Members of the Opposition last year. productive land are now abandoned. administration remains the largest This generated much public interest property they lived on, in many ever such programme by any Even a cursory examination of our instances for decades, as they didn’t government in the history of this and discussion. At that time, members rural areas reveals a deteriorating have title. The brilliance of the country and may well be across the of the government responded that the situation, where large sections of expression that embodied the policy region. Many of these houses built by report was not yet complete. Will the land, previously deemed part of the “turning dead capital to live capital” the government and sold to middle Minister please state: whether the immediately offered a clear indication national food-basket, are now under- and low income earners, have since 2018 poverty assessment has been utilized. of the intention of the policy. These been improved or extended to add completed? If it has been completed, homeowners were sold the lands they Crime is on the increase. There is a personal touches of the homeowner when will the report be released to rapid increase of homicides for the were inhabiting at prices as low as 10 and remain an object of pride for the public and, if it has not been cents per square foot, making it year. For the first six months of this those individuals. completed, explain why it has not year, St. Vincent and the Grenadines extremely affordable for them to been completed?” We are waiting purchase the land and finally own the Conclusion has recorded twenty-two (22) title. Now having ownership of the patiently for the answer to that homicides. Also, a significant question. title for the land many were able to It is no coincidence that the rapid percentage of our student population use the title to approach lending However, we did get a peep into the is without electronic devices, internet expansion in home ownership in this report. Last year, Mr. Cummings institutions, to access finance to start country occurred after 2001, since the connections and electricity to access a business, finance the education of a presented findings to the general online education. And, during the implementation of the housing public of the Poverty Assessment child, or for home improvements. revolution that included the granting regular school sessions, some parents What the policy did immediately of title to settlers, the provision of Report. It painted a damning picture are unable to send their children to through the regularisation of title for 100% mortgages to first time of poverty in St. Vincent and the school. those individuals, was to offer an borrowers who work in the public Grenadines. The report concluded The government must release the opportunity for wealth creation. sector, and the construction of close to that poverty in St. Vincent and the Poverty Assessment Report. It is their One Hundred percent mortgages 1000 low and middle income houses Grenadines is worse than when the responsibility to do so. Over the years, across this country. This ULP ULP gained power in 2001. It stated they have boasted about their administration, with the leadership of that poverty in St. Vincent and the programmes for poverty reduction. The game-changing impact of this Comrade Ralph, remains committed to Grenadines had moved from 30.2% of policy on home-ownership especially The damaging report is an indication lifting the standard of Vincentians the population in 2008 to 36.1 % in that the ULP government has failed for workers in the public sector in the and recognises home ownership as one first instance cannot be over- 2018. And the indigence level had Vincentians and is bankrupt of ideas. of the ways of doing this. moved from 2.9% to 11.3% in the THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 11. V Views Give me more! We owe Haiti a debt we can’t repay A guest column by Gordon-Reed, a The stage was professor of law and American history “For you to really make it in life and set for isolation at Harvard University of the tiny not be defeated in life, life demands island nation, a that you stretch yourself. It is a WHEN ASSASSINS KILLED President choice that had enormous demand of life.” Sunday Adelaja (born Jovenel Moïse of Haiti on July 7, pushing consequences for its development. 1976) founder and senior pastor of the country to the brink of chaos, it may Napoleon brought a new challenge the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom have struck many Americans as the to Saint-Domingue when he decided in may not want to invite physical, of God for All Nations. latest in a string of political upheavals 1802 to reassert control over French emotional, or spiritual pain. However, and destabilizing disasters in an colonies in the Americas. He sent a unfortunate country with which the THE TITLE OF THIS WEEK’S ARTICLE amidst all of these hurting fleet to the island to accomplish the United States should have little to do. task. The residents fought back and, emerged during a recent visit to Miami, possibilities, we have the capacity to bear so much more. The author Ana But the revelation that two of the with the help of Aedes Aegypti, the USA. It was while driving with a dear suspects were American citizens was a mosquito that carries yellow fever, friend, Mrs. Susan Perry, that the Claudia Antunes reminds us that, reminder of the complicated history of “When everything looks unbearable, repelled the invaders. This victory was conversation drifted into the realm of our relations with Haiti — a needlessly fateful not only for the residents of our understanding and appreciating that and nothing really seems to fit, You've tragic history driven by self-interest and Saint-Domingue, who went on to form we have the capacity to do so much got to work at full stretch, But you the politics of racism. As the United an independent republic that they more with our time and life. As we should never ever quit!” That ability States now offers to help Haiti restore renamed Haiti but also for the course political order, it should be kept squarely conversed, it became quite obvious that to persist (or to quit) begins in our of American history. in mind that Haiti is more than just a As part of his plan to re-establish we often have the ability to give more of minds - with the thoughts that we entertain. If/when we reach out with troubled neighbour. It is a nation whose the French empire in the Caribbean, ourselves; to be stretched even beyond revolutionary fight for freedom helped the expectation that we can cope with Napoleon was hoping to use the our expectations. On reflection, we do make the United States the country that territory of Louisiana as a supply have the capacity to love more, to give more … we often can. We can take it is today. station for the island colonies. Once more, to listen more, to work harder and the stretch. We can go the extra mile. In 1791 the enslaved people of the Haitians had shattered his dream, longer, and so on. We can accept the challenge to stretch Haiti, then known as Saint-Domingue, Napoleon saw no reason to hold on to engineered the first and only Susan is a disciple of lifelong our minds and capabilities knowing the territory. He was eager to sell it, successful slave revolt in modern and President Jefferson was equally learning. It was therefore not that, in doing so, we stretch the world around us. We are much better able history. Saint-Domingue was France’s eager to buy. The purchase doubled surprising that her comments related richest colony, made so by the to cope with life’s tragedies when we the size of the United States, which to “stretching” also included thoughts worldwide demand for sugar and the obtained 530 million acres for $15 of learning more about self, nature, remind ourselves that we do have the slavery-based economy that fulfilled it. million. If not for the French defeat at history, and so on. At the time of our ability to chart courses through and Led by Toussaint L’Ouverture, the hands of the Haitians, the sale conversation she was researching the beyond life’s setbacks. Africans on the island violently threw may not have come off, leaving the life and accomplishments of the Life often seems to be unkind to off their enslavers, whose countrymen United States possibly forever divided themselves had only recently outstanding leader Genghis Khan those who seek to “play it safe”, fold by a huge swath of French-controlled overthrown a monarchy that had land or forced into armed conflict with (1158-1227), the founder and first their arms, and simply settle for whatever life serves. Such oppressed people for generations. For the French over it. Of course, what the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire — reasons both strategic and principled, individuals often nurture feelings of United States really bought from the largest empire in history. in early 1794, the French government France was the right to contend with There is wisdom in studying the self-pity and a mentality that life has accepted the declaration of the end of the various Indigenous people who had lives of great leaders even though been so very unkind. However, even slavery in Saint-Domingue made by their own claims to the land. they would have lived in distant amidst the tragedies of life there is the rebels in August of 1793. Some in Instead of welcoming and countries during periods long ago. We often so many reasons to hope; to view France saw abolition as in keeping supporting the fledgling republic, the with their own revolutionary ideals. can learn so much from examining the glass as half full rather than United States refused to recognize This period is popularly known as Haiti until after the Southern states their character as well as their being half empty; to contemplate what can be done with what is left rather the “Age of Revolution.” First came the seceded from the Union. Despite this character flaws. They still inspire us Americans, aided by the French, in than mope and gripe about what is formal recognition, after the to excel as we pursue our noble 1776. The French followed with the fall assassination of President Vilbrun dreams. We can model and mentor lost. It is often a matter of of the Bastille in 1789. Thomas Guillaume Sam in 1915, the United them as we focus on bettering our perspective. Sunday Adelaja (whose Jefferson, an ardent supporter of the States occupied the island until 1934. best efforts. We may not agree with quotation was used to introduce this French Revolution and still under its Think of how different its prospects all of their aspirations, philosophies, essay) reminds us that, “Anyone that spell, wrote to his daughter in 1793 as would have been had Haiti been fully does not wish or desire to stretch if the events in Saint-Domingue were embraced from the very beginning, and actions. However, we can learn part of an unstoppable wave sweeping instead of reviled, and if Haitians about various best practices; about himself will get nowhere in this life. That is just the way life is.” the globe. ‘St. Domingo has expelled all hadn’t been forced in 1825, in one of maintaining focus, the importance of the most disgraceful details in the Regardless of our circumstances and its whites, has given freedom to all its persistence, being proactive, blacks, has established a regular history of the oppression of Haiti, to developing other people, the value of perceived setbacks, there is wisdom in government of the blacks and coloured pay reparations to their enslavers and mastering new skills, the importance accepting the challenge to stretch people, and seems now to have taken their heirs in exchange for official beyond the said conditions. of integrity, and so on. As we aspire its ultimate form, and that to which all recognition. The reparations created a While the thoughts conjured up by crushing debt that blighted the to greater heights of achievement of the West India islands must come.’ this week’s essay may have initially country’s future. there is nothing inherently wrong Americans watched these appeared to imply some degree of proceedings closely. As refugees from Throughout this history, race was at when we beckon life to “give us more”. greed, the thoughts generated here Saint-Domingue arrived in the United the heart of the matter. The Haitians, Temitope Ibrahim, the author of who suffered enormously for their have moved us away from such States, bringing news of the successful “Secrets to Your Win”, invites us to victory in the early years of the 19th considerations. The understanding is revolt, white Southerners were constantly focus on going beyond our alarmed, fearing replication of the century and who were treated so that even as we seek to broaden our perceived limits when he says, events on the island. Apparently, when poorly by Americans and Europeans horizons and stretch ourselves more for decades after that, gave the people “Stretch your mind and you will reach whites fought and killed for their in relation to our accomplishments and the government of the United beyond your current reality.” Such freedom, as the Americans and French and acquisitions, we do so with the States a generally unrecognized thoughts invite us to learn new skills, had, it was noble and heroic. But when expectation that this will better equip Blacks killed whites, who had used benefit. Writing in ‘History of the to seek knowledge, to imbibe the us to give more of ourselves and our force to enslave them and would not be United States During the wisdom of the ages that remind us Administration of Thomas Jefferson,’ possessions to others. That is where talked out of the practice, they were that we have the capacity to Henry Adams said it plainly: the true joy and happiness will reside. simply murderers. accomplish so much more with our Many Black Southerners, however, ‘prejudice of race alone blinded the The more we give the more we seem American people to the debt they owed lives. We need to be especially were inspired. In 1800, a man named to get. The more we focus on being a to the desperate courage of five Gabriel planned, with some other reminded of this when life seems to hundred thousand Haytian Negroes blessing to others the greater the Blacks in Richmond, Va., to strike hit us on the blind side; when we are number of blessing we seem to who would not be enslaved.’ visited by the pain of sickness or against slavery. The plot was foiled, Americans’ debt to the Haitian receive. This is a fact of life. So we and white Virginians put in place new disease, abandonment, cry for more. Give us more so that people may never be repaid. But if we restrictions on the enslaved and on are supposed to be able to learn from unemployment, divorce, and the we, in turn, could give more. free Blacks in the state, hoping to various other life tragedies. We have history, we should be obliged, in true prevent other revolts. President good faith, to try. the capacity to bear so much more. Send comments, criticisms & Jefferson, mindful of the desires of his We may not want to think about such suggestions to Southern political base, adopted a Send comments, criticisms & negative possibilities. We certainly [email protected] hostile stance toward Saint-Domingue. suggestions to [email protected] 12. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views SVG needs a free, state-

preschool. funded preschool system Early childhood is an important phase of development which includes physical, social/emotional, and IN LIGHT of the revelations by a teacher following directions and waiting. explore and question their linguistic/cognitive development, that many children in SVG cannot read, Quality preschools help children find surroundings and becomes ready to strongly affecting mental and physical Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant answers through exploration, attend and cope with primary school. health, literacy and numeracy skills Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BS (Hons), experimentation, and conversation. SVG should invest millions of and life success. MSc, MBA recommends that SVG creates In pre-school, pre-math and pre- dollars and create a nationwide, What happens to a child in the a state-funded preschool education literacy skills are introduced. Children standardised preschool system that is early years is crucial to the trajectory system, which all our children can use are taught numbers and letters, but it free for all. Too many children in SVG of their development and education. from the age of 3 years old. is taught in a way that is appealing to leave primary school unable to read or This part of our children’s Preschools are important in helping children at that age. Children sing an simply dropout of primary school development and education has been create a solid foundation for when alphabet song while following along in because they struggle. This consigns badly neglected in SVG. Every child in children enter primary school. a picture book or learn rhymes and them to a lifetime of poverty and SVG should have access to free Preschools help get children school- chants, which help them to notice the makes them more likely to fall into preschool from the age of 3 years old. ready through a variety of activities. distinct sounds within words. criminal trouble. This is best for the child and best for In preschool, children learn to Teachers read stories to children to Many children in SVG have been our nation. strengthen their social and emotional encourage their listening, failed by the inadequate education SVG needs change for this to development. Children learn how to comprehension, and expressive system and the lack of access to free happen. compromise, be respectful and problem language skills. Matching games, solve. Preschool provides an sorting games and counting games environment for children to explore, build children’s understanding of A Committee to gain a sense of self, play with peers numbers, and sequences. Putting and build self-confidence. puzzles together encourages children Behaviour management is a major to notice patterns and to work on part of preschool learning. In problem-solving skills. establish preschool, children learn how to be Children learn best through students. Children learn patience, how activities they find interesting, such as to raise their hands and take turns. songs, story time, and imaginative Children also learn how to share the play. Preschool is not about achieving Demarcations teacher’s attention. academic success; it is about creating a Children also learn about routine, well-rounded child who wants to I WANT TO COMMEND the think it’s too early to begin examining government for setting up a our political districts. I know some “Committee to Establish will think it’s too early; after all, we Demarcation”. I can only hope that just had elections less than a year ago. the committee will not take the easy Unlike some, I am not anticipating an way out and color a map indicating election for another four and a half levels of danger and recommendations years. However, knowing the snails’ like not to build in certain areas. Of speed, something like redistricting will course, this must be done, but we need move if done correctly; I’ll say the time more from the committee. is now. I will not presume to tell I would like to see this committee parliament how to form such a commission a study on establishing committee. I will assume that we have appropriate building standards for the a procedure for that. I will, however, area. The government should also take share what I would consider a fair and this opportunity to construct the just process. backbone infrastructure needed for a sustainable community/village. Such a Increase representatives on study should include the following: mainland location for Schools, a Farmer’s Marketplace, a Community Centre, First, let us increase the number of and other amenities like Churches representatives on the mainland by and a Cemetery, etc. Yes, we need to know where we can build and what four; this should not be the and how we can rebuild safely. The committee’s responsibility. I feel each study should also establish district should have between four and preservation areas and graduated five thousand registered voters. The leave of restrictions in the danger committee should consider the zone. following other factors in the creation History indicates what is likely to of each district: happen after a volcano eruption is a * The committee should make sure significant realignment of our each district is geographically population. It happened after the 1902 connected. and 1979 eruptions, and it will happen * The core of each existing district again this year. Relocating is a should be preserved. natural reaction following such a * A District should seek to include traumatic experience, and the villages with unique cultural and government will tell people that the historical relevance. land they once owned is no longer The committee should be small but suitable for home building. Reports with representative of all the that the government is already interested parties, not just the looking for alternative locations established political parties. outside the area to house residents not I will have much more to say if the interested in returning to the danger government ever considers doing zone, are commendable. something in this area. In addition to this process, I do not Horatio THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 13. V News Persons to pay for COVID-19 tests by GLORIAH… employees show proof of each person. not to take the vaccine, vaccination or of having He gave an example of you have to do the test at UNVACCINATED persons done a COVID-19 test a situation by saying: “I your expense’.” Against the backdrop of a fee for any COVID-19 here will now have to pay “every Monday morning.” know a construction site The Prime Minister test, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made another impassioned plea for persons to get for any COVID-19 test He added, “You don’t which employs close to followed this up with a vaccinated. administered to them at want to take the vaccine 170 persons and I was scenario: “Let us say, Health Centres across the but why should the state, told that they closed the you have close to 50,000 rough figures]. Now, occasion, the Prime state. why should we pay for construction site. employees in the country that can’t be fair.” Minister while describing Prime Minister Hon. your test every Monday They’re building a hotel. - public and private Announcing that the vaccine a “a vital tool Ralph Gonsalves gave morning, why don’t you They close the sector. Let us say you 50,000 first dose of the in the toolbox to fight indication of this new just take the vaccine… construction site for a have 40,000 people who Sputnik vaccine had COVID,” he admitted, development as he spoke you get the first one free. week because two need it [the vaccine], so arrived in the country, “It’s not a silver bullet on the Eyeing La I think they even give persons got COVID and every Monday morning he pleaded, “I’m begging because you can still get Soufriere programme you the second one free. they didn’t know we have to pay $10 USD you please to take the COVID even though hosted by NBC Radio on But you deciding you not whether there was going for 40,000 persons. That vaccine. It reduces you’re vaccinated, but 14th July, 2021. taking the vaccine for to be an outbreak. They is $400,000 USD every markedly, significantly, the chances are In explaining the whatever reason.” said, ‘You come Monday morning — that transmission of the significantly reduced.” reason for the move, he He disclosed that it vaccinated, you don’t is $1,000,000. In those COVID virus. We have stated that employers costs around $10 USD to have to go and do the tests alone, that is to live with this thing.” (More COVID-19 News are requesting that do the Antigen Test for test. But if you decide $50,000,000. [using On a previous on Page 13.) 14. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Relief - Diaspora SVG Relief USA on the ground

Howie Prince, SVG’s SEVERAL organizations, supplies from the at the Logistics Hub of Consul General in New including the Government Brooklyn-based SVG Relief the World Food York, described the of St Vincent and the USA Inc. Programme (WFP), at its handing over as an Grenadines, were recent The supplies were headquarters at the expression of “the fruits recipients of a range of handed over at a brief decommissioned ET of our labour” in NY. equipment and relief ceremony on Friday 16th Joshua Airport. Delivering opening remarks, SVG’s Consul Atiba Williams, Pro SVG General in New York, Relief USA, promised Howie Prince, said that that a full report will be members of the made on the fact-finding Vincentian Diaspora had mission’s return to NY. journeyed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to combat the dengue fever deliver much needed outbreak and the equipment and relief coronavius pandemic. supplies. “We have had “When La Soufriere generous donations and erupted we were all outpouring of support concerned. Those of us from New York and who live and work in the within the US ….. We United States, decided have established that the best that we numerous partnerships could do is to do the best through which we have that we can do to help,” also sent relief supplies,” said Prince. said Williams. He said that the Among the Consulate in the USA, organizations that have other organizations and benefitted so far are the persons came together to Rotary Club, the SVG conduct a massive relief Red Cross, the Salvation mobilisation effort to Army and the HIV/Aids gather and dispatch Secretariat. relief items/aid to And during a fact- persons who were finding mission that was displaced by the volcanic initially to run for a eruptions. week but has since been “Today we are on the extended to three weeks, ground to hand over, Williams said some symbolically in some members of that mission cases but real in other have visited the Red cases, the fruits of our Zone to make a firsthand labour in New York,” observation of the needs Prince said. on the ground, which will The relief effort, in turn inform future spearheaded and assistance. directed by SVG Relief The mission has also USA Inc. resulted in the met with a number of provision of five 40-foot agencies involved with containers of supplies… managing and delivering four of which are already the relief effort on the in SVG and the fifth is ground. en route. Additionally He promised that a there was a plane load of full report will be made relief supplies sent on the team’s return to previously through the new York. UPS. Senator Keisal Peters, Atiba Williams, Public Minister of State with Relation Officer of SVG responsibility for Foreign Relief USA Inc., said Affairs and Foreign that in addition to Trade, accepted the sending containers of donation on behalf of the relief supplies, his government and people, organisation has also and thanked persons and been assisting the groups in the Diaspora National Emergency for their assistance to the Management persons who have been Organisation (NEMO) displaced. with PPEs, to help THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 15. V Tribute Dr Kenneth John has left us: Putting him into context

KENNETH JOHN was an his “historical works” in that the representatives of slavery”, in important member of that an exercise book - ‘cahier’ those countries who came So now as we say good- which the block of citizens, of a is French for exercise to assist us after the bye to our brother University of significant historic period in book. recent eruption of the La Kenneth John who had the West the development of this The loss of Kenneth Soufriere saw first-hand clearly exhibited the Indies must country - St. Vincent and the John, follows so painfully our immaturity? They saw potential and pre- play a leading Grenadines. I would venture closely on the loss of the raw neglect relative to disposition to enhance our role, Kenneth to say, that in the period several of our sisters and the unhygienic conditions development, let us John as a 1920-2020 more of the brothers who, form the of the environs of the commence discussions distinguished world got to know us and mound on which I sit, Girls’ High School and the which would see the scholar of that we got to know more of the seemed predisposed and Grammar School where construct of a plan of relevant world. Today, because of the had indeed noticeably hundreds of citizens from development, in which historic block great developments in demonstrated, that they the affected areas had to many citizens of the of citizens, technology and its universal had the qualities to have be sheltered over several quality of Kenneth John, would have accessibility, we here in St. significantly carried St. weeks, while the Prime will come forward to offer been an Vincent and the Grenadines Vincent and the Minister and his themselves, towards the important could be said to be Grenadines forward to entourage were making retrieval of people and voice indeed. intimately connected to the higher planes. We seemed unproductive trips to the justice and honour in His in his column “THIS rest of the world. to have had our sights on affected villages. “Hairouna”, once the Land dependable consistency as WEEK” in 2021, was Kenneth was born in those higher planes since The people’s confidence of the Bless, St. Vincent reflected in his writings consistent with what he 1938, three years after we 1951. Kenneth John was in the officers of the and the Grenadines. over several decades was had said in 2001. had those historic at that time a teenager, Ministry of Health has At this time of the definingly representative May he now rest in uprisings in St. Vincent conscious and informed. deteriorated greatly! discussion on the of scholarly discourse peace! and other territories of the important subject of which remained close to Caribbean. He lived in A place for Kenneth going We owe it to him “Reparations related to the people. What he said LeRoy Providence Rose Place and by the way forward of the road through the cemetery, he went to The best intentioned humanism; not far from a blend of socialize with youngsters men have made mistakes knowledge, human emotion and living in the beautifully during their earthly Tribute to Dr. John spiritual elements with dexterity. planned and hygienically sojourn, but I sincerely Little wonder that his work keenly maintained New believe, that the impressed not only his peers, but Montrose (Lovers’ Layne) documented endeavours of the generations whom he sought to area. The residents of that our late brother Kenneth DR. KENNETH JOHN by entrepreneur extraordinaire teach and many far and wide community were R.V. John — ‘cashier’, will BREATHED for the last at his Egerton “Uncle Metro” Richards. representative of a range of recognizably progressive be keenly referenced and home in Villa on Saturday 19th Richards’ purchase of the oldest disciplines and philosophies. and among them were many of his propositions July, 2021. He was 83. newspaper in SVG, came on the We are not aware that Dr. John senior people in the civil adopted by the next block He had been ailing for some time verge of its liquidation in 1982, was ever bestowed service. of citizens, who will and had taken to bed, so much so presumably because of waning regional/international literary Kenneth’s home in Rose fashion the way forward that in his last conversation with interest by its then shareholders awards, but those who would have Place, a prominent fishing for St. Vincent and the the Editor at THE VINCENTIAN, who, Dr. John would studied his work agree that his community, was a few Grenadines. It will be an he admitted, in language only he unapologetically remind us, were style was lucid and captivating, minutes’ walk from the onerous task indeed to could master, “I seem to be running drawn from the planter class. without any mystery to how he hamlet of Edinboro, where reverse this retrogression away quicker than I could handle.” It seemed an accord blessed by presented his thoughts, and was some of the folks who held we have suffered over the Dr. John’s relationship with the gods, so to speak, that Dr. deserving of recognition. prominent positions lived. last two decades because THE VINCENTIAN predates the John, a stoic advocate of Black And while there are many who A leisurely walk of less of the crippling commencement date of tenure of Awareness, Liberation and would have chided Dr. John for his than an hour would have mismanagement of our each, current member of staff, Ownership, would join ‘forces’ with seemingly unshakeable political taken him to the historic administrators. including the Managing Director. a publication now owned by a Black positions and alignments as made and impressive Fort It is the painful The learned Lawyer and Vincentian. manifest in his column, they would Charlotte. The soul- responsibility of those of Political Scientist/Historian first That he manoeuvred his way have found, admittedly, that his warming view of the us remaining of that block graced the pages of THE and stayed the course through the writing offered enlightenment and seascape, including of citizens “stewards”, of VINCENTIAN in its issue of political meanderings of Richards joy. Bequia, would have been which Kenneth was a December 03, 1982, with a piece and the differing approaches, styles Many detractors as well as reward enough for the prominent and consistent titled, “Spiritual Deadness” in a and demands of at least nine supporters would have requested effort on a sunny day. player, to acknowledge column called THIS WEEK. He editors, was testimony to his reprints of his work for one reason that we have failed to would have his last original piece, understanding of the variances of or the other. But one common Early indications of his exert ourselves to honour “Other than the COVID-19 virus”, the newspaper business, as well as thread charcaterised these leanings that responsibility which published in the issue of March 20, his appreciation of and recognition requests: there was also something we ought to have 2020, marking an unprecedented of the worth of people with whom that this man who showed a real I first came into contact recognized, rested with us unbroken stint of almost 42 years he worked and interacted with in a sense of being informed by the as a weekly newspaper columnist. with Kenneth John when to endeavour to advance special way. world, would have said that Some say that this might well we attended the Grammar the welfare of our beloved But all in all, it was Dr. John’s remained relevant through the standout among columnists in the School as youngsters. He country. Evidence of our writings that made him the icon he years. region. was recognized for his failure is pervasive! was — writing that was laid plain He wielded his pen like the In respect for his contribution to having a “handle” on the The prime reasons for and made his readers comfortable wand of a magician transporting the newspaper, and given that he happenings in the society. and uncomfortable one and at the his readers, without any overplay this failure has been that was not up to creating any new It may well be that this same time. That, his associates or dramatic expression, into a land those who have held the material, and not wanting to be propensity was to some reins of power were not would say, characterized his lined with knowledge, debate and accused of unceremoniously writing as topical and relevant, recourse. degree conditioned by the really oriented to societal removing him from its pages, THE fact that his father was a development, but used the intended always to evoke reaction, It is with clear conscience that VINCENTIAN carried reprints of which he did successfully. we declare that Dr. Kenneth John senior police officer. Even privilege of position to some of his earlier work, a gesture at that young age he advance their ego- Few would deny that he has left an irrefutable mark in the that attracted notice and praise possessed a command of the field of Vincentian and Caribbean seemed to have been massaging pursuits. They from his many admirers as it did conditioning himself to be were dishonourably English Language — a command literature with his vast variety of criticism from a number of that many envied, could not “the historian”. As a accommodated in this immortal works, and left a void detractors, whom he always replicate but from which they matter of fact he was betrayal of the people, by which is difficult to fill, if it can be recognized and with whom he learned much. popularly known as the intelligentsia who filled at all. would have welcomed the His work was not just “Cahier John”, and I have remained indifferent to Rest in peace, Dr. John. opportunity to discourse. informative and reader-friendly, it the “sneaking suspicion” their responsibility to Interestingly, Dr. John’s was uncompromising regardless of that he had earned that provide guidance. THE VINCENTIAN PUBLISHING relationship with THE the topic/issue into which he chose CO. LTD. name because of the fact Are we not aware, and VINCENTIAN began the same to delve. It was a reflection of his July 20, 2021. that he had been recording does it not matter to us, year, 1982, when it was purchased 16. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Tribute Tributes flow for Winston Soso known in the entertainment world as ‘The He performed in all of the major soca significantly to the musical and cultural Rolls Royce of Calypso, died on Sunday countries in the world.” landscapes of SVG and the wider world.” morning, July 18, 2021. Evan Lockhart, Soso’s son, confirmed CYRIL N. “SCORCHER” THOMAS STANLEY “LUXY” MORRIS - Vincentian to THE VINCENTIAN on Monday that –Calypsonian, Diplomat sports ambassador his dad died at State University of New “Soso was a patriot in every sense of “Soso was my captain and goalkeeper York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center the word. in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines and University Hospital of Brooklyn. In sports, music or national National Football Team, and was a very Soso, whose legal name was Trevor fundraising, he was front and center — good friend. Winston Lockhart, died a few days after always ready to give, always ready to He was one of our very best his 69th birthday, following a long and serve, also never had a negative thing to custodians, bar none. valiant battle with kidney disease. say about anyone. Soso was also the custodian for the THE VINCENTIAN is pleased to have When he could lend a helping hand, newly-formed Avenues United (soccer solicited the following tributes to he did it freely and willingly. team in St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Winston Soso. Soso loved SVG (St. Vincent and the He rendered his goal keeping services to Grenadines). He had a special place in the National Football Team from 1972 to ALSTON BECKET CYRUS – his heart for the island of his birth. 1976.” Recording/Performing Artiste Back in 1986, Soso and Becket, “Soso was one of the top soca artists Cauldric Forbes, the late Walter Porter, MARVA CATO - a very close friend in the world who had a long and valiant and I formed St. Vincent and the I trekked to New York, for five weeks battle with illness.” Grenadines Entertainers Guild of North to visit Soso while he was hospitalized. I He was also a former national football America — a group that fostered the last saw him two days before his demise. goalkeeper in St. Vincent and the musical aspirations of young Vincentian I had departed New York on Jul. 17 Grenadines. artistes here in the Diaspora.” only to receive the sad news early the Soso was the composer and performer next day that Soso had passed. of a number of hits including his CARLOS “REJECTOR” PROVIDENCE – Trevor Winston ‘Soso’ Lockhart It’s a loss to me. We visited each signature “I Doh Mind”; “How Some Men calypsonian, Presidient Dynamites other. Even though it was a long- captivated the world with sweet Love Dey Women (Big Bottom)”; “Ah Calypso Tent distance relationship, we looked forward sounding and punching Feel to Party Tonight”; “Rude Girl “It is with profound sadness the to the time that we had with each other. calypso/soca lyrics and melodies. Posse”; “Come Ley We Go in The Back Dynamites Calypso Tent New York I was sorry to see him suffering the by NELSON KING and Fool Around”; “Congratulations”; extend condolences to the family, way he did but God has a plan for all of [email protected], “Don’t Throw Stones”; and “Too Much friends, fans and the calypso fraternity, us. US CORRESPONDENT Corruption”. on the passing of one of our own Though we will miss him, we know With contribution by: Sheron Garraway He was an outstanding member of the performers and standard-bearer, most he’s out of all pain and suffering,” We defunct Clymax band in St. Vincent and humble and venerable icon, Mr. Winston cannot forget him. His legacy will always VINCENTIAN CULTURAL AMBASSADOR and the Grenadines for which he penned and Soso. remain with us, and we have to cherish calypsonian extraordinaire Winston Soso, voiced the mega hit, ‘Dianne’. We pray God will strengthen his what he has left with us.” family in this time and accept him into the place of eternal peace,” ST. CLAIR LEACOCK – MP for Central Kingstown HAILES CASTELLO, a New York-based “Trevor Lockhart who had the stage Vincentian –calypsonian, disc jockey name Winston Soso, was so talented that “I admired Soso from a young age and he commanded respect from ‘name’. even tried to imitate his singing style While some artists were only known but could never duplicate it. by their first or surname, the music I shared the stage with Soso at many legend was known by both names, which venues in North America and in the was symbolic of the respect he deserved. Caribbean.” Some persons just limited Soso to his musical contribution, he was also an EARL BENNETT – President of SVG outstanding goal keeper. He is one of Calypsonian Association the most outstanding sons of the soil, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines has who came out of Pauls’ Avenue. lost another gem in the person of Trevor This country is privileged to have Lockhart, aka (also known as) Winston people like Soso and classed him with Soso. Alston Becket Cyrus who made His sweet, smooth and melodic voice contributions to culture and music that rightfully earned him the name Rolls was equal to anyone in the art form.” Royce. ’Sos’, as he was also popularly and DR. GODWIN FRIDAY – Opposition affectionately known, contributed Leader

“Winston Soso was a musical icon and a wonderful performer who was impactful. Soso was one of the cultural artists who made Vincentians define themselves, and helped to shape how others perceived Vincentians. He had a beautiful sweet voice, his sexuality was never vulgar and persons could appreciate the subtlety of the sweet sayings and melodies. Soso was a pioneer who wanted to see his country be better and used his talents to make impactful social commentary songs. His music will set a standard that many young artists, not only in St. Vincent but also in the Caribbean, will aim to reach.” THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 17. V Relief UK-SVG Friendship Trust donates $330,000

THE UK-SVG FRIENDSHIP TRUST has granted an amount of EC$ 330,000 to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to assist with the relief effort following the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. At a presentation ceremony held on Friday 16th at the Ministry of Foreign Senator Keisal Peters and Darrien Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Ollivierre at the handing over. Keisal Peters, Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and provide direct support to over 500 Foreign Trade, accepted the donation individuals. on behalf of the Government, Mr. The support will be channelled Darrien Ollivierre, the Trust’s local through the Ministry of National representative Moblisation, Soroptimist International The senator expressed gratitude to SVG, Je Belle Football Club and the the Trust for it generous contribution Voice of the Disabled. to the cause of assisting those in need. In accordance with the partnership Ollivierre noted that the funds will agreement, the St. Vincent provide support to persons in shelters, Cooperative Bank will provide those who have left the shelters, and oversight on how the funds are those who are in the need of support managed and will make appropriate following the fallout from the eruption. disbursements to the entities as He disclosed that the funds raised named. resulted from a partnership involving The UK-SVG Friendship Trust is a the Trust, the SVG High Commission not-for-profit organisation based in the in the UIK, the National Council of St. UK chaired by H.E. Cenio Lewis, High Vincent and the Grenadines Commissioner of the SVG High Association UK, and over 7000 donors. Commission in London, UK. The Meanwhile, the Trust has other trustees are Mr. Adaiah announced that it will partner with Providence-Culzac and Mr. Steve the St. Vincent Cooperative Bank to Maingot. (KH) GrowNYC gathering seeds for SVG by GLORIAH… those seeds to 200 farmers to assist them in WHEN GROWNYC, an rebuilding their environment-focused livelihoods. group, learned of the GrowNYC encouraged devastation inflicted on seed types for herbs such farming by the eruption as: basil, parsley, sage, of the La rosemary, garlic, thyme; Soufrière volcano in St. vegetable varieties like: Vincent and the broccoli, peas, beans, Grenadines (SVG), it cucumber, butternut immediately issued a call squash, zucchini, okra, on its website tomatoes, sweet peppers, A GrowNYC volunteer (www.growny.org) to its pumpkins, scallions, promoting the seed members and citizens at onions, spinach, beets, donation drive. (Photo large to donate seed carrots, cabbage, lettuce, Credit: GrowNYC packets for distribution sweet corn, and arugula. Facebook) in affected farmers in the Seeds for cantaloupe, affected Caribbean state. watermelon and honey- “improve New York According to the dew melon were also City’s quality of life SVG’s Agency for Public encouraged. through environmental Information (API), GrowNYC’s, formerly programmes that GrowNYC’s goal is to called the Council on the transform communities collect 5000 seed packets Environment of New block by block and to be shipped to the York City (CENYC), was empower all New Windward Islands created in 1970 out of Yorkers to secure a clean Farmers Association, the “spirit of the first and healthy environment headquartered in SVG, Earth Day”. for future generations”. which will distribute Its mission is to 18. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News OAS donates to RSVGPF

ON 20.07.2021, MS. DIANA BROWNE, ‘Comprehensive Action against Small Commissioner of Police, Administrative Assistant at the Country Arms and Light Weapons’ which is Mr. Colin John, on receiving (SVG) Office of the Organisation of part of the project ‘Countering the the equipment, thanked the American States , handed over a Illicit Proliferation and Trafficking of OAS on behalf of the KwikMark Marking Machine for Small Small Arms, Light Weapons and members of the RSVGPF and and Light firearms to Commissioner of Ammunition, and their impact in the Government and People Police, Mr. Colin John. Latin America and the Caribbean.’ of St. Vincent and the The donation was done on behalf of Ms. Browne said “today’s donation Grenadines (SVG) for the the General Secretariat of the demonstrates the commitment of the timely donation. Organization of American States. OAS and the General Secretariat to The Commissioner noted During the handover ceremony, Ms. support and strengthen all Member that security is at the centre Browne explained that the firearms States capacities in different areas, of the OAS’s mandate thus, marking machine was made available especially — public security and the firearms marking under a special OAS programme called firearms.” machine will significantly enhance the RSVGPF’s capability in the tracing and fight against trafficking in small and light weapons. The Commissioner also noted that the equipment does not only help to prevent crimes, but it can lead to the successful prosecution and conviction of offenders. Commissioner John lauded the contribution of the OAS to SVG. He said “This is not the first time the OAS has come to our assistance. They have always been a partner to the region and to St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole. And we look forward to the Ms. Diana Browne and Commissioner continued friendship, cooperation and John at the handing over of the support so we can make the region a KwikMark Marking Machine safer place.” (Source: RSVGPF) (foreground). Catching Gold with SportsMax AFTER THE lets users cast UNPRECEDENTED from their mobile POSTPONEMENT of the device to their TV Tokyo 2020 Olympic or any other big Games last year, screen, and has SportsMax is ready to exclusive content catch gold with the rest and the latest of the athletes as the sports news and Official Caribbean coverage. For the Broadcaster for the Tokyo 2020 games. Olympic Games, From July 23 to the app will have August 8, the eyes of the two dedicated live world will be on Tokyo, channels, with over 800 Peter Lloyd, Chief Japan to watch all the hours of exciting content, Marketing Officer at action, all the excitement including a focus on Digicel Group, said and all the drama, and Caribbean athletes, there is a lot to look Digicel customers on a along with preview and forward to and Digicel Prime Bundle review shows with SportsMax will bring it will have access to the highlights and analysis, all live and direct. games live via the 24-hour medal table, SportsMax app, with event schedules and the person. And for double the dedicated latest news articles and customers on a Digicel SportsMax data stories. Prime Bundle, they get allotment. Peter continued: double dedicated Peter Lloyd, Chief “Across our Digicel SportsMax data, so they Marketing Officer at countries we have a can tune in and watch Digicel Group said: “We number of athletes the games on the have all had to wait an participating, and we SportsMax app without additional year for the want to wish them all having to worry about excitement of the the best in the games. depleting their any use Olympic Games to come We’ll be watching them data allotment.” around once more, and represent their countries SportsMax is bringing now they’re finally here. live via SportsMax. With simply more sports, With 33 sports being entry to Japan banned simply more action and represented in 339 from 159 countries simply more competition events, there is a lot to (except for athletes, this summer with the look forward to, and support staff and media), Olympic Games. It’s the SportsMax is bringing having access to the live greatest sports event in the action, live at your games is the next best the world, live, right in fingertips.” thing to being there in the palm of your hand. The SportsMax app (Source: Digicel) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 19. V News Francis cautions John

UNITY LABOUR PARTY Bacchus is your lawyer. between both of you.” come back from the (ULP) General Secretary Kay Bacchus is an Francis went on to lands, where he had the Julian Francis has expensive lawyer. We reveal that John said workers employed. cautioned Cornelius John. have heard many things that he couldn’t work Francis underscored, Francis made about her. Watch out for now and that he couldn’t “I’m just cautioning you references to the cost of your legal bills. All I’m do his business, but that there will come a legal fees. saying to you Mr. John, I there was a conflict here. time when legal bills He empahsised, “I don’t know if you sought Since the first time he have to be paid. I see an want to send a caution to her out? Or she sought made a public statement appeal out on social Cornelius John. Kay you out? That is a matter on his crutch, he had just media, I don’t know who formulated that and who put it together or if that was done without your knowledge? But as a middle aged, advanced Senator Julian Francis has issued a polite warning Fire destroys to Cornelius John (left) about, among other things, aged citizen of country, his legal fees. you obviously got shot in your leg and it’s difficult looking at the other one Cornelius John is at to move now.” too. the centre of an The General Secretary He concluded, “I don’t allegation that he was two buildings said that he had heard know if that was shot by Kareem Nelson, Bacchus say that if it solicitation, that she can Assistant Director of LAST Tuesday, July 20, were her on the other handle both sides. After Public Prosecutions, and just about when his family side, Ashelle would walk. all she is pretty good at that Senator Ashelle and friends were about He warned that while these things. So I just Morgan had threatened settling themselves in for Bacchus was looking at want you to be cautious him with a gun to his the commencement of the John’s case, Bacchus was on the matter.” mouth. (SG) funeral service of Dr. Kenneth John, excessively loud sounds of a number of sirens disturbed the solemnity of the occasion. When the ‘smoke’ had cleared, reports reaching THE VINCENTIAN said the sirens were signalling a clear path for Fire Department Units heading for Block 2000, Old Montrose. The police reported later that they had begun Fire Officers and residents of Block 2000 fought investigating the the fire but failed to prevent two building being circumstances surrounding destroyed. a fire that occurred on that day, Tues. 20th July, at Block 2000, VINCENTIAN. Old Montrose, which completely The fire officers, ably assisted by destroyed two buildings and damaged members of the community, managed two others. to bring the fire under control but not A release from the police said that before another building was officers from the Fire Department destroyed. (Kingstown) responded at about Reports are that the two buildings 12:10pm to a call that a fire was in that were destroyed were wooden progress at Block 2000, a relatively buildings, one owned by Earl closely located community to the Fire Frederick and the other by the Department’s headquarters at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Central Police Station. Of the two building that were When the fire officers arrived on damaged, one is listed as being owned the scene, one building was already by the Maranatha Seventh-Day completely destroyed and it was clear Adventist Church, and the other by that the fire was spreading rapidly, Exrod Herbert. one eye witness told THE

The remains of one of the building that were destroyed. 20. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Court Another fined for breaching quarantine Stories by health officer, and went to HAYDN HUGGINS her relatives’ home in Bequia. A 47-YEAR-OLD WOMAN A health official assigned residing in Bequia was, on to monitor COVID-19 Monday, ordered to pay the related matters in Bequia Court $750 forthwith or went to where Thomas was, spend one month in prison and accompanied her to a for breaching quarantine, hotel in Bequia to complete after arriving here from the her quarantine. United States, July 3. On July 16, Thomas was THE VINCENTIAN taken into custody, and understands that she paid when interviewed, said she the fine. breached the order because Appearing at the she was frustrated. Serious Offences Court, Monica Thomas said Thomas also told the Monica Thomas pleaded she became Court he had complained guilty to contravening an frustrated during her about the food she received order by Medical Officer quarantine and during her quarantine. of Health requiring her to decided to leave the “You cannot do these quarantine herself from hotel. (Photo things. Could you imagine others, contrary to section Courtesy: Kenton if you were tested positive? 27(a) of the Public Health Chance) Well we don’t know,” Chief Act. Magistrate Rechanne The facts revealed that Browne told the woman. on July 3, Thomas arrived at the “I was wearing a mask,” Thomas Argyle International Airport (AIA) on responded. an American Airline flight. She was “But you were mingling, and you served an order to quarantine for 14 came from an extremely high risk days at Cobblestone Inn, Kingstown. country,” the Magistrate contended. She checked in but on July 10, around Several persons have already been 9:30 a.m. she checked out of the hotel charged, taken to Court and penalized without being cleared by the Chief for breaching the quarantine protocols Medical Officer (CMO) or any other here. Too many guns in the town CHIEF Magistrate Court he found the gun. persons had already Rechanne Browne is “What happens, appeared at the Serious upset by the number of everybody owns a gun?” Offences Court this week persons who come before Browne questioned for matters related to the Court on an almost hypothetically. firearms, and day to day basis, to be The Magistrate said ammunition, including arraigned or to answer that sometimes it does possession of prohibited charges for possession of not reach home to those guns. firearms and involved as to how Parsons pleaded guilty ammunition. serious these offences are to possession of a 5.56 Browne voiced her until their love ones fall mm firearm, usually feelings on the issue on victims. She noted that referred to as the AK Wednesday while firearms ruin families. pistol and 67 rounds of presiding over the But sometimes you ammunition, just hours matter of 32-year-old become so callous and after 26-year-old Avi Winston Parsons, who uncaring. You are in a King of Diamonds was charged with gang or whatever, that Village had pleaded possession of a you don’t even care if you guilty to having an M-4 prohibited gun and 67 die. rifle, two .22 glock pistols rounds of ammunition. Up to press time on and 305 rounds of Parsons had told the Wednesday, several ammunition. AK pistol lands man in jail From Page 4. that it was an extremely dangerous firearm. She placed the offence at the “You have no reason to pick it up, highest level in that category of and you had it on you for a period of offences. time. You kept it,” she added. She found no aggravating factors in Prosecutor Cato highlighted the relation to Parsons, but in relation to fact that Parsons was traveling to the mitigating ones, she noted that he mainland St. Vincent with that gun, took responsibility, and had no along with 67 rounds of ammunition. previous convictions. He also “No one knows what he would have benefitted from one-third reduction in done when he reached St. Vincent. sentence for his guilty plea. The Court must send a strong Possession of a prohibited firearm message”. carries a maximum penalty of ten In sentencing, the Magistrate made years imprisonment in the it clear, “I have to follow the Magistrate’s Court, and the guidelines. I can’t just do my own Magistrate indicated that she had to thing.” use 75 percent of that as starting She stressed the seriousness, and point before proceeding with her consequence of the offences. She noted calculations. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 21. V Regional Antigua sending seaweed to Finland ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA is one of several that will Origin by Oceans comes by The UWI Centre for has made a second be shipped to Finland at a time when experts Resource Management shipment of sargassum later this year to be used are predicting that the and Environment seaweed to Finland. by the company to do influx of sargassum Studies, Cave Hill, Barba Loop News initial reference trials of seaweed into the Eastern dos, the level of (Caribbean) reported the Nauvu® process Caribbean will sargassum arriving now that on or about July 8, against the benchmark be moderate to severe. has increased some 20,000 kgs of the feedstock of According to the considerably. Loading sargassum seaweed left Antigua via Bladderwrack seaweed,” March 2021 Sargassum There is six per cent this time last year, the container. the Department of Sub-Regional Outlook more sargassum visible report said. (Loop News) seaweed in Antigua for The shipment was the Analytical Services said. Bulletin published out in the Atlantic than shipment to Finland. second shipment from The collaboration Antigua and Barbuda’s between Origin by Ocean Department of Analytical and the Department of The UWI to reduce student costs Services to Origin by Analytical Services is Ocean. being facilitated by the INDICATIONS are that including in the five-year Origin by Ocean is a Antigua and Barbuda The UWI Vice Chancellor plan dubbed ‘Operation Revenue Revolution 75+’, Professor Sir Hillary Beckles did company being incubated Science Innovation Park launched last Wednesday by The UWI Vice within the United (ABSIP) and the United not hesitate to make clear that Chancellor Professor Sir Hillary Beckles, is a the finances of The UWI had to Nations Office for Project Nations Office for Project proposal costs to students should be reduced. Services (UNOPS) S3I Services (UNOPS). be addressed given the The plan seeks to address the financial stability diminishing state of regional Innovation Centre in The Department of of the region’s leading tertiary institution and Sweden. economies because of COVID- Analytical Services noted according to a press release, The UWI is seeking “to The seaweed will be that the long term goal is 19. (Photo Source: Loop News) used as part of a project to establish a bio-refinery create a funding model in which half of its revenue comes from the The UWI’s contributing Caribbean to design a new bio- in Antigua and Barbuda reiterated plans for each UWI refinery process governments, with the other half coming from “the where sargassum campus, including developing (Nauvu®) for the seaweed can be university’s entrepreneurial actions”. extraction of processed. These entrepreneurial actions, The UWI said, bankable projects for income biomolecules for use in The collaboration were regional student fees (20 per cent), generation, offering The UWI food, cosmetics, and between Antigua and international student fees (10 per cent), business bonds on financial markets, and domestic detergent. Barbuda’s Department of activity (10 per cent), with five per cent each driving international students into The UWI online. “This second shipment Analytical Services and coming from private sector investment, and (Source: UWI) endowments (including alumni). Beckles said, over the 45 for St. Lucia’s last five years, the reputation of the university had been addressed, with the election institution being the number one university in the Caribbean, in the ACCORDING to top one per cent of The Star universities in Latin Newspaper of St. America and the Lucia, forty-five Caribbean, and the top candidates have one per cent in its age been nominated for cohort in the world. Saint Lucia’s Beckles indicated that general election on The UWI’s finances had July 26. to be addressed because This, The Star of the devastation of reported, was regional economies by confirmed by the It is expected that either Allen COVID-19. Electoral Chastanet (left) or Phillip Beckles also noted Department after Pierre will be St. Lucia’s next that the university the proceeding of Prime Minister. cannot continue to grow, Nomination Day innovate and prosper held on July 16. solely within its The Electoral Department confirmed that the domestic financial base. incumbent United Workers Party, headed by According to the Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, will field release, The UWI’s seventeen candidates, whilst the main opposition vision and strategy were party, the Philip J. Pierre-led Saint Lucia Labour embraced by the Party, will contest in fifteen. Chairman of CARICOM, Describing it as the revamped National Green Prime Minister of Party (NGP), the Star said it had filed nomination Antigua and Barbuda papers for eight candidates. The NGP is Gaston Browne. spearheaded by activists Andre de Caires and the “He (Browne) noted former President of the Iyanola Council for the that the (contributing) Advancement of Rastafari - Aaron Alexander. governments are solidly Five independent candidates are listed to behind the regional contest the election, these being former Prime university in leading Minister Stephenson King, Richard Frederick, financial reforms for Nathalbert George, Michael St. Catherine and greater autonomy. He Melanie Fraites. endorsed the quest to Advertisement radically alter The This will be Saint Lucia’s eleventh general UWI’s financial election post-independence. (Source: The Star/ circumstance”, the St. Lucia) release stated. Beckles also 22. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice Betraying my trust Dear George,

ABOUT two years ago when we just started dating, I confessed to my girlfriend that I did somethings at my work place that would cause me to be dismissed, if it came out. My immediate with her as though nothing happened. supervisor, however, decided not to take Your views on this please. the matter further and asked me to get it together, which I did. Blue vex Now, only last week, I caught my girlfriend cheating on me. I Dear Blue vex, threatened to leave the relationship if she didn’t confess to her mother, who Your girlfriend had no right to always defended her, that she had break that trust placed in her by using cheated. your past against you. It will be She didn’t and instead went to the extremely difficult to rebuild that top brass in at my workplace and trust and it is quite understandable spilled the beans about what had why you would want to move on. happened so long ago. It is your decision to move on or not I was fired and the company is to move on and she has no choice but threatening to fire the supervisor who to abide by your final decision. gave me that break. My girlfriend is expecting me to George forgive her for this and move forward I was deceived

Dear George, You are now free to find which is not too much to the kind of man who can ask for. THINGS are very ‘brown’ be supportive in good with me at the moment times and in bad, and George but it has shown what who can love you for you kind of man I am or was with. I had a very good paying job and could Voices in my head afford to dress in the Dear George, latest fashion. Now that is not possible, ‘my man’ I HAVE been married for 6 years and love my is showing less and less wife. I have just found out that my loving wife is interest in me. A friend part of a prostitution ring in Barbados. of my told me that he Before Covid-19 she found multiple, sound said he has no intention reasons to visit that country. I would find out her of staying with me ‘secret’ when someone visited in search of her. because I am broke and A man came to the house and asked for her! ‘can’t dress. This is a He thought I was another of her clients and after man who should know I recognised that, I pretended I was and got a lot better. of information out of him about my wife, including I asked him about compromising pictures of her. what he said to my I had the man wait at the house until she got friend and instead of home. She ate fire saying she did not know what owning up, it brought he was talking about until I showed her the tears to his eyes and pictures. She fell to her knees and begged me to denied saying what my forgive her. George, it is because I am afraid of friend said he did. jail why I did not finish her off right there and I had my friend then. confront him in my Needless to say, I have decided to end the presence and he became marriage. However, I am finding it very difficult dumb all of a sudden. I to sleep and I am hearing all kind of voices in my walked away from him. head telling me to do some horrible things to her. He has since been How can I get these voices in my head to stop? calling and messaging me asking for forgiveness Depressed and angry and another chance but I have other plans in mind Dear Depressed and angry, Disappointed It is good that you did not take matters into Dear Disappointed, your own hands and do something silly that would have landed you in a regrettable situation. Yes, you have every right to be angry and disappointed I can understand how but what is most important now is how you deal disappointed you must and manage that anger. have been to realise that I suggest that you call Marion House the man you loved only immediately and arrange to see a counsellor. It is loved what was physical there you would get an opportunity to address the about you. emotions of anger, disappointment, etc. and think You now know the more clearly towards charting your way forward. quality he is made of and You need to look after your emotional health. I am guessing that is Best wishes. why you have opted not to continue with him. George THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 23. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) ACROSS Don’t let your friends talk you into You can make headway in the workforce taking time off. Don’t lend to people if you put your mind to it. You may be 1. Onstage article who have given you negative vibes. thinking of starting your own business. Go 5. Pen point out with friends or family. 8. Cut covering Money can be made if you use your 12. Verdi heroine ingenuity. 13. Lovely Lupino SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) 14. Folk learning TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Changes in your domestic scene are 15. “High” time Don’t jump too quickly if someone tries evident. Not everyone will be pleased 16. Camp bed to make you join in on their crusade. with your plans. You can make a huge 17. Brain flash Female colleagues may be able to help difference to children if you are able to 18. Bacon portion put yourself in their shoes. 20. Once owned you get the job done. 22. Havana’s country SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 25. Lacy headdresses GEMINI (May 22-June 21) 29. Emulate Viola Davis Your high energy will enable you to You can make money through real estate 32. Starchy dish take the role of leader in group or by using your head when it comes to 34. Crow sound functions. Be cautious not to get personal investments. You will have to be 35. Mr. Costello involved in office chatter that will careful not to let infatuations with 36. “Name him!” colleagues get out of hand. 37. Notable age cause problems for others. 38. Demonstrate grief CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 39. Filing pro CANCER (June 22-July 22) Direct your energy wisely. Help with your 41. Rainbow site 3. Aroma 40. Pub barrel 52. Pose (a 42. Musical Family outings or a quiet stroll through aspirations is likely, and profits could 4. Sudden fear 43. Elevate question) the park will lead to stimulating presentation 5. Nervous spasm 45. Of Holland 53. Abbey resident follow. You will have no problem getting 44. Lack conversation and a closer bond. You your point across to those in a position to 6. Nuptial words 47. Reveal (secrets) 54. Kickoff object 46. Likely (to) 7. Wooded trail 49. Rural facility 56. Kung-fu icon may be emotionally unstable if you let help you. 48. Wind blasts someone you care about get away with 8. Proceed smoothly 50. Genuine Bruce 52. Debate stance 9. Seafood choice 51. Plant origin 57. Thick haze verbal abuse. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 55. Impish child 10. “How – you?” You may find that you’re being used. You 58. Become bushed 11. Humorous Arthur LEO (July 23-Aug 22) will be on the rampage this week. Your 59. Pursues legal 19. Little dog Go after your goals. Your dramatic love will not be willing to listen to your damages against 21. Gorgeous Gardner 60. Summer zodiac sign approach to life has probably gotten to criticism. 23. See 38-Across 61. Mystery-novel hint 24. Very pale your mate. You may find that your boss 62. 63-Across joint is not delighted with your work lately. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 26. Frozen treats 63. Lower limb 27. “Happy” bird You should sign up for creative courses. 64. Used a shed tool 28. Move in the breeze VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Concentrate on your work. Your doubt 29. Furthermore Networking will be a necessity. You could lead to insecurity. Hassles with DOWN 30. Farm enclosure

have to know what your boss wants if female colleagues may lead to problems 31. Hair-gel container SOLUTION you expect to do your job correctly. with your boss. 1. Kitchen vessels 33. Ripped LAST WEEK’s 2. Civil emergency 39. Baseball hat V 24. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Second VP Gaymes aiming for the highest

MOETH surprised at GAYMES is this country’s lone referee on the FIFA International list, and he is playersÊ action not settling for merely officiating in regional WAYNE GRANT, Second Vice centered surroundings. matches. He President of the St. Vincent and the “One of the things we added to intends to reach Grenadines Football Federation the camp fees was an allowance the highest (SVGFF), has taken umbrage with based on their dislocation… we level. the manner in which national senior did try to make them as He, however, footballers recently aired their comfortable as possible,” the is taking it by concerns. Second Vice President disclosed. stages and has Grant said that the players’ Grant confirmed that he has earmarked an public statement was “surprising since had “one-on-one appointment to to us (Executive Committee) as conversations with some of the the Concacaf none of us knew of the situation players who indicated that they Gold Cup Finals Moeth Gaymes, FIFA until the media release.” thought the letter (detailing in 2023, as his internationally accredited Grant assessed that “they went players’ concerns) was supposed next target. referee, is bent on officiating at to the media houses first with the to be presented to the Executive “My short- the highest level. issues before bringing it to the Committee as a fore-runner to term goal is to Executive Committee, so there further dialogue.” be at the next Gold Cup…. . “….reaching that stage was never an opportunity for the And maybe for the first time, is the highest you can within Concacaf and once you Committee to address their the public was made aware of get to the Gold Cup, you just have to perform and concerns going forward.” signed agreements between Wayne Grant - 2nd Vice you will get citation for the World Cup,” Gaymes The SVGFF official indicated players and the Federation, when President SVG Football projected. that, in fact, there was a series of Grant explained, “…we did a Federation. In the meantime, Gaymes is gathering all the meetings with the players “and players agreement where players information he can, staying fit, as well as observing this is why we found it surprising signed on to certain benefits. … to Florida for the Gold Cup match those (referees) who are at the top of the list. that they didn’t ask for a meeting This was based on dialogue against Haiti and not before.” As for observing the referees, he explained, “I but went directly to the media.” between the players’ He assured that work is in zoom in closely on the movements of the referees, According to Grant, the representative and the executive progress “for better dialogue going their mannerisms, how they approach these higher Executive was disappointed since, reps. It therefore, was baffling as forward.” matches, because it is important not only to go in according to him, the Federation to why the players’ release came with your knowledge, but to see how it is done has always created player- on the day the team was to travel I.B.A.ALLEN outside the realms of games that you are assigned.” Gaymes has been a FIFA International Referee since Futsal/Female Football Competition 2014. He has had a stint at the Olympic Qualifiers level, Futsal being demonstrated and most recently was fourth coming at the Arnos Vale Netball official in the St. Kitts and Complex. Nevis hosted World Cup qualifying match between HAVING HAD THE APPROVAL of the Royal the hard courts at Guyana and the host. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Biabou, Gomea, He described this Force, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calliaqua, Sion experience as “… good even Football Federation (SVGFF) has set the Hill, Arnos Vale, though I was the fourth process in place for hosting an Invitational Layou and official, because there are Futsal and Nine-A-Side Competitions for Barrouallie, and things that you will learn by females. matches are set for looking at other officials, These are scheduled to get going July Fridays, Saturdays because Football is Football 30. and Sundays, and the Laws of the Games However, in light of the prevailing between 5 and pm. do not change”. COVID-19 pandemic, the competitions The Female Gaymes and other Football will be subject to several restrictions and Nine-A-Side officials here have been short guidelines. Competition will of local field practice as there Among these are a maximum of fifty take place at the “prescription” for the 2021/2022 National are no national or community (50) spectators at the various venues; Hope (Vermont), Richmond Hill, Arnos Club Championships, which is carded to competitions taking place at mandatory temperature checks; wearing Vale Two and the Sion Hill playing kick off in early October. this time. He is, however, of face masks; regular hand sanitizing; fields, on Saturdays only, from 1pm to The 2020/2021 National Club staying fit and mentally alert, availing identification and contact 5pm. Championships which got started in as he follows a daily FIFA numbers of all spectators, players, match The SVGFF will provide teams/clubs November last year, was cancelled last required regimen. and management officials. participating in the Futsal Competition May following a prolonged suspension. Apart from Gaymes, Additionally, players, team officials with uniforms and will consider others The championships were set to Assistant Referees Kenran and match officials must be at the forms of assistance as may be identified. recommence in January, following the Daniel and Denroy Barker venues at least half an hour before the Chair of the Tournaments Committee- Christmas break, however, a spike in are the other Vincentians on scheduled starts of the matches. Dwight Roberts underscored that the COVID-19 cases here, put the National the FIFA list of match The Futsal Competition will be held at Futsal/ Female Competitions will be a Football Programme on pause. officials. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 25. V Sports Blue Chip to host B’ball camps

venues here. ‘Queen’ Haynes, Shad 15—21, we have lost them publication that since Clive Bishop Soccer Three Camps have Thomas and Timothy in a sense that they have 2021 Blue Chip Academy Classic in a Futsal already been scheduled: Myle. not learned the game in has been touching kids’ tournament, named after the first at the Campden According to Bishop, a very fundamental lives in the Vincentian his father. Park Hard Court from the camps will expose manner.” communities through Blue Chip Basketball July 29, the second at participants to the He added that this education and sports Academy is part of a the SVG Girls’ High fundamentals of was no fault of theirs as (Basketball) camps. wider programme of School on July 30, and Basketball, and involve “there are no It all began at the Hope and Hope Inc. the first annual Chad them in ‘small side’ programmes available to Campden Park Hard which is an official Thomas Blue Chip games and individual do that, no incentives, no Court and has expanded nonprofit body registered Basketball camp in skill competitions. national basketball to the Girls High School, in the USA and here, Ashton Union Island on In elaborating, Bishop tournaments. No senior which is now the home of with the primary August 02. said, “During our camps basketball players are Blue Chip Basketball approach being one of The main facilitators we will be looking to teaching the sports, so Academy. sports evangelism of the Camps will be introduce basketball to our focus is what we call Blue Chips is looking towards creating heathy Bishon Bishop - main Blue Chip’s founder and the very young kids as planting a new crop… forward to hosting the bodies and minds among organizer of the camps. head coach- Kishon we came to the towards launching our 6th Annual Veronica young people. Bishop, and Kendale realization that the crop youth basketball Bishop Classic named Thomas — Programme I.B.A.ALLEN BLUE CHIP BASKETBALL of players we have right programme.” after the founder’s Director. They will be Academy is set to host a now - ages between Bishop told this mother, and 1st Annual assisted by Blue Chip series of Basketball Basketball coaches Tim Camps for boys and girls, Lynch, Bernard Billy, ages 5 to 12, at different Ramon Johnson, Rachael Morgan nabs NACAC position TECHNICAL Director of Team Athletics — Chester Morgan, has been appointed as the North American, Central American and Basketball action during one of Blue Chip’s previous camps. Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Director of Coaches and Camps. Shallow re-elected W’wards Cricket President Morgan got the nod from a shortlist of three Dr. Kishore Shallow was Greg Wilson. from a total of ten re-elected unopposed as The selection panel applications. President of the will continue under the A graduate (2006 — Windward Islands chairmanship of Steve 2001) of the Cricket Board (WICB), Mahon with the other Universidad Deportivo when it held a face-to- member being Roland Del Sur of Venezuela, face board meeting at Wilkinson. Morgan’s oral and Bay Gardens Marina The selectors’ first written competence in Haven, St. Lucia, on July assignment will be to Spanish is said to have Chester Morgan 16, 2021. observe three Best vs. given the advantage in Dr. Shallow, who is Best ‘red ball’ matches in the race for the position. also Vice President of Grenada from July 18 to As Director of Coaches and Camps, Morgan will Cricket West Indies July 30, 2021. be an integral player in the NACAC Development (CWI) will continue to Gill will continue as a Commission, and will be required to interface on a lead what is deemed the CWI Director for monthly basis with the Development Department ‘New Windwards’. Windward Islands and of World Athletics. Dwain Gill was will be joined in that He is also expected to commit to weekly online elected unopposed as capacity by current St. meetings with NACAC President- Mike Sands, Vice President, replacing Lucia National Cricket General Secretary- Keith Joseph and Director of long-standing Vice Association president, Dwain Gill –new Vice Competitions, Michael Serralta. President- Julian Mr. Carol Henry. Dr. Kishore Shallow President of the WICB. Morgan, a teacher by profession and former Charles. Romel Currency and national footballer, will also be responsible for Messrs. Kezron Clement Marcellin were policy for players, providing a comprehensive review of coaches’ for cricket development administrators, and Walters, and Dougal elected alternate in the Windward Islands, database as well as planning the NACAC Coaches’ James were returned as directors for one year. other travelling Pathway, to be in line with the wider development comprised of Data functionaries of the Secretary and Treasurer In addition to the Centralization and of the sport’s parent body- World Athletics, while respectively. elections, the meeting WICB; establish a yielding a more aggressive approach in developing Accessibility, Skills The meeting also saw also received a committee to conduct Track and Field from grassroots through to elite Testing and the installation of two comprehensive proposal further constitutional levels. Benchmarking, Coaching new selectors, with from the Cricket review; complete the Morgan joins Keith Joseph and Kineke Development, and Elite Strategic Plan by the Alexander-Stay as other Vincentians who hold former Windward Development Committee, Player Programmes. Islands captain, Liam chaired by Miles next board meeting; and pivotal positions in the NACAC setup. The Executive was devise an honour roll for Alexander—Stay is the Chair of the Athletes Sebastien, and former Bascombe. mandated to: explore a first-class player, Craig The proposal promotes retired players and Commission. Windwards T10 administrators. The VINCENTIAN congratulates Morgan on Emmanual, replacing an integrated skill-based tournament this year; Trevor Shillingford and data-centric framework his appointment. prepare a vaccination I.B.A.ALLEN 26. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Sports Obed McCoy – a secret weapon

Winston Soso: T20 CRICKET SPECIALIST into his own this year in Andre Russell believes taking 17 T20I wickets Vincentian Obed McCoy at 15, going at only 7.08 Patriotism personified can be the West Indies’ per over in games secret weapon heading against Sri Lanka, South HIS NAME was Trevor Winston Lockhart, given by into this year’s T20 World African and now his mother Olive Lockhart. How he engraved the Cup. Australia. soubriquet Winston So-so is another story. From This bold assessment childhood developed an affinity to music. He made Russell, believes drums from biscuit tins, played the ukulele and was reported by Louis bowlers like McCoy, who assembled a band with his peers. Cameron writing on the is already noted for his He recalled his eagerness for renditions from website cricket.com.au back-of-the-hand slower persons like Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus, Cyril ‘Scorcher’ on July 8, 2021. balls and who is fresh Thomas, Jeffers ‘Sheller’ Alexis, and Ellsworth Russel was heaping into international ‘Lifeboy’ Quammie at the carnival events staged praise and cricket, can often have those days in the pre-Lenten festival. encouragement after, in immediate success. It is perhaps symbolic that when the changeover to July Mas occurred in 1977, Soso and the band the first T20 against “He’s a little secret Clymax was part of the cultural transformation. Australia played in St. weapon for us,” Russell Soso had fine-tuned the vocal cords singing with Lucia, “McCoy had a told cricket.com.au post- the group Volume Five, which was forerunner to remarkable night that match. Clymax. The number ‘Dianne’ remains one of the saw him collect a wicket “Sometimes when Obed McCoy celebrates one of his wickets in the country’s trademark productions. with his first delivery, go playing in world cricket, recent tT20 series between Australia and the West For nearly forty-five years, Winston Soso stood on to concede 17 runs the first two years or Indies. out as a genuine symbol of Vincentian folklore. By the time he veered into the musical arena, he from the following five couple of months on the had distinguished himself as a goalkeeper of worth. balls, take a contender scene you’re going to be think this is his time to spinners were getting a His acrobatics were pleasant on the eye and there for catch of the series dangerous. shine.” bit of turn so I thought was an obvious flair with which he carried out his before finally claiming “No one really knows As for McCoy, he said my slower balls would work. the match-sealing wicket him. The back-of-the- after that 18-run victory grip.” Those traits accentuated in the cultural arena. that sparked frenzied hand slower ball and against the Aussies, He prompted jubilant Soso was one of the country’s innovators. He fused celebrations,” Cameron then the variations — I “Normally on that scenes when he musical genres and came up with a repertoire of numbers that formed the basis for his global wrote. hope it can continue to surface the ball has nice dismissed Josh appeal. Soso had fans in Holland, Canada, USA, McCoy first played for work for us. bounce and carry but I Hazelwood, last wicket, the Caribbean, and any place where culture was the West Indies in 2018 “I think it’s a good was just trying to mix up to ensure victory for the appreciated. and 2019, but the advantage … He’s been my pace as much as I WI. (Source: Louis His connection with Frankie McIntosh and towering left-armer came working very hard and I can……. . I noticed the Cameron (cricket.com.au) Granville Straker provided an added platform for his musical exploits. His list of compositions increased with rapidity including: ‘Rude gal posse,’ ‘I don’t mind,’ ‘Vengeance,’ ‘Hands in the air,’ ‘How some men love dey woman,’ ‘Ah feel to party An elated Maloney heads for Japan tonight,’ ‘Don’t throw stones,’ ‘Congratulations,’ ‘Is me who have yo woman,’ ‘Panty man.’ this country and myself,” in the early stages of my coach in St. Kitts and set It was easy for Soso to gain recognition on the local scene. He placed second in the national she told THE life, guided me and made me along the path to an calypso competition at the turn of the transition. VINCENTIAN. sure I was on a positive Athletic Scholarship to When the Soca competition was added to the The 22-year-old track path; Godfrey Harry and the US; my Coach carnival agenda in 1996, Soso was the first athlete will compete in the XCeed Sports Club Christopher (Chris) monarch. Viewers recall him appearing in a skimpy the 800m for nurturing me from Johnson who over the jump suit, a situation engendered by the absence of “Preparation…, for the when I first arrived at past 3 years molded me his luggage somewhere on his journey from his most part, everything the Thomas Saunders into the athlete I am New York based sanctuary. Soso maintained his respect for Vincentian has been good,” she Secondary School; today; the University of musical arranger Frankie McIntosh, honoured shared, adding, “My Michael ‘Mercy’ Arkansas for the recently by the University of the West Indies for intention is to go out Ollivierre who worked resources provided to me his contribution in that field. there and represent my tirelessly with me when as a student-athlete; Soso was one of those artists who formed the country to the best of my he realized my potential TASVG for the core of Caribbean artists who worked along with ability. I am also hoping and guided me.” opportunity to go to the the collaboration engineered between Straker and to do a new personal Recognition was also Olympics - they could Frankie McIntosh. Soso had connections with Sion Hill and Paul’s best, God’s willing.” paid to: “Janice Daley have sent anyone else; Avenue, two areas in St. Vincent with a reputation And Shafiqua sees who was my legal my support system in the of natural resistance to colonial oppression. beyond the track, saying, guardian for 3 years US — family and friends, The Nelson Bloc Mas band paid tribute to Soso “I am looking to the while in St. Kitts and and others who have in 2012 with a portrayal dubbed ‘Dat is Sos.’ In experience of the who, together with over the years supported 2014, he was appointed as Cultural Ambassador. Olympic Games. Every ‘Mercy’, helped to get me and encouraged me.” Soso earned the respect of many of his Shafiqua Maloney all set experience in life where I am today; Mr. colleagues. Scorcher reflected on Soso’s patriotism: and ready for the “In sports, music, he was front and centre, always contributes to your Wilkinson who was my I.B.A.ALLEN ready to give, always ready to serve, never had a Olympics in Japan. success later on. This negative thing to say about anyone.” would be the biggest Arrangements are being made for the burial. If SHAFIQUA MALONEY, stage I have ever it does not happen here, there will be a Memorial one of three Vincentian competed on and this Service. athletes who will experience would no Reference to Winston Soso will not be complete doubt contribute without reference to Johnny Straker, based at the participate in the 2021 local national Broadcasting Corporation. Summer Olympics in positively to other Straker emerged as the Soso mascot, noted for Tokyo, Japan, from July experiences I will have publication of Soso’s creations. Straker confessed 23 to August 8, is after the Olympics.” his admiration for Soso from since he “Starker” was obviously elated. She took time out to growing up. “Going to my first thank: “the Lord for The bond strengthened in 2008 when Soso would Olympics…, words can’t blessing me with a send versions of his release for Starker’s special ability; my assessment. really describe. This has Straker will use a programme on radio been a lifelong dream of mother Jessica Maloney Saturday, July 24 in tribute to his departed hero. mine, and I am happy for making the sacrifices THE VINCENTIAN joins in offering condolences and excited about the to get me to where I am to the family. opportunity to represent today; Dale Ottley who, THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021. 27. V Classifieds Bequia Community Centre woes From Backpage.

He fumed, “What is worse, is that people were in the dark and nobody knew what was going on until the work started. Somebody said there was hammering and lumber was being moved into the Centre and I went down last Wednesday to investigate.” Dr. Friday said that was when he found out about the plan to house the clinic staff as well as accommodate the Magistrate’s Court. Dr. Friday expressed that the move to relocate the facilities to the Community Centre without prior notice to the villagers was “totally disrespectful” and “a denial of their rights and privileges.” He called on residents to raise their voices in concern about the removal of an essential service in their lives.

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FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.29 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 BEQUIA COMMUNITY CENTRE WOES Story by receptions, youth group SHERON GARRAWAY meetings, funerals, after Photos Javan Stowe school and exercise classes and even THE COMMUNITY of Paget government related Farm on the Grenadine functions. island of Bequia is having An infuriated Friday quite some time figuring declared, “You can’t just out what is becoming of take away something their Community Centre. from the community. Member of Parliament Nobody fussed very for the Northern much about downstairs Grenadines, Dr. Godwin because they figured Friday on Tuesday, on eventually they would the New Democratic rebuild the police station Party’s New Times Radio and they would get that Programme aired on part of the building to Nice Radio, described a use again as a public move at hand to facility. That hasn’t temporarily house the happened and it doesn’t clinic in the Centre, as look like it’s going to an outrage. happen anytime soon.” The upper floor houses Yes, he admitted, the the Magistrate’s Court, people used the upper albeit once a week, but floor because the the inconvenience is Magistrate’s Court use compounded by the fact was confined to one day that the Police Station a week. has been “temporarily” Dr Friday claims that housed on the ground now, the clinic at Paget floor of the Community Farm has been run down Centre, for over a to the point where it’s The Paget Farm decade. not functional and it has Community Centre will Friday lamented, to be repaired. no longer be made “That was supposed to be He explained, “They available to the temporary while they fix did no repairs on it for community for the Police Station. It’s the past 20 years, now accommodating now been over 10 years they have essentially meeting, weddings and since the police station closed the building other social activities. has moved. And the because it’s not safe…… ground floor has been So what they have done, Dr. Friday said that occupied by the police is taken over the while the clinic is station for most of that Community Center to needed, the residents time.” put the clinic …… . there should not be made to Dr. Friday said the and they have divided choose between two people in Paget farms the building…. the room important public goods, and the immediate is divided in half. One because the government surroundings have, half is going to be has allowed it to become traditionally, used the subdivided into various a situation where there Community Center for rooms for the doctors, is a crisis. various activities. Now, the nurses, etc. as a they have nowhere to clinic. And another Continued on Page 27. have their functions. section will be assigned Signs of repair work that He noted that it was to the Magistrate’s used for wedding has already begun on the court.” Centre. Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.