FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.10 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

More COVID Attorney Dr. Malcolm Soufrière Minibus woes relief mystified! Samuel feature continue Page 3 Page 4 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 24

Up to the end of last week, there were 118 cases of COVID-19 among patients at the MHRC.

Pictured at left below: The Glad Tidings (Bible) Camp Site - officially an isolation Centre for those patients of the Mental Health Centre who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

by DAYLE DA SILVA making that Site an He added that the two official Isolation Centre, floors were being occupied PRIME MINISTER DR. specific to patients of the — one for males and the RALPH GONSALVES has MHR. other for females. dismissed as “falsehoods” Speaking last Sunday According to Gonsalves, the claims by the Public on his now usual spot on there were 75 males and Service Union (PSU), the Sunday morning 28 females at the Camp including one that alleged interactive programme Site then, but there was some of the patients at the aired on WE FM, Dr. enough space to Mental Health Gonsalves dismissed this accommodate up to at Rehabilitation Centre claim and others made by least 80 more patients, if (MHRC), who had been the Union as “falsehoods, the situation presented relocated to the Glad mingled with really lots of itself. Tidings Bible Camp Site at mischief.” There were platforms Queen’s Drive, were Addressing the where mattresses were sleeping on the floor. allegations that patients placed and were being Since a cluster of were sleeping on the floor, used as makeshift beds, COVID-19 cases had Dr. Gonslaves said, “If you but none of the patients emerged at the MHRC at know the campsite, there were made to sleep on the Glen, affected patients is a lot of space on both floor, Gonsalves have been relocated to the floors and there are spaces emphasized. Glad Tiding’s Camp Site to put particular persons.” located at Queen’s Drive, Continued on Page 3. 2. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Business CIBC donates to

Chief Executive Officer of the bank and Chair of the foundation vaccine drive Colette Delaney. (Photo Source: Loop News)

Ten countries across the region will get a key weapons in the arsenal major boost to their COVID-19 against COVID-19 and we vaccination programmes as a result of a are delighted to assist US$500,000 donation from regional governments and public bank many of whom bank CIBC FirstCaribbean. health officials in ensuring remain on the frontlines, The donation to national that everyone who wants as well ensuring that vaccination programmes is being made the vaccine can have access clients and customers by the bank through its charitable arm to it”. continue to have access the First Caribbean International She said the global to banking services even Comtrust Foundation and will support community and medical under very difficult the purchase of vaccines in Antigua, experts have made great circumstances. Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, strides in the past year in This latest assistance Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts, St Lucia, response to the COVID-19 to aid the COVID-19 St Vincent and the Grenadines and virus and they noted that an fight in the region Trinidad and Tobago. effective vaccine was follows the bank’s Additionally, the bank is providing “critical to protect The Region seems to be moving steadily and swiftly towards donation last March of a separate contribution of US$250,000 individuals, families and having the greater percent of their populations vaccinated. USD$250,000 spread to cover the cost of vaccinating communities and re-open The CIBC donation will only bolster that drive. across its 16-member members of its 2,500 staff who wish to our economies”. regional footprint, to avail themselves of the vaccine in The CEO noted that just those who are immune”. assist health officials in purchasing those countries, bringing its total public health officials “advise that as Delaney praised the “brave men and testing supplies, Personal Protective contribution to the regional many people as possible must be women working on the frontlines all Equipment (PPE) and other supplies. vaccination effort to US$750,000. vaccinated to achieve a level of across the region to stem the spread of To date, the region has received Chief Executive Officer of the bank immunity that makes the spread of the disease and now who are ensuring donations of vaccines from India and Chair of the foundation Colette the virus from person to person the smooth rollout of mass vaccination (Caribbean), Chine (Guyana) and Delaney in announcing the donation unlikely. As a result, the whole campaigns”. Russia (St. Vincent and the said, “Vaccination remains one of the community becomes protected — not She also praised the staff of the Grenadines. (Source: Loop News) V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 3. More COVID relief

AS OF LAST TUESDAY, Prime to consumers who pay off Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves their bills in full going was awaiting a response from forward, and a five percent VINLEC, to a request that it discount to those who clear reintroduce a moratorium on half of their bills. disconnections of electricity VINLEC, the Prime Delinquent service, to help ease the burden Minister said, has proposed consumers will have imposed by the COVID-19 to offer a similarly a reprieve on their pandemic on persons from all conditioned ten percent electricity service the Consumers will have some walks of life. discount. end of May. reprieve when the CWSA Dr. Gonsalves said then This hand of compassion, introduces a moratorium on that he had had a positive the Prime Minister warned, National Insurance Services The discussion will also disconnects that is expected response from the Central was not a signal for persons to (NIS)- Stewart Haynes, to address provision for cash to last until the middle of the Water and Sewerage stop paying their bills. discuss the continuation of the payments to affected sea year. Authority (CWSA) to a similar “The point is this, I want $300.00 per month relief that farers and, as announced around schools and who have request but none from persons to bear in mind that was paid to persons who were previously by the Minister of been severely affected by the VINLEC. CWSA has taken a significant laid off or substantially Finance Camillo Gonsalves, to closure of schools. (DD) By Wednesday, however, hit and they have taken the retrenched. those who vend near and the Prime Minister announced measures to encourage via NBC radio, that VINLEC persons to pay to keep cash had agreed to a similar flow going,” Gonsalves said. arrangement. The CWSA extended the The moratorium on moratorium for the entire year disconnections of water, in 2020, extending it beyond available to domestic the originally announced consumers only, will run from three-month period. Those March 15 until June 30. A consumers who were similar moratorium on disconnected during that electricity disconnections was period were those who made expected to run from March 1 either one or no payments. to May 31, for domestic, Regarding another area of commercial and industrial COVID-19 relief, the prime consumers. minister announced that he Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Additionally, the CWSA will was expected to meet with the Gonsalves has extend a ten percent discount Executive Director of the MHRC: PM dismissed as “falsehoods” the claims dismisses by the Public Service Union (PSU), including one that alleged some An appeal for help PSU claims of the patients at the Mental Health ROHAN PROVIDENCE, research and Continued from Front page. Rehabilitation Centre President of the SVG guidance (MHRC), who had been Basketball Federation received, at He disclosed, though, that it relocated to the Glad (SVGBF) is reaching out to the John Hopkins was reported that two male Tidings Bible Camp Site general public on behalf of his Medicine in patients had left their beds at Queen’s Drive, were wife - Ancilla Nicolette Snagg- the USA.” and taken to the floor. sleeping on the floor. Providence. The appeal This was the patients’ Snagg-Providence is said further, choice, not something currently fighting a rare form “We have to persons who are not at that occasioned by a shortage of professional level but from of cancer - spindle cell raise over bed space, Dr. Gonsalves those who have their personal sarcoma cancer, which, as per 275K USD assured, and added that and sometimes political an Oxford University (US$275,000). sleeping on the floor was a Hospitals’ leaflet is ‘a grouses.” Even though common practice among Dr. Gonslaves also disposed malignant cancer which can the figure is a patients at institutions for the develop in the bone or soft of any truth in the PSU claim huge one and mentally ill, including our that there were only two shifts tissue. It can arise in any part we have no own. of the body but is most for workers at the Camp Site, means of doing And as for the PSU claim with the explanation that the common in the limbs (arms this on our about the shortage of personal and legs)’. 27 staff members assigned to own, we protective equipment for staff, According to a Facebook the Camp Site worked “three believe the including face masks, Prime shifts — 7am to 2pm, 2pm to posting on Providence’s page, Minister Gonsalves referenced in January 2019 his wife was God we serve Rohan Providence and his 7pm and 7pm to 7am daily.” is going to work on the hearts a document dated February 27 And the call by the PSU for issued a very serious diagnosis wife Ancilla Nicolette Snagg- and prepared by the MHRC that warranted her having two of the people we are reaching Providence. the removal of the out to for assistance… .” Administrator Dr. Elizabeth Management at the Mental surgical procedures. Medford, in which she gave a “Two years later, what the The Providence family has generous support towards Health Rehabilitation Centre had its fair share of tragedy. offsetting the cost of the detailed report on the did not escape the Prime family thought was over and operations at the temporary done with, has reared its head In the last two years, the overseas medical procedure Minister. patriarch has lost a and care that Ancilla Nicolette facility at Queen’s Drive. He highlighted the Union’s and we are in a position of According to Gonsalves, grandmother, a cousin and Snagg-Providence requires. assessment that the current desperation,” Providence’s post Medford indicated in the very recently an uncle to “So I am asking you to Management at the Centre continued. document that the MHRC was cancer. donate a minimum of was negligent, and described In his appeal, Providence in receipt of a quantity of said, “We have made contact “I am not prepared or ready $1.00USD or as much as you it as outrageous… not true feel impressed to donate, then items including gowns, masks and defamatory. with several hospitals in the to lose my wife to this dreaded and face shields. USA and Canada on her share with your friend and The Prime Minister killer. Neither are my three He dismissed this claim doctor’s advice, to seek the family members and ask them expressed his full confidence children,” Providence wrote. saying, “What happened is necessary treatment. We have to do likewise,” Providence in the Centre’s Administrator, With this determination, this, there are some who get decided on pursuing the said in his appeal. Dr. Elizabeth Medford, and the appeal goes out to the information from persons not needed procedures and her team. general public, soliciting its necessarily staff nurses, but treatment, based on our I.B.A.ALLEN 4. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Court Nigerian’s Lawyer mystified

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS from DaSilva, Managing Director of Star Garage,; proper investigation in this taking a credit card from DaSilva without his matter, while on the other hand, ATTORNEY Grant Connell, who consent; obtaining services from First Caribbean Mrs. Dowers made a report to successfully represented International Bank without DaSilva’s consent; and the police that she was Nigerian national Eunice converting criminal property which was unlawfully physically assaulted at Star Dowers who was charged with withdrawn from DaSilva’s credit card account, and Garage by an employee of the defrauding local businessman which she knew or suspected, directly or indirectly company, but to date, about two Bertille ‘Silky’ Da Silva, is still represented the proceeds of criminal conduct. years after the report was made, mystified by the matter. The offences were allegedly committed between nothing has been done,” the “What transpired still August 2018 and January 2019 while Dowers was lawyer added. remains a mystery,” Connell employed at Star Garage. “Who did what, and for how Attorney Grant said, while speaking to THE The Chief Magistrate agreed with Connell’s long, at Star Garage, in relation Connell chalked Eunice Dowers (pictured here in VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, submission that the Prosecution had not made out a to the missing funds, remains a up another ‘tick’ early 2020), four days after Chief prima facie case, and freed Dowers on all the mystery,” he opined. on his score was Magistrate Rechanne Browne charges. In handing down her ruling sheet but freed on all counts had upheld his no case “It is clear that the police were pushed from the on the no case submission remains for which she was submission at the Serious beginning. Friday, March 5, the Magistrate mystified about charged and must Offences Court. “Clearly the accounting system is archaic, or it stated that the credit card and certain now feel that she a Dowers was faced with 55 would have revealed who exactly was doing what the cheque books which were circumstances new lease on life, so charges, in relation to the and for how long,” Connell told THE VINCENTIAN. before the Court, belonged to surrounding this to speak. theft of thousands of dollars “It is sad that the police would react without Star Garage and not Bertille Da case. Silva. In law Bertille Da Silva and Star Garage are two Telling evidence in Prison Officer’s case different entities, and the charges were laid in relation to Bertille Da Silva. PRISON OFFICER Louis said, according to the statement. The Magistrate also made reference to the Cupid, who is facing charges His lawyer Grant Connell objected to the Electronic Funds Transfer Act under which the of conspiracy in connection document being admitted into evidence, on the charges, in relation to the taking of the credit card, were laid. with murder accused Veron grounds that his client was physically abused by the Dowers was charged under section 4 of that Act, Primus’ escape from Her lead investigator Assistant Superintendent of Police but the Magistrate contended that the Prosecution Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown Elgin Richards, who heads the Major Crime Unit. did not specify under what limb, as per Section 4 (1) between September 30 and Connell also challenged the document on the which states a person who takes a card from the October 1, 2019, admitted basis that the statement was taken from notes that possession, custody or control of (a) the card holder that he assisted Primus in Sergeant Biorn Duncan had taken while speaking to or (b) a person holding or having possession of the making the dash. Cupid, and what Duncan had read back to Cupid card with the consent of the card holder. This is according to a was what he (Duncan) wrote. He questioned why The Prosecution did not specify whether it was statement read in evidence Cupid was not given the option of writing his own limb (a) or (b). during the trial at the statement. The matter was prosecuted by Crown Counsel Serious Offences Court on Connell said parts of the statement was not even Rose Ann Richardson, and investigated by Corporal Prison Officer Louis Monday. clear and it did not have a third signature. He also Andy James of the Major Crime Unit (MCU). Cupid all but According to the argued that there were inconsistencies in the The hearing commenced last year at the Serious admitted in his document which was read by evidence of Sergeant Duncan and Corporal Offences and during its progress, several witnesses statement that he Sergeant Biorn Duncan of Millington regarding the time the process lasted. testified, including a number of directors and knew of Veron the Major Crime Unit Connell’s objection was overruled by Chief employees of Star Garage. Primus’s plan to (MCU), Cupid said, “I Magistrate Rechanne Browne following a voidire Dowers initially came here as a medical student, escape from prison. assisted him, but I did not (trial within a trial). and is married to a Vincentian. take him out the cell. He Cupid is charged that between September 29 and She worked at Star Garage as a secretary, then told me that he wanted to go out and that he October 2, 2019, being employed in St. Vincent and as customs broker. wanted to escape.” the Grenadines as a prison officer did abuse the According to the statement, Cupid said he did not authority of his office, an arbitrary act prejudicial to give Primus a positive answer, but during his shift the right of the Superintendent of Prisons, to wit, No tolerance for on the night prior to the morning when Primus was conspired to aid in the escape of Veron Primus from discovered missing, Primus asked him if he was lawful custody. He is also charged with conspiring pants below buttocks going to assist him in getting out. He informed with Primus to the commission of the offence of Primus about the tight security there at the time, escaping lawful custody. THE STYLE of wearing pants and told him to walk through the vestibule. A number of prison officers has already testified below the buttocks will not be “I did not give him no key to open no cell or to at the trial which is ongoing at the Serious Offences tolerated in Chief Magistrate leave, but I know that he was going to leave,” Cupid Court. Rechanne Browne’s Court. Evidence from one On Monday, Browne had one prison officer revealed defendant removed from the that the key to Primus’ Serious Offences Court, after cell could not be noticing that he was wearing accounted for on the his pants below the buttocks. morning of October 1, When he returned, he was 2019, and a chisel and still not dressed properly, and hammer had to be used the Magistrate ordered him out to forcibly remove the again to “fix himself.” A very common lock. When the prison On his second returned he ‘style’ among today’s young officers entered the cell, was properly dressed, and was men. Primus was discovered allowed to take the dock. missing. He turned But the Magistrate told him himself in about 3 pm sternly, “You need to dress properly, not the same day, everything you see you have to follow. Do not follow bad trends, It’s most disgusting and accompanied by annoying”. attorney Jomo Thomas. The style for which the defendant was chided is Primus appeared in known as Sagging, which is described as a manner Court the following day, of wearing trousers (long pleaded guilty to pants) or jeans that sag so that the top of the escaping lawful custody trousers or jeans is significantly below the waist, and was sentenced to 16 sometimes revealing much of the wearer’s months in prison. underpants. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 5. V News Compensation for Buccament Resort workers

PERSONS its issue of February 26, THE EMPLOYED at the VINCENTIAN carried an former Buccament advertisement of an Auction Sale at Bay Resort up to the site of the Buccament Bay Resort. the time of its The Sale included kitchen, restaurant, closing in living room, bedroom, and spa related December 2016, items, among other equipment and are expected to accessories. The Buccament Bay Resort was deemed the flagship of tourism begin receiving Dr. Gonsalves said that he had been infrastructure on mainland St. Vincent. some level of informed by Finance Minister Camillo financial Gonsalves that the anticipation that Resort, once owned by Harlequin tax evasion/avoidance, and owing compensation. the Sale would garner in the region of Property (SVG) Ltd. creditors and workers, the latter for Prime Minister EC$400,000. The resort, closed it doors in wages and severance pay. Dr Ralph “If that happens, he is December 2016 following the He has not returned nor have Gonsalves said on recommending, and I have accepted disconnection of its electricity for non- serious efforts been made to have him David Ames, WE FM on his recommendation…, to divide that payment. return to answer the charges he faces Principal of March 7 that money amongst those working at the Prior to its closure, several before the local court. Harlequin Property there was an time Buccament was closed, to provide employees took to the picket line in Recently, Sandals Resorts acquired developers, was auction sale at something for those workers,” the PM protest of not having been paid in the the property — Buccament Bay Resort, allowed to leave the site of the said. months leading up to December 2016. with the intention of constructing a this country former resort, He said that he had already spoken Eventually, the company went into Beaches Resort, the first in the knowing that he and that a sum to the Director General of Finance and bankruptcy owing employers and Eastern Caribbean. owed workers back of money had Planning, Edmund Jackson about the creditors. Sandals, according to existing laws salaries and been raised. decision to pay compensation to a Harlequin’s principal in St. Vincent in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is As recent as severance pay. section of the former employees of the and the Grenadines- Davis Ames, not committed in any way to the absconded in the dark of night, having displaced workers of what was the Schools reopening been charged with matters related to Buccament Bay Resort. (DD) to be discussed A DATE for the re-opening of schools seems imminent. This is the expectation on the heels of a meeting of health and education officials that was expected to be held on March 10, last Wednesday, to discuss the issue of the resumption of schools across the country. THE VINCENTIAN is not privy to any decisions of that meeting, not for the want of trying. According to Prime St. Martin’s Secondary School remained closed. Minister Dr Ralph It is credited with having one of the better Gonsalves, Chief Medical platforms in SVG for facilitating online classes. Officer Dr Simone Keizer- Beache and members of her team, significantly,” Dr. Gonsalves said on along with top officials from the NBC Radio on March 10. ministry of education, were expected He stressed that most stakeholders to discuss the issue, following which wanted to get back to school and they would advise Cabinet on the way expressed a personal view that the forward. country was ready for it. Schools here did not reopen for the All the circumstances were properly second term (January 2021), because aligned for the resumption of school, of a spike in the number of COVID-19 Gonsalves said, but he cautioned that cases during December, in particular. “… we have to make sure that we All secondary and senior primary judge the matter based on the facts of schools classes reverted to online the science and that is what I am schooling, which coincided with seeking to do.” government’s distribution of tablets to It was important, he said, that we secondary and senior primary school listen to what the health officials had students across the state. to say. “I want to discuss with them the “And I want them to come to matter of returning to school because Cabinet to come and tell me the other than the cluster which we have reasons for not going back to school,” had at the Mental Health Centre, the he said. (DD) numbers have been falling 6. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 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 Gender equity: Are we there yet? Glenn Jackson remembered

MONDAY 8TH MARCH 2021 passed like like: a manager directing a senior (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of ‘no body’s business’… just like any female officer to ‘bring coffee for Friday 18th March, 2016) other Monday with all the ‘blues’ everybody; a male manger favouring carried over from the weekend as we his male colleagues and having a A DECADE AGO I wrote the following struggled to get ‘back to work’. habit of ignoring women’s account of Glenn Jackson’s death; I That should not have been the contributions in meetings; a male now add these significant points. case. Monday 8th March should manager after listening to a meeting Firstly, Glenn was cut down on the would yet fall flat. have be one of the brightest days in of women that detailed the ways in eve of detonating his promised “bombshell”. Secondly, Ralph who was Leroy Latchman, an experienced the year. It should be a day when we which they were being sidelined, overseas at the time, deemed his man versed in these matters and who, showcase not just how much our declared that that did not exist in his surcease “an assassination”. Thirdly, incidentally, was Glenn’s father-in- women have contributed to our neck of the wood. Glenn’s wife ruled the sequel to her law, concluded that Glenn’s motor-car development and stability, but how If we are to make any progress husband’s departure “scape-goat found near to his home could not be much we appreciate them, and toward gender equity, we must justice”. Fourthly, Glenn was granted the locus of the slaying. It was a demonstrate that they exist today in recognize the incidents that create an undeserved “State Funeral” and a murder committed in cold blood a gender equality space. and perpetuate inequalities. We one-shot scholarship was granted in elsewhere, with the body stripped and Did anything like this colour last must recognize the temptation to his name. And fifthly, Dr Gonsalves surrounding circumstances made to Monday? ignore instances where daily gender noted that Glenn was “irreplaceable” look like a scene of passion. If the truth be told, non- inequalities exist. as a Personal Assistant”. In other Another theory posits that Glenn governmental organisations here Managers need to reframe the words, no Hans King could really must somehow have got mixed up with have worked towards achieving recognition of inequality as a substitute. the underworld, using his massive gender equality for decades. They learning opportunity, not an exercise “Glenn Jackson, Personal Aide and shows as a cover to camouflage money- have advocated for equality/equal in assigning blame. Instead of feeling Press Secretary to Prime Minister laundering. According to this line, it is opportunity for women and improved guilty that people (including Gonsalves, suffered a shooting death a simple case of a deal turned sour, systems of support. themselves) are engaging in about three weeks ago. and a dead man who can tell no tales. And in response to that advocacy, exclusionary practices, they should The community has been left in To this is appended a section which many, too many at the top of the think creatively about what they can shock. Friend and foe alike have been is more credible, that non-Vincentians management structure simply say do differently. stunned beyond belief. It took this were involved, who put on a the politically correct thing like We must help others – both men columnist all of three weeks before he disappearing act the morning after the night before. One recalls the Abbey promising to make their workplaces and women – to rcognise and could put pen to paper on an event that was at once brutal, senseless, and Ollivierre murder where a similar more fair and equitable. Sadly, acknowledge gender inequality. crippling in its effect. scenario was plotted, and ended up though, progress towards gender Research shows that many women Everybody is reacting, some in pre- with the course of justice completely equality has been limited. In fact, have developed sophisticated coping determined ways following a course frustrated. many managers (public and private mechanisms to ignore the role gender that they have deliberately charted. Certain supporters have suggested sector) struggle to recognize gender plays at work, and may believe that Let us look as objectively as we can to that the teaming-up of the “multi- inequalities in daily workplace they don’t experience inequality some of the issues involved, and come talented” Glenn Jackson with the interactions. (which in some cases, of course, may to a clearer understanding of the formidable and robust Prime Minister These are the types who be true). emergent picture. has produced an unbeatable electoral acknowledged that gender inequality Similarly, male colleagues might For a conclusion, it is advisable to unit, which threatened to drive the exists in general but deny it exists in be oblivious to daily practices that leave to the experts — the police, N.D.P into political oblivion. their work environment. Pitifully, contribute to inequality. But once Scotland Yard and F.B.I., the lawyers Desperate, so this story goes, his given their dire straits, women fall managers start noticing gender and D.P.P and, finally, if a case does opponents singled out Glenn for for this and become mice in a rat- inequalities, they should point them come off, to the jury of twelve men and removal from this combination. He infested environment. out to others and facilitate corrective true. was targeted because of his easy Then there are those who with action Was it a case of suicide? No weapon accessibility and generally a care-free what is nothing short of a warped If managers acknowledge gender was found, though a third party could and bohemian life-style which would historical perspective, declare that inequality and modify their own have moved off with it, as allegedly provide his assailants with the gender inequality is a thing of the behavior, this opens the possibility of happened with Glenn’s cell-phone. necessaries of a cover-up. past; it doesn’t exists today. wider change within organizations. The victim was shot in the chest, A widely-held belief was that They go further and say gender After all, the goal is to create a the head being the preferred spot in Glenn’s divorce from the U.L.P was only a matter of time. Pundits had inequality could never exist today culture where gender equality can be the run-of-mill suicide. There was no note left. And, above all, Glenn was begun to ask themselves why Glenn, because women now enjoy openly discussed without assigning reportedly in high spirits and festive chief cook and bottle washer of the advantages in business, even blame or guilt. mood hours before the fatality. Prime Minister, was not taken on government. We must stop denying inequality Then, there are some people who important missions abroad recently. So much so, the attitude when exists in our own spaces if we are to claim that Glenn subscribed to a code They rate Gonsalves responses as incidents of discrimination arise is to make progress. of sexual orientation whose lame, suggesting that he had strategically ignore gender inequality Did any of this pass our way on practitioners often carry out crimes of requested Glenn to stay at home and as being the core reason for the bias. International Women’s Day? If it passion driven by jealousy and mind the family store. Gender inequality is the result of didn’t, we have a long way to go as a whatever. Assuming without accepting a multitude of small-scale incidents people. that Glenn was such a person, the case Continued on Page 22. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 7. V Letters Fix SVG first Building THE COVID-19 pandemic bickering about ‘who has put it to a test, to new leaders has thrown our country should sit down’ and take a good look at our back a few years well. ‘who is a little boy’, those health system. While we With the impact on the we elected to serve us are at it, the education MANY LEADERS don’t know about some of the economy, I can’t see us should put that energy system could also do annoying things they do that turn people off. returning to any real into coming up with with some looking over. Worse, they more often than not have no one growth soon because, we plans to fix our country. And perhaps, as they around them willing or able to tell them about it. must remember, our And Mr. Editor, I come together, they The thing is, even smart and committed leaders economy is dependent on must pause here and could work to cut out all develop blind spots over their many years of the economic state of recognize a regular letter what is perceived as service. affairs of our trading writer to your wrongdoing in the public After many years of service, a good leader tends partners, both regional publication, one who service/system. to know quite a bit about everything. A concern and extra-regional. signs the name Horatio. It is a hard ask, but leader, interested in developing the people around That is why, moreso He has had some things could we forget about them, refrains from being seen as the only one so and breathe fresh air, now than ever, the to say to which our ULP and NDP for just a with the answers. Good leaders are usually good we must unite and government should reach elected officials should second and put SVG communicators but that’s not a reason to do all commit to fixing all the out, like real men and give an ear. first? the talking. It is true that one of the best things that are wrong in women, to the opposition, But back to our COVID-19 might have attributes of good leaders is their ability to listen. our country. We can’t inviting them to be an elected officials… not created bubbles here and Here are a few other reminders to those among us keep on living like crabs integral path of our only do they need to there, but we need to who still think of themselves as leaders: recovery, and put an end in a barrel forever. buckle down and look at burst the bubble that we 1. Stop talking over people, it’s still considered to this power-hungry tug ways to revive the have been living in for to be rude. Because you’re considered a good of war. economy but they need, Retiree, Arnos Vale some time. And as we do communicator does not mean you should be doing Instead of all the now that the COVID-19 all the talking. 2. Stop thinking you know best. To be an effective leader it is best to surround yourself with Funerals have changed people who are as smart or smarter than you are, and most importantly encourage them to challenge each other and you. I WAS NOT at all have become akin to Not only this, but expressions of peace and 3. Stop trying to control everything. Most people surprised, in fact I was Carnival Bands on the there is an open and solemnity… not are uncomfortable and will resist when they feel heartened, when I heard road for Carnival unrestricted flow of bacchanal. like they are being controlled. Talented people are liquor, whether free or I know there are those that we were moving to Tuesday? Have we usually willing to step up when you give them for sale from ice boxes, who would be saying regulate the time for noticed that our autonomy and it’s still the best way to develop again akin to Carnival, that I am ‘flying in the funeral services, cemeteries have become new leadership. and in this time of face of our culture’, but I processions and burials. entertainment centres? In short great leaders are always ready to COVID-19, there is no have a question for them. It’s a pity, if my Not only do we see the recognize the contributions of other, align their social distancing. Is drinking hard liquor understanding is correct, latest in style and action with what they say they are going to do, It would seem to me and even getting that this was only for the fashion, but hearses have and never act alone. Everyone can develop bad that the regulations intoxicated while time when we need to become hi fi systems and habits, the attentive leaders among us recognize regarding funerals and someone is being continue with COVID-19 if they are not in service, when things are not going right and work to make burials, which have been interred truly our protocols that regulate steelbands and irons the changes necessary to improve. The time is introduced for this culture? our behaviour as we always right to develop new and strong leader. bands provide music that COVID-19 period, could combat the spread of this encourages the carnival- be what we need to A teacher Horatio new scourge. As far as I like procession and return our funerals to am concerned, those behaviour. regulations should become the standard thing. ÂNo Woman No CryÊ Saving $$$ Have we noticed how THE COUNTRY could have saved thousands and our funeral processions YOU COULD SAY what you like about me, but second class citizens. thousands of dollars since March 2020. you see this Until we wake up and Many overseas International Women’s blast this Bob Marley meetings are taking Day where we try to song across the land for place virtually, with pack all the good we all to hear, all those who success. It shows that want to say about our sexually abuse our many of the overseas * Is one person women into one day, that women, all those who trips before were not born to be a Senator cyar wuk!!!! take advantage necessary. Most of them for life? Our women are crying (sexually) of our young were to allow some out 365 days a year. girls, all those who use people to thump their * When will some Some of them live their money to belittle chests and feed their “LOVE” be shown to through the daily abuse our girls, all those who egos. non-pensionable In light of the government by their men folk, others make sex objects (like in workers who are work for slave wages to those music videos) of situation with Tourism (which will never be the retired and can’t keep ‘head and foot our females, and stop make ends meet? together’. Worse, some this ONE DAY worship same again, vaccine or no vaccine) can the NIS have to prostitute of our women. cancel the arrangement * Have we used up themselves to see it This ONE DAY things to take pensioners all the Sputnik through to another day. is perhaps good for those vaccinations? money to invests in a Whenever I think women who have made it hotel? about our women, I and sit in comfortable * Any truth in the Our money should not ‘rumour’ that recall Bob Marley’s homes. But they are the be invested where there masterpiece, “No Woman majority. government taking is no hope of getting it money out of No Cry’. No woman in this back in the foreseeable No woman must be land should be carrying. businesses future. accounts? And if allowed to cry because that is so, why? they are treated like Charles, Edinboro Concerned National 8. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views A strong record on tax relief for Vincentians Women must choose to challenge Introduction (Message from Senator, Shevern John, in recognition of International Women’s ONE OF THE MANY responsibilities of Day) any government is to raise the finance necessary to fund the implementation of “MARCH 8 IS CELEBRATED globally as and continually engaged. This includes projects and programmes they develop While the VAT was a new tax, it was International Women’s Day, a day to as part of overall policy. During the celebrate the social, economic, and an urgent review of the legislative not an additional tax as it essentially framework. Regardless of social status, presentation of every budget, citizens replaced an existing tax; as such this political achievements of women around are offered an insight into the extent of ULP administration has not the world. It is a day that reminds us of the measures must be put in place to deal the recurrent and capital expenditures introduced any additional taxes over continuing struggle for women’s rights and with all offenders who abuse their of the central government and how the the last 20 years. inspires people to fight for gender equality. positions of power to sexually harass government intends to meet those The theme for this year is “Women in women in the workplace. There must be expenses. It is common knowledge that Tax increases for specific purposes Leadership, Achieving an Equal Future dialogue that will focus on systemic a government’s primary source of in a Covid-19 World”. Over the years, change, accelerate progress, and revenue is taxes, (although funds are Over the last 4 years or so, the significant strides have been made empower women. also raised through borrowing) either on government has out of necessity globally with respect to women in We will create an inclusive society personal incomes, corporate profits as approved a 1 percentage point leadership positions, showing that the only when our women have equal well as other levies and fees that are increase in 2 of the existing taxes; the glass ceiling may slowly be breaking. opportunity to make their mark and to collected through various state first was a 1% point increase in the However, women have not achieved take decisions without being fearful. agencies. From time to time as VAT about 4 years ago (VAT is now gender parity and much effort is needed They must “Choose to Challenge”. They circumstances require, governments 16%) and most recently as of the 2021 by our government to ensure that must be like Elma Francois, who was may increase taxes to offset any budget, a 1% point increase in the women are well represented at born in Overland, migrated to Trinidad increase in expenditure incurred from CSC (now 6%). The first increase, the leadership levels, and are given and Tobago and has been credited with carrying out its mandate. Over the last 1% in the VAT was done to facilitate authority and autonomy at the highest forming the first notable gender-neutral 20 years of this ULP administration, the establishment of a contingency level in decision-making. Our space for political activism. She was taxes have generally gone down with fund that would serve as an democratic values can be sustained and declared a national heroine of Trinidad consistent reductions in personal immediate source for funds in the enhanced only when women participate and Tobago. I encourage all women to income and corporate taxes. In 2001 event of a disaster or any type of equally in decision-making. continue to stand strong and to be bold when the ULP came into office, the emergency. The wisdom of this policy The Covid-19 pandemic has in whatever you do so that we can maximum tax rate was 40% and this was decision was borne out in the reality, highlighted a number of issues that create a better future for all of us.” also the corporate tax rate. The excise that this country was able to fund must be addressed in order to achieve tax, which existed at the customs part of the Covid-19 pandemic gender equality. First, there has been NDP Empowering Women ranged as high as 65% in some stimulus and recovery package from an increase in poverty in most countries instances and this was additional to a this fund that has raised more than and women have been worst affected. The New Democratic Party (NDP) 4% Customs Service Charge (CSC) and $30 million since its establishment. Although women have been elevated to has historically recognized the major customs duty, all payable on most goods The second and more recent increase senior positions in government contribution of Women in the workplace, imported into this country. It is also of is the 1% point increase on the CSC, a ministries and in the leadership of the in the home and in our society, and we interest to note, that at the same time, measure introduced to facilitate the have sought to empower women so that while the maximum rate on income was Covid-19 Task Force, there is still a development of a fund to pay large majority at the lower strata of they can find personal satisfaction in 40%, the threshold on taxable income fees/contributions associated with this their many roles, as they contribute to was $12,000 annually. All of these society whose social and economic lives country’s membership in regional and are largely unaffected. The increase in the development of St. Vincent and the percentages and figures must be taken international organisations. This has Grenadines. in the context of the very low wages and poverty means that our women now become necessary as the occasional earn less, save less, and have little or no During the former NDP salaries paid to public sector workers by administrative lapse, has caused financial security. It is important, administration, a number of the previous NDP administration, giving delays in payments of contributions to achievements was accomplished. For an indication of the dire circumstances some organisations that are of critical therefore, that government establishes a social safety net to support financially example, the Department of Women’s that existed for the working class of this importance to this country and the Affairs, was created. Its mandate was to country. region. The Covid-19 pandemic and vulnerable women. Moreover, in light of the closure of address issues of discrimination, covert the effusive eruption of the La and otherwise, against Vincentian ULP reduced taxes and increased Soufriere Volcano, both underscore schools and some businesses, there has salaries been an increased workload for women, women. And, we will continue to the importance of having well funded, support and empower the women of St. fully functioning regional bodies such who must now ensure that they sustain themselves and also do the domestic Vincent and the Grenadines. Having been reminded of what as, the Caribbean Public Health Our plans include to institute and existed after 17 years of the NDP, let’s work, for which they are not paid. As a Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean enforce a code of conduct within the examine what has occurred regarding Disaster Emergency Management result of the unpaid care work, our taxation and salary increases under women are bearing the strain of the public service at all levels that provides Agency (CDEMA) and the UWI for protocol on reporting sexual offences, the ULP. Keep in mind that in 17 Seismic Research Centre (UWISRC), economic fallout from the pandemic. years of the NDP, the maximum tax This creates a mental strain on the including sexual harassment in the that have proven to be invaluable in workplace. Respect for the women and payable moved from 45% to 40% assisting this country as we face the women. This requires immediate between 1984 and 2001, a reduction of double-barrelled challenges mentioned attention from the government. girls in our society must be a part of 5 percentage points. Over the last 20 above. The suggestion by the NDP However, the government has shown it how the government conducts itself. We years this government has increased that the timing for either of these is not adequately prepared for the task. must set the example. public sector wages by an aggregate of fiscal initiatives was bad, has been Secondly, the pandemic has also We will implement the Social and approximately 33%, with teachers, proven by history to be an incorrect caused women to be more frequently Spiritual Redemption Charter to provide police, nurses and public servants position and once again reinforces the exposed to all forms of violence. The fact women and children with proactive starting with significantly higher quality of foresight in leadership that women and their partners are at opportunities at the community level; salaries compared to 2001. With those provided by comrade Ralph and the home together more during the expand the scope of the Family Court to increases, the government has also ULP. pandemic has led to an increase in encourage mediation, alternative increased the taxable income domestic violence. Our police and social dispute resolution and conflict threshold, from $12,000 per year, to Conclusion services are not adequately prepared to resolution in family situations and $20,000 per year, this means that deal with this increase in domestic among the youth; support the Welfare individuals making $1500 a month or The record of this ULP violence. As a result, many reports are Service so that it can better address the less do not pay income tax, as opposed administration on tax relief is second left unanswered or are acted upon very needs of vulnerable women and to the $1000 per month under the to none compared to any other late. This exacerbates delays and children, and restructure and improve NDP. Over the same period, the ULP administration and we stand proud of increases difficulties in accessing the Foster Care System. administration reduced the income that record. Workers in this country support. Further, there is a need for Further, we will support community tax as well as the corporate tax rate are much better off today as they have more shelters for women fleeing projects that include continuing from 40% to 30% with the Tourism benefitted from increases in salaries, domestic abuse, as the one existing education and skills training, especially sector taxed at 28%. Both the increase reduction in income tax and a rise in shelter is insufficient to meet the those targeting young parents; engage of the taxable threshold and the the taxable threshold on personal increase in domestic violence cases. The with single mothers, and especially reduction in income taxes meant that income. The occasions that have seen New Democratic Party continues to call single mothers who are farmers, to Vincentians now had more disposable a minimal increase in tax rate, both for more and better shelters for women address issues that are specific to them income that could be used for a cases by a percentage point, have been who need shelter from domestic as a group; provide incentives for variety of purposes. The ULP also as a result of the establishment of a violence. employers whose working hours create replaced the excise tax, which varied very specific and important national Thirdly, many women continue to challenges to the safety of women to a high of 65% depending on the fund to address emergency face sexual harassment in the traveling to and from work; to address product with a 15% Value Added tax circumstances. The timing of those workplace. There is no apparent plan by these issues and partner with NGOs to (VAT) on items. Provisions were also initiatives was not just right, if the government to deal with this offer hotline services and support for made to ensure that certain basic anything they were delayed for too problem. Combating sexual harassment women, children and young people who goods, mainly food supplies, were long. are at risk. either VAT exempted or zero rated. requires all stakeholders to be actively THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 9. V Views Managing perceptions Heroes and Principles

“Reality is ultimately a selective act of ON SUNDAY, MARCH 14, we mark another credit perception and interpretation. A shift National Heroes Day. Since 2018, the for these in our perception and interpretation National Heroes Committee, chaired by acts would be similar to crediting James enables us to break old habits and Rene Baptiste, recommended Ebenezer Mitchell for the liberalisation of the awaken new possibilities for balance, Joshua, George Mc Intosh, Milton Cato media. But the press was liberalised healing, and transformation.” - David and Dr JP Eustace. Will Gonsalves name across the region at virtually the same Simon (born 1960) – American author, any of the shortlisted persons to join time. statement, penned hundreds of years Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer into the PM Gonsalves gives Cato major journalist, and television writer and ago, is still pregnant with wisdom. It producer. pantheon of heroes? credit for introducing the National helps us understand and appreciate In April 2013, I resigned from the Commercial Bank and the National the comments made by the American THERE WOULD BE GREATER harmony in National Heroes Committee after Insurance Service. A quick study shows organizational psychologist Roger Gonsalves improperly corrupted the that these were neither unique nor our homes, neighbourhoods, work places, Birkman (1919-2014) when he asserted and places of worship if we would avoid selection process by arguing for Milton innovative acts. For example, the that, “The reality of life is that your Cato, a man he had harshly criticised in Grenada National Insurance Service jumping to conclusions and concentrate perceptions — right or wrong — on analysing the facts surrounding the the past. What follows is my came into being on 4th April 1983. The influence everything else you do. When explanation for resigning: National Commercial Bank of Grenada particular incident. It is truly amazing you get a proper perspective of your how many “little things” are allowed to ‘When Governor-General Sir was incorporated in September 1979. St perceptions, you may be surprised how Frederick Ballantyne called to ask Lucia established its National create and sustain friction within and many other things fall into place.” among groups. Little misunderstandings whether I would serve on the National Insurance Service in April 1979. In We can advance these thoughts by Heroes Committee, I viewed his request Antigua, it was even earlier, April 1973. that are so often clouded by prejudices reflecting on our perception of beauty. that prevent us from seeing things as as a signal honour. In the past, I had So much for the P.M’s points that Cato Beauty is relative. What is beautiful written and spoken extensively on who was a leader of the pack in these areas. they really are; clouding our perception to one individual is not necessarily so and, in so many instances, distorting our next heroes should be. However, The area in which Cato’s image and for another. It is a matter of once I became a Committee Member, I legacy took the most significant reality. There is wisdom in being perception. Many in today’s society reminded of the need to manage instinctively knew that I could not battering was the very area to which judge physical beauty based on speak or advocate for or against anyone Gonsalves applied the most whitewash, perceptions. someone’s facial features (e.g. sleek Students of the social sciences will who should join Paramount Chief that being Cato’s repressive tendencies, cheeks, thin lips, straight nose, hair Joseph Chatoyer in the national high-handedness and over-reaction be familiar with optical illusions where texture, etc.). Others consider the the same image may be interpreted pantheon of heroes. when it came to the use of force and his individual’s physique (e.g. bulging Drs Adrian Fraser and Kenneth disrespect for citizens’ rights and differently by viewers. For example, muscles, body-mass index, curves of there could be a drawing that seems to John, at the UWI Open Campus’s political rights. the hips, and so on). And still others invitation, spoke persuasively to elevate The "Kill the Bills” struggles of 1981 portray two faces peering across at will say that they are not distracted by each other while someone else sees the George Mc Intosh and Ebenezer Joshua placed Cato and H.K Tannis in awful the individual’s physical appearance to hero status. Doctor Gonsalves felt company. He was so arrogant and image as a vase. Probably the more but will be better prepared to judge popularly used drawing for this compelled to make a case. He spoke on contemptuous of others’ views that in the individual’s “beauty” based on the topic "The Making of a National the 1979 Independence period, he purpose is one that appeared on a their character and/or personality. German postcard in 1888. The image Hero: The Law and Practice in St criticised a group of respected nationals When we strip everything away, no Vincent and the Grenadines”. as a "bunch of nincompoops”. was subsequently adapted by a British one is ugly … our perception is. We cartoonist William Ely Hill who Some say that the lecture was Many citizens still remember Cato’s are all fearfully and wonderfully made brilliant. Most citizens expect no less overreaction to the 1970 Black Power published it in a humour magazine in and, as a result of this, even with our 1915 and captioned it “My Wife and from Ralph Gonsalves. The man is an Rebellion in Trinidad, the tear-gassing faults, frailties, defects, and academic of superior intellect. There of teachers during their November 14, My Mother-in-Law.” This drawing shortcomings, we are all beautiful in portrays a lady’s head (upwards from was no surprise there. If Gonsalves 1975 march, and the Union Island our own special way. It is all a matter could translate his intellectual prowess Rebellion led by Lennox ‘Bumba’ her shoulder). Some persons view the of perception. drawing and see an old woman. into political I.Q, history may look at Charles in 1979. Citizens were not Gary Zukav (born 1948), the him kindly. But alas, the muzzle of allowed to walk in more than two’s, and Others look at the very same image American spiritual teacher and author and see a young lady … reminding us national service applied to everyone Barbadian troops came onto our soil at of four consecutive New York Times except him. By shortlisting who the Cato’s invitation. that it is all a matter of perception. Best Sellers, reminds us of the truism There are instances in life when next heroes should be, Gonsalves failed Cato’s political police also searched that, “What is behind your eyes holds to see the most elementary point; that and rounded up members of the individuals will view situations and more power than what is in front of circumstances differently. It does not as Chairman of Cabinet, the final budding intellectual class on the severe them.” We have the capacity to reason, arbiter of the selection process, he charge of sedition, and dug up the yards necessarily mean that one is right and to imagine, to invent, and to innovate. the other is wrong. An anonymous should not intervene. of progressives searching for We have talents and abilities that can Gonsalves’ decision to proceed with ammunition. That was the political writer once penned, “Just because you be released to create and sustain are right, does not mean that I am the lecture amounted to willful atmosphere that Cato’s regime goodness and greatness. Unleashing disregard of respected opinion makers. engendered. wrong. You just haven’t seen life from our imagination and igniting the my side.” There will be greater PR Campbell QC, social activist Did PM Gonsalves try to rewrite passion to add value to our little Renwick Rose and Newspaper history in speaking of the tear-gassing harmony in our homes, schools, corner of the world can culminate in neighbourhoods, and workplaces if editorialists led the chorus against the of teachers? We think he did. Beache, he multiple positive personal and Prime Minister’s intervention. said, told him that Cato and his cabinet only we can slow ourselves down to communal outcomes. It starts from realise that life situations do not What can we make of Gonsalves’ were in session and had not given “behind our eyes”. We can create case for Milton Cato? Cato is far approval for the tear-gassing of the always culminate with a right or opportunities for growth and wrong, yes or no, outcome. We often removed from anyone resembling a Teachers’ march. development in every aspect of our national hero. Such a pronouncement on If this is true, why did Cato not need to generate greater empathy and lives if/when we manage our tolerance to see situations from Cato is not to say that he did not order the immediate release of the perceptions and channel them in contribute to our country’s development. arrested teachers? Why did Cato have another person’s perspective. So many positive directions. of our unnecessary arguments and Cato performed in the context of his the Teachers Union leaders spend the We must take a disciplined time. His biggest weakness is that he entire weekend in jail? Why did Cato misunderstandings are created and approach to life if we are to properly sustained by failing to recognize and/or dwelt on the limitations of small island summon Attorney General Arthur manage perceptions. It will not politics and failed to grasp the Williams to lead the prosecution against appreciate differences in perception. happen by chance. It is not set to There will be greater harmony and enormous possibilities open to the the teachers? Do these actions reflect occur by default. It requires a country during his governance. More the opinion of a leader who was not in sustained peace if/when we manage controlled mind that embraces the our perceptions. than any other leader since 1951, he support of the tear gassing, arrest and challenge to regularly seek truth and saw our country through the eyes of our trial of citizens? Leonardo da Vince (1452-1519), the to “seek first to understand than to be Italian polymath of the High ‘traditional’ friends. There is an affection and acclaim understood”, as Dr. Stephen Covey But there is more. Cato’s 29 straight that Mc Intosh and Joshua had that Renaissance, is widely considered to be (1932-2012) so aptly describes in his one of the most diversely talented years in parliament, and decades-long Cato lacked. The essence is gleaned best-selling book, “The 7 Habits of tenure as leader of St Vincent Labour from the names by which they were individuals ever to have lived. He was Highly Effective People”. Our a sculptor, scientist, engineer, and Party, do not recommend him for hero known. Among broad sections of the perceptions are not always in focus. status. We must never forget that Cato people, Mc Intosh was "Daddy Mc”, and painter. His painting entitled Mona We are not always right. However, it Lisa (or La Gioconda — French) is the and his Labour Party acted as a planter Joshua was "Pappy Josh”. is quite evident that individuals who class foil against the people’s The muzzle of national service as a most famous portrait ever made. It manager perceptions are more likely to holds the Guinness World Record for awakening, empowerment and rebirth, member of the National Heroes be at peace with self and to create and as represented by Joshua and his Committee prevented me from the highest known insurance valuation sustain harmonious relationships with in history at a US$100 million. This Peoples Political Party. checkmating Gonsalves’ sales pitch for others - creating balance, healing, and Gonsalves said that Cato was avant- Cato. Do you still think Cato makes the evaluation was done in 1962. positive transformation. Leonardo da Vince was also a garde in terms of his initiatives and cut? I hope you can see why I had to philosopher in his own right. He policies during his administration. The resign.’ Send comments, criticisms & evidence does not bear this out. Most of reminds us that, “All our knowledge suggestions to has its origins in our perception.” This Cato’s legislative reforms came on Send comments, criticisms & [email protected] stream across the region. To give Cato suggestions to [email protected] 10. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views ULP regime – digging a hole to fill a hole regime were allowed to continue in government, they would plan for our country to continue to be poor and THE ULP REGIME’S Budget Estimates $74 million just paying off interest and over $249 million paying off debt in heavily indebted, so much so, that by 2021 shows that the ULP regime is still loan charges on debt. This $74 million 2021, whilst at the same time 2030 the debt may only be reduced to digging a hole to fill a hole. For 20 years, that is being wasted on servicing debt borrowing over $247 million and a debt to GDP ratio of 60%. the ULP regime has been borrowing is more than twice that is being spent increasing SVG’s debt by $247 million. One of the reasons given for millions of dollars to pay off millions of on Vincentian children’s education, The ULP regime is like a dog extending the timetable to reduce our dollars of debt and, in the process, and almost 3 times more than is being chasing its tail. They are going around Debt/GDP Ratio to 60% from 2020 to creating even more debt. spent on health facilities in SVG. It is in circles, digging a hole to fill a hole. 2030, was because it would require According to SVG Green Party wasted money. It is a display of financial ‘prudent debt management’. The Leader Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie The Budget Estimates 2021 show incompetence of the highest order. For statement illustrated that the ULP O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, the that the ULP regime is wasting over 20 years, the ULP regime has failed to regime is unable to achieve ‘prudent ULP regime does not have a head for $175 million on Amortization. create sustainable sources of revenue debt management’. finance and cannot competently (Amortization is chiefly used in loan and just relied on begging and According to Warrant Officer Ivan manage SVG’s public finances. The repayments, with payments divided borrowing and plunging our country Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, ULP Regime’s 2021 budget is a big into equal amounts for the duration of into horrendous debt. when it comes to running our country’s disaster with more heavy borrowing, the loan. A greater amount of the In an address to the nation in 2015, finances and economy, SVG needs a pushing SVG into deeper poverty and payment is applied to interest at the Gonsalves, who is not a university mentality change. We must stop destitution. beginning of the amortization graduate in finance, made an digging a hole to fill a hole. In the Budget Estimates 2021, the schedule, while more money is applied incredible statement: The Monetary We need sustainable sources of ULP regime is taking on over $247 to principal at the end. Council has decided to extend the revenue and we can start doing this by million in debt as loans. This is This is a waste of $175 million and timetable to reduce our Debt/GDP taxing the super-rich of Mustique and hundreds of millions of dollars of debt should be spent on educating our Ratio to 60.0 per cent from 2020 to Canouan, and setting up a tuna that will need to be paid off by young people, providing better health 2030. fishing and canning industry. This will Vincentians’ blood, sweat and tears. services and creating jobs for our This was an incredible statement in significantly reduce the high levels of The Budget Estimates 2021 show people. It is an insult to the people of which Gonsalves told the people of unemployment, crime and poverty, and that the ULP regime is wasting over SVG that the ULP regime is wasting SVG that, if Gonsalves and ULP get money circulating in the country Commonwealth Day and increase sales for businesses. 2021 celebrated virtually Blueprint for opening THIS YEAR Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the message, the Secretary-General Rt Commonwealth Commonwealth, gave her annual Hon Patricia Scotland described this Day was message on ‘A Celebration for year as one of “hope, opportunity and School celebrated on 8 Commonwealth Day’ during the BBC progress” for the Commonwealth’s 2.4 March across the programme. billion people. SCHOOLS cannot remain closed world in a series of Across the Commonwealth, She said: “Too often, too many of us forever and must open at some time. virtual events, communities celebrated the day can think we are powerless. This is If we plan carefully, we can which started on 7 through a range of activities including particularly true in the face of accomplish this task sooner rather Hon Patricia March with a virtual flag-raising events, online seemingly insurmountable challenges than later. Scotland, service at the UK’s gatherings of civic and faith such as climate change or devastating We already know what the Secretary- Westminster communities, and school readings, events like the global pandemic. parameters are and should work General of the Abbey. where permitted. “Especially in our current forced within our current context. Safety Commonwealth. Her Majesty In her Commonwealth Day isolation and separation from each must take preeminence. Each school other, it can be too easy to forget our should plan now how they can open common connections or our long bonds securely and safety, using the of friendship and family.” currently available resources. The day was guided by this year’s Some schools are small and should theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’, open now with this recommended which highlighted how the 54 protocol: Commonwealth countries are 1. Encourage all adult staff and ‘innovating, connecting and students over 16 to be vaccinated; transforming’ to help achieve priority 2. 10 students per class and hold goals such as tackling climate change, classes outdoors when feasible; promoting good governance, achieving 3. Masks to be worn correctly by gender equality and boosting trade. everyone in the presence of others; This year Commonwealth Day fell on the same date as International 4. Frequent hand washing and Women’s Day (IWD). sanitizing; Secretary-General Scotland made a 5. Each one must take special appeal to women across the responsibility for personal protection; Commonwealth to “rise up and lead us 6. Maintain social distance of 3 all in our fight against COVID-19 and feet minimum; in preparing our countries and 7. Ensure adequate ventilation of communities to recover from the many enclosed spaces; devastating consequences of this 8. Use electronic devices to pandemic.” minimize paper use; each pupil must In recognition of IWD, have his/her own materials and not Commonwealth citizens were allowed to share; encouraged to join the Secretariat’s 9. Help with regular cleaning and social media campaign by naming sanitizing of the work areas in extraordinary women leaders in their addition to the paid cleaners; communities using 10. Reinforce safety procedures in #SheLeadsTheWay. every class; use latest updated Commonwealth Day has been information from official sources; observed every year since the 1970s. 11. Travel to and from school This is the first virtual celebration due safely. Walk where feasible. to COVID-19. (Source: Commonwealth Secretariat) Anthony Steward, PhD THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 11. V People Vincy Surgeon DR. Malcolm Samuel - One of a kind

Dr Samuel confessed that he has always admired his father’s achievements, as he came from humble beginnings in Chateaubelair, and was the only one of his siblings to go to University. Towards becoming a surgeon

After graduating as an Island Scholar from the St Vincent Grammar School in 1978, he entered the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dr. Malcolm Samuel, MBBS, (right) FRCS England, doing himself UWI, from which he Dr. Samuel mentoring surgeon in Jamaica. and country proud through graduated in December his provision of life-saving 1982. expected of someone of his transplant on a (right) He intimated that since he caliber and experience, Dr. 72-year-old Michael Harris, a Dr. Malcom Samuel renal surgeries. was nine years old, he had set Samuel has presented a former columnist with the with kidney transplant recipient Michael Harris by SHERON GARRAWAY his aim at becoming a number of research papers on Express newspaper. surgeon, as he liked using his kidney transplantation, not In so doing, Harris became (centre) and a member of his hands, and believed that by least being one on the first 100 Trinidad and Tobago and the team, Dr Hassina EMPHASIZING THAT MORE Mohammed. PERSONS can be saved if organs becoming a medical cases performed at NOTU, English-speaking were provided, Vincentian Dr. practitioner, he would help to which he delivered at the 2013 Caribbean’s oldest Malcolm Samuel is strongly make people better. South African Transplant recipient of organ advocating the need for a drive In pursuit of his childhood Congress in Durban. donation and to encourage organ donation. ambition, Dr. Samuel received Needless to say, the sought transplant, according In an interview with THE training in General Surgery at after surgeon has mentored to the Express of VINCENTIAN he noted, "It the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, surgeons in start-up December 20, 2020. can make the difference Barbados, Hospitals of the transplant programmes in The article, as between life and death for University West Indies and in Jamaica and Barbados, over referenced, described someone with organ failure the United Kingdom, on to the past six years. Harris’s case as a such as kidney or liver failure. becoming a Fellow of the St, Vincent and the “complicated one.” It improves their quality of life Royal College of Surgeons in Grenadines is not excluded Harris had underlying and enables the recipients to General Surgery. from the Surgeon’s expertise. heart and lung issues live a normal life. It’s probably He completed Fellowship He is the lead Consulting which had to be one of the most selfless things training in the UK in Breast Surgeon to the locally based resolved before he Disease, Health Solutions Inc. (HIS), ‘a could be considered Operating Nurse Team someone can do for their loved surrounds Dr. Samuel at the ones or friends." Hepatopancreatobiliary medical service provider that for transplant surgery. Surgery and Renal first opened its doors in 2012 Even when those obstacles Eric Williams Medical, Dr. Samuel, a Vincentian by Science Complex where he is birth, is the Renal Transplant/ Transplantation and, since through its initial service were out of the way, the based. General Surgeon and Clinical 2009, has been the Chief offering as the first ever surgical team knew the risks Renal Transplant/General established outpatient of something going seriously Director (Ag) National Organ unto others, Dr. Samuel's Transplant Unit (NOTU) at Surgeon at the NOTU at the hemodialysis unit in SVG, and wrong during Harris’s surgery Eric Williams Medical one of the reference centres for were far greater than if they personal philosophy is to the Eric Williams Medical "treat everyone with kindness Sciences Complex in Trinidad Sciences Complex, Trinidad & diagnosis and treatment of were operating on a patient Tobago. chronic renal pathologies in half his age, the Express and respect." & Tobago. He is the son of The avid football/sports fan Claude and Barbara Samuel. From this base Dr. Samuel SVG’. reported. has performed over 150 Dr. Samuel told the and supporter of Manchester He admitted that his His latest feat United FC and father of two parents have always transplants in both live Express, “It is an operation related and deceased donors. that is very unforgiving enjoys cycling, cross fitness encouraged their three and advocates a good work-life children — two sons, one He served as a Visiting The COVID-19 pandemic regarding mistakes; we need Renal Transplant Surgeon at has not slowed down Dr. to make sure that both the balance. daughter - to do things And just like any good properly, which instilled a the University Hospital Malcolm. He disclosed that donor and the patient are in Birmingham UK 2010 to 2011, there have been more optimal condition.” doctor, he advised on the discipline that has helped importance of consuming more them achieve. and upon his return to challenges with all the In Harris’s case, the donor Trinidad & Tobago, introduced restrictions, as transplant was his son. locally grown nutritious foods - Hand Assisted patients are high risk due to After the six-hour high-risk eating less fast or convenience Laparoscopic them being immune- but successful surgical foods, getting regular Donor suppressed, but he pushes procedure, Dr. Samuel told the exercise, smoking and Nephrectomy in forward. Express, “Mr Harris’s drinking less. the living donor Notwithstanding the transplant has now given him In pursuit of his goal to surgery challenges, Dr. Samuel cut an extra ten years of life or have Renal Transplantation programme. another niche for himself more, which he would not accessible to all in the As would be when, in November 2020, he have had if he remained on Caribbean who suffer from led a team at the dialysis.” Chronic Kidney Disease, Dr. Samuel’s availing of his Left: NOTU/Eric Williams With Transplant Medical Science Complex Malcolm Samuel – the man medical/surgical expertise is Surgical Colleagues at in Trinidad and Tobago, making Vincentians and the American Transplant and performed a Believing in reciprocity and region proud, one patient at a Congress in Chicago. successful kidney the importance of doing good time. 12. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Soufrière Focus One team leaves, another arrives

ground in SVG, inform authorities if any in a recent impending changes are episode of La forthcoming.” Soufriere Today’ She lauded the partnership programme of with the Land and Surveys The UWI SRC, Division in conducting electron hosted by Ms. distance measurements. “We Stacey Edwards. use a total station which sends an electromagnetic wave to Dr. Michal the reflector and then return Camejo-Harry to the total station and measure the distance”, she Dr. Michal remarked, adding that over Camejo-Harry time, if there is a change in L-R): Mrs. Monique Johnson Lynch (Project worked with the the distance, it could be Manager Volcano Ready Communities development of interpreted as a possible Project), Dr. Michal Camejo-Harry the ground change in the stability of the (Volcanologist – Petrology & Ground deformation. south-west crater wall. Deformation), and Mr. Garth Mannette She “Changes could eventually (Electronics) (Photo: UWI SRC) acknowledged cause collapse,” she cautioned, that the “and once the structure hints by GLORIAH… previous team had installed at instability, we can inform continuous stations to monitor authorities how to respond, THE THREE REMAINING changes in ground movement, whether to evacuate people SPECIALIST MEMBERS of the and she got the opportunity to accordingly.” first UWI Seismic Research assess how the movement of Centre (UWI SRC) Team, which magma, fluids or gases cause Ms. Monique Johnson arrived in St. Vincent and the changes in the volcano. Grenadines on 27th January, “So, I’ve been doing a Ms. Monique Johnson is the 2021, returned to Trinidad and number of campaigns,” she Project Manager of the Tobago on March 1, 2021. said, “going out into the field Volcano Ready Project, with L-R): Dr. Thomas Christopher, Roderick Stewart and TiVonne Each of the specialists - Dr. to deploy these instruments, funds being accessed through Howe comprise the new team on the ground in SVG. Michal Camejo-Harry, Ms. one week at a time, to the Community Disaster Risk Monique Johnson, and Mr. measure any changes in Reduction Fund administered the USGS-USAID. One has Dr. Camejo-Harry Garth Mannette - discussed ground deformation using by the Caribbean Development been installed at the trail head appreciated the value of each his/her experiences on the GPS. We use these changes to Bank. at the Interpretation Centre person’s role and the ease with “The project started at the on the Windward trail. which, as strangers in the first end of 2018,” she said, “since This station is equipped place, each worked as a tight then it’s been a great with a radio which sends the unit to achieve the goals set. opportunity for us to integrate information, in real time, from the communities into the the sensors back to New team National Emergency Response Georgetown, where it will be accessed via internet and And as the original team A NEMO team shared this photo of Mechanism.” She reported transmitted back to The UWI left the shores of SVG, two the growing dome, March 3, 2021. that persons have been trained as first responders and SRC for processing, Mannette new members have joined the the response capacity has been explained. scientific team observing tested. As for lessons learnt and the effusive eruption at La And having provided first messages forwarded, Mannette Soufriere volcano. responder kits and supplies for warned other specialists to The UWI Seismic Research the warehouses in the always use ‘proper hiking centre confirmed that Roderick communities, “we hope that shoes’ as the ‘wrong’ one could Stewart and TiVonne Howe of persons will be better able to take a toll on summit-ward the Monsterrat Volcano respond and evacuate,” progress. Observatory (MVO) have Johnson said. Johnson appreciated the joined their (MVO) colleague She highlighted value of the team work she partnerships with NEMO, the experienced. Continued on Page 13. Red Cross and Community Development Division. “They A trip to the have been amazing support in summit of Feb everything we have been doing 18th 2021 from and accomplished so far. We the Leeward could not have done any of side. During this without them, seriously!” which the earlier team installed a Mr. Garth Mannette camera.

Mr. Garth Mannette - a technician working with the electronics team — described his roles and functions as “to install and maintain all the seismic equipment.” He informed that there are three new stations donated by THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 13. V Soufrière Focus EvacuationEvacuation readinessreadiness

Stories by GLORIAH… communities during an explosive THE EFFUSIVE ERUPTION eruption. at the La Soufrière Persons in the Volcano continues to be Orange Zone, “while monitored by The UWU not as saturated by SRC team, and although a volcanic hazards as recent visit to the volcano the Red Zone, will confirmed continued slow still take on dome growth, the considerable damage possibility of an explosive from ash and eruption still exists. rockfall. Of special interest would what Volcano Hazard Zones are termed ‘ballistics’, which With that in mind, the along with being National Emergency hard projectiles, are Management also superheated. Organisation (NEMO), These ballistics will with support from the not only damage Volcano Readiness with force, but also Project, has made burn surrounding areas Residents within the The ash cloud that the volcano belched up in 1979. Just one of the hazards community education its and cause fires.” Red, Orange and Yellow we have to be prepared for in another explosive eruption. focus, and effected in For the Yellow Zone, Zones are constantly accordance with three communities on the edge reminded to take note of given, NEMO advocates include: cell phone, anticipated ash, stone delineated zones. of the Orange Zone, the evacuation assembly that persons within the battery-powered or hand- and rock particles fallout, NEMO clearly states additional consideration points within their hazard zones prepare by: crank radio; flashlights NEMO advises persons: that, “Volcanic hazard is given due to the communities, to which knowing their particular and batteries; medicines to wear goggles and/or zones indicate impact possibility of higher level all must gather for ready hazard zone; download and medical supplies; eyeglasses instead of level of hazards. This hazards, e.g. ash cloud. pick-up and the CAP.CAP App to goggles, hand sanitizers contact lenses; especially impact level decreases as The Green Zone is transportation to safer receive early warnings and disposable breathing those who suffer from you move away from the considered an area of locations in the event of and alerts; establishing a masks. asthma or other summit of the volcano.” relative safety. This an explosive eruption. family meeting point; If an evacuation order breathing diseases, to Persons living closest Zone includes all areas and planning what they is issued, NEMO advises wear a mask or use a to the volcano, situated between Getting ready will do if an evacuation evacuees to take at least damp cloth to cover the designated the Red Zone, Barrouallie and Biabou, order is given and they 3-days’ supply of face to avoid breathing in would face the severest including the Even before an are not at home. clothing, food and water; ash; to wear long sleeve danger if caught in their Grenadines. evacuation order is An emergency kit take all important shirts or tops and should be assembled, to documents - birth and enclosed shoes to cover marriage certificates and feet from falling ash. title deeds; if there is no As it stands, NEMO is personal transportation, reminding the public Supt. McIntyre to assist NEMO go to the community that no evacuation order assembly point nearest or notice has been issued. home to be picked up by It continues to appeal THE CARIBBEAN DISASTER Emergency Operations Centre to NEMO buses; try to keep to the public to refrain EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT support the COVID-19 response all family members from visiting the La AGENCY (CDEMA) coordinating and multi-hazard complexities.” together, especially Soufrière Volcano and Unit has availed the services of Superintendent McIntyre children and the elderly. warns that it is Superintendent Sylvan McIntyre shared: “I feel first and foremost Should there be an extremely dangerous to of Grenada to the National humbled to be recognised as one eruption, given the go into the crater. Emergency Management of the persons in the region to be Organisation of St. Vincent and responding to a sister country the Grenadines. that is in need. Secondly, it gives Superintendent McIntyre, who me a sense of regional One team effectively represents the collaboration support that CARICOM Operational Support Grenada was able to see to the Team (COST) of CDEMA, will request of St. Vincent.” leaves, another spend six weeks supporting He added, “I feel confident that NEMO and will do so under the I will be of support to St. Vincent. Superintendent Sylvan McIntyre Regional Response Mechanism I am concerned but not scared of of Grenada is expected to bring arrives (RRM). the environment, I am aware of his hands-on, frontline CDEMA has described him as the issues having worked on the experience to bear positively on Continued from Page 12. “a pillar within the RRM, having frontlines since March 2020. the work of NEMO. been a part of CDEMA’s response Therefore…I will keep myself Dr. Thomas Christopher in SVG. to events such as the 2010 safe.” ground in St. Vincent and the Stewart is a volcano-seismologist and is the new earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Elizabeth Riley, Acting Grenadines.” scientific team lead. He has over 30 years of Irma of 2017 in the British Virgin Executive Director of CEDEMA, Funding for the deployment of experience in the field, has worked on volcanoes in Islands and Hurricane Dorian of called this deployment “an Superintendent McIntyre was several countries and has served as Director of the 2019 in The Bahamas.” example of regional and made available through the Montserrat Volcano Observatory from 2012-2019. His outlined tasks under this international collaboration at its Caribbean Climate Resilience new deployment include: finest…We are grateful to the Howe is Dr. Christopher’s student and is a 1st Initiative which has an allocation year PhD student at Lancaster University (UK). “reviewing evacuation plans and Government of Grenada for of US $4.5 million to help relief management; assisting facilitating this request and for She has worked with the MVO as a research countries reduce disaster and assistant for three years and most recently with the (NEMO) with a Volcanic Hazard Superintendent McIntyre’s recover from impacts and climate Montserrat Disaster Management Coordination table-top exercise; and examining willingness to apply his variability. the interface of the National experience and skill set on the Agency (DMCA). 14. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Women AFNA recognizes Gloria Ballantyne

among three distinguished Ballantyne began playing netball at (1988 to 1992), and served on a Caribbean netball icons, who were the age of eleven. From 1967 to 1976 number of Committees of that recognized by the Americas she represented SVG as a goalkeeper Association. Federation of Netball Associations and goal defense, and was captain of She was also Treasurer of the (AFNA), to mark International the national team for three years. She Americas Federation of Netball Women’s Day, March 8, 2021. was Manager-Coach during the fifth Associations (AFNA) from 1992 - 2014. In addition to Ballantyne, the World Tournament in Trinidad and In 1987 she was the Coach of the others two were: Molly Rhone Tobago in 1979. OECS Netball Team at the Goodwill of Jamaica who served Even before her playing days were Tournament in St Lucia; Assistant as President of the International over, Ballantyne became President of Coach to the Caribbean Netball team Netball Federation (INF) from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines on its tour to England in 1987; the 2003 to 2019; and Lystra Lewis, Netball Association in 1975, and Head of Delegation in 1991 when the the first president of the AFNA. served in that capacity until 1980. Caribbean Netball team again toured The AFNA, in recognizing She returned to that position in 1982 England. Ballantyne, who passed away in and served until she retired in 2003. The St Vincent Jaycees honored Gloria Ballantyne, who passed away in 2019, referred to her as a “true She is credited with growing the Gloria in 1981 for her outstanding 2019, continues to attract recognition for trailblazer in the region’s sport across the state and attracting contribution to sport and the her contribution to the development of netball.” more young women to the sport, Caribbean Netball Association netball in SVG, in the OECS sub-region, the According to the AFNA, she establishing it firmly as a national bestowed a similar honour in 1991. wider Caribbean and the Americas. made outstanding contributions sport. For her outstanding contribution to to the sport of netball t in St Regionally, Ballantyne served on country over self, Gloria Ballantyne Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN Vincent and the Grenadines, the the Council of the Caribbean Netball was awarded an MBE on the Windward Islands, the wider Association (CAN) for 30 years, recommendation of the Government of GLORIA BALLANTYNE, MBE, former Caribbean and the Americas as a beginning in 1975, during which time St Vincent and the Grenadines, in President of the St Vincent and the player, coach, umpire and she held the positions of Senior Vice 1998. Grenadines Netball Association, was administrator. President (1986 to 1988), President SVGNA recognises

Dr. Halimah DeShong – was recognized for her contribution as a national sports persons Dr. DeShong (netballer) and as an outstanding academician. AMBASSADOR DR. the first Vincentian to be time at the HALIMAH DESHONG, awarded a scholarship by University of completed a Master of former national the Government of Saint the West Indies Cave Philosophy Degree in netballer, was recognized Vincent and the Hill Campus, Barbados, Social Policy at The by the St Vincent and Grenadines, for service featured prominently as UWI, Cave Hill Campus, the Grenadines Netball as a national athlete. She part of that Campus’ and went on to read for Association (SVGNA) to was named Vincentian Netball Team during The her Doctor of Philosophy mark International Sports Women of the UWI Inter-Campus - PhD — Sociology of Women’s Day, March 8, Year in 2000, following Games, and in the Gender and Violence — at 2021, for her contribution successful tours with the Barbados National the University of to the sport. National Senior and Netball Tournament. Manchester The former national Under-23 teams, and As for her academic (Commonwealth captain was nominated after her performance for pursuits, Dr. DeShong Scholarship). by the executive of the the Senior Team in that received a Bachelor of Ambassador Dr. SVGNA as someone who year’s Caribbean Arts in History with DeShong would go on to has made an outstanding Championship, was Literatures in English become a Senior Lecturer contribution to her selected to the All West (First Class Honours) in and Head of Department (2021). Her scholarly on violence against native St. Vincent and Indies Netball Team. 2004, from the in Gender Studies at The work is also published in women in Grenada. the Grenadines, and who She represented Saint University of the West UWI, Cave Hill Campus. a wide range of peer- In 2015, she was is an example/role model Vincent and the Indies (UWI), Cave Hill An experienced feminist reviewed academic recipient of a UWI, Cave to the young people as a Grenadines at the Campus, and was Class researcher, she is the co- journals and books. Hill Campus Research whole. International Netball Valedictorian. editor of the seminal She has advised Award for outstanding Dr. DeShong led both Federation World Netball She was awarded a work ‘Methodologies in Caribbean governments research. Senior and Under-23 Championship in 2003 in Wellcome Trust Caribbean Research on on gender-based violence Currently on national teams and was Jamaica, and during her Fellowship in 2004 and Gender and Sexuality policies and laws, is the secondment to the author of the SVG Government of St. National Gender-based Vincent and the Violence Action Plan, Grenadines, Dr. DeShong and co-author of the serves as Ambassador GBV/HFLE curriculum and Second Deputy for post-secondary school Permanent students in SVG. She is Representative at the also the lead researcher Permanent Mission of and author of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United qualitative component of Nations. the UN Women/ She is the proud CARICOM/Caribbean mother of an eight-year- Development Bank old son, Yohance Women’s Health Survey DeShong-Marshall. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY,MARCH 12, 2021. 15. V Heritage

The Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held National but with an adjusted Heroes Dayprogramme.

THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE is situation occasioned by the COVID-19 moving ahead with the March 14th pandemic and the need to adhere to Hero’s Day Celebrations despite the the protocols. Covid-19 Pandemic. Browne also mentioned that the Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN, much anticipated Heroes Day event at Cultural Officer Maxine Browne Fancy has been cancelled. admitted that COVID-19 have affected The one at Rose hall will assume a the usual programme for the Day’s virtual setting and while the Greiggs primary activity — the Wreath Laying activity has also been effectively Ceremony at the Obelisk located at cancelled, there will be a sale of local Dorsetshire Hill — but she assured cuisine in the community on the day. that the programme will unfold with March 14th commemorates the adjustments. death of Paramount Chief Joseph Browne disclosed that only 20 Chatoyer. He died in battle in 1795 persons, including the media, will be having led a protracted defence of allowed in attendance. Yurumei - St. Vincent and the While she realized that many would Grenadines - from the marauding want to attend the event, Browne forces of colonial Britain. (SG) appealed for understanding given the Preserving the Garifuna Culture PRESIDENT of The Garifuna Heritage Foundation (TGHF), David “Darkie” Williams believes that initiatives of his orgnaizaton are helping to educate people, especially during the pandemic. The usually humble Williams boasted that over the years, TGHF has held conferences which have produced content that can be used as educational material, to inform policy framing and for research purposes. The preservation of the Garifuna Culture He remarked, “That’s why we is paramount among the aims of TGHF. have these activities. So that there is material there that people can It is the 8th International Garifuna educate themselves about the Conference with the purpose of Garifuna culture. We had zoom sharing ideas, examining issues, conferences on Wednesday 10th and forging networks and strengthening Thursday 11th and will be having global links to support the Center’s another tonight at from 8 o’clock.” development. Williams said TGHF was helping to The keynote address at last change mindsets as there is a Wednesday’s opening was delivered tendency for locals to think that other by Mr. Roy Cayetano of Belize, who cultures are better than theirs and was the person responsible on behalf they have to copy others. of the National Garifuna Council of He noted this year’s conference Belize, for successfully submitting the theme, “Celebrating 20 Years of the Application to UNESCO in 2001 for UNESCO Declaration; A Masterpiece the Declaration of the Garifuna of the Intangible Heritage of Mankind Heritage and Culture as a Masterpiece Living the Garifuna Heritage and of the Intangible Heritage Culture After 224 Years” is essential of Mankind. in highlighting that the culture has Cayetano spoke on the topic, credence. ‘Preserving Intangible Garifuna The virtual conference is a Cultural Heritage: Challenges and collaboration with UWI Open Campus. Prospects.’ (SG) 16. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Opinion Dr. J. P. Eustace should be

our next National Hero Dr. John Parmenas Eustace by R. T. LUKE V. BROWNE secondary schools — the originally named the on his independent course of the history of St. [email protected] Intermediate School (now school “Intermediate” education mission. He had Vincent and the 64 years of dedicated the Intermediate High School as distinct from the benefit of an excellent Grenadines” selfless service and WE HAVE ENTERED National School) in 1926, the “High” School to and trailblazing academic OR personal sacrifice to the Heroes Month. I am using Emmanuel High School circumvent a colonial track record from his own “given service to St. people of St Vincent and this opportunity to lend Kingstown/EHSK (now policy against the school days. Vincent and the the Grenadines. It was not further support to the call known as the Dr. J. P. provision of full blown The Intermediate Grenadines which has easy to do what he did, for Dr. John Parmenas Eustace Memorial secondary school School was the first been exemplified by especially at the time he Eustace (J. P. Eustace) to be Secondary School) in April education to the general private secondary school visionary and pioneering lived. It was heroic. I do named the next National 1952 and the Emmanuel population. He in SVG (then known as St. leadership, extraordinary not think Doc has an Hero of St. Vincent and the High School nonetheless proceeded to Vincent). I should say that achievement and the equivalent anywhere in Grenadines. Dr. Eustace Mesopotamia/EHSM on deliver a High School it was a private school attainment of highest the world. would be most deserving of May 6, 1963. curriculum. with a very public excellence which has It goes without saying this honour. I would state Amazingly, Mr. Eustace Mr. Eustace broke character — it was the first redound to the honour of that Dr. Eustace my reasons. (as he was then) was only down barriers that secondary school to open St. Vincent and the contributed to the J. P. Eustace had an 20 years old when he restricted a secondary its doors to students of Grenadines” improvement of the outstanding career during started his first secondary school education to the every colour, class, creed OR economic, social or the course of which he school. He did it at the children of plantation and race. It was also the through heroic exploits political conditions of made a towering and height of colonialism. The owners, Kingstown first co-educational and sacrifice, contributed Saint Vincent and the unparalleled contribution only other secondary merchants and high secondary school. to the improvement of the Grenadines and to the development of St. schools which existed at ranking colonial civil Obviously, Dr. Eustace economic, social or Vincentians in general by Vincent and the the time were the elitist servants. Incidentally, he was a pioneer in political conditions of his work in education, Grenadines. He Boys Grammar School and left a comfortable job in education. On the Saint Vincent and the healthcare and religion. established 3 major Girls High School. He the civil service to embark contrary, the only “public” Grenadines and He attained the highest schools which existed then Vincentians in general. excellence and in all served intensely private I submit to you that it likelihood the Prize of the interests. is a foregone conclusion High Calling of God. The EHSK was at one based on the evidence I learnt some time ago point the largest presented above that Dr. that as a matter of an secondary school in our J. P. Eustace jointly and interesting coincidence nation. It introduced severally more than amply Pamenos Ballantyne was volley-ball to St. Vincent satisfies the criteria laid named after Dr. John and the Grenadines. The down in the Act. He was a Parmenas Eustace (there EHSM was the first rural pioneer in the field of was a slight variation in secondary school without education. He started a spelling). Pamenos’s entrance restrictions. To secondary school as a 20 recently deceased mother my mind, Dr. J. P. year old private citizen at described Doc as the Eustace was the Father of the height of colonialism greatest Vincentian to the Education Revolution. when the only other have ever lived. Pamenos He was way ahead of the schools on the island were was told about the reason government and his time. the elitist High School and for his name and this gave Dr. Eustace also started Grammar School, and he him a sense of confidence. several primary schools succeeded. This shows It may have even spurred and carried out Christian outstanding service and him on to the heights of missionary services in was an extraordinary athletic achievement. This places like Simon and achievement. What could seemingly casual Sandy Bay. He established be more visionary and observation might take on many churches. In fact, pioneering than that? He some significance in light Dr. Eustace may have democratised education in of the fact that I once seen his work in education this country and were it heard renowned as an outgrowth of his not for him, thousands of Vincentian historian Dr. Christian Ministry. Vincentians would have Michael Dennie bemoan Additionally, J. P. Dr. been deprived of an the fact that it seems as if Eustace was the first opportunity to attend no one has really seen it Vincentian to become a secondary school. fit to name any of their qualified eye- Doc, as he was children after Chatoyer. specialist/eye-doctor popularly and fondly I am a politician. (Optometrist/Optician). In called, was a champion of However, I would be the that capacity, he often universal access to first to say that we must provided glasses free-of- secondary school disabuse our minds of any charge to poor and education and co- notion that a National disadvantaged education in secondary Hero has to be a political Vincentians who were schools. It is patently figure. Carlton “CP” Hall suffering from sight obvious that J. P. Eustace when he was Principal of defects. Symbolically, Dr. altered positively the the Dr. J. P. Eustace Eustace helped with the course of the history of St. Memorial Secondary physical, mental and Vincent and the School concluded a series spiritual vision of Grenadines. Education is of articles by saying that it Vincentians in what was a Liberation. He liberated “is a widely held view” thoroughly holistic many persons from that Dr. John Parmenas approach. ignorance and illiteracy. Eustace should be The Order of National He loosed them from their “awarded the highest Heroes Act 2002 at shackles and released national honour” for his Section 10 says that in them to make a contribution to national order for someone to be meaningful contribution to development. I agree with named a National Hero he nation-building. He helped him. It may be fitting for or she must have: to create a knowledge Dr. Eustace to be named a “given outstanding culture or a culture of National Hero as we service to St. Vincent and education and commemorate the 95th the Grenadines” and made enlightenment that surely anniversary of the a contribution that redounded to the honour founding of his first “altered positively the of SVG. Dr. Eustace gave school. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 17. V Diaspora Vincy gets on ballot for NY Trustee vote

independent candidate for the office now and Mar. 16, but I will continue to Small-Morgan’s mom, Lorna Small, of Trustee in the Incorporated Village go door to door to introduce myself to who was shockingly murdered in St. of Hempstead, Nassau County, Long my fellow residents, sharing with them Vincent and the Grenadines in 2008, Island, New York has described as “a my vision for the village,” said Small- was the retired Director of Libraries surreal experience” getting on the Morgan, who also works in the utility and Archives in her native land. ballot. industry. (For more on Rosanne “Rosie” “Starting from day one, when I Small-Morgan, who migrated from Small-Morgan and her campaign announced my candidacy, all the St. Vincent and the Grenadines in planks, see article headlined, ‘Vincy way to getting on the actual ballot - 1988, is reportedly the first Caribbean- declares candidacy for Trustee in NY’ Row C last week Tuesday — proved born woman to seek the office of carried on page 11 of THE to me that hard work pays off,” Trustee in the Incorporated Village of VINCENTIAN of Friday 19th Rosanne “Rosie” Small-Morgan, a Hempstead. February, 2021.) senior advocate for the elderly, blind, disabled and underserved population, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday. “I am extremely proud that I stuck to my guns, and I am the only independent woman candidate for trustee,” added the Frenches, Kingstown native, who is also a senior consumer advocate, author, mentor, motivational speaker, radio and talk show host, with a weekly newspaper advice column. “I want the residents of Hempstead to know that I am here to represent Rosanne “Rosie” Small-Morgan is them with integrity, transparency confident of winning. and compassion. “So, I stand proudly under my by NELSON A. KING party’s name, ‘Transparency for [email protected] Hempstead,’” she continued. “Please US CORRESPONDENT remember to Vote Row C for Rosie. Vote Row C first, then pick your other A VINCENTIAN running as an three candidates on Mar. 16. “There’s still so much to do between 18. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice Better suited for me

Dear George, Confused MY SISTER and I live together. She has not dated for over 10 years while I have Dear Confused, dated on and off, nothing steady. Some months ago, my sister told me Your situation could be a case of she saw this guy and liked him. We violating the unspoken code: never decided to invite him to our house to date anyone I was interested in or was check him out. previously dating. He came and when we were Yes, you have the right to date finished checking him out, he and my whom you wish, but that was one you sister didn’t seem to have much in could have let slide in solidarity with common. She decided against him your sister. there and then. As a matter of fact, he Now that it is what it is, I suggest was much more of a ready fit for me. you have a heart to heart talk with Not long after we started dating, your sister, letting her know your but I never told my sister. When I did motive was not to derail or undermine tell her, she called me a traitor for her in anyway; that what happened going behind her back and dating the between you and this guy was natural. man she was interested in. Whatever happens, try not to let Frankly I do not see what one had this come between your sister-to-sister to do with the other and didn’t think I relationship. Make every effort to was doing anything wrong. We are make things up between you two. not on speaking terms just because of that. George Humiliated and desperate

Dear George, and how the pressures of things in their proper unemployment and fear perspective and help you I’m tired of these of losing your home are to deal with what is the COVID-19 restrictions taking a toll on you most urgent. and the bad luck they mentally and otherwise. Keeping this bottled have brought me. In the event that she up for much longer will I have lost my job; my continues to make light not do you any good and rent is in arrears and my of the situation, I will only cause you to wife is moving with suggest you talk to a lose control of your another man, right counsellor emotions. The end game under my nose, all immediately. You are would be for you to be in because of his not the only one who is a position where you can money. She denies it but in this position and think clearly and make I am not stupid. should feel no shame for sound decisions. Make I feel totally helpless it. Meeting with a that call now! and less than a man. I counselor will give you know people are the opportunity to put George laughing at me, especially those who once had me up. I heard that one of my good friends Find someone else said he is just waiting for the bank to foreclose on Dear George, my house so he could get it. CAN A PERSON love more than one person at George, right now I the same time? My girlfriend tells me she loves have nothing to lose and me but also loves two other guys. She said she is I feel like doing some not having sexual relations with any of the guys, things that could cause a but I should not discount that from happening. whole lot of weeping and Her argument is that love is there to be shared, wailing. I never thought and if I have a problem with that, I should get in my wildest dreams I going. would come to this. I am wondering if I am in the right relationship. I need you to advise me, please. End of the line Here nor there. Dear End of the line, Dear Here nor there, Thanks for reaching out. You have to believe The beauty of being in a relationship is having there is a way back from exclusively the full love and attention of your this all-time low, to a partner. It is clear your girlfriend is not ready for place where you can a monogamous relationship and, therefore, cannot smile again and feel guarantee that exclusivity. motivated. Take this for what it is and find someone who Have a talk with your can give you such a guarantee. wife about the way her actions are affecting you George THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 19. V Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) ACROSS Don't get involved in idle chatter that Expand your knowledge and sign up for will hurt your position. Try to courses and seminars. Try to avoid communicate if you wish to help. You serious discussions with loved ones. Be 1. “In what sense?” may have the day off but your thoughts careful when dealing with investments. 4. Trounce will be on your work and your cash Be honest in your communication and 8. Flock female situation. don't lose your cool. 9. Veil edging 10. Drag Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) 13. Used a ruler Put your energy into learning new skills You can make money, but try not to let it 15. Slight shade or picking up valuable information. slip through your fingers. Unpleasant Health problems may prevail if you don't situations concerning family members 16. Sharp take care of them immediately. You need will be unnerving. You may be the 17. Soil to distance yourself from the situation recipient of false information. 18. Prophetic warning for a little while first. 20. Rescues SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 23. Jolly Clause GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You won't be able to keep a secret. 25. Quick smear You have worked hard and the payback Discover opportunities based on the 26. Violin knob is now. You can surprise members of individuals you mingle with this week. 29. Tell falsehoods your family, which in turn will bring you You should not get involved in joint a pat on the back. Be courteous if you ventures. Debates will stifle passion and 30. Hog sound wish to avoid major delays. Try to avoid result in estrangement. 32. Comic Costello being extravagant this week. 33. Venerable CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 34. Feel unwell CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can make favorable changes in your 35. Reads rapidly 5. Deserves briefly 43. Bonnets and Don't spend more than is necessary on home environment. Emotionally, things 37. Urban revolts 6. Crackerjack pilot 36. Chowder sombreros travel or friends. Time to deal with may not run so smoothly. Do not get into 39. Shopping memo 7. Actor Danson morsel 45. Visor-bearing institutional environments, government uncertain financial deals. Your changing 40. Bridge (across) 10. The item here 37. Fall tool topper agencies, and matters of a private attitudes may be causing concern for 42. More __ enough 11. “__ Father”, 38. Narrow piece 46. Tavern order nature this week. You can pick up your partner. 40. Respectful title 47. Zodiac cat information that will give you an edge. 44. Disturb prayer Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 45. Chewy candies 12. Quite damp 41. Exhibit nosiness 48. Assert LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Make sure that all your legal papers are 49. Hearty bread 14. Dispatched Put all your energy into moneymaking in proper order. Children may pose a 50. Landed (upon) 17. Money woes ventures. Talk to your mate about a problem if they don't like suggestions. 51. Shark territory 18. Norwegian city vacation and discuss the expectations of You will find your vitality is lowered. Your 52. Livens (up) 19. Postal load your relationship. Concentrate on desire for excitement and adventure may 21. Mature one getting ahead financially and let your be expensive. 53. Plaything personal life settle down for a while. 22. Delivery vehicle PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) DOWN 24. Repeatedly VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You must be extremely careful not to let 26. Least fancy You should be trying to clear up legal relatives or friends interfere in your 1. Dress border 27. Very long contracts that have been pending. A personal life. Don't be disappointed if 2. Have to pay stretches romantic infatuation from your past may you don't get your way emotionally. You 3. Enfeebled 28. Strong wind SOLUTION LAST WEEK’s surface if you frequent places that you could have a need to make some changes 4. Robin’s egg color 31. Brazil resort, both used to go. this week. V 20. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

SVGFF affiliates welcome laptops

“There is no further way of excusing for not being able to do certain things.” Meanwhile, General Secretary of the SVGFF Devron Poyer underscored Jerome Dick (left) accepts the Stubbs that the distribution of the devices is Football League’s laptop from “timely.” Devron Poyer of the SVGFF. Poyer advanced that the laptops could not have come at a more The laptop distribution forms part opportune time, as they will enable the of the SVGFF’s Assistance Programme Secretariat to keep the affiliates to aid affiliates, and was funded from informed and engaged. the COVID-19 Relief Fund from FIFA, “They have come in timely, to have which was made available last the meetings and programmes, and September. there are a number of other activities Then, the SVGFF was the recipient (2nd from left – right): Representatives of Hope International, SVG Over 35’s and things that would help the clubs of US$1 million, half of which was Organisation, South East Football League and the Marriaqua Football League to develop and the Federation to move allocated specifically to Women’s pose with their laptops. SVGFF’s President- Carl Dickson is at left. forward as it relates to Football... So Football. the distribution of these laptops is Of the total funds, US$100 000 was THE PRESENTATION of an HP laptop to their database” and as facilitating “a really to help the Federation grow and allocated for the purchase of each of the fifty-six affiliates of the St move from the old ways to the new to help the members grow themselves,” equipment (laptops included), as well Vincent and the Grenadines Football ways.” Poyer stated. as providing other forms of assistance Federation (SVGFF) has been lauded as a Similar sentiments were expressed In addition, Poyer reinforced the amidst the coronavirus pandemic. welcomed move. by Renson Haynes of Awesome FC. improvements - accounting purposes, The SVGFF will be in line for Last Thursday, affiliates received “I do think it is a good initiative minutes recording, online meetings - another COVID-19 Relief Package their laptops in a staggered handing because of the history of Club Football that affiliates will see with the use of from FIFA, during the first quarter of over ceremony at the SVGFF’s Offices, here in St Vincent and the the laptops. this year. located at the corner of Higginson and Grenadines. We are now in a 21st Grenville Streets. Century age in a post traditional era, Jerome Dick of the Stubbs Football where a lot of things are needed to be League lauded the initiative, saying, done….. ,” Hayne said. One ball per player for “We welcome something like this…. It The laptops, Haynes added, will will certainly be helpful to us as we provide for a halt to the use of have to do a lot of record-keeping and members’ personal devises to do the Predators FC before the presentation of this laptop, business of their clubs. everything was done on hard copy.” “Thumbs up to the Federation for EACH MEMBER of Dick also recognized the acquisition placing the laptops in the hands of the senior men’s and of the laptop as helping in “bettering affiliates,” Hayne declared, and added, women’s teams of the North Leeward Predators Football Club was last Friday, New apparel for National presented with a football to do their personal training. Teams The presentation, which took place at the Golden Grove THE ST VINCENT AND THE Playing Field, was GRENADINES Football the first phase of a Federation (SVGFF) has programme which Some members of North Leeward FC pose with received a donation of footwear will see each male and their balls. Dwight Roberts is pictured at left, back and apparel, which will go a female youth player row. long way in outfitting the being given a football as national teams as they prepare well. So I came up with the of the St Vincent and the for participation in major Head of the North idea that one way of Grenadines Football tournaments. Leeward FC- Dwight doing it is to ensure that Federation (SVGFF), In a release signed by Devon Roberts, told the the players do their own disclosed that the cost of Poyer, General Secretary, the VINCENTIAN, that the training in isolation … the one-ball-one-player SVGFF stated, “The That is how that undertaking was borne (From left to right): idea was hatched after Federation has been the Cornelius the National Club initiative came about,” by the club. beneficiary of a donation of equipment Huggins (coach), Devon Poyer Championships were put Roberts explained. North Leeward from our parent body FIFA, which the (SVGFF) and Kendale Mercury (Head on pause at the start of Roberts noted that the Predators, after claiming Executive has decided to present to Coach –Vincy Heat) display some of the year, following a initiative has a human the First Division title in the senior national teams. the items included in the donation. spike in positive COVID- element to it. 2017 and earning “The equipment includes, 19 cases during “We also see it as a promotion to the Premier tracksuits, running footwear, football World Cup Qualifiers.” December. means of making the Division, placed second cleats, polos, round neck t-shirts and Poyer also took the opportunity to “With the increased players more responsible. in that Division in short pants. Our Technical reference the distribution of laptops to restrictions on the We at North Leeward 2018/19 to champions Department will be disbursing the all affiliates of the SVGFF, in keeping COVID protocols we Predators are always BESCO- Pastures, and equipment over the next few days to with a promise made by the SVGFF’s were looking at means of looking at ways to repeated their runner-up both the senior women’s and senior Executive, during the last Congress keeping the players empower the players,” he finish in 2019/20 to men’s coaching staff as they prepare held, November 28, 2020. active, because their shared. winners Guardian for the upcoming Male and Female training came to a halt. Roberts, who is also General Hope I.B.A.ALLEN the Third Vice-President International. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 21. V Sports Ryan, Roban reach Carifta Standards JAMAICA-BASED Uroy Ryan and Handal Roban have home patch of Jamaica College. placed their names on the list of the Selection Meanwhile, Roban, who is also a Committee of Team Athletics SVG, as more than likely student of Jamaica College, attained candidates for spots in the country’s team to the 2021 the Under-20 Males 800m standard, Junior Carifta Games in Bermuda, from 2nd to 4th July. at the first JAAA Trails. His 1 Ryan, competing for Jamaica College last minute 53.04 seconds surpassed the 1 Saturday, leapt to a distance of 7.34 m in the Class minute 56 seconds qualification One Long Jump, at the Jamaica Athletics standard released by Team Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Qualifications at SVG. the National Stadium in Kingston. He took the first Both Ryan and Roban have place in the event, and more so, met the 7.10m represented St Vincent and the standard set by Team Athletics SVG. Grenadines at the Junior Carifta It was the second weekend that Ryan was Games before, with the latter being Handal Roban achieving the standard. He jumped the exact the more accompliahed of the two. athletes have had distance the previous Saturday, when the first Ryan, in his first outing in 2019, placed fifth in no active Trials were held at the Ashenheim Stadium, the the Under-17 Long Jump and was sixth in the High competition for Uroy Ryan Jump, when the Games were held in the Cayman the year so far. Islands. This year’s Cupid lights Roban copped gold in the Under-17 800m at the Junior Carifta Games are a holdover from last 2018 edition of the Games, held in the Bahamas. He year’s postponed event. The declaration of the moved up to the Under-20 category one year later in COVID-19 pandemic in March of last year, the Cayman Islands. occasioned the deferral. up the track Before leaving St Vincent and the Grenadines for Further, organisers, the North American, Central Jamaica, Ryan was a student of the Thomas American and Caribbean Athletic Association Saunders Secondary School, while Roban had last KEMROY (NACAC), was forced to change this year’s Games attended the SVG Community College. from 3rd to 5th April, to the new July date, given CUPID, in his Meanwhile, reports are that ways are being final year of an the restrictions and health protocols that remained devised to have locally based athletes make in place. athletics themselves available for qualification. Local scholarship at Bethel College in Kansas, has written his name Yonnick scores into the record books. Cupid, who began his College good grades life at the Colby Community College and is YONNICK MURRAY, a Vincentian Yonnick said. now finishing up athlete on scholarship at the G.C. The middle distance specialist his bachelor’s Foster College, Jamaica, has with a strong Christian faith, also degree in surprised even himself with the believed his achievement could not Business grades he obtained recently in his be possible without the help from Administration Associate Degree programme of the Almighty saying, “I also have to and Management studies in Sports/Physical give God the glory for helping me at the Bethel Education. through my exams because without College, was in “Well, I was actually surprised Him I am nothing.” sparkling form with the results especially in As for the track, Yonnick shared, when he won Kemroy Cupid is Anatomy & Physiology, as it was “I am currently nursing an injury both the 60 meter and 200 obviously pleased my weakest subject, and I was able so track is on a pause for me at the meter at last weekend’s with his to obtain an A+… and a B+ in moment, but I am just being Indoor Track and performances and Client Services and an A in patient and doing my rehab so I Field SEC Championships, does not intend to Swedish Massage,” he admitted in can bounce back and be better than Fayetteville, Arkansas. rest on his laurels. a recent conversation. I was before.” He clocked 6.73 secs and He had special recognition for In the meantime, his colleagues 21.80 secs for the 60m and 200m respectively, the support of his classmate at G.C. Foster College continue to which are both conference records and school Vincentian Ronaldo Franklyn, who do well on the track, with McKish records, and are currently the fastest times so far is on a volleyball scholarship. Compton 100m), Aravinda Shallow this year in the National Association of “We just made it a priority to (200m), Javon Rawlins (200m) O. Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championship. study knowing that we’re on a J. Jackson (200m) and Akani The Sans Souci native and St. Martin scholarship, and we have to Slater (400m) holding their own in Yonnick Murray may be Secondary School alumnus was elated about his maintain a certain GPA to keep our their respective specialist events. sidelined with an injury but achievements and said he will be looking to scholarship, and also to make our that may just have boosted his improve as the season continues. families and sponsors proud,” I.B.A.ALLEN academic performance. “Winning Conference was a huge deal for me since I was injured last year at Conference after posting the fastest times in the preliminary rounds. Now, I am competing at the NAIA Nationals this coming weekend and will be looking to maintain my form,” he said. Cupid reminded that last year “I got the award for best performance of the year from Bethel College.” He acknowledged that this was his last year competing for the College and he will be graduating in May.”

I.B.A.ALLEN 22. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Sports Soccer! Soccer! Soccer! ACCORDING to the Coach of the National Senior Men’s Football team – Vincy Heat - his team cannot qualify for the 2022 World Cup but he still hopes to achieve other goals. As if that was not bad enough, Vincy Extended Heat’s Manager resigns — problems with the executive of the SVGFF? brotherhood The Executive could well be saying: ‘We have participated WHEN THE REALITY of life descends on you, in World Cups its reflection time. And you say whatever has Qualifiers and no one passed have been lessons in setting the is going to change the foundation on which you stand. way we do things. The voters like what we Phillip Lorenzo Anthony otherwise known as are doing, that is why ‘Tomato’ provided with the inspiration as a they elect us.’ Vincy Heat, it appears, might have a slim chance of coming out of youngster to be an opening batman. I adopted his In January, I wrote that one its CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier group, but the technical batting style. goal will be achieved, i.e. Vincy personnel are looking to future with the inclusion of a number of I never attained his level of proficiency, he was Heat will not come last in their young players in the training squad. gifted. He never pretended to be a coach, but he Qualifiers. shared his knowledge with anyone. The village I believe the problems are four years, selecting who are we be competing or participating environment was the breeding ground for those political. We could overcome our strong, experienced, in tournaments? aspects of competition which youngsters engage opponents. They may be more knowledgeable, intelligent and Coaches continued to follow the in. With the village population relatively swelled knowledgeable than Vincy Heat, physically fit, and not who will be same old routine; the aim is to but we had enough time to correct ready for the next World Cup participate in all of FIFA’s by a burst of children, community action was our weak areas. We all know the eight years later. So, what is tournaments to ensure we benefit vibrant. World Cup is every four years; taking place now is a dream or a from FIFA’s very solid bank Those included events like church, school, poor excuses are not to be nightmare. account. farm, playing field, road, and beach. The village accepted. According to the coach, “We Now is the time to encourage cultivated practices rehashed by the mature In bigger countries and need to be realistic”. The SVGFF players and coaches to form members of the community. Children professional leagues, the Manager Technical Director Team’s associations. There are those who participated, for it was the way of life. is in charge with experienced and ‘Chelsea’ and the National Coach’s are passionate about and The legacies were passed on from baking knowledgeable coaches assisting Team ‘Bequia United’ are genuinely interested in the farine, digging, compiling and transporting him. In the Caribbean, the coach relegated from the Premier development of the sport. Why arrowroot rhizomes, to bouts of culinary is in charge with assistance Division to First Division. This must the sport be dominated by tells us that something is wrong less knowledgeable persons who escapades at one season or the other. selected by the Federations. The coach needs coaches who believe with the way we prepare our have no interest in seeing players Tomato grew up in the age of community in his plans, and who will work teams. become professionals? tourism, and that was based on cricket matches along to achieve his plans, not Clubs must be able to produce We all love soccer. I am calling between villages. When the visitors arrived, they somebody who is only there for better prepared players, so that on all involved, spectators, and were greeted with breakfast. Snacks flowed the stipend and overseas trips. the National Coach would and the community at large, to throughout the game and after the match it was Then again, these people should not have to be using support the team. a gala exercise. contribute votes. children in a man’s game, Everything flowed: food, drinks. There was the The executive is smiling; they believing there are other goals to Rollit Waldrond social aspect where dances were held. have enough excuses not achieve than qualifying. Should Those days, it was the community that to seek funds from controlled the playing field. No one was assigned. businesses and government or raising It was a mutual agreement. The facility was funds, if the coach was to Glenn Jackson remembered maintained and prepared according to the needs. lead the team to It is no surprised that Tomato blossomed into qualification. The voters Continued from Page 6. forgiveness for the perpetrators of the a rounded character. It was evident at his funeral are also very happy that crime, who she knows will be service. the coach is not able to But, supposing for a moment that revealed in the fullness of time. The Police Force was represented in spirit and use up more of the Gonsalves was to be taken at his Above all, she expressly mentions her word that Glenn meant so much to flesh, testemony of Tomato’s impact during his Development Funds to revulsion to “any scape-goat” solution! him, that “he is irreplaceable.” The The tearless expression of a tenure in the ranks. prepare the team. sentiments expressed in a sweeping The coach already widow’s statement calling for The village, the North Leeward district, St. statement was enough to excite forgiveness and reconciliation that is Vincent and the Grenadines, and his friends plans to live as coach up jealousy among the top brass of the to 2026 World Cup. He basic to Christian tradition awoke globally followed the service. The need for party, especially those with vaulting little resonance in the P.M.’s speech, has included in his ambition. adjustment to the gathering created a new norm. squad, several U-17’s which was cut-and-dried and jarred And perhaps when the situation is rearranged The question is, at the Final with the theme of forgiveness, from his club and others. Curtain, would the murderers there will be a tendency of greater scepticism. These players are the discover that they might have bitten standing out like a sore thumb. I will never enjoy any brotherly conversations. ones who will be more than they could chew, as It is just possible that if the crime Memories of my upbringing will harbour visions developed to see Vincy described in song Glenn’s fate to have is solved at all, the Prime Minister of tumbling and rumbling with brothers Michael, Heat qualify in 2026. If been! may find himself facing an Phillip and Julius. That quartet proved a this plan of the coach is This column continues the unpalatable truth. The moral of the story is that one must beware the formidable outfit. not fulfilled, who searching public enquiry which Miss kiss of death which political They were capable on their own as they benefits? If the parents Sylvia Sutherland would rather see ended, for the sake of the bereaved blandishment often administers.” launched into their careers. But there was that of these U-17’s decide their sons’ futures lie family. The truth is that it poses the To the foregoing, we would only inevitable link by reason of parenthood. elsewhere, who benefits? lesser danger in letting it all hang add: If Glenn’s death was mysterious, That chain had its last link broken with In World Cup out. how would one rate the Tomato’s burial. But the spaces have been Qualifiers, when you lose Glenn’s widow has demonstrated disappearance into thin air of refilled by the extension that those same brothers in your group you are that she is a giant of a woman, with Menislous Joslyn, “the Servant of the created. out; you then start steely convictions, fortified by a faith Lord”, who had been a constant preparing for the next grounded in granite. She asks humbug to the ruling ULP? THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021. 23. V Classifieds ‘Police high handed’, bus driver Contuinued from Backpage.

Supt. John admitted that minibus driver have been infringing the protocol and carrying up to 18 passengers because they had knowledge that his department did not have ticket books for some time. During that time, Supt. John said, “All that we were doing was to just ask the conductor or driver to eject the excess passengers,” but cautioned, “…now that we receive the ticket books then they are being issued tickets for the violation.” Traffic Department officers are being stationed at different location across mainland St. Vincent, to police the minibuses adherence to the protocols, especially related to the number of passenger any one bus can carry. (KH)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.10 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 MINIBUS WOES

Minibus driver Shane Williams voiced strong objection to what he described as the high handedness of traffic police CONTINUE officer, in their dealing with Stories by minibus drivers. KENVILLE HORNE

MINIBUS OPERATORS here withdrew their services for a second time, last Monday ÂPOLICE HIGH and Tuesday and partially on Wednesday, to register their concern about the impact of the government’s COVID-19 HANDED,Ê protocols on their “livelihood.” Under the banner of the Vincentian Transportation BUS DRIVER Association (VINTAS), minibus operators are questioning, among other MINIBUS MEN are striking because of, among things, why the other reasons, the heavy handiness of the police. government’s COVID-19 The minibus drives made known This was expressed by at least one minibus related protocol allows an would prefer 14. driver- the Shane Williams, who plies the Meanwhile, as he expressed their feeling in a quiet increased number of people to demonstration last Monday. Campden Park route and who withdrew his attend church services, a non- some three weeks or so ago when services last Monday and Tuesday, the minibus operators withdrew Minibus drivers are particularly put off by the revenue generating exercise, but of arrangements to make their services even as they had manner of the police officers who move to serve severely limits the number of payments to the minibus submitted demands to the $100.00 tickets on drivers because some of their passenger a minibus can carry at operators, especially to those who government, Prime Minister Dr. passengers do not wear masks. any one time. continue to deliver their service Ralph Gonsalves expressed “There have been cases where the person Under the existing protocol, during the COVID-19 pandemic. disappointment at the decision by entered the van with their mask being worn minibuses are allowed a A payment of $500.00 a month minibuses to withdrew their properly … police would stop the van and the maximum capacity of eight for three months is earmarked for service on Monday and Tuesday. person might have their mask below their chin (including the driver and the operators of 18-seater buses, While he did not address the and instead of just telling the person to adjust conductor). while $600.00 will be made to request for an increase in their mask, they would hand the driver a $100.00 VINTAS is officially requesting operators of buses of greater passenger capacity, Dr. Gonsalves ticket,” Williams told THE VINCENTIAN. a capacity increase to 12, though capacity. said that the recent withdrawal of “I can’t be driving my van and constantly many minibus operators with And even while that ‘stimulus service comes amid the finalizing looking through my rear view mirror to see if whom THE VINCENTIAN spoke payment’ is forthcoming, Prime everybody has on their mask properly. Who is Minister Gonsalves issued a stern going to the supermarkets to ensure everybody warning to minibus operators: wearing their mask properly or the banks or any “You can’t expect to be parked up establishment? Why are they just targeting van and get the money!” men? Notwithstanding government’s It’s like they (the police) just targeting van men promise, there has been expressed because they realize ticket is a lucrative dissatisfaction by VINTAS that it business,” Williams contended. has not to date received a written Superintendent of Police Kenneth John, response from government to confirmed on Head of the Royal St. Vincent and their request. Prime Minister the Grenadines Police Force Traffic Department, Gonsalves, however, confirmed on Monday that, “The driver can get a ticket also that he had communicated with for the passenger not wearing their mask; the law VINTAS President - Royron is very clear on it and also that person who is Adams by telephone. wearing their mask under their chin they can also By Thursday, it appeared that get a ticket because… .” that the minibus service had Minibuses pulled off their routes and ‘parked up’ for the second returned to a near normal level of Continued on Page 23. time in about three weeks. operation across the state. Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.