FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.01 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Quarantine case Man-About- CoP chides ‘Bigger Biggs’ COVID collapses Town officers relaxed update Page 4 Page 7 Page 13 Page 17 Page 24

Household garbage and other debris scattered across the main road in Rose Place, effectively blocking vehicular traffic.

Story on Page 3.

The drain that remains a bone of contention is an ideal breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Left: Rose Place residents took to the street to vent their frustration over the pile up of garbage in their community. 2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News 3 lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 3. Call to remove concrete enclosure

facilities provided for that VINCENTIAN on community. Tuesday that ‘outsides’ And he is appealing to are using the community the relevant authorities as a dumping ground. to “close down the “Restaurants, Syrian concrete enclosure” in stores, coconut vendors, particular, since it government buildings encourages an unhealthy and all, hospital and all environment. throwing things there,” The concrete enclosure Haywood stated with a is one of two facilities tone of disgust. provided for garbage “Why the business disposal in the places them don’t get the community, the other garbage truck to remove being a ‘garbage skip’. their garbage? What they Residents in the are doing is that they community of Rose Place looking for the vagrants on Tuesday morning and pay them a three blocked one of the main dollars or a five dollars road in the area with to throw the garbage garbage and other debris down here. I telling you Kenrick Haywood, a that they said were left the truth, and is early resident of Rose Place, undisposed since before morning and late night gave a detailed account Christmas Day. they are throwing the The concrete enclosure was in use a day after it was cleared and cleaned. of the misuse of the However, following garbage a lot of the garbage facilities in that media attention health times. detailed what seemed to concrete enclosure to be public or else face the community by officials and workers at “Me and them does be a routine. “removed”, a call that prospect of being fine. ‘outsiders’. the Solid Waste have argument because I “They can do better was echoed by MP for THE VINCENTIAN Management Unit does wake up early and the health the West Kingstown visited the community KENRICK HAYWOOD is responded swiftly and morning too and waiting authorities should constituency, Daniel again on Wednesday, a among residents of Rose cleaned the area. for them. Even if the enforce the law to fine Cummings. day after the action Place who are calling for Haywood who lives in garbage dump is full persons who are He is also appealing to taken by the Rose Place businesses and other proximity to the concrete they still throwing their dumping their garbage Vincentians on a whole residents. Garbage could outsiders to stop disposing enclosure, told THE waste here,” Haywood illegal,” said Haywood. to keep the country clean be seen in the concrete of their garbage in the Haywood called for the and stop urinating in enclosure. (KH) Garbage Woes in Rose Place by KENVILLE HORNE hard-court, along which a garbage pile-up and misuse of number of shops (and food the facilities provided came RESIDENTS OF ROSE PLACE, on vendors) are located. into view when it was noted Tuesday morning blocked the The concrete enclosure and that a drain leading into the main road through the skip are managed by the Solid sea, was clearly backed-up community with household Waste Management Unit. with residue, creating what garbage and other debris, which could be described as an ideal they said were left unattended, ‘A dumping ground’ breeding ground for i.e. undisposed since before mosquitoes. Carlos Wilson, Senior Environmental Health Official (right) in Christmas Day. A disconcerting smell and “They have the place like a discussion with residents. However, following quick buzzing flies greeted THE dumping ground and we tired. postings of the action on social VINCENTIAN’s reporter when We have kids living here and why they ain’t paying we to Kingstown Constituency, in media platforms, health he arrived in the community the situation is really sad,” clean up here?” Gumbs which Rose Place is located, officials and the Solid Waste Tuesday morning. said one resident, with a wondered aloud. was on hand to help in Management Unit responded It was not long after his concern that the drain could At least two trucks — quelling frustrations. swiftly to have the garbage arrival that residents began breed the Dengue Fever including the truck specially He told persons gathered removed and the throughway airing their grievances, some mosquito that had already designed to carry the skip - that the situation was bigger reopened. using strong language, claimed some lives. were involved in the removal than emptying the bin. “We Some angry and frustrated including expletives, while of the garbage, after which the have a continuous problem residents of the West others were more restrained in ‘Politics playing’ road was reopened to with the skip and the concrete Kingstown community, which registering their disgust. vehicular traffic. box (concrete enclosure) that is earmarked to undergo The majority, though, Rudolph ‘Shark’ Gumbs, a During the time it took to encourage persons from all transformation with the attested to what they claimed stalwart of the community, make this happen, Senior over to use the area as a construction of a New was the last visit by the voiced an opinion that the Environmental Health Officer, dump. I am again requesting Kingstown Port, said that the garbage truck — some time treatment handed out to the Carlos Wilson consulted with the removal of the concrete community had become a before Christmas Day was the community “had to do with the frustrated residents. He box and provision of regular dumping ground for garbage consensus of the visibly angry politics.” promised to look further into plastic bins to the residents,” from business places in residents. He pointed to other drains the matter as it related to said the MP. improving collection and Kingstown, as well as coconut “One of dem bin say dat de that he said the authorities Residents, meanwhile, took removal of garbage from Rose vendors. garbage trucks breakdown but paid to have cleaned but in to a live Facebook feed to Place, and the use of the The business houses and you mean to say dem cyar find pointing to the one that was further vent their disgust with coconut vendors dump their no truck to move out the clearly a hot bed for facilities by businesses and persons not located in the the situation, and call on the garbage, shells in the case of garbage,” said a male who did mosquitoes, he said, “Them relevant authorities to address the coconut vendors, in a large not want to be identified. say up ya, because now we ah community. Daniel Cummings, the matter urgently so as to concrete enclosure and/or More evidence of unhealthy NDP they say they ain’t giving avoid a reoccurrence of today’s metal skip located next to the conditions occasioned by the we work to clean up here …… Opposition Parliamentary Representative for the West action. 4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Court Quarantine case collapses Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS quarantine for 14 days, 5 in an approved facility and Bruce also told THE VINCENTIAN that there 9 at home, in accordance with the Public Health Act, was a breach of the confidentially of the person in LAST Tuesday’s collapse of a as it related to the COVID-19 pandemic. quarantine. He noted that Jackson had told the breach of quarantine case Jackson’s case is the first of this nature to go Court that on the fifth day of her quarantine at the here was mainly the result of through a trial, and the first in which an acquittal approved facility, it was communicated to her gaping holes in the was secured. through the receptionist that her test was negative administration of the law. In his no case submission, Bruce not only and that she could go. That’s the view of challenged the flaws in the prosecution’s case, but According to Bruce, that information should have Attorney Israel Bruce who also questioned what he described as gaping holes in been given to Jackson directly by the health worker, represented the defendant, the Health Care System. and not through a third party. Jeyandra Jackson, a Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday In relation to the health aspect, Bruce said that resident of Long Piece, who following Jackson’s acquittal, Bruce made it clear the Ministry needs to make a determination had resided in Canada that he does not support anybody who breaches the between isolation and quarantine. before arriving here in Attorney Israel quarantine order as he had a duty to country, and He is of the view that during the 9 days October 2020. Bruce successfully noted that the recent amendment to the Public quarantine at home, anything could happen, as Jackson, 22, walked free defended his client Health Act was put in place to protect Vincentians. some of these houses have several persons living from the Kingstown against charged laid But the added, “There are so many gaping holes there, and they could go out and come in as they Magistrate’s Court on as per an in the administration of the law, and that is why, in like. Tuesday after Senior amendment to the this case, we had the result that we had.” In handed down his ruling on the no case Magistrate Rickie Burnett Public Health Act. He pointed out that, “They have been using a submission, the Senior Magistrate made reference to upheld a no case submission Medical Officer’s Order, also referred to as a Court the case law of Regina vs Galbraith which from Bruce. Order. stipulated that if there is no evidence, the Court The submission was made at the close of the “This order is not prepared in duplicate or should discontinue the case. If there is evidence, but prosecution’s case in December, but Burnett had triplicate copies and clearly it leaves an evidential it is tenuous or weak, the case should also be reserved his decision. gap. While they (witnesses) were saying that they discontinued, and if there is some evidence and the The Magistrate ruled that there was no evidence gave her (Jackson) a copy of the order, the state question for the Court is if a jury properly directed before the Court to show that Jackson was issued itself did not have a copy to present to the Court as could return a verdict of guilty, and the answer is no, the case should also be discontinued. with the order. She was charged with breaching an evidence of that fact.” In this case, the Magistrate was both judge and order by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Roger Bruce said that, “Essentially, they relied on evidence that was not cogent.” jury. He pointed out that the Prosecution’s case Duncan on October 28, 2020, requiring her to when taken at its highest, a jury properly directed could not return a verdict of guilty. The matter was prosecuted by Crown Counsel State signals intention to appeal Shakel Bobb who contended the matter should be continued. THE STATE has quarantine order by clearly all the evidence indicated its intention to Medical Officer of Health that was before him.” appeal Senior Dr. Roger Duncan, the He suggested, “What Magistrate’s Rickie offence allegedly the Crown should be Men granted Burnett’s decision in a committed on October 28 doing is making breach of quarantine last year. recommendations to the matter. Jackson had denied Ministry of Health as to Magistrate Burnette receiving the order. how to tighten the bail on ruled on the matter last Following the system, and the Tuesday at the Magistrate ruling on procedures of Kingstown Magistrate’s Tuesday, Crown Counsel quarantine,” and used burglary Court. Shackel Bobb who the opportunity to Jeyandra Jackson of prosecuted the matter, “discourage anyone who Crown Counsel Shackel Long Piece, who had officially informed the is contemplating Bobb gave early notice resided in Canada before Court that the state breaching the quarantine of an appeal by the charge arriving here in October intended to appeal the order”. state. last year, was acquitted decision. He underscored, “That THREE MEN who are accused of burglarizing a after the Senior When contacted later would not be in the best argued at the close of the house at Diamond two days before Christmas, Magistrate upheld a no that day, attorney Israel interest of St. Vincent Prosecution’s case in have been granted bail. case submission from Bruce, who represented and the Grenadines. December, Bobb pointed Shamol Williams, Jovanny Stephens and Ronel Jackson’s attorney Israel Jackson, told THE In her response to out that two nurses said Dorset, all of Diamond, were on Wednesday, each Bruce. VINCENTIAN that, “I Bruce’s no case in their evidence that granted $5,000 bail with one surety, and ordered Jackson was charged am convinced that the submission which he had Jackson was issued with to return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. with breaching a Magistrate considered the order, and Medical The men are jointly charged with entering the Officer of Health Dr. home of Simone Fergus of Diamond and stealing Roger Duncan in his items at a total value of $7,800. evidence, said that he The offence was reportedly committed at Diamond on December 23, 2020. had knowledge that the The men, who have pleaded not guilty to the order was issued, though charge, were denied bail when they initially there was no copy of the appeared before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett order before the Court. at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week. Dr. Duncan, under The Prosecution had objected to bail then, on cross-examination by the grounds that investigations were ongoing, and Bruce, admitted that he the men could hinder that process if granted bail. could not say for sure However, when they returned to Court on that Jackson was issued Wednesday, the Prosecution waived their with the order, though it objection. was the procedure. As part of the bail conditions, the men are Bobb, in response to required to report to the Stubbs Police Station Bruce’s submission, every Monday. The matter was adjourned to January 11 and argued that since the transferred to the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court. issue was one of Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy who pleaded not credibility, the matter guilty to handling stolen goods, in connection with should be continued, and the same matter, was released in the custody and left to the Court, care of a family member when he appeared at the Magistrate for a final Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. decision. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 5. 6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Editorial “All animals are

equal...” ‘sin’. At the same time, it Jomo again recognises that all are made in THE TOPIC is the first part of a the image of God, an expression (First published in THE VINCENTIAN OF about Ralph. quotation from George Orwell’s of the worth of all human FRIDAY 19TH February, 2016.) History will record allegorical novel ‘Animal Farm’. beings. All humans really are the Comrade’s achievements. Ken John will The full quotation reads: “All created equal and therefore SEVERAL YEARS AGO, Jomo Thomas had barely merit a footnote. animals are equal but some are should be dignified by the way publicly proclaimed that his People’s A similar fixation has gripped Mr. Jomo more equal than others.” they are treated. Movement for Change (P.M.C) would be Thomas. Any article critical of him, he In the novel, the animals But governments, which are prepared to face elections against the two assumes to have been penned by Ralph. Ken conspire to take control of their really political parties who are Giants, cost it what it may. I had heard far John thought the same thing. Dr. John has farm from humans, establishing wont to please their financiers, better cocks crow that short-lived line even repeatedly written the lie that many of seven fundamental ‘Animalist’ in their frailty make laws to before. Caspar London’s articles are drafted by Historically, for better or usually for worse, Ralph. If Jomo does not watch it, he is likely commandments to prevent the appease those reservoirs of the country seems wedded to the two-party support. to end up as politically frustrated as return of the oppressive system, “till death do us part”! That is the Kenneth. At least Kenneth has in his favour behaviour of humans. What transpires is that if at reason that Ralph had to link his M.N.U to more genuine erudition and elegance of style Over time, the animals, with all there are structural changes a mainstream party, and keep the label in writing. Both Jomo and Kenneth have the pigs in the lead, pervert the these are not likely to bring “Party” as in ULP. allowed their vanities and their undeveloped commandments, carve out about equality. After two more years of frustration, Jomo political consciousness to get the better of exceptions for themselves, and This is evident in was advised to do likewise. The emergence them. They are thus led objectively into change the agenda. “No animal governments’ “do as I say, not of his movement to control Government was positions of political backwardness, despite shall drink alcohol,” for as I do” approach to the Covid- a No-No in this environment. It could never their attempted progressive gloss. example, becomes “No animal 19 pandemic. You shouldn’t go have happened. An examination of the horns It is really sad. Jomo is still redeemable shall drink alcohol to excess.” to restaurants or get together of PMC’s membership exposed them to be because he is younger, but father time is Eventually, the pigs and with family to celebrate a closed ideologues disguised U.L.Pites, who rushing on. He must grow up and be their supreme leader- Napoleon holiday, but it’s okay to allow a enjoyed the flow but did not want to get serious. If not, he would remain at the scrap the whole charade and big ‘do’ in one of the world their feet wet. The PMC would go the way political margin”. replace the Commandments elite’s island paradises. of most “Third Parties” in SVG, and merely So Ralph has now “redeemed” Jomo. As to with one of twentieth century No one begrudges anyone a add to the statistic of infant mortality rate Kenneth headed for the grave, his epitaph literature’s most memorable haircut, a nice dinner out, or a that only showed their head to get it lopped “will barely merit a foot-note” Amen! Are sentences: “All animals are weekend with family. But what off. readers misled as to who is the real author equal, but some animals are can be questioned is the rank Besides, Jomo almost gave away his of this note by Alpha Simmons, my foot!. more equal than others.” hypocrisy of some getting a position as virtually representing the lost Ralph really promoted Jomo to keep him Try as hard as they could to haircut, going out for a nice soul of U.L.P. Indeed, Jomo is personally so silent outside the House, and to lessen his convince ‘the workers’ that meal, and retreating with their biased in favour of the U.L.P, that he chances in his successor’s race, even though things are improving on the family while threatening the becomes purblind to their many misdeeds Jomo has expressed genuine disinterest in farm, the oppressive behavior of rest of us with dire which he recounts easily. this regard. humans returns. consequences should we do so. I hoped then that Jomo might consider But Jomo will talk as it pleases him. Of course, those who have Whether they really believe enlisting in the NDP whose tent is mighty Already, the departure from ULP testament studied ‘Animal Farm’ know themselves or not, it is the broad, and whose leadership is democratic could be highlighted: the loss of the three that this novel is a parody of politicians’ attitude about rules to a fault, and would accommodate the NDP teachers case has been branded, in so Stalinist Russia. Yet it seems and to whom those laws apply “independence” of Jomo, within reason. many words, as political victimisation pure so ‘twenty-first century’ in that really matters here. The But Jomo has joined the ULP which right and simple; Bigger Biggs’ case is a clear appeal. aristocrats think they are our now is in dire need of promising souls. example of the viciousness of victimisation; The plot could apply to other betters. They see themselves as Frankly, Jomo does not fit the mould of the National Heroes Day can conceivably be situations in which people have our keepers the way one might bossism of ULP, and I wrote that his entry celebrated this National Heroes Day 14th was a case of the fly innocently entering the set out to create their vision of keep animals on a farm or at a March 2016, with a complement of Chatoyer parlour of the spider. We shall wait and plus Mc Intosh, Joshua, and Doc Parmenos a Utopian society, only for it to zoo. see! become another group’s They pay lip service to lofty Eustace but minus Cato, whom Gonsalves Jomo’s and the P.M.C’s problem is that wanted but Jomo et al rejected out-of-hand; dystopia. The way a society is ideas like liberty, they cannot believe that the U.L.P has structured may change, but responsibility, and equality but totally degenerated into being the personal integrity legislation could see the light of human nature does not they genuinely believe that vehicle to power and wealth of Ralph day with Jomo presiding, having been necessarily follow suit. they are more equal than the Gonsalves and his entourage. Sadly, the blocked by the ULP for 15 long years! And Thomas Hobbes, an English rest of us. Their high social P.M.C has trapped itself in an intellectual so on. philosopher, viewed human life position and political support cul-de-sac. Someone is badly needed to bell The new Speaker will face unspeakable as ‘nasty, brutish and short’. shield them, for example, from the cat whose ring hopefully will wake them horrors unless he acts like his predecessor, That taken, we should not be the presumption that lying is up from their directionless sleep-walking. Hendrick Alexander. The more things vary, surprised if time and time again wrong. Jomo Thomas Follows Kenneth John (by the more they remain the same. we replicate previous Politicians say they rule Alpha J. Simmons “The Vincentian” Finally, “Alpha Simmons” once had both inequalities and tyrannies with themselves. If they do, the 10/5/2008) of us in similar if not the same boat. In fact, only a change of ‘players’. Such least they can do is “Since 1979, Dr. Kenneth John has had a he paid respect to my writing style which is the case in ‘Animal Farm’. So acknowledge that “,,,some fixation on Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, even Jomo called word smith. Anyway, I was what is to be done? animals are more equal than though the Comrade was then a struggling beyond redemption on account of old age. Christianity has always others,” as their guiding politician but evidently headed for the big Jomo you were still redeemable and you recognised the tendency of principle. time, based on the high quality of his have now entered his period of humans to ‘fall short’ of the Have we become the latest political, academic, and professional work. rehabilitation. Honestly, I wish Jomo all the mark, something which it calls ‘Animal Farm’? Kenneth John would go to his grave fixated best. lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 7. V Views Open letter to Michelle Forbes, NEMO Dear Ms. Forbes: danger of two sets of huge immediately overhanging The other one at Roach, a famous market boulders precarious Nine Steps in the area of Battery Hill, I became vendor then and causing WITH THE CURRENT overhanging: (1) parts of Battery Hill and the Rose aware of nearly two one fatality. heightened activity at La the Community of Place Community. years ago. This one is a Fearful that you may Soufriere, I am hereby Edinboro located in the I first became aware of huge spherically shaped treat my request as reminded and feel area known as Mrs. the one at Mrs. hard granite rock, frivolous and or compelled to write to you Neverson’s Gap; and (2) Neverson’s Gap in 1968 conservatively in excess vexatious, which may concerning the eminent the mountainous hill by the then late Vet. Dr. of two tons. I recall eventually end up in the Earl Kirby, my vividly in May 1974 after down heap, I have neighbour. Since then, a few down pours, a decided to copy it to the Our rivers and Dr. Kirby like myself had landslide occurred at the media. I do hope that you requested of NEMO more foothills of this rock would treat my request than once to attend to it bringing with it a few with the urgency it in order to avoid a boulders, destroying the needs. streams are catastrophic disaster, but residence of Ms. Marie dumping grounds to no avail. Matthew Thomas STOP USING our rivers and streams as a Lawrence Rowe.. dumping grounds. Yes, I am not saying anything of strength, he sent the new, but still felt the need to say it again. ball to the boundary with I WOKE UP one morning last week after spending Forgotten? pure ‘wrist’. You a night in a local hotel ready for an early morning declared then, that his swim, only to be greeted by a dead dog brushing innings was the best you up against the seashore as the tide ebbed and Mr. Editor: is still paying a heavy century and a century in had ever seen from a flowed. It looked like it was dead for a couple of price over the years, his first Test still stands West Indian live and in days. ACCEPT my best wishes having been literally – a double in the first living colour. While the hotel workers eventually took care of to you, your family and outcast from the world of and a single in the I though the extracts disposing of the carcass and within minutes the the family of THE sports and other second innings. from the letter would beach looked as inviting as ever, the image of the VINCENTIAN, for the segments of the wider Lawrence Rowe is dead dog on the shore was difficult to “unsee”, and NEW YEAR. society, for that moment among an elite group of interest you and some of the idea of going into the water that day was no It has been some time – some would say a cricketers who have your readers especially longer appealing. since I last made contact moment of indiscretion scored over 300 runs in a from ‘you time’, since I Now this is home for me and I will get over the through these pages. A – in being a member of single innings; and to doubt we have ever done sight and thoughts of swimming with dogs in a recent letter to the the West Indies team on think that feat was anything to recall how few days, and will be back swimming in our lovely Jamaica Observer that historic, infamous accomplished right here great a batsman water very soon. However, imagine the impression prodded me back into cricket (rebel) tour of in Jamaica at our own Lawrence Rowe was. this sight would have created on someone visiting action. South Africa during the Sabina Park.” Best wishes. our nation for the first time. Imagine paying I share an extract of Apartheid era. Mr. Editor, I recall between US$300 & $400 a night to wake up to that letter for your Although the ban while being a student Paul from Jamaica this experience. Would you be back anytime soon? readers especially those imposed by the West under your tutelage at What would your answer be to your friends to the cricket enthusiasts: Indies Cricket Board was the St. Martin’s simple question, how was your vacation? “I am of the opinion subsequently lifted, there Secondary School, you I am not going to debate the merits or the value that the Government of has been no real sharing an opinion after of tourism to our economy or why this would not Jamaica, the sporting compassion extended to you had seen Lawrence be a pleasing sight for a tourist, because it would fraternity, and the public this exceptional sports Rowe bat at Queen’s * Did a medical at large should jointly have been an ugly and unhealthy experience for personality; one who has Park Oval in Trinidad, practitioner at the move to publicly pardon anyone. contributed so much to and even though he MCMH contract We must stop using our rivers and streams as cricket great Lawrence the development of the didn’t score a fifty that COVID-19? dumping grounds. In a year when we had to deal Rowe at this time. psyche and confidence of day, you said that that * How much money with the deadly Coronavirus and a reoccurrence of Enough is enough! our people by his innings was the classiest, was allocated to dengue fever, we continued to see the rivers and This former marquee exceptional exploits in “batsman perfect’ innings Layou for Nine streams being used as dumping grounds. Since cricketer, arguably one of the game of cricket. you had ever seen live. Mornings and how returning (home), I have not ventured much the most gifted, classic His world record of I recall you saying was it spent? beyond Kingstown, but the conditions of the few batsmen to have played being the only batsman how without as much as * Like all rivers and streams “in town” I would describe as the game, has paid and to have scored a double showing any extra show Vincentians, how deplorable. Heritage Square still smells like a government public urinal at 10 a.m any day of the week. The proposes to spend rivers are littered with garbage and most The reason for the season that $125 million it definitely a contributing factor to the spread of the got parliament’s dengue fever, not to mention them being THIS IS A MESSAGE of rest on His shoulders. terrible it will be for you permission to unsightly, unhealthy and in need of immediate a better tomorrow. We These will be his royal experts in religious laws. borrow, before attention. We must introduce new laws or enforce already celebrated the titles: Wonderful For you to hide the key presenting a budget? existing ones to protect our environment. We birth of the Messiah. Counsellor, Mighty God to knowledge from the Is some of this for must be willing to fine people for using our rivers, How many people (ruler), Everlasting people. You don’t enter wages? streets and public right of way as dumping understand the reason Father, Prince of Peace. the Kingdom * Is there going to be grounds. for the season? Did they His ever expanding, (government of God), a reduced number of While many of my fellow Vincentians frown on reflect on the many peaceful government will yourself, and you prevent passengers on public the amount of funds being invested by the thousands of male never end. He will rule others from entry,” (Luke transport? government to drive and even directly in fluence children who were forever with fairness and 11:52). * Was there an the tourism industry, one of the benefit this executed by order of the justice from the throne of A woman is about to altercation involving should be a cleaner, safer and healthier nation. If political leader of the his ancestor David”. lead this nation sooner two police officers managed correctly, maybe we will also see an day? (Matt. 2:16-18). When we read Luke rather than later. The that left the higher increase in the effective minimum wage paid to A reflection of Isa. 9:6- 3:11-14, we see John the revolutionary gospel of ranked one entry level workers. Maybe we will also see some 7 will help us Baptist speaking to the the Kingdom of God will hospitalised? for those jobs the opposition was talking about. understand the reason civil servants, including flow like rivers…. Look * Are we playing Looking forward to the day when we will have for the season: “For a the police. True for more of this drive … semantics with the cleaner rivers, streams, streets and public Child is born unto us, a Christianity is not about a New awakening for issue of community thoroughfares. Son is given unto us. religion. It is about 2021 and onward. spread as it relates And the government will government. “How to COVID-19? Horatio Christian Democrat 8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Happy New Year

Introduction interact. Following on from a challenging government, led by Dr Ralph management of the pandemic being 2020, there seemed to be a deliberate Gonsalves continues to steer this ship in done ensuring the continuation of life, The traditional greeting offered usually effort by our people, to ensure that 2021 the right direction. living and production, with the at this time of the year, promotes started the right way as if to signal to Vincentian economy continuing with a happiness for all with further wishes of nature a determination to right the Old and new challenges vibrance not seen anywhere else in prosperity being offered to family and “natural wrongs” of a difficult year just this region, all without any elevation friends. The beginning of a new year ended. With all the challenges faced in The New Year began with the in active cases, hospitalisation or always brings with it renewed hope and 2020, and with the uncertainty that lies sudden announcement that there was deaths. unbridled optimism for what lies ahead ahead for 2021, our people can still look an immediate ban on amplified music With news of the effusive eruption and Vincentians, in welcoming each new forward to 2021 being a bright and in public and private places to which of La Soufriere, the response of PM prosperous year, taking comfort in the the public has access. This was in year, extend liberal doses of this hope Gonsalves and his government was the and optimism to those with whom we knowledge that a wise and experienced direct response to the positive test result of 4 Vincentian nationals with same: seek the advice of the experts, no travel history, creating a small follow the science, approach the cluster of Covid-19 cases that were situation with a patience and a calm. Ralph and under investigation through the The government has put in place all commencement of contact tracing. This the necessary elements to prepare for announcement and the advisory on any eventuality; the alert level was Camillo social gatherings cast a shadow over elevated to orange and individuals in what had so far been a very festive the red zone were asked to prepare for The table shows the terrible state Christmas season with activities such the possibility of an evacuation order. of the SVG public finances under the as the Nine Morning concerts and the NEMO has commenced a series of Gonsalves incompetent ULP regime. Nine Nights at the Botanic Gardens community meetings to discuss with carried out as planned. The disclosure residents in the red zone the of the new positive tests by the Health community emergency plans and other Services Subcommittee was followed communities on the process of should resign!!! by a mask advisory that from all receiving evacuees. The government, ACCORDING TO THE VINCENTIAN appearances is being taken seriously through the agency responsible for newspaper of December 31, 2020, by citizens, and the delay in the disaster management, is efficiently Minister of Finance Camillo reopening of schools across the going about the business of Gonsalves said that while the country. preparation without creating undue government had to watch its long As if that wasn’t bad enough, the panic, allowing Vincentians to go announcement was made that there term borrowing, it became necessary about their lives with as little for them to do what they had to, i.e. was seismic activity at the La Soufriere volcano resulting in the disruptions as possible. borrow $125 million in an emergency This kind of steady leadership loan, in order to keep the economy oozing of lava in the crater, creating a second dome. A press briefing hosted reiterates and reinforces the afloat under the present pandemic. correctness of the choice of the This article shows that Gonsalves by Prime Minister Gonsalves, that included a team from the Seismic Vincentian voter in re-electing the and Gonsalves do not have the ULP to govern the affairs of the appropriate skills and competence Research Centre of the University of the West Indies by zoom, provided country for the next 5 years. Imagine needed to manage SVG’s fragile the chaos that would have engulfed economy, and turn it into a strong information on what was occurring at this country had there been a change economy. It is astonishing that after the volcano and sought to provide 20 years of a ULP Administration, the assurance that the activities were of leadership in these trying and SVG Treasury has been run dry. Just being closely monitored for any challenging times. The ULP a few weeks before the 2021 Budget changes. The team of experts from the government has managed this country Estimates, at the end of December UWISRC, has since moved to this during the financial crisis, built back 2020, the highly incompetent and country and has set up equipment, the country stronger after the 2013 grossly useless ULP regime was continuing more in-depth monitoring floods, managed the Covid-19 forced to borrow $125 million. of the volcano, providing regular pandemic well and would provide the THE VINCENTIAN newspaper updates to the government that is Having to borrow in an amount of article also shows that the SVG same steady leadership as we deal $125 million money in an emergency then given to citizens. This metaphoric with the effusive eruption of La economy is on the verge of collapsing, “double-edged sword” of two very real shows an extremely high level of and we question whether the Soufriere. financial incompetence. and active challenges defined how incompetent ULP regime has enough SVG began the new year and the Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc money to pay public servants and Conclusion (Hons), MSc, MBA, who has a BSc circumstances that shaped the fund education and health emotional and psychological conditions (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and The words of former Attorney facilities/services. of our people. Economics, asks: What on earth is Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc General, Parnel Campbell QC, can going on at the Ministry of Finance? (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG A steady hand during challenging easily sum up the thoughts of many When you run public finances, you Green Party, says that there would be times Vincentians as this country deals with are meant to do financial forecasting no need for emergency borrowing of the eruption of La Soufriere, during and financial planning. You are millions of dollars, if we taxed Taiwan The importance of leadership was the Covid-19 pandemic, “the Lord meant to look months and years and the super-rich migrants of borne out during the General Elections knows what he was doing when he put ahead to understand the financial Mustique and Canouan. If we of November 2020, as Vincentians back Dr. Gonsalves as head of the situation at any point in time in the abolished the tax and customs were asked to choose between the tried government of Saint Vincent and the future. You are also meant to plan exemptions worth hundreds of and tested experience of Comrade Grenadines… I can sleep in the your financial activities based on the millions of dollars a year, SVG would Ralph or change to the inexperience of knowledge that the country is in sound data from the financial forecasts, so have a strong and sustainable Godwin Friday. With General hands, experienced hands, because I that you do not go heavily into debt or economy. Elections being conducted in the heart have confidence in the judgement of need to do anything in an emergency. Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc of a pandemic, many Vincentians Dr Gonsalves in dealing with Clearly, this government has more (Hons), MSc, MBA calls on the Leader agreed that the wise leadership of the something like the Soufriere.” water than flour! of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday, Comrade made all the difference in the Most Vincentians are confident that Also, what will be the true cost of to table a No Confidence Motion in way SVG was managing the Covid-19 despite the challenges that this this emergency borrowing ($125 the SVG House of Assembly in the pandemic compared to our neighbours. million) to the people of SVG? From ULP government for the poor country is facing as we begin the New At no point during the pandemic, was whom/where is this loan being management of the SVG public Year, the experience possessed by the the leadership of this country driven sourced? Given that SVG has a poor finances and economy. leadership of this country would by panic or hysteria. Instead the voice credit rating, what extortionate Ralph Gonsalves and Camillo manage its affairs to ensure that 2021 of Comrade Ralph rung clear “we must amount of interest will the people of Gonsalves should resign for plunging is indeed a prosperous year for us. The approach this situation with a SVG be paying on the loan? Public SVG into emergency borrowing and ULP can therefore confidently wish all patience and a calm, following the debt is out of control and the ULP destroying the SVG economy to the Vincentians a happy New Year and a science and applying our hearts to regime is just digging a hole to fill a verge of collapse. bright and prosperous 2021. Let’s hole. wisdom”. Those qualities saw the continue to lift SVG higher. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 9. V Views Developing and Sustaining a The crucifixion of Julian Assange ‘WIKILEAKS AND YOU personally are in the hacking Reading Culture facing a battle that is both legal and of a government political. computer. “Once you learn to read you will be As we learned in the Pentagon If the forever free.” – Frederick Douglass Papers case, the US government doesn’t appellate court like the truth coming out. And it doesn’t overrules the decision to deny (1818-1895) - American social like to be humiliated. No matter if it’s extradition, it will be a very dangerous reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, Through reading, we can uncover Nixon or Bush or Obama or Trump, ruling for the media. The publication of and statesman. pearls of wisdom and jewels of Republican or Democrat in the White classified documents is not yet a crime knowledge in any and every discipline. House. The US government will try to in the United States. Bob Woodward of CABLE TELEVISION AND THE INTERNET This is as true in relation to scientific stop you from publishing its ugly the Washington Post has made a career now enable us to learn about the lives of discoveries as it is for the fine arts and secrets. And if they have to destroy you publishing establishment secrets. individuals who helped to shape the world religion. And while it is true that we and the First Amendment and the However, if Assange is extradited and in their own unique way. This is especially rights of publishers with you, they are convicted, it will become a crime to can also learn a lot from viewing videos willing to do it. We believe they are publish classified information. true about the individual who penned the and listening to audio recordings, there quotation that is used to introduce this going to come after WikiLeaks and you, According to Chris Hedges, ‘the is something special that happens Julian, as the publisher.’ Len extradition of Assange would mean the essay – Frederick Douglass. He was born when we engage in reading. An extra Weinglass, American Human Rights end of journalistic investigations into a slave in Maryland, USA. It was while appreciation appears to take place. lawyer. the inner workings of power. It would researching his legacy that this writer Gifted writers have a way of allowing ‘The Assange’s arrest eviscerates all cement into place a terrifying global, discovered that he actively supported the knowledge and experiences to be pretense of the rule of law and the corporate tyranny under which borders, women’s suffrage (at a time when it was seared into our memories. Their choice rights of a free press. The illegalities, nationality and law mean nothing. Once unpopular). Despite his very humble of words, and their clear descriptions embraced by the Ecuadorian, British such a legal precedent is set, any beginning, he held several public offices enable us to see through their eyes — and US governments, in the seizure of publication that publishes classified and, without his approval, was nominated Assange were ominous. They presaged a material, from The New York Times to across miles of land and sea … and world where the internal workings, an alternative website, will be as the first African-American for the post across time. This reader found this to of Vice President of the United States on abuses, corruption, lies and crimes – prosecuted and silenced...Journalists be true when reading the poems and especially war crimes – carried out by can argue that this information, like the the Equal Rights Party ticket in the 1872 prose penned by the English poet corporate states and the global ruling war logs, should have remained hidden, general elections. Victoria Claflin William Cowper (1731-1800) as a elite will be masked from the public. but they can’t then call themselves Woodhull was the party’s candidate teenager. His vivid descriptions of the They presaged a world where those with journalists.’ selected to vie for the presidential English landscape, its flowers, and the courage and integrity to expose the Make no mistake, Julian Assange position. Ulysses S. Grant of the streams inspired this write to model misuse of power will be hunted down, has done more than any contemporary Republican Party won that election and his style when engaged in descriptive tortured, subjected to sham trials and journalist or publisher to expose the became the 18th President of the United writing. given lifetime prison terms in solitary inner workings of American States of America (see confinement. They presaged an government, and the lies and crimes of History records that Abraham Orwellian dystopia where news is the US ruling elite. This fact explains https://www.britannica.com/event/Unite Lincoln, the 16th President of the d-States-presidential-election-of-1872). replaced with propaganda, trivia and the deep hatred towards Assange. United States of America, lived his entertainment.’ Chris Hedges The Democrats despise Assange During the 1888 Republican National entire life on American soil; he never The decision by a British high court because WikiLeaks exposed emails from Convention, the Kentucky delegation traveled beyond its shores. However, judge to deny the Trump regime’s John Podesta’s account, Hilary Clinton’s proposed Frederick Douglass as a through his readings, he understood extradition request to extradite to the campaign manager. They exposed possible candidate to represent the party and appreciated the cultures, religions, USA Wikileaks publisher, Julian Clinton as a deceitful pathological liar. in its bid to secure the position of and practices of citizens of other Assange, is a major victory for press The emails exposed her telling the President of the United States of countries. Such revelations enabled freedom and the rule of law. Alluding to financial elites that she wanted ‘open America. He was the first African him to have a good understanding of the US prison system’s horrendous trade and open borders’ and wanted American to be so considered. However, nature, the judge ruled that to extradite Wall Street executives to manage the and appreciation for different cultures. Assange would be oppressive because of economy, a statement that contradicted Benjamin Harrison was subsequently These “literary adventures” would have selected and went on to defeat the mental harm. She feared the prison her campaign statements. They exposed served him well as he interacted with conditions might lead Assange to the Clinton campaign’s efforts to incumbent Democratic President Grover those who visited from distant lands. commit suicide. influence the Republican primaries to Cleveland of New York to become the We could well imagine how persons On Wednesday, the judge refused ensure that Donald Trump was the 23rd President of the United States of in far-away lands could have a similar Assange’s application for bail while he Republican nominee. They exposed America. Many regard Douglass to be the appreciation and longing for the awaits the American Government’s Clinton’s advance knowledge of most influential African American of the Caribbean lands as they read the appeal. Assange will remain in the questions in a primary debate. They 19th century. works of many of our accomplished British prison even after the UN exposed Clinton as the principal Frederick Douglass did not learn the Caribbean writers. Our Caribbean Human Rights Rapporteur’s revelation architect of the war in Libya, thus alphabet (the foundation of reading) that Assange’s treatment amounts to turning Africa’s 2nd most developed nationals continue to excel as authors torture, which is illegal under country into a failed state. until he was twelve years old. describing our food, music, and However, once exposed to this “conduit international human rights law. The Among the documents WikiLeaks landscape. They encourage readers to decision to deny bail to Assange is both of learning” his thirst for knowledge released were cables from US conjure up vivid images of our cruel and inhumane. There is no embassies. Assange’s lawyer, Michael intensified. His oratory skills bloomed. Caribbean landscapes and cultures. pending charge in Britain against the Ratner said the cables ‘pulled back the Reading provided new hope and We are proud of our accomplished WikiLeaks publisher. curtain and revealed American foreign “freedom” for this individual who later writers like Antiguan Marie-Elena Assange’s trouble began 10 years ago policy behind-the-scenes manipulations.’ championed the rights of blacks, John; Barbadian George William after WikiLeaks released the Iraq War Some of the most stunning revelations: Native Americans, Chinese, and Lamming; Cuban José Julián Martí Logs which documented numerous US * In 2009, Secretary of State Hillary women. Pérez; Trinidadians C. L. R. James and war crimes – including video images of Clinton ordered US diplomats to spy on the gunning down of two Reuters Reading has shaped the lives of V.S. Naipaul; St. Lucian Derek UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon many outstanding individuals. In journalists and 10 other unarmed and other UN representatives from Walcott; and many others. Their civilians, the routine torture of Iraqi addition to Frederick Douglass, others autobiographies and biographies China, France, Russia, and the UK. The prisoners, the covering up of thousands US and British diplomats also that readily come to mind are USA’s confirm that they each developed and of civilian deaths and the killing of 16th President Abraham Lincoln, Dr. eavesdropped on UN Secretary-General sustained a reading culture (influenced nearly 700 civilians that approached US Kofi Annan before the US-led Iraq Maya Angelou, and Dr. Benjamin by the adults in their lives). They, in checkpoints. Carson; South Africa’s President invasion in 2003. turn, continue the cycle by inviting First, they tried to smear him with * President Obama and Secretary of Nelson Mandela; India’s Mahatma others to imbibe and become sexual assault/rape charges. One of the State Clinton refused to condemn the Gandhi; St. Lucia’s Sir Arthur Lewis, intoxicated by their writings. women said, ‘I did not want to put any June 2009 military coup in Honduras and Sir Derek Alton Walcott; and The adults in the society play a charges on Julian Assange, but the after American diplomats described the Trinidad and Tobago’s Sir Vidiadhar police were keen on getting their hands major role in relation to the on him...I felt railroaded by the police.’ coup as ‘illegal and unconstitutional.’ Surajprasad Naipaul. There are many development and sustaining of a As a journalist and publisher of others that can be added to this The chief prosecutor of Stockholm reading culture. If/when the younger dropped the rape accusation concluding, WikiLeaks, Julian Assange had every relatively short list. Many of this generation observe the passion that is ‘I don’t believe there is any reason to right to asylum. The law is clear. The column’s readers could so easily add evident in the adults who read, they suspect that he has committed rape.’ exercise of political free speech – ten or more names. However, the ones will aspire to do the same. It is a Yet, a special prosecutor was appointed including revealing government crimes, mentioned here have carved out their natural/normal tendency. We must to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct, or corruption – is internationally protected and is grounds respective places in history and, in therefore lead by example and, where misconduct. many instances, highlight the positive Assange is charged with violating 17 for asylum. possible, support initiatives to provide Democracy dies in the dark. Julian impact that reading has in propelling books to local libraries, schools, and counts of the Espionage Act, along with us to success in a variety of disciplines an attempt to hack into a government Assange should be freed. His only crime neighbourhoods. In doing so we not computer. If extradited, tried and is his courageous effort to expose the and under the most dire of only create and sustain a reading lies Democracy dies in the dark. Julian circumstances. Reading makes a convicted, he could face as much as 175 culture but also influence the years in prison. Assange should be freed. His only crime significant contribution to our expansion of knowledge that invariably Ominously, the judge accepted all of is his courageous effort to expose the individual and communal success. accompany such reading activities. the charges levelled by the US against lies, crimes and deceit of the ruling There is therefore every reason for us Assange – that he violated the elite. to develop and sustain a reading Send comments, criticisms & Espionage Act by releasing classified culture in our “little neck of the suggestions to information and was complicit in Send comments, criticisms & woods”. [email protected] assisting his source, Chelsea Manning, suggestions to [email protected] 10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Business Layne is ‘big’ Digicel TV ECGCÊs Below: (left) Dexter Layne accepts his winner Samsung 55’ Smart Television from Caricia Taylor, Digicel Marketing Executive. DEXTER LAYNE can say Lanel Jack that he went out of the Old Year and entered the New Year on a wave of luck. takes Gold The Digicel customer, who joined the TWO (2) YEARS after being network as awarded the Silver Medal for recently as NABIM’s (National Association August 2020, of British and Irish Flour was the winner Milling) Advanced Certificate of a Samsung and subsequently accepting 55” Smart the invitation to pursue the Television, the Gold Award, Ms. Lanel Black, grand prize in Quality Assurance Manager at Digicel’s ‘Shake It & Win’ Christmas Text-to-Win have participated the most times the East Caribbean Group of during the promotional period. Companies (ECGC), has Promotion. Layne, like thousands of other In addition to enjoying his completed a thesis and has Samsung TV with crystal display, been awarded the prestigious Digicel customers, had a chance to win the TV by simply texting the Layne would now be able to watch NABIM Gold Award. his favourite movies and series from Ms. Black is the first from word “SHAKE” to short code 6789. The cost of each text was EC$1. the Digicel PlayGo App, by using the Caribbean or Latin the ‘cast’ feature on his new America to be selected The promotion ran for a period of one month, with draw date being Samsung TV. as the recipient of The “Shake it & Win” text this award. December 31, 2020. The lucky winner’s number was promotion was a consumer-focused, She presented Lanel Jack (left) received her award life-made-easy promotion, geared on the topic, (inset) from Paul Velox. generated using an online application that showed he would primarily towards rewarding users ‘Utilizing Six of the brand, a Digicel release said. Sigma’s DMAIC on attaining her goals. This award is one model to improve of her many achievements of which flour mill balance, ECGC is proud. mill performance, This honour is considered the efficiency, finished highest possible achievement in product quality, extraction, and NABIM’s assessment programme. profitability’. However, Ms. Black remains It was judged “well worthy of the Gold steadfast in her pursuit of further Medal” by the Assessment Panel of accolades towards self-development. NABIM, and appreciation was extended The ECGC family congratulates to Ms. Black for the quality of work she Ms. Black on this illustrious presented. achievement and wishes her From the commencement of her continued success in her endeavours. employment at ECGC, Lanel has focused (Source: ECGC) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 11. 12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Feature RSVGPF hands out awards

Tuesday 29th December, 2020, under the theme: The catalyst to success is hard work, discipline and dedication. Noticeably absent from this year’s ceremony was Assistance Cpl. 604 Aleea Stapleton (right) collects the Superintendent of Police coveted Award for Academic Achievement from Junior Simmons who CoP Colin John. would normally serve as Master of Ceremony. In Award; PC 843 Vininsha Cummings- Junior his absence, ASP King - the Sports Woman Branch Chairman of the Hawkins Nanton took up of the Year Award; and Police Welfare the role. West Indies fast bowler Association, This year the coveted Kesrick Williams - Sports Commissioner of Police awards of Policeman and Man of the Year. (CoP) Colin John and Policewoman of the Year The event heard Prime Minister Dr. went to Cpl. 192 Douglas addresses from Moice Ralph Gonsalves. (KH) Caesar and Cpl. 228 Judy Franklyn respectively. Franklyn also received the award for outstanding performance at the Human Resources Cpl. 192 Douglas Caesar, Policeman of the Year (right), receives his trophy Department. Caesar, a from Commissioner of Police (CoP) Colin John. member of the Rapid Response Unit, was cited as a brave and loyal police officer. There were presentation of awards for the best officers at all police stations, best officers at each division, as well as all the departments and branches within the police force. The ceremony also witnessed the distribution of special awards to PC 789 Chelsley Jacobs, Joyce Jackson, Doris John, Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, SOP Timothy Hazelwood, the Vermont Police Station and the SVG Coast Guard Services. Elsa Hunt, Traffic Warden of the Year (right) Awards were also collects her Award from Brenton presented to police Cain, Commander of the St. Vincent and the officers who retired this Grenadines Coast Guard Service. year. Among them were ACP Carlos Sampson; Inspectors Paul Jones and Sherol Lee- James; Cpl. 228 Judy Franklyn, Sergeants 373 Mildred Policewoman of the Mofford, 70 Cleos Year (left), accepts a Billingy and 583 Keith plaque from Assistant McBarnette; Cpl. 248 Commissioner of Police Tosby Lewis; and PCs 36 Richard Browne. Leroy Charles and 4 Lorice Alphanzo Carter. THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT The Personal AND THE GRENADINES Achievement Award POLICE FORCE (RSVGPF), category saw Cpl. 192 in collaboration with the Douglas Caesar and PC RSVGPF Police Welfare 225 Jordy Derrick Association (PWA), held its receiving Awards for Annual Awards and Bravery; Cpl. 604 Aleea Retirement Dinner at Stapleton receiving the Russell’s Auditorium last Academic Achievement Station Sergeant Brenton Smith received the Left: PC 843 Vininsha King – Sportswoman of the Police Welfare Association Award from Justice Year, receives her trophy from CoP Colin John. Brian Cottle. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 13. V Feature Commissioner addresses unprincipled officers

EVEN AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE Colin John thanked the members of the planning committee for the hard work they put in to ensure that the RSVGPF’s 2020 Annual Awards and Retirement Dinner was a success, he made clear that officers who do not adhere to the generally accepted norms and principles of the organization, will be dwelt with in accordance with inherent correction mechanisms of the organization. Commissioner John made the ‘promise’ while addressing the Royal SVG Police Force Awards and Retirement Dinner held at the Russell’s Auditorium, Tuesday 29th Commissioner of Police Colin December 2020. John recognized some Notwithstanding his stern warning, shortcomings of the RSVGPF but the Commissioner appealed to officers insisted it was comprised not to be daunted when they do not primarily of hard-working officers. get the promotion they feel they deserve. He urged these officers to ensured a peaceful election. work even harder, so those in higher The Commissioner’s audience included retired high-ranking officers of the RSVGPF. “… We played our part as authority might feel guilty for not well. Once we identified any supporting their promotion. organization, but I am happy to say adhered to the COVID-19 rules. issues or we got any intelligence that that they are few and far between, and “We had to work along with the “Be professional and continue to do there was something that was likely to so, so that at the end of the day the whenever the situation arises we try health authorities; we had to work to nip it in the bud.” along with immigration and other happen, we tried to be as proactive as organization will not be able to say, possible to ensure that things did not ‘You are looking for promotion and you John, though, said that he did not bodies to ensure that persons were want to dwell on the negative because safe and that persons who should be in get out of hand,” said the marking the time or you are not doing Commissioner on the role his men your job’. Let us Commissioners feel there are a lot of hardworking police quarantine stayed in quarantine,” said officers in the force. John, adding that even as they played during the general elections. guilty for not promoting you,” John The Commissioner revealed that advised. delivered service in this regard, the Reviewing 2020 lawmen were also expected to stay there has been a 6% decrease in crime He boasted that the police force has in 2020 compared to last year, and many dedicated officers, but admitted, safe from the virus. Commissioner John noted that this In referencing the November 5th appealed to his officers to continue “… We have a few persons who would working hard since perseverance and not adhere to the generally accepted year was a difficult one as the Force general elections, he commended the was called upon to ensure that persons public for their positive attitude which persistence are important. norms and principles of the John also congratulated the officers who received awards on the night and encouraged them to continue Draconian laws plaque PWA representing the organization well. He said that officers engaged in a the Russell’s Auditorium. personal commitment and solidarity lot of online studies and he thanked Cummings noted that even though with the police force. the regional security agencies, as well 2020 was a difficult year, Dr. Gonsalves said that he believes as the local agencies for their support. circumstances showed how “unity” that he is the only member of Officers who passed away this year involving the hierarchy of the Police parliament who is a member of the did not escape the overview of the Force and the Welfare Association Police Credit Union, though he has not Commissioner. “could foster greater things.” borrowed any money from it nor does In summary, Commissioner John He cited as an example, the he intend to, but acknowledged “at acknowledged that hard work is very Association partnering with the least it can take care of a decent important and the RSVGPF was in Commissioner and his gazette officers burial.” (KH) general, a complement of very to install face basins and other hardworking officers. (KH) facilities to aid in the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus. Cummings, however, in returning to the inhibitions his association faces, raised the issue of the use of the media to address and/or highlight the concerns the Association. “If it was that every time you open a YouTube video or the Facebook App Moice Cummings, Junior Branch and you see the conditions of our Chairman of the PWA, wasted no station, I believe that they would have time in suggesting that his already been fixed,” Cummings Association needed to move into the posited. modern technological age. “… We are living in modern times, we are supposed to adapt to changes,” MOICE CUMMINGS, Junior Branch declared the Junior Branch Chairman, Chairman of the Police Welfare continuing with a call to embrace Association (PWA, says that draconian modern technology. and barbaric laws are still plaguing Meanwhile, Prime Minister and the Association. Minister of National Security Dr. Cummings made the remark while Ralph Gonsalves congratulated the addressing the 2020 Royal SVG Police RSVGPF and the PWA. Force Annual Awards and Retirement He said the RSVGPF is a good Dinner, Tuesday 29th December, at organization and he conveyed his 14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V News Getting ready for evacuation PERSONS RESIDING in the said on January 3 on “We are not saying areas near the La radio. that it is going to Soufriere volcano are The affected areas happen, but there is the being told to begin include Georgetown possibility …. we are planning in the event an northwards to Fancy on asking persons to be order to evacuate is the East, and the area prepared, “ since ‘our executed. from Belle Isle to volcano is such that it “We are encouraging Chateaubelair on the can become active quite persons to start making West. quickly,” Forbes said. arrangements, we are According to Forbes, “And we need to be not alarming anyone,” Vincentians have been ready and that is what Michele Forbes, Director living with an active we have been doing,” she of the National volcano and now it has continued. Emergency Management gone into an eruptive She described the level Organization (NEMO) phase. of preparedness as ‘high’

A view of La Soufreire from Rose Hall. It shows the saying that various volcano as it was last Wednesday, January 6. community groups have been meeting over the past week, and that there was the opportunity to test the evacuation process during the recent Trade Winds exercise. Forbes explained that there was a District Disaster Committee set up in each of the communities and these were presently active, reviewing plans and gathering information. Among the information that is being collected are: the number of persons without private transportation within the affected communities; pick up points for those in need of transport; and a list of persons who may need to evacuate and housed in designated shelters. houses within the safe of St. Lucia had pledged Forbes explained that zone — some 85 guest to avail 350 rooms; once an area has been houses offering up to 95 Prime Minister Mia evacuated, it becomes a rooms. Mottley of Barbados restricted zone. Neighbouring initially offered 180 territories had also rooms; and Prime offered assistance in this Ministers Roosevelt Shelters – Housing regard. Skerrit of Dominica and evacuees Prime Minister Dr. Dr. Keith Mitchell of Ralph Gonsalves Grenada had committed Regarding shelters, confirmed that Prime to also providing space Forbes noted that Minister Gaston Browne for evacuated persons. designated hurricane of Antigua/Barbuda had Information from the shelters will be utilized, indicated that a state- most recent Population except for those within owned hotel with 500 and Housing Census the danger zones. rooms, currently Report (2012) suggest It was also mentioned unoccupied, would be that there are about that the Ministry of made available. 16,000 persons residing Tourism had come up In addition, Prime in the affected areas, with a list of guest Minister Allen Chastanet Forbes said. (DD) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 15. 16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN V Education

Trainees in an Allied Health Care Service Phlebotomy Course. (Source: AHCS) International accreditation available through AHCS AS OF MARCH 2020, Allied Health Care Service SVG (AHCS) began offering internationally accredited courses through EduQual. AHCS, established in October 2016, offers home- based health care services and health care educational (training) programmes. Miss Cheri Seargeant, Chief Executive Officer of AHCS, recognized that the fast-growing health care industry required trained individuals who could provide services to suit local as well as international demand. It was a desire to fill that need for trained health care personnel that AHCS was established, offering trained personnel for delivery of services locally, and introducing certified courses in areas related to the home-based health care in particular. AHCS now offers accredited courses in Emergency Medical Response skills, Home Health Care, Phlebotomy Technician Skills and Laboratory Assistant. To date, 61 persons (48 Vincentians and 13 Antiguans) have received EduQual accredited certificates. EduQual is an umbrella body of the Scottish Qualifying Authority (SQA) an affiliate of the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) the collective voice of the UK’s world-class qualifications and assessments industry. In addition, qualifications issued by EduQual are credit-rated for the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), a globally- recognized national qualifications framework aligned to other recognized frameworks, such as the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Ofqual Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). These qualifications are recognized by universities, professional membership bodies and many other stakeholders in the UK and beyond. Holders of EduQual SCQF credit-rated Diplomas can ‘top-up’ to Degrees awarded by many British and international universities, such as University of South Wales, University of Northampton, Binary University of Business and Entrepreneurship (Malaysia), just to mention a few. In a statement issued recently, Miss Seargeant said that while she is delighted that AHCS is able to provide internationally accredited certified courses, she recognizes the need for local accreditation, and assured that she continues to work diligently with the National Accreditation Board in seeking registration and subsequent accreditation. A new round of Courses is scheduled to begin on the 18th of January at the AHCS office in Stoney Grounds. They can be contacted at 17845260691 or [email protected] (Source: AHCS) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 17. V News Samuel relaxed

Leon ‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel now has to tell the court how much he thinks he should be but ready compensated for the trials he has had to endure.

LEON ‘BIGGER BIGGS’ what he terms “a These sentiment Thomas is one of two SAMUEL, who has been magnificent team of were expressed during a layers, the other being locked in a battle with lawyers,’ and relaxed with press briefing held at the Akin John, who are government both in and the new situation. Chambers of Attorney representing Samuel in out the court since 2011, He expressed that he Jomo Thomas, last his ongoing court matter said on Wednesday that he was focusing on “how to Wednesday. with the government. was “comfortable” with survive economically.” The briefing came in the wake of a December mining operations. His 16, 2020 ruling by claim to the property, Government disrespecting Justice Esco Henry, in which was filed which she dismissed the originally in 2019, Governor General’s (i.e. challenged government’s the State’s) application claim that nine acres of court rulings for leave to appeal a land in question were decision made June 24, Crown lands. The Court JOMO THOMAS, He noted that the 2020, in a matter ruled in his favour. attorney-at-law and government has a way of involving Samuel. John praised Samuel former Speaker of the grinding into the ground, On June 24, the Court for his courage to stand House of Assembly, has persons with whom they ruled there were no up to the state and is of chided the ruling Unity have issues, and he Crown lands in Rabacca the view that Samuel has Labour Party for blasted the ruling regime close to where Samuel been “vindicated.” disrespecting court for violating Leon ‘Bigger was operating his Mining Bigger Cement orders, as it relates to Biggs’ Samuel’s property Operation, trading as Aggregate Inc., has until settling with persons rights, effectively Bigger Cement and January 29 to assess against who it had loss preventing him from Aggregate Inc. what their costs will be. Attorney Akin John, court cases. putting it (his property) The issue involved The Governor General, buoyed by Samuel’s Thomas, speaking at a to productive use. property rights to lands technically the State, resilience, has press briefing last As far as Thomas was at Rabacca where will have to make that committed to staying Wednesday at his concerned, the Samuel was conducting payment. (WKJ) the path with Samuel. Chambers in Kingstown, government “is stiff- Attorney Jomo Thomas highlighted government’s necked.” did not let the reluctance to settle with However, he was government escape persons against whom it heartened that the without reprimand for had lost court matters, “chickens are coming their disregard for court and referenced the home to roost,” and more rulings against it. matters involving Otto people are seeing the Sam, three teachers intention of the Unity Unity Labour Party (Kenroy Johnson, Elvis Labour Party ticket, declared, “the Daniel, and Addison government. government won the “Bash” Thomas), as well Thomas, who elections but lost the as the conflict with contested the 2015 country.” (WKA) Public Servants. general elections on a Bars must register patrons WITH THE RECENT SPIKE in COVID-19 cases here, and the continuing patronage of bars and similar establishments, not to mention mass indoor and outdoor gatherings, owners and promoters of such operations and events are being encouraged to register patrons. Chief Medical Office (CMO) Dr Simone Keizer-Beache said that this was in keeping with the protocols guiding mass gatherings. On Thursday, December 31 the Commissioner of Police Colin John, through a public statement, said that he had taken the decision to ban the use of all amplified music. This action, he said, was based on the advice of the Ministry of Health and follows what appears to be a number of community spread cases of Covid-19 here. In appealing to bar operators and promoters, Keizer-Beache explained, A person (centre) who had breached “We are doing contact tracing and the quarantine protocol was contact tracing requires us to know apprehended recently at a who you were with,” and added, “... bar/restaurant. according to the mass gathering protocol, you are supposed to be inconvenient at the beginning but if registering at least one person from you were to find somebody who was in each party group who comes to lime.” your establishment and who was She pleaded with proprietors, positive for Covid, it would be easier persons who have a bar here and a bar for us to track that person,” Keizer- there saying, “…it might be Beache said. (DD) 18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice This is a warning!!! Dear George,

MY HUSBAND has been involved with this other woman for a while back and despite my pleadings, he would not leave her out. As a matter of fact, he denies any intimate involvement I get the impression that you have with her whatsoever. irrefutable evidence of your husband’s I am writing this to serve him infidelity. notice that he has one week from I suggest that you get a third party reading this letter to come clean and (counsellor) to sit down with you two confess his sins or else suffer the to help get some balance back into consequences. I am not going to tell your marriage, including having your him what his fate is; he will have to husband declare his intentions about figure that one out. you and the marriage. This is also a warning to his If you are not satisfied after the concubine to leave my husband alone period of counselling, then you can and be respectful to yourself and your always exercise your right not to husband. tolerate his behavior and disrespect. It is my hope that all of this can be Angel of judgement resolved through talking. Dear Angel of judgement, George What a friend!!

Dear George, always be some persons Time has a way of who pose as your friends A PERSON I thought to exposing ‘friends’ for who but who do not want you be a friend has turned they really are. Your to be happy and out to be begrudging, friend, in her selfishness, successful. boldface and malicious as was clearly bent on Spend less time this so called friend of making life focusing on what your mine. uncomfortable for you. friend is doing and more From the time she Friends like that you do time on what your was introduced to my not need. boyfriend is contributing boyfriend I noticed her The lesson to be to making your tune began to change. learned from this is: Do relationship happy and My boyfriend bought me not feed your friends or fulfilled. a new car and the first acquaintances with all of thing she said to me was your private/personal George he is doing drugs and business. There would cautioned me to be careful. When she learned that he was Get tested helping me with my mortgage payments, she started spreading Dear George, rumours of his drug dealings. EVERYONE seems to be preoccupied with Covid-9 What she does not and not remembering anything about HIV/AIDS. know is that he inherited I have a sneaking suspicion that I could be HIV a large sum of money positive because of some things I’m seeing on my from his deceased Uncle skin, coupled with my girlfriend’s promiscuous who was living in New behaviour. She has admitted to having a few York. sexual flings with some guys here and there but We were out dining don’t believe any of them has AIDS. when my boyfriend She refused to go get tested and I am scared to received a text from her; get tested. I am sitting here scared stiff that I he showed it to me. might be infected and don’t even want to bother There she was telling about Covid-9 because HIV is at the forefront of him how much she is my mind. interested in him and he I do not want to get Covid or HIV and I do not should consider giving want to keep my girlfriend either. If I can be free her a chance in his life, of everything I will be one happy man. even if she has to be his side chick. Heavy mind My boyfriend, naturally, questioned Dear Heavy mind, how I could have her as a friend. HIV/AIDS have not gone anywhere. All the I have not confronted precautions that need to be taken so as not to her on this matter. The contract the Covid-19 virus, HIV or anything else truth is I am not sure should be taken. how to respond. Is there You need to get yourself tested as soon as a way I could confront possible as it is important to know your status one her and still preserve our way or the other. As far as your relationship is friendship, one that goes concerned you need to be with someone whom you back to our teens? can trust to be faithful and committed. These are serious times and no time to play with your Unsure future. Dear Unsure, George THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 19. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Travel could bring you the adventure Try making some changes to your ACROSS and excitement you require. Don't appearance and your attitude that will even bother trying to get their reinforce just that. Your creative ability 1. Corn core approval on the things you want to do. will surface, giving you good ideas for 4. Senate icon Kennedy If you're uncertain of your feelings, ways of making money. 7. Copied keep your opinions to yourself. 9. House portal SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) 10. Supervise TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Be inquisitive about unfamiliar (employees) Your charm and generosity will bring circumstances. Your ability to charm 12. Baseball-game new friends and romantic others will bring added popularity. Your segment opportunities. Don't let someone talk hypnotic eyes will capture the hearts of you into parting with your cash unless those who interest you. 15. Almond shape you can truly see the benefits of doing 16. Mulish noise so. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 18. Contend (for) Uncertainties are still prevailing. Your 19. Offer GEMINI (May 22-June 21) home environment appears to be a little 20. Lumberjack Bunyan Older family members may try to shaky. Get on with business. Children 21. Gave temporarily make demands that are impossible for may be on your mind. 22. Bank safes you to handle. Try to accommodate 24. Accept a challenge them without infringing on your own CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) responsibilities. 25. Supposes Don't think the worst if you hear 27. Stillness something negative about your partner. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Be careful when dealing with female 29. Skin irritations 4. Theater award 28. Painting pro object Relatives will want to get together. members of your family. Rid yourself of 32. Indiana locale 5. Vast span 30. Rubs off 35. Keen desire Travel or short trips will probably be that which is old and no longer of use. 33. Shadowy 6. Bus operator 31. 37. Orderly your best outlet. Overindulgent Be sure that you lay your cards on the 34. Western star Rogers 8. Argue Unaccompanied 38. Opera people will cause disruptions in your 36. Prone (to) life. table. 9. Clock face musical piece celebrity 37. 1492 craft 10. Crowd 32. Mower fuel 40. Animal park LEO (July 23-Aug 22) AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 38. Broad valley 11. Tel __, 33. Flat, round 42. Inexperienced It might be time for you to take a You will feel the limitations if you have 39. Grabs hold of Mediterranean quantum leap from one career to been overdoing it. Your involvement in 41. Correctional facility city groups will be favorable for meeting new another. Someone close to you will get 43. Saturate with water 13. Ten minus one upset easily if you are insensitive to and exciting individuals. If you're 44. Sock away uncertain of your feelings, keep your 14. Perceive their needs. You will be in the mood 45. Kindergarten kid 17. From Moscow for entertainment. opinions to yourself. 46. Existed 20. Prune source VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 21. Mascara target Stick to your work and avoid Put your efforts into job advancement. DOWN 23. Repulsive emotional confrontations. Social Refrain from arguing with your mate. 24. Patio alternative events should be the highlight of your Turn your present relationship around or 1. Ottawa’s land 26. Leather bands day. You should be getting into self- start a new one. You may want to make 2. Milky gem 27. Draped garment SOLUTION improvement projects. changes that will not be to their liking. 2. Seek handouts LAST WEEK’s V 20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN Footballers assist Salvation Army ChildrenÊs Home

THE PROCEEDS OF A FUNDRAISING event Oalex Anderson (left) and spearheaded by three of this Kyle Edwards. country’s national footballers- Oalex Anderson, posted his idea on social media Kyle Edwards and Chelsea and got support from Cordice, have put the Edwards and Cordice. Salvation Army Children’s Edwards, who like Home at Pembroke in a Anderson hails from better position. Barrouallie, also plays The takings from a professionally in the USA. He Charity Football Match plays for Rio Grande Valley between Wetmen and Da FC Toros in USL Boys, staged at the Arnos Championship Division. Vale Two Playing Field The other lead player in the last month, was able to Charity event — Chelsea procure toiletries and Cordice, a former SVG Under- other supplies for the Chelsea Cordice takes time 17 Female captain, is a eight children, who are out to play a game of moral student at the Salem presently housed at the with some of the residents of University in West Virginia. institution. Some of the members of the Wetmen and Da Boys teams at the handing over at the Salvation Army Children’s Home. the Home. Anderson, though, was high At the event, patrons in praise of Chelsea’s mother- were encouraged to place VINCENTIAN that he that the initiative was done by match in aid of the Children’s Liz Cordice, who took care of their donations, whether welcomed the gesture by a group of young persons. Home, said that he was happy most of the logistics for the monetary or otherwise, into young footballers, noting, “We He quipped that others are that their efforts were able to event. barrels, which were placed at are appreciative of the invited to make inputs to the assist the less fortunate. Anderson hinted his intent strategic points of the playing donation.” Home. “It was a good event, and I to assist similar causes in the field. Gachelin explained: “We are “It is not only around this am pleased that we were able future. The takings from the event always in need… we have season that we accept such to contribute to a worthy The Salvation Army were then handed over to the bills… we have the children to donations, so others can come cause,” Anderson said. Children’s Home was officials of the Children’s take care of and we have forward to assist us,” Gachelin Anderson, who plies his established in 2012. The Home. workers to pay.” appealed. trade with the Richmond current population of the Captain- Ernest Gachelin of A pleased Gachelin said Meanwhile, Anderson, who Kickers in the United Soccer Home ranges from age 4 to 12 the Salvation Army told THE that he was specially moved hatched the idea of the charity League (USL) in the USA, had years old. Deane applauds batting cage initiative

STEDROY DEANE, expose and encourage continue to develop all of coach of the North more young cricket in the our players, especially Windward cricket team, community to practise now we have a team has given the Dr. and develop their skills (VJ’s Roof Top Kishore Shallow-led SVG so as to become better Restaurant and Bar Cricket Association a cricketers. We North Windward) in the thumbs up for their appreciate it (batting national competition. initiative to construct a cage) and applaud it,” Since we started in 2017 batting cage on the Deane told THE we have gotten to the London playing field. VINCENTIAN. finals and semi- finals on Stedroy Deane, coach Deane, a certified CWI Deane also welcomed different occasions so we of the North Windward Foundation Level coach the batting cage are looking to continue to cricket team. and a teacher by especially at this time perform better and win profession, works with when the cricketers from this year.” playing. And despite the youth cricketers in the area are preparing On the note of some of the challenges the North Windward for the national cricket competitions and real young cricketer face, not area. competition. playing time, Deane having enough He believes the The coach declared commented that while One of the batting cages provided through the equipment, financial batting cage will help to that he is working training is good, having SVG Cricket Association. constraints as well as the further develop the towards taking the NLA young players playing lack of support from talent in the area. “We First Division more cricket will be should be exposed to number of cricketers… their parents, they have now an area that competition title this better for their more matches. In the North Windward was a benefited from playing we would utilize and I year. development and 1990s the Primary dominant force due to more cricket,” he believe this move the “Our objective now is performance. School Cricket the high volume of asserted. association took will to see how we can “The younger players Competition produced a cricket they were I.B.A.ALLEN THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 21. V Sports TASVG innovations in 2021 TEAM ATHLETICS SVG Joseph also pointed to its events, including (TASVG) is quickly out of changes in the hosting of Development Meets, that the blocks and has Zonal Championships, as at once encourages announced a number of precursors to a Grand increased participation changes/initiatives for the Finale. as well as allows 2021 Track and Field The Zonal monthly rankings of season. Championships will be athletes by categories.” Among the changes is contested at both the The TASVG boss said making the Annual school and community that the new ranking Relay Classics an leve: the All Leeward system “will afternoon event. Zone is set for the serve as an In announcing this Cumberland Playing important change, President of Field; the Windward addition to the Team Athletics SVG- Zone takes place at the selection Keith Joseph informed Chili Playing Field, criteria that the rationale was to Georgetown; the Central regarding make the event viable. Zone is set for the Arnos national “In an effort to make Vale Playing Field and representative A snippet of the recent Pre-Season Relays held at the Diamond our events financially the Grenadines Zone at teams.” Track Facility. Inset: President of TASVG - Keith Joseph. viable, we will reorganise the Clive Tannis Playing Adding to the annual Relay Classic Field, Bequia. the list of new selected And, the local Track This towards ensuring as an afternoon event, The Diamond Track initiatives is coaches will be and Field body is set to that athletes can meet with entry fees for Facility is the venue for that TASVG exposed to procure training and the requirement od use participants and the Grand Finale. will usher in a continued competition spikes for of spikes at the Diamond entrance fees for Meanwhile, a Points programme where theoretical and practical use by the primary Track Facility. patrons... We will also and Ranking System is sessions. schools and upwards. have concessions that are another of the additions revenue-generating… . to the TASVG set up as Efforts will be made to of 2021. boost participation and According to Joseph, Williams looking to pick attendance,” Joseph “TASVG will introduce a disclosed. points system for all of up the pace TASVG Technical LOCAL TRACK Shantel (sprint) athlete Williams has Shantel returned to Williams is back her studies Director at Benedict and training at College, Benedict Columbia, South College, USA. enthused Carolina, USA, where she is on a Track CHESTER MORGAN, Scholarship, and is ready to “pick Technical Director of Team up the pace.” Athletics St. Vincent and the Williams had to cut short her During her forced return home, Shantel continued Grenadines (TASVG), the first year due to the COVID-19 governing body of Track and to train under the guidance of her local coach pandemic, and returned home to confident she Pamenos Ballantyne. Field in the country, is excited complete her studies online. She will continue to about what benefits certain interesting year. My goal for the is pursuing studies in Business put in the hard work for the initiatives in 2021 will bring upcoming year is to continue Chester Morgan, Administration and Management season ahead. for athletes here. excelling in my academics and Technical together with receiving advance “My training while at home In addition to also on the track. I am looking Director of Team training and coaching in track was very effective in preparing me Developmental Meets on forward to great things.” Athletics St. and fulfilling (track) commitments for the upcoming year, and I am Saturdays which will now Vincent and the to her College. looking forward for a very allow coaches to share their Grenadines “Despite the I.B.A.ALLEN experience with athletes as (TASVG). pandemic, I’m grateful well as review the events, that I got back home Morgan is especially enthused by the TASVG plan and did what I had to do to stage Zonal Inter Schools competitions, with a which was study hard finals set for the Diamond Track. and train harder, and I This, Morgan said, can only augur well for the am looking forward to do development of our youth athletes by keeping even better in both them active and motivated. areas now I am back at Morgan also applauded the TASVG plan to the University,” stage community zonal competitions involving Williams said in a hook- senior/adult athletes. up with this publication. The Technical Director is also optimistic about She admitted to being the benefits to be derived from a focused able to manage and programme for a select number of coaches. This complete her online would help to improve and encourage expertise at work, since it was self- the community and school levels. paced. All in all, despite the encumbrances thrown up During her time at by the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan is anticipated home, Williams an active 2021 track and field season, and an even continued her training more exciting Inter Secondary Schools at the Arnos Vale Championship, than the one staged in 2018. Playing Field with her coach- Pamenous I.B.A.ALLEN Ballantyne, and is 22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN V Sports NÊ Leeward basketball gets assistance EFFORTS aimed at reviving basketball in the North Leeward area received a much needed boost recently. This when The North Leeward Gordon Butch Sports and Cultural Organization (NLSCO) took possession of a basketball hoop and a quantity of Stewart: balls, compliments the SVG Basketball Federation (SVGBF). The handing over took place at the SVG Football Federation conference International room last week. Otmar Marshall, an executive GORDON ‘Butch’ Stewart is a Caribbean citizen member of the SVGBF and of worth more than in terms of financial value. Coordinator of the basketball revival Whether by nature of intuition, he found himself effort in North Leeward, spoke of his in the channels of influencing changes in lives of and others’ role in the formation of many the world over. Northern Boys Basketball Academy, His story begins in Jamaica where his knack which caters to young people ranging (L-R): for business plunged into widespread pioneering from 8 to 16 years old, teaching the Presentation party at the handing over of the equipment activities. He was a business man of profound fundamentals of the sports. Elron Lewis, Bernard Bibby, Rohan Providence, Norlan ‘Jimmy’ wisdom. He was not a dreamer, yet fulfilled many Marshall said that the aim is to Allen and Otmar Marshall. ventures which heart pounded. His initiative led return the sport in North Leeward to donation. to the staging of direct flights on Air Jamaica to the level it was when the Northern Boys Basketball Rohan Providence, SVGFF President welcomed Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia from JFK Team, managed by Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews, was the collaboration, saying, inter alia, “When our international Airport. once a competitive force in SVG, even winning the executive got into office, one of the first things we That signalled an injection to the economies of National Championships in 1996 against what recognized was that we had to work through the those countries. That highlighted his Caribbean would have been much more fancied teams from various community organizations if we wanted to identity, but his projection to the international Kingstown and even Union island. revive the sport of basketball here in St Vincent and shaped his outlook. Norlan ‘Jimmy’ Allen, President of the NLSCO the Grenadines. It meant that we had to work with He is known for in innovation in the hotel expressed the view that the assistance had come at those organizations who are working at the grass industry and never got weary. Butch confounded the right time. root level, and the North Leeward Sports and the sceptics. Whereas he was white man, his “…. The North Leeward Sports and Cultural Cultural Organization is one such organization. Organization… we are for all sports in North heart and soul showed no complexion. He had a This move makes the SVGBF’s work easier in Leeward and basketball is part of our plan. The ensuring the sport gets back into North Leeward.” deep touch for mankind however tinged one’s equipment will go a long way in getting basketball skin might be. back on board,” Allen said on receiving the When there was a haste in relinquishing ties I.B.A.ALLEN with the West Indies Cricket Board, Butch through his hotel brand Sandals carried the burden. Allen optimistic about 2021 His partnership may yet have yielded the adequate returns, but the administration rests NORLAN ALLEN, President of the North tennis tournaments. We also have a lot assured of some stability, over the butch Leeward Sports and Cultural of track and field events planned,” Allen stewardship. Organisation (NLSCO, is upbeat when added. The West Indies team display the Sandals logo speaking about sporting activities in the He assured that his organization will on their garments and equipment. Butch North Leeward constituency in 2021. be reaching out to and tapping into all maintained St. Vincent and the Grenadines in “We have already set a plan in place available resources. his sights. Even though he had no functioning for 2021 that involves all sports in North “My push is not to alienate anyone outlet there, the splendour the islands provided Leeward, and we will also be focusing on because they might be trying something, was enough to lure him on a regular basis. He capacity building — e.g. training our but to bring them under the was on the verge of completing his vision, when people in terms of our officials - and also umbrella, and once we can push his skills were needed for higher duties. bringing back those sports that have gone forward together,… we can achieve Norlan ‘Jimmy’ Allen - Ever so often, a Caribbean personality surfaces dormant,” Allen said recently. our goal,” Allen declared. President of the North Leeward Sports and and makes his/her contribution. Butch is another He continued, “We are here to support I.B.A.ALLEN Cultural Organisation. in that realm. He has ensured the perpetuation and give whatever help of his legacy, and his family and business we can to get the contacts have been sufficiently enshrined to resources and ensure the Butch phenomenon remains. manpower, but it’s all The ‘Butch’ will unravel over time. His ghost about revival and trying will stalk the earth after his interment. This will to get sports back up to emanate in a spirit where values of hard work, a level.” pride, progress and persistency, distinguish the The President, noting Gordon Butch Stewart philosophy. that North Leeward has been at the forefront of sports here in SVG, said with a tone of confidence, that 2021 should see more competitions for sportsmen and women in North Leeward. ”Cricket and football are our two main sports… but going forward we definitely will be bringing back to North Leeward, netball, basketball, and table THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2021. 23. V Classifieds

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JERLIE CECELIA 6<'1(<µ'$9(¶ THORPE ANDREWS PEREIRA RAY WILLIAMS a.k.a Mams a.k.a Billy Boy Saturday, 2nd Sunday, 3rd January, 2021 Saturday, 2nd January, 2021 South Rivers January, 2021 Belmont S.D.A Playing Field Wesleyan Church Viewing: Holiness Church Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Campden Park 1:00 p.m. Service: Viewing: Service: 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Interment: Golden Interment: Service: 2:30 p.m. Vale Cemetery Park Hill Cemetery AI REAL ESTATE Cane Hall 10,026 sq.ft @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $150,390.00 - BB194 Pembroke 11,135 sq.ft @ 16.00 p.s.f. - $ 178,160.00 - BB230 Kingstown Commercial Property on 1,564 sq.ft. - $194,000.00 - CC118 Pembroke Commercial Property on 25,867 sq.ft. - CALL - CC091 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell [email protected] FRIDAY,HEALTH, JANUARY 08, 2021 VOLUME 115, No.01 www.thevincentian.com POLICEEC$1.50 OFFICIALS IN QUARANTINE The Government of St. Vincent and the Stories by DAYLE DASILVA Grenadines has set in motion efforts to procure The CMO, Dr. COVID-19 vaccines within the first quarter or MINISTER of Health Jimmy Prince, Chief Medical Simone Keizer- 2021. Officer Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache, Permanent Beache, who Secretary/Ministry of Health Cuthbert Knights and two has since members of the administrative staff of that Ministry entered SVG to procure have, “out of an abundance of caution,’ entered self- quarantine, quarantine. confirmed that The officials have been advised to self- COVID-19 had made a quarantine after a relative of a member of staff COVID vaccines presence among of the Ministry of Health tested positive for health care St Vincent and the Grenadines will be seeking, in COVID-19. workers here. a first instance, to procure Covid-19 vaccines for And on Wednesday it was reported that the about 70,000 persons — or 70 percent of the High Command of the Royal SVG Police population. Force, including Commissioner of Police Colin Government is prepared to purchase 20,000 John, had entered self-quarantine, this after vaccines with the remaining being procured Deputy Commissioner of Police Frankie through COVAX — a global initiative (facility) Joseph had tested positive for COVIB-19. ‘that brings together governments and All those officers who had recently been in manufacturers to ensure COVID-19 vaccines contact with the Deputy Commissioner were reach those in greatest need, whoever they are ordered to enter self-quarantine. and wherever they live’. Also on Wednesday, it was reported that five According to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) police officers had tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache, health officials here Some of these were said to have been assigned to were working with the Pan American Health the Port, while others were members of the Rapid Organization (PAHO) and the COVAX facility in Response Unit. They are currently in quarantine. determining what (vaccine) was available and And news reaching THE VINCENTIAN on making the vaccines available within the first Thursday morning, indicated that the Curriculum quarter of this year. Department of the Ministry of Education was COVAX, according to Keizer-Beache, was still closed, after results showed a member of staff had seeking to raise the required funding to meet the commitments they have made. tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile increasing but unconfirmed reports All of this followed a confirmation by Dr. Keizer- In terms of the roll out locally, the CMO said speak to a ‘cluster’ of COVID-19 cases at a public that they have been discussing with health care Beache last Tuesday during a press briefing, that entity here, and relaxation of health protocols in providers about which groups would be targeted two health care workers had tested positive for relation to persons on at least two Grenadine first. COVID-19. islands. She added that the Ministry of Health was in The two health workers were both in stable The public has since taken to the radio waves and the process of procuring the appropriate fridges to condition, according to Dr. Keizer-Beache, with none social media platforms to voice strong condemnation store the vaccines, and vehicles to transport the requiring treatment. Ivestigations revealed that of health officials for what some have described as vaccines. they had not contracted the virus from their The only impending issue was the uptake, she workplace. “double standards” and for ‘confirming that said, following the concern raised by some to the Testing of all contact workers had been completed community spread of the COVID-19 exists here. relatively new vaccine. as per on one of the workers — all of which turned Keizer-Beache took the opportunity of the Keizer-Beache urged Vincentians to seek up negative. reference press briefing to remind persons to wear information on the vaccine from reliable sources Testing on work and family contacts for the facemasks but stopped short of confirming any and to be prepared to get the vaccine, especially second health worker was ongoing as of Tuesday. presence of community spread in the state. since it will be given free of cost. Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.