FRIDAY MAY 15, 2020 VOLUME 114, No.20 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Accident victim Sailors are Sagicor’s PM warns No LIAT for remembered home special plan absconders VINSAJA Page 3 Page 5 Page 12 Page 13 Page 24 SHOOTING VICTIM RECALLS HIS ORDEAL

hours’ of Good Friday, the Good Friday profanities by the bicycle to the spot from where ordered to accompany them to voice of a woman pierced woman. he had removed it, but instead the police station so that he the reverence of the According to Young, on Holy had lodged it in his yard. could clarify the matter. He atmosphere with a Thursday he was repairing a Sometime elapsed and he objected to the order, offered bellowing of, “(Expletive) jeep in front of his home. He was approached by three men some resistance, all the while policeman fuh dead!” took a break, left on a bicycle who turned out to be Police insisting that he did not steal Later that day, news belonging to Rodney Francis Officers in plain clothes. He the bicycle. spread that Cosmos and which he was accustomed was questioned about the Realising there was no Young, a well-known auto- using, to run a quick errand. bicycle, during which the sense in prolonging his mechanic and long- He did so and returned to officers accused him of objection/resistance, he standing resident of working on the jeep. He stealing tit. Layou, had been shot by admitted to not returning the Young said he was Continued on Page 3. police. THE VINCENTIAN first sought ANOTHER ROAD clarification from the Police Public Relations FATALITY FOR 2020 Department, but was met by KENVILLE HORNE Comos Young alleges that he with a “no was shot by a police officer. comment” FIDEL DAVIS, a 34-year-old resident of Cedars, is this response. country’s third road fatality for 2020. by CARLYLE DOUGLAS However, a Davis died on the spot after he lost control of the recent interview motorcycle he was riding, and crashed into a public utility SOME LIGHT has been shed on a with Young shed pole along the main road in Biabou, last Monday, May 11. 2020 Easter incident in Layou. some light on the He was reportedly riding his black and white Ninja bike Around 2pm in the ‘holy reason for the and travelling towards Georgetown. One of Davis’ aunts (who requested not to be named)

Continued on Page 3.

Fidel Davis enjoyed, like so many young Cosmos Young displays the externally affixed men his age, a different sense of freedom on metal splint that now supports the bones in his The remains of Fidel’s Ninja motorcycle, as it came to his Ninja motorbike, on which, unfortunately left thigh. rest after crashing into a utility pole. (Facebook photo) he would meet his demise. (Facebook photo) 2. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 3. Close friend remembers accident victim

“HE WAS MY FRIEND before friend, she saw her friend anything else. I’ll remember him twice on Monday, “once when every night.. reminding me to he stopped Calliaqua to see me say my prayers and read my after picking up the bike. ..a lil bible.” later in the morning when he So says Sasha Joseph about was driving the work van. I her close friend Fidel Davis. called him while driving Davis, a 34-year-old behind him in front ‘barracks’ chauffeur of Cedars, died on (Central Police Station) and the spot when he lost control when I switched lanes he of the motorcycle he was smiled at me and blew a kiss. riding, and crashed into a We talked during the day, but public utility pole along the I just happened to be asleep main road through Biabou. when he messaged me just The incident occurred on before he was about to leave Monday, May 11. from work.” Joseph told THE Sasha learned of her dear VINCENTIAN that Davis was friend’s death from her aunt an excellent father figure to around 5 o’clock that her son, and that his world afternoon. revolved around his children She was in a state of and his mother. disbelief, but managed to “He put everybody else’s check her phone and realized wants and needs before his. he had messaged her Often times I’ll have to argue sometime around 3pm. with him because he’ll refuse Still in a state of disbelief, to do something simple as she dialed his number but the eating, just because he just phone rang out. had to complete whatever for “ I was shattered by the everyone else. That was just news. … I just wish I wasn’t who he was … caring and sleeping when he messaged loving, and loved by me. Maybe it would make a Fidel Davis everybody,” Joseph said. difference,” said Joseph, and Sasha Shooting victim recalls his ordeal Joseph also recalled that he adding that just two days Joseph in encouraged her to be a better before, he spoke of selling his happier Continued from Front The bullet, he said, including meals. version of herself. bike. (KH) times. Page. reportedly shattered the The fact that he According to the grieving bone and he has had to occupies the top story of mustered the courage to have an externally his house, adds to his ask the officers if he affixed metal splint to isolation. could finish the repair hold it together. Young has been Sea wall vendors being job on the jeep, before he Young is now partially charged with stealing the went to the police disabled, unable to walk bicycle, and assaulting station. and move about unaided, (cuffing) a police officer compensated It was then, according and when THE while in the process of to Young, that he was VINCENTIAN visited executing his duty. THE shot in the thigh of his Sea Wall vendors are known to carry on a with him recently, he The matter was down GOVERNMENT left leg by an officer he thriving trade. (Photo Credit: 784 News) grimaced in pain as he for hearing last OF ST. VINCENT described as “fair - used his hands to move Wednesday at the Layou and the skinned and tall,” who his injured leg. Court, but was Grenadines then picked up a As a result of the postponed until next continues to hammer he, Young, was injury, Young is unable week Wednesday. undertake using, as if to indicate to ply his trade, and is preparatory that he had used his dependent on others for works in firearm to avert a threat. his daily upkeep, anticipation of the construction of new port facilities Another road fatality for 2020 in Kingstown. In December Continued from Front Page. confirmed her nephew’s death that she 2019, the Board of accepted the reality. Directors of the told THE VINCENTIAN that the Davis was the father of two Caribbean family was saddened by his tragic children. He attended the Stubbs Development Bank (CDB) approved As of May 12th, 2020, eleven (11) death. Primary School and the St. Clair financing for this project. The first vendors have complied with the She clarified that his family is Dacon Secondary School. phase will include: the construction of requirements to remove their originally from the village of Stubbs, A post-mortem examination is new cargo port facilities; the rerouting structure, and they will accordingly but Davis was born in Trinidad and expected to be conducted on the body of an existing sewer line and; receive their compensation package of Tobago. His family recently moved to ascertain the cause of death. associated road works. EC$4,500 each. from Stubbs to Cedars. The other road fatalities for the Beginning on Wednesday 13th May, The compensation makes provision The aunt said that Davis had plans year are: Lucinda Brackin, 46, who 2020, vendors on the sea wall who are for three (3) months income support of to ‘trade in’ his bike for either a jeep died on the spot when the vehicle in being permanently impacted will begin EC$715/per month, in addition to or a car. which she was travelling overturned to receive compensation. amounts for the value of their “I thought he had already gotten rid along the main road in Sandy Bay, Earlier this year, Cabinet approved structure, removal allowance and of the bike, until the accident,” she Sunday 8th March; and Shannel John, a sum of EC$275,000 to compensate timely removal bonus. (Source: stated. 33, who died on the spot along the the sixty vendors who were plying Ministry of National Security, Air and She said that when she first main road in Rillan Hill, after being their trade on the sea wall, prior to Sea Port Development) received the news, she did not believe hit by a pick-up on Wednesday 18th March 31st 2019. it. It was after a second call that March. 4. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Court ‘Jah Son’ fed up being a target

Stories by police raid at his Villa home on May 8. think putting me in jail go get the Lee and the attempted murder of the HAYDN HUGGINS “Twice these people put me in jail guns dem off the street? All you don’t baby’s parents, Mozart Lee and Shelly for a murder I don’t commit. They understand you all self-much less to Ann Durham. MARTIN ‘JAH trying to disarm me so that they go understand the situation. All you The charges had stemmed from an SON’ JAMES, who murder me. They trying to kill me. I should lucky is I have the guns and incident at Glen on October 7, 2016 was acquitted on lose everything since they put me in nobody else. The guns dem in the right during which the infant was killed and charges of jail. The only thing leave for me to lose hands.” his parents seriously injured, when murder, is my life,” James said in the presence Court Clerk Corporal Atnel Ash told gunshots were reportedly fired into a attempted murder of several police officers and two him to calm down, and suggested that yard around 7 p.m. and wounding journalists. he voice his grievances to the James and McFee were discharged with intent almost He did not say specifically to what Magistrate when the Court at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the two years ago, he was referring but, according to him, commenced. Serious Offences Court on April 25, says he is fed up “These people coming to my place However, when the proceedings 2017, after Chief Magistrate Rechanne being the every minute looking for guns and started, and James’ matter was called, Browne upheld no case submissions “biggest target on ammunition. I should not be here this he made no mention of what he had from attorneys Grant Connell and the streets,” and Martin ‘Jah Son’ morning. I 50 years. I can’t escape said before. He was, in fact, very calm Israel Bruce, representing James and signaled that the James from the police and the prison.” when he faced Chief Magistrate McFee respectively. problem is much James said all his friends have been Rechanne Browne and pleaded not However, the Office of the Director larger than him. killed, and took a swipe at the prisons, guilty to the charge. of Public Prosecutions (DPP) James, who gave his age as 50, saying, “Is a recruiting centre they His station bail continued, and the subsequently applied for and was hurled a barrage of telling remarks have round there. I was there. All you matter was adjourned to June 26. granted a ‘Voluntary Bill of across the Court room on Monday, have a lot of problems in this place. Is James and Ricardo ‘Shrek’ McFee, Indictment’ for the men to stand trial while awaiting the commencement of not corona alone.” also of Villa, created headlines about in the High Court for the baby’s the Serious Offences Court where he Turning to the journalists, he three years and seven months ago, murder, wounding his parents with was to answer a charge of possession blurted, “All you could quote me if all when they were jointly charged with intent and attempting to murder of 1,145 grams of marijuana with you want,” and he continued, “You the murder of 9-month old Mozarie Monty Hillocks of Belmont. That case intent to supply, stemming from a collapsed at the High Court. Nigerian charged Elderly man told to with disobeying stop stealing order SIXTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD this nonsense,” she out that in seven of to the offence, she noted Raphael ‘Raphie’ added. Hutchins’ 23 previous that the items were EUNICE DOWERS, a Hutchins has been told She expressed the convictions, Coreas was recovered. Nigerian national that it is time he stops view that Hutchins target. She noted that However, Browne said currently on trial at the stealing. seemed to be just business places were not she found no mitigating Serious Offences Court The advice came from stealing for the sake of in a position to suffer factors in relation to the on multiple charges both Chief Magistrate stealing, since some of such losses at this time defendant, but that he stemming from the Rechanne Browne and the things he stole were in light of the COVID-19 would benefit from one- alleged defrauding of Senior Prosecutor ridiculous. pandemic. third reduction in local businessman Adolphus Delpleche “You have to stop She also highlighted sentence. Bertille ‘Silky’ DaSilva, during a sitting of the that, you hear. You can’t the way Hutchins Hutchins was fined made an appearance at Serious Offences Court continue like this,” the concealed the stolen $200 forthwith or two the Kingstown on Monday. Senior Prosecutor items. He had put them months in prison. He did Magistrate’s Court on The Villa resident advised. in his shirt pocket, and not pay the fine and was Wednesday to answer chalked up his 24th In outlining the placed a newspaper over escorted to Her Majesty’s three additional charges. conviction when he aggravating factors, the that pocket. In Prisons. Dowers is now charged Eunice Dowers pleaded guilty to stealing Chief Magistrate pointed mitigation, as it relates with wilfully disobeying a two bottles of Shiling Oil Court order duly made by valued at $64, from the Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Charlene Coreas Pharmacy, Douglas. Kingstown, around Trinis still stuck in SVG Dowers is alleged to have disobeyed the order on 10:30am on May 11. November 9, 2019. The order was reportedly made A Security Guard on ATTORNEY Grant Connell, day period of quarantine. on March 8, 2019, in relation to bail conditions duty at the Pharmacy representing three fishermen from Connell insisted that, “The men caught Hutchins exiting imposed by the High Court on charges of fraud, Trinidad and Tobago who were last should have been sent back to their the store with the items theft, and converting criminal property for which week Monday ordered by the Court to she is currently being tried. in his shirt pocket. He homeland from the time they were be deported, confirmed to THE That matter will resume next week Thursday at was handed over to the intercepted,”, adding, “The the Serious Offences Court. police and when VINCENTIAN that they were still authorities see three Trinis in a During her appearance at the Kingstown cautioned said, “Gey me stuck here, up to press time pirogue as coming here for one Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, Dowers also had a chance please, me head Wednesday. purpose, and common sense was not charges of assault and resisting arrest read to her. kind ah gone.” At the Kingstown Magistrate’s applied, especially at a time when we She is charged with resisting the arrest by Scrutinizing the Court last week Monday, Senior are in unchartered waters”. Constable 154 Kenroy Campbell and assaulting defendant’s record, the Magistrate Rickie Burnett He said the issue that is delaying Constable 1009 Caleece Richards. Chief Magistrate noted reprimanded and discharged the men their departure is still to be resolved, Both offences were reportedly committed on that he had 23 previous on charges of entering the state by and informed that he was in constant November 8, 2019. She pleaded not guilty to all convictions, seven of boat at Canouan without a passport, communication with the immigration three charges. them for stealing from and entering the state by boat at a authorities, with the hope that the In relation to the charge of disobeying the Court Coreas. He had his first place other than a port of entry. Local Trinidadians would leave these order, Prosecutor Curlene Samuel said that Dowers conviction in 1975. Coast Guard had intercepted them in shores shortly. He noted that they “That’s all you have had always showed up in Court for the matter on the Grenadines on April 19. are now here for almost a month. which she was granted High Court bail. been doing — theft, The trio - Benjamin Lewis — Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett then granted burglary, theft, Connell also told THE captain of the boat, Kenwyn Lambert VINCENTIAN that the issue in her $1,500 bail with one surety on the three new burglary,” the Chief and Nareen Julien - had appeared in charges, and they were transferred to Calliaqua Magistrate observed. relation to Lewis’ status was still in Court after being cleared by the question. Magistrate’s Court, and adjourned to May 18. “Coming now in this Ministry of Health, following a 14- Attorney Grant Connell is representing Dowers. time, and you still doing THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 5. V News Sailors arrive home – more to come NINETY-TWO (92) sailors were repatriated to Vincentian shores last Saturday (afternoon) by the Carnival Cruise Line Company, via its liner Carnival Glory, which docked at the Cruise Ship Berth, Kingstown. Health Officials reported, subsequent to Line sailors, some The Carnival Glory about to dock at the Kingstown their disembarkation and twenty-two (22) Cruise Ship Berth last Saturday, May 9. (Photo the stipulated testing, Vincentian workers had Source: Beauty of SVG) that two of the sailors returned from the British The Holland America cruise ship Caribbean were found, on rapid Virgin Islands (BVI) on [email protected] Princess (left) transferred one Vincentian crew testing, to have been Wednesday, May 6th, member to the Carnival Glory cruise ship off the exposed to COVID-19. 2020. Leeward coast of St. Vincent last Saturday. (Photo The report also stated, They landed at the Credit: Carlyle Douglas) “The Health Services Argyle International Subcommittee has Airport (AIA), having commenced further repatriation of imminent arrival of other Vincentian sailors cruise line sailors. been transported by an testing on those two (2) aircraft belonging to the crew members and their employed on that Cruise “I’d spoken in relation Line ships. This resulted to Disney which coming fleet of the local airline four counterparts, to One Caribbean. determine whether or not in the sailors being on the 20th with 25 of quarantined for well over them, and of course the According to health they have active COVID- officials, of the 22 19 infections. All six a month, on cruise liners big number 400 with belonging to Carnival Royal Caribbean. But we persons who returned have been quarantined from the BVI yesterday, in a government Cruise Line. got word this morning While there were [May 12] that Carnival 18 were allowed to approved facility, until quarantine in their definitive PCR COVID- stumbling blocks to the has found 9 Vincentians sailors’ return home that on ships off Barbados,” homes or in pre-arranged 19 testing can be accommodation for that completed. The other originated in the USA, he said. there were demands “They had told me purpose, and four were eighty-six (86) crew sent to a quarantine. members have being made by the originally had 112 commenced fourteen (14) government that did not persons, but when they days of mandatory appeal to the cruise line. finally dotted off the quarantine in their Original plans to fly numbers, they said private homes, home the sailors were 91/92. So it is clear that apartments and guest eventually aborted in — others may well join houses.” favour of a mutually up, eh and they want to A May 12 release from acceptable negotiated bring those tomorrow the National Emergency arrangement as per the [May 13]. They would Management use of a liner. come under the same Organisation (NEMO), On Tuesday, PM protocols,” Gonsalves on behalf of the National Gonsalves reminded added. COVID-19 Task Force, listeners to the Shake-up Previous to the arrival disclosed that, “All PCR Programme, of the of the Carnival Cruise COVID-19 tests done on the Carnival Cruise Line crew members were negative. The affected Crew members will be released from quarantine within the next twenty- four (24) hours after final medical checks.” Meanwhile, THE VINCENTIAN understands that the passports of the sailors will be held by Immigration until the end of successful quarantine. Readers will recall the impasse that developed between the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Carnival Cruise Line over the 6. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Views

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Editorial COVID-19: Changing the way In the departure lounge of we live the AIA IS IT TOO EARLY to say that the family members and long standing (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of May COVID-19 pandemic will change the friends; WhatsApp chats instead 11, 2018) way we live? of home visits; video conferences The impact of this novel instead of real life deliberations. more at Carnival. We salute Mona Murray coronavirus has reinforced, it And as ridiculous as it might AGAIN, I have flunked in my promise whose family in small but vital ways seems, that it is impossible to sound, when there are meetings at somewhat of following up with a series of contributed much to our social predict what next week would work, clubs, even churches, people articles on the modern history of our development. look like, far less next year. It are going to start asking, ‘Do we sports, to cool down the political Then there are two neighbours at Villa, seems also to be a case in which have to meet in person?’, temperature which is raging and one a struggling Black family of Findlays, no one wants to dare predict definitely not something we would threatening to get out of hand. the other a White privileged family of anything in the face of the belief have asked pre-COVID-19. Still, this column never intended to act former land gentry of the Barnards. I as a decoy from dealing with the main that there was no early distant But what will linger with us in loved and admire them both. Marguerita warning associated with this issues up front. So, here is a compromise: “Tanty Mag” Findlay and Susan Sinson a most telling manner is a treat with innocuous events such as the pandemic, so maybe we should reminder that the world is nee Barnard have both left us. Both lived steady passing of some good folk, then a good and useful life in SVG as human draw away from trying to assume fundamentally unpredictable – switch to an aspect staying out of the what might lie ahead. that life feels more fragile than it beings. I visited Susan on several controversial issue pending the return, occasions; she was very much a Vincentian Whatever the case, the once did, and in another sense, hopefully, of my eye-sight which remains behvioural scientists among us are that we are not in control of our citizen, caring, generous, sports-loving and artificially defective. And my style is not full of mirth. wont to argue that COVID-19 will own lives. It is not far-fetched to comment seriously on matters where I transform our daily lives, in the that some people may even Stuart Nanton, of blessed memory, told am not able to pore over them in earnest me that he was once the captain of a long run. become obsessed with the belief to come to a rational decision. But I will be Already there is a strong that another threat is imminent. tennis team to St. Lucia that included our more inclusive in a short while. Champion lady Susan. One night, Susan opinion that changes are already Those who develop obsessive First of all, there is a spill-over of last in progress, with some still too personalities because of the socio- summoned Stuart to her room and week’s submission on Netball. I say happy complained, “As captain you undertook to difficult to fathom. psychological dislocation birthday to Gailene Windsor, one of the Admittedly, this novel occasioned by COVID-19, might see about us. I miss my husband. Aren’t stars of yesteryear and ageless heart throb you doing something about it?” That was coronavirus has already created opt to cultivate a smaller, safer of my generation. Never mind her total significant shifts in people’s world for themselves, by, for Susan in the flesh. commitment to the ULP. The Thompson Home is a favourite behavior. Are we not washing our example, decreasing the size of Next, in the autumn of my years, I can hands or using sanitisers more their circle of friends, not haunt. I will miss two residents Marian be forgiven of failing to mention the two Woods, a charming client from Richland often than before? Using patronizing certain social, cultural netball clashes that almost knocked me santisers would not have been a events, even avoiding the use of Park. On my last visit to her, she out. Our first defeat of the champion requested that I take her for a drive, cultured habit, but rest assured public transportation. Trinidad side in Grenada in 1957. The they have entered the daily which I could not deliver. I had to give up And not to forget the more BGS Cadet Corps was then camping at driving, and Mrs. Woods was restricted. I routine and will appear on more national concerns; maybe the Grand Anse, and I as leader along with and more shopping lists. And trust that she enjoys her Heavenward trip COVID-19 experience would result one or two NCO’s were given the privilege by chariot. there is also the non-hurricane in a reorientation in how by Cadet Master “Jonas” Moore to witness season stock-piling of essential Then, there was Granny Rose of whom we/government address public that historic event. so many persons justifiably say so many food and, to a lesser extent, water. health issues. And in 1960 at Victoria Park, my eyes It could well be that after the good and positive things. I proudly recall a Further, in the aftermath, we were blessed with the glorious sight of our political meeting in 1979 at Upper COVID-19 has passed, these could be driven to demand a more local team defeating Jamaica whither I hand-washing, sanitizing, Edinboro when I was the candidate for the supportive social safety net, a proudly went to UWI months after our UPM. There were on the platform isolating, stock-piling (new) habits National Health Insurance (at conquest. could well scale back considerably. Renwick to the left of me and Granny Rose last). I sympathize with Arnhim Eustace who to my right as we all invited the people to But, that does not mean they will The big question though is, can recently observed that in the last two choose the “upfull’ party for real change! It disappear altogether. we, post-COPVID-19, dislodge, if months he has attended more funerals was truly a momentous and historic And expect a new not dismantle the extreme than in any other period in his life. I have occasion when hope flickered, and consciousness; for when people are political polarization and mistrust had the same experience. disappeared from grasping hands. confronted by a deadly virus that has divided us, and usher in I begin at my own beginning. Mona I say a personal au revoir to a dear running rampant, they may be dramatic governmental shifts? Murray taught me how to scratch figures friend, Molly Hull of Cane Hall. A fond and make images on my SLATE while I especially keen to keep future The optimist would say that farewell to Isola Williams nee Carr whose viruses at bay. So, ‘little things’ attended Miss Patrick’s School aged about society of about four sisters I enjoyed, even if our philosophical/political three years old, 77 years ago! The “school” like increased vigilance around differences persist, people will Melanie, Esther, Shirley and Cynthia, things like disinfecting surfaces – was sited at Bottom Town between Back demand a shift, for if the COVID- with special regards to Rickey Burnett, that’s probably going to continue and Middle Street on the Southern side of 19 experience should have taught son-in-law. well into post COVID-19. the river. Everybody can recall Mono’s son Finally, I wrap up with cricket by And what of the ‘new’ ways of us anything, it is to appreciate “Tweety Spence”, a national footballer of that if we all act at the same time, saluting fellow analyst and critic Robert interacting with each other: class, another son a penetrative left-arm Etienne and especially “Boops” a national salutes instead of handshakes we can influence big changes. spin-bowler of Eagles of which I was the Post COVID-19 promises player whose criticisms of me as a selector when we meet someone; no skipper. And of course, daughter I absorbed in good spirits. embracing, no hugging among interesting times! —calypsonian “Little Bit” who figures much THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 7. V Letters After COVID-19 Appreciate our and our students I DON’T KNOW, MR. EDITOR, whether those police officers places — hotels, restaurants, stores — which laid off workers, are going to be able to re-employ all of IT SEEMS that whenever hurricanes and civil privileged class is as them when this COVID-19 thing passes. we have unpleasant work unrest. much due to the work If, as the Minister of Finance says, things will to be done, we call on our Take the police out of and dedication of the get worse before they get better, or something like policemen and our society and I shudder police, as is the safety that, I don’t see these places doing the same policewomen who, to tell to think what would and well-being of all amount of business, and therefore would not be the truth, are not always happen in our country. other Vincentians. able to employ the number of people they did given the appreciation and Can you imagine a So, anytime one of our before COVID-19. respect they deserve. country run over by law officers is killed in The big question is: What is the government We seldom stop to criminals? the line of duty, we have going to do to deal with the hardships that will appreciate, since we take And even though the to pause, take stock and follow after COVID-19 has come and gone? Just their work for granted, work of the policemen recognize that that A prayer is offered on like how we had a Stimulus Package to deal with that the service they give and policewomen is person may just have behalf of the late the time COVID-19 is with us, we need a Recovery us citizens of St. Vincent essential, seldom is it died in doing his or her Sergeant (Ag) Philbert Package when Mr. Covis-19 is gone. and the Grenadines is an attractive, and it has not duty of maintaining Chambers who died Then to the issue of our students who remain on essential one - whether it been a choice of career peace and tranquility in while executing his duty. UWI campuses, especially in Jamaica and be in keeping the peace, for the children of the our communities; and Barbados. searching out the privileged class. This is that he was a son or Retiree I must pick a bone with you, Mr. Editor, for not criminals, going beyond ironic in that the daughter of the same soil giving more highlight to the story about the the call during prosperity of the as us. students from St. Kitts/Nevis, whose government paid US$75,000 to bring them home. That story should have been front page so that Looking in on North Leeward this government of ours, especially our Prime Minister, could have seen it big and bold. NORTH LEEWARD has when things are done, it Bridge, the paving of of the fence will have If they read it at all, they should be ashamed. always been a hub of must be made known roads and construction of much to say about it. Bring our students home. Pay for them to get activity, and this writer and we must say thanks. and retaining walls in However, as a resident of home. has written, on many The Rose Hall villages and other North Leeward, I am occasions, about things Sporting Facility, the projects, are amongst certain that like me, Charles that needed to be done in upgrading of the Long some of the projects that many more residents are Edinboro that constituency. Thus, Line Road, the Sharpes have lately formed part thankful for these of the activities in North projects, and are looking Leeward, thanks to the forward with Government. They are anticipation to their Prepare for the next elections much appreciated. completion and also to Having said that, it further projects. The Editor, as we eight of the eight seats seats in 1966. party would win a fourth does not mean that all is In closing, let me take prepare for our next allowed. In May 1967, the St. straight victory in 1998 well in North Leeward, this opportunity to ask general elections which The 1954 elections Vincent Labour Party when it edged the Unity for we know that it has us all to be safe in this are constitutionally due saw Ebenezer Joshua’s forced itself into Labour Party (ULP) been a constituency time. Also let us keep the by March 2021, I want to Peoples Political Party government when it won eight seats to seven much neglected over the politics out of the give our readers a quick (PPP) taking three seats 6 of the nine seats That term was years, even though COVID-19 Pandemic, for journey through our and Independents taking available. shortened when elections former representatives we know the virus does elections from 1951 to five of the eight allowed. In 1972, even though were called in 2001 and did work and played not discriminate; it can 2015. The PPP would go on the two major parties — victory was handed to their part in the affect persons on both In the October 15, to win in 1957, 1961 and PPP and Labour - each the ULP for the first development of North sides of the political 1951 elections, the Eight 1966, taking five of eight won six of the thirteen time, under Dr. Ralph Leeward. For this we are fence. Thus, it is Army of Liberation, led seats in 1957, six of eight seats then available, Gonsalves. The ULP thankful. However, we important that we all by George Charles, won in 1961, and five of nine James Mitchell, who won won twelve of the fifteen know there are many work together and have the other seat as an seats in that elections. more things to be done. a safe and blessed SVG. independent, joined with Since then, the ULP We know that Kennard King the PPP to form the has been returned victors politicians on both sides government. in general elections of That lasted until the 2005 (twelve of fifteen Mustique Act breeds inequality 1974 general elections seats), 2010 (eight of THE MUSTIQUE ACT NO.48 OF 2002 breeds which was won by the fifteen) and 2015 (eight inequality. Labour Party, taking ten of fifteen). Through its many amendments down the of the thirteen seats. The race is on for the decades, the Act enhanced inequality, with the poor Labour won again in the 2020-21 general black and powerless majority being subservient to 1979 elections, the year elections. Our advice to the rich. What has been created is a state (a white of Independence, taking the relevant authority is enclave) within a state. 11 of the thirteen seats. to start to reorganize the While hundreds of Vincentians leave the The 1984 general electoral system, so as to mainland to seek better paying jobs on Mustique, elections threw up a ensure a health/clean they never give the bigger picture any attention. great change when the and safe/fair election. That picture shows that the world over black people New Democratic Party And after the next have very little say in just about anything, because (NDP), under James elections, look for the as a people they have zero financial power, and Mitchell, took nine of the whole system to be because they allow their leaders to abuse the rights thirteen seats and reshuffled - education, as per the Mustique Act No.48 of 2002. repeated that victory in health, security and food Since Donald Trump’s rise to be President of the 1989, when it took all of production. No more USA, racial inequality — more accurately attacks the fifteen seats then divide and rule. The against black people - has intensified in that available. This total spirit of Divine Law shall country and even in the UK, Canada and across landslide victory had govern our country. We Europe. This is an indication of the racial never been done before shall be a shining star, inequality to be found in global capitalism. and is yet to be repeated. shining from the west to If black people are to come out of this global class Mitchell led his party the east. system fueled by our leaders, each nation must do to victory in 1994 with Rethink and think its part. SVG must abolish the Mustique Act no48 his NDP winning twelve forward. of 2002. of the fifteen seats. The Christian Democrat Kadmiel McFee 8. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Views The story of SVG and ULP Leadership Lack of Vision in ICT by the ULP

Part 1 Government When Exceptionalism meets Exceptionalism THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has forced the closure of educational institutions in St. Introduction Vincent and the Grenadines. To continue the educational process of the students, It is the government’s lack of vision in including the addition of classrooms to ICT why there are so many problems THE JOURNEY taken by Saint Vincent and the government has introduced online associated with online teaching. the Grenadines over the last 19 plus house incoming students. teaching. However, there isn’t a common years of Unity Labour Party governance This was in fact the start of an (online) platform which is used by the NDP ICT Programme and stewardship has been nothing short expansion that was necessary to Ministry of Education to deliver the of remarkable, and translates to a story accommodate universal access to curriculum. Each school chooses to use that the world needs to hear. The many secondary education by 2005, for 100% its own online platform. The procedure The New Democratic Party (NDP) challenges confronting Small Island of the nation’s 11 year olds. Over the has created anxiety for teachers, understands and accepts that Developing States (SIDS) with open next 7 years, there would be the students and parents. It would appear technology is not something in our economies, and their acute vulnerabilities construction of new schools in Peter’s that the ‘Education Revolution’ does not future. It is here and it is now, and we to exogenous shocks are well Hope, Edinboro, West Saint George, have an effective Information need to put it to work for our documented and present a reality of Union Island and the refurbishing of Communication Technology (ICT) development. exceptional circumstances that we must other schools. The government also component to its curriculum. The NDP, in collaboration with constantly overcome. provided opportunities for hundreds of In the age of technology and after already-identified world-class These circumstances require among primary school teachers to access nineteen years in power, the Unity partners, will embark on an ambitious other things, exceptional leadership university training, increasing the Labour Party (ULP) regime has failed technology agenda that will adopt and that is borne out by its vision, number of university trained teachers adapt technology as a way of life for from 4 in 2001, to over 500 today. miserably to implement an extensive creativity, innovation and a willingness and attractive ICT programme that Vincentians, thereby transforming to deviate from the norm; exploring The A’Level College has been every sector in our economy and new frontiers and forging new paths. In transformed to the Saint Vincent and would benefit Vincentians and all the attracting technology businesses. this regard, the leadership provided by the Grenadines Community College departments of government. The We will implement a coherent, the Ralph Gonsalves led ULP with 4 divisions, providing post- failure of an effective ICT programme improved programme for ICT in Administration offers undeniable secondary training up to Bachelors in the education system is evident and Education. Without a well thought-out evidence of our exceptional ability to level, in Nursing Education with more has contributed to the stress and and implemented ICT in Education create models for sustainable additions and partnerships to come. anxiety of the parents. Some homes Programme, giving laptops and other development that the world can learn The Division of Technical Vocational do not have internet service while devices to students and teachers will from, reminding us that while we are Education (DTVE), has seen major some children are without computers. not have the desired impact. The NDP no better than anyone else, no-one is expansion in relation to the programs We all agree that schooling should will work with service providers and better than us. offered. This division is also augmented have continued online; as is done in educators regionally to implement a Addressing the general debate at the by the presence of 4 technical institutes other Caribbean countries. It is programme that will, among other 74th Session of the United Nations at Barrouallie, Campden Park, important that students continue things, provide access to secondary General Assembly, Dr. Gonsalves Kingstown and Georgetown that their studies. The disruption would provide level 1 Certificates to students school textbooks in digital form where reiterated to that global body that have further added to the many possible, which will directly reduce “There is a Small Island States not meeting the matriculation problems that are experienced in the requirements for the DTVE. the cost of education for those families Exceptionalism which must be factored, education system, e.g. our dropout with secondary level students at juridically, and non-discretionary, in At the university level, SVG ranks rate, which is the highest in the the architecture of global partnerships number 1 for non-resident population Organization of Eastern Caribbean home. We will also work with on this existential matter”. on all campuses on the University of States. stakeholders toward employing the He was at the time addressing the the West Indies, with significant Jaime Saavedra, writing in most appropriate platform to exceptional circumstances that had just student populations at University of Education for Global Development, on implement online teaching. befallen The Bahamas, from the the Southern Caribbean (USC) in Educational Challenges and The NDP will make Science, passage of hurricane Dorian mere Trinidad and the Edna Manley School Opportunities of the Coronavirus Technology, Engineering and weeks before. Our country has in of Performing Arts in Jamaica. In (COVID-19) pandemic, opines, Mathematics (STEM) education a recent times, seen its share of addition, Vincentian students have “Maintaining the engagement of priority. The NDP believes that a key exceptional circumstances, natural and been or can be found on university children, particularly young secondary factor in the country’s development in man-made, but through the campuses in Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, school students, is critical. Dropout the 21st century will be the creation exceptionalism in leadership, we rose Taiwan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Austria, rates are still very high in many of a new generation of citizens with at from the veritable ashes, rebuilding Morocco, and Russia; all on scholarship least a basic grounding in Science, programs negotiated by the countries, and a long period of and reconstructing this modern, post- disengagement can result in a further Technology, Engineering and colonial, many-sided, competitive Government of Saint Vincent and the Mathematics (STEM). We feel it is economy and society, that is at once Grenadines. increase.” important that the citizens and regional and global. One of the most remarkable results The New Democratic Party (NDP) students of St Vincent and the of this, apart from the academic supports the continuing teaching and Grenadines should not be simply The Education Revolution; our first story certification attained by students, is learning process, but a more passive consumers of technology, but the fact that this country now boasts structured approach is needed. The also originators and creators of It is important to remind our readers professionals fluent in Spanish, lack of vision and proper planning by technology. Education curriculum of the state of our country’s education Mandarin, Russian, Dutch, and the ULP regime has created the reform must, therefore, aim to bring system when the ULP took office in Turkish, as a result of the problems related to online teaching, the teaching of relevant subjects 2001, so that there can be an Government’s policy and vision. It was about which many parents have (including app development and appreciation of the strides we’ve made a moment of pride, when a visiting complained and are complaining. Is it coding) to the primary and secondary over the years. There was no publicly Head of State of Taiwan attended a all politics and not the genuine schools. funded early childhood education for function where the translation was educational development of the Further, we will transform our nation’s toddlers, less than 40% of done for those in attendance including, students? healthcare through the use of our nation’s children gained access to the Taiwanese media, by a Vincentian The government missed a golden national. technology. Healthcare practice will secondary education, the students at opportunity ten years ago to be taken to the next level with cloud- the A’level college were a few hundred, incorporate ICT and online teaching enabled record keeping at the district and Vincentian students enrolling in Conclusion into the schools’ curriculum when Universities across the world, was thousands of laptops were delivered to level, making access to information minuscule. Added to this was a debt of The Education Revolution, was made students of primary and secondary and treatment easier, and use SMS approximately $10 million dollars owed possible through the efficient use of schools. In 2014, thousands of laptops messaging to connect patients and to the University of the West Indies, public funds, negotiations with friendly were once again distributed. healthcare workers to deliver that proved embarrassing for our allies and support from international Education was not the focus. General medication reminders, appointment students enrolled there. donors, who came on board after seeing elections were held in 2010 and 2015, reminders, important alerts and It was against this backdrop that the the determination of this small nation so it was all about winning elections. health tips. We will initiate a government decided to undertake the and the strides we made in our quest to It was all about, ‘Let us see how we telemedicine pilot project that will ambitious task of educating our citizens educate our people. can attempt to bribe the parents by allow in real-time, connection between even in the face of opposition from Surely, this is only the first story giving their children laptops’. Where our own doctors and doctors around traditional funding partners, such as that the world needs to hear and the the world, to provide consultancy, details which couldn’t be discussed are those laptops today? Suddenly, in the World Bank and the European 2015, another election year, the ULP advice and even perform minor Union. The undertaking had been because of the limited space, make for procedures through the internet. even more interesting reading. Every government has promised thousands given by the previous NDP of tablets to students. The NDP will aggressively pursue administration that the consideration Vincentian can be proud about the new business ventures in ICT using of universal access to secondary strides this little island nation has The Honourable Terrance our existing legislation to attract ICT education could not be done before the made in the area of education. But we Ollivierre, NDP Parliamentary businesses to our shores. Through year 2030, condemning the 11-year-olds owe it to ourselves to ensure that we Representative for the constituency of appropriate incentives, we will create of our nation to another 30 years of have a full appreciation of what we the Southern Grenadines, earlier this thousands new jobs in technology under-education and our nation to have achieved and to share this story year asked of the Minister of sector. We will turn St. Vincent and prolonged underdevelopment. with the world as one of what vision, Education the following question: the Grenadines into a free wireless The Ralph Gonsalves-led ULP faith, commitment and excellent “What is the status of the once touted hotspot. Free, wireless internet administration had other ideas. Almost leadership can achieve. one laptop per child programme and connectivity will be available to as immediate as they got into office, Subsequent articles in this series specifically how has the programme residents and visitors in town and there was roll out of the largest school would discuss our stories of airport affected teaching and learning in our country, in offices and at tourism repair program ever in this country in development, United Nations Security schools?” sites. The NDP will make St. Vincent preparation for the start of the new Council campaign and the management The Minister did not give a of the Covid-19 pandemic. and the Grenadines work for all school year in September 2001, satisfactory response to the question. Vincentians. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 9. V Views Finding the Way Back (Pt 2) Only reparations will ensure that “And he arose, and came to his father. Black lives matter But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had LAST WEEK, Plain Talk reported on Dr compassion, and ran, and fell on his Hilary Beckles’ call to raise the neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 - temperature in the battle to secure King James version of the bible reparations. In these COVID 19 times, few state refused to arrest and charge the these risky behaviours may result in readers may have paid attention to the murderers. LAST WEEK’S PUBLICATION, “Finding the serious damage to our physical and/or importance of the issue. However, a few We have been here before. The fact Way Back: Part 1”, provided insights in emotional being. Fortunately, in many Euro-centrics jump on me as they claimed, that the McMichaels have been charged relation to the ability of homing pigeons instances, recovery is possible and we ‘attempting to revive a dead horse.’ They is no assurance the state will find them to find their way back home. In addition, can find our way back to dared to say that I was racist for guilty. The racist logic of Georgia’s several examples were provided of how normal/acceptable behaviours. continuously raising matters of race that ‘stand-your-ground’ laws may well ancient civilizations and the military Sometimes we return scarred or affect the life chances of people of African determine that the father and son were strategists in World Wars I and II used maimed, but we survived. descent. justified in claiming self-defense against these feathered creatures to take Adolescent readers may readily be If ever there was a reason we must the black man they pursued. We know messages from their respective able to identify with the thoughts never let the issue of genocide, the by now that the white men in these battlefields to the command posts. The presented in the previous paragraph. enslavement of Africans, the retarding cases get to be the “self” deemed worthy responses from some readers confirmed They are in the “midst of the storm”, tragedy of colonialism and the of defense; Arbery was accorded no such that they found the details educational battling with the challenges and continued dehumanization of black selfhood, no such presumption of a life and useful. temptations that are normal/common people which is fueled by racism fade worth defending. Video evidence does Part 2 in this series looks at the at this stage of life. The hormonal from our consciousness, the murder not change that. New Testament passage in the bible disruptions and the mood swings could of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, USA, for We watched Philando Castille bleed (Luke 15:11-32) where Jesus Christ be quite unsettling. It is precisely the crime of jogging while black, is a out in his car after he was shot by a cop, shared some valuable insights via the because of this that a disciplined grim reminder. as his desperate girlfriend filmed; we parable that we now describe as “The approach to life is mandatory if they Last week, the Georgia Bureau of watched Eric Garner gasping for breath Prodigal Son” — a parable about a are to successfully chart a course Investigation charged Ahmaud Arbery’s as a New York police officer choked the wayward son who demands his through this most unsettling period of killers with murder and aggravated life out of him; we watched Tamir Rice inheritance, squanders it, but later their lives. Being guided by assault. There can be little doubt that, aged 12, be gunned down by police as returns home to discover that his responsible, mature, and caring without the viral spread of a video they leapt from their cruiser. None of father forgives him. He humbled adults, reading positive publications, capturing Arbery’s harrowing final the cops in these filmed killings was himself and found his way back home. meditating on biblical passages, and moments, no such charges would have convicted. Videos of black people being Like the son described in the imbibing pure thoughts can be most been brought. summarily executed are hardly rare. preceding paragraph, we are beneficial. It is critical that they Seventy-three days before the And hardly ever do killer cops and sometimes guilty of making rash adhere to the moral and socially charges were laid, Arbery, 25, was shot racist vigilantes face significant decisions. There are times when we acceptable moorings provided. They dead hunted by a white father and son consequences. impatiently rush along with an must be anchored by these principles in a truck. Over two months had White people do not need video investment opportunity without of honesty, purity, integrity, and so on passed, and no charges had been filed footage to establish their humanness. having engaged in an objective if they are to safely maneuver the by the local district attorney’s office. They are presumed, human. Sadly, the analysis of the project. We can become raging storms of life. And for those Within a day of the video surfacing, institutional dehumanization of black so preoccupied with the thoughts of who may have unwisely garnering millions of views and life requires their loved ones and justice success (and what it brings with it) “experimented” with undesirable provoking mass outcry, the GBI began advocates to publicize the most brutal that we neglect to contemplate the behaviours and/or companions, it is its own investigation. A day later, images of murdered black people to level of investment needed, the human not too late to find your way back to Gregory McMichael, a former demand that those lives be recognized resources required, and the demands the socially acceptable behaviours that investigator with the Brunswick district and valued? of the market. The absence of create and sustain morally and attorney’s office, and his son Travis So little has changed. In 1955, thorough, objective analysis could ethically strong citizens and societies. were arrested and booked into jail. Mamie Till insisted on an open casket result in the project’s failure and, if In our humanness and fallibility, we It took the intolerable spectacle of a to show the murdered, brutalized body not careful, the investor could incur will fail from time to time. We all black man’s execution in public view, of her 14-year-old son, Emmett, who such heavy losses that they find it make mistakes; we will periodically do spread far and wide, for the state to was lynched after being falsely accused impossible to recover. Adequate or say wrong things. But we can find consider – or be compelled to consider of inappropriate flirting with a white planning and preparation become the way back if we need to badly – even the possibility of consequences woman. ‘Let them see what I have critical if we are to improve our enough. We can find the way back by for those who so readily took his life. seen.’ Images of his battered face chances for success. If we are admitting that we have been wrong, Why do we need to exhibit and share circulated in magazines and fortunate enough, we may discover rather than seeking to cover it up or the brutal death of a black man for it to newspapers; thousands of people visited that we have what it takes to find the passing the blame. Sometimes, if the be asserted that he was murdered? Why his open casket. The two white brothers way back from what would otherwise mistake or error of judgement has is it still necessary that the world see a who beat him to death were acquitted be a calamity. In business, and in life, resulted in hurting others, it becomes black life violently cut short for any by an all-white jury. we should seek to engage in proper necessary to apologize — to own up to institutional recognition that black lives The circulation of intolerable scenes planning to enhance our chances of our errors as we seek to find our way should matter? of brutality against black people success. We should also seek to have a back — reconciliation is often not as When Gregory and Travis McMichael remains necessary. Without it, there is “back-up plan” that would enable us to difficult as it first seems. saw a black man jogging in their quiet rarely public and official recognition find a way back from the brink of It is probably fitting to end this neighbourhood, it’s difficult to imagine that the taking of black life, simply catastrophe, should the situation not essay the way we began … with the that they saw a human whose life would because of the person’s blackness, is an prove to be as lucrative as we thought. biblical reference to Jesus’ parable be registered as a loss if taken. Instead, injustice. Yet such recognition is no Many adult readers can reflect on about the wayward son who eventually they saw a criminal threat, grabbed assurance of justice. Indeed, even if the the errors of judgement that we would found his way back home to his their guns, and gave chase. When the McMichaels are found guilty of murder, have made as we transitioned from waiting father. Sometimes we are police and prosecutors originally in this cannot be called a circumstance of childhood to adulthood. Those guilty of having strayed in thought charge of the case said that there was justice. There can be no justice while adolescent years would have provided and behaviour. As long as we have ‘insufficient probable cause’ for the conditions for racist lynchings ample opportunities for us to think life, it is never too late to take arresting the killers, and that Travis persist, while black communities are that “we had arrived”; that we knew corrective action. We can find our way McMichael was ‘allowed to use deadly forced to share the most violent images everything about everything. In back through repentance and a strong force to protect himself’ against the of what happened to their loved ones to hindsight, we realise how foolish those resolve to discontinue the particular unarmed victim, they asserted that assert that their lives mattered. thoughts were. Many of the mistakes thought or action. Repentance and Arbery’s life was not a life worth Let them continue to hurl the racist (errors in judgement) made then may restoration are made possible when we preserving. It was not enough for his charges at us. Let them continue to say have had life-changing consequences. recognize that we need not remain in family to demand justice. Millions of we are stuck in the past. We know that Hopefully, most were not so very “no man’s land”, alone, disheartened, people had to bear witness to the only when the white power system of traumatic. We would have erred but rejected, and unhappy. We can find extreme footage of a lynching and to racism, oppression and exploitation pay not so badly that we were unable to peace, joy, contentment, restoration, demand action, for the state to begin to reparations for their crimes of genocide recover — to rebound. This may have and forgiveness when we find the way register that Arbery’s life had value. Yet and enslavement, colonialism and racist been especially so with some back. And for those who may have Black people are told to forget and move terror committed against African relationships. Sometimes, during this fallen out of fellowship with God, this on. people’s will they see us as human and critical period of development when we may just be a message for you to The murder of Arbery graphically treat us as human. seek the acceptance of others return to His loving care. He lovingly demonstrates that a black person could Until that day comes, the struggle for (especially our peers), we may engage and patiently awaits the prodigal sons be innocently going on with their life our very survival must continue. Now in activities that are socially and/or and daughters. and be cut down by racist police or more than ever is the time to raise the morally unacceptable. These could white citizen terror. temperature. include behaviours such as the Send comments, criticisms & The series of events captured in this excessive use of alcohol, experimenting suggestions to video confirms what all the evidence Send comments, criticisms & with drugs or sex, and so on. Some of [email protected] indicated prior to its release, yet the suggestions to [email protected] 10. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Views ULP regime failing farmers EVEN before COVID-19, farmers were growing food, because they know they rainfall, to produce enough food for being failed by the ULP regime. The ULP cannot get their produce sold in big themselves. new jobs. regime has virtually killed the SVG enough quantities. The consequence of A Green government would bring The ULP regime has recklessly economy. No money is circulating in the this is that over EC$200 million is back the Marketing Corporation and destroyed prime agricultural lands. country and, like most businesses, spent on imported food every year. Put focus on import substitution. In SVG, Hundreds of acres of prime agriculture farmers are not getting much sales. another way, that is $200 million we should eat what we grow and grow land were lost to make way for the Some farmers, when they come to leaving our country every year; no what we eat. We should give farmers Buccament Bay resort, Argyle airport Kingstown on Fridays, would be lucky wonder there is no money in guaranteed prices and find more and the Belle Isle jail. Where has that to make $30 profit from the goods they circulation in our country. This money foreign markets for the produce that got us? Buccament is closed and the sell. This is not enough to sustain should be staying in SVG and going exceeds the needs of the people of Argyle airport runs at a significant their household and pay the bills. into the pockets of SVG farmers. SVG. financial loss. According to Warrant Officer Ivan We need a stronger economy in SVG A Green government would revive The ULP regime has failed O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, the so that more food is bought locally. In the agriculture industry. SVG should Vincentian farmers, and many farmers ULP regime has failed to find markets addition, government should be be doing organic farming; building and their families struggle to survive. for farmers’ produce. finding sustainable foreign markets so factories to produce and export tea, SVG needs a change of government for Many farmers have an excess of that SVG farmers can export on a baby food and fruit juices; reviving the farmers and businesses to get food because they cannot sell it all. weekly basis. coconut industry and manufacturing substantially better sales. The ULP Others (farmers) are not even at full Even within the Caribbean region, products for export; building a fish regime has obsessively focused on capacity. They could grow more food, there are a number of countries that canning and exporting industry; and tourism, whilst disregarding the but they don’t because it would only go SVG farmers could be exporting to, as exporting other agro-products to the negative impact this has had on the to waste in the field, due to lack of these countries do not have good diaspora in Europe, Canada and the livelihoods of farmers and people in sales enough agricultural land and enough USA. This would create thousands of non-tourism business sectors. Many farmers have given up COVID-19 exposed 20 years of mismanagement

I ATTENDED the first public leadership of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and bananas on the UK market. brought in billions of dollars into the consultation which Dr. Gonsalves held his team? We have the almost total After almost twenty years under the economy so that everybody benefited. after he had taken the reins of collapse of the agriculture sector, ULP and Gonsalves, there has been no They left the farming community government in SVG in 2001. The despite the fact that in seeking the evidence of a serious effort to effect ‘scrunting’ up to today. The “love box” session was held at the Peace support of the farming community, those promises they had made. On the will not help our situation much! The Memorial Hall one evening, and the they had promised that they were other hand, it would be safe to say, part played by Renwick Rose and ODD Master of Ceremonies was the late going to put emphasis on the that on the basis of documented in the crippling of the St. Vincent Glen Jackson. revitalizing of the agriculture sector. evidence, the Ralph Gonsalves regime Banana Growers Association is still a When I had the opportunity to They promised to seriously address the cannot reasonably hope to succeed in painful reference point with farmers speak, I urged Prime Minister repair of the Feeder Roads, so vital to defending themselves against the today. Gonsalves to give the farmers the the issue of quality in the Banana looming charges of gross What we should probably be doing opportunity to participate in the Industry which they claimed, they mismanagement and irresponsible now, is to review all the “PLANS” we addressing of the economic realities were in a very strong position to conduct. had made relative to our agriculture facing us. I said, “Let the farmers help revitalize. Farmers have not forgotten, Because of the many promises that since 2001, and see where we went you”. He replied that that is what he that in the election season of 2001, the have been made and remain not wrong. Farmers cannot be expected to intended to do. ULP had on their platform a implemented by the Ministry of trust our Minister of Agriculture and gentleman who claimed to have Agriculture, the minister is now his team with the construct of any new Promises unfulfilled influence in Britain. He seemed popularly regarded to be something of plan, until we have had a zealous to impress, that once the ULP a comedian. He seems so peculiarly comprehensive reviewing of those Yet today, what do we have after was elected to government, SVG would un-moved by the fact that to a large which had been presented over the almost twenty (20) years of the have the support of his organization in degree he has not been able to deliver management of the country under the making it comfortable for us to sell our on the promises he had made with years and which had not been such flare; he probably counters implemented. stagnancy by making more plans of It is imperative, that our scholars promises. So that today, the officers of and mature citizens recognize, that that Ministry seem to have lost their there is urgent need for them to get passion, barely going through the involved in the discussions which must motions, as they are powerless to be arranged now, so that we as a provide the traditional services to the nation could determine what needs to farming community. In the meantime, be done to give us a reasonable chance the Minister Caesar and his PS of succeeding in the decades ahead. trumpet their wonderful The shallow “love box” approach by Dr. accomplishments! Gonsalves and his team, as they grope for a way out of the dilemma, will not The ‘Love Box’ – going nowhere get us very far. What is being exposed is the degree to which we have Because of the crippling of the mismanaged our affairs so that today agriculture sector generally, the in the face of COVID-19 stresses, we government’s scrambling to address do not have the resilience that we the pressure brought about by COVID- could have had, if this agricultural 19 may well turn out to be ineffectual. economy of ours had been properly The “love box” plan for sharing managed. The reality is that we have foodstuff is clearly not sustainable and lost billions of dollars from our reminds one, of the domination of the economy because of the crippling of people of Haiti by Papa Doc. The our agriculture. blight still lingers there! This “love Dr. Gonsalves’ ULP government box” scheme is presented as a system must be told, that, had they honoured which will allow farmers to earn useful their Election promises of 2001, to income, but farmers will remember revitalize our agriculture, support the who promised to revitalize the Banana Banana Industry and seriously Industry in 2001. They know that less address the repairing of the Feeder than ten years after those promises, Roads, we could have been in a very the ULP mashed up the largest strong position today, to cope with farming organization in the land. It COVID-19 pandemic. was more than fifty years old and had LeRoy Providence THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 11. V News ÂSoca JonesÊ, popular entertainment promoter, ‘Soca Jones’, as he was affectionately known, played an integral part with the creation of passes Vincy Day USA.

Long Island, a New York City suburb, died tremendous loss to the on Friday, May 8, his relatives said. Committee but also to the Sharon Jones, Jones’s only sister, entire Vincentian who took care of him during his last community here in the weeks at her home in the Canarsie Diaspora and in St. Vincent section of Brooklyn, announced his and the Grenadines. passing on Facebook. “Junior (Jones) was as Jones himself had announced on the devoted to the betterment same medium on Mar. 21 that he was of St. Vincent and the diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Grenadines and its people Cancer. as was evident in the He prefaced this with a chronology creation of Vincy Day USA, of his ordeal — tests, diagnoses — and along with then Consul concluded with: “On Wednesday (Mar. General Selmon Walters,” 18), I took the scan. On Thursday he said. “His claim to fame (Mar. 10) morning, I received a phone was being the pre-eminent call to get to the doctor’s office Vincentian promoter in the immediately. Upon arrival, I was told New York area for a very by the doctor that I had Stage 4 long time.” Pancreatic Cancer and that it had also spread to my liver.. . On Saturday Artistes and DJs to the forefront he added. “Most of the DJs in the Ulric Jones, Jr, aka ‘Soca Jones’, (Mar. 21), I was told that the surgeon Diaspora are here now because Soca succumbed to pancreatic cancer. concluded that the cancer had spread gave them the platform to start their “His love for our music was craft. too far for any surgery to be done.” immeasurable, and he had what we by NELSON A. KING The person he was, Jones told his “He will be remembered as a culture could almost call an encyclopedic lover, an unselfish patriotic [email protected] many Facebook ‘friends’: “I can assure memory to such,” he said. US CORRESPONDENT you that I’m not going to give up and Vincentian, and someone who loved “His stature is one that will never life and lived it to the very end,” give in,” he said. “I’m going to fight as be duplicated, for he was a unique ULRIC JONES JR., popularly known as hard and as much as I can. …. I might Richards continued. individual,” said Lewis, describing Glenroy “Gobels” Phillips, also a ‘Soca Jones’, a prominent Vincentian be down, but I’m not out,” and called Jones as “a true son of the soil — a true entertainment promoter in Brooklyn, New on those who had rallied around him member of the Vincy Day USA, Inc. patriot, a man who loved his homeland Committee and former vice chair of York and co-founder and vice chairman of all the year for their support. and his fellow citizens to the core.” the Vincy Day USA picnic that is held the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Franklyn “Supadex” Richards — a Diaspora Committee of New York, annually on the third Saturday in August, Tributes prominent Vincentian graphics at Heckscher State Park in East Islip, Inc., said Jones “wanted us to be the designer in Brooklyn, and former best Vincentian we could be. Though many in the Vincentian president of the Brooklyn community community, particularly in “His charity started at home,” he group VincyCares, Inc. and the told THE VINCENTIAN. “He wore his Brooklyn, had anticipated the Dynamites Calypso Tent — said it was inevitable, they expressed shock Vincentian patriotism all the time. Jones’s idea to establish Vincy Day Vincy Day USA is his legacy, a time over his passing. USA. Sherrill-Ann Mason-Haywood, when we celebrate everything Vincy. “I’ve seen him work tirelessly to “I hope his patriotism is contagious chair of the Brooklyn-based St. give birth to Vincy Day USA, with Vincent and the Grenadines to all who knew him,” Phillips added. pride,” Richards, also a member of the “Sleep on my friend; you did great.” Diaspora Committee of New York, Vincy Day USA Inc., said she “could have never Committee, a imagined that just over two years” calypsonian and after Jones “did something so former member special” — while she was grieving of the St. over the loss of her husband, Vincent and the Maxwell Haywood, chairman of the Grenadines Diaspora Committee, who she Diaspora succeeded as chair — “something Committee of that would bring me such joy and a New York, Inc., sense of hope, that I would be told THE reciprocating my condolences to his VINCENTIAN. family. “It was his “Soca, you were exceptionally vision, his baby. gifted, bright and thoughtful,” “He not only Mason-Haywood posted on introduced Facebook. “You have been taken far Vincentian too soon, but, in the fullness of time, calypsonians at we may come to understand the home and reason why.” abroad to a Raymond Otis Lewis, incumbent wider audience, chairman of Vincy Day USA he did this for ‘Soca Jones’ held family in high regard. Committee, Inc., told THE Grenadians, Here he is pictured with his father, Rev. VINCENTIAN on Sunday that Trinidadians, St. (2nd from left) Jones’s passing is not only “a Lucians, etc.,” Decked out with other honorees and Ulric Jones and mother Marilyn. members at a Vinci Cares Awards ceremony. 12. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Business RFHL records Sagicor salutes health workers US$#81.7 million in with new half year profits product

THE PRESIDENT OF in St. Maarten and the many uncertainties as a AS THE WORLD, led on REPUBLIC FINANCIAL Eastern Caribbean result of the current the frontline by health HOLDINGS LIMITED (except Antigua and pandemic, Mr. Baptiste professionals, continues (RFHL), Nigel Baptiste, Barbuda) on November went on to say, to battle against the announced today a profit 1, 2019 which added “Notwithstanding the issues associated with attributable to US$1.9 billion to the public health measures the COVID-19, Sagicor shareholders of the parent Group’s asset base. The implemented to date, Life Inc. is giving back of US$81.7 million for the acquisition of there is uncertainty to the frontline heroes. six-month period ended Scotiabank’s banking globally in respect of the On May 12, the March 31, 2020, a decline operations in the British intensity and duration of company launched the Ravi Rambarran, of US$36.1 million or Virgin Islands remains this crisis, and it is Health Heroes Group President and Chief 30.6% below the ongoing, with the Group unclear what the social, Insurance Plan as a way Executive Officer corresponding period last presently engaged with economic and market of giving back to those in (CEO) of Sagicor Life, year. These results reflect the regulator in that conditions will be like the frontline. considers it our duty to preliminary estimates of territory to obtain the once the crisis is over. Ravi Rambarran, recognise our health the financial impact of the requisite approval. Prudence requires President and Chief professionals who novel coronavirus (COVID- Mr. Baptiste said, therefore, that financial Executive Officer (CEO) battle COVID-19, as 19) pandemic on the “Cognizant of our institutions adopt a of Sagicor Life, explained heroes. Group as a result of responsibility to help our defensive posture to Nigel Baptiste, that the new product increased operating clients, staff, and preserve the stability of President of Republic was consistent with the company’s vision of expenses during the latter communities navigate individual institutions Financial Holdings improving lives in the communities in which his half of March 2020 and these unique challenges, and the integrity of the Limited (RFHL), company operates. the setting aside of the Group instituted overall financial system. announced the Bank’s “It is our duty to recognize our heroes. Every additional provisions of several measures, Therefore, until the full performance. (Photo day our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, orderlies, our US$55.3 million for the including loan payment repercussions are Credit: The Energy year administrative staff and their families across the first half of Fiscal 2020 moratoriums, waiver of clearer, and to preserve – TOGY) public and private health care sectors, put (2019 - US$20.3 million) fees and charges, and the capital available to themselves in harm’s way to take the fight to to cover potential future interest rate reductions the Group, the Board of contribution to the COVID-19,” Rambarran said in a virtual press losses. on loans and advances Directors has declared a regional recovery effort conference. Mr. Baptiste advised including credit cards. reduced interim dividend and is fully committed to “Our heroes are our people, we are one, and we that total assets stood at The Group has also of US$0.09 (2019: doing so. We will seek to are honoured to serve them as they serve us,” he US$14.8 billion at March contributed a total of US$0.19) per share balance the interests of continued. 31, 2020, an increase of US$2M to national payable on June 5, all our stakeholders as The new product covers those who work in the US$2.3 billion or 17.9% COVID-19 initiatives 2020.” we all shoulder the health sector, their staff and family. over the total assets at across the territories in In closing, Mr. responsibility of Susan Boyea, Vice President Business March 31, 2019 which we operate.” Baptiste added, restoring sustainable Relationship Management at Sagicor, explained reflecting mainly the Stressing the “Republic Financial growth to the territories that benefits will be payable on death, including acquisition of importance of a prudent Holdings is well-placed in which we operate.” accidental death, and for certain diagnosed critical Scotiabank’s operations approach, given the to make a major (Source: RFHL) illnesses. Level One of the plan pays $250,000 on death including accident, and $100,000 on diagnosis of critical illness; Fifteen for Level Two will pay $500,000 on death including accident, and $150,000 on diagnosis of critical illness; and Level Corporate Public Three will pay $1,000,000 on death including accident and $300,000 on diagnosis of critical illness. Speaking Semis The product includes a 20 percent complementary cover at all levels and THE SEMI-FINAL ROUND representing the the monthly premiums vary from $85 for of the National Corporate Kingstown Cooperative Level One to $340 for Level Three, Public Speaking Credit Union; Terry to the fore the existing design. Users will be able within the English-speaking Caribbean. Championship kicks off on Clarke of KPMG; Courtnae communication and to find an abundance of Clients can opt to switch to higher 23rd May 2020. Fifteen Cumberbatch and Joanna leadership skills in the information on the site, levels annually, and the sole local corporate Nwogu representing private and public sectors including a history of the requirement to purchase one of the levels representatives will present Metrocint General of SVG while honing such competition, event is to be actively at work and a statement to a global audience on the Insurance Co. Ltd.; skills for the enhanced sponsors, and the Patron of of health of good health for those over 65. topic “Corporate social Shaniese Cole representing offering of products and the event, Ms. Desiree It was highlighted that persons with responsibility plays a vital Massy; Aviar Charles services. This year’s Richards. pre-existing conditions cannot claim role in SVG”, in efforts to representing the National participants will receive In light of the ongoing under critical illnesses for those claim this year’s Insurance Services; Ronika coaching, and continually COVID-19 pandemic, the conditions, but can claim for any of the Championship trophy and Boyd representing NTRC; develop their speaking decision was taken to host other illnesses on diagnosis. the grand prize of $3,000. Sylvorn Lavia representing skills thereafter. the semi-final segment of James Camacho, Vice President of This year’s semi-finalists the Royal Saint Vincent On the verge of the semi- the competition online as a Operations and one of the architects of include: Zekeo Audain of and the Grenadines Police finals slated for May 23, pay-per-view event, a first the new product, said that the company the Argyle International Force; Elingford Roban Jr. the executive of the for the Championship. was excited about what they had to offer. Airport; Geniene Browne of representing Saint Vincent National Corporate Public Persons interested in Central Water & Sewerage and the Grenadines “This is a first step in covering those Speaking Championship viewing the semi-final in the frontline in the COVID-19 Authority; Terrece John of Tourism Authority; and has launched its website at event can purchase their Coreas Distribution Ltd.; Nicolette Nichols situation, and there are more initiatives ncpscsvg.com. The website, tickets for the online to come; but this is the first where we Jada Ross of FLOW; representing the Treasury created with optimal user stream through Andreka Samuel of General Department. recognize the health industry for those experience in mind, offers a ncpscsvg.com. (Submitted who are out there putting their lives on Employees Cooperative The competition brings simple, easy-to-navigate by NCPSC) Credit Union; Ruth Stowe the line for us,” he said. (DD) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 13. V News Dr. Friday donates to Vincy students

Dr. Godwin Friday’s fundraiser to assist Vincentian students might in Jamaica just have to be re-focused on those in Cuba.

A RECENT BI-LATERAL and Chancellor Hall Chairman “The impacts of COVID-19 distributed via the philanthropic move saw at the UWI — interceded on have been profound. I noted, Jamaican chapter of Jamaican Prime Minister the affected students’ behalf. with great worry, the situation the Vincentian Andrew Holness and Vincentian In an exclusive interview, which Vincentian students are Students’ Association Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Boswell explained, “It is facing here and so I made on Monday to, “all who Friday partnering to help understandably a difficult requests of my contacts from needed.” page. alleviate some of the immediate time for us all and it is St. Vincent and the Dr. Friday, the NDP Dr. Friday has, in fact, living resource needs of important that we stand Grenadines, and we were able President and contender for proposed a fundraiser Vincentians, currently studying together in solidarity. The to secure support from Dr. the Prime Ministership here, intended to further help the in Jamaica. Vincentian Student’s Godwin Friday who jumped was tight lipped about the overseas-based students. He The outreach, we were told, Association (VINSAJA) has onboard without any donations. did so via Facebook stream was acted upon after Sujae been publicly advocating on hesitation. PM Holness also To date, the only public early Monday evening and Boswell — a Youth Advisor to behalf of their students and so came onboard to support.” mention of this generosity is with Colin Graham, host of the Government of Jamaica I was moved to act. The care packages were on the VINSAJA instagram the NDP Monday Night Live broadcast. Dr. Friday noted budgetary constraints for most students PM Gonsalves warns returning nationals … and that their sparse resources may stretch further. IN A PHONE CALL And there are a couple of “We have done our work. He said, “I have a son who’s CONVERSATION with others who came in on Look so far we have been at university as well… you’re Augustine Ferdinand meant to Saturday on Carnival [Glory] going in a way where we are getting down to the end of the update listeners of the ULP who are coming out on the following the guidelines, term, you hardly have money centered ‘Shake Up’ radio road breaking the quarantine; people are buying in; I don’t to buy groceries…. “If we can use this platform show last Tuesday, Prime they have already been want these persons who are here to help raise funds — if Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves contacted by the police.” coming — our returning that’s the only way to do , counseled Vincentians who Dr. Gonsalves also weighed workers, our seafarers and the then naturally we should do recently returned to SVG and in, somewhat, on the how like — to really breach our so. I don’t believe in having are also accused of breaking recently catered for penalties trust in this way by not the students there and they quarantine regulations. in amended laws could be following the quarantine. become pawns or part of some “I just want to repeat for possibly triggered. “And I’m just telling them, political drama.” everybody; those who came in “As you know, enforcement there are people out there who The Northern Grenadines from the BVI, those who came of laws depend on the civilian are looking. People report MP was mindful that he may in on Carnival — look yo in authorities, that is the police yesterday for instance that just step on a few toes, should quarantine, stay in quarantine and not the politicians; I somebody from Layou was the NDP roll out this proposal. in yo home, eh. Those of you in always make that point. And walking about, somebody also The warning to absconders He told viewers and yo quarantine in yo home — as a young democracy we have from Barrouallie, somebody and those thinking of subscribers, “the students just stay there. to always constantly make they said too from South absconding from quarantine would have to request that “Because one person who that point so we don’t have Rivers. But I think the police has come from the very top they want to do it and the came in on Wednesday night politicians insisting who have contacted all those of the fountain of state parents — I don’t want to last week from BVI, by Friday should be prosecuted and who individuals. People are calling authority. infringe on anybody’s rights or night he was out! He was should not be prosecuted. in and we have our own feelings or anything of that quickly reported and the police That’s a journey as a mature structures and systems.” the alleged quarantine sort.” absconders. went for him and put him in a leader that I don’t want to go It is not clear what, if any Stories: government approved facility. down. charges, were brought against [email protected] LOVNSVG intensifies its activism

VINCENTIAN NON-PROFIT So far, the NGO has been attendant concerns, saying, Leave Out Violence in SVG able to intervene in more than “It’s an issue that we feel is (LOVNSVG), a Vincentian several cases providing, important to bring to the Non-Government Organization “counseling, access to pro bono forefront so people could better (NGO), continues to highlight lawyers and the necessary understand what human the cause of domestic abuse information to get clients to trafficking is, and the victims here and in the the next step,” John necessary measures one must Diaspora. elaborated. take to help fight against it.” A help line campaign is just The soon to be 9 year-old One of the other things one of their latest outreach NGO is also enhancing LOVNSVG is aiming to do in initiatives. A series of flyers capacity to address human the coming week, “is to put the are being promoted across trafficking issues here. “Last petition for the sex offenders social media platforms and week we engaged in a human registry back out onto all social they are generating the trafficking meeting with other media platforms. A lot of One of the flyers used by LOVNSVG across social media anticipated calls. ‘non-profits’ across the people are home now and may platforms. “During COVID-19, we Caribbean region, and we’re be able to see it through those know a lot of women are hoping to have another avenues, and we plan to send just over 4000 of the 6000 government authorities to keep experiencing domestic violence meeting shortly in regard to those petitions to the signatures they plan on track of sex offenders and children are facing child our way forward,” John said in government of St. Vincent and submitting, in their bid to activities, including those who abuse, the numbers have gone this regard. the Grenadines as soon as agitate the Dr. Ralph have completed their criminal up tremendously worldwide,” She was cognizant that COVID has settled down a Gonsalves-led administration sentences, while providing Founder and President Nailah many persons are still very bit.” to establish the legal ancillary services like John told us. much unaware of the So far, they have amassed framework which would allow rehabilitative counseling, etc. 14. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V News 130 farm workers off

Farm workers await special clearance at the AIA before to Canada taking their Sunwing flight to Canada. that even though there ONE HUNDRED and thirty Vincentian to the workers. is a crisis, … a pandemic in the world According to a Ben Harrison article (130) farm workers left the state for In brief remarks to the media, he … we were able to mobilize farmers in entitled ‘Canada & St.Vincent And Toronto, Canada on Tuesday, May 12, to thanked the farm workers and SVG; we were able to work with The Grenadines Seasonal Agricultural take up jobs on various farms under the personnel at the Department of employers in Canada and the Workers Programme’ as published in Seasonal Agricultural Farm Workers Labour for their cooperation government of Canada to ensure that THE VINCENTIAN of July 21, 2017, Programme. throughout the process. today was possible,” said the “The Seasonal Agricultural Workers The workers left via a chartered Caesar also thanked the OECS Agriculture Minister. Programme is a Canadian government Sunwing aircraft and on arrival in Secretariat and Labour Departments He assured that all of the persons programme that was introduced over Canada, are expected to be throughout the OECS for the role they who left the state were given the rapid 50 years ago between Canada and quarantined for 14 days. played in ensuring the arrangements test for COVID-19, and they all came Jamaica, and has expanded through Minister of Agriculture Saboto were in place for the workers. back negative. the years to include Mexico and other Caesar was at the Argyle “They’ve been working very hard Caribbean countries, including St. International Airport, to bid farewell over the past two months to ensure The farm workers programme Vincent and the Grenadines. “The programme is a Canadian Federal Government guest worker programme allowing employers to hire temporary foreign workers when Canadians and permanent residents are not available. “The workers can be hired for a maximum period of eight months between January 1 and December 15, provided they can offer the workers a minimum of 240 hours of work within a period of six weeks or less. “Workers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines are required to have some experience in farming, be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen of SVG and able to satisfy immigration laws of both countries. “Employers arrange and pay for round-trip transportation by air from St. Vincent to the location of their work in Canada. A portion of these costs can be recovered by the employer through payroll deduction. “Employers also provide free suitable housing either on the farm or off-site which has been officially inspected and approved by an authorized, certified official housing inspector.” (KH) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 17. V Education Partial reopening of

of repairs and cleaning that will be required. Funding has already school to begin been earmarked for this, Prince assured, and he “We were thinking opening, Prince said, Prince pointed to some highlighted that about that, we put that with fifth formers, Grade things that his Ministry discussions are ongoing timeline down — but of 6 and TVET students needed to address before with suppliers for the course this is not cast in being the first to return they could think about purchase and stone because we have to to class. allowing students back installation of wash have these things in “These examinations into the classroom. stands. place to ensure the safest people, we want them to Towards this end. As for transportation environment for both go in first; they will need Prince said his Ministry of students, to Prince, teachers and students,” engagement before doing was working closely with the Ministries of the Minister said. their exams,” Prince the Ministry of Health Education and Transport He explained that explained and cited and BRAGSA to do a were in dialogue. health and safety were allowing for the return of comprehensive “We wouldn’t want paramount in the limited numbers of assessment of the students jamming up Senior primary and secondary students could well ongoing deliberations, students will make for nation’s schools which coming to school,” Prince be returning to their schools next Monday, May 18. and he emphasized that easier supervision. will determine the types quipped. (DD) they wanted teachers, MINISTER OF EDUCATION school here would be students and parents to St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince partially reopened. feel confident that the disclosed on radio, May Prince said that school’s environment was 10, that education officials education officials were safe. were looking at May 18 or leaning towards May 18 Therefore, there was a 25 as the date when as the preferred date. proposed phased Integrity maintained in CXC 2020 format PERSONS CONCERNED HAVE BEEN GIVEN the assurance that the integrity and validity of the modified format for the 2020 examinations administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) have not been compromised, and parents and students generally have voiced support for the efforts being made to ensure the education system does not become overly disjointed or unduly interrupted. This was the view expressed by Minister of Education St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince who said on radio on May 10, that while some St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince, Minister of territories have expressed concerns, Education the consensus was that a revised format for the examinations should But Prince referenced meetings of be administered, despite the OECS and CARICOM Education interruption of instruction time by the Ministers, at which some Ministers COVID-19 pandemic, which have expressed concern about the format forced students to remain out of the change and the date for the classrooms. examination. A release issued by CXC on March THE JAMAICAN Government falls 26 stated that the Council recognized into the category of dissenting voices. the impact of COVID-19 on the According to a Gleaner Newspaper education system...more specifically on report. The Government of Jamaica the schedule of CXC’s regional has “parted company with its examinations….and had accordingly Caribbean counterparts on a July date proposed a revision to examination to sit the 2020 CXC administered format. examinations. This format change proposed a Notwithstanding the concerns modified examination process that expressed, The University of the West would include one common paper in Indies and universities in the United the form of multiple-choice Kingdom have indicated that they will assessments and School Based accept the results of the revised Assessments and Paper 032s for examination format. private candidates, with final grades As it relates to the Caribbean being awarded based on the Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) moderated SBAs and Multiple Choice examination administered to Grade 6 Papers. students, this exam will take place on CXC examinations — the Caribbean June 25 and 26. Secondary Education Certificate and Students will write this the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency examination at their respective schools Examination tests. — have been set for in order to minimize movement, the July. Minister said. (DD) 16. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Focus INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY A Message from the Dean School of Nursing - SVGCC THE DIVISION OF NURSING EDUCATION, countries around the world continue to COVID-19. St. Vincent and the Grenadines deal with the COVID-19 pandemic Community College (SVGCC), joins with crisis and its tragic consequences. Sister Beverly Liverpool the rest of the world in saluting nurses It is fitting on the occasion of Dean - Division of Nursing on International Nurse’s Day and on the International Nurses Day 2020 that Education, SVGCC 200th Anniversary of the birth of the Division of Nursing Education, the Dean Beverly Liverpool Florence Nightingale. lone training institution for nurses in International Nurses Day is SVG, commemorates the efforts and celebrated on May 12 each year. The indispensable contribution that nurses theme for International Nurses Day made to our society. Special mention Nurses on the frontline 2020 is” “Nurses a voice to lead, must be made of the nurses who are Nursing a world to health”. employed as Dean, Deputy Dean, THE SVG RETIRED in direct contact Advira The Division of Nursing Lecturers and Clinical Instructors at NURSES with persons Providence, Education/SVGCC, congratulates the Division of Nursing Education, ASSOCIATION affected with the President of nurses in St. Vincent & the who are responsible for training (SVGRNA) salutes the virus. The risk is the SVGRNA Grenadines and all over the world for nurses and other nursing personnel to nurses in St. Vincent & great! their extraordinary work in saving meet the needs and demands of an the Grenadines and The risk of their lives, and for their bravery on the ever-changing healthcare system around the world, who spreading this virus dedication frontline of the fight against the locally, regionally and internationally. are on the frontlines of is so high that to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. The institution will continue to the battle against the family members of profession, The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark upgrade and revise its programme coronavirus. patients are not for the reminder of the vital role that nurses offerings to ensure relevance and When the allowed to visit or sacrifices of play in our health care system, and timeliness and moreover, to prepare International Council of be at the bedside of self and the true value of frontline workers, not graduates who are capable of Nurses in collaboration their loved ones, many their families to preserve least being nurses. Today, more than providing promotive, preventive, with the World Health dying alone. Nurses are the health and life of ever, the Division of Nursing curative, restorative and rehabilitative Organization launched carrying out their duties others. We honor them Education celebrates the role that care to individuals, families and the “Nursing Now” while having to comfort for their suffering and nurses have played, and will continue communities, especially in wake of campaign and designated their patients, holding forbearance as they deal to play in our lives, as SVG and new and emerging diseases such as 2020 as the Year of the hands, making calls to with the staggering Nurse and Midwife, no their loved ones and, at numbers of illnesses and one realized how times, enabling them to deaths in such a short meaningful this would say their goodbyes period of time. Nursing become, as the COVID- through electronic is a profession that 19 pandemic was not on devices. assumes responsibility the horizon. Since we Many nurses have lost for the continuous care of became aware of the their lives and some find the sick, the disabled, virus in February, it has themselves in the and the dying. We are swiftly and aggressively heartbreaking position of also responsible for the taken over the world, having to care for sick promotion of community, becoming the first and dying colleagues. As family and individual pandemic in most they work together, they health. people’s lifetime, killing do not know who will be As retired nurses, we thousands including the next to fall victim to are concerned for those nurses. this deadly virus. on the frontlines in SVG As the novel Despite this, nurses and elsewhere. We are coronavirus ravages the around the world are encouraging you the world, many nurses find answering the call to be public, to adhere to the themselves on the on the frontlines. A recommendations of the frontlines, leaving their nurse when asked by a National Covid-19 Task homes and families for journalist why she Force: wear a mask days even weeks to answered that call, when going out in public; become involved in simply said, “Because I maintain physical testing, contact tracing, am a nurse.” distancing; wash your working in hospitals and We salute all nurses, hands with soap and other healthcare especially those on the water utilizing friction facilities, bringing them COVID-19 frontlines, for for 20 seconds; and maintain social contacts with friends and families. We are also asking you to look out for your neighbours and those in high risk categories - the elderly, the sick, shut- ins, and the disabled. Stay home, if possible, to protect yourself and other health care personnel. We encourage all nursing staff to remain calm and focused as we combat COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 is indeed the Year of the Nurse! Advira Providence President, and members of SVGRNA. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 17. V Community Soroptimists elect new executive

MEMBERS of Soroptimist Thompson were all is a Soroptimist and will Membership International of St. Vincent tabled and adopted. be inducted as the Club’s Officer; Sis and the Grenadines Congratulations were Patron as soon as it is Lavinnia convened their 33rd extended to: sponsor convenient so to do. Gunn - Sis Ikarmola La Borde, newly elected President of Soroptimist Annual General Meeting scholar Ms. Zelacher Elections were held Development International of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (File Photo). on Saturday 24th April, Baptiste on her and the following persons Officer. 2020, via Zoom. meritorious performance were returned to Sis The Club has set four Project, MCMH Wards Sixteen (16) of the at the Intermediate High hold office for the 2020- Ikarmola La Borde will (4) primary goals for Gift Giving, Secondary twenty-nine (29) School; Sister Miriam 2021 term: Sis Ikarmola represent the Club at 2020- 2021: School Scholarship members registered their Roache and Sister La Borde - President; Sis the Federation Level as rehabilitation of the Programme, Support to presence on the meeting Christine Da Silva on Donnette O’Neal - Vice Councillor, and Sis Comfort Station; WPP Autism and Speech platform, and they were their recent Awards for President; Sis Josie-Ann Miriam Roache and Sis contribution of the Therapy Clinics. able to complete the Women Development and Small - Secretary; Sis Rene Baptiste Prison Project- “Standing New President Sis proceedings in under 2 Entrepreneurship Euna Thompson — (Immediate Past up for Women behind lkarmola will preside hours. respectfully at the Treasurer; Sis Miriam President) will do Bars”; a Membership over the First Meeting in Reports of the Gender Development’s Roache - Programme likewise at the Drive to recruit new May, which is generally outgoing President Rene Award Ceremony; and Action Committee Chair Caribbean Regional level Baptiste, Secretary Josie- members; continuing celebrated as Soroptimist H.E. Dame Susan Person; Sis Christine as the Soroptimist programmes with the Membership Day. Ann Small, Programme Dougan on the Award of DaSilva - International Caribbean Action Chairperson Glebe Day Nursery, the the GCMG. Communications Officer; Network (SICN) (Source: Soroptimist Miriam Roache and Helping Hands Centre, Dame Susan Dougan Sis Keisha Fraser- Representatives. International of SVG) Treasurer Euna Primary Schools’ Library World Family Doctor Day 2020

Family Doctors, since February this (Submitted by Drs. Miriam Sheridan and Francesca Onu) year, have been particularly impacted with the new coronavirus outbreak, and many are on the frontline working with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE). We encourage our patients at this time to stay safe, stay home as much as possible, wear a mask if you must THE World Organization of Family be among others, and practise physical Doctors (WONCA) celebrates its 10th and social distancing. year of World Family Doctor Day Some of us have organized video (WFDD) next Tuesday, May 19, 2020. conferencing, while others have The theme for this year is: “Family enforced distancing in our offices by Doctors on the Frontline”. spacing our chairs 3 feet apart, and A family doctor is focussed on ensure that masks are worn by all. In meeting the needs of the entire family. addition, we are constantly and Unlike other doctors who specialize in reliably updating COVID-19. treating one particular disease, your We are also available by phones to family doctor is uniquely trained to our patients. care for you as a whole person, Let’s all continue to support the regardless of your age or gender. MOHWE to combat the coronavirus as There are many family doctors best we can. across the length and breadth of St. Be sensible, follow the instructions Vincent and the Grenadines. of the Health officials and stay safe. 18. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice A friend in need… ?? Dear George,

THINGS ARE not so good with me right now, so I approached a ‘trusted’ friend for a small loan. I was terribly disappointed and embarrassed with the way he responded. I called him outside (his yard) to Dear Hurt friend, speak with him, and when he heard my request, he called his wife for her As it stands, you have done these to hear my story. She immediately people no wrong, so it’s not advisable blurted her husband had no extra to adopt the stance of never talking to money to spend on “people who think them again. They have shown what they are high and mighty.” stuff they are made of and it’s now left George, these are the same people to them to make efforts to renew their who have leaned on me financially and image in your eyes. otherwise in the past. I even paid Their happiness going forward will their first child’s college tuition back depend how much of a conscience they when I was doing well. Now that I’ve have left. It was your friend’s right to fallen on hard times, I’m forced to do refuse you the loan and it would be this and I wished I never did. yours if/when the need arises for you I never got the $185.00 dollars that to be the Good Samaritan. I wanted God is good. Should I speak Leave this alone and look for other to these people ever again? means to get by Hurt friend George Show some appreciation

Dear George, seeing someone else? understanding and I forgot to mention appreciation for what MY WIFE has not that she is a nurse she does, and let her touched me for 4 weeks. working in Kingstown. know there will be no I asked her about it and bedroom pressure coming she blamed it the present On dry dock from you. pandemic. She wants It will be a good idea if me to believe that her Dear On dry dock, she can reach out to mind is not on sex someone just for her to because she is stressed Your wife could be talk about her feelings. out by what’s going on. telling you the truth. Knowing that you are She even suggested that Being a frontline worker there playing the role an I could give her the virus and given her daily understanding husband if I made love to her. experiences at this time, will help things to return My strong belief is could be having a serious to normalcy in a much that she has either lost psychological impact quicker time. or is losing interest in which can be manifested the marriage. in various ways. George Could it be she is Show her some Dear with then trust issue

Dear George, wedding she wants. I do lack of trust, not want a huge debt commitment and loyalty. MY GIRLFRIEND and I after the wedding. I suggest that you two are planning on getting I’m holding my deal with this trust married. However, we ground. What do you question first, then cannot decide whether think? proceed to deciding on we’ll get married in a the type of wedding you church, which she wants, Wise head can afford. There should or at the courthouse, be no doubt in her mind which I want. Dear Wise head, that you are truly and She is accusing me of solely hers. not wanting the church The reason your Some pre-marital wedding because I don’t girlfriend gave for you counselling could help want my other women to choosing a courthouse get both of you on the see when we get arrangement speaks to same page. married. But the truth possible static in the is, I just want to save us relationship, i.e. doubt, George some money. We cannot afford the kind of THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 19. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) ACROSS Look into making changes to your You can finish projects early, which will personal papers and don’t neglect those bring you praise from superiors. You will 1. Pool float bills that have been piling up. Be be popular with acquaintances; however, 5. Ladder rung prepared to take care of the issues at loved ones could feel left out and 9. Macadamia – hand. You will feel so much better about insecure. Don’t be critical or overly 12. Indiana neighbor yourself if you can control your opinionated with dislikes. 13. Loathe addictions. 14. Wrath SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) 15. Cave dwellers TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your ability to communicate with ease 16. Job opportunities Problems with colleagues are likely. will win the hearts of those you are in 18. More confident Difficulties may be encountered while touch with this week. You are better off travelling in foreign countries. Keep the visiting friends or relatives than 20. Come together promises you’ve made or you can expect entertaining at home. 21. Upward climb to be in the doghouse. 24. Siesta SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 26. Manor men GEMINI (May 22-June 21) However, you may not attract the kind of 27. At a distance Emotional relationships will be plentiful interest you had in mind. Look into any 28. Contains if you attend group activities. Look into educational activities involving the whole 31. Film legend Lupino events that you might find interesting, family. Don’t hesitate to go ahead with 32. Fully mature and compromise by doing a few things any plans for entertainment. 34. Wallet bill that you both like to do. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 35. Tavern account CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don’t get depressed, get busy. You can 36. Fragrant pine 5. Hardly tall 33.Commencement 43. Extremely Do not reveal personal information to accomplish a lot if you’re willing to put in 37. Undue swiftness 6. Sticky strip document 45. Revise those you feel may be untrustworthy. a little extra time. Don’t start any 39. Energy 7. Endless 38. Good features (manuscripts) Heed the advice given by family or old arguments unless you’re prepared to 40. Cleaned (bookshelves) 8. Critter enclosure 39. Small veggie 47. Wheeled reliable friends. You have a lot to offer. accept irrevocable results. 41. Cooing bird 9. Three times 40. Actions vehicle Your changing philosophies may lead 44. Twisted grins three 41. Brushes (on) 49. Singer Rawls you into new circles. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 46. Phone number start: 2 wds. 10. Yen 42. Like some 50. Fa follower Try not to overspend on friends or family. 48. Differently 11. Try out medications 51. Moose cousin LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You must lay down ground rules so that Your family may not be pleased with you can complete a job. You may find 52. Soap shape 17. Mischievous your decisions. Advancement can be that romance will unfold through 53. Surrounded by youth yours if you put your efforts into work business connections. This is not the best 54. Wrench or hammer 19. In danger related matters. Travel opportunities day to visit relatives who get on your 55. Devious 21. Landed should be your first choice. nerves. 56. Rodent pests 22. Fizzy drink 57. Be pouty 23. Sea crustacean VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 25. Playwright Look after financial transactions this Be sure that the person you’re drawn to DOWN Miller week. You may find travel to be most is not already involved. Entertainment 1. Commit theft 27. Animal cost rewarding. Don’t be angry, but be on could cost you more than you expect. SOLUTION 2. “That’s it!” 28. Party giver

your guard. You have worked hard and Secret affairs will eventually backfire on LAST WEEK’s the payback is now. you. You will be full of good ideas. 3. Tantrum 29. Poker stake 4. Threw 30. Farm supply V 20. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN SVGCA launches VPL T-10

Prime Minister,” who formally endorsed the Dr. Kishore Tournament. Shallow, Consultations President of were also held the SVG with the Cricket Ministry of Association Health and other at the launch of the stakeholders. VPL T-10 With respect tournament. to conforming to recommended practices during this period, Shallow assured: that players will be transported together so as Obed McCoy - marquee player for not to expose Lindon James – marquee player for Dark View Explorers. Grenadines Divers. them unnecessarily to the public; during short SIX TEAMS WILL COMPETE in officially launched at the breaks between the inaugural SVG Cricket Arnos Vale Sporting Complex innings, the players Association VPL T-10 Cricket last Monday. will be provided with Tournament. In his address at the hand sanitizers, etc.; The Tournament was launch, Dr. Kishore Shallow, and spaces will be President of the SVG assigned to teams to Cricket Association (SVGCA) encourage physical and Vice President of distancing. Cricket West Indies Inc. In addition, CWI) said, “It is exciting Shallow said, times for SVG cricket. We members of the are embarking on something Royal SVG Police totally new in this country - Force will be at a T-10 tournament - first matches to ensure time ever a franchise system that spectators with six teams. I am feeling comply with the the buzz from the players, Sunil Ambris – marquee player for social distancing as Salt Pond Breakers. Keswick Williams – marquee management and sport recommended. player for Botanic Gardens enthusiasts who have been The teams in the James; Fort Charlotte Rangers. thirsty for cricket for some tournament are: Grenadines Strikers - coach Kenroy time.” Grant, marquee player Sunil Divers - coach Ian Allen, Martin, manager Parnel In giving something about Ambris. manager Roland Wilkinson, Browne, marquee player the genesis of the The tournament will begin marquee player Obed McCoy; Keron Cottoy; Botanic Tournament, Shallow on May 22nd and run until the La Soufriere Hikers - coach Gardens Rangers - coach explained, “I was 30th. Matches are scheduled Irvin Warrican, manager Nixon Mclean, manager Elvis Keron Cottoy – marquee player approached by a colleague for the Arnos Vale Playing Rawle Caine, marquee player Browne, marquee player for Fort Charlotte Strikers. who works for an Indian Field and will begin at 8.30am Desron Maloney; Dark View Keswick Williams; Salt Pond company called and end at 2pm on each day. Explorers - coach Bertrum Breakers - coach Orlanzo ‘Dream 11’, a Desron Stapleton, manager Elron Jackson, manager Ricky I.B.A.ALLEN Maloney - technology Lewis, marquee player Lindon marquee company (a player for fantasy sports La Soufriere platform) based in Hikers. Mumbai India, with a user membership of 80 million, which will be our main audience. Out of this the VPL was conceived and developed.” Shallow, in addressing the constraints occasioned by the Dream11, operational since 2012, is COVID-19, said also the official partner of the top sports leagues in the world such as that “one of the the Hero CPL, Hero ISL, and NBA. first s we did is to reach out to the THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 21. V Sports “Tap in on Vincentian expertise,” Wayne Williams

WAYNE WILLIAMS, Williams noted that reach out to such the expertise of two US Vincentian connections, Director and Founder and there is a wealth of persons, so that they based Vincentians - Jody and Kheston Walkins are of the Sunshine Basketball knowledge among could help build capacity Nickie and Damani the main presenters in Academy of St Vincent and Vincentians especially in among coaches and Thomas - who are two of the forum, which runs the Grenadines, wants to the area of sports and trainers especially. the resource personnel from 4 to 6pm, on see a thrust towards sports education He believes that by currently availing Sundays. seeking out more specifics. tapping on those persons themselves to a weekly Utilising the Zoom Vincentian expertise. “There are a lot of with Vincentian online Sports Education platform, interested Vincentians out backgrounds, there Forum, organized by the persons can log on to there, who are would be a better Sunshine Basketball http://us02web.zoo.us/j/82 doing good things understanding of the Academy. 021191213, this Sunday, Wayne Williams for university limitations and cultural Commenting on the when Rupert will be programmes and orientation here in St initiative, Williams looking at Optimal presenter; he looked at national athletes Vincent and the stated, “Our aim is to Nutrition for Optimised Mind Over Master. from other Grenadines. improve the education Athletic Performance. An upbeat Williams countries, and “They will already level of players, coaches, The ID number for projected: “We hope that they are willing understand the local students and parents Sunday’s Forum is these sessions will to share their situation, and with that through scientific 82021191213. enlighten those who knowledge once understanding, they are methods”. The Forum got started participate and give they are called in a better position to Among the topics on Sunday 3rd May with them a more in depth upon,” Williams work with what exists examined in the Forum Nickie presenting on the insight of various pointed out. locally to help to bring are: Conditioning and topic Triphasic topics… We hope that Jody Nickie, Damani Against that them to that Physiotherapy, Nutrition Periodisation. A follow- the information shared one of the Thomas, background, international level,” and Physiology and up discussion on the will contribute towards resource another Williams Williams opined. Motivation. topic took place on you realising your full persons who resource person appealed to And, Williams has Other than Nickie and Wednesday 6th May. potential, thus enhancing have already who will present national sports taken the lead in this Thomas, Nathalia On Sunday last, the development of made a as the Forum associations to regard. He has obtained Rupert, who has some Walkins was the lead sports in here and the region.” presentation. continues.Green Hill Sports Club marks milestone

The Green Hill Sports THE GREEN The Club boasts a proud record of crime and violence in 2015; lighting Olympic Day and Cultural Club HILL SPORTS community-based projects and the Hardcourt in 2017 with assistance Run. (GHSCC) denotes its AND Cultural activities, which some say is the envy from the Australian Embassy. The Green mission and its areas Club (GHSCC) of other community-based Other undertakings and activities Hill Sports of concern. will celebrate organizations throughout the state. spearheaded by the Club: conceiving and Cultural its 39th The list of accomplishments include: and supervising a Children’s Club was anniversary this year, and Carlos initiating an Environmental Billboard Playground Project; ongoing Playing formed in Williams, President of the Club, is Awareness Programme in 1984-87; Field maintenance; hosting an Annual 1981 and Carlos Williams is a happy that the work they have been constructing footpaths in 1984; Spelling B competition; supervising a registered founding member of doing has impacted on the community spearheading a pipe borne water 4H Club Agriculture Project which is under the the Club and is its in one way or the other. project with the CWSA in 1987; ongoing; leading the annual Christmas new current President. “The focus of the organization is to conducting a Community Survey in lighting activities; annual wreath- Companies work towards community 1992; establishing a Community laying ceremony in memory of Act, CAP. 143, in 2013. development, through the self-help Library in1989; constructing a Multi- National Hero Joseph Chatoyer; Founding members were Carlos approach. To accomplish this goal over purpose Hardcourt in 1998 with participating in the annual Carnival Williams, Douglas Knights, Cleve the years, the club has engaged in assistance from NYC; constructing J’Ouvert Competition; organizing Blugh (deceased) and Franklyn Porter sporting, educational, environmental, washroom facilities at the Hardcourt annual social environmental hikes, (deceased). cultural and basic needs self-help in 2015 with assistance from KFC; picnics; participating in annual activities. At present the Club is seen facilitating Community discussions on National Netball Tournament and the I.B.A.ALLEN as the only community-based organization for organizing, mobilizing and getting things done on a voluntary basis in the community,” Williams said. He continues, “Plans to commemorate the 39th anniversary have been scaled down due to the current pandemic. These plans would have taken on a ‘Celebrating 40 years’ theme from this year. Proposed plans were: A church service, the annual Spelling B competition, hikes, picnics and social walks. These would have been spread out over the month of April.” Getting down to the hard work involved in ensuring Green Even the young members of the community got involved in the Hill got its Hardcourt. construction of the Children’s playground. 22. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Sports TASVG in touch with A Reflection on Inter- Schools Athletics overseas athletes Championship by CURTIS M. KING IN THE MIDST of the disruption in between all of our Keith Joseph, major sport events across the athletes and informing President of TASVG, THE FEAR of the spread of the novel coronavirus and the globe caused by the COVID-19 TASVG,” Joseph assured that his pandemic, several overseas- revealed. impact of its resulting COVID-19 disease, have caused an Executive had unprecedented disruption of life throughout the world. based Vincentian track and field Joseph said that implemented athletes continue to train and Compton has been in Given that social or physical distancing is one of the measures to ensure strategies employed to limit the spread of this disease, compete as usual. touch with SVG’s constant contact with And they are in constant Consular Officer, Ms sporting events are among the activities that either been overseas-based cancelled or severely restricted because of their potential communication with officials of Pamela Barbour, athletes. Team Athletics SVG. regarding arrangements Beyond the to attract large groups of persons in close proximity to According to President of for a possible flight to have the Caribbean, Kineke Alexander, each other. Team Athletics SVG Keith Vincentian students, athletes who is based at a training camp It follows then, that the finals of the 2020 edition of the Joseph, his organisation has set included, brought home at the in Florida, is TASVG’s prime Inter-Secondary Schools Athletics Championship here things in motion to have the conclusion of the current liaison with athletes studying were cancelled. The cancellation, while widely understood athletes dialogue with assigned academic semester. and training in the USA. and accepted, has left many questions, the answers to liaison personnel. Several Vincentian athletes Joseph confirmed that some residing in the realm of speculation. “Team Athletics St Vincent are studying in Jamaica Alexander, “…has been This ‘break’ has provided us with an opportunity to and the Grenadines (TASVG) is institutions. constantly updating the reflect on the journey of our premier Athletics in constant contact with our Apart from Compton, the executive.” Championship for secondary students. athletes in Jamaica, those at other Vincentian athletes Among those who are The 2020 edition, if it was complete, would have been the Jamaica College and the currently studying in Jamaica residing in the USA are: the 49th occasion on which the Championship would have others at the GC Foster School include: Handal Roban, Desroy Adonson Shallow, Delhonni been successfully hosted. of Physical Education and Jordan, Keiffer Bailey, Akani Nicol-Samuel, Jummone The first Championship, organized by a group of Sport... . Senior athlete, McKish Slater, Uroy Ryan, Krishroy Exeter, Kimorie Shearman, teachers from the participating schools, was held on the Compton, has been asked to be Williams, OJ Jackson, Brandon Valentine-Parris, 21st of March, 1966 at the Grammar School Playing Field, our chief liaison and has been Aravinda Shallow and Javon Darria Matthias and Shaffiqua Richmond Hill. Four schools participated, with the coordinating the relations Rawlins. Maloney. resulting reading: 1st - Boys Grammar School; 2nd - Emmanuel High School Kingstown; 3rd - Bishop’s College Kingstown; and 4th Intermediate High School. Thereafter, the Championship was expanded to include Zefal Bailey frustrated by cycling lay off a female division and more schools. A five-year hiatus between the 4th and 5th editions of the Championships ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ top heightened by his assessment that 2020 was his threatened the continuity of the competition. Male cyclist- Zefal Bailey expressed being breakthrough year. But, when the 5th edition was held in 1976, it was a “frustrated” with having not In February this year, Bailey became a part gala event. An Organizing Committee took over the to do what he likes doing of the Team Cadence Cyclery, a Cycling team administration of the Championship; trophies to be won best. out of the USA. Bailey, like many He had envisaged being very active this year, were put on public display in Kingstown prior to the sportsmen and women across and would have spent a lot of time overseas in event; and a new venue, the Arnos Vale Playing Field, the globe, have been stymied competition on various circuits. was used. because of the threats of the Amidst his obvious disappointments, Bailey The majority of schools in the state participated in the coronavirus induced COVID- admitted, “I understand the situation and it is 1976 Championship. The St. Vincent Grammar School 19 pandemic. nothing we can do.” (formerly the BGS) won the Male Division and the Girls’ “All I can say is that I am He did disclose, however, that in the last two High School (GHS), whose participation began in 1967, frustrated with just not weeks he has recommenced some training, took the Female Division. having to train as I wish, whilst observing the many health protocols. The 5th edition was characterized by a large crown neither to go out nor He is hopeful that the St Vincent and the attendance, and this set the trend for the Inter School compete,” Bailey lamented. Grenadines Cycling Union will be able to have Sports event, held annually since then, to emerge as the His frustrations have been at least a few keep fit events, in keeping with most popular sporting event on the Schools’ calendar. the social and physical distancing adherences. The St. Vincent Grammar school has dominated the The last event staged by the SVG Cycling Male Division, winning 41 of the 48 completed Zefal Bailey, frustrated but Union took place on Sunday 8th March. Championships. The St. Martin’s Secondary has won 3 hopeful. (1983, ’85 and ’97); the Emmanuel High School 2 (1991 and ’99. The Thomas Saunders Secondary School (which Junior CASA Squash opened its doors in 2005) 2 (2010 and 2011). The Female Division, after initial domination by the GHS, has been more competitive. The GHS has won 19 Championships cancelled Championships, the Bishop’s College Kingstown 7, Bethel/Campden Park Secondary School, and the IT IS NOW official. The 2020 He continued, “There is no Rosera 11/8, Emmanuel High School Kingstown (EHSK) now the JP Junior Caribbean Area Squash timetable for this reopening 11/6, 11/6, in Eustace Memorial Secondary School have won 5 each. Association (CASA) plan and a high probability it the final. Thomas Saunders Secondary and St. Joseph’s Convent Championships have been gets put on hold if there is any Dru Samuel Secondary Kingstown have won 4 titles each. The Central cancelled. jump in number of cases”. and Jaydon Leeward Secondary (formerly the Barrouallie Secondary) The championships were set Bermuda was put on Williams and the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua (formerly the for Bermuda, from July 18 — 26. lockdown as a measure to finished in the Marriaqua Secondary School) have each won a single The cancellation of the combat the spread of the top three. Championship. championships came after the coronavirus and its resulting Samuel was Jayden George At the time of the cancellation of the 2020 (49th) Bermuda Squash Racquets COVID-19 disease. third in the – reigning U-11 edition, the pre-finals standings showed that the Central Association (BSRA) indicated “We are open to hosting in Boys Under- Junior CASA Leeward Secondary School (CLSS) was in 1st position, 14 the mitigating circumstances 2021, subject to COVID19 being 11 and Squash points ahead of the St. Vincent Grammar School in 2nd behind their inability to host under control and securing Williams was Champion. position. this year’s edition. sufficient sponsorship,” Foster third in the Questions abound: Was this going to be the year when In a letter to the Regional projected. Boys Under-13. the CLSS would win the Male Division for the first time? Squash Associations, Director With the cancellation of the And Nadira Morgan won the Was the CLSS going to achieve the double (winning both of the BSRA Patrick Foster, Junior CASA Championships Girls’ Under-15 consolation and the Male and Female Divisions)? Only the EHSK (1991) stated, inter alia: “Current 2020, it means that Vincentian ended fifth in her age division. and TSSS (2011) have achieved this record. situation for Junior CASA is Jayden George will be unable to Last year marked the return We can speculate but we will never know the answers considerable sponsor issues, no defend his Boys’ Under-11 of this country as a single to these questions! Notwithstanding, we look forward to flights, no hotels, most business Singles title. entity entrant in the the 50th edition, hopefully next year, with great closed and sports clubs being George won the title in 2019 Championship, after many anticipation and to be another keenly contested listed as the last phase of our in Trinidad and Tobago, when years of being part of an OECS Championship. reopening plan.” he beat Bermudan Owen team. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020. 23. V Classifieds

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FRIDAY MAY 15, 2020 VOLUME 114, No.20 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 VINSA JAMAICA TO FLY ONE CARIBBEAN

SEVERAL PARENTS have banded students would prefer to wait until the Vincentian students desirous of returning home from Jamaica will now travel together and have identified an end of the month to leave,” the letter by One Caribbean. (Photo Source: ANN) alternative to the much debated US noted. $1,339.29 (EC $3,619.29) airfare, that Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. subscribed to the National Student expected here either on Tuesday or LIAT had affixed to a one-way flight home Ralph Gonsalves reported that his Loans Programme. Wednesday of this week. from Jamaica, for Vincentian students government has activated the National One Vincentian student in Jamaica, During recent developments, studying there. Student Loans Company, to respond to told us, “Well some persons can opt to Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday LIAT has also requested a students who may not be able to afford take a supplementary drawdown or proposed that the government and/or guarantee of fifty passengers and the cost of the voyage home, and/or not. This is still the case as some LIAT subsidize the students’ airfares payment for any shortfall. other associated costs, and to those persons plan to do it to fund the One beyond the purported US $400 per one A letter dated May 11, 2020, signed who would need additional monies if Caribbean flight.” way ticket that students would have by 2 concerned parents and sent to the they stayed on campus. It is unclear when the switched normally paid. “students studying in Jamaica,” Since the deadline given by LIAT to flights are set to begin, and even as “We gave LIAT $2.7M as part of the announced the alternative ride home, complete arrangements for the the parents/wards urged their children COVID relief stimulus package. A via One Caribbean, at a reduced cost. proposed May 12 and 14 flights was to adhere to re-entry protocols, they regional airline we gave them $2.7M This charter was arranged by already expired, students must be emphasized, “this arrangement has and we can’t find the money to bring concerned parents who, we were told, willing to pay for their housing costs nothing to do with the government and our students home? …. That should be “only want to bring their children over the next 2 weeks at least. this cannot be subsidized, all used to subsidize the students to come home.” They were able to negotiate a According to PM Gonsalves, this payments must be made up front.” home, it’s the least we can do,” Dr. US $364.29 discount on the price COVID-19 economic response targets However, PM Gonsalves addressed Friday declared. offered by LIAT, but the apparent cost at least 85 Vincentians who are the issue of arrival dates when he said savings may not be realized as “some studying in some 9 countries and have that the first batch of 30 students was [email protected] VINCENTIAN STUDENTS TO REMAIN IN CUBA by KENVILLE HORNE adversities to the end of don’t complete this “difficult situation,” but Personnel Officer and The majority of the semester, since period, they can’t be sure the Vincentian students other officials are Vincentians studying in VINCENTIAN students breaking off could have that they will have paid are “in it with their compiling what is Cuba are said to be studying in Cuba are implications for their scholarships next year, Cuban brothers and needed to give support to pursuing studies in expected to remain in scholarships. because if they leave too sisters, and the Chief the students.” medicine and nursing. the Spanish- speaking The PM said that he early, if they leave country at least until had spoken with this before the completion of this semester is country’s Ambassador to the academic year, they complete, and Prime Cuba, Ellsworth John, would not have Minister Dr. Ralph who confirmed that the completed all the Gonsalves is of the firm Vincentian students had requisites and, therefore, belief that they should decided to remain in the will have to repeat the “stay and bear the pain country until the year,” said Gonsalves, on and suffering,” semester is finished. the implication for Speaking on last According to the students who might Tuesday’s edition of the Prime Minister, the want to return home Shake-Up programme Cubans have reopened before the completion of aired on WE FM, Prime the universities, and the academic year. Minister Dr. Ralph they are still 50 to 60 “So, may as well they Gonsalves said that he days to the end of the stay and bear the pain believed the Vincentian semester. and suffering,” he added. students studying in “And I think the The Prime Minister Vincentian students in Cuba enjoy an end of year evening hosted by Cuba should sit out their challenge there, if they admitted that it is a Ambassador Ellsworth John. Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.