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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019 VOLUME 113, No.08 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

The team for their petitioners in discussion during a break. It was there week to make their case.

by DAYLE DA SILVA Windward in the 2015 Keith Scotland, legal counsel for petitioner Lauron elections, there was none. Baptiste, drilled the former Supervisor of Elections on FORM 16 IS THE DOCUMENT The assertion by the existence or non-existence of a Form 16 for polling used by official workers at a Scotland came during his station NW1. polling station to record both cross-examination of Sylvia the preliminary and final Findlay-Scrubb, who was as to what transpired?” said she did not. results, and gives account of the Supervisor of Elections Scotland asked. He asked if there was a all the votes cast. (SoE) up to the 2015 She said that such an reason she did not do so, The question of whether elections. issue would have however and there was a long pause, a Form 16 was presented at been resolved by the prompting Scotland to ask: the final count for polling Counterfoils and ballots presiding officer, with the “Madam, are you looking station NW1 in the North official numbers included on for a reason?” Windward constituency, Scotland asked Findlay- the Form 16. “No, I am trying to during the 2015 general Scrubb if she recalled But Scotland insisted, recollect,” she said. election, was the focus of receiving complaints from there was no Form 16 According to Scotland, the Elections Peition earlier that polling station about produced for the polling the former supervisor of this week. excessive counterfoils, station concerned. elections signed a witness According to the Keith pointing out that there were When asked if she statement, and she had Scotland, the lawyer 366 ballots but 405 produced any of the three years to say to the representing counterfoils recorded. Both documents for North court, I am assisting the Sylvia Findlay-Scrubb, former Supervisor of petitioner Lauron numbers ought to have Windward to indicate that court and here are the Elections, remained forthright in her Baptiste, the New corresponded. the number of counterfoils forms, to which she agreed. responses, but may have opened some way Democratic Party’s “When that came to your and ballots had in fact for Scotland to pursue the issue to a hilt. candidate in North attention, did you inquire matched, Findlay-Scrubb Continued on Page 3. 2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN SVG PORT AUTHORITY

AWARDEESAAWWWAARDEES LONG SERVICE AAWARDSAWWWAARDS (40 Years) Mr Mr.r.. Elwyn Joseph

Ms. Verne Ryan, top performer in the Accounts / Finance Department receives (35 Years) award from Manager, Finance & Accounting, Mrs. Germaine Nichols receives long service award for Mrs. Kimalla Cambridge Hewitt. MrMr.r.. Norris Gumbs Mr. Norris Gumbs receives Long Service Award for 35 25 years from Chairman SVGPA, Mr. Clayton Burgin. years from Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bishen John. Ms. Pamela Phillips On Saturday, February 2, 2019, the MrMr.r.. TrevorT evorr Roberts St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority held its Annual Dinner and (30 Years) Awards Ceremony at the Cruise Ship MrMr.r.. Junior Lee Terminal and Ferry Berth at 7:00 p.m. (25 Years) The welcome remarks were done by MrMr.rr.. Newton BrBrowneowne Mr. Bishen John, CEO of the SVGPA, while other remarks were done by Ms. VinceliaV incelia JeffrJeffreyey Mr. Delroy Smart, top performer in the Mr. Clayton Burgin, Chairman Security Department receives award from the Mrs. Germaine Nichols Chief Security Officer, Mr. Harvey Caine. Trevor Roberts receives long service award for 35 years of the SVGPA. from SVGPA’s Chairman, Mr. Clayton Burgin. (20 Years) The evening was one of cheer and Mr.Mrr.. Ebon Oliver excitement as the Port Authority awarded nine (9) employees for their outstanding performance in 2018, and (15 Years) sixteen (16) employees for their years Mrs. Samantha Bailey Reid of service to the organization. Mr.Mrr.. CaswaldC ProvidenceProvidence

Employees who retired in 2018 were Mrs. Carina McQuilkin top performer in the (10 Years) also appreciated for their years of Information Technology Department, receives award from Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nichole Hazel GunMunrGunMunroo hard work and service to the Mr. Bishen John. Mrs. SharSharonon Clarke SVG Port Authority. Mrs. Samantha Bailey Reid receives long service MrMr.r.. Lenski Douglas award for 15 years from Council Member, Mr. Winston Davis. MrMr.rr.. Leslie Ferdinand MrMr.r.. Lugo Beache MOSTST OUOUTSTANDINGOUTSTTSTTAANDING EMPLOEMPLOYEEOYYYEE IN DEPDEPARTMENTPAARTMENT

Cruise Ship Terminal Ms. Bonnie Allicot, top performer in the & Ferry Berth Operations Department – Kingstown receives award from Assistant Operations Goldd ToneyTTooney Officer, Mr. Sudarmo Toby.

Mr. Caswald Providence receives long service award Maintenance for 15 years from Council Member, Mr. Winston Davis. Retiree, Mr. Kemuel Fox receives gift from SVGPA’s Mr.Mrr.. Olivet Peters Chairman, Mr. Clayton Burgin. Operations - Campden Park Ms. Cuwanda TToTobyoby

Finance / Accounts Ms. VeVerneVerne RyanRRyyan Mrs. Ginel Huggins, Top Performer in the HR/Admin Department receives award from Security Department the Administrative Personnel Officer, Mrs. De-Aon Sayers. Mr.Mrr.. DelrDelroyoy Smart Mrs. Nichole Hazell GunMunro receive long service award for 10 years from Council Member, Mr. Vernon McDowall. Marine Mr.Mrrr.. Dwayne Abbott

Information Technology Mrs. Carina McQuilkin

Operations - Kingstown Ms. Bonnie Allicot

HR/Admin Mr. Lenski Douglas receives long service award for Mrs. Ginel Huggins 10 years from Council Member, Mr. Vernon McDowall. V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. 3. Integrity of ballot Below: A specimen of a plastic ballot box. Note the ties used to secure the boxes questioned lid. ISSUES SURROUNDING THE USE of whether the election officers used plastic ballot boxes in the 2015 General The issue of ‘ties’ more ties than was provided. Elections were again raised, as the 2015 But she again said that this was not election petitions hearing continued Later on, during the cross- a possibility because the remaining earlier this week. examination, Scotland declared that it ties were at the electoral office. The issues arose during the second was common knowledge that the boxes cross examination of the then could not be locked in a traditional Those plastic boxes Supervisor of Elections (SoE), Sylvia manner. It was then established that Findlay-Scrubb by Keith Scotland, the coloured ties, or straps, were used to As for the use of plastic boxes, attorney representing Lauron secure the ballot boxes. Findlay-Scrubb told the hearing that Baptiste, the petitioner in the North When Scotland asked whether it she did not raise a concern about the Windward petition. was possible for the ties to be cut and boxes since plastic boxes were used in Scotland asked the witness to state replaced, Findlay-Scrubb said no. the Referendum in 2009 and in the whether the boxes were plastic with She explained that this was not General Elections of 2010. detachable lids, which suggested that possible because agents were given a Scotland, persisting that the plastic they could be removed at any time, to limited supply of ties to be used in the boxes were of a major concern, which she replied in the affirmative. process. The maximum number of questioned the former SoE about a When asked if it were true that ties designated of any one colour was large flap on each box, which allowed there were no hinges on the boxes, nor five and the minimum was four. for more than one ballot to be entered were there any locks attached, she Although the former Supervisor of at a time. again responded in the affirmative. Elections remained confident that But Findlay-Scrubb said that she “And consequently no keys to those none of the ballot boxes were tampered could not say because the ballots were boxes?” Scotland asked, and again with, Scotland reminded her that she entered one at a time. more than one ballot could be entered solicited a yes answer from the former was not in North Windward on the Scotland persisted and again asked at any one time, to which she SoE. day, and she had no way of discerning her if she was able to determine if responded that she did not know. (DD) Was there a Form 16 for NW1? Decision in election Continued from Front It provides you and the no and cited that the Page. constituents with an forms (Form 16) assisted account of how the totals her in her final report. petition for end of March “So why didn’t you were arrived at,” “Do you agree with me show the Form 16s?” he Scotland advanced. that in your disclosure A DECISION with respect to two threw out the petitions deeming them asked. That said, he that no such document Election Petitions could be handed baseless. “Maybe it escaped my proceeded to say that the had been disclosed?” down by the end of March 2019. Further delays set in to allow for mind at the time,” she SoE provided the results Scotland further This, according to the presiding periods of technical and legal responded. of the poll, but had failed asked her to look at the judge, Justice Stanley John. arguments by both sides, as they An exchange ensued to show how the results Form 18, the He gave the hint last Tuesday as jockeyed to establish the viability of between the attorney were arrived at for endorsement document, the matter ended without cross the petitions on the one hand, and and witness as to the polling station NW1. and to let the court know examination of Winston Gaymes, the futility on the other. importance of Form 16, Findlay-Scrubb if the final figures were Returning Officer in the Central And when all seemed set for a during which it was explained then that the there, to which she Leeward constituency, one of two commencement of hearing on established that as per returning officer sees the responded no. forming the focus of the petitions, the December 3, 2018, after the rules guiding the Form 16 and sends a It was then other being North Windward. accommodation for an adjustment in elections that, Form 16 copy of the verified count established by Scotland Notwithstanding the absence of make-up of the legal team is used to record the to the Supervisor. that Form 16 did not Gaymes’ evidence, Justice John gave representing the respondents, sitting preliminary and final But when questioned make up part of the notice that he will begin hearing oral judge, Justice Esco Henry, recused count, placed upon as to whether or not she proceedings, and if an submissions during the week herself from hearing the matter after completion into an did see a copy of the audit was to be done of beginning March 4, towards a speedy the Registry here caused her envelope and lodged in Form 16, Findlay-Scrubb North Windward, it decision, especially in light of the fact embarrassment and undue scrutiny the ballot box. said no because they would be determined that the matter would have been filed when it slated 12 different matters If any change is to be were in the ballot box as that there was no such following the general elections of for her attention, on the said day set made, this is done by the was required. form for the polling 2015. for the commencement of the hearing presiding officer who station NW1. Hearing of the petitions matter of the petitions. initials and signs. To see or not to see “There is no working began in earnest February 11, after When the hearing eventually got “Therefore, the Form of the returning officer to a number of delays. going, it proceeded without 16 is the most important Scotland asked if she show how they arrived at The first was occasioned when the encumbrance, safe and except some document to determine was then saying that she the [final] document,” matter was sent to the Eastern initial concern about he change of who voted and the audit did not see any of the Scotland said. Caribbean Court of Appeal after venue to the NIS Conference Room. by the presiding officer. Form 16s; she responded sitting judge , Justice Bian Cottle, 4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V News Nigerian accused of ripping off ‘Silky’ by HAYDN HUGGINS is the holder of a card issued to the Court that the Nigerian is married things could be put DaSilva. to a Vincentian, which creates a flight in place to ensure EUNICE ARMACHI-DOWERS, a Nigerian The offence was allegedly committed risk, and noted that she was taken up that she does not by birth and a citizen of St. Vincent and in Kingstown between September 4 at the Argyle International Airport leave the country. the Grenadines by marriage, who is and 8 last year, contrary to Section 11 last Sunday. John requested accused of fraudulently using a credit of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, Delpleche said the investigations that the defendant card issued to prominent local Chapter 16 of the Revised Edition of would spread far and wide, and the be granted bail, businessman and owner of ‘Star Garage’ the Laws of Saint Vincent and the investigators are asking for time to subject to whatever Bertille ‘Silky’ DaSilva to obtain certain Grenadines 2014. have them completed, and done conditions the services, will return to the Serious Armachi-Dowers is also charged on properly. Court is mindful to Eunice Armachi- Offences Court, Wednesday, February 27 two counts, with taking a card from The Prosecutor said he is aware impose, and she is Dowers is for bail review. the possession of DaSilva without his that the defendant has the bounded to comply. accused of Armachi-Dowers, who has been consent between September 4 and 8 constitutional right to bail, but added But the defrauding her residing here for some eight years, and last year. that the virtual complainant also has Magistrate stressed employer. was employed as a Customs Broker The woman is additionally charged the right to proper investigation of the that this country’s with ‘Star Garage’, was remanded with stealing EC$1,200.37 and matter. shores are very porous, and remanded when she appeared in Court on EC$271.64 from DaSilva between “We do not intent to drag out the the woman for seven days pending bail Wednesday on four charges of fraud, September 4 and 8 last year. investigations”, he assured, but review. and two charges of theft. She was not required to plea to the reiterated emphatically, “We are Armachi-Dowers was reportedly The Ratho Mill resident has been indictable charges when she appeared asking that time be given to have the nabbed last Sunday morning at the charged on two counts, with intent to before Chief Magistrate Rechanne- matter properly investigated.” Argyle International Airport, as she defraud First Caribbean International Browne at the Serious Offences Court Armachi-Dowers’ lawyer Jamarlie attempted to leave the country. She Bank, obtained services by on Wednesday. John argued that the police were in had come here some eight years ago as representing without the consent of In objecting to bail, Senior possession of his client’s passport, and a medical student, THE VINCENTIAN Bertille DaSilva of Indian Bay that she Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told while she is not a Vincentian, certain understands. Thief penetrates MCMH security ÂScare DemÊ

by HAYDN HUGGINS up to February 2, around 3 a.m., quite a distance jailed for vicious then went to sleep. She awoke from where the A MAN WHO recently entered the sometime after 9 a.m. the same patient, whose Milton Cato Memorial Hospital day. phone was wounding (MCMH), proceeded to the Female However, when she checked for stolen, was FELLY ‘Scare Dem’ Warren, a Lowmans Leeward Surgical Ward, stole a cellular the phone, she did not see it. She warded. man who used a piece of glass from a broken bottle phone from a patient, then made inquiries on other patients Persons who to repeatedly and viciously slash a man who had vacated the MCMH undetected, on the ward, and of Hospital heard of the initially walked away from him, is into his fourth has left serious questions personnel, but nobody could give incident viewed day of a two and a half-year prison sentence. regarding security at the her any information regarding the the situation as Warren was charged with unlawfully and institution. missing phone. very serious. maliciously wounding Sion Hill resident Wesley The intruder, Atiba Phillips, A report was then made to the One man told Richards. 29, of Redemption Sharpes, was police, and an investigation was THE The incident had occurred at Sion Hill on May 12 arrested during an investigation launched, during which Phillips VINCENTIAN Atiba Phillips last year. led by Constable 987 Joroy Peters was arrested. He was searched that something will spend six Warren pleaded guilty to the charge at the of the Criminal Investigations and a cellular phone was found on much more months in jail Serious Offences Court on Monday, but Chief Department (CID). his person, matching the serious than the without a Magistrate Rechanne Browne adjourned sentencing Phillips was taken before Chief description of the one stolen from theft of a cellular phone. to the following day, to have the virtual Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the patient. phone could have complainant present, so that the issue of the Serious Offences Court on When cautioned and occurred. compensation could be addressed. Friday, February 15. He was interviewed, Phillips said he Speaking with THE However, when Warren returned to Court on sentenced to six months in prison, removed the cellular phone which VINCENTIAN on Monday, head Wednesday, Court Clerk Corporal David Wright after pleading guilty to stealing was lying on the floor near to a of the CID, Superintendent informed the Magistrate that Richards could not be the phone, a Samsung Galaxy S7, bed, on one of the female wards at Clauston Francis lauded the lead located. valued $1,500. the Hospital. investigator, PC Peters, for Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told the In presenting the facts, Court According to him, he had gone brilliant police work. Clerk, Corporal David Wright, to the institution to check a “I am happy that the matter Court that the injuries Richards sustained were too told the Court that the patient ‘partner’, on the Male Medical was quickly ventilated in the serious for Warren to get a “slap on the wrist”. was admitted to the Hospital on Ward. Court, and justice was served,” Delpleche recalled that in Warren’s explanation January 30. She used the phone Interestingly, that ward is Francis said. to the Court on Monday, he blamed alcohol for his action, but the prosecutor noted that Warren has a string of similar convictions. SVG records road fatality #2 The Magistrate also OWANI HAYNES, 26-year- registered in the highlighted the seriousness of old labourer of Roseau, Sion name of Hailey the injuries. She noted that, Hill, is this country’s second Anciant of Sion Hil. based on the medical report, road fatality for 2019. Haynes was one there was profuse bleeding, the His death is preceded by of five persons in wounds were very deep, had that of Luke Browne, 23 years the vehicle, the jagged edges, and were flushed old, who died some days after others being: Xarie Owani Haynes’ body (covered) lay close to the with bits of broken bottle. She he fell from a truck on Brereton, 26-year- vehicle in which he was a passenger. pointed out that Warren January 12, in Villa. old labourer of pursued and slashed Richards Haynes, though, died on Roseau, Sion Hill, Brereton, the accident. in his face repeatedly, after the the spot last Sunday, who was the driver Andrews and As is usually the case complainant had walked away February 17, when RL-163, a of RL—163; Elton Castllo received following incidents of this from him. blue Toyota Rav-4 in which he Andrews, 26-year- injuries and were, nature, there was much Browne said that Warren was a passenger, ran into PT- old labourer of Sion Owani Haynes up to Tuesday of speculation with respect to was entitled to one third 838, a yellow Mazda car Hill; PJ Castello, a died on the spot. this week, warded whether the vehicle was being discount on his sentence owned by Una Sayers of Cane 13-year-old student at the Milton Cato driven at an inordinately fast because he pleaded guilty, but Hall, which was parked on also of Roseau, Sion Hill; and Memorial Hospital. rate; whether it was road the Magistrate told him, the western side of the a fifth person, unknown, who Police confirmed that they worthy; and whether the “There is no mitigating factors Fountain public road. is said to have run away from are investigating the passengers had on their seat here,” before handing the The Rav-4, police said, is the scene of the accident. circumstances surrounding belts. penalty.(H.H) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 , 2019. 5. V Regional CDB not pleased with LIAT’s ‘progress’

Dr. Warren Smith, President of CDB, may just be accusing the Prime Ministers of the four major shareholder governments of LIAT, of dragging their feet.

Another recommendation was to widen the shareholding in LIAT so the (Top left clockwise) Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (Dominica), Mia Mottley (Barbados), Gaston Browne burden of funding the airline could be (Antigua/Barbuda) and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (St. Vincent /Grenadines) have to make some hard decisions. eased from the four major shareholders and allow those who benefit to pay their THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK The CDB-funded study looked at the them, and noted that, while he could not fair share. (CDB) funded a study of cash-strapped airline’s performance, its challenges and tell Government how to run its fiscal “… There are some countries in this regional airline LIAT. That study, which was some possible solutions and affairs, the tax was “an issue that has to region that get a tremendous amount of completed and presented to the opportunities, Smith said. be addressed.” LIAT flights and traffic, and they are not shareholder Governments of LIAT by mid- The study found a number of He called on Barbados, a major player paying their fair share… but again, that 2018, outlined the airline’s challenges and weaknesses within LIAT’s human in the regional aviation system, to lead is a political issue,” said Smith. opportunities, and put forward a series of resource functions, specifically low on this along with Antigua and Barbuda The CDB president, a career recommendations. productivity and performance. and some of the other countries that are economist, contended that all of the But CDB President Dr. Warren Smith It also found that the airline was so heavily dependent on LIAT. recommendations would “lead to an in an interview with Barbados TODAY encountering problems in transferring Smith added: “One of the other issues improvement in the overall performance earlier this month, had this to say, “… I passengers from one aircraft to their had to do with the type of manner in of the airline and hopefully also am disappointed that those connection. which LIAT operated as it related to the positively impact its financial recommendations have not been taken The most startling of the findings for schedule. At the present time, there is a performance”. on-board in the way in which we had him, Smith said, was that the airline significant amount of stopping and “We know that if we don’t have a good anticipated they would have,” as he used to transport somewhere in the starting up the island chain, and one of aviation system, one that is efficient and complained of very little progress to date region of 1.2 million people per year, but the recommendations was that LIAT effective, it is going to stymie potential on the restructuring effort. was only now carrying between should look now at moving toward a growth of those islands,” added Smith. Smith held out that “It is for them approximately 720,000 and 730,000 hub-and-spoke-type arrangement.” (Source: Barbados TODAY) (shareholders), in collaboration with the passengers. management of LIAT, to make the Smith said: “That is a massive drop. appropriate changes that can put the So I think we don’t need to be airline airline on a different footing.” people to appreciate the impact that has Barbados Minister of Tourism and on revenues, and the overheads are International Transport Kerrie what they are, they remain.” Symmonds told Barbados TODAY before Smith’s interview that the shareholders CDB Recommendations were awaiting a report from LIAT on its operations, in order for major changes to One of the recommendations coming be introduced. out the study was for there to be a LIAT’s major shareholder “dramatic reduction in the level of governments are Antigua and Barbuda, taxation”, which makes up almost half of Barbaos, Dominica and St. Vincent and the total airfare. the Grenadines. Citing Barbados as an example, Smith pointed to that country increasing The CDB Study its taxes last year instead of decreasing 6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V Diaspora Vincy is BermudaÊs Firefighter of the Year Stories by NELSON A. KING his mother-in-law, Joanne Elizabeth He said he wanted to “set a tone” for [email protected]; Rogers; and his brother-in-law, Jahdel his children. [email protected] Rogers. Lance Dale Haynes was born in the US CORRESPONDENT Ms. Haynes said her brother was Marriaqua Valley, to Velma Haynes surprised about the honour, stating and Harold King of Evesham, on May A VINCENTIAN, who has been a that he only found out, during the 15, 1978. firefighter for only 3 ½ years, has been ceremony, from Bermuda Fire Chief, He attended the elementary Cane honoured as “Firefighter of the Year” in Lloyd Burchall. End Government School, Marriaqua Bermuda. Nonetheless, Mr. Haynes told THE Secondary School, and the St. Vincent Lance Dale Haynes, 40, was VINCENTIAN that it was “an honor and the Grenadines Community bestowed the William Glasford being recognized” by his peers, stating College. Firefighter of the Year Award in late that he takes it seriously. On graduation from the Community January, according to Haynes’s sister, “It is good that people recognize the College, he worked for four years with Claudette Haynes, who trekked from hard work I do daily,” he said. “It’s a Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Brooklyn, New York to attend the very humbling experience as well. After he returned to St. Vincent and ceremony. “The honour came as a surprise, the Grenadines, Haynes worked as the The Award, according to Ms. and it was not my intention to be Operations Manager of Nature Care Haynes, is named in honour of awarded,” he added. “I believe in doing Horticultural Business. Williams Glasford, an outstanding my best. In 2008, he migrated to New York firefighter in Bermuda who died in “You need to know your job, and you and pursued Informational Technology 1997. also need to take time to learn your job (IT) courses. Her brother is the 5th awardee. and make sure you are effective at After getting married in New York Speaking of the accolade bestowed what you do,” he added. “Each day in August 2013, Haynes travelled to on her brother, Ms. Haynes told THE you come to work, you try to learn Bermuda to join his wife in October of VINCENTIAN, “It was a feather in something new — whether you have 20 that year. our cap; it was very special. I am years in the service or two years.” Haynes said the award will further proud of his achievement as a Haynes said his thirst for spur him “to keep doing” his best, Vincentian.” knowledge helped him to complete adding that his appetite for learning Also present at the ceremony were, several courses, including the has helped him to do his job Vincentian born fire fighter Lance among other family members and promotion exam for sergeant. effectively. Dale Haynes displays his Fireman of friends, Mr. Haynes’s wife, Kevonne; the Year plaque. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 , 2019. 7. V News

The press conference head table (from left), TGHF Chairman David Williams, Director of the Alliance Francaise Vanessa Demirciyan, Dance Officer Maxine Browne, Senior Curriculum Development Officer Aldia Dyer, and Head of UWI School of Continuing Studies Debra Dalrymple. Garifuna Heritage Month programme launched MAXINE BROWNE, a Dance Officer in the Alliance Francaise. She is inviting Ministry of Culture, sees the Garifuna persons with documents, heritage as an avenue through which documentaries, artworks, books, students can broaden their horizon. collections and matters associated to Browne aired her views at a press the Garifuna story to contact the conference hosted by The Garifuna Heritage Foundation. Heritage Foundation (TGHF) last The exhibition will run for two Tuesday to launch Garifuna Heritage days, and has as its theme: ‘From Month — March 2019. Orinoco to exile’. This year’s Heritage Month Deborah Dalrymple, Head of the programme heightens with a parade UWI School of Continuing Studies, from Bishop’s College to Victoria Park, Friday, March 8, for what will be the reiterated her institution’s attachment 5th Garifuna Folk Festival, themed, to the Garifuna activities, and ‘Children of Chatoyer; Fruits of our emphasised the university’s role as Heritage’. catering to the region. Incentives include prizes for the She stressed the importance of the largest group, most organised group, Garifuna culture, and especially and best use of Garifuna colours, commended the focus on youth and outstanding song, dance, chorale tourism in this year’s International speech and costume. Garifuna Conference. Each school will highlight an aspect That Conference, the 6th, observed of the performing arts with emphasis under the theme, ‘Exploring the on Garifuna Heritage. Garifuna and Kalinago Heritage and Events marking Garifuna Heritage Culture — Cultural survival, Youth Month actually kick off with and Opportunities in Heritage “Windward meets Kingstown” Cassava Tourism’, takes place at the National Food Competition for Secondary Insurance Services Conference Room Schools. This will be at the Kingstown March 12 and 13, preceded by an Technical Institute, Wednesday, opening ceremony at Frenches House March 6. from 9 on the first morning. Aldia Dyer, Senior Curriculum Tourism Consultant Vera Ann Development Officer in the Education Brereton will be the Feature Speaker Ministry, described this activity as offering students alternative ways of at the opening. connecting with their past. The activities continue with a Participants stand the chance of Garifuna Fashion Show and Tea Party receiving rewards for their efforts, carded for St. Vincent Girls High although Dyer made it plain that it School, Saturday, March 16. was not a competition. Browne, coordinator of this Activities intensify March 11 with segment, dubbed it the “Yellow, Black the opening of the Exhibition of and White, a Fashion Explosion.” Indigenous Craft, Art and Artefacts at Students will portray an outfit from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines one of casual, evening or cultural National Trust, otherwise referred to wear. as the Old Public Library. The focus continues April 5 with the Vanessa Demirciyan is an staging of a play entitled: Mali. That Anthropologist, Independent will be repeated at the Peace Researcher and Director of the Memorial Hall Saturday 6 and 7. 8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. 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 Picong or Insult Once upon a time, we indulged in some leaning. light comical banter, usually at someone To label your people ‘chatting else’s expense, under the cool of some nabobs’, ‘internet crazies’, ‘untutored’, My sister Ena has gone tree centrally located in our community, ‘dirty dogs’, ‘conveyors of half-truths MY SISTER ENA DA I was at the age within the ‘deaf walls’ of a popular rum and falsehoods’, ‘dog walkers’, ‘that a SILVA died in London, when young men, shop, on the block especially where the black man (Arhnim Eustace) would not England about three beside their studies, young ‘hung out’, on the stage provided be seen in the dark’, none of these months after the death took an abiding for a variety concert. references is picong. Each is a of her husband John interest in sport, Soon, these episodes of light comical downright insult … nothing more, Sonny Da Silva, with whom she had “liming” and girls. Ena contributed banter became a highly valued nothing less! lived in marriage for some sixty-two much in all departments. My sister expression in our culture, finding a But worse is the fact that what has years. There could be no better in fact led me to a sixteen-year-old home in our kaiso and our kaiso tents. passed off as picong here, has been indication of their oneness, girl to whom I am married for fifty- We called it picong. embraced by fellow Caribbean togetherness, and love for each other. seven years and continuing. And in To picong then was to tease, heckle nationals and used to dastardly effect After sixty-two years of bliss, during gratitude, I helped to create the and seemingly make fun of another right here in our own land. which they produced three adoring “tender trap” of her own sixty-two- person/kaisonian, in a friendly manner. How can we forget the less than children Beverly, John and Robin, year bond that has just petered out. Kaiso, when the ‘act’ was over, to a becoming reference made by Dr. Kenny simply could not bear any separation We were devout Anglicans who friendly drink at the nearest bar/rum Anthony, a two-time Prime Minister of but virtually bow out triumphantly, attended church regularly on shop. our neightbour St. Lucia, who found it together. Sundays, with a sort of preparatory The people understood that there fitting, and to resounding approval by Ena came from a family of devotion at which my mother played existed a thin line between humour kit and kin at a Unity Labour Party Caribbean stock descended from the an accordion, my brother a violin and insult, and respected the rally, to declare that Arnhim Eustace proud Calinago people, and lived in and Ena on piano. exponents of the art form, for they was a ‘cocobay’ .. a lizard of no repute the beautiful island of St. Vincent. When the last two children, Rita were always mindful not to cross the and usefulness? Picong or insult? There were ten of us, seven girls and and myself attended secondary line, and adjusted to suit the line that Not a word of rebuke, for we had set three boys, of which I am the last. school, Ena, who then worked late was constantly shifting. the standard for ALL to follow with I was spoilt rotten by the love of during the Christmas season and It is the awareness of that line that impunity. all my sisters owing partly to hard some girls who lived next door to the made picong that valued expression of Then there is the case of the legal economic circumstances - half of the Post Office, simply thought it would our culture. luminary Anthony Astaphan who has family had migrated to Trinidad by be a nice thing to offer some goodies Yes, picong is part of our culture, enjoyed a bounty of service from our 1945, when I was seven years old. By to the late-night workers to keep up but have those who today make use of state coffers, and who on more than that last time, Ena, the sixth, had their spirits. One of these girls was it (or say that they do) crossed that one occasion has cast aspersion on the worked in the Civil Service with the Jennie Gabriel who grew closer to sacred line? Have those who indulged worth of our people — the tax payers princely salary of thirty dollars a Ena who then invited her to visit our in what they would want us to accept who fill the coffers from which he month, and chipped in with trying to home in Bottom Town. The rest is as light comical banter, shifted the line sucks. satisfy our every need. For example, history. She came, she saw and was to suit themselves rather than shift to First, he questioned with a tone and she bought for Rita and me an old conquered. Jennie wrapped it all up suit the line? sense of ridicule and intellectual bicycle wherewith we took turns in by sending me a sympathy card on Gone are the days when we lived the superiority, whether a group of our riding to and from school. She also the death of my father whom I loved art form. We have abdicated our citizens had the intellect, the paid for my learning to type at Mrs. very much. Iris Mc. Kie . Just at that time, June 1953, valued cultural expression to those who wherewithal to follow with any I recall that I was given to Sonny Da Silva was going great guns wield tongues of ‘Oxfordian English’ understanding the proceedings of a voracious reading, and approached cleaning up the wickets of the isles and wave qualifications hitherto court matter. How insulting!! my mother to explain what the and places roundabout, the “trap” unknown. More recently, the Senior Counsel strange word “Romance” meant, and tightened and was closed with the Politicians and lawyers, and/or a made disparaging comment and she referred me to Ena who promptly couple’s marriage in 1956, minutes combination of both, have today gesture about the hairstyle and general proceeded to pat my cheeks, and after Sonny had humiliated a become primary exponents of the art persona of a male witness in the ended it all with a gently Trinidad side. form we know as picong. If we are to Elections Petition matter. administered kiss, and told me, Then it was life in London for both say that they have been saucy and/or He was heard to apologise to the “That is what Romance means”. parties and family, until a few witty, even creative, is to say that they court, but only after the counsel for the The real thing was left for Milton months ago. are fulfilling the legacy of the tradition, petitioner rose to register his disdain Tim, who gave Ena her first son So, it is Ay revoir from the three and therefore fulfilling the for Astaphan’s behaviour. Trevor, who later joined the family surviving siblings survivors: the responsibility to give cultural value to We have set the conditions, the in England, but unfortunately died matriarch Elsie 96 years old living in the expression. parameters that encourage this years ago. New York, Rita, 94, who lived with Sadly, the political heckle that we barrage of insults on us. As I became a teenager, Ena, who Ena in London during her nursing are made to ‘lap up’, that cause us to We must demand from locals as well worked at the General Post Office, training days, and me, the baby of ‘roll over in laughter’, that we should as non-nationals who come to our would bring home some work like the family at 80; cousin Mavis Maule forget the next day, we instead carry shores, public apologies for the insults balancing books which she passed and sister-in-law Mable Kirby. well into the future and in the process, they have leveled at our people, and over to me, paying a reasonable sum Old folks have asked to be cross that sacred line between humour who do so ;mistakenly in the name of for the service. Later on, she helped remembered: Lawrence “Doppie” and insult. picong. pave the way for Post Master Mr. P Dopwell ex post officer, Yvonne Today, much of what we embrace as The line has been crossed between O’neil Crichton to employ me to help Gally, an old neighbour Pearl picong is dished out by our leaders humour and insult, and those who with the Christmas rush at 36 cents Waldron-Dublin, Clifton “Harvey” (prime minister included), leading legal have crossed the line must be told they an hour, which came in handy for Antrobus and Stephanie Clarke. luminaries and even men of religious have done so and made to apologise. the season. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. 9. V Letters Putting Luke out to pasture Valentine’s Day LIKE SOME MINISTERS of that things at the rest of the ULP term in Perhaps before he MR. EDITOR, Valentine’s Day 2019 has come and government really not on Hospital are in the pink office grazing in that puts his foot in his gone, but I would be grateful if you would allow me top of what is happening of shape… every bed has pasture if I had anything mouth again, the PM some space to share an insight on this day, so that in their ministries or they a sheet and we have all to do with it. could consider it can help to inform our people for the future. just playing politics. Then the drugs we need, if you Here is a young man ‘transferring him. Then From all accounts, Valentine’s Day has become again, they must be really know what I mean.. who I thought had a gain, who knows, one of the most popular holidays in the Christian dumb or think that we Ah mean, how could a bright future with perhaps the PM might world, thanks to the power of commercialism. It is, dumber. young man like Luke try something to offer, but of prefer having him some reports say, second only to Christmas in Take Luke Browne for to get that tetanus thing late, I am having second grazing in the pasture. terms of how much is spent in celebration of the example - he is past us? Look how Bing thoughts. I gone. day. We have got caught up in the frenzy just like downright wrong about put him out to pasture. Can you blame me, the rest of the world. things happening in the He will have to spend the Luke? Thomas, East Kingstown But as a Christian society we need to ask ourselves: What does God think about Valentine’s health service, but Day? instead of admitting it Before I get to answering that more directly, let and seeking the support Humility should rule our lives me say Valentine’s Day has pagan roots. A quick of people, he pampasets look at any encyclopedia or history book will tell and denies what “HUMILITY is a good less.” Phil. 2:3. instruction on what to do virtue, humility is We the people of this about each. Real you that Valentine’s Day is an ancient Roman everybody else know is festival. right. Is only he believes nothing less of ourselves, nation of St. Vincent and humility makes us not it is thinking of yourself the Grenadines must self-depreciating but Even though we celebrate it on February 14, we recognize that God is truthful. Jesus praised take the lead from an ancient festival known everywhere. Sometimes the poor in spirit as Lupercalia which was celebrated every Some common English it hurts when listening “Literally and destitute”, February 15. The festival was not celebrated to to grown men and and David expresses honour God but to honour pagan gods like women speaking in such people’s humble Lupercus, god of fertility, Juno, goddess of marriage Language errors places where respect attitude in Psalm 39:4-6 and women, and Pan, god of nature. should be given to the where he says, “Lord, To put it simply, Valentine’s Day is about I MUST thank the editor for the space allowed me nation. make me to know my paganism and God commands that we, His people, over these last three weeks. I hope that what I I think that many end, and what is the stay away from it. had to offer was of some assistance to those who have lost their way in measure of my days; that Now here is God’s word as contained in the took the time to read it, those with whom they parliament. We should I may know how frail I Bible: “When the Lord your God cuts off from shared the information. recognize the full range am. Indeed, you have before you the nations which you go to dispossess, I bring this sharing to an end by highlighting of our strengths and made my days as an and you displace them and dwell in their land, take the following errors in the use of our written and weaknesses, successes hand-breadth; and my heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow oral English: and failures, and receive age is as nothing before them, after they are destroyed from before you, * The plural of son-in-law is sons-in-law, and thee. Certainly, every and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, the same holds good for mothers-in-law, sisters- man at his best state is ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will in-law, brothers-in-law, etc. but vapour. Surely every do likewise. * The same rule is applied to attorney-at-law, man walks about like a “You shall NOT worship the Lord your God in the plural form of which is attorneys-at-law. shadow: surely, they that way; for every abomination to the Lord which * It is wise also to note that the plural form of busy themselves in vain: He hates, they have done to their gods; for they Attorney General is Attorneys General, but the he heapeth up riches, burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to plural of Attorney-General, the hyphenated form and does not know who their gods. Whatever I command you, be careful to used in certain British circles, is Attorney- * On behalf of a will gather them”. observe it; you shall NOT add to it nor take away Generals. pensioner, ‘How The prophet Micah from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32). * The adjective different is usually followed by come NIS pensions said that humility is one ‘from’ when the expression is followed by a noun never increase? of three essential virtues James King or a pronoun, as in the cases of: Noun: ‘These Can’t we take some that should rule our shirts are different from the ones I bought last of the surplus lives. He has shown us year. Pronoun: His car is different from mine.. money and put what is food and what And the people * You’ll need to use different than, however, towards increasing the Lord requires of us when you want to follow the expression not with a the pensions rather only to do justly, to love noun but with a clause.. Thus, you would say: than spending it on mercifully and to walk wondered! This experience was different than he thought it buying real estate humble with God or not would be. My birthday this year was different that just props up or at all. Humility affects THE PEOPLE in a little village somewhere than what it was last year. bails out the three key areas of our learned how to select persons who said that they * And as far as what you ‘prefer’, it is never government?’ everyday lives; our will like to do things on their behalf, and for followed by ‘than’ but by the preposition ‘to, e.g. * Who is the circumstances, our which the people rewarded them. To make it fair, Correct: ‘I prefer coffee to tea. Incorrect: I prefer chairperson of the nature in managing with the people agreed to use some marked cards. coffee than tea. restorative original sin and how we Whoever got the most cards marked with his * Last but by far not least, here’s one which I committee or see ourselves. name will serve the people. have heard a little too often. It is important to building committee Jerry, Tom and Verden decided to have a go at remember when you’re using the word “comprise” of the St. George’s Bishop Ezekiel Creese this thing. On a particular day, the people marked that the item that is the whole shebang comes Cathedral? Faith Word Ministries the cards with the names of Jerry, Tom or Verden. first in the sentence; second comes the items that * How many Some people who were asked to count the cards are its parts. For example, it is correct to say, “A international said that Jerry got the most cards with his name full pack of cards comprises 52 cards.” The pack matches have been on them as marked by the people. Therefore, Jerry is the whole shebang, so it come first in the played at Arnos Vale was the peoples’ choice. Tom and Verden did not sentence. It would be incorrect to say, “Fifty-two since we spent those think so, based on what they heard some of the cards comprise a full pack.” I must admit, millions of dollars people were saying. Tom said, “Let us see the though, the use of the phrase ‘is comprise of’ is for warm-up cards to verify if what you are saying is true”. The being used much more than it was years ago. matches for the counters refused, and the people wondered! * Then, there is the question of ‘going back’ to 2007 World Cup? Tom appealed to a council of wise and fair- something and/or someplace. One cannot ‘revert * Is there somebody minded people in the village; people who could back’ since the prefix ‘re’ already carries a out there who could read between the lines. But the council did not meaning of ‘back’ or ‘backwards’. Similarly, one tell me the exact agree for the cards to be exposed for other people cannot ‘reverse back’ or ‘return back’ In short, number of lawyers to see if indeed, Jerry did get the most cards the word back should never follow words that involved in the marked with his name. And the people wondered! begin with the prefix re, since that already Election Petitions Could it be that we have become so blinded by denotes going back. matter? Could our own brilliance and deafened by our own I’ll take my leave now, but with the kind somebody tell me in rhetoric, that we no longer see or hear the permission of the editor, I will revisit this area of all honesty how reasonableness or fairness of a thing! Some people concern in the future. much it cost to are still wondering! contract those Retiree – Arnos Vale lawyers? Philmore Isaacs 10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Solid progress continues amidst challenges The Ottley Hall Marina Excerpts from the 2019 Budget address: Part Three (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Budget presentation) Tourism THE FINANCE MINISTER stated that this AS A CARIBBEAN country – particularly Budget rests on “10 principles for jobs, one so geographically blessed, one so growth and transformative sustainable Going forward, the next challenge to imbued with cultural and historical riches, development.” Among the 10 principles, in the Caribbean. Those were his overcome in the growth of our tourism and so populated with a warm and sentiments. He was no doubt referring sector and the increase in international he included the following: “diversifying welcoming population – Saint Vincent and to the covered dry dock which makes traffic to the AIA is the dearth of the bases of economic growth” and the Grenadines comes to mass tourism the shipyard unique in the Caribbean. adequate hotel room stock. Simply put, “supporting job creation.” Then he lists relatively late. By almost any measure – So, why does the government not we need more rooms to get more people. ten “significant government” and five length of time with an international As such, a major developmental priority private projects that he says will recognize this and act accordingly? airport, number of hotel rooms, presence over the next two to five years is Right now, the dry dock is not of major hotel brands, number of cruise exemplify those principles. facilitating a rapid acceleration in the functioning. Why is that so? The ship berths, etcetera – we have lagged The point I wish to make, is that construction of high quality guest Prime Minister answered my question behind our neighbours and competitors, once again, this government has no accommodation in Saint Vincent and in Parliament last week. He said the (with the possible exception of our place for the Ottley Hall Ship yard in the Grenadines. yachting subsector). The reasons for this its plans for the economy. When the dock gate had been removed for Already, the private sector is doing belated commitment to the potential of repair, and that was why the workers impressive work in expanding and Ottley Hall project was conceived, it mass tourism are numerous, but are were redundant. But that the gate enhancing our room stock. New hotels, was intended to create modern jobs rooted, in the main, in challenges related would be fixed by February 15, and like The Liming in Bequia, opened in and to diversify the bases of economic to access. Lacking an international work will resume. I visited Ottley Hall 2018, while others, like Hotel growth. The very things the Minister airport, and located farther south in the to see for myself. The gate is massive. Alexandrina and Beachcombers are is said to be pursuing in this Budget. island chain than any other nation with a expanding their existing room stock. Yet, there is a deafening silence on It must have been very difficult to get similar impediment, it was more difficult, Other south-coast hotel developments it out of the water and onto the dock more time-consuming and more expensive the project. are imminent. The Mandarin Oriental concrete yard, and credit to the for tourists to get in and out of Saint Every time I think about the Ottley in Canouan enjoyed its first full year of operator for doing so. But there is a Vincent and the Grenadines. Hall shipyard, I conclude that the operation, while the refurbishment of government is failing this country. For lot of work to be done on it. There is The Government of Saint Vincent the Tamarind Beach Hotel is underway, no way that gate will be repaired by and the Grenadines, in partnership with years, under this government, the and plans are being completed for the February 15 or March 15. our hospitality sector, is in the process construction of a luxury Aman Hotel shipyard has been left to rust and rot. of radically transforming the Vincentian Why has nothing been done by the Meanwhile, over thirty workers are resort in the north of that island. idle. No money for them. I wonder tourism sector with a variety of Over US$500 million has been spent government to make it work? It initiatives. These initiatives are already wasn’t always so; when they first what their union, the National by developers in Canouan over the last Workers Movement, is doing for them. bearing fruit. Last year, preliminary 12 or so years, and the ongoing came to office, it was not so. Back numbers indicate that we welcomed construction has employed, at peak, then, it was Ottley Hall this and The main business at Ottley Hall now over 52,000 more visitors than we did in some 1,000 Vincentians. The island will seems to be the cutting up of scrap 2017, a 17.3% increase. Stay-over Ottley that! You could not get them soon join Mustique among the most to shut up about Ottley Hall. When metal and selling it abroad. I am told arrivals were up 4.6%. Yacht arrivals exclusive and sought-after vacation that the company that leases the rose 10.7%. And cruise ship arrivals they were talking about the Ottley destinations in the world. Hall project to lambast Sir James facility has the right to do so under its increased a whopping 25% to 218,000 — Construction of the Black Sands lease. But, Ottley Hall is not a scrap the largest number of cruise arrivals in Mitchell and the NDP, you could not Resort — a 40-villa development with an yard; it was built to be a shipyard. It our history. additional 200-room resort hotel — is get a break from them. They wanted to prove that Mitchell makes me angry to see that the The AIA underway at Peter’s Hope. The facility is being neglected by the Buccament Bay Resort, for years a and the NDP were corrupt. Well, the NDP government had the idea to government. They will say oh we magnet for British tourism in our have leased it, what more you want us The game-changing construction of country, has emerged from the limbo of develop the marina and shipyard the world-class Argyle International receivership and now finally has new because they wanted to promote to do? Well, we heard last week that Airport (AIA) is the cornerstone of the ownership. The Bankruptcy Trustee’s the lessee is in arrears on the rent. Government’s thrust to capitalise on our development in the country. We can prolonged search for appropriate all accept that the financing It is time for a full assessment of country’s vast tourism potential. 2018 investors for Buccament Bay, has the project, to see what is needed to marked the first full year of operation of arrangements went wrong and we pleasingly found success in an paid a price for it. bring it to its full potential. The AIA. And what a year it has been. The investment group led by Vincentians AIA welcomed 99 direct, round-trip The ULP rode to power on the back fundamental problem with Ottley Hall who are familiar with our tourism is simply this: The PM and the ULP flights from Toronto, New York and product and our aspiration to become a of Ottley Hall, and one of the first Miami, carrying a total of roughly things they did, was to set up the want to destroy the legacy of the first-class destination. NDP. Having said so many bad things 14,500 passengers each way. Those Less noticeable, but no less infamous Ottley Hall Inquiry, not to direct flights from various North find out what went wrong with the about it, they cannot bear to see it significant, is the explosion of succeed. How else can we understand American cities have been indispensible Vincentian entrepreneurs who are financing of the project, but to to the 4.6% increase in visitor air constructing and listing individual small investigate what the terms of the years of utter neglect of it under arrivals last year. The naysayers, the properties on online marketplaces like reference said was the “failed” Ottley this government? So much so, that it prophets of doom, and the political Airbnb. Today, over 300 listings, does not ever factor into their plans opportunists have been proven Hall Project. They had already representing over 600 bedrooms across concluded that the project had failed, for the development and irrevocably, embarrassingly wrong. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, are diversification of the economy. Ottley Even in its infancy, the AIA is an even before the project was completed offered on Airbnb. Two weeks ago, our or the commission of inquiry had Hall is not only an NDP legacy; it is a unqualified success in laying the Tourism Authority commenced foundations for the future of Vincentian started its deliberations. legacy of the people of SVG. It negotiations with Airbnb on a belongs to the people and they expect tourism: International visitors can and Memorandum of Understanding to, will come directly to Saint Vincent and The Inquiry is now history their government, however among other things, ensure that these constituted, would govern not out of the Grenadines, and our infrastructure providers pay their fair share of fees is now more than up to the task of and taxes. The government spent millions on spite and pettiness, but in the interest receiving those visitors in style and As indicated in the 2018 Budget it, and it found nothing. But the ULP of the people of SVG. Ottley Hall has comfort. Address, the Government can and must got what they were after: political so much to offer this country, even Regionally, air travel in and out of play a role in accelerating the increase now. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is power! Then what? There has been no in hotel room stock, and in establishing serious interest on the part of the The facility can be an excellent now markedly more reliable because of the identity of Saint Vincent and the training place for students from the the in-built advantages of AIA versus government in making the project Grenadines’ mass tourism product. One work. And it can work, if the will is technical college and other TVET our former airport. In 2019, we shall of the advantages of our comparatively add more flights, from more airlines and there to make it succeed. Anybody programs. Then it can offer well- late arrival to mass tourism is the paying jobs to our young people. The more destinations. Discussions are well ability to adopt best practices and avoid with any knowledge of boats and advanced with additional carriers that shipyards will tell you so. Minister says he is doing so much for the pitfalls of some of our neighbours young people. Well, you are letting will expand the growing reach and scope who have longer experience in this In fact, recently I was with a of the AIA. sector. For example, we recognise that gathering of friends in Bequia, and them down here. Additionally, work will begin in 2019 the relationship between visitor arrivals someone raised the question with me. Sadly, I have concluded that Ottley on a high-end Fixed Based Operator and and economic growth can be tenuous, if “What’s happening with Ottley Hall?” Hall cannot succeed under the ULP VIP lounge for private travelers. As the Government does not implement government. They will not allow it to proud as we are of the results of its first he asked. I was pleasantly surprised policies to ensure the participation of that he had raised the matter. So, I fly. As someone who knows the full year of operations, the AIA’s best local businesses and providers in the project well recently put it: The setup years are undoubtedly still ahead of us. said “I don’t know. You tell me.” And tourism value chain. he responded that it is a “damn they have down at Ottley Hall right More Hotel Rooms now is designed to fail. Sad but true. To be continued….. shame” because it is the best shipyard THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. 11. V Views The Woe and the Weal Venezuela: US Playbook of crime FRUSTRATION ALWAYS OVERCOMES ME “Unless you have bad times, you can’t when people, who are for the most part appreciate the good times.” Joseph sensible, logical and rational, get taken for Paul Torre (born 1940) - American a ride by the establishment media. In fact, professional baseball executive, the current ‘snow job’ being done on Venezuela by the mass media, reminded serving in the capacity of Major me of the wise saying by Malcolm X ‘if you League Baseball’s chief baseball possible to invest significant amount are not extremely careful, the media will Albright: I think this is a very hard officer since 2011. A former player, cause you to hate your friends and love choice, but the price—we think the price of energy, time, and money in a manager and television commentator. your enemies.’ is worth it. relationship or an investment that The media tells us that the elected It’s worth noting that on 60 Minutes, fails. In business, and in personal Albright made no attempt to deny the SOME READERS MAY QUESTION the President of Venezuela is a dictator relationships, we must be prepared responsible for the ‘humanitarian’ crisis figure given by Stahl—a rough rendering accuracy of the quotation that was used of the preliminary estimate in a 1995 for the good times as well as the bad. in his country. The media also tells us to introduce this essay. Understandably, that Juan Guaido, who never ran for U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization we could argue that we do not have to We must be mentally and emotionally president of Venezuela, is the ‘interim (FAO) report that 567,000 Iraqi children under the age of five had died as a go through bad times to appreciate prepared for better and for worse; for president’ who will save Venezuela from good times and for bad times too. disaster. result of the sanctions. In August 1999, good times. After all, we could see the Britain confiscated more than a US UNICEF came out with the first bad times that are played out in the This is the dicot of life; both sides of a authoritative report, based on a survey single coin. This is the reality of life. 1 billion, while the US government lives of those around us, and be thankful impounded much more, and has even of 24,000 households, suggesting that the total “excess” deaths of children that we are in a better position than And as painful as it may seem, this turned some of this money over to the lends balance to life. An treasonous, coup plotting, illegal under 5 was about 500,000. These they are. However, be that as it may, we people are the real criminals. They have understanding and appreciation of ‘interim president.’ all have experiences that will qualify to Because of the seizure of Venezuelan a case to answer at the International be placed in both categories – bad this reality helps us to better cope Criminal Court and not president state assets, the refusal of the rich and Maduro. times and good times. Comparing these with the woes and the weals of life. powerful nation’s and institutions to The essay that appeared in the The same policy of economic bad and good times (the valley offer letters of credit as well as the aggression was witnessed in the occurrences as well as the mountain top Daily Bread Devotional referred to tough, illegal sanctions imposed by the American crime plan to overthrow the 2003 infestation of the Mormon US and others, Venezuela is Salvador Allende in Chile. Allende, who experiences) often help us to put life increasingly unable to buy necessary into perspective. It is usually at times cricket in a section of the farmlands was elected in 1970, was overthrowned products such as food and medicine, as in a military coup on September 11, like these, when we do the comparisons, in the United States of America. The well as make vital investment in its writer noted that the invasion of these 1973. Jack Devine, a junior CIA that we realize that we still have so crucial oil industry. operative stationed in Chile during much to be thankful for. We reflect on grasshopper-like insects resulted in A combination of these measures, Allende’s presidency, told Foreign US$25 million in lost crops. Although intended to make the Venezuelan Affairs Magazine in 2014: the fact that even though we may have ‘economy scream’ and to destroy the experienced loss, we still have so much relatively small, 2 inches long, ‘Two days after Allende’s appearing in large numbers can leave popular base of support for the inauguration, the Nixon Administration left. revolution among the people, has developed a plan to make economic Recent reading of the Daily Bread a trail of devastation. However, created a ‘humanitarian crisis’ similar success as difficult as possible for the Devotional introduced me to the word within a few years, the farming to what we have seen before. But we fail Allende regime. They consist of efforts communities that were shattered to pay attention. to ensure that other Latin American “weal” (benefits). The article in the We join Jim Kavanaugh of Counter governments knew how strongly the US devotional booklet referred to a then, were able to rebound. Many readers may recall the 1988 Punch in making this bold, but truthful opposed the Allende government and to passage in the Old Testament book of claim: ‘encourage’ them to adopt a similar the bible that many Christians have fire that destroyed approximately 'Is there a desperate economic posture; to ‘coordinate efforts’ with those 800,000 acres of the Yellowstone Park memorized, as efforts are made to situation and tremendous human other Latin American governments to in Wyoming, United States of suffering in Venezuela? You bet there is! oppose action by the Allende retain a positive outlook on life after a America. That fire was the largest How could there not be, when the U.S., government; to exclude, terminat[e], tragic experience. The passage is reduce, and limit economic aid to Chile wildfire in the recorded history of the the most powerful economic force in the taken from Joel 2:20-27 and refers to world, in alliance with Venezuelan in all forms (credit, ‘financial park. Approximately 36% of the park the restoration that is possible when oligarchy and private capital, which still assistance,) both from the US and was gutted by the fire. The fire, international sources; and to advise US faith is placed in our all-powerful and controls 70% of the economy (And which began in June, lasted through increasing. So much for Venezuela being firms with interests in Chile that the providing God. The extract describes to November of that year. That was a “socialist”!), has been waging full- US would bring pressure on the Allende the wanton destruction that can occur spectrum economic warfare and social regime.’ woeful time for many nature lovers when pests such as locusts invade sabotage against the country for almost Peter Kornbluh, who studied the and concerned citizens around the Allende period, also told Foreign Affairs: farmland. They can utterly destroy twenty years.' world. However, video footage taken The unsuspecting may dismiss this ‘Nixon demanded that the US dump the crops. However, even after such several years later confirmed that the claim as the wild mutterings of a portion of its copper holdings, ‘to destruction, it is possible for quickly undermine the world price of areas that were devastated by the unrepentant radicals. But wait, you may restoration to take place. We can be more persuaded if you were to hear copper, Chile’s main exports. The White conflagration had been reforested. House refused to give instructions to the rebound. We can recover. There can the words of William Brownfield, former The dark grey carpet of ash that had US Ambassador to Venezuela, who in US representative in the IDB regarding be renewal. We can therefore be covered the forest floor had been the US vote for loans to Chile, pressing for more sanctions on indefinitely stalling the loan process. encouraged, knowing that even when replaced by various shades of green Venezuela, dispensed with the standard we face massive loss of finance, body The Eximbank continued to give Chile a vegetation. Birds and animals had ‘humanitarian’ cover that US officials credit rating of ‘D,’ which reduced function, relationships, and so on, it is also returned and were flourishing. have offered for them. On February 10, Chile’s chance of receiving loans from Brownfield said: possible for us to cope and, in some The woe was replaced by the weal! private US sources. Administration cases, recoup. ‘And if we can do something that will officials also sought to isolate Chile from These examples, the lessons from bring that end quicker, we probably Farmers know what it is like to its Latin American neighbours, and nature and from life, remind us that should do it, but we should do it ‘considered trying to expel Chile…from experience losses. It can be very the destructions/devastations of today understanding that it’s going to have an the OAS.’ frustrating and disheartening when a can be a forerunner to multiple impact on millions and millions of Peter Kornbluh contends that the people who are already having great farmer cares for animals and/or crops, blessings tomorrow. There is good Nixon Administration’s policy of and then fall prey to losses due to difficulty finding enough to eat, getting economic strangulation destroyed the reason to hope. The canker worms, themselves cured when they get sick, or Chilean economy, destabilizing the theft, accident, or disease. This is the locusts, the Mormon crickets, and finding clothes to put on their children country politically as well. In 1974 — the especially so when the animals or the fires of life, may seem to utterly before they go off to school. We don’t get New York Times admitted that the crops are just right for marketing. destroy … but while there is life there to do this and pretend as though it has CIA created the misery, making it no impact there. We have to make the impossible for Allende to govern so that They also know how devastating it is is good reason to hope. Financial to be at the mercy of the weather. hard decision–the desired outcome a US puppet could be installed. The disaster, broken relationships, tragic justifies this fairly severe punishment.’ same criminal play book is being used The scarcity of water can often signal accidents, diseases, and so many And if you are not convinced of the against Venezuela. ruin. Surplus water and flooding, on other circumstances of life may lengths to which these high officials of Clearly, what the U.S is doing to the other hand, can be equally appear to have the upper hand for a major governments will go to bring to Venezuela is a criminal aggression that destructive. However, the farmers their knees governments they despise, no longer has any place in the world. moment. They may exert a Maduro correctly asserts that the aid is press on … and we benefit from their we offer an excerpt from 60 Minutes, tremendous amount of woe. But, with the popular CBS news magazine cover for a military invasion. Everyone persistence. They know that it is God’s help, we can anticipate the program of May 12, 1996: with any anti-colonial credibility must possible to go through the woes of abundance generated by the recovery Lesley Stahl on U.S. sanctions unhesitatingly and unequivocally farming to experience the weal of and bask in the glory of the weal. against Iraq: We have heard that a half identify and denounce this action for million children have died. I mean, what it is, and do whatever they can to harvest. put a stop to it. Life, too, can reflect the scenario that’s more children than died in Send comments, criticisms & Hiroshima. And, you know, is the price presented in the previous paragraph. suggestions to worth it? Send comments, criticisms & We have our ups and our downs. It is [email protected] Then Secretary of State Madeleine suggestions to [email protected] 12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V Views 36 million more in taxes imposed upon Vincentians Policy and Budgeting from Bradford University, England, and an MBA The ULP regime is set to squeeze 36 from Leicester University, England. and around our country. VAT has In today’s world, competent Ivan O’Neal is better suited to million dollars more in taxes out of decimated the rural economy and financial management of public Vincentians in 2019, than they did in manage the SVG public accounts and caused many businesses to cut jobs or finances is critical for the economic create a strong and sustainable 2018. Life is going to get even tougher close down. VAT has caused thousands and financial success of any country. for our people. economy. of job losses. The only way to make the SVG Squeezing 568 million dollars in The table shows that in 2018, the Increasing tax when the SVG economy strong and create sustainable taxes out of Vincentians in 2019 will ULP regime extracted over 532 million economy is so weak is a backward jobs for our people, is to elect a have a devastating impact on dollars in taxes from our people. Not step. It illustrates the incompetence of government that can create businesses, many of which are content with this already very high the ULP regime in managing the sustainable streams of revenue and experiencing their worst sales for level of taxation, the ULP regime economy, and shows that they do not competently manage the public decades. The ULP regime’s higher intends to wring a huge 568 million know how to resuscitate the dead finances. taxes will cause more poverty and dollars in taxes from us in 2019. economy and create mass employment. The ULP regime has poorly unemployment throughout our This Higher taxes means less disposable managed the SVG economy with country. destructive income for households, which means massive fiscal deficits from 2001 to A Green government would high level of people will spend even less money in 2019. They are utterly hopeless at introduce a modern and fair tax taxation is shops and other businesses, which managing the SVG public accounts system to reduce the burden on crushing poor means even more businesses will close and weak in finance. Vincentians and help businesses grow households. down. As more and more businesses Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal has a and agriculture flourish. A Green How are people going to feed their close down, there will be more job cuts BSc (Hons.) degree in Accounting and government would abolish VAT and children, send them to school and pay and higher unemployment, which Finance and Economics from Oxford reduce the taxes that Vincentians water and light bills with such high means less money for households Brookes University, England; an MSc must pay. taxes? …and so the downward spiral degree in Macro Economics, Planning, A huge amount of this tax is VAT. continues. VAT is stifling the economy and is the Higher taxes are unfair and biggest barrier to stimulating economic immoral. It should not happen when Eutrophication - A silent growth. Ask businesses and they will the super-rich of Mustique and confirm this. Analysis of our economy Canouan get tax and customs duty shows that VAT is a major disaster for exemptions of hundreds of millions of killer in the environment SVG. dollars under the Mustique Act NO 48 by KIMANI WISEMAN matter found in human VAT is sucking the lifeblood out of of 2002, and Taiwan creams off billions waste serve as a food poor households and killing our of dollars from SVG’s deep sea fish DOCTORS have for algae. According to economy. Money is not circulating in licence. deemed diabetes and a report published by hypertension, if left UNICEF and the World undetected, as silent Health Organization in killers among humans. 2008, 1.2 billion people However, within our worldwide live without streams there is a any sanitation silent killer that has facilities. the potential to wreak In 2018, Florida havoc. This silent Eutrophication in a village beaches were under killer is pond (algae float to the siege with “red tide “eutrophication”. surface) algae”. This algae killed Eutrophication is 100 manatees, 12 the abundance of nutrients such as dolphins, thousands of fish, and 300 nitrogen and phosphorous which come sea turtles. It was described by many from sources, including fertilizer run as a “rotting marine grave yard”. off, sewage, etc., and settle in our Scientists believe that back in water sources. They cause an November 2017, two months after outbreak of algae, which depletes the hurricane Irma drenched the state, oxygen levels in the water and can engineers released a mass of water lead to the deaths of marine animals from Florida’s Lake Okeechobee to and plants, the effect of which can be prevent flooding; those fertilizer rich a “dead zone” in the ocean. waters flowed to the ocean and helped Agriculture is the backbone of many fuel “red tide algae”. countries across the world. According Globally, ecotourism generates $77 to the Food and Agriculture billion in revenue and makes up 5-7 Organization [FAO], more than 60 percent of the overall travel and percent of the world’s population tourism market. Can you imagine the depends on agriculture for survival. amount of money countries would lose This heavy dependency means that if eutrophication were to kill a lot of countries use a lot of synthetic marine animals and put them at risk fertilizers which have the advantage of of extinction? releasing nutrients very quickly for Here are some tips on how to plant growth. While this is good, they alleviate eutrophication: (fertilizers) are leached away very * farmers should do more easily into our streams fuelling composting and use less synthetic “euthrophication”. fertilizers; The construction of pig pens near to * do not construct pig pens near streams would compound streams, and do not tie livestock/ euthrophication. Pig waste is rich in animals near streams; nitrogen and phosphorous, which is * government should put measures essential for plant growth and in place to ensure that untreated development but, as referenced above, waste water from households and if too much enters our streams, it businesses do not seep into any would cause an outbreak of algae streams or the ocean. which would also affect our coral reefs. Measures like proper diet and Brazil is the third largest pork regular exercise can prevent diabetes production worldwide, but has seen and hypertension. Are we also eutrophication of major river basins in prepared to adhere to certain practices the producing regions. so that we can prevent eutrophication Untreated human sewage is a and set us on a path to achieving the perfect recipe for euthrophication. The blue economy/so that countries nitrates, phosphates, and organic globally can achieve the blue economy? THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 , 2019. 13. V Focus Special Olympics swimmers prep for Abu Dhabi

THE FOUR SWIMMERS who will be Centre), which is close to the Tennis and Athletics. representing St Vincent and the best type of conditions of The St Vincent and the Grenadines at next month’s training they would need for the Grenadines contingent is set to From left : Sezevra Joseph, National Director of Special Special Olympics Games in Abu Games. depart here 6th March and Olympics, Walash Ollivierre, Krista Bynoe, Raquel Miller, Dhabi, used last weekend’s CGM Looking ahead to the Games, return 25th March. Jason Williams, and Helen Ashton – Coach. Gallagher Swim Invitational Ashton projected, Championships, at the Shrewsbury “As much as we Aquatic Centre at Ratho Mill, to would want them to fine tune their preparations. win gold medals, it The Games are scheduled for is not all about March 8 to 22, at which the winning, but I will quartet of Jason Williams, like them to do their Raquel Miller, Walsh Ollivierre best, and show and Krista Bynoe, all from the others that they can Grenadine isle of Bequia, are do it”. SVG’s representatives in the Williams, swimming discipline. Ollivierre and Bynoe Under the supervision of will contest the Coach Helen Ashton, who is also 100m Freestyle and from Bequia, the four swimmers the 50m are engaged in practice at least Breaststroke, while three times per week. Miller is listed in the Ashton noted the limitations 50 Freestyle and the of not having a proper pool for 25m Breaststroke . their practice sessions. Apart from “We use a small pool on one Swimming, St of the days, and we use the sea Vincent and the on the other days,” she said. Grenadines Special She was, however, thankful Olympians will that the swimmers got in some contest the work in a pool (Shrewsbury disciplines of Football, Bocce, Special Olympics gets donation from NY SPECIAL OLYMPICS SVG was on Tuesday, the recipient of a cheque in the amount of US$1,000 to help defray costs involved in sending a team to the 2019 Special Olympic Games, scheduled for March 8 — 22, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Gailene Windsor (right), Emirates. representative of the St The cheque was a Vincent and the Grenadines donation from the St. Diaspora Committee of New Vincent and the York, presents cheque to Grenadines Diaspora Sezevra Joseph, National Committee of New Director of Special York, and a presented Olympics SVG. on that organization’s behalf by Sport Ambassador Gailene Windsor. Windsor said that there were no special conditions attached to the use of the donation, saying that it could be used towards travel expenses, or any other related area of expenditure. Sezevra Joseph, the National Director of Special Olympics SVG, accepted the cheque on behalf of the Special Olympians, and thanked the Diaspora Committee for its generous donation. She assured the Committee that they were contributing to a cause that would see Special Vincentian young people being exposed to a different culture and competing in a variety of sporting disciplines. SVG is down to compete in football, bocce, tennis, swimming and athletics at the Abu Dhabi Games. The team is expected to leave the state on March 6. 14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V News Japan donates to SMRC

by GLORIAH… delegation to “our beautiful island St. disasters, climate change Vincent and the Grenadines, Gem of and regional and global THE GENEROSITY of the government and the Antilles.” She told the audience instability are faced by people of Japan was clearly seen when, that the funds were accessed through both. These, he intimated, on Wednesday 13th February, the Japan Assistance for Grassroots facilitated a friendship Ambassador designate of the Embassy of Human Security Project. between the two countries, Japan, HE Tatsuo Hirayama, signed an She explained that the school that has resulted in the agreement to hand over a sum of acquired a property/building six years assistance offered through $33,047 US to Ms. Eula Johnny, Principal ago to accommodate its growing his embassy. of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School numbers. The building required a The school, he said, Ambassador designate of the Embassy of Japan, (SMRC). concrete floor to better serve the needs with over one hundred HE Tatsuo Hirayama (right) and Ms. Eula Johnny, The activity, which took place at the of the students and to decrease the years of history and over Principal of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School Catholic Diocesan Pastoral Centre at need for ongoing repairs going into the six hundred students, (SMRC), sign the agreement of assistance. Edinboro, was also attended by Mrs. futire. presents a prime project Hirayama, First Secretary of the Expressing sincere gratitude to the for assistance. “This is why I am more “take up a major part of our national Japanese Embassy; Ms. Chiharu benefactors, Ms. Johnny stated, “We than happy to sign this document,” he budget.” Hoshiai; Ms. Crystal Austin, Project are very happy for this, because it is said., adding, “Education is a priority Bishop County expressed his thanks Consultant; Ms. Yvette Antoine, together we will succeed in changing area for any country, because on behalf of the Diocese of Kingstown Senior Education Officer; Bishop the future of our children.” providing a greater education is and the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Gerard County, CSSP of Kingstown; In his address, the Ambassador absolutely essential for bringing the School in particular. He called the Mrs. Sandy Peters-Phillips, expressed his extreme pleasure in next generation.” donation an expression of the harmony Permanent Secretary in the Ministry visiting the country to sign a document Other speakers lending their voice for mankind that God intended at His of Foreign Affairs; student and teacher that will extend cooperation between to the occasion were SEO Yvette creation of the world, i.e. “that people representatives of the SMRC; and Mr. his embassy and the historical school. Antoine who spoke on behalf of the of different nations and cultures, come Ezra Ledger, President of the PTA - He was pleased to note that both Chief Education Officer. She together to bring assistance to those in SMTC. countries shared the same values of expressed the Ministry’s pleasure need.” Principal Johnny welcomed democracy, freedom and the rule of about the partnership fostered to Then, with effusive thanks given by Ambassador Hirayama and his law; and how the challenges of natural promote education, which she said, PTA President Ezra Ledger, the well- received ceremony concluded. SVG Conservation WPP mounts Pediatric Fund launched Eye/ Plastics mission WORLD Pediatric ON TUESDAY, February on a set of core values Project (WPP) continued 12th, 2019, The Saint which include: Vincent and the Transparency and its outreach service to Grenadines Conservation Integrity; Cooperation children here and in the Fund (SVGCF) was and Inclusivity; OECS generally, with a officially launched at the Conservation and Pediatric Eyes and Paradise Beach Hotel, Sustainability; Plastics Mission Villa Beach, Villa. Accountability; and mounted here from A wide spectrum of Education. Grenadines to Government Ministers and February 10 — 15, 2019. stakeholders attended The vision of the support conservation SVGCF members at the The Pediatric Plastic the event and heard SVGCF is to ensure that efforts; create offcial launch of the SVGCF. Surgery team evaluated children with many Dr. Nadia Blanchet speeches from the the marine and sustainable (left) and Dr. Donna Minister of Agriculture different physical terrestrial ecosystems of livelihoods through terrestrial biodiversity Brown, led the (Hon. Saboto Caesar), the provision of funding anomalies, with special St. Vincent and the and ecosystem resources Plastics and Optical the Minister of Health and training to persons attention being given to the Grenadines are healthy, (e.g., fisherfolk teams respectively. (Hon. Luke Browne), the and communities are supporting conservation associations, youth complex cases and follow-up Minister of Finance active stewards in its efforts. groups, church groups); cases. (Hon. Camillo conservation and A variety of recipients other appropriate local A total of forty-one (41) children were seen in Gonsalves), the chairman management. Its mission in St. Vincent and the entities of St. Vincent clinic, including four (4) from St. Lucia, one (1) of the SVGCF (Mr. is to source and provide Grenadines will be and the Grenadines each from St.Kitts and Dominica. Twenty —one Michael John); the CEO funding to support eligible to receive grants working toward the children received surgical care. of the Caribbean activities that contribute from the SVGCF. vision, mission, and goals The Pediatric Plastic Surgery team, led by Biodiversity Fund (CBF) substantially to the Potential recipient types of the SVGCF. plastic surgeon Dr. Nadia Blanchet of (Mr. Yabanex Baptista); conservation, protection include: public sector The SVGCF will The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, also and the CEO of the and maintenance of agencies responsible for support single grants included anesthesiologists Dr. Jay Stone and Dr. SVGCF (Mr. Vanburn biodiversity in St. natural resource, lasting no more than two Marvin Shapiro, pediatric plastic surgery resident Harry). The vote of Vincent and the protected areas and years, ranging from Dr. Jeremy Powers, Operating Room nurse Lisa thanks was given by the Grenadines biodiversity $5,000 - $50,000 USD., Sizemore and Surgical Technician. Vice-Chair person of the In consideration of our conservation; local grantees may be able to universities or colleges Dr. Donna Brown - Pediatric Ophthalmologist - SVGCF (Ms. Louise Vision and Mission, the apply for and receive led the optical team, with support from daughter conducting activities more funding following Mitchell). SVGCF will work toward and Optician in training Dr. Karen Brown, Mary The SVGCF was achieving the following relevant to the vision, the completion of the mission, goals, and first grant. O’Hanley a certified registered nurse anesthetist Incorporated in Goals: protect and as well as local doctor Dr. Sherice Grant-Ledger. November 2015 as a Not strategies of the SVGCF; The potential types of enhance critical A total of forty-eight (48) patients, including for Profit Company, local or regional grantee activities that ecosystems in St. Vincent one from St. Kitts and Nevis, were seen, and whose general purpose is and the Grenadines (Caribbean) NGOs the SVGCF may consider twenty-two surgeries were performed. to provide a sustainable against threats inclusive established, legally- for funding are: flow of funds to support of pollution, registered and existing Protected Area Dr Brown also assisted Dr. Grant-Ledger with the long-term unsustainable in St. Vincent and the Management Activities; three (3) adult surgery cases. management and development, climate Grenadines; private Education and WPP continues to mobilize pediatric specialty expansion of the Saint change; strengthen the corporations or other awareness; Technical teams with an Orthopedic mission being led by Vincent and the governance and companies from relevant support/capacity Dr. Miller slated for April 7th. Parents and Grenadines National management industries involved in building; Conservation- guardians of children who may need to be System of Protected effectiveness of St. marine/terrestrial oriented Research; assessed are asked to contact the World Pediatric Areas and other Vincent and the ecosystem and Equipment/tools related Project office at 784-451-2989 for more activities that contribute Grenadines’ PAs to biodiversity clean-up, to biodiversity information. protection, conservation, substantially to the protect critical management; Policy WPP has been working in SVG since 2002 conservation, protection and/or monitoring; local strengthening for providing surgical and diagnostic services through environments; educate, community and maintenance of its raise awareness and conservation; Create visiting pediatric teams and facilitating advanced biodiversity. associations/community sustainable Livelihoods medical attention and service in the USA, for empower citizens of St. bodies with direct impact The SVGCF functions Vincent and the (Submitted by the children in SVG and the OECS. on marine and/or SVGCF) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 , 2019. 15. VTributes SVG loses a ÂMan of all SeasonsÊ

DR. EDGAR ADAMS, known in SVG, he was at all times an affectionately as ‘Doc’, passed ardent reader and social away last week Thursday – commentator. February 14, 2019 - at the His family, ship- builders of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. much repute, influenced his Dr. Adams was described as appreciation of Vincentian life an iconic Vincentian figure and culture, and there was who was known to be many little surprise when he became ‘things’ to many people. actively involved in the arts, He was by training and culture generally, and the profession an Optometrist, effort to catalogue and correct having graduated from the the history of St. Vincent. Northampton College of His involvement in the arts Advanced Technology in was both as exponent and England. creator. He was a dancer and He returned to his choreographer of much homeland in 1962 and became acclaim, and was a member of ‘the young Turk on the block’ the Light-Operatic Society, in an area of service — eye care along with the likes of Pat - that had been dominated by Prescod, that produced the the likes of Dr. Pamenos stage musicals Mikardo and Eustace and Dr. Alderman Gondoliers in the 1960s. Sutherland. And, his traverse in the arts He served in the national did not escape an eye on and health system and also offered an integral role in developing private service, long before he the annual Carnival of SVG, Dr. Edgar ‘Doc’ Adams is remembered as a multi-talented and generous human being. became, in the late 1960s, the It followed that the resident Optometrist at entertainment offerings of the corner of Back and authored and published twelve These and all his other Imperial Optical. mainland St. Vincent would Melville Streets, was not only full length pieces on various published works are available Dr. Adams also practised eventually come within his a place to whet one’s appetite aspects of the history, culture at R&M Adams Book Centre his craft in neighbouring St. grasp, and ‘Doc’ is with the best local cuisine one and geography of St. Vincent located in the Cruise Ship Lucia, Barbados and remembered for could find anywhere in ‘town, and the Grenadines. Terminal, where ‘Doc’ spent Dominica. ‘revolutionising’ the night club but was also a rendezvous for These range from his twilight years enticing all He was, if we are to take business here, with his those dabbling in or already monograms on Nine Mornings who would come his way, into the word of those young managing of Sea View and involved in the literary arts. and more, to more exacting the wide and edifying world of persons of the day, 1960s and then the ever impacting He and the Fishmet made the works like ‘People on the books. early 70s, a major driving Cheddes night clubs, both guidance of Shake Keane Move.’ ‘The Effects of some The legacy of this force in establishing the located in ‘Bottom’ Edinbro. available to guide many a Important Historical Events overwhelmingly influential ‘excursion culture’ that The youth of the day recall his young writer of the 70s. on the People of St Vincent Vincentian is assured in the developed between St. Lucia early use of the ‘black light’ as In more recent times, he and the Grenadines’ (2002), persons of his daughter and SVG, that gave rise to a means of identifying devoted his time, energy and ‘The Carib Country Sugar Jasmin and son Ricardo, many a matrimonial union patrons. money to writing and Estates & Georgetown: 1797 — current Chairman of the between persons from both His Fishnet Restaurant and publishing, establishing 2010 (2010) and ‘The African Carnival Development Corporation, to whom THE states. Bar, located in what has himself at the forefront of Presence and Influence on the VINCENTIAN extends In as much as he helped to become known as the those determined to record the Cultural Traditions of St sincerest condolences. modernize the eye care service downtown KFC building, at history of our fair land. Vincent (2015), just to name a At the last count, he had few. Archdeacon Adams: A Life of Service

Editor’s Note: The following is a of the Parish of St. Mary, Bequia (with community work. contribution from the Diocese of the Holy Cross, Paget Farm); St. Michael, He assisted many young people in Windward Islands, in the name of the Canouan; Mustique and St. Matthias, the Parish and beyond, in pursuit of Rt. Rev’d C. Leopold Friday, Bishop of Union Island for over forty-five years their goals, and was a source of the Windward Islands. and as Archdeacon of St. Vincent and strength and comfort to those who the Grenadines for approximately were in difficulty or need. Many THE DIOCESE OF THE WINDWARD thirty years . He also served at the St. persons from St. Vincent, including ISLANDS is saddened by the passing George’s Parish Church, Archdeaconry non-Anglicans, can speak of his of the Venerable Charles Alexander of Grenada during the interregnum in remarkable hospitality. The Rectory Adams (Emeritus) of Bequia, who died 1984-85. doors were always open, and all were on Friday 15th February, 2019 around Archdeacon Adams will be welcomed to share a meal or to be 11:00pm at the Milton Cato Memorial remembered for his generosity, refreshed, when Archdeacon served Hospital, Kingstown, St. Vincent and hospitality, his dedication to there. the Grenadines, at the age of 89. education, and for his contribution to We give thanks for his many years The late Archdeacon Charles the development of Bequia in of invaluable and faithful ministry as The Venerable Charles Alexander Alexander Adams was born on the particular. He believed that the Archdeacon of St. Vincent & the Adams (Emeritus) impacted lives in a 19th December 1929. He is originally Gospel was concerned not only for the Grenadines, Rector of the Parish of wholesome and fulfilling manner. from Georgetown, St. Vincent and the spiritual needs of people, but for the St. Mary, Bequia (with Holy Cross, Grenadines. whole man. Paget Farm): St. Michael, Canouan; The funeral service for Venerable He migrated to England where he He was the founder of and person Mustique and St. Matthias, Union Charles Alexander Adams (Emeritus) studied for the priesthood and was responsible for the construction and Island, and generally as a priest in the of Bequia takes place today, beginning ordained Deacon in 1960 and to operation of the Bequia Anglican High Diocese. at 10:00am at the St. George’s priesthood 28th May 1961. He School, now the Bequia Community The vesting took place at 2:00pm on Cathedral, Kingstown, followed by a returned to the Diocese as a High, and gave yeoman service to the Thursday 21st February, 2019 short service at the St. Mary’s Parish missionary from the Church of people of Bequia through his ministry followed by the vigil at the St. George’s Church, Bequia, and the interment in England in 1967 and served as Rector and involvement in social and Cathedral from 3:00 to 5:00pm. the church yard cemetery. 16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V Community BBO celebrates its anniversary THE LAYOU-BASED BECKET BENEFIT audience in rapt attention. The ORGANIZATION (BBO) this week, information shared through this celebrated its Anniversary with a Week lecture reverberated well into the of Activities. week, right across the Layou The 2019 Anniversary activities got community. going with a Church Service at the Members of BBO and well-wishers Layou Methodist Church last Sunday, came together on Tuesday evening for February 17. Members of BBO said what was described as a Fun Walk that it was a spirited service of thanks from Glebe Hill, Barrouallie to Layou. Members of the Becket Benefit officiated by Rev. Michael Charles, In as much as it was a walk Organisation gathered for this group whose message was impacting and characterised by a light-hearted spirit, photo after the Church Service held well received. some ‘walkers’ found it in keeping with last Sunday, February 17. Activities continued on Monday at their regular fitness regimen. the Layou Roman Catholic Centre Activities returned to the Roman engaged in a range of indoor games, with a lecture dubbed Health Talk, led Catholic Centre on Wednesday for a played out in a spirit of healthy by renowned Health Educator Harvey Games Evening. Persons from the competition and fun. Farrell, who, from all reports, held his wider community and BBO members The Week of Activities climaxed last evening, Thursday, with an Outdoor Sports Night at Layou Hard Court. The feature event was a Cricket The BBO handed over a quantity of Match between a Layou team workbooks to the Layou Government (comprised of BBO members) and a School in October 2017….just one of team from Barrouallie. Other sporting their many donations to date. activities included volleyball, netball, and football. equipment for students. Since its formation, the About BBO Organisation has established a number of community-focused The Becket Benefit Foundation activities, among these being an (BBO) is a non-profit organization August 1st Family Fun and Aquatic which was started on 16th January, Sports Day, an Annual Children 2015, on the initiative of Christmas Party, and the much internationally acclaimed recording acclaimed Soca Masters Concert held and performing artiste and Layou the weekend after the official closure native Alston Becket Cyrus. of Vincy Mas. Its primary focus is contributing to Funds for BBO community outreach uplifting the Layou community, and programme are raised through locally- immediately surrounding based fund-raising activities and communities, in terms of education donations. and health services, and to assist with The Executive of BBO recognizes the development of sports and cultural the support it has received from the activities. people of Layou in particular and, It has a particular focus on assisting through this medium, thanks them for with medical expenses for the needy, same. and educational supplies and THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 , 2019. 17. 18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 , 2019. 19. 20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice Pregnant for my teacher Dear George, student and I am afraid I AM PREGNANT for my my friends teacher, and he has would soon find out only than would they threatened to kill me if I about my situation. know how to proceed tell anybody. He said if I Please tell me what to do from there. expose him, he is going to as I do not want to get No teacher should be lose his job and they my teacher into trouble. allowed to get away with would send him to jail. If sexually molesting that happens, he said, XXna students. You are in a there would be no one to position to help put a help me take care of the Dear XXna stop to this. You need baby. not feel alone. If you My other class teacher Thank you for sharing need additional support, knows something is with me. You have to then you can make a call wrong with me, but she keep in mind that there to The Marion House does not know that I am are people in your corner and talk to a counsellor pregnant. I know I can who would give you the there. trust her, but I am support you need at this Do not have any always remembering all time. You have further communication what my teacher said to mentioned that you trust with that teacher who me. this other teacher. I molested you. Let the My father is not suggest arrange a process take its course, around as he is sailing, meeting involving you, and in due time, justice and I live with my your class teacher and would be served. mother and my other two your mother. Tell them sisters. I am a form two about your situation; George Taken for a ride Dear George, man. The friend who should not contemplating saw her, took her picture taking matters into your MY GIRLFRIEND has and sent it to me. own hands. My advice is taken my money and run I am going crazy right that you go to the police away to Barbados, and now, George. I intend to and make a formal now I have lost contact travel to Barbados to report. Give them as with her. hunt for her, and I know much information as Both of us went to the I am going to be sitting in possible, and let them bank to withdraw money a Bajan jail when I find take the matter forward from my account to assist her. The surgery she on your behalf. As bad as her to get a much- said she needed was it is, 40,000$ is not worth needed surgery in supposed to take place losing your freedom over. Barbados. I agreed to two days after she left St. Get someone — a give her the money - Vincent. So much for counsellor - to help you $40,000 - as we planned that and my hard-earned sort out your emotions. to be married a year from money. After your mind has been now. cleared, you should be It has been two Duped able to make decisions months since her that would better serve departure, and the most Dear Duped, you in coping with your recent thing I heard is situation. that she was seen in a Your situation is an party in Barbados with a unfortunate one, but you George A big belly man!!! Dear George, Dear Not sure,

I SIMPLY do not want to be with my There are bound to be challenges husband anymore. He has grown in a marriage. There is no smooth lazy in and out of bed. Among other ride. What matters is that you stick things, he has a belly the size of a hot with it and sort the issues out air balloon. I have lost all interest in together. I do not believe that your him. husband has gotten this way To help me cope with the situation, overnight, neither do I believe that I am spending more time with a co- your loss of interest should be worker. To be honest with you, I attributed wholly and solely to him. have been to bed with him a couple of The more you focus on this co- times, and my husband cannot come worker, the less you will see and close to him as far as performance is think of your husband. Take your co- concerned. My co-worker also works worker out of the picture and you will out in the gym four times a week and be able to focus more on your has the body of a machine. husband and rebuilding your I am now thinking whether or not marriage. to continue with my husband or just I advise that both of you see a break away completely and be with marriage counsellor to help both of this man for whom I have fallen. you find that spark that was once there. Not sure George THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. 21. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) ACROSS You should expect to have changes in Try not to make waves. Real estate and your home. Take part in stimulating joint financial ventures will be profitable. 1. Poses a query debates that will allow you to show off You can make headway in the workforce 5. Skirt border your intelligence. It might be best not to if you put your mind to it. If you’ve been 8. Theatrical pursuit spend your money on luxuries this week. really busy, try to schedule some time to 12. “Stay there!” spend with loved ones. TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) 13. Birthday tally Back off if you want to keep the 14. Eternally SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) 15. Besides relationship intact. If they don’t like the Empty promises and a lack of cash may plan, suggest that they con tribute a 16. Family lad put a damper on your plans. Emotional 17. Scared state little. Emotional upset at work will set situations could bring out your stubborn you back. Your tendency to dramatize 18. Arid locale nature. You can avoid hassles by sticking 20. Thick strings may be a little much for your partner to to your work and refusing to get involved take constantly. 21. Regret in gossip or idle chatter. 22. Neither this _ that 23. Jar material GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Look into some form of physical 26. Provisional licenses Direct your energy wisely. Romance may 30. Balloon filler recreation. Lack of funds may add stress be better than you ever thought to your already uncertain situation. 31. Melts possible. Unrealistic promises will only 33. Gambling cube Don’t be too quick to judge your loved get you in trouble. Your outgoing nature ones. 34. Highly regarded will win hearts. 36. Take in (strays) CANCER (June 22‐July 22) 38. Cease Join a club to work off that excess CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) 39. Of yesteryear energy; but consider ways of doing that Don’t blame every thing on your mate. 40. Playground fixture 7. Adult fellows generosity 44. Rain‐cloud without spending the money. You will You have worked hard and the payback is 43. Duration 8. Change ways 39. Let color find the perfect outfit if you shop this now. Your sensitive, affectionate nature 47. Endure 9. Finished 40. Lose traction 45. Exhaust week. will capture the heart of anyone you are 48. Feathered hunter 10. Guide 41. Step through 46. Head covers attracted to. 50. Opera tune 11. Does surf 48. Opposite of LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) 51. Far from busy incorrectly 42. Sea‐encircled young You can make personal changes that will AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) 52. Astrological sign 19. Corroding spot 49. Minuscule enhance your appearance and bring you Don’t be afraid to speak in defense of 53. Small pastry 20. Floral gift greater popularity. It’s time to make others. Lighten up your serious attitude 54. Gaze intently 22. Just hatched professional changes. Don’t be afraid to Renovations to your domestic scene will 55. Grass wetness 23. Mower fuel make a move if you aren’t happy with pay high rewards. Opportunities to travel 56. Sense organs 24. Gloss target your emotional situation. will develop through peers. 25. Possess being DOWN 26. Chum VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) 27. Bridal‐vow words Your need to get away could lead you You may have a problem keeping secrets. 1. Astounded into greater debt. Talk to an older family Good day for romance. Drastic financial 28. Iceberg peak 2. Retain event 29. Film backdrop member you have helped in the past. losses may be likely if you lend money. 3. Affectionate greeting You can complete any projects efficiently, 32. Consumed You need to take a break with the ones SOLUTION 4. Uses a rudder 35. Core

you love. Investments will not be as they especially if you put the effort in yourself. LAST WEEK’s 5. Unnecessary speed 37. Exhibit appear this week. 6. Self‐involvement 22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V News Corporate Public Speaking Contest is on SIXTEEN PERSONS representing various Masters embodied the theme ‘Where businesses across the country will do leaders are made’ and the motto is — battle against each other in the for better speaking, better listening, preliminary round of the first ever better thinking. ‘National Corporate Public Speaking Many individuals have become Championship’ tomorrow, February 23, better public speakers through their at the Girl Guides Headquarters in affiliation with the organization, Kingstown. Miller added, and they can attest to Each participant will speak on the the positive strides they have made in topic ‘What is the role of social media relation to speaking publicly. in business?’ As for the format of the competition, Arlette Miller, Chairperson of the Miller said that participants will be National Corporate Public Speaking judged on content (50 points), Championship and a member of Toast development (30 points) and language Masters, explained, “This (20 points). [competition] is giving businesses the The semi-finals, featuring 10 opportunity to showcase their talents speakers, and the finals of five and for up and coming managers and competitors, are slated for March 16 other senior persons, to give them the and April 13 respectively, venue(s) chance to speak on their behalf, this is still to be decided. the reason why we have started this.” Tomorrow’s activity is set to begin She further noted that Toast at 3pm. Admission is $5. (DD) V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. 23. MenÊs WIFA Football returns to Victoria Park

THE VICTORIA PARK, new coach Kendale local players were Kingstown, will host the Mercury, will be looking involved in a three-day 2019 Windward Islands to improve their camp from last Monday Football Association performance over their to Wednesday, at the St (WIFA) Senior Men’s last WIFA tournament in Vincent and the Football Tournament from Grenada in 2017, when Grenadines Football February 28 to March 8. they had a solitary win, Federation’s Technical Barbados once again, one draw and two losses. Centre at the Brighton joins the four Windward The lone win was a 4-2 Playing Field. Islands as competing triumph over Barbados, a St Vincent and the countries. 2-2 draw against Grenadines’ Head Coach- The Tournament will Dominica, and losses to Mercury, has indicated have five days of actual St Lucia, 2-1, and that local Football fans competition with a current title holders will see a “physically double header on each Grenada, 4-3. ready, mentally ready, day, as per fixtures Since the return of the tactically ready, (Vincy below. Tournament in 2013 Heat), to play four The host team, under when this country was matches in ten days”. the host, the winners Mercury was were: Grenada — 2013 appointed Head Coach Victoria Park is once and 2017, St Lucia — last December, taking again host to the WIFA 2014 and SVG — 2015. over from Cornelius Senior Men’s There was no Huggins, who held the Tournament and SVG Tournament in 2016. post from 2012. hopes to make use of Ahead of next week’s ‘home team’ advantage. Tournament, twenty- five See Fixtures on Page 13. Swimmers maintain ranks SEVERAL SWIMMERS maintained their ranks when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation staged the 2019 CGM Gallagher Swim Championships at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre (SAC), from last Friday to Sunday. Keeping hold of the Girls Under-8 category was Eltonique Leonard of Black Sands Swim Squad. She also was crowned the Sprint Champion of her age group. Matching Leonard, Tyler Robinson of Blue Marlins claimed the Boys Under-8 title, and added that age group’s Sprint Champion trophy to his collection. Tyler Robinson, double winner in the Seth Byron- Boys 9-10 champion. Zariel Nelson, a member of the Blue Boys 8 and Under. Marlins, won the individual title and was the 9- 12 Sprint Champion. Right: Grenada’s Zachery Gresham, On the other side of the gender in made his mark on the the 9-10 age category, Blue Marlins’ championships. swimmer Seth Byron was the Boys individual champion. Left: Mya De Freitas, winner of the Meanwhile, the Black Sands Swim Girls 13-14, and 13 and over Sprint Squad’s pair of Jamie Joachim and Champion. Eltonte Leonard copped the Girls and St Vincent and the Grenadines was Boys 11- 12 individual championships, Black Sands Swim Squad, won the the 13- 14 Boys title, which was won respectively. Boys 13 and over Sprint Champion. by Grenadian- Zachery Gresham, who Leonard also was the 9- 12 Sprint Black Sands Swim Squad were the represented Grenfins. Champion. overall champions, with Blue Marlins, The Girls 15 and over winner was Up the age group, Mya De Freitas of second. Blue Marlins’ Jaynika Williams, with the Black Sands Swim Squad was the Also participating in the Black Sands Swim Squad’s Shane Girls 13-14 winner. She also copped championships, were the Rising Stars Cadogan, the Boys 15 and over the 13 and over Sprint Champion. Swim Team of Bequia, and the Salt winner. The lone title to leave the shores of Pond Snappers of Owia. And, Aaron De Freitas, also of the 24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN V Sports High Park retains Richland Park

Netball Title High Park United HIGH PARK UNITED was last Sunday evening at the second quarter. Richland Park Government School hard court, crowned The scoreboard read 42/40 at the champions of the 2019 Valley Sports Committee’s end of the third quarter. Netball Tournament. Things became nervy and But it was not the usual one way traffic for the sometimes emotionally charged in High Park United, as they were put to the test by the last quarter, as Star Girls came an equally star-studded Teachers Co- operative within touching distance, but High $700 purse. Credit Union Star Girls of Barrouallie. Park United held on to win 54-53, and maintain Meanwhile, Shellisa Davis of High Park nosed ahead in the first quarter, 16/15 their lien on the title. High Park, was voted the and stretched their lead to 31/27, at the end of the The win placed High Park United as the lone competition’s Most Valuable unbeaten team in the tournament. Player, with Country Meet High Park pocketed $ 1500 and Town’s V Sports Youth’s Kelly the winner’s trophy, with Star Stephens, the Most Improved Girls gaining $1000 and the Player. Star Girls’ Maryann second place trophy. Fredericks was leading Goal Before Sunday’s final, High Scorer with 297. Park had an 82-53 win over A player from each of the nine Vulturez on Friday, in the first teams was awarded as their semi-finals. team’s Most Valuable Player. Star Girls beat J&G Scorchers V Sports Youths claimed the MVP of the 48-41 in the other semifinal on Most Disciplined Team award. Tournament - Saturday, to set up Sunday’s The other teams making up the Shellisa Davis. grand finale. complement of nine Preceding Sunday’s final, which contested the Scorchers took the third place, Tournament were: beating Vulturez 63-55, and Island Blends collected a TCCU Star Girls Success Radio, Bruce trophy and the Law Chambers Netball Team, 3 J’s Valley Strikers and Bethel recognises two former teachers Potential Girls. TWO FORMER teachers Championships at the Since then, the face, which showed that I Maryann of the Bethel High Victoria Park. Barrouallie Secondary as have impacted them.” Fredericks (left), School, Miriam Pompey Pompey, who served well as the Dr JP Though retired, Leading Scorer - and Wollis Christopher, as principal of the school Eustace Memorial and Christopher lends his gets her award who had spent a from 2012 to 2017, began the Intermediate High, expertise to the from Kelvin combined 32 years at the teaching at the Bethel have followed the path of institution, whenever Franklyn of the St institution, were last High in 1999. the Bethel High, and are called so to do. Vincent Brewery. Friday recognised for It was under her doing likewise. their contribution to the watch as principal, that Christopher joined the school’s advancement. the Bethel High School, Bethel High School staff It was fitting for both in 2015, changed the in 2001, and spent the Bailey wins BVI 75-miler honorees that the school’s track meet, to last of his 14 years of his moment of recognition run from afternoon into teaching career there, VINCENTIAN Zefal Bailey was came at the school’s late evening, under retiring in 2015. the first to cross the finish line in hosting of its Annual lights. During his tenure, last Sunday’s 75- mile British Day-Night Athletics Christopher, as coach of Virgin Islands’ Invitational the netball units, helped Cycling Classic. the school to titles in the Bailey’s winning time was 3 annual schools’ hours 57 minutes 40 seconds, a tournament. mere 5 seconds ahead of second Additionally, placed Seon Weathered of Christopher used his Antigua and Barbuda, his time knowledge of track and being 3 hours 57 minute 45 field and football, to seconds. fostering the students’ It was, in fact, a sprint to the talents in both finish that involved four disciplines, thus making competitors, with Bailey proving the respective teams the best on the day. formidable competitors Completing the podium at school at national finishers was third placed levels. Phillipe Leroy of the British Reflecting on last Virgin Islands, who clocked 3 Friday’s hours 57 minutes 47 seconds. acknowledgement of his Placing fourth was Rena contribution to the Gayral of Antigua and Barbuda, Bethel High School, in 3 hours 57 minutes 48 seconds. Christopher commented, Bailey used last Sunday’s “It has really been event as a warm up for this Mrs. Miriam Pompey humbling, as following weekend’s seven- stage race in Wollis Christopher was proudly displays her the recognition, I have the Dominican Republic. He will recognised for his plaque of recognition, received many be part of a combined team which Zefal Bailey (centre), with Seon service to the Bethel presented to her for her congratulatory messages includes cyclists from Bermuda, Weathered at right and Phillipe Leroy High School’s sports contribution to the from past students on Barbados, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and at left. education programme. Bethel High School. Facebook and face to Trinidad and Tobago. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. 25. V Sports Maloney’s century downs North Windward SENIOR NATIONAL player Desron scored with 51 and Veno Dasouza 4 for 29 off 10.5 Maloney slammed his highest hit 50. Darius Martin was again overs, bowling individual score in local cricket, just among the wickets, taking of 5 for for Saints. My mind drifts missing out on a double century. 12 off 7 overs. Guardian Maloney’s unbeaten 188 (9 New Haven Funeral Home General Saints Desron fours and 16 sixes) helped Police SOMEONE was pointing out to me my bias North Windward trailing by 222 replied with 154. Maloney hit Two to an innings and 44 runs on first innings and asked to bat, Romel Currency hit towards cricket when there are other disciplines to 188 not out which I should attend. I explained that I am victory over New Haven Funeral the North Windward team could 47 and Othneil comfortable with areas with which I am familiar. Home North Windward, in one of only reach 174, handing Police Lewis took 5 for 46 for Police The discussion persisted and indeed, has been last weekend matches of the NLA Two victory on a platter. Urnel off 19 overs. Two. ongoing. I was flattered by some comments about Premier Division Cricket Thomas led with 45 and Dillon Flow Radcliffe, my capability. Competition, played at Park Hill. Douglas 34. Kenneth Dember with its slender lead of 4 on first I tried to maintain some level of humility, for He was ably assisted with the bagged 5 for 61 off 10.5 overs. innings, were humbled for 100 in sometimes things come across in ways one least bat by Andrew Thomas, 97, and At Sion Hill, the Guardian their second innings, Pope, 31, top expects. I try to be tolerant, not that it is a trait cultivated instinctively. That tendency has Rickford Walker, 87, and Police General Saints and Flow scoring again. Jeremy Haywood developed of late and should not be regarded as a Two were able to declare at 390 Radcliffe match ended in a draw, did the damage with 5 for 61 off natural phenomenon. for 2. with Flow Radcliffe taking first 12 overs and Geron Wyllie was Each one is given to idiosyncrasies. Mine are Earlier, New Haven Funeral innings points. again effective with 3 for 10 off 4 varied and have been accepted as erratic. That is Home North Windward were Flow Radcliffe, batting first, overs. according to my own assessment. dismissed for 168 in their first made 158, to which Gidron Pope One has to be prepared for any eventuality. It is innings. Othneil Thomas top- contributed 38. Geron Wyllie took I.B.A.ALLEN a question of for what one is geared. My mind drifts from zone to zone with the unfolding moments. The Windward Islands Football Tournament Bequia, Stars, Belfongo record wins will be an opportunity for those teams to get ready THERE WERE victories they beat by 99 runs at Anthony Northern Stars Edward Conliffe for the fourth round of the Nation’s League of for Keegan’s Bequia XI, Arnos Vale Two. Scores: made light work of St. Coreas Distribution Ltd Matches. The Vincentian team will be under new Julius Anthony Northern Bequia X1 275 off 31.4 Vincent Distillers Belfongo trashed North guidance. The binoculars will be on new coach Stars, and Edward overs - Cosmus Glamorgan, beating Windward by 154 runs at Kendale Mercury and how his influence affects the Conliffe Coreas Hackshaw 76, Chelson them by 8 wickets. Stubbs. Scores: Belfongo squad. The team has to reverse their recent trend. Distribution Ltd Stowe 54, . Isaacs Scores: Glamorgan 136. 310 off 42.3 overs - Rajiv The other teams are happy for the opportunity Belfongo, as action Haywood 3 for 60; - Newborne Joseph 57, Roberts 77, Jemmoth for on field action, and if this were a World Cup continued in the NLA Unique Warriors 76 off Maxwell Edwards 3 for Brackin 4 for 52 off 10; preparation, these would have been valuable First Division Cricket 40.1 overs - Jarrell 28 off 4 overs and Jide North Windward 156 off friendlies. St. Lucia is showing signs that Competition on the Edwards 26, Dean John 2 for 18 off 6; 25.6 overs - Denson something must be clicking for them. Dominica is weekend. Browne 4 for 43 off 10 Northern Stars 138 for 2 Hoyte 34, Andre Hunte proving that they are coming to grips with the top Bequia’s win came at overs and Chelson Stowe - Shamon Hooper 80 not took 6 for 20 off 8 overs. regional teams. Grenada has been a nation with high football pedigree. They are known for their the expense of Ruddy’s 3 for 25 off 4 overs. out and Shangi John 40 strides in athletics, and with the pride and Electrical Unique, whom At Buccament, Julius not out. I.B.A.ALLEN productivity especially of 400 meters runners, it is natural that they have established themselves as a resourceful athletic nation. North Leeward chalks up first win Their performance in football has thrown up JULIUS ANTHONY front with an unbeaten 89. accounted for by some disappointing results in this Nation’s Shannel Mackie Northern Girls secured Sierra Baptiste took 4 for Sherian tunred in a League. Not that ours has been anything to shout their first win in their 36 off 5 overs. A visibly Williams. about, but one expects Grenada to register. captain’s innings to Grenada will be anxious to re-establish their debut season in the deflated Radcliffe Girls Julian Nero help North Leeward standard, and the time is ideal. SVGCA Inc. Women Super managed only 70 in their returned figures to their first win. Barbados can consider themselves the outside 40 Cricket Competition. reply, with Sierra Baptiste of 2 for 29, and sister of the Windward Islands. Before, the depth In the match played returning the only innings took that energy of Barbados pride would have encouraged them to last weekend at Arnos of worth, i.e. 23. Yoland to the crease to hit 81 not Anthony distance themselves from anything Windward Vale 2, North Leeward Granderson bagged 5 for out as Super Strikers Northern Islands. But there are practical gains from beat Radcliffe Girls by 176 23 off 5 overs raced to victory, closing at Girls at regional cooperation, whether it be sporting or runs. At Stubbs, Super 139 for 2. Cumberland, and Super political. North Leeward posted a Strikers beat Attacker This weekend, in the Strikers oppose Radcliffe It is understandable that they make the link, Girls at Park Hill. for it suits their requirements. formidable 246 for 6, with Girls by 8 opening matches in the Football continues to broaden in its appeal to their captain - Shannel wickets. Attacker Girls T20 competition, the Vincentian masses. There is nothing more Mackie leading from the made 136, 31 of those runs Attackers Girls face Julius I.B.A.ALLEN riveting than a tense football game. The popularity of the sport is linked to a host of factors. Even though there is not the balance in Volcanoes, Pride clash at Arnos Vale returns, there is that link. There is the feeling that, given the right REGIONAL First Class Cricket third position with 75 points in injury. Opening batsman Tarryck configuration, SVG can be a football giant. returned to Arnos Vale when the six-team table, behind leaders Gabriel gives way to West Indies Everything points in that direction. What has been Windwards Volcanoes and and defending champions Guyana under-19 opening batsman and lacking is coordination towards the fulfilment of Barbados Pride opened their on 112.4 points and Leewards debutant Kamani Melius. our dreams. contest in an 8th round match in Hurricanes in second on 83.2 In addition, Windies middle We have proven our mettle on the football field. the Cricket West Indies PCL four- points. order batsman, Sunil Ambris, Our bogey has been the Central American day match, yesterday, Thursday Barbados is in fourth position fresh off a 102 not out against continent. Almost inevitably, there has been our 21st February. on 73.6 points. Leewards Hurricanes, will lead downfall. Having lost to the Leeward Windwards Volcanoes have the Windwards Volcanoes Our coaches are sufficiently trained, and aware of global situations. They have to adjust to the Hurricanes in Dominica, one of made two changes from the last following the injury of regular requirements. They have to carve out programmes their home grounds, the team that lost to Leewards captain, Kirk Edwards. that will get the work done. Windwards will be hoping to Hurricanes in Dominica. The Windwards Volcanoes’ full It does us no good crying about absence of this make amends against Barbados, Senior left hand fast bowler squad reads: Sunil Ambris or the other. We must step up to the next level. who are coming off a high after Delorn Johnson is replaced by (captain), Roland Cato (vice- We have to be honest on and off the field. beating Trinidad and Tobago. Sherman Lewis, who returns after captain), Devon Smith, Kavem That Schools Sports are prevailing indicates Windwards currently sit in missing two matches due to a Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Sherman that there are resources to be tapped. Youngsters shoulder Lewis, Josh Thomas, Larry are exploring the avenues. Congratulations to Edwards, Ray Jordan, those who labour in the vineyard. Many go Windwards Kamani Melius, unheralded with the work they put in polishing off Volcanoes at a Emmanuel Stewart, the roughness of our sports men and women. training session The National Sports Awards will soon be held. Obed McCoy. Sports remain an arena in which youngsters can at the Arnos Vale The match concludes accomplish dreams. The urgency must be instilled Sporting on Sunday. and there will be rewards. Complex, earlier this week. I.B.A.ALLEN 26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019. 27. V Classifieds Leacock wants No Confidence motion OPPOSITION Member of Parliament for Central Kingstown St. Clair Leacock has declared that he will devote his time and effort to realize to have debated a No Confidence in the government. During his contribution to the Budget Debate, February 6, the opposition MP said he wanted to start his contribution with a necessary ‘controversy’ which, he said, he holds close to his heart. That ‘controversy’ was the ill-fated No Confidence motion that was never tabled for debate, in January 2018. “Until we mend that fence, there is no basis for doing business with the ULP administration. Moreso, Mr. Speaker, I am asking in this budget presentation for the government to commit to restore our constitutional rights, and to reinforce the democracy that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is entitled to,” Leacock said. “I say so softly, but I don’t say so lightly, because I will devote much time and effort to ensure that one day, and one day soon, this honorable house does the right thing, and that you will have the strength as you have the conviction, Mr Speaker, to allow that vote of No Confidence to take place,” continued Leacock. The Opposition’s No Confidence motion against the government was never debated. In an unprecedented step, the House Speaker allowed a ‘Confidence’ motion by the government to take precedence. This was debated and passed. In Leacock’s assessment, this ruling by the Speaker placed the country in a backward direction. “We cannot be the laughingstock of the Commonwealth, and we cannot be the sore in the Eastern Caribbean, in the Caribbean community and the community of nations. I leave that on your chest,” concluded Leacock. (KH)

ZENO IGNATIUS GERALDO RICARDO THEOBALDS JOHN

Evangelical Church New Testament Park Hill Church Saturday, 16th Belair February, 2019 Saturday, 16th Viewing: 1:30 p.m. February ,2019 Service: 2:30 p.m. Viewing: 1:30 p.m. Service: 2:30 p.m.

BETHEL CLARKE THOMAS MICHELLE NICOLE NYASHA JAMES JACKSON Revival Center Kingstown Church New Testament Methodist Church Murray Village Church of God Thursday, 14th Thursday, 14th Friday, 15th February, 2019 February, 2019 February, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m. Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Viewing: 1:30 p.m. Service: 3:00 p.m Service: 2:00 p.m Service: 2:30 p.m. F The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines O A.I. REAL ESTATE North Union 6 bedrm Property on 8,863 sq.ft R - $432,000.00 - H197 Museum house on 17,798 sq.ft. - $905,000.00 - H123 S Chateaubelair 4 bedrm Property on 5,291 sq.ft. A - $151,000.00 - H120

L (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office E [email protected] www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019 VOLUME 113, No.08 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 ‘BIGGER BIGS’ ISSUE NOT POLITICAL

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as other private individuals have lands (Statutory Rules and Order, No. 2 of Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel has has gone to lengths to establish that bounded with Samuel’s property, and 2011).” challenged a notice indicating that the matter involving Samuel, his that there is a survey to be conducted Two months after the 2010 general his lands were to be surveyed. lands and farmers is a technical one. by the Chief Supervisor. elections, Government authorities revoked Samuel’s mining licence, Samuel would prove otherwise, and government had to reinstate the by KENVILLE HORNE PM gave reasons why survey citing environmental concerns. The suspended government’s action led to the closure licence. But when pressed on the concerns of PRIME MINISTER Ralph Gonsalves has of his mining operation and a related the farmers affected by Samuel’s said emphatically that the matter Gonsalves noted the Attorney block-making operation. action of blocking the access road to concerning Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel General had given permission for the Last Monday, Dr Gonsalves said their lands, the Prime Minister said and farmers at Rabacca who once survey to be conducted but Samuel’s that the state became involved in the that those farmers are hearing what accessed their lands via a ‘road’ through lawyer countered with their own mining issue because the professionals Samuel is saying, as well as what the Samuel’s property, is not a political issue argument, and the survey was said that the manner in which Samuel NDP is saying in support of ‘Bigger but a technical one. suspended. The Attorney General is was mining was not environmentally Bigs’. That being the case, the PM advised expected to advise further, the PM sound. that the matter should be handled by said. the Physical Planning Division, Noting that Samuel wanted Surveying Department or the Attorney him to be involved in the General, and Samuel. discussion to resolve the issue Samuel had blocked the access road, of the farmers’ access through citing that the government had enough his land, Dr. Gonslaves said, time to address the issue on behalf of inter alia, “I don’t have to be the farmers, but failed to do so. He there. If it is a technical issue, said that farmers should not expect why am I imposing myself in him to allow them access to his land, it? I am absolutely sure that but should instead direct their anger the public officials are prepared towards the government. to have dialogue with Mr He had also been moved, during an Samuel or his representative”. interview with Dwight “Bing” Joseph Disclosing that he had told on his ‘OMG’ programme on Boom FM, Samuel to speak to the Chief to remind the country that “… for 8 Surveyor, since it was a years I have lost everything technical issue, the PM called financially. At one time, I could not out Samuel for having made even provide food for my own family. I the issue a political one. decided that 8 years is enough, and I This might also have been in have the law on my side.” response to Samuel’s assertion Dr. Gonsalves, commenting on the that “It was never political issue during a press conference last until when Ralph Gonsalves Tuesday at Cabinet Room, introduced that bogus SR&O acknowledged that, while Samuel has property rights, the people in the Samuel moved to physically community would have customary block farmers’ access to their lands through his property. rights. He said that the state as well Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.