FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.18 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Higher Children, elderly ECGC Lennox Scully Rastas assist electricity bills abandoned pledges $1m Hunte Rastas Page 3 Page 4 Page 11 Page 12&13 Page 24 FORMER FAMILY WANTS ANSWERS by SHERON GARRAWAY TRACK THE FAMILY OF 22-YEAR OLD Vincentian Romario Morgan, who was found dead ATHLETE in a hotel in Canada, wants answers. Reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation SHOT DEAD (CBC) revealed that Morgan was discovered Romario Morgan did not live unresponsive to even begin to fulfill his McFee, known to his family and information, Lopez was in the and flat on his contract as a fruit picker. friends as Lopez, is said to have vicinity of the Bishop College back on April been running from his assailants Kingstown, apparently waiting for 29th, in a Mississauga hotel where he was in when he was shot several times. transportation to his current quarantine, in accordance with the mandatory 14- Persons who were either abode in Redemption Sharpes, day isolation required for persons entering ‘liming’ and others who were when a white minivan pulled up Canada. casually making their way along and two men alighted and opened According to Morgan’s older sister, Roshina the street outside the National fire in Lopez’s direction. Lotteries Authority headquarters, He tried to escape the hail of Jack, Morgan had received a first dose of a spoke of hearing sounds of rapid bullets by running away from his COVID-19 vaccine in early March before he left gunfire that caused panic. the country. He was in Ontario to pick fruits and According to reliable Continued on Page 3. his cousin had gone with him. Jack, still in shock from the news, said the family would like answers. The family doesn’t know when Morgan left St. Vincent and when he arrived in Canada, but family members know he left after the La Soufrière erupted on April 9. They were told he took a cruise ship to Grenada Curtis Lopez McFee – and then travelled on to Canada. though still His cousin, Jack said, was isolating in the same unconfirmed by hotel and when he realized that Morgan was not police, looks likely to responding to messages (telephone), he asked be entered into the another worker to check on him. That worker record books as this found him dead. country’s 13th “He was just lying there. There was no blood, homicide victim so far nothing,” Jack said the cousin reported. for 2021. The company that had employed Morgan called his mother to let her know an autopsy was by KENVILLE HORNE scheduled for last Friday. The family awaits the results. A FORMER TRACK Jack said she did not know the name of his ATHLETE added to this employer. country’s homicide CBC reported that a police investigation has count for the year when he was gunned down in been launched to determine the death of Morgan. Paul’s Avenue, There is also word that the activist Kingstown, just before group Justice for Migrant Workers is monitoring 8:00pm on Wednesday, investigations by the police, but has also called for May 5. an independent investigation into Morgan’s death, A crowd of quickly surrounded Lopez’s body as it lay on the street in a pool of to determine if there is a connection to his work. Curtis Lopez blood, long before the police arrived on the scene. 2. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 3. Delayed reading: Higher electricity

Thornley Myers, CEO-VINLEC attributed the ‘unusual’ reading on the April electricity bills, to the disruption in the regular meter bills reading cycle, caused by the eruption of La Soufrière. A DELAY IN THE METER READING CYCLE has 46,000 customers and that there 33 days, with some customers during the month of April occasioned by are nine-meter readers assigned to receiving Bills with billing periods the explosive eruption of La Soufrière, conduct meter reading throughout the reaching as high as 43 days. has been blamed for the increased country. VINLEC’s CEO said that consumption and resulting increase in This process begins on the first despite efforts to conduct a rapid amounts owing, on the bills of some working day of the month and, meter reading exercise once it had consumers. according to the VINLEC’s CEO, there recommenced, this task proved to be a instances where persons’ billing cycles This delay was attributed to the are between 17 to 18 working days in challenging one and they were then reached 40 and over, they could expect company’s inability to complete the which these meter readers have to forced to do estimate of consumption to see a lesser billing period on their meter reading process, Thornley complete their tasks. for some consumers. next Bill, and hence a lower overall Myers, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) During the month of April, meter The estimate reading were arrived electric bill. of VINLEC said in a virtual press reading commenced on April 1, but at by looking at a consumers For those consumers who received briefing on April 30. there was a break beginning April 2 to consumption over a three-month an estimated amount, once meter According to Myers, 15,000 April 5 for the Easter weekend. period from which an average daily reading recommenced in May, they consumers would have received bills And shortly after meter reading consumption was determined. This would know for certain the amount of with the billing period ranging recommenced on April 6, there was the was then factored in against the electricity consumed. between 34 and 43 days, when beginning of the series of explosive number of billing days within the “The guarantee s that when the typically billing periods range between eruptions from April 9. cycle. meter is read, then you will then 30 and 33 days. Meter reading resumed the week receive an accurate Bill,” Myers said. There were 20,000 customers who after the first set of explosive Lower amounts to come “In this company, there is no desire, received bills where the billing cycle eruptions began, but it became wish to do what is not right, and ranged between 30 and 33 days. extremely difficult for meter readers to And while many consumers saw a customers need to know that we are A further 6,000 consumers would traverse the country to conduct their larger electric bill than usual, for not involved in unsavory practices,” have had their consumption estimated business, Myers explained. April, Myers explained that in Myers asserted. (DD) and an amount arrived at for April. “That created a significant delay, so The unusually higher amounts on what is the result of that delay?” some Bills was further attributed to a Myers said that every effort was higher fuel surcharge in the month of made to resume meter reading, Former track athlete April, the CEO added. however very little meters were read “We want to assure our customers following the eruptions in keeping Academy where he that this is nothing unusual about the with the usual billing cycles. shot dead honed his athletic skills. electricity business,” Myers said. But once there was the delay, it That Academy issued meant that when meter reading Continued from Front It was also noticeable a statement on its Meter reading challenges recommenced, there was going to be Page. that the police moved Facebook page, soon the situation where customers’ billing late to extend the police after his death was CEO Myers informed that VINLEC periods would exceed the usual 30 to assailants in the caution tape to the area confirmed. The post direction of National closer to the Bishop read: “Tonight we are Lotteries Authority College. Spent bullet deeply saddened by the (NLA) headquarters, but shells and paraphernal news of Lopez McFee’s New VINLEC list for the men gave chase, of the deceased were passing. Our thoughts continuing to firing seen strewed and open to and prayers are with the gunshots at him. ‘contamination’ along the family. Continue to sleep suspended accounts Lopez took his last roadway in that area. in peace, Lopez; you will breath on the street in Amidst grieving by be missed by many.” THE ORIGINAL LIST OF since the evacuation order was made front of the Metrocint family and friends, it A representative of COMMUNITIES on mainland St. on April 8. General Insurance could not escape the the Academy told THE Vincent where VINLEC customers will “We are not going to burden them building, across from the attention of bystanders VINCENTIAN that receive a suspension in their any further at this point,” Myers said, NLA headquarters in that it took an Lopez was a very electricity bills has been revised. and “have decided to suspend billing Paul’s Avenue. inordinately long time, talented athlete who Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of to several areas, those where persons Following the given the proximity of may have failed to build VINLEC, Thornley Myers, described have been evacuated although there shooting, police cordoned the Milton Cato on that talent. the revised list as excluding some from was a period when they did consume off the area where McFee Memorial Hospital to the He represented the the original list and including new electricity, that is not our concern at lay dead. scene of the crime, for a Academy at least once at ones. this time.” This came, Medical Practitioner to the Barbados relays. The new list covered communities While customers in the affected unfortunately, even arrive on the scene. The representative on the Northeastern (Windward) areas are getting a temporary though the Central described Lopez as “a portion from Mount Young suspension on their electric bills, Police headquarters is a nice guy who had his Northwards, and the Northwestern Myers said that VINLEC will not be ‘trot’ away from Paul’s Who was Lopez? flaws.” (Leeward) section, from Belle Isle offering the same to those in the area, Avenue, long after a A police source noted upwards. who are living in their homes and crowd had gathered over Curtis Lopez McFee that Lopez was taken in Belle Isle and Gordon Yard and using electricity. and around Lopez’s body was a former student of for questioning others have been added to the list for He reasoned that it was not in their as it lay on the ground, the Kingstown regarding a murder in the Leeward side of the island, while best interest to have a suspension, and he was apparently Government School December but was never Park Hill, South Rivers, Chester, because when the meter is eventually stripped of whatever (Stoney Ground) and the charged. Gorse and Grand Sable were taken off read there may be a significant jewelry he had on at that St. Vincent Grammar He is the only child the list for those on the Windward. amount of energy consumed up to that time, supposedly in safe- School, where he excelled for his mother, and the According to Myers, consumers in point, and the customer may end up keeping for his family, as a track athlete. son of former national the Red and some within the Orange with a large bill. (DD) one person was The deceased was also footballer Curtis ‘Fame’ Zones had not been using electricity overheard saying. a member of IT-DAT Joseph. 4. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News Children, Elderly abandoned at Shelters by GLORIAH… responded to the inquiry have not been keeping in currently housing 22 with: “We have children contact with the shelter people. A MOST GUT-WRENCHING of primary school age managers and were She described these DISCLOSURE was made being left alone for quite never be seen again for Shelters as basically during a discussion some time; teenagers “a couple of days.” “functioning like a between Prime Minister being abandoned; people The issue of hospice where we have Hon. Ralph Gonsalves and going back home and just abandonment of elderly home helpers going and Director of the National leaving them there in the persons in shelters also taking care of them.” Emergency Management emergency shelters and came up, to which the The Ministry of Organisation (NEMO), not even indicating to the Prime Minister Health has provided Michelle Forbes, as they shelter managers that interjected with alarm, support by way of spoke on NBC’s Eyeing La you’re stepping out or “You can’t leave your ‘hospital beds’ for those Soufriere last Monday, going to be ‘where’. So elderly folk like that!” people that NEMO has May 03. you have all of these It was revealed that at the two shelters, The Prime Minister unattended children persons brought their Forbes said. reported that there were sometimes within the elderly relatives to Notwithstanding Michelle Forbes, issues which “have come emergency shelters.” shelters and some just action taken, PM Prime Minister Dr. to my attention which I The Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves Director. NEMO, simply left them (elderly) Gonsalves felt that there substantiated the wish to speak on questioned about an there. was a necessity to appeal asserted that ‘we have ….[which are] in danger estimated number of to do better’ than claims of the practice In a related matter, to the caring instincts of of abandoning children of breaking our social unattended children and Forbes informed that such people, and pleaded abandoning our children and elderly at and elderly persons at solidarity, and they are received the response of, NEMO has provided two to those involved to “be the Shelters. the Shelters. extremely disturbing.” “We have about emergency shelters to honest with the people in He began by enquiring fifty…both teenagers and other people. Even house persons who have the shelter” about their Almost at a loss for of Ms. Forbes about the young children.” though people are mobility issues and/or whereabouts and their words, the Prime situation of the Ms. Forbes explained helping to take care of are bed-ridden. She other commitments, and Minister made a strong abandonment of some further that the adults in them, you can’t also said that there were 30 encouraged them to appeal to persons children in emergency question often claimed abandon your children; persons in the shelters make a visit every now practising such shelters. that they are returning come on!” with one of the shelters and again. abandonment. “I’m just The NEMO Director home to clean up. They He pleaded that the appealing to persons,” he matter be conducted in a charged. “You know pleasing and civilized what you have to do. manner as, despite the You know it is wrong to Temporary challenges which exist, leave your elderly like “all of us are together in that, at the mercy of schools for this thing.” E.T. Joshua Massive runway operation to feed evacuees by GLORIAH… THE GOVERNMENT of St. Vincent and the A GRADUAL RETURN TO Grenadines has been spending a significant amount INTERACTIONS between teachers and of money to provide meals to evacuees who are in students here has been mounted by the Emergency Shelters and private homes. Ministry of Education (MOE). According to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves A MOE release indicated that While the terminal building at the decommissioned as he addressed the issue on NBC Radio ‘Eyeing La psychosocial support and some l formal instruction E.T. Joshua Airport has taken on a modified use, have commenced with students housed in shelters. Soufrière’ programme on Monday, the government the runway and its fringes remain for all intents, has spent EC$2.1 million to feed persons housed at This is a precursor to the return of formal open for use. instruction, beginning with Form 5 and Grade 6 Emergency Shelters and private homes. . students on May 17, to be followed on dates to be “We have to provide everyday 21,000 meals in the E.T Joshua Tarmac. announced for Form 4 and Grade 5 students, and the shelters - 7,000 breakfast, 7,000 lunches, 7,000 “On the second half of the runway, we going to then for all others. dinners. Then there are thousands of boxes which build two, maybe three temporary schools,” he The return to face-to-face learning amidst the use have already been distributed by NEMO/ Social assured, “because there are nine schools which we of schools as emergency shelters, demands that Development to homes in which evacuees are had to [build] before the volcano. We were going to alternate space to house students will be identified. staying and also in orange areas where people do two, we have to do now a third one.” And even though a possibility exists where He said that the other temporary schools were didn’t move but they are finding it difficult to cope,” persons from the Orange Zone could be given the built while extensive rebuilding was taking place. Dr. Gonslaves said. all-clear to return home as the volcano’s explosive He explained that one school to be rebuilt was in Describing the undertaking, the first of its kind activity has diminished, meaning that some schools Sandy Bay but it is preferable to construct a school magnitude, as a “a massive operation,” the Prime might be ‘freed up’, there would still be need for on the tarmac instead to cater to the numbers of Minister highlighted the need for monetary support alternate space. students in shelters. and referenced the Disaster Account to which, he Towards this end, Prime Minister Hon. Ralph He was clear that, in light of the possibility of said, persons here and abroad can send money. Gonsalves announced a plan for government to cessation of explosive activity by the La He also referred would be benefactors to the construct temporary school buildings at the E.T Soufrière volcano, operations should have been various Mission Accounts. Joshua runway/tarmac, while extensive underway to readily engage students in schools. The Prime Minister repeated his call for persons rehabilitation takes place on other schools. “We want to be ready, if anything, to start the to work with the national authorities in making This plan was revealed as he made a visit to the process shortly in relation to the temporary schools,” World Food Programme storage facility located at contributions to the relief effort, so that there won’t the PM stated. be any duplication. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 5. V News STARLIFT adopts SJCK Shelter by GLORIAH… And towards fulfilling its commitment, a team of fourteen THE MONTROSE-BASED Hennessy Starlift members, comprising mothers, Steel Orchestra has shown exemplary fathers, cooks and those with community spirit following the eruption exceptional organizational skills, has of the La Soufrière volcano. been turning up at the shelter to The Orchestra, which prides itself facilitate the provision of Saturday Members of Starlift Steel Orchestra assembled at the SJCK. on ‘being much more than a steel lunch or dinner. orchestra’, chose to adopt the The initial provision by Starlift was giving comfort with whatever said, “We would very much like to emergency shelter at the St. Joseph’s on April 17, when dinner was prepared resources have,” Janine Sandy, a engage the youngsters and maybe Convent Kingstown. for the residents. leading member of Starlift and some of the older ones in learning the In the main, the Steel Orchestra Indications are that serious facilitator of the Starlift Facebook instrument.” has committed to providing home-style planning went into each day’s meal page, told THE VINCENTIAN. Starlift is certainly demonstrating meals on Saturdays to the seventy- with each menu planned a week ahead Given that there is a that it is ‘much more than a steel seven shelter residents, who hail from of scheduled, and specific roles stellband/panyard at the school, Sandy orchestra’. the communities of Fitz Hughes, assigned to members to ensure a Sandy Bay and Georgetown. smooth operation. The shelter is managed by Ms. Attention was also paid to preparing Volcanic alert now ORANGE Aquila Malcolm. a menu/meals that took into THE GOVERNMENT consideration the dietary requirements of Saint Vincent and of diabetics, hypertensives and the Grenadines has vegan/vegetarians. lowered the volcanic Band members expressed delight in alert level at La being able to create a home-away- Soufrière to from-home atmosphere through the ORANGE based on preparation and serving of meals, and recommen- reported that the feedback has been dation from The “great.” University of the West Special mention was made of the Indies Seismic skill of ‘Carib’, a professional baker Research who is in the shelter, and who assisted Centre (UWI-SRC). in baking fresh dough boy and bread. UWI-SRC/MVO The steel orchestra believes that it Volcano-seismologist Lahars – like this one in Sandy Bay - continue to be is playing its “part to help our brothers dangerous threats to the river valleys surrounding and current Scientific and sisters who are displaced. We the volcano. (Phot Credit: The UWI – SRC) Starlift members (l-r) ‘Kenno’, ‘Yellow’ Team Lead, Roderick and ‘Zoops’ preparing vegetables to know it’s not easy being away from your home so this is just our way of Stewart made the boulders up to 5m (15 feet) in enhance the meal. recommendation to the Cabinet on diameter. Scientists also observed Tuesday May 4, during his update steaming flows, which are likely due on the current activity at the volcano. to contact with and incorporation of New protocols for shelters expected Mr. Stewart indicated that the hot volcanic deposits. recommendation was being made Lahars can cause damage to DETAILS of a new set of protocols all, be tested. Do not oppose the given that there have been no property and serious injury to related to emergency evacuation testing,” Gonsalves said. explosions at the volcano since April persons in their path. Access to the shelters were expected to be released He had been making the call for 22, and the number RED volcanic hazard zone should be this week. some time since the explosive of volcanic earthquakes recorded limited to government approved As it stands, access has been eruptions at La Soufrière started last has also decreased significantly. essential work only. Conditions restricted to at least two shelters month and on radio interviews on a At alert level ORANGE, the remain hazardous and the potential where there have been reports of cases few occasions, pinted to persons volcano may resume explosions with for injury also remains. of COVID-19. refusing to be tested for COVID-19. less than twenty-four hours of notice. The National Emergency Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves “If we have an outbreak at the Lahars (mudflows) continue to pose said on radio on May 2 that he had shelters, old people and persons with Management Organisation (NEMO) a dangerous threat to the river and The UWI-SRC continue to be the been informed by the National co-morbidities will have to be either valleys surrounding the volcano Emergency Management Organization hospitalized or die,” the Prime authoritative sources of information including Wallibou and (NEMO), of reported of cases of Minister warned. on the eruption of La Soufrière Rabacca. Mudflows observed over COVID-19 at a shelter in Biabou, this “There are strong and healthy volcano in Saint Vincent. (Source: The being in addition to the first reported reasons for being tested and taking the past several days have contained UWI-SRC) cases at a shelter in Stubbs. the vaccine,” he continued. THE VINCENTIAN was reliably According to Gonsalves then, informed that as of May 5, there were officials within the Ministry of Health 32 cases of COVID-19 recorded at were expected to outline new protocols shelters. for the shelters. On May 2, NEMO issued a release He also indicated then that he had that of the 18 cases recorded, 16 cases seen a draft of the document. (DD) were evacuees in emergency shelters — 14 cases from government shelters and two from persons staying in private homes — based on tests done on April 30. “People at the shelters, I am urging you first of

Public access to emergency shelters could well see some added controls. 6. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views

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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 Entitlement Since Adult Suffrage and buse (First published in THE VINCENTIAN of A Friday 5th June, 2015.) A recent headline-grabbing incident abuse, of open and unadulterated here has many dimensions to what misuse of ‘power’ is the unfolded and why. rationalization that an IT IS JUST POSSIBLE that I misheard One of those that surfaced is entitlement is reasonable because Bing Joseph in his recent interview with the question of entitlement, or of the culture and society in Sir James Mitchell. Bing praised him for being the only politician so far that led a better yet, a sense of entitlement which we live. relief of this category. team in 1989 that licked the platter clean that is assumed rather than If that be the case, then it is I note that the brothers Ken and Julian taking all fifteen elected seats. bestowed. reasonable to assume that those ‘Bucky’ Boyea also tried their luck on I will have Mr. Bing know that in the That said, we must, as we who are entrusted with the behalf of Labour and NDP at different reflect on the incident involving a ‘power’ of law-making and those very first election under the universal times. On one occasion. “Bruds” Member of Parliament — this who enforce those laws are franchise, the Eighth Army of Liberation Gonsalves ran on an NDP ticket for the country’s highest law-making entitled to ‘take advantage’ of won all 8 elected seats in October 1951, 35 constituency now held by brother, Ralph! body — and an Officer of the those on whose very behalf they years ahead of Mitchell’s feat with the Also, there have been the brothers Court — an essential cog of the make and enforce those laws. NDP in 1989. Alpheus “Son” and Gordon Allen judiciary that protects the right of Our culture, sadly, does not True, the 8th Army victory was short contesting in local elections on behalf of every citizen to a fair and have a uniform and rational lived, to within a few months of their the PPP, with elder “Son” having a shot at unfettered trail - that a sense of approach to determining historic victory, the Administration the higher federal level. entitlement plays a significant ‘reasonable entitlement’. splitting the group in halves, four Little known is that Nigel “Nature” role in abuse. It nurtures the misguided members who sided with the A sense of entitlement leads Stephenson is the son of Brinsky Nickie, perception that entitlement administration and conservative interests abusers to consider their ‘abusive comes with office, especially if who contested turbulent elections for the - George Charles, Herman Young, Evans behaviour’ as not only acceptable that office is one within the state WPP way back when. Morgan and Clive Tannis; and a relatively but justified – both as a right hierarchy. There have also been two or three radical wing led by Ebenezer Joshua, and as a privilege. You are an officer of the State avuncular relationships at the top level. backed up by the two Baynes brothers, People of this ilk, when they but fail to accept that you are an For what it is worth we have to mention Rudolph and Julian, and Samuel Eric inflict punishment of one kind or officer of the people; you are Milton Cato and his nephew Burns Slater. the other on persons they deem to instead reconditioned into Bonadie, who contested in turn for Labour One thing leads to another. I mentioned be ‘below them’, feel they are believing you are all powerful and and the NDP respectively; and Cyril the Baynes brothers in this fight. Over the entitled so to do. important; that you are a member Mitchell, uncle of “Son”, who once years there have been many other Whether it is to inflict bodily of the few who are entitled to contested against each other. The family is examples, like the Joshua brothers in the harm on that person or to make laude over the many. a most interesting institution especially life-threatening promises, the Yes, this society has become 1954 election. Ebenezer and Joseph where it projects into national politics for person holding the gun feel one where the supreme law Joshua, of whom Joshua declared, using good and evil in equal measure. the/she has the right to act in states: ‘All animals (pigs) their symbols to telling effect, the cricket Readers will note that so far women do that manner. are equal, but some animals wicket and the ball, ‘the game is in our not feature much in politics. Their time It is as though, because of this (pigs) are more equal than hands’. cannot be far off. sense … in fact a false sense of others.’ Later on, in 1994 we had as many as In Present-Day SVG there is torrid entitlement, the abusers’ mindset We have become a society that three brothers running for different debate as to which of the political leaders tells them that they have a right encourages a ‘class’ of people who parties: Stanley ‘Stalky’ John (Labour), commanded the loyalty of the masses to do as they see fit. feel they are entitled to jump to Linton Lewis (NDP) and another for an longest. The argument is largely Put another way, the abusers the front of the queue, wherever, apology of a party! feel an underlying sense of meaningless but nonetheless attractive. whenever and regardless of the Then there is the father and son teams, entitlement to behave this way. length of the line. Joshua lasted for all of 28 unbroken of which the current Prime Minister and The action - infliction of a Whether this sense of years, 19511979. his son, Camillo, are a striking pair bullet wound and a promise to entitlement is bred by the party Mitchell was active from 19662001, running in the same elections at that! inflict further harm - has taken that has ruled ‘supreme’ over us about 34 years, including a brief ½ year Of course, we have witnessed this two- the issue of entitlement to the for the last twenty years, or period when he had not even his own seat. some in different elections John level of abuse of power which, if whether we assume such And Gonsalves now approaches the Thompson and son Jerrol, and Young’s the truth be told, is a warped countenance when we are crest with successful political activism team of Layou, of father Herman Fraser impression of what the appointed to certain state 19942015, 21 years and continuing, say a Young and son Herbert Young. And there perpetrators might see as positions, it is a sad day when further 5 years for keeping North Central are Hubert Dailsey and his son Lennox entitlement. any one person or group of Windward safe ULP. All told 26 years a contesting for Labour and the NDP after a One thing is dead certain: persons feels that they have carte figure hovering around the 24 years of Constant in abuse is an blanche right to laude their break of 40 years. And Alphonso Dennie 1961 1985 Cato, plus another two entitlement mentality — a feeling ‘authority’ over others. and Olin Dennie in North Leeward before. associated with the Federal Government. that you are entitled to establish No political or state And before them were the father and sons In terms of years of political leadership, who is in authority, without appointment entitles anyone to team ofDaniel and his son Montgomery, Mitchell remains first, with Joshua regard for any other party or any more right over another than the current minister of Agriculture in runnerup and Cato and Gonsalves bring circumstance. is accorded by the laws of decency North Windward. George Charles and his up the rear, after a manner of speaking. And yet, in the face of wanton and respect. son Kenneth Williams providing the comic THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 7. V Letters CXC unfair Women, be honest I THINK it is unfair that our students should have I AM A SINGLE mother and places for all intents and full support of the police to write the CSEC and CAPE exams under the I am proud to be a woman purposes, so you have to for saying what they said same conditions as the students from the rest of the as much as all those be even more careful about scantily dressed region. fancy-talking women feel about how you dress. If women at the shelters. While I understand the stress that student from they are. as what I hear is true, They have all right to try the other islands had as a result of COVID-19 in Now tell me, if any of that steps are now in to control the behaviour particular, our students were stressed out by these smart high-classed place to control the at the shelters and this women had to live in a COVID and more. movement of people in is one way they can do shelter, would they walk and out the shelters, that. Yes, no other set of students in the Caribbean around scantily dressed? then that is a good. So to all those high- had to face up to a volcanic eruption that turned No!! That is not there All of us want to close classed women and the entire country upside down. Thousands of culture so we won’t our eyes and ears to women’s groups who people, including students had to leave their homes expect to see them another side of the condemn the police, stop and find accommodation in open shelters or at parading themselves shelters — the sex and the darn hypocrisy and homes of relatives and friends. Regardless of how scantily dressed for all to sexual exploitation that try to persuade the well they might have been treated, those students see. takes place in some of women in the camps to could never say it was home and therefore may Furthermore, it should them . I worked on a be more respectful of what I have said. But have been very unsettled. be understood that when camp in 1979 and I had themselves and others. even if they do, I will Would any of you like to be doing online classes you go to stay with women and men cuss me They are not home and encourage them to find in those conditions? Yes, our students have not someone or somewhere when I tried to you high-classed women out why the police would had face-to-face lessons in a long time and I wonder that is not your home, discourage all the sex must stop all this have made the appeal that they did. You could how many of the syllabuses have been complete. regardless of if you’re that others were politricking and admit to still cuss me but I have Yes, Mr. CXC, if you are human at all you will poor, rich or somewhere encouraging, and you the truth and act in between, you have to wouldn’t want to believe accordingly. no problem accepting the have some special regards for our students who truth. have to deal with dengue, COVID-19, a volcano dress decently. some of the men who I know that there are In the case of the were encouraging this. many women out there erupting and recent torrential rains. Pamela, Kingstown Not only are the homes of some of these students shelters, they are open That is why I am in who will cuss me out for destroyed but the infrastructure in their communities have all been ruined in many cases. For a start may be CXC could do away with the Reflecting amid the eruption SBA’s and resort to the multiple exams if at all out students have to do the exams this year. THE ERUPTION of the maturity. without an adequate funds to attend to this, La Soufrière volcano 2. I took this reflection water supply and and that the workers A concerned parent after 42 years of slumber a step further and came efficient transportation. there are trained to caused me to reflect on a to a realization that we We can, because of in undertake the tasks? few things. Those seem to be going whose hands it is 5. There should be no reflections might have no nowhere, and that those entrusted, speak with room in how we do La Soufriere connection to one in whom we had placed some direction to the things for politicians to another, but they are our trust and who water system but given disrespect our thoughts that have commanded the the openness of the population, leaders and occupied me during this attention of the public transport system, we public officers. If they Volcano - My period of national and all forms of the seem helpless. feel that this will bring distress. media, seem so much 4. And while reflecting them popularity as the 1. After the last more concerned with on water and media gives coverage to general election, in their personal images transportation, somehow their shortcomings, they side of the story which we renewed a and enrichment, rather it threw me back to an should be warned that sacred trust in our than national era when the Kingstown that popularity could by Mida Mason politicians even if we development. Town Board (KTB) was well be notoriety — being spoke in a particular 3. I came out of the responsible for doing popular for all the wrong Here I stand, over four thousand feet in altitude way, my expectation was period of intense minor but ongoing reasons. I have tried my best to enjoy my solitude that that by agreeing to eruption of the volcano repairs to all roads in the There ends my But you keep coming up to provoke me, why? disagree we would find a hoping that my people geographical area known reflection encouraged by You swam across my crater when there was water way to work together would see that their as Kingstown back then. the might and wrath of a I dried up the water, built a dome towards one goal, i.e. the survival and any Can Central Government greater power - La Yet for some reason, you wouldn’t leave me alone. progress of our nation. widespread meaningful not see to it that Soufrière. Sadly we have yet to development of our whatever is left of the Every year I noticed you got braver and braver some to that stage in our country are impossible KTB that they have Thomas Hundreds ascended, boasting that there was no danger Some even built huts on my mountain Let us take a look beyond the mirror Thinking I did not know what they were planting The blood of my sons cried out loud to me Editor’s Note: This letter was recognize their contribution. They adopting laws and standards to When you burned them in coal pits, you think I submitted for publication last will see themselves as business protect and guide workers in this didn’t see. week but when it was received, and not worker. To change this new dispensation. Without quick the Letter Page had already been mindset, it will take a mammoth and assertive intervention, For forty-two years, you said I was sleeping closed. task of educating and informing, workers will be at the mercy of But I sat quietly, observing everything. however, it can be done, but this the developer, owner and investor So here I am, SVG displaying my beautiful fury THE TIME is here again. What is something in which all have to of this new work order. High up in the sky, for you and your neighbors to time am I speaking about? play a role to ensure it is The dynamic even suggests a see International Labour Day or achieved. virtual world supervised by robots I rained down ash on you so thick Workers’ Day. Why the emphasis Another area that needs to be and machines. Contracts, You can’t figure out what to do with it. on this? This day is when workers looked at is the use by and impact retrenching, downsizing, show their solidarity and of technology on workers and the subletting and severance will I am angrier than in seventy-nine appreciation to all workers in the working environment. This area is become the order of the day. Show me respect; this mountain is mine world, regardless of status, colour, very dynamic. Its boundary seems There may be no need for workers My crater is not holding back its lava flow religions, sex or creed. infinite and the workplace, station as it stands today. Jesus loves you and wants your attention you All workers have a right to and tools are boundless and Let’s take a look beyond the know know their rights - whether they imaginative. mirror. It’s no longer a reflection So humble yourselves, repent and confess your are self—employed or employed in Now this is an area in which that is required. It’s visions and sins the private sector, by NGO’s or the (ILO) International Labour focus. So long. Until further notice I leave you to think on these Government. Organization and Labour things. Most self-employeds in the Agencies have to be creative, Man on de go lower echelons of society do not innovative, and methodical in 8. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Great distrust of government throughout the country (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s livestock, and their that might make them told would have been Press Statement) familiar surroundings comfortable and give done or as otherwise behind in North them some peace of planned? The Eruption of La Windward and North mind. Soufriere Leeward, and have Having been away The Distrust accepted temporary from them for nearly 3 THE EXPLOSIVE eruption shelter with one another weeks now, they worry There is great distrust of La Soufrière which in schools, Learning increasingly about the of government began on the morning of Resource Centres, church state of their homes and throughout the country Friday, April 9, 2021, has halls and in the homes of other property. The and in our diaspora. It brought physical friends and relatives in natural urge to go to see has revealed itself in Given our recent homes. destruction, dislocation of the safe zones. how they are and even to many ways: notably in history in which such Many of the people I our people, and great This is a very anxious begin to clean up grows the last election when was the case in giving have spoken with are uncertainty into our lives. and difficult time for daily, but for personal more people voted for the out flood and hurricane hopeful for better but I have seen the effects them. They must adjust safety must be NDP than for the party relief, these reports must nevertheless seem to first-hand; in communities to new living conditions suppressed. Having left that is in government; in be taken seriously and accept this fate. It is not in the north, e.g. Sandy in a communal setting in their household and farm the clear reluctance must be investigated too early to start to think Bay in North Windward shelters or in sometimes animals behind, they among our people to take fully. Where they are about how we move and Chateaubelair on the crowded spaces in worry about them. Are the COVID- 19 vaccine found to be well-founded, forward in the short and Leeward side. private homes. Some their animals being fed? despite its obvious utility steps must be taken to medium term. There are The eruption of La have rented Have their livestock and the eventual remove persons causing effective measures that Soufrière has turned our accommodations not fallen prey to dogs that urgings, enticements, the problem and to can be put in place right already struggling knowing how they will in the absence of their and even threats of ensure equity and now to help our people country upside down. afford them if the owners fend for representatives of the transparency in the from the evacuated areas Approximately 14,000 evacuation continues for themselves by killing government; the concern dispensing of aid. in the North, to cope people have been much longer, as it clearly sheep, pigs, and goats for expressed by many about This is not a party with the economic effects displaced from their will. In some of those food? Why were these the use or misuse of matter or party of the eruptions. homes to avoid the accommodations, many animals not removed to resources collected by resources. The aid is VINLEC and CWSA dangers of the explosive still lack basic things– safety before the government for volcano donated by governments, have said they will eruptions. They have beds, regular food eruption as the owners eruption relief. regional and suspend bills in left their houses, their supplies, clothing, etc. and the rest of us were I have heard many international communities in the worst complaints and reports organizations, local hit areas. I want to urge about the failure to businesses and charities, them to go further and provide foodstuff and and numerous cancel bills for beds for evacuees. individuals. It is given homeowners and Nearly three weeks after to help the people most businesses in the their evacuation, they affected by the volcano communities in the still have not received disaster and must be danger zone. food packages from distributed only on the Give locals the clean- NEMO and rely on basis of need. No up jobs: When the time private contributions. partisan consideration comes to safely clean up This situation is must be permitted to the affected areas, we unacceptable and must determine who get and must ensure that local be remedied without when they get. villagers/contractors are further delay. given the jobs to remove Thankfully, many Rebuilding the ash and repair private donors have filled damage to public the gaps and I urge them We must be committed property. Pay them with to continue to help. to rebuilding when the the recovery money or There are reports also volcano returns to rest other funds designated of political partisanship and it is safe again to for disaster relief and the being used to distribute return to the danger rebuilding of the affected aid to volcano victims. areas. Having seen the areas. This will give jobs That is to say, persons devastation in the to people who have lost who are known to be communities closest to their livelihood as a NDP supporter have the volcano, it is clear to result of the eruption been overlooked or me that, even if there and also as a result of delayed in getting were no more explosive the extended COVID-19 assistance while ULP eruptions, it will take a crisis. supporters have received long time to remove the We recognize that this aid. ash, fix broken roofs and disaster, as is generally return people to their the case with such events, brings not only destruction but also opportunities. (Behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining). There needs to be a national task force to plan reconstruction and recovery. This is a national project. It must be broad-based and inclusive. Rebuilding must be guided by principles that promote resilience and sustainability. Also, a comprehensive environmental assessment must be done to assess damage to habitats, animal, and fauna. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 9. V Views Beyond the Horizon Do as I say, not as I do “You cannot discover distant lands by ‘Justice should not only be done but law. remaining on shore.” Jesus R. Pazos should manifestly and undoubtedly be Both (born 1942) – Former Chief Executive seen to be done.’ legal professionals would hope that this Officer of Neal & Massy, Trinidad and episode in their lives will be speed Tobago. THESE WORDS, uttered by Lord Chief bumps they quickly put behind them. Justice John Hewart nearly 100 years ago, Until Gonsalves spoke on the issue, the THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has magnified echo throughout the common law world wise choice would have been for both to how fragile life’s situations can be. Many relation to how well we recover from and beyond. They sustain an ethical hire competent counsel for the legal individuals have died as a result of having life’s setbacks. We have to see beyond requirement that judges and decision- challenges ahead. contracted the virus. Several businesses the horizon of our circumstances and makers cannot hear a case if, from the Less is known about the accuser. He have closed and, in some instances, will chart a new course to success. perspective of a reasonable and informed described himself as a self-employed never reopen. Numerous industries Moving from our comfort zone and observer, their impartiality might man, now impaired because of the shot continue to struggle as they seek to venturing into new areas of activity can reasonably appear to be compromised. to his leg and cannot currently work or weather the storms and powerful sometimes be very daunting. However, Matters involving prominent persons meet his basic need. One hopes he economic tectonic movements created by as the old people would remind us, in our society always arouse speculation quickly recovers and returns to his daily this ravishing pandemic. It is therefore “Nothing ventured; nothing gained.” that nothing will come of the charge. routine, which will allow him to care for quite understandable that many We should programme ourselves to take For the citizenry to gain confidence in himself. Surely, he is also looking for individuals (especially those who have lost calculated risks. This is as true for the the legal system, state actors must his day in court. their jobs) are depressed, struggling to individual who is pursuing a new career ensure that justice is perceived to have Sadly, the intrusion of the corrosive keep hope alive, and trusting that life will as it is for the individual who been done. voice of PM Gonsalves may put this in return to normal sooner rather than later contemplates whether to engage in a Our understanding of this societal doubt. Gonsalves implored listeners to thereby providing them an opportunity to new relationship. It is certainly true in reality prompted us to declare more pay attention to how carefully and meet their obligations to provide for relation to gaining (or regaining) than once that Justice has two faces in responsibly he was speaking. His themselves and their respective families. physical assets. Our commitment to the SVG, one for the rich, connected and comments were anything but. If he powerful and the other for everyone In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, effort very often determines how well intended to clear the air, he ‘muddied else. However, we have consistently the episodes of the volcanic eruptions we proceed and how successful we are the waters’ around the case. in achieving the desired end. cautioned against a rush to judgment ‘This thing has been making the that commenced on 9th April, 2021, and and demanded due process for those the resulting devastations of the History records that there was a rounds about Senator Morgan and the accused of wrongdoing. Assistant DPP; how does anyone expect villages and towns closest to the one- period when sailors thought that the SVG is a scandal-ridden paradise. In the Prime Minister to make a public mile-wide crater generated fear among world was flat and that if they went 2008 when a female member of PM comment about allegations made by most inhabitants on the relatively small beyond the horizon their vessels would fall off. It was then quite Gonsalves security detail accused him of someone else, which is the subject of a island; a landmass that is just eighteen rape, we insisted on ‘Justice for police investigation?’ Gonsalves asked. miles long and eleven miles wide at understandable that the fears generated Gonsalves and his Accusers.’ Ten years Gonsalves went on to express their furthest points. In so small a by such thoughts would have inhibited many of them from venturing beyond later, when the Camillo/Yugge Farrell confidence in the Office of the Director geographic space every square inch can affair flared, we argued that without be considered unsafe. However, as the the skyline. However, once that of Public Prosecution and the Office of misinformation was debunked, ships more, we saw no criminal wrongdoing the Commissioner of Police, whose residents of the most northerly villages and maintained that this was an issue and towns were evacuated and relocated ventured across oceans and other offices he said will ‘work properly and masses of water to discover new lands. between Camillo, his wife, Karen and independently in the highest traditions to “safe areas” in the south, the fragility Yugge. of nature and life are again magnified. New trade routes were established. in this matter.’ Business opportunities were pursued This scandal involves Ashell Morgan, Gonsalves, who called on citizens to The dreams of many of these citizens a ULP senator who currently sits as the turned to nightmares in a matter of and, in so many cases, opportunities for be calm and patient, disregarded his wealth creation or expansion Deputy Speaker. Karim Nelson, an advice and, in essence, said I alone hours. The comfort of home was Assistant Director of Public Prosecution replaced by the inconvenience and mushroomed. The spirit of adventure must be allowed to talk on the issue. was encouraged and the world appeared (DPP), is also implicated. Anyone else who speaks must be careful discomfort of living in an evacuation Cornelius John of Diamond accused shelter. In such situations it becomes to expand. they don’t run afoul of the defamation Many inventions evolved following Senator Morgan of threatening to shoot laws. quite challenging to look beyond the him in the mouth following an incident horizon with hope, confidence, and aspects of trepidation and doubt. Some ‘Don’t believe and accept as fact some discoveries are now so ubiquitous that it he alleges occurred on April 13, 2021. aspiration as the immediacy of the John said two men and a woman came of the outlandish things you have heard dangers and distresses take centre is hard to imagine modern life without about senator Morgan...From what I them. However, during the early days to his home uninvited, a man kicked stage. him about his body and shot him in the have been told, keep your mouth shut. Sometimes we can so easily succumb of development many of the inventors Then he went off the rail. ‘Partisan would have had self-doubt and, in some leg. to fear when life’s misfortunes visit. It These are serious charges, but we are politics is a helluva thing. If the shoe is tantamount to being on a stormy sea cases, would have been scorned and was on the other foot. If it was an NDP ridiculed. Thomas Edison’s 19th- reminded of journalist Jeff Greenwald’s and feeling helplessly adrift. The wise words ‘Just as the accusers should woman, NDP parliamentarian or high storm-tossed situations may cause us to century creation of the light bulb would party official, you know how this would have been one of these. Alexander not be presumed to be truthful, the panic, embrace self-pity, and invite same is true of the accused. Sometimes have spin?’ depression, as we face the uncertainty Graham Bell’s 1876 discovery of the In law, it is said he who frames the telephone earned him the name of “The accusers lie, and sometimes wrongdoers of where our lives are heading. But it is falsely deny wrongdoing. The point is argument wins the case. Gonsalves possible to restore the confidence and Father of Modern Communication”. comments are intended to do just that. John Logi Baird’s 1925 public that some convincing evidence is rekindle the aspirations that may have He offers up a theory of the case. He demonstration of a working television in required before it is fair and just to existed before the tragedy. It is possible destroy someone’s reputation and treat claimed he was ‘not pronouncing on to mentally and physical regroup and London resulted in many proclaiming the device a commercial and financial them as guilty.’ something under investigation, and I rebuild if we are willing to try. We Plain Talk understands that Mr will be irresponsible to do so.’ Yet goes have to be prepared to pull up the failure. We could readily expand our examples to include automobiles, Nelson is on leave due to the incident. on to pronounce: ‘There are two women. anchor of despair and set sails for new The accusation levelled at Mr Nelson In this country, there is a lot of violence possibilities beyond the horizon. airplanes, washing machines, cell phones, personal computers and the came as a surprise to all those in the against woman. Is a good thing to see To cope with and recover from such legal fraternity who knows Nelson well. somebody standing up to defend women. stresses it becomes so very important to like. However, the message is clear — when visionary individuals and He is a young, knowledgeable and But no, it becomes all kind of pejorative focus, as best we can, on life beyond the skilful prosecutor. The claim directed at words being used to describe somebody.’ trauma. While there is value in communities pursue their dreams with passion they take societies beyond the him is completely out of character. He is Essentially, Gonsalves framed the mourning what we have lost, it is also known to possess and has demonstrated case before the investigation is important that we retain thankfulness horizon to new heights of accomplishment. a profound sense of justice. completed as one about the defence of and appreciation for what we still have He conducts his trials with an eye for women, resisting violence against left. In the whole scheme of things, Personal and communal challenges will continue to present obstacles to fairness to all sides, society, the victim, women. The defence of another is a there is still a lot to be grateful for. his family and the accused. If these classic defence. It’s closely related to Whatever the situation, it could have many individuals and communities. However, even as the dangers lurk and accusations were to hold, it will self-defence. been a lot worse. And while there is seriously tarnish, retard or possibly What else is left for the police and life, there is a strong possibility that the setbacks appear to be magnified, there is wisdom in nurturing the resolve derail the legal trajectory of this the office of the DPP to investigate? Will regrowth and repossession can occur. budding, accomplished legal profession. it ever get to the court after Gonsalves, Some citizens may respond to the to be overcomers. New opportunities await us beyond the horizons but we Ms Morgan is an up and coming the Mighty Explainer, improperly ideas presented here by claiming that lawyer who distinguishes herself for injected himself? All that is left for the “this is easier said than done”. Others must nurture the tenacity and courage to pursue them. We, you and I, must taking novel cases to the Court of accused is to maintain a ‘dignified may chime in with the added comment Appeal. She has a bright future as a silence.’ that, “so much depends on the create and sustain the proactive stance to take calculated risk noting that we legal professional. She may have fast- Gonsalves’ attempt to wraps a magnitude of the loss.” Both comments tracked her climb up the societal ladder protective shield around Morgan may are quite understandable. However, our cannot discover distant lands by remaining on shore. in accepting the ULP offer to sit as a cause her to lose the battle for public will to proceed, our ability to keep hope senator following the 2020 elections. In opinion as Camillo did three years ago. alive, will often determine how well and Send comments, criticisms & parliament, she poses as deputy speaker how speedily we heal. That ability to suggestions to with weighty responsibilities to which Send comments, criticisms & see beyond our dire circumstances so [email protected] she pledged to do her best according to suggestions to [email protected] very often makes the difference in 10. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Substantial changes needed to create prosperity

EVEN BEFORE the eruption of La strengthened the Seychelles economy, only cook the food, serve the food, Soufrière, our country was in an and changed the country from poverty wash the plates, make the beds, cut in North Leeward. economic mess and not far from to prosperity. It resulted in a the grass and be the security guards. In contrast, Singapore Prime collapse. Now, after the volcano significant improvement in the quality Tourism offers no net benefit to SVG. Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, built three eruption, it is even more apparent that of life and standard of living for the SVG should follow the economic science and technology universities we must make substantial changes in people of Seychelles. SVG must strategy of Sweden, Switzerland and and two poly-technics, and provided our country, in order to move forward and become an exporting country. Singapore and create a strong free, high quality education from pre- create a strong economy and prosperity The ULP have failed and the only knowledge-based economy. This will school to Singapore universities for for all. factory they have built is a begging attract foreign investment in skilled every child in Singapore, in the first We need to build at least 5 new factory. service industries. For this to happen, few years of their independence. factories to do agro-processing, fish Also, we need more security of though, we need a world-class Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal processing and canning, among other ownership of our country. We must education system. We need free, high lived in Singapore with his wife and manufacturing endeavours, so as to operate like Cuba and Singapore and quality education from pre-school to three children from 1963 to 1965 and create thousands of new jobs. bring in a ban on the sale of land to our own science and technology witnessed the start of Singapore’s SVG should be exporting products non-Vincentians, i.e., people who are university. transformation from poverty to wealth. such as organic tea, organic baby food, not Vincentian by birth or descent. Sadly, the Labour Party Singapore is an economic success organic fruit juices, organic honey, This is an important policy and is in Government had no vision from 1979 story and has one of the highest organic dried fruits, organic vacuum- the best interests of future generations to 1984 and did not create free, high standards of living in the world. It has packed vegetables, organic bottled of Vincentians. quality education from pre-school to a knowledge-based economy. coconut water, smoked fish and Our country should urgently our own science university. Similarly, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal numerous other products. repossess islands that have fallen into the New Democratic Party from 1984 BSc (hons), MSc, MBA, who served for When studying for his Masters in the hands of super-rich foreigners, to 2001 had no vision and did not over 31 years as an engineer with the Business Administration at Leicester such as we see in Mustique and Petit create free, high quality education British Royal Air Force and was University, England, Warrant Officer St. Vincent. from pre-school to our own science and awarded the “Meritorious Service Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, Tourism could never be a successful technology university. Also, the Unity Medal”, strongly believes that SVG MBA met a number of students from economic variable in SVG. Tourism Labour party from 2001 to 2021 has urgently needs substantial changes in the Seychelles who told him how the keeps our people poor and perpetuates failed to provide free, high quality order to move forward and create a Seychelles deep sea fishing and generational poverty. Our people are education — opting instead to focus on strong economy and prosperity for all. canning industry substantially ‘enslaved’ in subordinate scenarios, to locking our children up in their big jail The ash-fall of mismanagement stifling SVG

NO MATTER how somber the eruption of the La Soufriere, it will burdened us so far. St. Vincent and the Grenadines. exhibition of deep-rooted pain by our indeed be difficult when one examines The era 2001-2020 represents an Some people have expressed the view, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, as he all the facts, not to come to the historic traitorous betrayal of the that the crippling of the farming attempts to make a case for the conclusion that governmental Vincentian people. When in 2001 the community is a deliberate ploy to support of the international mismanagement over the last twenty people considered that James Mitchell enhance the party’s predominance and community, with respect to addressing years has been more negatively and his NDP had become indifferent influence. They have unmistakably the devastation of our land by the impacting, than the eruption has and arrogant, they booted them out, demonstrated that they are not of the and elevated Ralph Gonsalves and the maturity, they do not have what it ULP to government with a twelve to takes to manage our societal three majority. development and progress. They are And what did Ralph Gonsalves and no doubt at the end of their days and the ULP faithfully pledge to do when their tenure has resulted in our they had sought the people’s retrogression on many fronts. authority? The project for which I had given them 1. They were going to revive creditable mention, was the Rabacca agriculture. Bridge. But I had quite early said, that 2. They were going to fortify the the design did not allow for a great banana industry. enough flow of water under the bridge. 3. They were going to aggressively I had said then, “Time and the river address feeder roads. will tell”. Time has now come and the Those issues were vital to the well- river has told us! The people’s being of the society which is resources have been wasted by Ralph traditionally agriculture-based, so the Gonsalves and his team! The locating ULP were elected. Today, twenty years of the hospital in Red Zone testifies. and more later, the feeder roads are in The brother Renwick Rose ought to be the worst condition that they have one of the strong voices today, chiding ever been in. The banana industry is the present administrators for the dead despite several pronounced obvious mismanagement of the restorative plans, all of which came to people’s business. Did he not promise naught. So, we do not ship bananas to in 2001, that he and the ODD were the U.K. We thus lost the opportunity determined to defend the interest of to earn hundreds of millions of dollars. the “PEOPLE” to the fullest extent? Little wonder then, that the ULP He needs to counter the impression authorities today, seem reluctant to that he had played a significant role in publish information related to the the traitorous crippling of the St. level of poverty in the land, for it is Vincent Banana Growers Association their crippling of the Banana Growers the largest farmers’ organization in Association which had provided the land, the resulting economic “ash- reliable weekly income for over 2,500 fall” of which, is still stifling us today. Vincentians, which is at the root of the strangled economy now prevailing in LeRoy Providence THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 11. V Business ECGC commits $1Million to recovery in SVG

EAST CARIBBEAN GROUP OF COMPANIES (ECGC), St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ biggest exporter, has pledged EC$1Million to assist with the volcano relief effort across the nation. In collaboration with its shareholder Maple Leaf in Canada, and some of its customers and suppliers, ECGC will provide support to its home market, which is currently grappling with the uncertainty of continued volcanic eruptions while thousands of Vincentians remain displaced from J Robert Cato – C.E.O, ECGC, (right) pumps elbow their homes in the red with Caromo Browne, a farmer from the Leeward zone, in the north. side of the island, during a discussion about ECGC, the premier ECGC’s Relief Programme. (Photo Credit: ECGC) producer of flour, rice, animal feeds and Long-term relief support farming community and beverages in St. Vincent & will run into 2023 with many businesses and the Grenadines, has the establishment of a families we supply have committed to provide sustained school feeding been badly affected and ongoing assistance to program along with over the next two years we recovery processes across increased support for will continue to give the country over the next farmers and other support.” two and a half years. businesses affected by the He further stressed Immediate relief will go disaster. that “the Board of toward supplies for Chief Executive Officer Directors, Management displaced families and of ECGC, J. Robert Cato and staff of the East feed distribution for farm said, “We are going to do Caribbean Group of animals in the everything possible to Companies stand in agricultural sector. In the assist our country with solidarity with the medium term, the the long-term rebuilding Government and people of company will support effort. Our pledge to this St. Vincent & the farmers by ensuring country is Excellence Grenadines, as we face affordable costs for animal Through Teamwork, and this challenging time feed while maintaining we are committed to the together.” (Source: ECGC) relief to displaced families. recovery process. The Republic Bank Brings Below: Gregory Bardouille, Country Manager SVG (centre) Relief to SVG presenting to NEMO. AS AN INDIGENOUS CARIBBEAN financial institution who cares about our people, Republic Bank took a collective approach from the get-go to respond to the needs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the wake of the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. Within a matter of days after the first eruption of April 9, 20-foot container of drinking water arrived in St. Vincent, thanks to the steadfastness of the bank’s Country Manager in St. Kitts and Nevis — Mrs. Pamela Herbert Daniel who worked closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to make it happen. It did not stop there. The bank’s Trinidad team was right behind with another shipment, this time a 40 ft container with a wider range of relief It was an all-hands-on deck approach and essential supplies to include more whereby all of Republic Bank water, water tanks, can foods, toiletries, subsidiaries in the region immediately bedding, personal care and more. set up relief accounts and encouraged St. Lucia, Republic Bank’s persons to donate via branch notices, headquarters for the Eastern Caribbean, social media, and digital channels. also mobilized to ensure that the staff In addition, team Republic worked members and their families were taken closely with the Government of St. care of during these trying period. Vincent to facilitate an E-Commerce website: www.helpstvincent.com. 12. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 13. V Tribute V Tribute TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND AND MAS COLLEAGUE SCULLY..

Bklyn in 1972, first VINCI to Lennox Scully Hunte accepted bring a mas band on the an award for as part of a parkway,... Skully joined me National Heroes Day activity for Labour Day 1974. He even hosted by Chef/Proprietor lived at my home on Van Wran Gould. Buren St, Bklyn., where we limed 2 sisters one, Delores, contributed more than most to whom he married. They have the enrichment, enhancement, a son Christopher. Lennox Scully Hunte took an individual interest in everything uplifting, and advancement of That year, he designed the he designed and/or built. VINCI cultural heritage on costumes for our production many platforms and different KABUKI.. We formed an genres, and never a mention by organization CARIBBEAN the powers that be in FESTIVE ASSOCIATES; I was recognizing him. They wait the band leader. Our QUEEN until we are dead to voice - METAMORPHOSIS - won empty, meaningless epithets. Queen of the Bands.. The That’s unacceptable to me masquerader wasn’t even West ‘Kabuki’ was Scully’s first full mas band design for Labour ..KEEP IT! Indian but she moved the Day, USA. I could name quite a few costume incredibly well. who have been ignored over the METAMORPHOSIS was a subject because I am an - world last 75 years. butterfly coming out of a A more formal Lennox Scully Hunte befitting of his pastoral agnostic), CULTURAL Both in Barbados and caterpillar 15 feet tall, 15 feet responsibilities. HERITAGE. I think I put him Scully was not just a MAS Trinidad his work has been wide and about 12 feet long. at ease when I explained that designer and CARNIVAL recognized but in SVG??? We, We shook up the Labour Day reconnected helping out in that gave him a connection in “You don’t have to surrender MAKER or a PREACHER, but as a tiny insignificant nation Carnival establishment and Wesley Millington’s mas camp. Trinidad while going through your cultural heritage to be a craft maker and abstract are CULTURALLY POORER dazzled them. Ming Rogers, Scully and I seminary. religious.” painter of high caliber. Had he for this....A people who don’t Our MAS connection lasted worked on the King of the This Labour Day was the He never abandoned his lived in Europe 100 years ago, know their HISTORY is till 1976 when the carnival Band, and that Friday I went first to be televised in New CULTURE. He dabbled in he would have been hailed as an empty people. thing got too big for us. into SLOAN KETTERING York so we saw everything on costume design, painting and one of the masters. If Picasso is In the DRAGON and On another journey MEMORIAL HOSPITAL for the tiny TV in the hospital… in MAS up to the end. hailed as great then so is SCULLY’S league there are no Scully’s mother migrated to cancer surgery. (A radical our MAS band coming down His design won King of the Scully. others....What a LEGACY they England in 1958 and he was prostatectomy, saved my life). the parkway and right behind Bands in Vinci Mas 2015, and My friend JIM LOCKHART The mural – a one-of-a-kind piece - by the Artist Lennox leave. never able to see her again. He On Monday (Labour Day) in my steelband -DESPERS as recent as Vinci Mas 2019, sent me a photo of a giant Hunte. We and the entire VINCI Lennox Scully Hunte pictured here in April 2017 addressing a his work copped the Queen of forum for mas makers in SVG. grew up with his aunt and the middle of the carnival, USA…. mural in a 3 part collage he ART and MAS world will miss cousins (Ken and Betty). He Scully turned up at the Over the years, we had great the Bands title. Both costumes liked and bought from Scully supplied) Lawyer as titles or be of a you my friend. We mourn your were made by another great passing and it’s our nation’s Writer’s Note: This is not an Eastman made the sheet steel eventually connected with his hospital in Manhattan to visit. intellectual conversations about 50 years ago. That is a By the way, the apple does certain class or clique in the OXLEY (Giddy) LOCKHART.) loss. attempt at a BIO; it’s a crowns for my 1959 band sister in England sometime in There he met my uncle about ART, MUSIC, ETHNIC masterpiece by any standards. not fall too far from the tree. social order. Is it possible also It’s hanging in JIM’s living I have the last recording of PERSONAL recollection of our ‘Vikings and their Mythology’. the 80s. She was born there. Osmond from Trinidad, and IDENTITY, MAS, RELIGION Among the greats of this His son CHRISTOPHER that our people suffer from association since 1957. In the early 80s he attended they struck up a friendship (we even argued on that room in Florida. (See photo (Oakland California) is a GENERATIONAL SCULLYS voice hailing me on Impacting SVG and NY the illustrious Cooper Union graphic artist and runs an AMNESIA… one generation January 2nd 2020 to wish me TWENTY-SOMETHING YEARS College for the Advancement of online magazine UMBER, for not knowing what the previous happy birthday and happy New Year and God bless....R.I.E.P, AGO, I did a tribute to ROY (The My illustrious MAS comrade Science and Art, but was forced which SCULLY designed generations achieved? my friend. Dragon) RALPH, an icon in VINCI Lennox (Scully) Hunte (aka to move to North Carolina the LOGO. IGNORENCE IS NO mas making, and here I go again before he was able to graduate. Scully also had a short EXCUSE!! Pastor Michael Nicholls- E.J. Paddy Corea. for Lennox (Scully) Hunte, both of Seventh Day Adventist pastor) At the end of the 80s, after a musical career on guitar. Here is a man who them protégés of mine getting passed away on Tues. 13th painful divorce when things their first taste of MAS in my April, 2021. weren’t going too well with him Failing to mas camp in FRENCHES. He battled a great battle and in Bklyn, he moved back to recognize Scully’s introduction to mas a long fight after his massive SVG and after a short while greatness was my mas camp (Frenches) stroke early January 2020 that literally found himself, and and his mother DORIS left him in a virtual coma for knew what he wanted to do One gets the HUNTE (as we knew her) was 15 months... and what he wanted to become. impression the one of TWO seamstresses who We (SVG) have lost another He immersed himself in his Vincentians who sewed for my band in 1958 giant in the ART WORLD (not religion and went to the get recognized by (Tribute to Ramsee 2nd). Scully just MAS making), and like so Seventh-Day Adventist (S.D.A.) our POLITICAL, would have been 12 then and I many, He was NOT recognized Caribbean Union College CULTURAL and am 4 years older. (I’m Jan during his lifetime for his (S.D.A. seminary), Trinidad, for SOCIAL 1st and he is Jan 5th, both massive artistic and cultural 4 years, and became a institutions, Capricorn hence the symbiotic contributions. PASTOR in the that Church. including friendship). They lived SCULLY honed his mas On his graduation he was the Ministry of opposite me in Frenches…. skills with Winston (Sammo) posted to Barbados by the CULTURE, must Must mention his partner Samuel and by 1966 both he S.D.A. There he ministered for have Doctor or EDISON SHEGGY JOHN also. about 12 years. Around that and the DRAGON busted out His last winning Big up. time he remarried and had 3 on their own. I think his band design for carnival Roy came via Mr Eastman, a children with his new wife. SHENSI won band of the year in SVG – the 2019 master metal worker with Reconnecting with his that year. He followed with Queen of the whom he was an apprentice culture Lennox Hunte (right) always had time for those to whom he several more wins ‘til 1974. bands. and was his adopted son. Mr I started VINCI MAS in While in New York on felt close, e.g. (L-R): Sam De Bique, Paddy Corea and Vin De A glimpse of Scully’s first full mas band production, Shensi, in holiday in 1995, we again Bique. SVG, 1966. 14. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Commentary

Garth Saunders, Our response CEO of CWSA by GARTH SAUNDERS, There was also an apt data captured by its competent Government and also in CEO of CWSA reminder that, over the years, and trained technicians of its regularly communicating vital the CWSA has demonstrated a new water resource and GIS information. Of equal AS I WRITE TO SHARE A FEW growing level of system departments in building its importance is the recognition THOUGHTS on the on-going resilience when faced with system resilience. This reality of the essential role of the recovery, permit me to express annual adversities: from is seen in the current media, supported by the profound gratitude on behalf of regular landslides and simultaneous implementation VINLEC and the the CWSA team to those mudflows in its rivers and of no fewer than three telecommunications companies members of the public who navigating the drought of developmental projects at in enabling consistent found the time to recognize and 2010, to the floods and system Francois, Mt. Wynne and communications so vital for appreciate the efforts of the devastation in 2011 and 2013, Kelburney, all aimed at timely decision-making and CWSA employees in restoring to the historic drought of 2020 reducing any water deficits the efficient responses of the the county’s water supply, in the and now the explosive volcanic occasioned by the many main actors. aftermath of the volcanic eruptions; each time, a proud, drought and climate related Finally, let us be fair and eruptions. This especially motivated and committed natural events. appreciate that NEMO is no staff, brought the system and Of course, CWSA is not the FEMA of the USA, nor is it Surely, the time will come includes the kind words service back in more than only responder deserving of supported by an Army Corps for every responder and expressed by a writer in your reasonable time. recognition and praise. There or even a local Defense Force stakeholder to analyze and last week’s edition. The writer also recognized are many who in spite of endowed with engineering, evaluate its preparedness and Your contributor presented the need for this staff to be adversity and personal loss, management and logistics response to this disaster, all in tacit recognition of the reality kept motivated in the face of continue to provide much professionals. NEMO is in fact acknowledgement of the fact that, while the industry’s sometimes unfair criticism needed support to NEMO and an embryonic organization that in planning and water utility worker in many aimed at them, even while indeed the CWSA in the depending largely on borrowed preparation, every crack and countries is expected to they are actively engaged in recovery process. This also skills and the volunteerism of crevice will not be covered; perform duties under steady restoring the service to the includes local, regional and many patriotic individuals, now is however not that time. conditions, because of our very quarters from which this international contributors who government employees and There is still much need for topography, green system ire is emanating. have extended and pledged service organizations. NEMO continuing vigilance, love, design and exposure to climate Thankfully, the CWSA is vital support. also finds itself functioning unity and hard work, change related disasters, the not all defense and recovery We must also recognize the within a developing structure recognizing that this CWSA worker’s remit goes far and for the other eleven role of the expert and framework in a county “recovery” phase is still beyond routine operations and months of each year, it volcanologists and their with scarce resources, beset enveloped in uncertainty, and maintenance into consistent discharges its obligations in application of science and with chronic, costly climate will be further complicated by fire-fighting and disaster relative obscurity, while its technology in providing the related events and continuing an imminent active hurricane recovery. engineers and planners utilize necessary forewarning to our increasing demands. season. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 15. V Relief “Church of Jesus Christ” lends helping hand LATTER-DAY CHARITIES, Vincent and the Kingstown has been These packages included monetary donation was volunteered to install the humanitarian arm of Grenadines in response to designated a shelter and crackers, cocoa, pasta, made to the Salvation more portable toilets and The Church of Jesus Christ the La Soufrière volcanic 46 evacuees from the red spaghetti, milk, sausage, Army to distribute food showers for the people in of Latter-day Saints, has eruption. zone, including members, canned beef, toothpaste, and water to the the shelter. A series of donated to several In addition, the church are safely residing at the toothbrush, toilet paper, communities. age-appropriate activities organizations in St. meetinghouse in building. paper towel, cooking oil, Two containers with and programmes for Members worked peas, rice, brown sugar, tents, blankets, children, youth and tirelessly to buy and white sugar, flour, flashlights, towels, adults have been package 200 food peanut butter, and water, rice, and other implemented. hampers which were toiletries. food supplies arrived last Though families are handed over to the NEMO also received week from Puerto Rico, unable to attend their National Emergency 450 cases of water. and these supplies will local church services, Management Additionally, 1000 be distributed among online devotionals are Organization (NEMO). hygiene kits and members of the church being held each night to personal care items have and other refugees. Ten provide emotional and Some of the food been purchased by the wheelchairs and three spiritual support for the hampers that were church and prepared by nebulizers are also part residents of the shelter. provided as part of a both Rotary Club of the donations of the (Source: Church of Jesus wider expression of members and church church. Christ) assistance by The members in Grenada. A Moreover, members Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BVI reciprocate in time of SVG need Bahamas/Jamaica RELIEF ITEMS, the result of a coordinated effort to mobilise support for volcano-ravaged St. Vincent and the Grenadines by a number of civic brings relief to SVG organisations in the British Virgin Islands, arrived here on Tuesday 27th IN A SHOW of solidarity for St their vessel. Minister Caesar said we April. Vincent and the Grenadines, the are one region, one people. He The combined effort involved the Governments of Jamaica and the extended gratitude to the Government Lions Club of Tortola on Tortola, the Bahamas joined forces to bring relief and People of Jamaica for their hard Valley Sound Lions Club on Virgin supplies to St. Vincent and the work and assistance. Gorda, the BVI Rotary Family, BVI A section of the items from the BVI. Grenadines. The Commanding Officer of the Red Cross, the St. Vincent and the (Photo Credit: API SVG) The Bahamian vessel HMBS HMBS Lawrence Major, Omarv Grenadines Association (SVG Lawrence Major, a Bahamian Defence Saunders, said it was a pleasure and Association), the Department of Sergeant Sean McCall noted the Force vessel, arrived here on Tuesday privilege to assist in any way they can Disaster Management (DDM), the parties involved in putting together 27th April with relief supplies from in the recovery efforts. Adventist Development and Relief the donation describing it as “all Jamaica. “After Hurricane Dorian we were Agency (ADRA), Tree of Hands the coming together to lend a helping Minister of Agriculture, Hon. assisted by our Caribbean brothers so BVI Police Force and the Government hand.” Saboto Caesar; Minister of Tourism we know what it is to require help and of the Virgin Islands. He also acknowledged the solidarity and Area Representative for North to get help from our Caribbean Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto that “you showed to us back in 2017 Leeward, Hon. Carlos James; and brothers,” the Lieutenant Commander Caesar was on hand to accept the with Hurricanes Irma and Maria.” Honourary Consul of Jamaica to St. stated. donations and to welcome Sergeant Sergeant McCall alluded to another Vincent and the Grenadines, Mrs. Honourary Consul of Jamaica to St. Sean McCall, Public Relations Officer vessel en route to this country from Morine Williams were present to Vincent and the Grenadines, Mrs. of the Caribbean Federation of Police the BVI, “to share the BVI love and welcome the contingent and accept the Morine Williams promised that this “is Welfare Associations. reach out a helping hand.” (Source: various donations. the first of other donations to come.” Minister Caesar API SVG) Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Items donated included portable extended thanks to the Caesar thanked the Government and toilets, cots, blankets, food items, Government and People People of the Bahamas for the use of water, veterinary supplies, and of the BVI for their love Canadian firm children’s activity “sent to us in our time of books, among others. great need.” donates clothing (Source: API SVG) He recalled his visit to the BVI in the aftermath J2 RETAIL MANAGEMENT INC., Canada-based, of Hurricanes Irma and has made a significant donation of 28000 items of Some of the items (see Maria, noting that it was clothing to help the people of St Vincent and the portable toilets to the “really good to see the Grenadines, after the island was devastated by a right) that arrived from return of solidarity. series of volcanic eruptions. Jamaica via a Public Relations “The economy of Saint Vincent and the Bahamian vessel, to Officer of the Caribbean Grenadines has already been devastated by aid in the relief of Federation of Police COVID-19 and now the effects of these eruptions,” said Brian LeSaux, Vice President J2 Retail displaced persons. Welfare Associations (Photo Credit: API SVG) Management Inc. He added, “After learning of the devastation to this beautiful island, my business partner Jodie PwC donates $100,000 to SVG relief Wolfe and I felt compelled to act. We feel very sad that this is happening and we feel for the children PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS (PWC) in the captive insurance company who had to leave the comfort of their homes. We Caribbean and the PwC Charitable Foundation for the hope that this donation will help to lend some have collectively donated $100,000 to disaster relief PricewaterhouseCoopers comfort to the people of St Vincent and the and recovery efforts in St. Vincent and the network of firms. Grenadines especially the children.” Grenadines, following the eruption of the La The funds are being “We are so grateful for the generosity of J2 Soufrière volcano there. donated to local and Retail Management Inc. for this donation to the PwC firms operating in the Caribbean international organisations people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” said contributed a total of $60,000. The funds were including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Fitzgerald Huggins, SVG Consul General to raised by the partners and staff of PwC firms in The Management Agency. Canada. Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Frazer Lindsay, CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers “The donation of 28000 items of clothing for children and adults valued at Canadian $1.5M is Islands, East Caribbean (Barbados and St. Lucia), Caribbean Region Ltd., said: “We stand in solidarity quite overwhelming. I can assure you that these Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. with the people of St. Vincent and everyone affected items will reach the persons who were displaced In addition, The PwC Charitable Foundation by La Soufriere’s eruption. As we have done in the and they will be gracious recipients,” Huggins approved a grant of $30,000 to the St. Vincent and past with natural disasters in our region, our people said. the Grenadines Red Cross, through the American have rallied quickly to demonstrate our support for The items donated includes clothing for children Red Cross. And a donation of $10,000 was made by those most in need and we thank them for their and adults, toys and learning aids for children. L&F Indemnity Limited (L&F), the Bermuda-based tremendous efforts.” (Source: PwC Caribbean) 16. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 17. V Diaspora

SVG Relief Committee USA, Inc. volunteers, L-R: Terrance Edwards, Verna Arthur (chairperson), Annette Stowe, Ancilla Friday, Elitha John, Viona Homer and Julie Williams. Sandra Williams is in foreground. Vincies in US remain ‘resolute’ in relief efforts

Story and photos by Nelson A. King Blasio, that the Committee was [email protected] “making every effort to secure a US CORRESPONDENT military transport aircraft to expedite the delivery of these supplies to St. The Brooklyn, New York-based SVG Relief Vincent and the Grenadines.” Committee, USA., Inc. says Vincentian New York City Majority Leader nationals in the United States remain Laurie Cumbo — who represents the “resolute” in their efforts to provide 35th Council District, which includes much-needed relief aid to their volcano- the communities of Fort Greene, ravaged homeland. Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights and Verna Arthur, chairperson of the parts of Crown Heights and Bedford- Committee, told THE VINCENTIAN Stuyvesant in Brooklyn — also on Wednesday that her compatriots disclosed, at the same ceremony, that are leaving no stones unturned in she and the City Council were working assisting in the relief efforts. with Congresswoman Clarke, who “Another container was packed in represents the 9th Congressional preparation for shipment to St. District in Brooklyn, and Jeffries “to Vincent and the Grenadines,” said the get (military) transport to get supplies Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown native. there (to St. Vincent and the “That continued enthusiasm and Grenadines).” team spirit to help our brothers and Arthur said, if the military aircraft sisters in SVG during these trying does not materialize, “we will revert to times, is resolute,” she added, stating option B (the container).” that “there are enough items at “Nevertheless, items are still being Friends of Crown Heights collected in preparation of the next (Educational Center in Brooklyn) to move,” Arthur said. “We are now pack another container. focusing on items which will help “However, we are crossing our facilitate the clean-up effort, e.g. fingers and toes on receiving the power wash, scrubbing brooms, military plane,” continued Arthur, shovels, etc. alluding to a recent request by New “(And) the monetary drive is still York Democratic Congressional on-going, and I urge persons to give Representatives Hakeem Jeffries and generously in this regard,” continued Gregory Meeks to New York Governor Arthur, disclosing that the Committee Andrew Cuomo to secure aircraft to received a US$10,000.00 cheque to aid airlift disaster relief supplies procured in the relief efforts, from Pastor Louis from private citizens from New York Straker, Jr., son of former St. Vincent City (NYC) to St. Vincent and the and a US$1,000.00 cheque from Grenadines. Jermaine Cameron, the Jamaican- In addition to the standard shipping born principal of the Eagle Academy arrangements by sea, Vaughan Toney, in Staten Island. the Vincentian-born president and chief executive officer of the Friends of Crown Heights Education Center, and a member of the SVG Relief Committee, USA, Inc. told a recent handing-over ceremony, of a container of relief supplies by New York City Mayor Bill de

SVG Relief Committee, USA. Inc. volunteers unload relief supplies at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center. 18. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice The child is not mine but… Dear George,

MY HUSBAND claims he just found out Dear Bad timing, he has a 6-year-old child and wants that child to live with us. A very important thing to keep in George, we have been married for 3 mind is that both you and your years and have no children. We have husband have got a past, and it is very been trying. possible that you can be reminded of it His explanation was that a woman when least expected. he messed around with brought the Accepting to marry your husband child to him saying she (the woman) means you accepted him as is - with was critically ill and wanted her child baggage and positives. to be with his father. He said she It is possible that his story checks never told him about her pregnancy out and he was just as surprised as because she was still hurt and wanted you were when told the news of his nothing to do with him. My husband child. You do not want to force him to said he will carry out a DNA test. choose between you and his child. It George, I believe my husband knew is better to support his decision to be of this child and deliberately kept it there for his child. Now is not the from me, fearing I would break up time to oppose his decision. with him. Why can’t he have the Maybe this child is the answer to child’s grandparents or other relatives your prayers for a child. Do not miss of the child’s mother take care of him? this wonderful opportunity to show My position is we have our own life your worth as a wife and mother. to live and I never signed up to take It would be useful for you to get care of another woman’s child. some counselling re-parenting. Bad timing George Man, woman…. still cheating

Dear George, The problem is she involvement with her. has just started working My husband hasn’t a I HAVE been seeing this at my husband’s work clue I’m into women. I girl on the side for as place, and I am worried love my husband and long as I have been she would tell my cannot afford to lose him. married. husband about my My question to you George: Is it considered cheating if I go with a woman instead of a Do the right thing man? I think there is a difference. Dear George, Married and MY UNCLE is begging me to lend him a large adventurous sum of money to aid in a major medical procedure. I refused and my wife thinks I am wicked and Dear Married and heartless. Adventurous, She says this, even though she knows that this very uncle refused to lend me money when I was Involvement with this at university, on the grounds that my father, his female or any other is brother, was never kind to him. cheating!! Now that he has run into hard times he wants Any stepping out of my help, but I know he does not have the capacity the marriage/ to repay me. relationship to be with Yes, I can afford to lend him the money, but he another, male or female, is not getting one dime out of me. I just do not is a betrayal of your know how to get my wife to understand my husband’s trust and will position. eventually cause an erosion of the foundation Hard to forget of your marriage. You need to make up Dear Hard to forget, your mind i.e. whom you want to be with and Your uncle, in times past, could have been whether you want to classified as mean-spirited. This is no reason for remain married. You you to carry on such a legacy. cannot have it both It seems you have passed through the worse ways. and have made something of yourself. Do not If you loved your poison yourself with hatred and being unforgiving. husband like you said, Be the bigger man; take the higher road and do then you will have no the right thing. problem forsaking all Do not cause your wife to change her opinion others and giving him of the man she fell in love with and married. Be your undivided love and kind to your uncle. In the end it could do more attention. good that you imagine. George George THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 19. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) ACROSS Your partner may not understand your Enjoy taking courses or lecturing others. mood swings but if you are willing to You may find that your family 1. Moved gracefully communicate, a lot of grief can be responsibilities are piling up. Traffic will 5. Restless desire avoided. Don’t waste this exciting day by be busier than you anticipated, so try to 9. Tube lid sitting at home. get a head start if you have made plans to 12. Snug harbor 13. No more than travel. 14. Combat flyer TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) 15. Mouth-related Don’t let your partner get you going. You SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) 16. Worshiped one are best to travel or attend lectures or Opportunities for partnerships are 17. Devilish kid seminars. Your ability to be a self starter present; but get every detail in writing. 18. Lease party will help get things done and motivate You have to know what your boss wants if 20. Airport sights others. you expect to do your job correctly. 22. Positive vote 23. Football surface GEMINI (May 22-June 21) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 24. Droopy-eared hounds You will not be able to trust someone you You can continue to forge ahead if you 28. Norwegian city work with. You should want to feel good 32. Rhyming boxer make a few long distance calls pertinent 33. Tennis score about yourself and your goals. If you’re to closing pending deals. You are best to 36. Feel sick willing to cut loose you will find yourself deal with those outside your family. 37. Buffalo group in the midst of an exciting encounter. 39. Plaited, as pigtails CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 41. As well as CANCER (June 22-July 22) Problems on the home front might be a 44. Jacket sleeve 6. Actor Knight work neighbor Don’t hesitate to take short trips. Be little disconcerting. Go after your goals. 45. Previous 7. Farm yields 40. Pictures 47. Shrub anchor careful what you say. Be careful disclosing Situations in your personal life are moving 48. Securing devices 8. Telephone 42. Courage 49. Lawn burrower information. Family talks may get a little a little fast lately. 52. Victorious exclamation greeting 43. Used a towel 50. Ashen combative. 53. Skating area 9. He slew Abel 45. Military 51. Smack 55. Ultimate aim 10. Peak installation 54. Scold AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 56. _ de Janeiro 11. Revs (up) 46. West Virginia unceasingly LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Compromise will be necessary. You’re 57. Medallion meat 19. Must get You will do best to entertain those you best to channel your energy into work. 58. Jazz icon Fitzgerald 21. Tumult wish to close deals with. You may have a Your communication skills may win you 59. New walker 24. Dismissive cry problem dealing with elders. Your points. Don’t overspend on children or on 60. Razor feature 25. Pub beverage interest in religion and philosophy may large purchases. 61. Ooze (out) 26. Polite address lead you to specific destinations. 27. Hero sandwich PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) DOWN 29. Experiencing VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Secret affairs may be brought out in the woe Try to bend to their wishes if you want to open. You’ll need to exercise control. 1. Edinburgh 30. Recline native 31. Aged avoid conflict. Travel, although enticing, Renovations to your domestic scene will 2. Folk learning 34. Wood-burning will cost more than you expect. Business pay high rewards. Do something 3. Russian czar sound SOLUTION trips might prove unproductive. constructive outside. 4. Postpones 35. James – Jones LAST WEEK’s 5. Copy 38. Beaver-built V 20. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN VPL 3.0 set to bowl off

that is to be embraced, optimistic, saying, “I am Dr. Kishore Shallow said Romel Currency, given its local, regional proud to say that we are the draft (of players) is a President of St and international impact. a strong and deliberate clear indication the VPL Vincent Cricket “The VPL, since its set of people and we are 3.0 is going to be a Association, is inception in May of 2020, determined to move reality. looking forward has really grown on us as forward.” While noting the to overseeing his a people and has also He urged all circumstances thrown up first VPL. created a lot of interest. managers, coaches as by COVID-19 and the We are very grateful for well as players to give of eruption of La Soufrière, the stakeholders who their best, advancing the Dr. Shallow expressed saw it fit to give of their view that “this the view that, “….this time and resources to tournament represent a will be an opportune ensure the VPL is a lot to us… we can bring a time to have the VPL 3.0 continued success,” sense of normalcy in tournament so that we Currency said recently. these trying times.” can bring some light, joy The President The Presidents and some positivity to St acknowledged that the expressed special Vincent and the Dr. Kishore Shallow, VPL comes at a time recognition of “the title Grenadines, the wider Tournament Director, when the country is sponsor- Dream Eleven Caribbean and the world. considers VPL 3.0 as an battling COVID-19 and in India, our broadcast We are hoping it will be THE THIRD EDITION of the Grenadines Cricket opportunity to the aftermath of the partner- ITFX, the one of the achievements Vincy Premier League T20 Association, Romel showcase our recent explosive eruption Government and the that we are going to have (VPL T20 3.0) is set to be Currency, is determined to resilience. of the La Soufriere member of the present at the end of the officially launched on May make it another success. volcano, and admitted to SVGCA executive, for tournament.” 10 at the Arnos vale Currency, overseeing alluded to VPL 3.0 as an how difficult it has been making another edition Shallow disclosed that Sporting Complex, and his first major event as opportunity to be used with people displaced, of the VPL possible. the plan is to “provide newly installed President President, described the “to show our resilience.” including cricketers. Meanwhile VPL enough footage of the of the St Vincent and the VPL T10 3.0 as an event He, however, was Tournament Director- current situation,” and Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN Warrican confident about Hikers’ repeat

off later this month at the Arnos Vale Playing Field and La Soufrière Hikers return as one of the six franchise, the others being: Salt Pond Breakers, Botanical Garden Rangers, Dark View Explorers, La Soufriere Hikers - defending champs of the VPL. Fort Charlotte Strikers, and Grenadines Divers. we have the nucleus of our dethrone us.” And it will be an approach Despite losing “a few team in Captain Desron Beyond that, Warrican of winning “game by game,” good players” in the Maloney, Othneil Lewis, recognizes that in order to Warrican said, given the Irvin Warrican, Head Coach of draft, Warrican is not Salvan Brown and Dillon retain the championship title, unpredictable nature (i.e. La Soufriere Hikers. perturbed; he feels that the Douglas who were retained.” his team “will have to play shortness) of the format replacement players will do The team is currently into hard as the other teams also which places each team “on an IRVIN WARRICAN, Head the job for the team. vigorous preparation and have very good players,” and even setting…. So it’s a thin Coach of the La Soufrière On that score the Head Warrican recognizes this as admits, “We would like to win line between winning and Hikers, is confident his team Coach said, “One of the good being of utmost importance the tournament again but it losing.” can retain the championship things about our team despite since, as he said, “Hikers, as won’t be easy. I know this Salt Pond Breakers, led by title of the Vincy Premier losing some good players, we you know, is the defending competition will be a Sunil Ambris, won the League (VPL). were lucky to pick up some champion, and no doubt the competitive one as all the inaugural edition (209) of the VPL T20 3.0 is set to bowl good players but importantly, other teams will be looking to teams are well balanced.” VPL T20. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 21. V Sports Vincy Heat training squad expanded

THE NUMBER of invitees Burnette and Valdo - Caledonia in Trinidad Predators), Jamal Yorke and more than likely to the training squad of Anderson. Many persons and Tobago and Tristan (Sion Hill) and Garwin play their home match the St Vincent and the who follow the sport had Marshall, who plays in Davis, Jahvin versus Cuba on 8th June, Grenadines Senior Men’s found it amiss that no Canada. Sutherland, Kishawn also in Guatemala. Football Team- Vincy Heat, player of the Hope Retaining their places Johnny, Kizani Haynes, When St Vincent and has been increased to International, the from those based Renson Sayers, Ted the Grenadines played forty-one (41) players. reigning SVGFF overseas are Akeem Roberts Jr. (System 3). their first two matches in When the squad was National Premier Williams (Grenades, St Vincent and the Curacao in March, they selected in February for Division Champions, Antigua and Barbuda), Grenadines is preparing lost to the host 5-0, but preparation for the two could find his way into Cornelius Stewart for their next rebounded to beat the matches in Curacao, the training squad last (Maziya, Maldives), engagement in the British Virgin Islands, 3- twenty-eight players February. Chevron Mc Clean CONCACAF World Cup 0. were called up by Head Also returning to the (Billercaw Town, Qualifiers when they are The locally based Coach- Kendale Mercury. training squad are the England); Diel Spring set to meet Guatemala in players resumed training The new list, released BESCO- Pastures trio of (Walsa, Poland), Kyle Guatemala on 4th June, in full last Monday. by the Secretariat of the Dorren Hamlet, Gidson Edwards (Rio Grande St Vincent and the Francis and Reginald Valley, USA) and Oalex Grenadines Football Richardson. Anders (Richmond Federation (SVGFF) last Places have also been Kickers, USA). Tuesday, despite it found for Trivis Fraser Among the locally increase, does not and first timers Kennijah based players named are include this country’s Joseph, both of Layou Erel Hector (Avenues number one goal keeper- FC, and for another first- United), Camal Bess, Dwaine Sandy; neither timer Tre Crosby, who Josh Stowe, Joeval for seasoned striker- resides in Canada. Morgan, Mark Browne, Azhino Solomon and Also added to the Marlon Simmons (Bequia Nigel Charles, who squad from overseas are: United), Jahva Audain debuted versus Curacao Joel Quashie of Iowa (BESCO- Pastures), in March. Western College, USA; Terrason Joseph, Zidane Dwaine Sandy, Notable inclusions Jarrel Mc Master- Sam (Je Belle), Oryan considered to be one of though are four members Ranger College, Texas, Velox (Layou); Jadiel this country’s leading of Hope International- USA: Malcolm Stewart Chance, Khalique goal-keeper, was Brad Richards, Tevin of TC Sports Club, Bowens, Kurtlon omitted from the Thompson, Nazir Mc Maldives; Nical Stephens Williams (North Leeward training squad. Hope IntÊl confirmed for revamped FCCCC

ST. VINCENT AND THE Kevin Richardson (standing) - Head of GRENADINES’ National Goalkeeping Department - led the Workshop Session on the Goalkeeping Programme. Premier Division champions- Hope International FC, has confirmed its SVGFF Tech. participation in a revamped FLOW CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championships Department (FCCCC), set for the Dominican Republic, from 15th to 25th May. Uncertainty loomed on Retreat large as it related to Hope International’s Hope International players in training last Tuesday at the Sion Hill Playing FOLLOWING on a series of ‘Technical participation in any Field. Workshops’ with head coaches and technical regional competition, coronavirus cases in Guiana. (Guadeloupe) and South directors of affiliate clubs, the SVG Football following the explosive Curacao, where the Group A includes East FC(Dominica). Federation’s Technical Department went into eruptions of the La Caribbean Club Shield O&M FC of the The Round Robin retreat, May 01 and 02, as another step towards Soufriere volcano on 9th was slated for from April Dominican Republic, stage takes place 15th to the production of a Technical Manual and Policies April, and the 23 to May 02. Flames United FC (St 20th May, with the Document. subsequent national In reformatting the Maarten), Inter Moengo winners of the group Presentations were made as follows: The displacement. Championships, Tapoe (Suriname) and advancing to the semi- SVGFF Strategic Plan by General Secretary However, Hope organisers included clubs Metropolitan (Puerto finals. The semi-finals Devron E Poyer; Elite Set-Up by Technical International has from the Dominican Rico). are carded for 23rd May Director Keith Ollivierre; Female Programme by decided to be part of the Republic and Haiti, Making up Group C and the grand finale, Female Development Officer Tonicsia Baptiste; Goalkeeping Programme by Head of Goalkeeping new format, which which have semi- are Delfines del Este 25th May. CONCACAF announced Department Kevin Richardson; Senior Team Set- professional Football (Dominican Republic), The winner of the Up and Selection Criteria by Head Coach Kendale last month. Leagues. SV Racing (Aruba) FCCCC will qualify for Mercury; and Players Agreement and Review and The FCCCC replaces Hope International Platinum (St Lucia) and the 2022 Scotiabank Implementation by Next Play Coordinator Theon the CONCACAF has been placed in Group SV Real Rincon CONCACAF Champions Gordon. Caribbean Club Shield, D, along with Cavaly AS (Bonaire). League, while the President Carl Dickson delivered opening which was first of Haiti, RKSV And, Group C is second, third and fourth remarks at the Retreat. postponed then later Scherpenheuvel of composed of Don Bosco places will head to the Technical Manual and Policies Document, scrapped entirely Curacao and Olympique (Haiti), AS Samaritaine 2021 Scotiabank when complete, will be shared with all because of an outbreak of de Cayenne of French (Martinique), AS Gosier CONCACAF League. stakeholders. (Source: SVGFF) 22. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Sports Diamond Track to bring benefits

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES now overseer Dyke Cato, is poised to bring terms of certification, the track has about the potential of the Diamond has a Certified Level 2 athletics track – “great benefit to the nation in the been certified Level 2 by the Facility. The Diamond Track and Field Facility. future.” International Amateur Athletic He is especially looking forward to And the Facility, according to its St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Federation. This means the only the availability of hotel stock that will the latest events the Track cannot accommodate offer easy access to the Diamond Caribbean are the Olympics and World Facility, thereby decreasing country to Championships.” significantly the cost of ground boast a He continued: “One of the things I transportation. Certified Level want persons to know is that the This could prove attractive to Two track and surface of the track is of Olympic Colleges from outside the region, Cato field facility. standard, but you don’t determine a posited. Cato Level One track from the surface; In addition, Cato pointed to the explained, “In there are a number of things that have Facility hosting age group regional to be in place before a facility can be events. Dyke Cato, certified a Level One track.” “One of the events we can now bid Overseer of Some of the other top considerations for is the age group championships. …. the Diamond Cato said, included: a 400 metres The good thing about the age Track and warm-up track; adequate hotel championship it brings persons from Field Facility, capacity and service; a reliable around the world and these persons points to the transportation system; and a good and come with their parents as a form of Track at working health systems. supervision and support, so it’s about Diamond as Interestingly, no Caribbean nation sports tourism as well,” Cato said with being of can boast of having a Certified Level a smile. Olympic One Track and Field facility. Standard. All in all though, Cato is optimistic I.B.A.ALLEN Bequia to host TT Tournament THE TOP MALE AND ‘Table Tennis Stars include up to the top six opportunities to test about two or three days a FEMALE table tennis Tournaments’, in Bequia. male players, top two their skill development week for now, 3 hours a players in Bequia will The Bequia round of female players and against players of session. We had stop have the opportunity to the ‘Tournaments’ is set players selected from the a higher standard. training due to the face the best of their for May 8 and this Rodney Caruth’s “This is a good COVID-19 pandemic and colleagues from follows the first in the Academy in Bequia. opportunity for the only started to train mainland St. Vincent, series which was held on Rodney Caruth, Head young players in Bequia about 2 months ago,” when the SVG Table March 20th, 2021, at the Coach of the Bequia to get some experience Caruth explained. Tennis Association West St. George Academy, acknowledged playing with players of a Players from Bequia (SVGTTA) stages the Secondary School. that the players on much higher level than who are expected to be next in their series of The tournament will Bequia are starved of they are. I expect my on show at the May 8 players to do their best ‘Tournament’ are: and at the end of the Kenjay Phillips, Lamont Rodney Caruth, Table tournament, they walk Gregg, Glenrick Hazell, Tennis Coach on away with experience, a Dericia Michael and Bequia, welcomes the little more Delicia Michael. opportunity for some knowledgeable of the According to the competition for his game and to train harder SVGTTA, the players. to be as good or better for ‘Tournaments, as limited the next tournament,” in participation as they them are call upon to Caruth said. are, are aimed at compete in regional or Training on Bequia keeping the top players international was curtailed by the active during the Competitions. COVID-19 pandemic. COVID19 Pandemic, in “We can only train the event that any of I.B.A.ALLEN Players in Bequia will be looking to make an impact in the Tournament. Welcome betters Triple Jump Record again THE St Vincent and the the Clyde Littlefield Grenadines in Costa Grenadines Female Texas Relays on 27th Rica, at the XX Pan Triple Jump record has March, which was a new American Under-20 been broken once again. national mark then. Championships in And, the person Welcome is also the 2019, and for which responsible for doing so holder of the St Vincent she collected a bronze is Mikeisha Welcome and the Grenadines medal. who, last Sunday, at the Indoor Triple Jump Welcome is into her Desert Heat Classic in record, 13.40m, which first year at the Arizona, leapt to 13.72m. she achieved at the Big University of This jump, in addition 12 Conference Oklahoma, where she to earning her the gold Championships on 26th is being coached by medal, erased the February, this year. Rudy Sylvan. 13.60m which she did at Additionally, Welcome the John Jacobs holds the National Invitational in Norman, Under-20 Triple Jump, Mikeisha Welcome Oklahoma, the previous 13.15m, which she broke her own Triple Saturday. achieved in her debut Jump record in each Before that, Welcome representation for St of her last three had registered 13.57m at Vincent and the outings. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021. 23. V Classifieds Local Rastafari welcome overseas support Continued from Backpage.

Jackson noted with obvious satisfaction what she described as the support and unity among Rastafari here. “We have been coordinating this effort through an umbrella organisation, basically spearheaded by the Nubian Flower Multi-Services, (but) also including the Nyabinghi House, Twelve Tribe, Ethiopian African Black International Congress, Ethiopian World Federation and Nyabinghi Warriors,” she said. Jackson said her group was thankful for all the help rendered thus far from St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago, and anticipates more assistance should the displacement persist.

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FRIDAY, MAY 07, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.18 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 LOCALLOCAL RASTAFARIRASTAFARI WELCOMEWELCOME OVERSEASOVERSEAS SUPPORTSUPPORT RASTAFARI who have been displaced by under the watchful eye of SVG Coast the eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano Guard units. and who are experiencing challenges The donation came compliments the related to their dietary practices, have Rastafari United Front of St Lucia, received some ease in this regard. who coordinated contributions from Last Friday, a quantity of food local (St. Lucian) business houses, as catering well from the Chronixx Foundation specially to and sources in Canada. Members of the Rastafari United Front of St Lucia with some of the supplies their dietary Items included in the shipment, aboard the Ocean Queen, last Friday. needs, as among others, were: water, toiletries, well as other clothing, shoes, female sanitary items, who can prepare their own meal, so we support and unity among Rastafari items, farming instruments, and dried just drop them the raw supplies and here. arrived from products such as peas, beans, rice, they prepare their meals and, in some “We have been coordinating this St. Lucia via oats, keenwah, and couscous. instances, we have been delivering effort through an umbrella the MV On hand to receive the items were food to the shelters,” Jackson said. organisation, basically spearheaded by Ocean members representing the various In addition, Jackson disclosed that the Nubian Flower Multi-Services, Queen, Rastafari organisations here, and the approach has been adjusted in (but) also including the Nyabinghi which members of the SVG Rastafari some cases. In Barrouallie, for House, Twelve Tribe, Ethiopian docked at Volcanic Relief Effort. example, one-person cooks for all African Black International Congress, the Blue Ideisha Jackson, a member the Rastafari who are housed in shelters Ethiopian World Federation and Lagoon port Relief Effort, explained that the in and round that community, she Nyabinghi Warriors,” she said. donation of the food items was in said. Jackson said her group was Ideisha Jackson, who spoke on response to the fact that “…the “We have another group of brothers thankful for all the help rendered thus behalf of the SVG Rastafari Volcanic shelters are not directly catering for in North Union, and we would have far from St. Lucia, Barbados, Relief Effort, said that there has been the needs of the Rastafarian assisted them by buying a stove and Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago, and an outpouring of support and unity community. Most of them are strict pots and pans so that they can cook anticipates more assistance should the among Rastafari during this time of vegetarians… . We don’t eat a lot of their own meals,” she disclosed. displacement persist. need. processed food and most of us do not Jackson noted with obvious eat white flour, white rice, so they satisfaction what she described as the Continued on Page 23. have been having a lot of difficulty receiving their supplies and getting proper meals.” She noted that most Rastafari are A WHALE meticulous and conscious about their diet. “They don’t eat from places where they know that chicken is OF A TIME cooked, so even if you want to prepare a meal, it will not be accepted, so we THE BEQUIA whalers are just trying to fill that void,” captured a whale on Jackson explained further. Monday 3rd May, 2012, She, however, was quick to point the first for the year. out that there were some exceptions By UN mandate St. among the shelters, and cited the one Vincent and the housed at the St Joseph Convent, Grenadines is allowed 2 Kingstown as being one of those. whale a year but the Jackson highlighted that as soon as Japanese could and do the evacuation of persons from within take hundreds out of the never found. Pieces of their boat was direct hit of the volcano began, efforts Pacific. reported found floating in the ocean. were made to address the dietary Whaling was the mainstay of the While there has been heightened concerns of the Rastas. GRENADINES long ago. There are attempts here in SVG to replace “We go to the different shelters and those who have lost loved ones during whale hunting with whale watching, private homes, where we have whaling expeditions. there are those in Bequia, in Local Rastafari display some of the Rastafari brothers and sisters located, One person speaks of having lost a particular, who remain tied to their items as they get them ready for and we distribute packages for them… great uncle (‘Uncle Sweetie’) who was tradition and seem bent on preserving transport. In some instances there are persons a member of a crew of 5 who were it. Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.