FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.02 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Gov’t failing Nothing to Nine Morning Lockdown? Soufriere re: COVID hide winners Not easy anxiety Page 3 Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 Page 28

Figures show sharp increase in number of Covid-19 cases here.

There is no firm indication as to when a COVID- 19 vaccine would be made available here. EARLY VACCINE Stories by Dayle Da Silva ARRIVAL? PM NOT OPTIMISTIC PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES said that he is not optimistic about the coronavirus vaccine arriving here by the time it is estimated to do so. Last week, at a press briefing, Dr. Simon SEVEN NEW CASES have been positive moved to 206 as of the Cerebrovascular accident, or Keizer-Beache, Chief Medical Officer, had pointed added overnight (January 13/14) to morning of January 14. stroke. to an effort to have the vaccine here within the the overall tally of COVID-19 cases Dr Simone Keizer-Beache, Meanwhile, Dr Joy St John of first quarter of the year. here. Chief Medical Officer said that 18 the Caribbean Public Health But even with the Caribbean Public Health That number, as of the persons had been admitted to the Agency (CARPHA) said that Agency (CARPHA) making a down payment for 20 morning of January 14, stood at Argyle Isolation facility, and 4 although some countries around percent of the vaccines required and anticipating 340. persons were to the Milton Cato the region have experienced that they would be coming by the end of March, Tamara Bobb, Epidemiologist Memorial Hospital. spikes within the past few days, Dr. Gonsalves said that he had his doubts about is in the Ministry of Health, said at According to Keizer-Beache, “we have been doing better in the arrival. a press briefing on January 13, only a few of those admitted to Caribbean here to control the “That may come a little later,” he said. that up to that date 49 new cases the Argyle facility were showing spread and prevent deaths.” The Prime Minister explained that this country had been recorded. serious symptoms. There were She said that statistics was among five countries within CARICOM that This after 31 cases had been also some persons placed there showed that over 90 million were members of the Advance Marketing recorded on January 12, with all after it had been deemed that persons had contracted the Commitment (AMC) group within the COVAX those testing positive being locals their private homes were not coronavirus globally with 389,000 group. with no recent travel history. adequate for isolation. cases testing positive in the COVAX is the mechanism launched in April According to Bobb, they were With underlying (health) Caribbean. 2020 by the World Health Organization and which still conducting investigations on factors contributing to the death The numbers were even less brought together governments, global health 8 of the 49 new cases to of persons from the COVID-19 among CARPHA member states, organizations, manufacturers and other determine whether they were throughout the world, CMO of which St Vincent and the stakeholders, with the aim of accelerating the imported or among locals with no disclosed that some of the Grenadines is a part, with 80,518 development, production, and equitable access to recent travel history. persons admitted into health cases being confirmed. She, however, confirmed that facilities do have pre-existing Regarding testing, St John COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. most of the new cases were conditions. said that the recent requirements However, even with some funding by the World discovered amongst locals who She explained that two by Canada and the United Bank and other governments, COVAX has yet to had not traveled recently. individuals were diagnosed with Kingdom for persons to have a reach the amount of funding needed to fulfil its The total number of locals with COVID related pneumonias and commitment. no recent travel history testing another person diagnosed with a Continued on Page 3. Continued on Page 3. 2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News 3 lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 3. GovÊt failing to manage COVID-19

LEADER OF THE NEW yet out of the crisis and we want to be tested, so that DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) and cannot yet return to normal, testing is more widespread. Leader of the Opposition Dr. Dr. Friday encouraged. “The goal,” he noted, “must Godwin Friday is of the view that The opposition leader on be to test as many people as the government is failing to Wednesday stated that the possible, on a continuous manage the COVID-19 crisis, economy cannot function basis.” and failing to keep the people properly if people are getting Other measures proposed informed about the state of the infected and others fear by the opposition leader pandemic in SVG. becoming infected. include: mandatory masks in Dr. Friday, speaking at a “There will be reduced public spaces, public building NDP’s press conference last public confidence in going and public transport; facilitate Wednesday, said that there about their business and the importation of masks; promote was too much political economy will suffer. So, the work rotation, especially in the calculation in what is said and only way to protect the public sector (this will reduce done by public officials for economy is to bring the spread use of minivans). public consumption. “The of the virus under control and He also noted that as a professionals in the Ministry show our people that the priority, the upcoming Budget of Health must be guided by government is managing the must provide for financial the science and experience, not problem,” he advised. support to persons by politics! It must always be However, Dr. Friday economically affected. “There what makes the people safe continued, “The evidence of must be a significant package and feel safe, not what makes the last two weeks show that of relief assistance for people the government look good or the government is failing to do hurting from the pandemic,” sound good,” said Dr. Friday. that and is doing so at a time declared Friday. As far as the Opposition when the situation is graver A release dated January 13, Leader was concerned, there more grave and more urgent 2021 from the Ministry of was a trust gap between than ever.” Health, informed that there Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday, addressing the COVID- government and the people as Friday is calling on the were a total of 340 cases of 19 situation during a press conference last Wednesday. far as the management of the government to put strict COVID-19 recorded here. Of COVID crisis goes. He measures in place including this total, 123 were said to be The release as referenced appreciably since late described this as being securing the ports of entry to imported cases, 6 described as disclosed that there were 242 December, with the majority “dangerous and can cost lives.” ensure all persons are imported related and 211 active cases of the disease. seemingly because of local The message must be properly checked and handled cases under investigation. There have been no deaths transmission. conveyed clearly and appropriately; enforce Though there was no official attributed to COVID-19 in St. A number of government consistently that we are not quarantine measures strictly, confirmation, the 211 cases Vincent and the Grenadines. departments, the Police Force through effective monitoring under investigation were, in The figures show that the and private entities have and follow up; conduct random the court of public opinion, number of COVID-19 cases reported cases among their COVID-19 testing, or test of person who locally transmitted cases. here have increased staff. (KH) cases Early vaccine arrival? PM not optimistic Continued from Frontpage. has created a challenge for some persons Ministry of Health, Cuthbert Knights, who want to go home,” Gonsalves had indicated that his ministry was in increase Against this background, PM affirmed, adding that discussions with a private lab towards get Gonsalves warned about a situation the Permanent Secretary in the it to assist with the coronavirus test. developing wherein the richer countries Continued from Frontpage. would procure more than is required for their respective populations, with little or PCR test conducted 72 hours no regard for the needs developing before travel, and with the nations. United States expected to Heads of Governments within implement a similar measure CARICOM have been in contact with along with an Antigen test each other and have been discussing the later this month, this meant issue with CARPHA. These discussion that there was the need to are ongoing. ramp up testing. She said that as of January Testing 10, 2021, CARPHA lab facility had received 38,574 samples In addition to referencing the issue of from 17 countries. the COVID-19 vaccine, Gonsalves also St John also noted that on addressed the most recent requirement the issue of the two new by countries such as Canada and the UK. variants — the UK and South Those countries now require persons African variant — CARPHA entering, including returning nationals, was partnering the University to have a PCR test. of the West Indies in a project This was already putting pressure on to look for this variant within the testing capacity here, Dr. Gonsalves the region. admitted. So far, they have tested He made no mention of the rapid samples from 6 countries St increase in cases among what authorities John said, including SVG, describe as persons with no travel and found the variant only in history, as contributing to this pressure. sample from Jamaica. “The delay in our own testing facilities 4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Courts

That package was put in place by government to assist certain sections of the population, in light Woman blames of the economic hardships created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis told the Court she was the mother of a 2-year-old son, who was unemployment expected to begin pre- school in September. “I have my bills to Stories by Court on Monday she resident of Bequia, gave to supply. She had no March 2019, but was laid pay,” she declared. HAYDN HUGGINS resorted to the marijuana the explanation after legal representation. off. She added, “I was Lewis pleaded for business because of her pleading guilty to According to Lewis, sort of depending on the leniency saying that she A 26-YEAR-OLD WOMAN economic situation. possession of 193 grams she had been employed stimulus package up was, “a good person.” told the Serious Offences Kendra Lewis, a of marijuana with intent in hospitality sector up to until October last year.” In presenting the facts earlier, Court Clerk Corporal Atnel Ash said Seven months for burglarizing uncle’s home that around 5:05 p.m. on January 9, Constable 915 Snagg was on duty at the TERRY MARS, a 29- previously imposed on way he had left it. and charged with the Prosecutor Adolphus Port Elizabeth wharf in year-old Barrouallie him for burglarizing the His friend, on making offence. Delpleche asked him Bequia, where she saw resident, was sentenced home of the same uncle, checks, saw someone Mars told the Court whether he ever worked, Lewis going onto the to seven months in some years ago. under a bed, and alerted that he lived in the Mars said he had started boat, Bequia Express, prison on Tuesday for On Tuesday, the Court Bulz. downstairs of the house, to work as a landscaper. then disembarking the burglarising the home of found that there was no Bulz looked under the and went upstairs to look The prosecutor then his uncle, Jerry Bulz, warrant in place for bed and discovered his for food as he was informed the Court that same boat with a between May 16 and 22, Mars’ arrest for the non- nephew, Mars, there. hungry. He hid under according to his handbag which she did 2020. payment of that fine. Mars emerged and a the bad when he heard information, Mars not carry on. Mars received the In relation to the tussle ensued between he the sound of someone in worked sometimes as a Snagg approached the penalty after pleading recent offence, the Court and his uncle during the house. labourer, but makes his woman, identified guilty to entering Bulz’s heard that on May 16, which his uncle received But Chief Magistrate living mainly from herself, and informed home at Barrouallie with 2020, around 7:55am, an injury to his right Rechanne Browne stealing. Lewis of her duties. intent to commit an Bulz secured his home, arm. reminded him that he In reference to Mars Lewis consented to a offence. He was left the keys with his Mars left, but a report had burglarized the same explanation that he lived search, but nothing unrepresented. sister and went to was made to the police, uncle’s home before for in the downstairs of the illegal was found on her However, if Mars does Bequia to work. and he was arrested. He which he was fined house, the Magistrate person. not pay the Court on He returned, gave no statement to the $1,000 or six month in said, “There is not where However, a search of outstanding $1,000 fine, accompanied by a friend, police, and was released prison. She asked him you lived or you would the handbag revealed a he would have to serve on May 22 around without being charged, whether he was hungry not be before the Court KFC box containing two an additional six months 12:30a.m and on entering pending further then. She also pointed to on this charge.” zip bags which, when behind bars. his house, observed that investigations. He was his conviction record The arresting officer opened, were found to That fine was the kitchen was not the subsequently re-arrested which showed that he Constable 830 Keil, who contain marijuana in had a string of was present, then one, and 34 wrapping convictions for informed the Court that papers in the other. burglarizing the Mars and his uncle lived When cautioned, Barrouallie clinic and a in separate houses. Lewis told the police, furniture shop. In handing down the The Magistrate again penalty, the Magistrate “Me light is 500 and I am asked the defendant stressed the seriousness unemployed.” whether he was hungry of the offence, the degree She was taken into when he committed those of planning, Mars’ custody along with the offences. dishonesty, and breach of marijuana, which was Mars told the Court he trust. weighed, and amounted was unemployed, and “It is your uncle and to 193 grams. She was was the father of two you had already stolen subsequently charged children, ages 10 and 8, from him. The thing that with possession with and explained that he stood out is the repeated intent to supply. entered the clinic to look targeting of your uncle. In her summation on for rations. You have no conscience Monday, Chief When Senior man,” she told Mars. Magistrate Rechanne Browne highlighted the method which was used in attempting to conceal Man charged with the drugs in order to avoid detection, as an aggravating factor. obstructing cop Browne, however, took into account Lewis’ A 32-YEAR-OLD Barrouallie man was taken dependent 2-year-old before the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, child. She also noted that charged with obstructing a police officer. Lewis had no previous Terry Griffith is accused of obstructing Corporal convictions, and that she Orlando Collins, he being a police officer acting in pleaded guilty at the first due execution of his duties. available opportunity. The offence was reportedly committed After applying the December 26. sentencing guidelines Griffith pleaded not guilty when he faced Chief and balancing the Magistrate Rechanne Browne, and was granted aggravating and $1,500 bail with one surety, on condition that he would have no contact with virtual complainant. mitigating factors, she The matter was transferred to the Barrouallie fined the woman $230 to Magistrate’s Court. be paid forthwith or two weeks in prison. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 5. V COVID Glossy Bay workers to quarantine

EMPLOYEES of Glossy Bay 19 pandemic.. according to a memo directed all staff that on they are given the all of any one of the Construction Ltd. and Any worker leaving circulated to employees, returning to the island, clear to return to work. companies. Gloss Bay Marina in the island for whatever if a rerunning employee they should contact a In addition to the Needless to say, some Canouan, who are reason and irrespective has a roommate, that (named) doctor to have a quarantine directive, the employees have returning to that of the period spent off person will also be COVID-19 test Companies have questioned whether the Grenadine island from any island, is obligated to required to quarantine. administered. Before implemented mandatory quarantine and other part of the state, will quarantine for ten days Employees have also they enter quarantine. wearing of masks by all conditions attached are now have to enter a 10-day prior to returning to been advised to make On day five of the employees while on the legal. period of quarantine. work. arrangements to have quarantine, they are to compounds, especially Efforts to speak with This is the recently The 10-day period is to visitors abode at contact the doctor to when interacting with someone in authority to enforced directive from be counted as unpaid accommodation separate have a second test and guest; on all company ascertain how the both companies in what leave unless an employee from theirs, and that if arrange to have another vehicle and whenever regulations were they say is an effort applies it against accrued they should come into test on day ten, before they leave the compound working, proved aimed at safeguarding vacation leave, and contact before tens day, unsuccessful. the health of all neither can it be applied they will have to employees and guests, in as sick/medical leave. quarantine. the wake of the COVID- Interestingly, and The company has also GovÊt to continue to pay benefits THE GOVERNMENT of St. Vincent Prime Minister and the Grenadines will continue to Dr. Ralph provide temporary unemployment Gonsalves benefits and payouts to persons in the would want to hospitality sector and to seafarers. continue Speaking on radio on January 10, assistance made the Prime Minister disclosed that to displaced some EC$8.4 million had already workers in 2020, The Glossy Bay Marina, Canouan. Is a mega yacht facility. been paid out to 4,309 recipients, but admits that it since the programme commenced in would be a April 2020 and up to December 26, balancing act 2020. regarding Of this amount, the National revenue and Insurance Services (NIS) paid out expenditure. some EC$2.4 million with the government providing just over $6 million. for the PRYME Responding to a concern expressed programme and assistance for by Anthony Regisford, Executive farmers and fisherfolk in 2012. Director of the St Vincent and the But even as he spoke of these Grenadines Chamber of Industry and commitments, PM Gonsalves Commerce, that assistance to those in highlighted the challenge of avoiding the hospitality and seafarers had a situation of collecting less revenues expired on December 31, 2020, the than what is to be expended, thereby prime Minister responded, “So, it’s a creating a deficit on the current matter of refreshing those account. arrangements and tweaking them.” There was some hope, though, with An extension until March 2021 assistance being sort through means that a further EC$2.4 million institutions like the World Bank and will be required, Dr. Gonsalves said. the Caribbean Development Bank In addition, there has to be support (CDB). (DD) 6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Editorial Community spread: The truth please Putting some pieces together THE WAY WE UNDERSTAND IT, when tracing been? We are not Cruickshank public health experts talk about TODAY, FRIDAY 27TH MAY 2016, encouraged by an official release conceivably marks the day of decision on Stuart Nanton community spread/local that said, inter alia, because of the NDP election petitions. Either the and even Kerwyn transmission, it’s just a way of “the ongoing intensive contact NDP wins and open-up, from their Morris who saying that more people in an area, tracing and the testing for perspective a can of worms which could finally entered as work place, etc., have been COVID-19…… the Laboratory end up either with by election in Central General-Secretary of the NDP. So infected. They also mean infections Services Programme is Leeward and /or North Windward or, important a political figure as Jerry Scott (within a population) that are not experiencing a delay in the preferably from their point of view, a mixed and mingled with us without imported from another virus-hit issuance of COVID-19 results.” quashing of the entire 2015 election formally joining the EFP-DFM. Even area. What has caused this rather results and the holding of completely new Louis Jones had been closer to the EFP As per the latter, that will disturbing impact on the testing 2016 elections. family than to the Mitchell’s. Mitchell had translate to mean a situation in services? To what extent is the Or there could be a judicial decision brought to the table some former PPP which a person gets Covid-19 increased number of local cases that confirms the election 2015 results, persons such as David Jack, Kelvin despite having not been to an and resulting increased need for and set in motion further court action by Gibson, George Reddock, Emery affected area or country, like the testing as per contact tracing way of appeal accompanied by mass action, Robertson, Calder Williams by fluke and UK. Sounds familiar? Person accounted for this delay? One can the extent of which it is difficult to his first genuine recruits had been Burton without travel history? only imagine how far the contact contemplate. Williams and Herbert Young, to whom he We are subject to correction by tracing in the Police Force might So, in the meantime, one may safely added new politically attractive persons as the experts among us who, it extend. All this diversion while and usefully discuss some issues that were Alpian Allen and probably the model appears, are ‘dreadfully afraid to persons scheduled to travel are raised during the fracas. The most illogical constituency representative in Bernard Wyllie. declare that we have had and persistent has been the matter of still awaiting results. leadership. So people must stop saying that community spread or local The contact tracing has all but It has been held that the West Indian Mitchell ran the NDP as his toy in much transmission of COVID-19. multiplied with the number of masses revere only a charismatic leader the same fashion as Ralph misuses his They ought to say why there ‘locally transmitted cases’, and and that Arnhim Eustace, unlike Ralph, charges like they were lap-dogs. has been no official confirmation impacted, stretched our testing has no charisma. The man who won an “unsafe” of local transmission, especially in capacity. Does that represent the The term charisma, “gift of Grace”, was constituency on five successive occasions a situation of an increasing truthfulness of our situation? coined by a German philosopher Wittfogel, and twice came within one-seat of forming number of COVID-19 cases and No one wants to cause panic, who described particular qualities akin to the Government has been termed a born suspected cases here that have no but isn’t it worse when the ‘bolley magical that inhered in a particular brand loser without checking out fraudulence of history being contracted overseas. bus’ and the population realises of leadership that emerged during crisis our election set-up. Let’s see. We have had cases that it has been short-changed, situation, like the throes of war, famine or Most of all ULPites call for Eustace’s now reported at VINLEC, in the that the truth has been natural disasters. head, when if Eustace, according to their Police Force, in the civil service compromised in favour of Transferred to former dependent rancid reasoning remains the only (e.g. Treasurer, Ministries of safeguarding public safety? countries, the term was applied to those insurance of another ULP victory which Health, including health care Think of the panic that could be leaders who spoke a vitriolic language they hunger after! It does not add up! workers, and Education), a created then. And by the way, against the Imperial Power, were thought Interestingly, if Arnhim were to become financial institution, and even a whose safety are we safeguarding to have been imbued with magical powers, Prime Minister he would be confirming his Minister of Government…. close by short-changing the truth? and a spine-chilling speechifying style. record as the only Vincey head of to 200 infections between January We are in a situation where it Bustamante, Uriah Butler and Ebenezer Government with a native wife. Mrs 6 — 12. Joshua were counted among their number. Joshua was Grenadian, Mrs. Cato from means the chance of walking out Nevis-Canadia, Mrs. Mitchell from Canada Have these persons recently Comrade Ralph, but not Arnhim a door, reporting for work, and Eustace, patterned his political style after and Mrs Gonsalves first from Jamaica travelled outside of SVG? encountering someone with the lot. then from Dominica. There are infected persons COVID-19, whether it’s a friend, a It was a short step from “charismatic” to To maintain the tradition the NDP among the count here who don’t family member, a co-worker or a strong leadership which naturally Joshua needs to push Dr. Friday as Arnhim’s know, with any certainty, where complete stranger, is higher now and Ralph inherited but certainly not successor! they were exposed to the virus. that it has ever been since the Eustace, who aimed at simplicity, honesty I am so glad to note that Arnhim has at As far as they can guess or outbreak of the disease. Given and truthfulness which area defines his last been discovered by the people as surmise, they could have been the brittleness of our counter- hall-mark. possessing a loving care deposition and is exposed to the virus through measures that chance as There is no cut-off point and so “Son” simply a man of his word. In other words someone in or visiting the referenced can only multiply, Mitchell struck the balance in making he is the genuine article. household, a co-worker, maybe at exponentially perhaps? himself an ideal leader, strong, purposeful From the time of his infancy he has a social event. The question of all questions: but democratic. I have stressed the point been misrepresented a man “born with a On the other hand, there are Do we have the capacity to deal that about 60% of his Government had gold spoon in his mouth and never mixed those who can point to a person(s) with the current spike which is been members of the Educational Forum of with ordinary folks. As a matter of as being the suspect source(s) characterized by increased local the People, including present- day Arnhim interest, people like the deceased “Call it from whom they might have transmission, something that the Eustace, Allan Cruickshank and Major George” could have told how Arnhim grew contracted the virus. authorities are still wont to deny? Leacock, so that an NDP government was up with the folk of Edinboro and later The result: Health Authorities It almost appears, given the never a “Mitchell Administration” pure fished commercially with his friend our focus their contact tracing on uncertainty that prevails, that we and simple. Kerwyn Morris. While Arnhim was at the top of the friends, family, and a sample of never thought local transmission Forum members virtually carried the early NDP Government albeit under public Service his close friends were Elias persons at a social gathering. would come our way and Mitchell’s benign care and wise direction, Roach and Mc Connie Yammie. The question is, how successful, therefore, we made no Eddie Griffith, Parnel Campbell, Yvonne how effective has our contact preparation for such. Truth? Francis Gibson, John Horne, Allan Continued on Page 22. lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 7. V Views Who are the irresponsible fools now? UP TO A FEW months ago, from the government’s But the recent are now evidently engage the examination persons who had been outlay/investment of developments seem to untrustworthy material, of mature citizens, is the regarded as being “leading three million dollars to suggest, that the quite unsuited for rationale in placing our lights” in our society, by the “YES” campaign, inclusion of those inclusion in the construct most modern health-care virtue of their educational have been labelling those offensive clauses was of the platform which we facility in a historical status and their extended persons who voted “No”, indeed deliberate. Ralph now need to build, in danger zone - volcanic - exposure to the influences as backward, ignorant Gonsalves is now order to enhance the from which residents had of the works of those and unpatriotic. The promoting himself as chances for success in to be evacuated ‘large renowned scholars, who privileged position of “World Boss”. the decades ahead. scale’ forty years ago. were passionate about these “faithful scholars”, These happenings The present effusive How and by whom was societal development even now, does not allow should clearly inform us, eruption of the La the decision made to rooted in democracy, them to appreciate, that that Ralph Gonsalves is Soufriere, seems locate that facility where those persons had been that proposed not qualified to play a somewhat to have it is? condemning those citizens constitution, contained leading role in the created a “virtual Will our fellow citizens who had voted “No” in the clauses which were imminent Reparations laboratory”, in which the of the Caribbean now Referendum of 2009 in clearly inimical to the discussion, and all those effusion of our label us as irresponsible SVG. well-being of the persons who played government’s fools or envy us for being These leaders of democracy we had all leading roles in the mismanagement over the led by our “World Boss”? thought who were in these years set our treacherous attempts to last two decades, can be harmony with the hearts on; we, the subvert our interests, critically examined. One LeRoy Providence approach of the progeny of ex-slaves and should be identified of the issues which must governing ULP, and had former owners of the without delay. They have probably enjoyed benefit land, the “GARIFUNA”. polluted themselves and We’ve had enough ….. of “we ought The coronavirus protocols THIS NOVEL This has severely revising of that figure to coronavirus (COVID-19) affected the churches. maybe twenty (20) to” conversation of late continues to be of great As a Christian nation we persons. Each church I’VE HAD ENOUGH of “we ought to” unaccountable. We usually invoke this concern around the are supposed to obey can hold twenty or more conversation of late. You know the “we” when we want to encourage world. those in authority but persons and still allow type, those gripe sessions where well- someone else to do something and we Locally, the alarming how could passenger for proper social meaning people discuss what’s wrong are not willing to commit ourselves to rate of COVID-19 cases vans be allowed to carry distancing. I know that at work or with the country. Sooner or doing anything. Take a moment and is indeed very serious. As twelve (12) persons these measures are only later, someone always says “we listen, you will be surprised how a result, protocols have where each passenger temporary, but God must oughta” do this or that, everyone else many times in one week we use that been changed and/or sits in proximity to each, be first and foremost. agrees and add another option or slide “unaccountable we”. I would say 80% adjusted, rightly so. while churches, where May God bless this back to their pet peeve. of the time you are involved in a As a people we are to there is so much more nation! Yes, in my experience nothing that conversation that invokes the word obey the laws of the land room that each person arises out of these “we ought to” “we”, nothing gets done. and obey those in can sit six (6) feet apart, Kennard King discussions ever gets done, which is Don’t get me wrong, “we” is a very authority. However, with are allowed a maximum why they’re so frustrating. It took me powerful word, It’s a key word in all that we have put in of ten (10) persons? I a while, but I finally realized that some of our best motivational slogans place, e.g. wearing cannot see the logic in nobody ever took the time to define ever - “The Power of We,” “Together masks, we are not able this one. who “we” means. Is it an “editorial We Can...,” “We Can Do It” — which to bring it under control. The churches are we,” by which a columnist presents politicians and pundits use all the Thank God here in St. where the presence of his or her viewpoint on behalf of the time with great success. When we use Vincent we have not had the Lord is and He newspaper or the organization? Is it a it in most everyday context, it serves any deaths caused by blesses the congregation. * Why haven’t “royal we” where we are speaking of to discourage action; we are all COVID-19. In the house of the Lord we heard that ourselves in or part of the collective responsible and no one is accountable. Notwithstanding the there is protection by the other members of community? Or is it the generic third The net result? Nothing gets done. fact that we have had no Lord; it is where the the Cabinet have person “we” to mean everyone? So, here’s an idea: The next time deaths, it must be the Christians can meet, been told to self- No, the “we” is usually one that you’re in a conversation and someone Lord Jesus Christ to unite and pray. But now quarantine? Are we allows us to hide in the vagueness of says, “we ought to”, thank them for really set us free and it is almost impossible not to assume that the conversation so that we remain volunteering and reward them by give protection. for churches to meet they would have allowing them to pick In light of this, I while persons are come into contact their team to make it strongly disagree with allowed to congregate in with Minister happen. Whatever you the latest changes made stores, buses, offices and Brewster who we do, don’t let the in the protocol regarding elsewhere without the know has COVID- “unaccountable we” have indoor gatherings, which correct physical distance 19? its way. are now limited to ten of six (6) feet. * How is the delay persons. I am calling for a Horatio in processing COVID-19 test storming the House of Assembly, a la results affecting 1935, but none of the protestors got into those persons who Take heed!!!! the building, as far as I know.) are scheduled to LET POLITICIANS here and across the The thing is that we are standing on depart SVG? Are world take heed: Be careful about what glass, so to speak. Take it or leave it they on a ‘priority’ you say, when you say what you say, our political situation is a fragile one, list? and how you say what you say. made worse by the fact that we the * How much money Look at what happened in the USA. people are so easily influenced by our was allocated to The words of Donald Trump, the sitting leaders. Layou for its Nine President of the USA, resulted in a God forbid that anything like what happened in the USA would happen Mornings bunch of hooligans storming the US programme and how Legislature. That’s like a bunch of here. It did happen again to a certain degree in 1999 -2000 but we can much of that was dissatisfied Vincentian storming the actually spent? House of Assembly during one of its certainly do without a repeat. Even though, like Trump’s claims of * Now that La sittings. Soufriere acting up, From what I saw on television, it victory in the face of a scorching licking, our Opposition might want to has NEMO been was Trump who encouraged his relieved of its duties supporters to do what they did. He told use their popular vote as muscle, they them to fight and that is what they did might want to think twice about taking regarding COVID- when they confronted the police and action that might come back to haunt 19 so that it can security officers in what could be called them. concentrate on what the US Parliament. it is set up to do? (We have had our share of citizens Charles - Edinboro 8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Views Our society kept functioning by steady leadership Commitments for the New Year Introduction and beyond THE UNPRECEDENTED circumstances (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press facing this nation currently have been Conference) the source of much anxiety and concern creativity of our young people and for its citizens and residents. WE ARE GRATEFUL that we have lived to must be emphasised that the provision bring them together with the wisdom Understandably, many questions are see the New Year, 2021. Let us pray that of thousands of tablets to the of our elders to transform the way we raised daily as Vincentians seek to get a community college, secondary schools there are better things in store for us do things and build a prosperous, grasp of what is happening as we move and Grade 6 primary school students this year. There were many moments in into a new year. The recent increase in sustainable economy and society. by this ULP administration is one of 2020 where we faced unprecedented Covid-19 cases announced by the Health Before we can do this, we must the main reasons we are able to challenges, most notably the COVID-19 Services Subcommittee within NEMO, manage and ultimately overcome the implement online teaching/learning. pandemic. Yet, I believe that as a people and the continued threat of the La Clearly the preference would be for scourge of COVID-19 scourge. we have become more grounded in what Soufriere Volcano eruption continue to face-to-face teaching/learning, but the The Escalating COVID-19 Crisis present a metaphoric “double-edged matters most in life; we are more circumstances dictate that necessary The crisis is the worst it has been sword” challenge to all of us. Tackling determined and resilient than ever in the adjustments be made and our in SVG. Over the past two weeks the these imminent challenges in a manner responsive government, through its face of the challenges that will surely situation has deteriorated rapidly. that presents very little if any disruptions Ministry of Education, has done just come our way this year. in living and production continues to be that. SVG recorded it first case on 11th the number one priority of the ULP In fact, they have already started. March, 2020 and increased moderately administration that is charged with The threat of Volcanic Eruption We begin the New Year with a great until a week or so ago. leading this country. Unfortunately, those sense of the weight of the world upon Recent upsurge in new cases: driven by naked partisan rancor are The La Soufriere volcano continues us as we contend with two potential Wednesday 6th January, 28 new overtaken with glee, ecstatic with what its effusive eruption with the growth disasters: an erupting La Soufriere they perceive as something blameworthy cases; Thursday 7th January, 55 new of the second dome in the crater now volcano and escalating local cases; Sunday 10th January, 24 new to put at the feet of Comrade Ralph and extending to the crater wall. The team transmission of Covid-19. the ULP. This government, however, cases; Monday 11th January, 4 new of seismic professionals lead by Our country, already beleaguered continues to adopt a pragmatic Vincentian Prof Richard Robertson cases; Tuesday 12th January, 31 new approach to the management of the with a dramatic fall off in our tourism cases. A total of 284 cases in SVG; 106 continues to monitor the volcano’s and agriculture sectors, must now challenges facing us and is confident activity by installing various types of recovered and 178 remain active. that with the cooperation of each equipment at different locations in the brace itself for even harder times There is more to come; perhaps many individual, SVG can get through this country to record relevant data. The under the Unity Labour Party period. more. UWISRC has been monitoring La government (ULP): a Party that has Most concerning is that vast Soufriere since 1986 and has a wealth run out of ideas and who can only majority of cases are result of local Life must go on of knowledge and experience in this offer the same for 2021 as they have spread. Tuesday, for example, all 31 kind of work. The regular and timely done for nearly 20 years. The increase in Covid-19 cases has updates provided by the team to the cases had no recent travel history. caused renewed calls by some, for the I look forward to the things we This means they got infected through leadership of this country and the would do together to make life better. country to go into lock-down, or at subsequent dissemination of this local transmission. The government least adopt some restrictive measures information to the citizens of this And we continue to plan and work to officials do not want to use the term in an attempt to slow the spread of the country is of utmost importance to the have a majority government of the community spread. One hundred and virus. The government however stability of our nation. Dr Gonsalves NDP in place to breathe new life into continues to make decisions based on fifty five (155) local transmission cases himself speaks to the nation at least 3 our stagnant economy, create jobs, are under investigation, according to the available science, the prevailing times per week, discussing the promote prosperity, to plant the seeds NEMO. That’s a lot of cases to evidence available and the advice of information in the context of the of recovery from the COVID-19 the professionals involved in the daily government’s plans in the event that investigate at the same time. Six (6) management of Covid-19. The economic crash, to end victimization persons are hospitalized, two (2) in the mode of eruption changes to and foster free expression for all our uncertainty surrounding the explosive. Anyone looking on from the serious condition. This is new for us. possibility of an eruption of La outside would find it difficult to accept people. I stand by that solemn Let us pray it does not become fatal. Soufriere, when added to the that this country is facing the threat commitment to you. Do we have the capacity to treat challenges that the pandemic, present, of eruption from an active volcano, The writer, James Baldwin, has and even more acute need for a people effectively? Our health care since the mood across the country, reminded us that: “No one holds power system is not equipped to deal with an mature, steady hand to lead in these including communities closest to the forever.” We also know it when we times. The focus of the government is outbreak of COVID illnesses. Do we volcano continues to be positive. From say: “Every rope has an end”. And the to ensure that life, living and Fancy to Richmond, residents closest have ventilators (how many) and staff production continue in a manner that end of ULP government will come, but to operate them? to the volcano carry about their daily we must continue to pray and work for presents the minimum risk to citizens, activities mindful of the reality, but Further, many Government officials that brighter day. I remain resolute in but at the same time allows for with a quiet confidence in the record have tested positive: Commissioner of economic activity that sustains the my commitment to the people of SVG. on disaster management by this Police; Dep. Commissioner of Police; lives its tasked to protect. I will call upon you to continue the government. Farmers continue on five other police officers; Treasury The revision of the protocols was a their farms, fisherfolk ply their trade work we have started, to bring an end Dept officials; a Minister of key step in achieving this, thus the and the communities are as lively and to a tired and corrupt ULP protocol regarding quarantining government. Several persons who vibrant even as we remain cautious government and bring about the arriving visitors is now 14 days in an were doing contract tracing have and in a constant state of readiness. change you desire. approved facility. The government also apparently also tested positive. So, In order to make this happen, we strongly recommends the wearing of Conclusion who is doing the tracing? How are face covering in public, has placed a must be steadfast in our commitments they coping? Testing backlog is also ban on amplified music in public Keeping our society functioning to improve the lives of all Vincentians. places, or private place where the This includes a resolve to promote the growing, 900 tests still waiting safely during this time of threats to results. What will the results be? This public has access, and recommends a our lives and livelihoods by an principles of good governance, equal maximum of 10 persons inside and 20 erupting volcano and a globally treatment, and opportunity for all is frightening for most people. outside for gatherings. Employees in devastating pandemic isn’t achieved What is the current positivity rate government offices are asked to wear Vincentians, regardless of political by guesswork or knee-jerk reaction. party, race, or creed. We will demand from recent tests? The system is masks while at work and the public is One just needs to look at our stretched to the limit, if not required to wear masks when entering that these principles are followed in neighbours to appreciate the our public affairs for the benefit of all overwhelmed. How are they government offices. All these measures significant difference in the response are implemented to ensure that daily our people. As I have said repeatedly, managing to isolate 178 active cases? activities can continue but in a taken to managing Covid, in that How are they managing contact while we are generally experiencing the NDP is a party for all manner that provides for safe Vincentians–a vehicle for change and tracing for so many new cases that interaction between citizens. similar outcomes, those countries have grow more every day? We need experienced various levels of there is a place in it for everyone. The Ministry of Education, in answers! People are scared and carrying out its mandate has also had restrictions that have disrupted the While we face the many challenges lives of citizens and productive aspects before us, let us remain hopeful and confused. And the government to make adjustments in order to appears to be paralyzed, unable to act ensure that the disruption to the of their societies. The economic fallout keep your faith in Almighty God. We education system is kept to a in those countries are causing great shall prevail and we will help each decisively and effectively. minimum. The opening of school was economic hardship, while offering no other through the hard times. When On the one hand, the Prime initially delayed by one week so that evidence that the restrictions imposed circumstances permit, you will see me Minister and others in the government the Ministry could decide on the safest have kept their citizens safer. The were giving the impression that they government continues to manage in your communities, your homes and and most efficient method to allow for your events. I particularly look had this thing licked, beaten; that teaching and learning. It took the Covid-19, while we monitor the they had managed so well that the volcanic activity, with a patience and a forward to meeting more amazing decision that students and teachers economic fallout was not as bad as would employ the online mode of calm, following the science, and young people to hear from them how interaction as an immediate solution crafting responses that allow for a we can make this country better. I elsewhere in the region. They spoke as to get our nations students engaged in functioning society for the benefit of want to hear your ideas, fresh and though we were past the worst. But a learning environment that’s safe. It all Vincentians. new ideas that spring from the the situation is now worse than ever. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 9. V Views Pain, Purpose and Passion Staying safe in Covid times

“Great things never come from ‘You can’t know where you are going But not so comfort zones.” Neil Strauss (born until you know where you have been.’ fast. Hell No! 1969) – American author, journalist, Maya Angelou Now is as good as any to call out fools, and ghost-writer laugh in the faces of useful idiots, and WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT that a bring to heal the entire political class, government minister and the Deputy government, and opposition that DR. JOHN DEMARTINI, a world-renowned Commissioner of Police have tested callously disregarded the populace’s specialist in human behaviour, has especially so when the coach is positive for coronavirus, and cabinet health and safety in the run-up to the written several books that assist extremely demanding — pressuring members, police top brass and officials in elections. readers in developing the mindset and the athlete to go beyond what she the Ministry of Health are quarantined We would be foolhardy to forget that techniques to accomplish much more previously thought was beyond her because of possible exposure, Vincentians both side joyously bellowed ‘What a than they would have originally thought capability. have ramped up their precautions to stay crowd ah people,’ or the heartbreaking possible. Several years ago, a dear The student who desires to get top safe. plea of our prime minister for ‘Jah to friend presented this writer with an grades must similarly stretch beyond The explosive discovery and lick dem wid diseases,’ or politicians autographed copy of his 2002 what he previously thought was his disclosure present the country with hobnobbing with investors who flew in publication entitled, “The Breakthrough vivid exhibits that those at the state’s and out on private jets without a single limit. He must be prepared to study highest level have not been protective gear. Who relaxed the Experience: A Revolutionary New for longer hours, conduct more Approach to Personal Transformation” scrupulously following the advice they protocol for the elections campaign? research, practise his academic skills offered to the general public. Fear Was it Chief Medical Officer Keiser- (ISBN 9781561708850). Among other more often, and so on. He does this stalks the land. Mask wearing is at an Beache or the political directorate? things, the book highlights the fact that regardless of the pain that he must all-time high. Few persons object to Double standards send mixed messages. the individuals who have developed the endure. He knows that such sanitising their hands. Social distancing In the face of that reckless skills of disciplining themselves to sacrifices are important if he is to gets deserved respect. nonchalance, it will take someone with retain a focus on their noble dreams, achieve his academic goals. He The Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone immense powers of discipline to act regardless of the obstacles that they endures the pain and the frustration Keiser-Beache and by extension, the differently while the political class told face, invariably accomplish great feats. that would often accompany such government are aggressively touting the them ‘do as I say and not as I do.’ Small They refuse to let disappointments, sacrifices. He retains his focus — his vaccine as a possible cure. According to wonder that the majority of the setbacks, and/or pain distract them passion. He disciplines himself to Keiser-Beache, the government projects population took only minimal from their purpose. They retain a focus endure against great odds. He to vaccinate close to 80 percent of the precaution. on their dreams and pursue these with population beginning in March 2020, Worse, the cynicism and hypocrisy of understands and appreciates the fact after the vaccine becomes available. the political class are instructive. passion. that pain and sacrifice are often the Over the years, this writer has The blind hope is that those Parliament remains closed to the public. forerunners to great achievements. vaccinated will be safer than those Parliamentarians, who won the plum of used a quotation from “The Based on the foregoing scenarios without the medication. No one in the power, took their seats in the hallowed Breakthrough Experience” to we can conclude that “pain” is often medical establishment explains why halls of power. They locked out the encourage young persons to be better accompanied by its cousin “sacrifice”. those who take the vaccine will have to masses whom they implored to huddle prepared to exert the effort and Athletes, students, and employees are continue to wear masks, sanitise, and in massive numbers during the energy needed for success in whatever periodically required to engage in engage in social distancing. When elections campaign. There is nothing in aspect of life they may be focused on. activities that take them beyond what citizens were vaccinated for measles, the public domain that points to a It is recorded here for that very is considered “normal” or “expected”. polio and smallpox, the clear and single parliamentarian politely purpose — to inspire: Those who discipline themselves to distinct understanding was that there requesting entry for a limited audience “Great geniuses are willing to pay exert more effort and energy than is was no need to worry about these during the assembly meetings. All of the price. They’re willing to make expected are sure to accomplish more deadly killers again. the elected members want to protect sacrifices for their dreams. Instead of than those who do not. Those who Forty years on, and with knowledge their health and safety. partying with their friends, they in the biological sciences doubling every What is the source of the community possess the mindset to do more than 18 months, it appears that we have far spread? An informed guess leads us to spend hours practicing, studying, and is expected will forever run at the preparing. They give up pleasure and more information and much less the unmistakable conclusion that front of the pack. These are the understanding about the dangers that Vincentians were inflected by persons entertainment and face their fears winners in the game of life. They beset us. who came into our country with the and doubts. They do whatever it become role models of excellence and One hundred fifty-five persons with virus. Citizens who worked in the takes. There’s nothing wrong with beacons of hope to successive no history of recent travel have tested Grenadines came into contact with that, because pain and pleasure generations. positive. More than 900 persons have contaminated visitors and then always come together as a pair.” Mary Tyler Moore (1936-2017), the been identified for contact tracing and returned to the mainland. We pause to commend the American actress, producer, and testing. There is ample evidence of How in heaven’s name do you protect individuals who contribute to social advocate, reminds us that, community spread, but the government citizens when double standards rule? outstanding positive accomplishments “Pain nourishes courage. You can’t be has not admitted to this fact. They did Persons who fly into SVG has to be in homes, churches, workplaces, and brave if you’ve only had wonderful not make that announcement when quarantined at their own expense, for service clubs by their continuous things happen to you.” Pain and persons in Greiggs tested positive. The 14 days. Security at some of these commitment to excellent service. sacrifice can therefore be considered government’s ‘science’ has taken us to facilities is so lax that visits occur Many of these individuals commit community clusters, but apparently, routinely. Some returnees were allowed priceless when they help us to focus this does not amount to community to go home without being quarantined. their time, talents, treasure as they more intently on our purpose and seek to excel as students, athletes, spread. However, vigorous attempts at In Mustique, visitors quarantine for passion. Oprah Winfrey (born 1954), contact tracing are ongoing. one day then can go to the bar and the and employees. They develop a the American talk show host, actress, Those occupying the corridors of beach. At the recent high roller wedding similar discipline as they endeavour producer, and philanthropist, adds power are dancing around the facts on Mustique, locals must have come to better their very best efforts in some useful thought to this when she rather than honestly speaking to the into contact, then came into contact other aspects of their lives. They challenges us to, “Turn your wounds people. The sad reality is that more with friends and family on the understand and appreciate that pain into wisdom.” We will have to make locals are testing positive than persons mainland. Incidences of community is often a forerunner to their ultimate sacrifices in life as we pursue our who come in from the COVID-19 spread are now so widespread that pleasure and success. They discipline noble dreams. We must forever retain hotspots, even as Americans airline investors at Canouan have taken the themselves to retain a focus on their a focus on making the best out of deposits passengers twice weekly from law into their own hands. Employers noble dreams and to pursue these what we may perceive to be a “bad COVID-19 hotspots. instruct workers to leave at the peril of with passion … regardless of the situation”. Struggles and trials will How did we get here? Last year our their jobs. Go to the mainland, and you challenges they encounter. They are leaders said they were following the must quarantine for ten days, and it appear. Accidents will happen. science. Regional leaders were said to not deterred by the obstacles that However, those who are prepared to will not be taken as vacation leave. confront them. They press on with have adopted a lazy man’s approach to Mustique is a bubble and nationals are endure; to pursue; to press on public policy. We were the brightest, gusto. regardless of the circumstances, will banned from leaving the island. wisest and boldest. We actively Where are we heading? There is no We are familiar with the bask in the glory of the eventual encouraged flights into our land. statement, “No gain without pain”. It success. known answer. However, we are in is a timely reminder that our Why? desperate need of a clear and definite So, we end as we began, by roadmap. With hundreds of tests ambitious hopes and dreams often focusing on the fact that “great things require sacrifice. We have to be pending, we could be in a worse position never come from our comfort zones”. Everything had to have the if a large percentage of these prove prepared to give up time and fleeting We welcome the discomfort. We appearance of normalcy. It was an election year. There was a battle to be positive. In times like these, we cannot pleasures as we seek enhanced welcome the pain. We welcome the afford to fall victim to fear. We have a performances and delayed sacrifice. These all magnify the glory fought. A victory to be won. And power to be had. Nothing or anything was to personal responsibility to engage in gratification. For example, the and the sense of accomplishment that preventative health care. Exercise, athlete who is focused on breaking get into the way of that ‘democratic is ours when we press on with exercise’. And now we have what we clean water, sunlight, healthy meals her best record must be prepared to purpose and passion to achieve the with lots of fruits and vegetables, discipline herself to avoid certain have. great things that we were destined to Some say now is not the time to cast vitamin C and D supplements and a foods (that may appear to be quite accomplish. blame. They claim that our time will be search for knowledge are our best enticing), engage in rigorous exercise, better spent searching for, protection against contamination. train for long hours, and so on. Such Send comments, criticisms & implementing preventative measures training may be physically, mentally, suggestions to and finding solutions. All of this Send comments, criticisms & and emotionally painful. This is [email protected] newfound urgency is necessary. suggestions to [email protected] 10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Views SVG borders need to

be closed immediately New Zealand has an advanced and high-income market economy with a GDP per capita of about US$36,254. WE ARE STILL hearing about more and exposed to the virus, all for the sake of ULP regime must wake up to the Tourism is only a small part of its more new cases of Covid-19. To make it a few dollars. There is the potential, responsibility of not taking risks with economy, so they do not have to risk highly effective, to get this virus under too, that the people who arrive on the our country for a few tourism dollars. the lives of their people to make a few control and limit the number of cases in yachts expose the people they come According to Vincentian-Born tourism dollars. They can rely on other our country, our country’s borders should into contact with in shops, bars or on Retired British Royal Air Force sectors of the economy that have a be closed immediately, to all foreigners. the buses or in taxis, to the virus. The Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie much higher income. Yachts are still arriving in SVG and risk is too high and totally O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader After 41 years of independence, the people on board are being allowed unacceptable. of SVG Green Party, controlling the SVG is still in very deep poverty and into the country and to stay at various The continued focus on tourism by number of new infections should be a destitution under the highly accommodation establishments. This is the ULP regime, even in the face of high priority for the ULP regime. incompetent ULP regime. After 20 fooling around; we must put highly the global pandemic with Covid-19, New Zealand has been a good years in power, the ULP regime still effective control policies in place. shows that the ULP regime’s approach example of how to combat and control has not created a strong economy and The chance of exposing the staff is hopeless. Tourism is not a Covid-19. New Zealand has a that is a big problem. who work at these places to the virus significant economic variable in SVG. population of about 5,109,000, but has SVG borders need to close is very high, and if they are exposed to There is no net gain for our country had low rates of hospital admissions immediately to keep down the number the virus, there is the risk of a domino- from the tourism industry. Tourism and deaths from the virus. An early of Covid-19 cases and protect the effect of infection from them to the should be urgently closed for the sake border closure was imposed in March people of SVG. We should not risk people they sit next to on the buses, of the health protection of all our 2020 and that has been a significant lives to chase a few tourism dollars. and to the people that they come into people against the Covid-19 virus. factor in keeping cases down. Being a contact with in shops or where they It is not good governance for policy country of islands, like live. makers to wait until our country has SVG, New Zealand It is not fair that the staff at these suffered many deaths from Covid-19 eliminated Covid-19 in establishments are at risk of being before they shut down tourism. The early June 2020. Our homeless The Watchman people

I WORKED as a was to be the only an important role to work environment. The MR. EDITOR, I have over the facility, or that watchman in New York deterrent to potential deter crimes, they look surroundings of every been informed that it is the result of cunning for a period of time and intruders. To keep myself boring to me and I often building should be good homeless/street people measures by the felt that I was wasting awake and entertained, I wish that they would be looking. Planting flowers, are now using the car homeless people. my time. I chose the practiced on my more useful. If given the landscaping, and keeping park behind the Whatever the case, it graveyard shift: 11 pm to saxophone and thought opportunity, I would the surroundings clean ministerial building, i.e. is alarming that 7 am. It was a parking that would better help to change the job add more value to our where the Government Kingstown is still ‘home’ lot and I had to walk keep away any potential description and title of environment and would Printery was once to homeless people. around every 15 minutes thief. This, however, was Wachmen and make be greatly appreciated by situated, as a place of I would want to say turning a key at strategic not appreciated by the them Aesthetics Officers. locals and visitors alike. rest during the nights. that most of those who stations scattered supervisor and this They would still be on This is one change that I am not certain sleep on our streets throughout the area. It musical dispute caused the job deterring can lift SVG higher. whether this is allowed and/or government was boring. I was not us to part ways. intruders, but their main by some sympathetic facilities like the given any equipment to Jobs as watchmen responsibility would be Anthony Stewart, PhD persons who keep guard Vegetable Market and fend off any intruders. have increased in recent to maintain and improve car park as mentioned Apparently, my presence times. While they play the aesthetics of their above, are sane and productive people who Not independent have experienced certain misfortunes in life. They are capable of being until…. rehabilitated. Can we not begin an MR. EDITOR, I know there are others things effort to encourage occupying our attention at this time, but government, or some something found its way on my chest and I must civic-minded get it over with. It has to do with our celebrations organization to build a of our Independence. shelter for these people? This thing came to me as I was going through I say a shelter, to me a some old newspapers and saw where government place where they can lay had allocated some $40 million to support their heads at night celebrations for our 40th Anniversary of instead of having to be Independence. so exposed to the Now don’t get me wrong, I love my homeland elements and not a and consider myself a patriot but my problem is permanent residence. that we celebrate Independence Day but we are This would also not really independent. protect them from more Just look at our constitution; we have the devious characters of the Queen as the Head of State represented by a night who would be Governor General. inclined to rob them of The way I see it, we are free to have our own their possessions, if at flag, our own national anthem and pledge, but we all they have any. are still not totally independent. And while I am at it, The Queen should be removed as our Head of how do the COVID-19 State and we should move along a path to being a guidelines apply to these constitutional republic, not a constitutional people? monarchy, with a president as the head, a Thanks for the space, parliament and full separation of powers. Until Mr. Editor. then, we are not truly independent. Retiree, Patriot Arnos Vale THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 11. V News ÂNothing to hide,Ê says Professor Richard Robertson has refuted Professor Robertson claims that his team was hiding information. THERE IS NO effort by the spots and used primarily it has been one of the study and continued authorities monitoring the for the detection of fires. more closely monitored monitoring of La activities at La Soufriere It was the same volcanic sites, so that the Soufriere, the Professor was to determine if there to hide anything from the imagery, however, which scientists already have a also noted the vandalism are any changes now and public. on December 27 fair amount of knowledge that has been a problem if there are, how they So said Professor indicated that something of what it can do. in the past. can refine what is Richard Robertson on was happening at the And in informing that “We are asking people happening or what they radio on January 10. crater of La Soufriere the team is currently to leave them alone,” he thought was happening The Professor is head of where investigations installing equipment to pleaded. at the volcano, and what The UWI Seismic would discover that there facilitate the further The focus now, was driving the eruption. Research Centre (SRC) were signs of an effusive according to Robertson, (DD) team currently on the eruption. ground in St. Vincent “As far as I am aware and the Grenadines. it (NASA satellite) does Professor Robertson not have the capability to reiterated the call for the determine if eruptions public to access are imminent,” Professor information on the Robertson posited. volcanic activity from And in returning to credible sources, the allegations that the including the National truth of the situation Emergency Management was not being relayed to Organization (NEMO). the public, the Professor The advice followed an said emphatically, “We article which was are not,” he said. published in the Daily Robertson explained Mail, suggesting that an that they have been eruption was imminent. using social media and The article which have conducted television appeared on January 8 and radio interviews to stated, inter alia, keep the public updated “Researchers have on the developments as recently detected they happen. increased seismic activity “There is an effort to on two Caribbean islands ensure that people know which may indicate an what is going on and imminent eruption.” people should rely on This was apparently that,” he advised, adding gleaned from a NASA that they are aware that report that pointed in some persons are that direction. propagating falsehoods. According to Professor Professor disclosed Robertson, the that there have been capabilities of the instruments monitoring satellite imagery of the La Soufriere volcano NASA is to indicate hot since the 1950s and that Quarantine case set for trial ANDREW KING, a 53-year-old man said to be born in Britain but resides here at Biabou, will return to the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court on January 26 for trial, in which he will answer to a charge of breaching the local quarantine protocol. King is charged with breaching a quarantine order by Medical Officer of Health Andrew King was Dr. Roger Duncan. apprehended by The offence was reportedly police at a committed on November 29, bar/restaurant on 2020. the Villa strip. King had initially appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Brown at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He pleaded not guilty and the matter was transferred to the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court for the following day. However, when the matter was called at Calliaqua before Magistrate Zoila Ellis Browne on Tuesday, Prosecutor Shamrack Pierre informed the Court that he had just received the file, and requested an adjournment, which was granted. King was unrepresented. He is on station bail. (HH) 12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V News Nine Mornings 2020: Repeat victories for Richland Park

RICHLAND PARK was following the 2019 again crowned double results, his grouping winners, when the results was faced with a of the 2020 Nine Mornings barrage of criticisms, Festival were made official but decided to earlier this week. respond through their It meant that production for 2020. Richland Park retained “We have to be the title of Best Nine real with Morning Community, competition… We thus making it three in a listened to the row, and held on to Best criticisms and acted Christmas Community accordingly and we for the second year responded with our running. programmes… We The sheep race getting ready Danroy Ballantyne, study our to start – part of the Richland Co- ordinator of the competitors, see what Park Nine Mornings Richland Park Nine they are doing and up Olivia Da Silva’s Residence took the best lit programme. Mornings Committee, our game,” Ballantyne private premises once again. said that it was informed. Walt Carter- ‘Christmas something that was well “Our programmes that his committte paid Mornings Festival is Time’. planned and thought out. from the opening night more attention to its already in place, so too is On the commercial “We set out to win the are well planned … We lighting for 2020, and the team. side, Coreas topped the titles again; we looked at concentrate a lot on has the ambition of going “We have a lot of stuff Best Lit Building the judging criteria and fun,… we did stuff for after Point Village, in the pipeline,… . We segment, ahead of Jax. worked towards it, so we them with the Holy perennial winner of the will be adding new CWSA docked in third are happy with that,” Bible,” Ballantyne Lighting Competition. things to our programme and fourth was the Ballantyne related. elaborated. He confirmed that a for 2021… . We want to National Lotteries Ballantyne noted that Ballantyne revealed theme for the 2021 Nine show that our titles are Authority. no fluke and we can do it And, in light of the Danroy Ballantyne, Co- again,” he projected. prevailing COVID-19 ordinator of activities in Second to Richland pandemic, two innovative Richland Park. Park in the Best Nine categories were Best Nativity Scene. Mornings Community introduced to reflect Best Lit Private Home was Stubbs, with Spring health and safety during was once again Olivia Da Village- third and Port the festival. Silva, and Villa Top took Elizabeth, Bequia was Spring Village was the prize of Best Lit fourth. adjudged the community Garden. Taking the runner up with the Best Health The usual Prize spot in the Best Protocols, while Giving Ceremony for the Christmas Community Shanique Sutherland winners had to be Category was Coulls Hill, was deemed to have the cancelled because of the while Spring Village was Best Face Mask. Second rise in the numbers of third and Port Elizabeth to Sutherland was recorded positive cases of fourth. Amanda Harry, and the COVID-19 here in St Also retaining the third was Luke John. Vincent and the Best Local Christmas The newly disclosed Grenadines. Song Contest was Rondi winners join those The 2020 National ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh, with already announced. Nine Mornings Festival, his ‘It’s Christmas Point Village was staged 16th to 24th Again’. He beat Carlton declared the National December, was held ‘CP’ Hall’s ‘Christmas Lighting champion for under the theme: With Corona’ into second the eighth successive ‘Keeping the Christmas place. Third was Lennox year, and took the title of Spirit Alive’. Bowman with his ‘Virtual Christmas’ and fourth was Shernell ‘Skarpyon’ Williams, with ‘The List Too Long’. The songs were determined by the number of rotations from local radio stations. Meanwhile, winning the ‘Bring Yo Song and Come Competition’ was Uriah Lyttle, with ‘More Money For Christmas’. Second was Mariel Edwards- ‘Merry Christmas’ and third was Villa Top, winner of the Best Lit Garden. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 13. V News Roads for Langley Park, Villa Flat, Sharpes Improved road access in Villa Flat. Photo Credit: BRAGSA $98, 000. In Villa Flat, Inset: A section of the new road in THE ROADS, Buildings and BRAGSA, in two Langley Park. General Services Authority phases, constructed a (BRAGSA) continued with 742-foot concrete road, Below: A welcomed roadway in ‘The its road repair and a 20-foot Swale drain Rocks’, Redemption Sharpes. construction with three and a 96-foot Box recently completed drain in the first projects – one in Langley phase, and a 711-foot Park (Georgetown), one in long Box drain in the Villa Flat and the other in second. Redemption Sharpes. The two-phased In Langley Park, work project was effected at undertaken included the a cost of $226, 000, construction of a 318-foot and completed over a road, slipper drains and fourteen-week period. a 108 feet long Swale And the residents of foot roadway. constructed. drain. an area referred to as A 130-foot long All taken, the work in The work extended ‘The Rocks’ in footpath along with Sharpes cost $142,000 over an eight-week Redemption Sharpes Slipper and Swale drains and took ten weeks from period and was welcomed, after quite a and a 469-foot long start to completion. completed at a cost of ‘waiting period’, a 257- retaining wall were also (Source: BRAGSA) ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES POLICE CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LTD. 14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News Lockdown: Taiwan hands over Antigen Not an easy Rapid Test kits THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Taiwan) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), handed over 14,700pcs Taiwan developed COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests to the decision Ministry of Health, Wellness and A DECISION TO SHUT DOWN the those charged with monitoring the the country is not as straightforward as situation, and who then advise Environment it might appear. the authorities. here. This view was expressed by Recognising that shutting down The tests Anthony Regisford, Executive a country was not an easy were donated Director of the St Vincent and the decision for a government to by Taiwanese Grenadines Chamber of make, he described it as “a manufacturer Commerce and Industry measure that we would not like to TaiDoc (SVGCCI), on radio, January 10. have to get to, because of the Technology He was responding to a call implications, and it should not be Corp. and from certain quarters for a done as a knee jerk reaction.” Fora Care Anthony Regisford, Executive lockdown of the country given the He urged those with whom the Foundation, recent spike in COVID-19 cases, decision rests to think long and Director SVGCCI, did his best to discourage any impulsive and were especially among persons who hard so as to avoid being handed over have had no recent travel history. emotional or irrational in their decision regarding a national lockdown. on January “The private sector is in no decision. 14. One of the Antigen Rapid Test kits position to say whether there No business, he said, would like came to a point that a shutdown The donated through the Taiwan should be a shutdown or not,” to cut off its income and had to be implemented, the donation is Embassy here. Regisford said. employees would not want to lose private sector would be obligated expected to According to Regisford, any their jobs. to comply. strengthen the Government of St. Vincent and the decision to shut down ought to be But the Executive Officer of the That said, Regisford took time Grenadines’ capacity to respond to the COVID-19 guided by the facts coming from Chamber admitted that that if it out to explain that even pandemic without a shutdown, The donation is the concrete practice of the some sectors within the public-private collaboration, which upholds the private sector had spirit of “Taiwan Can Help” to combat the already been affected, CONVID-19 pandemic in particular, and to fulfill the World Health Organization’s goal of “Health and he highlighted the for All”. hospitality and Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic entertainment industries last year, the Government of the Republic of China as two examples. (Taiwan) has assisted the Government of St. But while many have Vincent and the Grenadines in its effort to prevent continued their calls for and control COVID-19, by providing medical a shutdown, Regisford supplies such as masks, ventilators, PCR said that there were machines, isolation gowns and forehead those who understood thermometers, and sharing its experience in the that it was not a fight against COVID-19. straightforward decision Taiwan has also reached out to diplomatic allies to make, and that we and like-minded countries in their efforts to ought to take the combat the pandemic, through its successful relevant precautions and “Taiwan Model”, and to promote the health and follow the guidelines. well-being of the international community. (DD) (Source: Taiwan Embassy, SVG) Leacock resting after fall OPPOSITION programme for January PARLIAMENTARY St 11, said he had spoken to Clair ‘Major’ Leacock Leacock the day was said to be at home following the incident resting, following an and confirmed that he incident that occurred on was at home recovering. Sunday, January 10, at And although he did Redemptions Sharpes. not go into details about Reports are that the incident, Leacock Leacock, who is the MP was said to be in a lot of for the area, fell down a pain, but there were no flight of stairs and came to a stop in the road, not broken bones or any far away from a parked other serious injury. car. Following the fall, the He had been in the MP was taken by private St. Clair Leacock, MP area to attend a funeral. conveyance to the Milton for West Kingstown, Leader of the Cato Memorial Hospital was up to Monday last, Opposition, Dr. Godwin for treatment, and was said to be resting at Friday, while speaking discharged the same day. home but still in some on the New Times radio (DD) pain. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 15. 16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Regional MLK Award for Sir Hilary

and intellectual leadership in support of social justice, institutional equity, and economic development for marginalised and oppressed ethnicities and nations. Sir Hilary, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, President of Universities Caribbean, Chairman of the Caribbean Examinations Council, Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and Advisor on Sustainable Development to former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, will receive the “Peace and Freedom Award”. Prior awardees include the 42nd Sir Hilary Beckles has been at the President of the United States, Bill forefront of the demands for Clinton; Berry Gordy, Founder of reparations for genocide and slavery Motown Music, and the 82nd Attorney committed by European nations in General of the USA, Eric Holder. the Caribbean. Event speakers have included Vice President-Elect Joe Biden and United REVEREND AL SHARPTON, President and States Attorney General Loretta Founder of the US National Action Lynch. Network (NAN), has announced that the The Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. organisation’s Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day ceremony and awards will be held Day awards will be conferred on in Washington, DC on Monday, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and Dr January 18, 2021 from 8:30 am Anthony Fauci at the annual breakfast (EST/Jamaica) / 9:30 am (AST/Eastern event on MLK Day, January 18, 2021. Caribbean). The event will be This is the 30th anniversary for the streamed live on UWItv’s website awards by which the work, and the www.uwitv.org, cable channels on legacy of Dr King are celebrated and Flow EVO and Facebook page. persons honoured with a view to THE VINCENTIAN congratulates refocusing and sustaining his dream. Sir Hillary on this recent accolade, of Sir Hilary is recognised for his which he is most deserving. (Source: global advocacy, academic scholarship The UWI) ‘Butch’ Stewart: a cultural spirit

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES Vice- Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has joined the chorus of regional tributes to Jamaican businessman Gordon “Butch” Stewart. Stewart, who owned Sandals International Resorts Limited and ATL Group of Companies, which included the Jamaica Observer Limited, passed away in Miami on Monday. Beckles paid tribute to Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Stewart in a statement Wednesday. renaissance. Our Butch Caribbean like no “There is an was the ‘stewart’ of this entrepreneurial other, and indomitable spirit that spirit and gave to demanded ownership resides in the bosom of Jamaica, the Caribbean everywhere the ‘sandals Jamaica, and when and the world a sea’ swept upon our liberated with focus, performance of sheer class shores. discipline, and purpose with cool runnings – a “And so the indomitable rises and takes the world ‘sandalization’ of awe and spirit is called back to along with its imagination amazement.” source, to rest, to wheel and energy. Our ‘Butch,’ Beckles said all and to come again. From like Bob (Marley) and experienced his innovative The University of the (Usain) Bolt, represents entrepreneurship, the West Indies, we wish our this cultural spirit of the eruptive excellence of a brother and honorary ages. son produced and alumnus well until next “It is born to be brash, nurtured by a soil rich in we meet. Condolences brave and brilliant, history and fertile for the with gratitude and respect constituting a cascading future. to his family, friends, and commitment to nation- “He integrated and homelands.” (Source: building and regional domesticated his Loop News) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 17. V Opinion An Introspective Look

Therefore, all When I see the the day. A nation that leaders insist that we hooligans, number of bodyguards indulges in fabricating must aspire to be like gangsters and surrounding our leader, I mischief and propaganda those developed, satanic power-struck am led to conclude that is a nation that wallows countries that set the politicians we are small but acting in the perils of trend in cultural and should know like outlaws and disharmony and spiritual devaluation. We that La renegades. As a contention. are heading on a Soufriere is just Christian country, we With all the natural downward spiral. What as capable as lack discipline and disasters that have begot we need is upward an atomic structure, making it hard us over the years, we mobility, to see things bomb! The to restore morality to still tend to ignore the times demand transcendentally. society. catastrophes that have In the final analysis, that we become As a so-called religious introspective afflicted us. When no one knows what La country, there should especially as to disaster strikes, it should Soufriere would unleash how we relate have been an outcry and make us better humans. on the population of to others. moral condemnation (e.g. Ah, the inevitable SVG, because in life from the Christian eruption which caught us looms war, famine, and We must take a Council) when the PM off-guard in 1979; the catastrophe. No one, look at: labeled himself “World destruction that neither the talebearer, Boss”. Why did you shattered us in 2013; the the soothsayer, the * how we make him get away with trauma of the preacher, the obeah man, treat each such a ridiculous earthquakes that shook the astute politician, the other; statement? I’m warning the infrastructure of this psychic, the theologian - * the brutal the Christian Council: country in 2011 should knows what tomorrow killings and mind we make God’s make us a more caring has to offer. Only the wrath come down on this raping of and loving people. infinite creator knows women country! Instead, in this so- what the future holds. committed by As a so-called religious called religious, Jah guide! Jah heartless men; Christian country, we Christian country of protect! * the have become cold, ours, our youth has arrogance by One love!!! scandalous, and wicked. become killing machines; those from the Defamation of character they don’t give a damn Carden A. Michael upper echelon has become the order of of society who for their elders! Yet, our think SVG is their private property; * the decadence and There is much that we can learn from the majesty of La the degenerated Soufriere. lifestyle coming from IT GIVES ME GREAT waves that bounce to and Hollywood, USA, that PLEASURE to say fro on to the shore. I influence us; greetings to one and all. pray we would find calm * how we slandered As we enter a new year, and stability even in a each other because of we should embrace a new time of mayhem, chaos, petty jealousy in the dispensation by shedding and hysteria. name of materialism and the old norms and bad vanity; habits that weighed us What we need to look at * the selfishness and down in previous years. greed which have I feel a duty and a No one in their right superseded love, responsibility living in senses would like to feel empathy, and sympathy; this time of uncertainty, the wrath of La * crimes that are to relate the elements of Soufriere. perpetrated by our nature to our politics and Notwithstanding this, youths through the social tendencies; it is a now is a time for us to initiation of ‘gangster- reality that I cannot look introspectively, ism’ and ‘bad-boy-ism’; ignore or push into an reflecting on what we * the moral decay that abyss of oblivion. have become as a people. stinks our country; Recently, we were We have developed a * the opportunistic taken by surprise by the beastly character, yet politicians who have unpredictability of La one must guard his polarized and paralyzed Soufriere with its burst thoughts against the the minds of people of of rumbling. Naturally, toxic waste that destroys this country that our we became fearful of the the healthy ethical and ancestors called ‘home of worst; we paniced, we moral way of life. the blessed’; became uneasy .. for we Consequently, a man * the number of knew not what could or in his weakness and bodyguards that protect would be the outcome if failing strength must Prime Minister the ‘Genera’ exploded, know his limitations; Gonsalves, from gunshot spouting red hot lava, that he is just a speck in and bodily harm. gasses, and ballistic- the realms of God and Yes, something has rocks throughout the nature. We must accept gone wrong with our length and breadth of that our days are minds; we have been SVG. numbered; that we are diagnosed with PSTSS - Psychologically, this is living on borrowed time, Post-Slavery Traumatic a natural reaction...that not excluding kings, Stress Syndrome. our minds would wrestle priests, presidents and with all sorts of emotion; totalitarian governments, Are we a religious where our minds would who think they control country? become like the unsteady time and season. 18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice Break off gracefully Dear George,

MY GIRLFRIEND, George, after 2 years together, still insists on me using a condom. I never fully accepted her position but went along hoping she would eventually toss it aside. She says; she prefers the natural Dear About to bolt, feeling; condoms protect her from “nastiness of the penis” whatever that You admit you were not in means; and that the idea of anyone agreement with her position of making ejaculating in her is repulsive. condom use mandatory yet remained So, I asked her how she intends to quiet. Your two years of silence may get pregnant only for her to reply have given reasons to believe she has there are other ways. finally found a compliant partner. I admit that I constantly complain You have a right to be with to her friend with whom I have had whomever you choose but you need to sexual relations. She loves the be clear to your girlfriend that you ‘natural’ connection and I have since have chosen to be with her friend for developed feelings for her. the long haul, and explain the level of We plan to take things to another discomfort you have had with her level but do not know how to break position over the 2 year period you the news to my girlfriend. My were together. girlfriend has pushed me to be with If you have found love with this her friend and I am less confused new girl then you need to gracefully about the future since being with her. cut with your girlfriend and follow Your thoughts. your heart. About to bolt George Rebuke the mother

Dear George, the offer your girlfriend’s daughter and husband mother has on the table should she choose to I KNOW THINGS are put your relationship in continue hitting on you getting tougher and trouble. You should for monetary gains. tougher, but why would have eyes only for your If you continue to a mother of the girl I am girlfriend and not even have difficulty choosing seeing agree to have a contemplate sharing her to do the right thing, sexual fling with me for with anyone else. then you are not in love the sake of a few If you do love this with this girl and should dollars? young lady as you think therefore leave her After only a second you do, rebuke her alone. visit to my girl’s home, mother immediately and her mother propositioned let her know you would George me. I could sleep with expose her to her her anytime I want once for a price, i.e. money. The truth is this Open relationship? woman has a great body and looking great for her Dear George, age. However, getting involved with her would IT WAS A shock when my fiancée suggested that ruin my relationship we try having an open relationship for about a with her daughter. year, i.e. that we can freely date other persons. She declared that It was worse when, before I could say neither her daughter nor disapprove she informed me she had already her husband would find started it and was presently sexually involved out about our with another man. arrangement unless I I obviously let her have a piece of my mind but told them. she simply responded that I was free to go with I know that if I told whomever I want, and that we could still get my girlfriend it would married since it does not mean she loves me any destroy her trust in her less by having other guys. mother and devastate Believe me, George, I am still in shock to this her. She thinks very day. highly of her mother too. Meltdown The husband is a very ignorant and suspicious Dear Meltdown, man and it would be a nightmare for both of us, It is obvious you did not sign on for this so you should he find out. are free to either jump ship or spend your time The offer before me is trying to get things back on course. very tempting which is However, it appears from what you said that why I’m still thinking. she has decided that this new direction is what brings her satisfaction and possibly happiness. Please wake me up You do not have to accept this and you do not have to remain in the relationship just to satisfy Dear Please wake me her. The true love she referred to can only remain up, alive if it is fed continuously and adequately by both parties. Move on! Simply contemplating George THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 19. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You should be setting up interviews Don't let your boss make you feel guilty ACROSS or sending out your resume this enough to take work home with you. week. Seminars will provide you with Don't make promises that you can't 1. Marble chunk knowledge and amusement. Try to possibly keep. Be very careful while in 5. “Mona –“ be fair in your dealings with acquain- transit or while traveling in foreign 9. Atlas entry tances. countries. 12. Folk legend 13. Lacking water TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) 14. Have overdue bills Be inquisitive about unfamiliar cir- Stretch the truth, and you may get 15. Helper cumstances. Don't jump too quickly if blamed for something you didn't do. 16. Disorganized someone tries to make you join in on You would be best to work late in order 17. Snaring mesh their crusade. Be cautious who you to avoid such disharmony. Secret activi- 18. Informative chart deal with financially. ty is evident. 20. Rainy snow 22. High card GEMINI (May 22-June 21) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 24. Pub game Debates will stifle passion and result Your ability to work with detail will bring 27. Frosty brew in estrangement. Travel and educa- recognition. Your financial situation may 30. Pinkish red tional pursuits may help alleviate the be draining and it's time to make some 32. Authentic stress you have been feeling. You serious changes. Try not to be too 33. Strains will both have to bend if you want emotional with those around you. Do 35. Canal country this union to work. not invest in joint ventures. 37. Norwegian seaport 38. Diminutive branch CANCER (June 22-July 22) CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 40. Permit Let your boss know your goals. If Your irritability will lead to family squab- 41. Ancient hymn 5. Established rule 36. Mellow shaft they're really interested, they'll wait. bles. Creative educational pursuits will 43. Rink surface 6. Showy blooms gradually 49. Horse- You can make money through your payoff. You can mesmerize anyone you 44. Back portions 7. Window edge 39. Ardent hopes guiding strap own creative efforts. Catch up on meet with your cultured attitude and 46. Auto extra 8. Did sums 42. Army rank 50. Wraps up overdue paperwork. outlook. Partnerships may be plentiful. 51. Firewood unit 9. Quebec city 45. Acting part 51. Zodiac cat 53. Astronaut Glenn 10. Great wonder 47. Pillar kin 52. Hooting bird 11. Animal 48. Wheel- 54. “Do – LEO (July 23-Aug 22) AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 55. Yoked team You may have difficulties with family Your business sense will be leading 56. Meadow female companion connecting Enter” members if you get involved in petty you in a direction that indicates more 57. Butter substitute 19. Fabled arguments. This is a great day to travel and communication. Keep on 58. Coasted tortoise foe start that new health regimen you've your toes when dealing with others. 59. Long-lived 21. Work hard for been talking about. Talk to peers who you trust in order to 60. Brief sleep 23. Price get sound advice. 61. “Sawbucks” 25. Docile VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) 26. Shutter piece You will have a great day if you just PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) DOWN 27. Sitting on say what you feel. A friendship might You may find yourself changing crowds. 28. Fewer (than) suffer if money becomes an issue. Plan events like camping or white water 1. Antlered critter 29. Got bigger Don't get involved in idle chatter that rafting. Don't let your health suffer 2. Dragon home 31. Lengthy will hurt your position. because of abuse. Let go of the past in adventure story 3. Dramatic Alan SOLUTION order to progress. 34. White- 4. Horn honk LAST WEEK’s fleshed fish V 20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN Joseph in CWI Female

Japhina Joseph – the latest SVG female cricketer to Training Camp be in the reckoning for a place in the West Indies team. JAPHINA JOSEPH, national Antigua for a West Indies Cup in Sri Lanka in July. where I was given the female cricketer, is among Training Camp, in The Camp, held at the role as the vice-captain, twenty-four (24) leading preparation for Coolidge Cricket Ground, went extremely well… I West Indies Women the ICC Women’s World began last Saturday, finished the cricketers who have Cup Qualifiers for January 09, and will run tournament among the already gathered in the 2021 Women’s World until February 01. top 5 batters. My With her call-up to highest score was 68 not West Indies level out against Guyana and training, Joseph, an was Player of the Match, aggressive top order an award I also got batter, who also bowls against Jamaica for my medium pace, represents unbeaten 34,” Joseph J.G Tigress and Sons in recalled. the local female cricket As a direct result of competitions, now has a her performance, she was chance of joining the included in the West likes of fellow Indies Development Tea discipline. But, it’s all working closely with the Vincentians Cordel Jack, m. about improving my Ministries of Health and Julian Nero, Phernal Just before her cricket.” Sport in Antigua and Charles and Janelle departure for Antigua, She made no bones Barbuda to orchestrate Greaves, who have all Joseph said, “Well, it’s a about expecting the logistics and agree the worn the West Indies great feeling to be among training to be safety protocols for the colour. some of the world’s best challenging “because it’s commencement and The confident young cricketers. It will be a a high level for me,” but duration of the camp. lady, who is the niece of good experience to see she assured, “I am Al players and support former Windward how they train willing to work hard and staff were tested twice Islands Captain Dawnley and communicate with smart to improve my before their travel to Joseph, said her call-up everyone.” cricket and hope for the Antigua. There were no was something she As far as what she best.” positive test results. expected after her good was looking to The camp will be the The players and performances in the last accomplish, she said, first face-to-face support staff, according Cricket West Indies “What I am looking to assignment with the to reports from Antigua, Invitational tournament achieve from the camp is players for new head will train and live in a in Trinidad. first to get selected to the coach Courtney Walsh. bio-secure bubble for the “My performance in West Indies team. Being News reports say that duration of the camp, the last Under-19 part of that set-up would as far as measures during which they will New head coach of the West Indies Senior Female Female Tournament in mean a lot to me and I relating to the prevailing have four more tests. team – Courtney Walsh – and team captain Trinidad for the know it will take hard COVID-19 pandemic are Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN Stephanie Taylor at the camp currently in Windward Islands, work, determination, concerned, Cricket West progress. Indies (CWI) has been Petit Bordel could see cricket again

SINCE THE COMING ON more (competitive) sporting STREAM of the Cumberland activities in different parts of and Golden Grove playing the area will not only benefit fields, the Petit Bordel Playing the players, but also the Field has not hosted cricket communities, and they have nor football competition. It, earmarked the Petit Bordel however, continues to be used Playing Field as one of the for other recreational fields to possibly host more purposes. competitive sporting activities Now, Norlan Allen, recently this year. elected President of the North “I am going to ask the Leeward Sports and Cultural necessary questions as to why Organization (NLSCO), is it’s not being used and see Norlan Allen, President of the ready to lead an effort to where we can go from there,” North Leeward Sports and return competitive, community Allen promised. Cultural Organization, is cricket (and football) to the He, however, explained, determined to see Petit Bordel Playing Field, “It’s a process. We are not in competitive cricket and this year. charge of the playing field but The conditions of the Petit Bordel Playing Field will have to football return to the Petit The Petit Bordel Playing we are going to find out why be addressed before competitive sport can return there. Bordel Playing Field Field, not so long ago and for and try to push things in a many years, was the primary way that we could get it to use Petit Bordel is a multi-purpose the field are factors that will guide the process and involve host for cricket and football again. Right now, all the field, so obviously we will need have to be taken into all stakeholders in that competitions for the North attention seems to be at the to get back activities there”. consideration. discussion, as we look to Leeward constituency. Cumberland Playing Field for Allen cautioned that the He committed, “From the provide every sporting Allen and his NLSCO cricket and the Golden Grove purpose for which use is executive point of view, from opportunity for our sportsmen executive are of the view that playing field for football, but permitted and the condition of the NLSCO, we will help to and women in and around the area.” THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 21. V Sports SVGFF adopts wait and see approach THE TOURNAMENTS COMMITTEE of the of action. under condition that players and St Vincent and the Grenadines Football “We are currently working on plans management be tested for the Federation(SVGFF) has adopted a wait to schedule it at the earliest available coronavirus. and see approach, as it relates to the opportunity, pending decisions made When the Championships were resumption of the 2020/2021 National by Governments and public health eventually complete, Hope Club Championships. authorities regarding the safe International champed the Premier The Championships kicked off in resumption of sports events,” Poyer Division and Layou took the First November, with the staging of the indicated. Division. The resumption, though, did Senior Men’s Premier and First He added: “We will discuss with all not allow for completion of the age Divisions. They were set to resume on the necessary parties the format and group competitions, the Senior Female 6th January, following a two-week scheduling options for these divisions and the Development Divisions. break for the Christmas festivities. and communicate further details to At the point of the postponement of However, with a spike in the you our affiliates in due course... We the 2020/2021 Championships, four number of coronavirus cases at the will continue to work with our parent rounds were completed in the Premier start of the year, the Championships bodies on the evolving global football Division, with Hope International, were put on hold. calendar and will ensure the interests Sion Hill, Avenues and BESCO- In a release last Friday from the of our clubs and the leagues, are Pastures, in that order in the General Secretary of the SVGFF- represented as part of that process.” standings. Devron Poyer, the national football This is not new territory for the Meanwhile, the First Division is body outlined to its affiliates, the plan SVGFF, as the 2019/ 2020 headed by SV United, with Camdonia- Championships were prolonged Chelsea in second place. Glenside Ball Devron Poyer, General Secretary of following the declaration of the Blazers sit in third and Sparta FC, is the SVGFF, issued a release to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic last fourth. SVGFF affiliates regarding the status March. Ten clubs are contesting the of the 2020/21 National Club After a five-month delay the Premier Division and twelve are Championships. championships resumed in August, stashed in the First Division. ÂLimit the PresidentÊs term,Ê says SVGBF official PRESIDENT of the St Vincent and President promoted. where someone else can take up the the Grenadines Basketball Federation Referencing the adage ‘Familiarity mantle and run with it.” (SVGBF) — Rohan Providence, is breeds contempt’, Providence noted: Providence further reasoned that advocating that all sporting “Persons in such positions (for an with term limits, it gives time to organisations here adopt term limits extended period), become so develop successors, hence, sporting for their presidents. comfortable that they become organisations should have “succession Such has been his desire to see this complacent in the way they do planning” embedded in their happen, Providence, who is serving his things… Then you also have persons operational structure. first four-year term as head of the who believe they have a monopoly on In furtherance of his position, SVGBF, said that this move is already the position…that they have total Providence wants national sporting in the works for the Constitution of control.” bodies here to take a leaf from the the SVGBF to be amended to allow for In emphasizing the view that two Credit Unions, which ensure that the a term limit for the President. consecutive terms are enough for various sub-committees chair persons “I believe that a president should presidents to improve the can only serve for two consecutive not serve more than two terms in any organisation, Providence posited, “I terms. sporting organisation… You serve, would believe that within that time Two national sporting associations President of the SVGBF- Rohan then retire for a period, and down the period as President (and) with my here, the St Vincent and the Providence calls for terms limits for road after a period has elapsed, you Executive, I would have been able to Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. Presidents of Sporting Associations. can come back to contest for the do as much as I can do as an and the St Vincent and the instituted term limits for their presidency again,” the SVGBF individual to get the sport to a point, Grenadines Netball Association, have Presidents. Carrington hopes for early TT resumption

JOSEPH to the staging of the inaugural Reference was also made to the health authority. And with CARRINGTON, Donnie De Feritas/Tyrone the November 2020 successful the vaccine coming on board, Tournament Director Jack Memorial Cup. hosting, within strict COVID- once things clear up we are St Vincent and the De Freitas and Jack were 19 related guidelines, of the also looking to send teams to Grenadines Table former presidents of the SVGTTA’s final Assessment Cuba and Santa Domingo.” Tennis Association SVGTTA. Tournament for 2020, in SVG Table Tennis (SVGTTA), has Carrington continued with a which Michel Creese created Association calendar for 2021, expressed full support sense of caution, saying, “I history when he played in the subject to change includes: for the decision to believe it’s important to get finals of the three categories January or June - Past “push back’ all the right update and guidance in which the tournament was President’s Memorial; scheduled tournaments from the authority. We contested. February, March, April and and the Association’s definitely have to now wait on “So, once all is clear, our May - Monthly Assessment; calendar of events in the Ministry of Health for the players will be in some July - SVGTTA National general, for 2020. guidance before we resume physical and mental condition Championships; August, This as a direct training and tournaments in going into competition that September - Monthly result of the COVID-19 earnest.” hopefully would resume soon,” Assessment; October - pandemic. Notwithstanding this ‘wait’, Carrington added. Independence Tournament; But, even as he the Director alluded to the The Tournament Director, November - expressed that Association continuing to looking ahead with optimism, Multisector/Churches Joseph Carrington position, Carrington is engage national players in said “…We are hoping by June Invitational and Monthly Tournament Director of the anticipating a return to some training in groups of no more or July we will have our Assessment. SVG Table Tennis normalcy in 2021 and is than 3-4 players at a time, National Championships Association. looking forward in particular, three times per week. based on the guidelines from I.B.A.ALLEN 22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Sports Wilfred Slack: 32 years after THE WILF SLACKS NETS at the took the catch also earned that right. Arnos Vale Sports Complex is where That form required no type of budding cricketers can hone their defensive approach. If the batter skills. Many youths may not know stroked, the bowlers would utter: who Wilfred Slack is. Maybe some “don’t blat my grugru.” Blat meaning players in England will be familiar stroke. with the Wilf Slack Ground, formerly With his foundation, it was not the Barnett Council Ground. That’s surprising that Slack grooved into where the Middlesex Second team the English cricket scene. had its home. Slack distinguished He played two Tests for England, himself on the English County scene. as many One Day Internationals. Cricket historian and senior He was part of the memorable Cricket writer at CricketCounty Windward Islands outfit which Abhishek Mukerjee noted that Slack placed second in consecutive years in earned a name for being the “epitome the revived regional tournament. His of serenity and composure, of 68 unbeaten against Barbados at unflinching courage and unwavering Kensington Oval was decisive in his concentration.” team’s triumph in that epic 1982 It was written that Slack learnt battle. That was stunning as far as his cricket in England. If that is the the hosts were concerned, for no one case, he was a fast learner. By the was supposed to beat Barbados at time he joined his parents in home. England, Slack had grafted the Slack’s approach was critical in rudiments of the game. The house in that game and indeed his presence Troumaca where he was born was was crucial to the Windwards. Slack two spots away from a small playing was at it again the following year that the villagers grafted near to the when the Windwards secured a clinic. thrilling four wicket victory at Arnos That ground was transformed into Vale against the very Baja’s. Lance a construction site for the Troumaca John will have fond memories of that Ontario Secondary which was opened game having hit a vital century in 1973. which gave the Windwards first Slack may not have represented innings lead. the Troumaca Primary School. But Slack was known for his agility in he would have spent lots of time at the field. Fans will recall a stunning the ground including taking part in catch to seal the Barbadian innings Grugru matches which were part of at 196 in the second innings. the afternoon’s activities. The Windwards were set 132 to This game involved use of bats win in 26 overs. They were reeling at made from coconut branches. With 55 for 5 with Slack among the the abundance of grugru harvested dismissals. from the surrounding fields, and But Ignatius Cadet and Lockhart brought to the playing arena, that was a healthy diet of cricket activity Sebastien produced an entertaining for the community. partnership which brought the team There was no shortage of balls, to the brink of victory. It was and a new cherry was used whenever formalised with Stanley ‘Gunny’ a boundary was struck. If the Hinds completing the chase with delivery was hit to a fieldsman it was Sebastien. returned to the bowler. Bowlers used Slack died in Gambia January 15, the underarm method. Some players 1989. His life was celebrated in a developed a skill in using speed, memorial service organised at the while others varied their flight. Troumaca Primary School that year. The bigger guys engaged in the Slack had expressed a wish of for his first part of the afternoon’s events St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That until that game was concluded. never happened. Thereafter, it was what we called ‘out But Wilfred Slack will be known ‘e man’. Whoever bowled a batsman as one of this country’s most got a chance to bat. The person who profound cricketing personalities. Putting some pieces together

Continued from Page 6. remotely touch the essence of the problem must be considered not only Generally, I have maintained my dead, but incapable of rising to govern silence on the strictly legal question us from the grave. concerning the election petitions. As We are truly an independent the ordinary man holds: “common people, when all else fails there must sense mek before book”. What is a be APPEAL TO HEAVEN, as constitution but ideally the interpreted by you. enshrinement of the culture and Let’s hope that sanity prevails and aspirations of a people wrapped in legal we do not have to make that appeal! language. Technicalities ought not to I am ecstatic over the promise later get in the way of a determined people. tonight and tomorrow night of the NDP Forms and regulation that do not Rally. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021. 23. V Classifieds Gas emission not being ignored Continued from can form a diluted acid unless there was a major Backpage. which can in turn cause explosion, there was no corrosion and destroy real threat to residents A place where the gas vegetation. in communities near the would be potent would The gases are also a volcano, and that the be closer to the rim of real threat to persons potency of the gases will the crater Robertson who suffer from not be sufficient to affect assured, and advanced underlying respiratory persons in the lower this as a reason why issues. flank of the country. explained it is Professor Robertson “Currently it is not a recommended that disclosed that work will problem and we don’t persons not venture to begin on the monitoring anticipate it becoming a the summit of the La of the air quality in the problem, but it is a good Soufriere at this time. surrounding areas, idea to start checking to The Professor did, although he did not see the effects of it on however, confirm that indicate when this was the upper flank,” he said. the gases are a threat slated to commence. (DD) because when they mix He confirmed that with water vapour, they

RICHARD BURKE a.k.a Ram MONA GAYMES SYBIL KIRBY

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.02 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

The dome as it was on December 29, 2020, two days into monitoring and The dome on January 6, 2020 – showing appreciable growth. study by the UWI SRC team. (Photos UWI SRC) MONITORING INTENSIFIES AT LA SOUFRIERE

Story by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY/GLORIAH strengthen the surveillance exercise. that we could measure its growth.” He said that these findings could help the team to EFFORTS to gather as much scientific information as Monitoring the new dome determine data like: where the dome is growing, possible on activities at La Soufrière (volcano) have how fast it’s growing; which areas might become intensified. Speaking on NBC Radio on Monday, 11th vulnerable as the dome becomes bigger. Not least among those contributing to the effort is January, Professor Robertson recognised the To date, observations by the team from The UWI Drone Pilot Rommel De Freitas. support of a large group of people, including the SRC have revealed that the dome that broke He strengthens and supports the work of a team Montserrat Volcano Observatory, who are assisting through the crater floor, on December 27, 2020, on of scientists from the University of the West Indies the effort. the south-west perimeter of the existing dome, Seismic Research Centre (SRC), St. Augustine, Referring to the colleagues from the Montserrat continues to grow within the crater of La Soufrière, Trinidad and Tobago. Observatory, Dr. Robertson said, “We’re hoping that and has an ellipsoid shape with growth expanding That team is led by Professor Richard Robertson, we will get some equipment …. to do some in a westerly direction. Geologist attached to the SRU, and includes measurements in terms of what kinds of gas is And as the volcano, i.e. the new dome, continues Instrumentation Engineer Lloyd Lynch, and coming out of the volcano and also they’ll brings to ooze magma and emit gases, the alert level Engineering Technician Ian Juman. things like a thermal camera to …try and estimate remains at orange and no evacuation order has been They have been immersed in the task of temperatures of areas of the dome; also a camera given. Persons are cautioned to stay away from the monitoring developments — eruption related that will help in looking at pictures of the dome so volcano. activities - at La Soufriere since December 27, 2020. Dr Thomas Christopher and Dr. Adam Stinton of the Montserrat based Seismic Research Centre arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines last GAS EMISSION NOT Wednesday, and are expected to assist the team already on the ground. And to add to the ongoing effort of gathering BEING IGNORED “data from the dome and crater through by DAYLEDA SILVA temperature and photogrammetry measurements”, a rotary helicopter from the Antigua and Barbuda LEADER of the seismic team monitoring based Calvin Air fleet, is to be commissioned here. activities at La Soufriere, Professor Richard Calvin Air, a private company, boasts experience Robertson, has assured that his team will be with volcanoes, having previously provided services monitoring the levels of gases, including to the UWI SRC and the Montserrat Volcano sulphur, being emitted by the volcano. Observatory. Professor Robertson explained volcanoes The helicopter services are made available generally emit gases, including Sulphur, and through CEDEMA, with funding in the sum of that once these gases mix with the £51,000 provided by the United Kingdom Foreign atmosphere, they become diluted and as a Commonwealth and Development Office. result they become less of a threat to people residing far away from the site of the volcano. The newly formed dome continues to emit gases which Helicopter services from the France overseas when mixed with water vapour can cause damage to territory of Martinique have also been engaged to Continued on Page 23. vegetation. (SEE MORE ON PAGE 11)

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