FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020 VOLUME 114, No.23 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

Mother not No jail for Union fire Locks for More water angry gun-builder opens holes election boxes rationing Page 3 Page 4 Page 12 Page 5 Page 28

RICHLAND PARK REMAINS in a Right: T-Zan Phillips state of shock following the is in custody as gruesome death of Jamarie police investigate his Phillips, a 10-year-old student connection with the of that rural, farming death of his nephew. community. A Royal SVG Police Force his nephew. This release stated that law was corroborated by enforcement authorities had a number of other already begun investigations residents. into “the circumstances The extended surrounding the death of … family resided — for [the] 10 years old student.” the most part — in The release continued to the same home, and detail, “Jamarie’s motionless T-Zan, his father body was discovered with and 2 brothers multiple chop wounds to his shared the day to neck, head and hands at his day responsibilities home about 12:30pm on of caring for young 29.05.2020. The police were Jamarie. subsequently informed. The District Medical Officer A troubled soul (DMO) was summoned to the scene and pronounced the At 21 years old, T-Zan Jamarie Phillips – 10 years old – was the 16th homicide for the year to body dead… .” is said to be a promising date. The RSVGPF Public soccer player who proudly a martyr in order to win Relations Department’s represented the Richland God’s favor, according to A family source described release did not include details Park Pride and Joy FC, and most prevalent theories sources. He never mentioned Jamarie as a loving and well- about T-Zan Phillips, the had recently attracted describes some fabled form of wanting to hurt Jamarie. loved youngster. young man who was interest from overseas religious brainwash. Further unconfirmed “The youth was irie. Every eventually taken into custody parties. Sources say T-Zan left his reports described T-Zan as evening he used to pass by for the alleged nepoticide . Most people who know T- father’s house and moved into showing signs that were not my mother. He would come Jamarie and T-Zan are Zan, a graduate the SVG a dwelling with a young lady, his normal behavior. for break or come by to check blood relatives; Jamarie’s Community College - Division widely believed to be his He was apparently my sisters. He would come up mother — who is currently of Arts, Sciences et al, claim girlfriend, and her extended removed from the house ever-so often and play with enlisted in the British Armed that the gruesome murder for family. It is apparently in this where he was residing my son, ‘cause all of them are Forces — is T-Zan’s biological which he is accused, is far out house he was exposed to some sometime before Friday, but about the same age group. …. sister. of his character. level of “religious mind- was not taken for psychiatric He would play with them A close family member It follows, therefore, that control.” treatment or evaluation. before he goes home. with whom this reporter speculations regarding what T-Zan was apparently spoke on Friday last, said overheard, in the week, triggered his behavioral A loving child Continued on Page 3. that T-Zan was very fond of change abound. One of the expressing a desire to offer up 2. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Diaspora Vincy wins top NY Lions position by NELSON A. KING Andrews-Campbell is the Lions, which is comprised Brooklyn Lions Club, that her [email protected] new 2nd Vice District of seventy-five clubs. hails from Belair. opponent, US CORRESPONDENT Governor for Brooklyn and Andrews-Campbell, a She told THE Phillipines- Queens District 20 K1 member of the Central VINCENTIAN Sunday born Dr. VINCENTIAN-BORN Ingrid Ishmael Holipas, of Ingrid Andrews- the South Ozone Park Campbell has been a Empire Medical Lions Lion since 1984. Club in Queens, withdrew from the race In that speech, she soon after she delivered also referenced her her launch speech at the ability to connect with Lions’s Mid-Winter people and to use that Convention in February. ability to inspire some of Andrews-Campbell them to become great extends appreciation leaders, as the main reason for her candidacy “I am extremely as 2nd Vice District thankful for your support Governor. and vote of confidence in “….. I want to be your electing me,” added servant leader; a leader Andrews-Campbell in a with a passion for service ‘Thank You’ message to and a determination for her home club, Central action.” Brooklyn Lions Club, and She committed to the Lions of District 20- standing “with you ready K1 Brooklyn and and able for the Queens. “I am honored leadership challenge as and humbled to serve as we work together to your 2nd Vice District move this district Governor. forward.” “With your support, I know I shall be able to Andrews-Campbell fulfill the aspirations of said she started her the Lions and the career in Lionism in May community we serve,” 1984. continued Andrews- Campbell, who is Awards over the years married to fellow-villager Daniel Campbell. Among her Andrews-Campbell achievements and said she was “deeply awards over the years moved by the expression are: Most Outstanding of support from Lions Lioness President — Sub- whose clubs she has District 60B; Most visited and committed to Outstanding Zone work with the Chairperson — Sub membership as a team, District 60B; Lions Club to advance Lionism in the community. International Leadership In her campaign Award; Lions Club launch, she said that International President’s over 30 years ago, as a Appreciation Award; graduating member of District 20 K1 Past the Barbados District Governor Community College Leadership Award; and Student Government Lion of the Year Award. Council, a professor, a Andrews-Campbell Lion, told her: “Ingrid, has also served on the we are going to miss you, district level as a but there is an member of several organization that can district committees, utilize your leadership including Feeding, skills”. TEAL, Labor Day Andrews-Campbell Parade, Family Fun Day, said that was her Testimonial Journal, introduction to Lionism Mid-Winter and and “the wonderful work Testimonial. that Lions do.” V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 3. Mother of slain youth

Right: T-Zan Phillips (left) and Marlden Scrubb as they turned out for a not angry Tournament in Barbados.

XANIQUE PHILLIPS, T-Zan Xanique is enlisted in the youngster’s murder. He was “always believed Phillips’ sister and Jamarie British Navy and has been shot as he resisted arrest and in good/God.” Phillips’ mother, according to stuck out of country due to after he had inflicted a blow to Trimmingham reports, is not being angry at T- COVID-19 travel restrictions. one of the police officers. recalled that the Zan, neither does she blame Jamarie Phillips was found Neighbours, former school last time he him. dead at his Richland Park mates as well as team spoke with T-Zan Alford Antoine, one of home. Police reports say that members from the Richland must have been Jamarie’s grandfathers and the young student was Park Pride and Joy Football after the who was at the time making “discovered with multiple chop Club are amongst those who gruesome preliminary funeral wounds to his neck, head and are weighing in on the tragic incident of which, arrangements for Jamarie, hands … about 12:30 p.m. on nepocitide incident in which he said, he was said he was in constant Friday May 29, 2020.” T-Zan is implicated. unaware at that communication with Xanique. On that same day, members The consensus is that the time. “I called a “She knows that they didn’t of the Royal SVG Police Force alleged murderer suffered friend and T-Zan grow up like that and it had to took Jamarie’s 21-year-old from mental health issues was round she so be something why that had to uncle, T-Zan Phillips into which would be largely she gave him the happen so,” he posited. custody in connection with the responsible for the drastic phone, and he character change was asking me if that resulted in the I will give my life relatively composed for God and young adult inflicting things like that.” fatal wounds on his The previous beloved nephew. Saturday, May Marlden Scrubb 23, the two soccer and Orlando players would Trimmingham are share a two players who conversation, accompanied T-Zan “when I was and four other expressed heartfelt gratitude coming from Church … and he Vincentians in the to the police officers for their 2019 Barbados First did sound like himself, but restraint while apprehending Division Football yesterday he sounded way off, an obviously agitated T-Zan. League. They played me nah want to say crazy but “The cops did the best they for the Barbados yes,” Trimminghan recalled. could have done. It could have Soccer Academy. Scrubb described the entire gone another way. I feel if Both team-mates affair as “shocking news to they really wanted to kill him remember Phillips as me” while saying, “all now I they could have, and that Richland Park has had its fair share of excitement but is usually a a “good person” who still can’t believe. Trust, I would have been much more quiet, resourceful community. worked hard and - don’t even know what I would pain for us,” she said. say to him because if I see him is just cry I going cry.” Another close family source [email protected] Ten-year-old chopped to death Continued from Page 1. police. He was shot while resisting arrest, as the police “He was always back and were reportedly compelled to forth. When he comes he employ that means of forced would hug up me sisters, submission after he inflicted a check for me mummy, you telling blow on once of the know. He was young so he officers. didn’t quite have that one He was, according to eye- sport that he loved, but he witnesses, shot twice, one shot would play football or any hitting his leg just about the little sport they playing calf area. There are conflicting around the place. Jamarie was reports of the number of shot a good student,” the source that were heard. said. T-Zan was taken to the Levi Latham Health Centre, Police an arrest Mesopotamia, where a family source said he continued to It is unclear who discovered behave “unlike himself,” while Jamaie’s chopped up corpse, receiving medical attention for but reports are that it was the police inflicted wounds. after T-Zan was spotted He was transferred to the bloodied while brandishing a Milton Cato Memorial hospital cutlass, that some residents where he remained warded up went and checked and to last Wednesday. discovered Jamarie. T-Zan was later accosted by [email protected] 4. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Courts Gun builder escapes prison term

send Nero to prison. He was in parts in a jacket. He noted that his “Corporal John to why it was made is for was instead given a two- The two rounds of client was a churchgoer, informed me that from retaliation which makes year suspended sentence ammunition were also and the pastor spoke the inception, the the offence aggravating. and fined $10,000 to be revealed. highly of him, defendant cooperated,” It is to get back at paid by July 2 or nine When cautioned, he particularly in relation to Delpleche continued, and someone, who did months in prison for told the officer, “A man him being a good father, commended John for something to you. The possession of the gun. stab me up some time and a mannerly and having given the seriousness of the In addition, Nero was ago and I made it.” industrious person. defendant an opportunity offences cannot be ordered to pay the Court His lawyer referred to to hand over what he had overlooked, and it is very $800 forthwith or serve Lawyer’s plea Nero’s age, that he had to the police. unfortunate that that is Lenrick Nero with one of one month in prison for no previous convictions, But the Prosecutor the way you chose to go,” his two children to possession of two rounds In a sterling and had pleaded guilty at added that the Browne told the whom he owes much for of ammunition. mitigation plea, Nero’s the first available seriousness of the case defendant. not being handed a Nero had pleaded lawyer Grant Connell opportunity. should never be lost In mitigation, Browne suspended sentence. guilty to both charges highlighted that his He expressed the view while recognizing the highlighted Nero’s (Facebook Photo) when he was taken client cooperated fully that if Nero was sent to unfortunate cooperation with the before Senior Magistrate with the police; that he prison, he could be circumstances. police, took his Rickie Burnett at the had kept the firearm in transformed into a The Chief Magistrate youthfulness into Stories by Kingstown Magistrate’s the bosom of his potential threat to also stressed the account, noted he had no HAYDN HUGGINS Court last week. The bedroom, and not even society. seriousness of the previous convictions, had matter was transferred his family knew it was “We humbly ask this matter, noting the two dependent children, LENRICK NERO, a 27-year- to the Serious Offences there. Court that if it had the maximum penalty for and that he pleaded old landscaper of Owia Court. “He was attacked in intention of imposing a firearm or ammunition guilty at the first who claimed he made a In presenting the February, and stabbed custodial sentence, to possession in the available opportunity. shotgun for protection, facts, Court Clerk about his body with a suspend it,” the lawyer Magistrate’s Court is Using three years as a was not sent to prison for Corporal Atnel Ash said knife. This is now June concluded. seven years in prison, starting point, she added possession of the weapon. that around 4:15am on and nothing has been and an offender can also six months for each Sitting at the Serious May 27, Corporal Nigel done (no arrest). In fear, Cannot disclaim the be fined $20,000. aggravating factor and Offences Court on John of the Rapid he made this firearm and seriousness She highlighted that took away four months Tuesday, Chief Response Unit (RRU) carried it to his room for there was no indication for each of the mitigating Magistrate’s Rechanne headed a party of RRU protection. He never one In response, Senior as to when the firearm ones, and arrived at the Browne stressed the officers to Nero’s home at day carried it outside. He Prosecutor Adolphus was made. aforementioned seriousness of Nero’s Owia, to execute a search had no intention of going Delpleche said, he read “The reason given as penalties. action and the charges. warrant. in the street and the document from the She also noted the Nero was met at home brandishing it,” Connell pastor, listened to seriousness with which and the warrant was contended. Connell’s submissions ÂSoupsÊ cleared of the Eastern Caribbean read to him in the The lawyer added that and had made inquiries Court of Appeal viewed presence of another Nero had two children in relation to the attempted murder such offences. But the police officer. for whom he was the sole stabbing matter, and Magistrate pointed out Before conducting the provider. Another child learned that it was still that each case must be search, Corporal John had died at age six. under investigation. FOUR DAYS after Lionel decided on its merit, and asked Nero whether he Nero, Connell said, “This is a very sad ‘Gobler’ George and his its own facts and had anything illegal at had worked in Mustique case, and what makes it girlfriend Deneisha circumstances. his home to hand over to as a landscaper for sad is when the ‘Gazaden’ Corridon were And after weighing the police. several years, starting at defendant said he was shot and killed, Lejah the aggravating and Nero led the officers to age 18, and never broke stabbed up, and he built ‘Soups’ Alexander, who mitigating factors in this a bedroom and handed the law despite the harsh this gun to defend was charged with case, she opted not to over the shotgun, which conditions there. himself,” Delpleche told attempting to murder the Court. George about seven months ago, has been cleared of that charge. Final adjournment in prison officer’s case When the matter was called at the Serious JULY 6 is the final adjournment looked at again. Offences Court on date in the matter involving Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted the Wednesday, Senior Prison Officer Louis Cupid, who adjournment and stressed that it would be the final Prosecutor Adolphus Lejah ‘Soups’ has been charged in connection one. Delpleche indicated that the Alexander with the October 2019 escape of Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Prosecution was withdrawing the murder accused Veron Primus, Wednesday, the Senior Prosecutor explained that charge. from Her Majesty’s Prisons, after the file was initially perused at the DPP’s The Prosecution is not required to give the Kingstown. Office, it was sent back to the investigator with Court any reason when it withdraws a charge. Cupid, 45, of Murray’s Village, certain recommendations. Those recommendations However, speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Louis Cupid has been charged with between were followed, and the file was returned to the completion of the Court’s proceedings on September 29 and October 2, 2019, DPP’s Office, and is now being perused again. Wednesday, Delpleche explained that the victim in being employed in the Public Service in St. Vincent At a previous sitting, the Prosecution had been the matter is now deceased, and the prosecution and the Grenadines as a Prison Officer, ‘did make granted an adjournment in the matter after the does not have sufficient evidence to proceed with abuse of the authority of his Office by doing an Senior Prosecutor indicated that Crown Counsel the case. arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of the Tameka McKenzie wanted to get certain things Alexander, of Brighton, was charged with Superintendent of Prisons, to wit, conspired to aid right, before embarking on a trial. attempted murder after George was shot in the in the escape of Veron Primus from lawful custody’. Cupid’s lawyer Grant Connell had responded head at Lower Middle Street, Kingstown, on the Cupid is also charged with between September 24 then, that the Prosecution had not complied with a morning of November 6, 2019. Reports are that he and October 2, 2019, ‘did agree with Veron Primus Court order to disclose all witness statements and and Corridon, vendors, were unpacking clothes to that a course of conduct shall be pursued which if relevant material to the case, and the lawyer start the day’s business, when someone opened fire the agreement was carried out in accordance with questioned, “What does the DPP getting its house in on him, and fled. the intention, will amount to the Commission of the order have to do with the order of the Court?” George, 28, of Rockies and Corridon, 25, of Offence of escaping lawful custody’. Primus, awaiting trial for the November 2015 Yamboo, were gunned down while sitting in a He has been out on $15,000 bail with one surety. stabbing death of 36-year-old Real Estate Agent parked vehicle in the area of Prime Lime Bar, When the matter was called on Tuesday at the Sharlene Greaves of Dorsetshire Hill, escaped from Arnos Vale, on Saturday, May 23, 2020. Up to Serious Offences Court, the Prosecution witnesses, the Prison around 10am on October 1. He turned press time Wednesday, nobody was charged with including Superintendent of Prisons Brenton himself in at the Central Police Station, Kingstown, the double murder. Police investigations are Charles, were present. However, Senior Prosecutor around 3 p.m. the same day, accompanied by continuing. Adolphus Delpleche requested an adjournment, Attorney Jomo Thomas. Alexander was out on bail awaiting a stating that the file was returned to the Office of the Primus was taken before the Serious Offences Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on the attempted murder Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after certain Court the following day. He pleaded guilty and was charge. George and Corridon would have been key recommendations were followed, and was being sentenced to 16 months in prison. witnesses in that case. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 5. V News Elections Supervisor writes the NDP

“But they had The NDP is looking any number of forward to the use of tags. You can cut ballot boxes secured the tags off and with locks. replace them and nobody would ever know. They did not record the numbers of the tags. They had more tags, despite what the [then] Supervisor of Elections said, than was necessary. Therefore it was very easy to get into the ballot boxes if you had a returningofficer who was minded to do that,” Bacchus-Baptiste elaborated. As per the letter from the labels which you can peel on and Supervisor, Bacchus-Baptiste said, peel off. That is unacceptable. It “We wrote back telling her yes, what was very, very lax in 2015, and they should do is follow the law and we are working on that aspect.” get a ballot box that can be locked. But that alone would not be sufficient; we [email protected] are going to demand also that the ballot paper conforms, in every detail, to the law. That is, the presiding Dora James, Supervisor of officer’s box should be put where the Elections, appears to want to law says it should be so that we can ensure that the election secure the secrecy of the ballot.” process avoids shortfalls of The Opposition Senator recounted the past. Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste has some of the difficulties detaching the made it clear that the NDP will be counterfoil that returning officers vigilant in assuring that all practices suffered through, because of what she regarding elections conform to the described as the ill-conceived design of law. the batch of ballot papers used in the 2015 elections. “All of that impacted on the secrecy of the vote, so we are THE NEW Supervisor of Elections Dora insisting now that we see that ballot James has reached out to the New paper. Democratic Party (NDP) in an effort to “It should conform according to law maintain some measure of transparency in every material way. In particular in the democratic process of electing that the names would be placed Parliamentary Representatives. alphabetically as the law says and, as This is according to Senator Kay I said, it’s perforated so that you can Bacchus-Baptiste as she responded to tear it off without destroying the a query posted during her appearance ballot.” last Sunday, on Asbert News Network The other issue to be addressed, in and ITFX Digital Solutions’ interview true transparency, must be how the series ‘On De Spot’. approved ballot boxes are sealed. “About 6 weeks or so ago, we got a “Those 2015 ballot boxes were not letter from the Supervisor of Elections sealed at all according to law,” the because, based on our query and our Senator intoned. complaints about what went wrong in “The sealing, when they say sealing, the last election, they are trying to meant if you were to tamper with it correct first of all the ballot box, when you — at the end of every election because the law says that they should when you put the ballots into the box be locked with a key, and we know after the counting, you’re supposed to that what they had there was have the presiding officer’s initials and incapable of being locked with a key.” the poll clerks and the agents initial it Instead of locking the ballot boxes — in such a way that if you were to with a key, in the last election, remove it, it will disintegrate, it will Bacchus-Baptiste said they used what tear up. they called tags. “They didn’t do that; they got some 6. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 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 Learning from the others’ protests The Politics of Folly, the Futility of Politics Written by Renwick Rose IN OUR EDITORIAL COLUMN of pressure on the administration modern January 5, 2016, we wrote: “…the to put the protests down by force, Nero degree to which a society is better judgement prevailed, and I CAPTURED THIS ARTICLE written by twiddles Renwick Rose about a year and a half ago democratic or totalitarian usually not a man jack was arrested far his well- determines the response of the but have not yet responded. I honestly groomed less charged. believed that this was one of the best articles thumbs. state machinery to open protests.” The diplomacy and calm used to come out of SVG. It would certainly help On the other side of the Atlantic, That Editorial was prompted in 1998/99 resulted in a solution us in the future, although it must be added hundreds of millions more face an uncertain by the protests that had followed that was shaped during a ‘walk that the problem he cited was aggravated future as the clock runs out on the Brexit the general elections of 2015. on a beach’. and multiplied since the pandemic. timetable. Two months away from the The opposition New Democratic (This does not sound like an I give this short introduction to show that deadline for Britain to leave the European Party (NDP) had voiced strong option the Chinese or Trump Renwick is a great social scientist, who Union (EU), there is still no clear indication objection to the validity of the would fancy as useful against honestly, I think should be recommended to of what will happen post March 29. Political results, and mobilised its forces ‘insurrectionists’.) the UWI for an Honorary Doctorate in the partisanship clouded the British referendum onto the streets of capital The path towards a return to field of Social Science. in 2016, as indeed it influenced our own Kingstown in protest of the normalcy in 1998/99 did not “As we prepare for the annual constitutional referendum seven years before, election process and the characterize the actions of the parliamentary Budget Debate in the House and up until today neither ‘All the king’s workings of the electoral office. administrations of 2010 and of Assembly, there are already signs that the horses nor all the king’s men’ have been able The results were tested in the 2015, which opted for a show of context will be an all-too-familiar one, to put Humpty Dumpty (Britain) together Courts, and though confirmed, military-like force on the streets, confrontation between opposing sides as they again. shortcomings of the process were to quiet the ‘insurrectionists’. make their preparations for what seems to be What is even more worrying is that this revealed. their major reason for existence — the next situation does not affect the Europeans or In 2010/2015, there was no general elections. the British alone. Hundreds of millions of The aim of these protests real violence on the part of the With the government and public sector people in the so-called ACP (Africa, seemed not removed from those protestors, but there was enough unions at odds, (that always seems to be the Caribbean and Pacific) countries are linked mounted by the Unity Labour provocation as per the case as we approach elections), the to both sides by trade and economic Party (ULP) when they refused heightened military style Opposition has already indicated that it cooperation agreements. The terms under to accept they had lost the presence on the streets, to result would join the unions in a picket if which Britain leaves the EU will have general election of 1998 on the in the arrest of would-be protest Parliament. So, what’s new? profound implications for these people. basis of the constitutionally leaders, bystanders and even a Here, I beg your indulgence to offer Unfortunately while the political charade is prescribed first-past-the-post foreign journalist. congratulations to the newly-appointed played out in Brussels and London, there voting system, though they had The lessons from Hong Kong opposition senator, Hon. Israel Bruce on his does not seem to be appropriate level of garnered the majority of votes and the USA have to be inclusive appointment to the House, to wish him all concern in the ACP countries, the Caribbean cast. of accepting a responsibility to the best and to urge him to try and bring a in particular, in advocacy to try and secure In the case of the ULP recognize the pain and the different approach to parliamentary adequate post-Brexit arrangements. protests, roads were blocked, systemic injustices, and to act, proceedings. He has been “long in pasture” as That lack of cohesion is also demonstrated effectively halted traffic from the when and if need be, by the saying goes, having had to subsume his by the failure of the Caribbean Community, East and West corridors of listening, reading, and ambitions to those of others who have won CARICOM, to act in unison in regard to favor with the party leadership. Can he bring mainland St. Vincent into supporting organizations that external threats to the sovereignty of something different to the parliamentary neighboring Venezuela. Not only is Kingstown and vice versa, and make justice their mission. table, or are we to have more of the same? Venezuela a part of the Caribbean basin, (it disrupting the otherwise normal This is especially pointed at Time will tell. is closer to Trinidad than either Guyana or and peaceful functioning of those of privilege who are The intense partisanship which Suriname), but for years it has benefitted Vincentian society, including protected in some capacity. characterizes our politics is not unique to our tangibly from economic relations with education and health services.. Always in the case of mass country alone. In countries big and small, Venezuela. These benefits have multiplied If we are not locked away in opposition and protest, we have rich and poor, developed and significantly since the days of the late the narrow musings of our to consider how to heal the underdeveloped, this is common practice. As President Hugo Chavez and have continued, insularity, the protests in Hong wounds that might open. That a result, billions of people in the world suffer in spite of crippling economic sanctions, Kong and the USA would not solution can be found in the as politicians place their own selfish interests under President Maduro. have passed us by. power of our voices and our and those of the powerful forces with either Yet CARICOM has allowed itself to be In fact, if we were true to readiness to confront bias. support them or force them to do their will, divided under pressure from its powerful what’s happening in Hong Kong To effect change, we must be before the welfare of the people they pledge northern neighbor, which, incidentally, has and some 140 cities across the willing to participate in to serve. not rendered half the assistance to the USA, we would have much upon conversations that may be Just take a quick look around the globe Caribbean as the region receives from which to reflect, not least being uncomfortable and definitely not and you will observe where selfish interests Venezuela, and one beneficiary is even in the the manner in which protestors easy but which are critical. and partisan political rivalry take precedence process of expropriating Venezuela’s assets. over common sense and the interests of the are treated by the arm of the Others have joined the right-wing From the lessons from Hong mass of the people. There is perhaps no bandwagon which seeks approval for armed law. Kong and the USA, let us make better example than in the United States of intervention in Guyana. In both cases, the authorities a vow to be kind, to roll up our America (USA) where not only is there a At the regional level, we cannot even find have given law enforcement the sleeves and be part of the force shutdown government because of the common ground on a matter of fundamental right to use measures, other that bends the path toward selfishness of the President, but the system importance to us all. That is the degree to than dialogue, to quell the justice. itself seems incapable of breaking the which politics serves to divide us rather than protest. So, protest yes, but be deadlock. As a consequence, hundreds of binding us together to defend common In the case of the road blocks prepared to carry the cause thousands of working people are suffering. interests. of 1998/99, while there was much towards its just end. The figurative Rome is burning while the (TO BE CONTINUED)” THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 7. V Letters Take your tablet The musings In this period of COVID-19, computer business rather computer repairs. should cause students to there have arisen some than the pharmacies or 3. Provide interest- value and care for the who have neither other entities? Are the free loans for individuals device. Repayment of of a teacher experience nor expertise computer stores better (students/teachers) to loan would mean that in the area purporting to positioned to provide select their own device resources would be THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) prescribe solutions. warranties and repairs (computer/tablet). available for the next set predicted that the world’s population would be Because we live in a as needed? 4. Survey students to of students. decimated by AIDS. knowledge-based society, How should we determine what device The last method of I am not saying ignore COVID-19, but I am we should allow those prepare for the arrival of they prefer. device distribution was saying, we cannot expect life to ‘go on as usual’ with the capability to 30,000 tablets? The aspect of choice not successful and under the rules we are encouraging as a response come forward with the 1. Allow businesses to allows students to choose sustainable. Let us not to COVID-19. remedy. handle the procurement. what they want. The make the same mistakes Social distancing sounds like a good idea, but Shouldn’t the 2. Train a minimum of interest-free loan creates again. where is the scientific proof to support its procurement of tablets be 2 persons in each school, a sense of responsibility effectiveness? done by those in the community and village in and ownership, and Anthony Stewart, PhD During this time, business profits, like for most restaurants, would be an elusive dream, most restaurants will not be profitable with serving just The NDP mourns with families of UI 20 persons a day, they will have to fire some workers. Social distancing could cause many, WE IN THE New MCMH. Later that day, commented, “I am truly many persons to lose their jobs Democratic Party (NDP) Azaria Alexander was at a loss for words. My And in my case… I am a teacher. How am I are deeply saddened by flown to Trinidad for heart hurts for all the going to help a student who has a problem the news of the passing further treatment. Last families. This is such a understanding something without (me) getting of the three burn victims evening, Wednesday, tragedy, and I know that close to that student? in the Union Island gas May 27th, she too all the people of Union And as for the wearing of masks, I am glad that station fire. succumbed to her Island are hurting right has not been made mandatory. Wearing a mask The fire occurred at injuries. now. We must pray for can make it difficult to breathe. Wearing it for the gas station in Clifton, Our deepest everyone”. long periods causes a build-up of carbon dioxide. Union Island on Tuesday condolences go out to the President of the NDP, Further, wearing a mask distorts your speech, evening May 19, 2020. families of the victims. Dr. Hon. Godwin Friday The owner of the gas This tragedy is a hard stated, “I am making communication difficult, especially station, 72-year old blow for the family heartbroken! I pray for between teachers and students. Freddy Naert, and members. They need our the families and for the COVID-19, it seems, could be with us for a very teenagers 14-year old prayers and support in community. They need long time. Yes, it is a threat of enormous Lindani Neverson and this extremely difficult our love and support.” proportions, but we have weathered worse. 17-year old Gra-niqua time. We mourn with The NDP urges that However, let’s be rational about how we go Azaria Alexander, were them. No doubt, their there be a full about that weathering. seriously injured in the community of Union investigation into the fire and were Island and the entire cause of the fire, the A teacher transported to Milton nation share their loss. efforts to combat it, and necessary part of that Cato Memorial Hospital The Honourable of the transportation and process.” in Kingstown for Terrance Ollivierre, treatment of the burn We must value emergency medical Member for Southern victims. As Dr. Friday Lavern King, Public treatment. Last Sunday, Grenadines, who has has stated, “We need to Relations Officer May 24th, both Freddy been in regular and close find answers and to Email: [email protected] Naert and Lindani contact with the families learn from this tragedy. being black Neverson died at of the teenaged victims, A full investigation is a THE BRUTAL murder of George Floyd is the most depressing video I have seen. Racial injustice in capitalism The crime has occupied centre stage with protests all over America and even in London. THE DEATH of black essence, Blacks are still The real liberation of comes with tourism that What is encouraging is that both blacks and whites male American George slaves and will continue Blacks will not be is seen as the driving are united in the protest. Floyd repeats an to be treated as such achieved because of the force in our economy. This incident is historic in the sense that it has everyday lesson to black since institutionally, ‘slave masters’ but by the We must work instead, caused many Americans to rise up and call for an people across the world; things have not changed ‘slaves’ themselves. to establish the end to racism and the brutality and injustices Blacks are black, poor in the USA even though But, it is racial agricultural industry as meted out to black Americans. and powerless chattel slavery was injustice in global that force. Undoubtedly, the incident has shown the throughout the globe. In abolished. capitalism that is the There are many ugliness of Racism. We should never support lock that keeps black George Floyds in the racism. We ought to be proud to be black. But it is people in ‘slavery’. The world and they are all rather unfortunate that there are some in this economy of St. Vincent suffering daily because country who look down on being black and even and the Grenadines is a they fail to recognize bleach their skin. classic example of racial that the real knee in the We ought to value ourselves and love ourselves injustice in capitalism. neck isn’t the white The Mustique Act no.48 police officer; the real as blacks. of 2002 allows rich white knee in the neck taking Indeed, being black does not make anyone of people to generate our last breath is racial lesser value than whites. For indeed, regardless to millions from SVG injustice in global the color of the skin, black or white, we are all resources and not pay capitalism. made in the image and likeness of God; we would tax .They give several As black people, we all die one day and go to either a place of rest or a dozen eggs in return. must recognize how we place of torment. Taiwan’s abuse of SVG’s are slaves in custody of That destination is not determined by the color fishing licence generates the wicked system left by of the skin, but rather the lives we live and our billions of dollars. They the white man, and faith in Jesus Christ. give SVG wax apples. abolish those policies While we condemned the heinous action inflicted Such policies of racial that keep the strong lock on George Floyd, I call upon us all to love each injustice by the ULP on the chains of black other, remove the hatred from our hearts, and seek regime policies keep ability. to see each other as equals, regardless of the color black citizens of SVG in of skin and status in life. God is love and so should ‘slavery’. Kadmiel McFee we all. And we must say NO Independent politician to the servitude that Kennard King 8. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Views When exceptionalism meets exceptionalism: Vincentians are crying ÂWe The Story of SVG canÊt breatheÊ and ULP Leadership: PROTESTS erupted in the United States Part 4 of America following widespread circulation of a video a white police standing, shall on application, be country could be devastating to many officer pressing his knees to the neck of Covid-19: The Exception of the families and individuals, and kept our granted leave of absence to contest Exception an unarmed black man, George Floyd, national, general and local elections. country’s borders open and economic forcing his face on the pavement until activity going. The opposition NDP, The leave shall be no-pay leave for a TWELVE DAYS before the mysterious with ears covered and eyes closed, was he was unresponsive. period not exceeding six months. If illness that had first popped up in the adamant and consistent that the During the ordeal he could be that member does not win the Chinese city of Wuhan had a name, The government should shut the country heard saying aloud, “I can’t breathe”. election, he or she shall return to his World Health Organisation on January down immediately, using draconian ‘I can’t breathe’ has become the or her original post or one of 30, 2020 declared the infectious measures if necessary, to prevent the chant during protests in the USA and disease outbreak a “public health equivalent status, all benefits intact’. spread of the virus. The NDP gave no around the world. When the three teachers lost and emergency of international concern”. By consideration for Vincentians abroad In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, February 11, 2020 the mysterious were not reinstated, the matter was including crewmen and women on the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime challenged in the court. The teachers disease was called Covid-19, and that ships; their solution was to shut down. has wrapped its tentacles around the began the most extensive media Our leaders showed great faith and won their case, but the state has necks of Vincentians forcing them to refused to pay pension and cost as coverage of an infectious disease since trust in our people, they took the scream, ‘We can’t breathe’. the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s. What population into their trust, and chose ordered by the court. The three are soon became clear in the weeks and The ill-advised policies of the ULP still crying, ‘We can’t breathe’. instead to issue advisories for major regime and the mismanagement of months ahead, was that this disease holidays, and offer constant reminders For Vincentians ‘to breathe’, we would change the way things were done, to avoid large gatherings and practise the country’s economy have created must get rid of the ULP and elect the the way people interacted, but most social distancing; and our people severe hardship for Vincentians New Democratic Party to office. The significantly, it would bring the most responded in compliance. resulting in an environment which ULP is bankrupt of ideas. The leader, powerful countries with large economies SVG’s Covid-19 response included a makes it extremely difficult for them Dr. Gonsalves, is tired and out of to their knees. stimulus and recovery package of over ‘to breathe’. They are having touch with the people. The New Make no mistake, Covid-19 was EC$ 74M through government offered difficulties sending their children to Democratic Party has the and still is, the exception to the income support to workers affected by school; they can’t pay their bills; most programmes and policies to make St. exception, so it came as no surprise loss of jobs, subsidy payments to van homes are still without internet; cost when finally, the WHO declared a drivers, taxi and tour operators and Vincent and the Grenadines work for of living has skyrocketed and all Vincentians. global pandemic. Here at home, our performers in the arts, payments to unemployment is rampant. citizens watched on as news of the vendors registered with the The unemployment rate in St. NDP mourns with fire victims first case outside of China was Kingstown Town Board as well as Vincent and the Grenadines stands at families reported, overtaking countries in those elderly folk on public assistance. 25 percent according to the IMF. This Europe and finally, making New York, Added to that, there were negotiated USA the epi-centre of the disease in moratorium on mortgage and other is worse than it was in 2001, when “We in the New Democratic Party the Americas. Governments were loan payments with lending the ULP came to power. At that time, (NDP) are deeply saddened by the making up their response to the institutions, and the prevention of it stood at 20.9 percent. Today, the news of the passing of the three burn pandemic as they went along, and disconnection of utilities by the State- unemployment rate among the 15-24 victims in the Union Island gas with the close interaction of SVG to owned VINLEC and CWSA. Over years age group is estimated to be a station fire. Lindani Neverson and the USA and specifically NY, this EC$12M was invested in agriculture, staggering 46 percent. The youth are Zara Alexander will be buried on country began to brace itself, as it was offering subsidies to farmers, buying groaning, ‘We can’t breathe’. They Sunday 7th June, Mr. Naert was only a matter of time before Covid-19 boats to be used by fisherfolk in an need jobs. We recall during the 2001 buried during the week. arrived on our shores. effort to boost fisheries supplies, to general elections campaign, the ULP ensure food security during this The fire occurred at the gas station promised the youth that they would in Clifton, Union Island on Tuesday Response guided by Science and pandemic and beyond. have provided thousands of jobs, Pragmatism Monies went into the health system evening May 19, 2020. The owner of quality jobs. The young people are the gas station 72-year old Freddy with the construction and equipping of still waiting for those jobs; they are at On March 11, 2020 at 8:30 pm, the an isolation facility at Argyle, the Naert, and teenagers 14-year old Ministry of Health Wellness and the hiring of 40 nurses to improve home frustrated. Lindani Neverson and 17-year old Environment convened a media screening and surveillance, the Despite the importance of Gra-niqua Azaria Alexander, were conference to update the nation on the opening of a flu clinic at the MCMH, agriculture to the economy of this seriously injured in the fire and were corona virus pandemic as SVG had and a widespread public education country, the government has transported to Milton Cato Memorial recorded its first case, an imported campaign. The safe repatriation of systematically destroyed the Hospital in Kingstown for emergency case. Minister Luke Browne and the Vincentian crew men and women on agricultural sector. It is amazing medical treatment. On Sunday, May Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. ships in a manner that would ensure today, during the COVID-19 pandemic 24th, both Freddy Naert and Lindani Simone Keizer-Beache briefed the the health and wellbeing of citizens, and the approaching general elections, media on how the current situation was properly negotiated, with Neverson died at MCMH. Later that that the government is talking day, Azaria Alexander was flown to involving patient zero was being established protocols for testing and favourably about agriculture. The handled, and outlined what was quarantining being outlined to cruise Trinidad for further treatment. Last ULP administration policies have evening, Wednesday May 27th, she already in place to control the spread companies to enable the safe and forced many established farmers out of the virus. From the very beginning, seamless repatriation of close to 500 too succumbed to her injuries. PM Gonsalves, when he spoke to the crewmen and women. of agriculture, and vast areas of Our deepest condolences go out to citizens of this country urged that we formerly highly productive land are the families of the victims. This refrain from panic and hysteria but Conclusion now abandoned. Even a cursory tragedy is a hard blow for the family instead be guided by the science. He examination of our rural areas reveals members. They need our prayers and led the way and provided the kind of During the months from March to a deteriorating situation, where large support in this extremely difficult exceptional leadership required when the present, because this country sections of land, previously deemed time. We mourn with them. No encountering the exception of the didn’t close its borders and halt part of the national food-basket, are doubt, their community of Union exception. economic activity, SVG was able to now under-utilized. Island and the entire nation share Crafting a national response to the ship agricultural and other produce to Most Vincentians continue to live their loss. Covid-19 pandemic required a good Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and in fear of political victimization, a understanding of this situation that The Honourable Terrance Grenada. Countries such as Saint weapon used by the ULP regime Ollivierre, Member for Southern was still unfolding and how it could Lucia and Antigua expressed difficulty against our freedom of expression, our impact the country on all levels. PM paying public servants; but here in Grenadines, who has been in regular freedom of conscience and our freedom and close contact with the families of Gonsalves’ government quickly SVG, public servants were paid early, to associate. We think about Marcus assessed that there were in fact 4 and there was even the hiring of 105 the teenaged victims, commented, “I interconnected dimensions to the De Freitas, Paul ‘I Madd’ Scrubb, am truly at a loss for words. My heart new police officers during this Leon ‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel, Otto monumental challenge: Health, challenging time. SVG has moved hurts for all the families. This is such Economic, Social and Security (HESS) Sam, Luzette King, Vynette a tragedy and I know that all the towards the phased reopening of Fredericks, Jamali Whyte, Collin and any response must of necessity school, and just recently hosted the people of Union Island are hurting address these. This plan was clearly inaugural Vincy Premier League T10 Graham, Jozette Bowens, Ordan right now. We must pray for laid out in an address to the nation on Cricket Tournament, with the Graham, and recently Kenson King. everyone”. March 25, 2020, including very cricketing world as audience. The These are some of the persons over President of the NDP, Dr. Hon. specific sources of funding to ensure reality is, when Covid-19, the the years who have suffered under its successful implementation to boost Godwin Friday stated, “I am exception of the exception, showed up this vindictive ULP government heartbroken! I pray for the families healthcare, social programs and forcing them to cry, ‘We can’t breathe’. investments in the country’s security and other countries were scrambling and for the community. They need our for answers, SVG showed its We cannot forget the three love and support.” infrastructure. teachers, Kenroy Johnson, Elvis In this region, every CARICOM exceptionalism of leadership in the The NDP urges that there be a full member-state closed its border, with management of the pandemic in Daniel and Addison ‘Bash’ Thomas investigation into the cause of the fire, some enforcing curfews while other containing the spread of the virus, who contested the 2010 general the efforts to combat it, and of the declared states of emergencies; but keeping the number of confirmed elections for the NDP. The ULP cases among the lowest in the region transportation and treatment of the there was one notable exception, SVG. government and the St. Vincent and burn victims. As Dr. Friday has Dr Gonsalves with his pulse on the and preventing deaths among persons the Grenadines Teachers Union infected. This is our story of small stated, “We need to find answers and ground, and very alive to the economic signed a collective agreement. Article to learn from this tragedy. A full circumstances of Vincentians, island exceptionalism. Let’s be proud 16 of the agreement says ‘a member of and share it with the world. investigation is a necessary part of understood that a shutdown of the the union of at least three years that process.” THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 9. V Views Repairing the nets ‘Plan-demic’ and Social Explosion

“When fishermen cannot go out to ‘THERE ARE DECADES where nothing sea, they must repair nets.” - Nabil happens; and there are weeks when Sabio Azadi (Born 1991) – Iranian-New decades happen.’ Zealand artist. The world is small and is getting smaller. The widespread availability of THE QUOTATION THAT INTRODUCES this television and smartphones allows for the instantaneous relay of information week’s essay was one of several shared in activities that assist us in improving urinating on himself as the last breath by Mr. Timothy Antoine, Governor of the from any corner of the earth. our skills and attitudes. Such The global ‘plan-demic’, white ebbed from his body. Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, during engagements demonstrate prudence And America exploded in righteous his online presentation to private sector supremacist and racial police terror in and foresight. There is wisdom in the United States, particularly the indignation yet again. In scenes that representatives from the Eastern using such periods of inactivity to reminded of the turbulence of the 1960s, Caribbean on Thursday, 28th May 2020. murder of Ahmaud Arberry in Georgia, engage in self-improvement activities. the assassination of George Floyd in particularly after the assassination of His topic, “Prospectives of the ECCB on The downtime in the economy could be Dr Martin Luther King Jr, the cities Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on the Minneapolis, and the video of a white wisely used to create an upswing in woman in New York weaponizing racial erupted with protest. People were angry Economies of the ECCU”, focused on how our pursuit of enhanced performance and it showed. best the citizens of the Eastern hatred about black men, guarantee that through training. We admire and 2020 will go down in the history books In these protests there are those who Caribbean can prepare for the post honour those individuals who continue engage in righteous indignation to COVID-19 economic regrowth. When as one of the most eventful on record. the pursuit of excellence even as they The year started with the declaration reflect the horror of their experience as referring to the said quotation, he noted await the opportunities that may if to say, ‘I am tired and fed up and that this was an African proverb. of a global ‘plan-demic’ that has claimed appear to be alluding them. We are the lives of more than 400,000 people can’t take this anymore.’ Then there are Modern societies can benefit from encouraged by the number of agent provocateurs who want to sully the wisdom shared by many ancient worldwide and infected over 6 million. unemployed or underemployed The major centres of the world locked the good name and efforts of those who civilizations. Many of the ancient individuals who register to participate are protesting to place a spotlight on Chinese, Indian, and African proverbs their borders to travel and locked their in academic programmes aimed at citizens inside their homes for months. evildoers. And then there are the are loaded with wisdom. They invite enhancing their professional opportunists, those looking to exploit us to consider principles that, when The vast majority of workers across the development. They register for online earth was thrown out of work, some the protest to burn and loot and try to embraced, can enable us to live better courses in a variety of subject areas. make off with some personal gain. lives. They often lay out useful plans came perilously to starvation as their They push themselves to be the best tiny savings dried up. Add to this topic, mix the Central for personal and community growth. that they can be. These are Park encounter between the black bird We are grateful to those ancient The ‘plan-demic’ is clearly a massive individuals who understand and experiment in mind control. It was an watcher and a white racist ‘dog lover.’ philosophers who took the time and appreciate that it is better to be Told to place her dog on its leash by the exerted the energy to archive their experiment in assessing the many ways prepared for an opportunity that does in which fear could be utilized to corral black man, the racist woman decided to “pearls of wisdom” and “jewels of not appear than to have an weaponize the hatred of black man so knowledge”. The COVID-19 the citizens of the earth in doing opportunity appear and they are not whatever the state wanted them to do. present in American society. She pandemic has disrupted many prepared. They convert what may Had there been a suggestion in brazenly told the black man that she business, economies and societies. often appear to be idle time to be most February or March that people take an was going to call the police and tell Many enterprises around the world productive. In this way, they repair untested vaccine to protect against some them that a black man was threatening have toppled into nothingness. The the nets while they await the deadly illness, most would have lined up her and her dog. As she worked herself list of firms filing for bankruptcy opportunities to go fishing. in droves to take it with incalculable into the white woman fearing black man continues to lengthen. This is as true The idea of using “downtime” wisely risk to themselves. Those of us performance, she started to choke the for firms operating in emerging is not focused only on the pursuit of expressing scepticism about the dangers dog. economies as it is for those registered formal or academic studies. The of ingesting unproven medicine that Two things of note come from the in developed countries. Other “repairing of the nets” may also contains mercury, one of the deadliest killing of Mr Floyd and Central Park enterprises have had to engage in cost- require some degree of introspection as substances known to man and human dog act. In both cases, people, especially cutting exercise that have resulted in it relates to our attitudes and habits. remains would have been jeered off to white people and state officials, placed temporary staff layoffs as well as An objective assessment of where we jail or worse. the sanctity of property or the animal’s terminations. The list of the are and where we ought to be should The ‘plan-demi’ showed that climate safety over the life of the Black man unemployed has sored around the regularly be done noting that we are change and global warming could be whose life had either been snuffed out world. No country has been exempted. not perfect and that we all have the controlled if the leaders of the world or threatened with either police violence The world economy is truly in a crisis; capacity to improve. However, it is were serious, if only they could commit and or death. Black life has been so a crisis that is fraught with dangers insufficient to merely observe our to placing people before profits. Cities cheapened, and the occurrences of but also pregnant with opportunities. defects. We need to be proactive across the USA, China, Europe and brutality and death so prevalent, that Many of these opportunities will lie in enough to take that next valuable step India that were choking with smog and people seem to be numbed to the horror. our using the “down time” wisely to and commit to improving. As good as where people found it difficult to These events in the United States is plan and prepare for the post-COVID- we are, we can be better. breathe, regained their pristine beauty. a clear indication that white supremacy is still alive and well in America. But 19 era. The quotation from St. Jerome (the Masks to protect the lungs from bad air The planning and preparation were replaced with masks to protect us there is also evidence that an Latin priest, theologian, and historian awakening is occurring. A good slice of referred to must be evident at the who died in 420 AD) reminds us of the from death through disease. personal level. We need to see these Hitherto people who clamoured for a the demonstrators is white, and that’s a need for each of us to constantly focus good sign. However, increasing white displayed at the community and on improving performance. He living wage or universal health care or corporate level also. We must pursue more funding for education and other outrage over terroristic actions of the inspires us to excel when he noted, state or white supremacist citizens is survival strategies as we seek to retain “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. social projects were disdainfully asked and expand our personal and corporate where the money will come from. The not enough. ‘Til your good is better and your better White people can no longer be just horizons. Using the analogy is best.” Our lives, our homes, our ‘plan-demic’, as was the case with the expounded in the introductory world financial crash of 2008 before it, opposed to racist actions. They must be places of worship, our neighbourhoods, anti-racist in their daily lives. They quotation, the times when we are and our workplaces will all see marked demonstrates that there is an unable to go out to sea should be used abundance of money to be had whenever cannot continue to comfortably enjoy improvement when we commit to this the benefits of a racist system and for mending our nets. philosophy of constant improvement. world leaders wanted to fund a project Several regional and international that was more about their own occasionally step onto the picket line to But we must commit to the exercise demonstrate disgust against the institutions have used the recent and not merely be spectators and enrichment and clever manipulation closure of their respective than about environmental and brutalization and dehumanization of analysts. We need to take action to be black bodies. establishments to offer a variety of the best that we can possibly be. There humanitarian survival. courses. The more progressive On top of these ‘plan-demic’ truths They must interrogate and challenge are numerous local, regional, and the system which exploits and oppresses professional associations have also international examples of how the came the ruthless murder of Ahmaud been proactive in offering online Arberry in Georgia, two racist white people of African descent. No matter COVID-19 pandemic has forced many what happens, people of African descent workshops and uploading podcasts persons out of the job market or, in men and the police assassination of aimed at keeping their membership George Floyd in Minneapolis. must realize that their redemption and many instances, resulted in a salvation lie in their own hands. Others mentally and emotionally engaged. significant reduction in the number of The deaths coming so close to each These have been intended to other proved to be too much for people may join, but unless they lead the hours worked. As difficult as it may fightback, little or no change will come. encourage individuals who are working appear, we are challenged to avoid to bear. There was Arberry running from home or those who have been laid down the middle of a street and The plan-demic and the explosive becoming idle during the down time. racial tensions in the USA have allowed off to consider engaging in online We could embrace the challenges senselessly gunned down. There was the activities to develop their skills. It is white racist police officer posing with people to see some new truths. We can evoked by the introductory quotation, only hope that these developments bring encouraging to observe the number of and note that, “When fishermen his knee pressing on Mr Floyd’s neck, Caribbean citizens (including with his partners either standing on a new awakening and consciousness cannot go out to sea, they must repair that will result in a complete managers, leaders, and supervisors) nets.” around or pinning him to the ground. who have been engaged in facilitating There was Mr Floyd beseeching the reorganization of society where citizens take pride of place over profits. such courses and/or participating as Send comments, criticisms & officers to release their suffocating hold, attendees. This reinforces the view suggestions to telling them he could not breathe, invoking the name of his dead mother, Send comments, criticisms & that there is wisdom when we engage [email protected] suggestions to [email protected] 10. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Views Stupidity beyond belief! ACCORDING to an iWitness news report To increase our country’s electricity every household in SVG with cheap about the geothermal project in SVG, the output, we could have: mains electricity, if we did not have a meter key whenever they want, in ULP regime is now questioning whether it 1) Installed more turbines on government with its head up its ‘behind’. amounts that were affordable to them, makes sense to go through with the existing hydro-electric plants, so that the Instead, we have thousands of from $1 upwards. This way, no project. It’s been quite clear to many in same water can generate more electricity households that have no mains household in SVG would ever have their SVG that it did not make sense to even as it flows down a river; electricity, because it is too expensive. electricity cut off again, and there would start the project. 2) Brought in wind turbines to Stupidity beyond belief! be no expensive bills at the end of the Since 2001, the ULP regime has generate electricity; and It is the children of the poor who month. exhibited stupidity beyond belief, and 3) Installed thousands of solar suffer the most, as they have no A Green government would also cut this geothermal project is just another panels on roofs throughout the country. electricity for light at night to do their the price of electricity by 50%. The example of the regime leadership’s In all three of the above options, the homework. reconnection charge of $100 would be stupidity. There are much simpler, technology involved is much simpler, the A Green government would make the abolished because with smart meters, it easier and cheaper options available to cost is much cheaper and the energy SVG electricity supply 100% generated would be redundant as no one would get our country to increase our electricity supply is free. With simpler technology, by renewable energy, using wind, solar cut off. output, yet the ULP regime stupidly it means they are easier to install and and hydro. This would make it much The main reason why many decided on geothermal. maintain, and with cheaper technology it cheaper too and affordable to poor households in SVG are not connected to The ULP regime has wasted millions of means they are cheaper to install and households. Every household would be mains electricity is because we have a dollars of taxpayers’ money on stupid maintain. connected to the mains electricity supply grossly incompetent ULP government ideas that have failed, and failed badly. But, rather than going for the obvious under a Green government. that lacks vision and innovation. The geothermal project is another option, the ULP regime went for the A Green government would bring Our country is in crisis, because the example of wasted dollars. Our economy stupid option. smart meters to SVG which use the key ULP regime has wrecked the economy. is very weak and there is poverty The ULP regime has been in office charge system. Households could then SVG needs change immediately. No throughout our country, yet the ULP since 2001. Over the past 19 years, we pay as they go and top up (as people do more stupidity beyond belief. regime continues to waste public money. could easily have managed to connect with mobile phones) their electricity PRYME: PRY-ME, PRY-ME, PRY-ME

I LEARNT from the Editorial of demand more”. present government, for in ULP government by the success of these targeted micro- the Searchlight of May 22nd I wonder really, if there is a recent months, I have been Editorial of the Searchlight is enterprises will not be realized that the PRYME programme, an large percentage of the noting the pervasive “wutless out of harmony with the well- in the short to medium term. initiative of the government of population who are so oriented, neglect” of our infrastructure, a documented exhibition of They need a strong local SVG, which provides grant- that they do not appreciate the glimpse of which can be seen at mismanagement, when in 2009 economy to “feed on”. funding to entrepreneurs, help which they are offered in the back of the properties of the they refused to act to address Have we forgotten the awarded the first $600,000 of times of crisis, or is it that the St. Vincent Grammar School the issue of the black sigotoka hundreds of small businesses the $4.85 million budgeted for pervasive sufferings of the and the Girls’ High School. disease which resulted in the which were spread throughout this year. people over the last several These two institutions have for crippling of the Banana the rural communities in the Appreciation for the concept decades has not yet reached the more than one hundred years Industry. It cannot be forgotten days of vibrant agriculture, behind the PRYME programme sensitively of some of the more featured prominently in the life that these are the same people when bananas brought money was expressed as the Editorial privileged among us. of this country, so that today, who in 2001 said they were into the economy every week? was impressed that the effort The Editorial informed, that many of the responsible going to revitalize the In those days, the farmers sought to boost the micro- “over the years, we have enjoyed positions in the management of agriculture sector and it was on were busy earning money which businesses sector and get our the fruits of the efforts of the country are held by the basis of that they won the they spent on modernizing their people to work, especially given various governments in disaster graduates of these two support of the farming homes, educating their children the sense of entitlement which management, and building institutions. What is exhibited community. They have proven and enjoying their lives. They seems to be growing in some resilience. The current there then is an absence of to be untrustworthy and have did not depend on quarters in SVG. government has much to its pride, not an appreciation of the left the farmers scrunting! untrustworthy politicians! The Editorial noted, “It is an credit in this regard and must fact, that the environment plays This PRYME programme Some questions which are attitude that the responsibility be congratulated for its a significant role in the healthy which is lauded by the Editorial pertinent today are: for one’s welfare lies with leadership in times of crisis”. development of the young people of the Searchlight, while the (a) Has the Ralph Gonsalves someone else, some institution, I think, that on that score, who are developed by it. recipients may indeed feel ULP government been faithful some government, and that no the Editorial of the Searchlight Indeed this high grateful for these grants, the to the promises they made in matter what we get, we ought to has been overly generous to the commendation of the current hoped for development and 2001? (b) Where is the Cross- country Road? (c) Where are the Feeder Roads? Open Letter to Ministers of Tourism and Health: (d) Why are we not yet exporting bananas as St. Lucia, up the streets’, far from it; improper, cruel Dominica and Jamaica are My recent visit to your island animal control would result in disastrous doing? PR and serious harm to the country’s (e) What about the $1.9 DEAR SIRS: Humane Society on the island, no shelter, tourism. A humane programme would gain million of that school repair no governing body to oversee the state of St. Vincent positive ‘worldwide’ publicity programme not yet accounted I am a Cruise and Vacation Specialist in these wandering animals. and is actually cost effective. Every tourist for? It could be used for Toronto, Canada. My job is to recommend I returned to my cruise office back in lost because they have been upset by what addressing the unhealthy different and emerging Caribbean ports to Canada where myself and the other they saw and didn’t return and don’t situation at the Girls’ High clients, and so I was excited to spend a day consultants discussed the visit to your recommend the island to others, means School and the St. Vincent on your island back in January 2020, island. We are questioning how we, in good money lost from the whole economy Grammar School. That having not been there previously, after 26+ faith and good customer service, can whether it’s from entry taxes, food unhealthy situation has been cruises! suggest to our clients that a visit to St purchases, taxi rides, etc. What is the point persisting for too long! St Vincent potentially has so much to Vincent is a nice island to spend a day on, in building beautiful hotels, big airports The lesson from the stresses offer and I was excited to be adding it to when so many guests came back distraught and other attractions if tourists come away of the COVID-19 for us in SVG, my portfolio but, that said, after my time and upset by the animal suffering they upset from seeing an abused animal, not is that every conscientious touring the island, I was horrified to see saw? wanting to return? citizen should stand in the line- the many poor animals wandering around. Tourism is a large part of the Caribbean As someone in the tourist sector, I up against the subtle It was heart-breaking and I couldn’t shake economy, and as the islands work to recognize that St. Vincent has wonderful disempowering of our people via the sadness for the rest of the day ...taking recover from the loss of tourists due to the eco- tourism opportunitie, and humane disingenuous schemes by it back onboard with me and finding myself Corona pandemic, it’s more important than animal care goes hand in hand with that. politicians, whose documented chatting to other passengers, who were also ever that you offer a positive experience. untrustworthiness over the last horrified by the unnecessary suffering they The vast majority of tourists care for I await your response. several decades testified that had witnessed. animals and are troubled and negatively the pursuit of their personal I found and contacted the Vincentian affected when they see animal suffering Kind Regards, agenda takes precedence over Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to and abuse. the welfare of the people of this Animals, who seem stretched and already Humane animal control is a long term Karen Walsh agriculture oriented society. doing all possible with limited resources. I strategy and one that St. Vincent can excel Cruise & Vacation Specialist was disappointed to hear there is no at. It’s not about killing dogs and ‘clearing Presidents Circle Gold Le Roy Providence THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 11. V Heritage Resistance Heartbeat Drummers: 10 years old and moving forward THE RESISTANCE HEARTBEAT “Edutainment” sessions have take the form of the DRUMMERS (RHD) celebrated been held in a number of printing of its 10th Anniversary on communities and schools anniversary t-shirts Wednesday 3rd June 2020. across St. Vincent and the for members, and The RHD is a Cultural and Grenadines. the release of a new Educational Organisation In addition to its work recording “Madam based in Kingstown Park, locally, the RHD has been Marijuana”, the whose membership is drawn given the opportunities to organization said in from persons from different perform regionally and a recent release. areas of St. Vincent. internationally, inclusive of at In that release, Presently, the organisation CARIFESTA, in Mexico, the organization has seven members. Suriname, Martinique and said it “takes great Driven by its motto, England. pride in its “Uplifting our Nation with a And as part of its achievement within Cultural Vitalization”, the commitment to safeguarding an environment of group’s primary objective is to the unique physical numerous revive the cultural art forms of environment of St. Vincent challenges of the music and dance rooted in the and the Grenadines, the last ten years.” African and Garifuna heritage organization adopted the The negative that abound in St. Vincent and (mineral) Spa in Belair, attitude of some the Grenadines. cleaning and painting the sections of the This objective is pursued compound regularly. society along with The membership of the Resistance Heartbeat Drummers. through an approach dubbed Additionally, the RHD has the poor response of “Edutainment”, a delivery of painted the Block 2000 area in the business sector to requests educational awareness Montrose and the wall for assistance, did not make (Ras David) a group member, future given the positive programmes through opposite the clinic in Campden the going any easier, the for allowing the use of his response and the enthusiasm entertainment using songs, Park. organization emphasized. family’s residence for of the young people in the poems and dance, Due to the restrictions The organisation might not rehearsals. schools and communities. accompanied by the rhythms imposed as a result of the yet have secured a permanent Notwithstanding the “I am confident this Art of African and Garifuna hand Covid-19 pandemic, the 10th home, and thanks must be challenges, President of the Form will survive for drums. Anniversary celebration will given to the Bro. David Culzac organisation Victor Mwata generations to come,” Byron During the last ten years, Byron is optimistic about the said. 12. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V News Fire throws up shortcomings the burn victims having to be transported in the bed of pickup trucks; the lack of proper resources to treat the potential infections and possible carbon monoxide poisoning that are known to plague such patients. Even as he took time to laud the herculean efforts of Dr. Ashley C. John - a trained the medical care team at the first responder in Disaster Clifton Health Centre during Management - had a laundry that fiery catastrophe, Dr. list of things that went wrong John made mention of what he during and after the fire. qualified as the most (Facebook Photo) disturbing event of the already disastrous evening. it seems to me, and this is my Fire victims from left: Freddy Naert, Lindini Neverson and Shaniqua Alexander. “There is a one hour gap opinion — they didn’t want to from the first time you get listen to her,” Dr. John said. EVEN AS UNION ISLAND negatively impacted on the persons after the young lady that call to administrating It took the arrival of the CONTINUES locked in a period of burn victims’ lives. went first.” emergency care that is critical attending physician and the grief occasioned by the loss of One person told us, “Had to the patient. One hour! And rumored intervention of the three persons in a recent fire on the government helped to get Trained First responder you are waiting on Union Director of Grenadines Affairs, that island, residents and others them (burnt victims) out reacts Island four/five hours before Edwin Snagg, to move the have zeroed in on the sooner, they would have made the Coast Guard got there. It process along. Meanwhile the inadequacies that were thrown it. Even the Coast Guard, that This sentiment was seems to me like no other male patients were left to up by that fire. very night, was carefree. You supported by Dr. Ashley C. efforts were made like even an languish on the open back Not least in their venting had to beg them to start the John in an address that was aircraft — some kind of trucks which transported them was how the whole situation engine to carry the other two broadcast on his Facebook emergency aircraft or from the clinic. page last Sunday. something — which could have Dr. John is not a flown down to Union Island The MedVac vessel medical doctor but much faster because these are is a trained first burn victims … and they had On Sunday 24th May, five responder in to be moved into a specialist days after the Union island Disaster part of a hospital immediately, fire, Health Minister Senator Management and that didn’t happen,” John Luke Browne appeared in the situations, amongst told his audience on Sunday season premiere of the Asbert other afternoon. News Network interview qualifications, and Coast Guard ‘blues’ series On De Spot. He was quick to reported that the COVID-19 volunteer his travel restrictions enforced in services as the fire According to Dr. John, the Trinidad and Tobago meant raged. vessel arrived around 11:45 that a conversation between He itemized, pm although the request for Prime Ministers Dr. Ralph amongst a laundry urgent medical evacuation was Gonsalves and Dr. Keith list of things gone communicated as early as Rowley was necessary to awry: the lack of a 7/7:30 p.m. To make matters facilitate Shaniqua command center of worse, the vessel’s captain Alexander’s flight to the any sort within the wasted more precious time at appropriate health care vicinity of the fire; loggerheads with the medical facility there. the lack of any advice being offered by the She, along with Freddy nursing staff on the scene. Naert and 12-year-old Lindini The remains of the fuel truck from which the Gas Station tanks were ambulance service which resulted in “The part that distressed Neverson had been set ablaze being filled. me the most about that when the gas station exploded entire night, was when we and went up in flames. got down to the jetty to Senator Browne, when deliver the 2 patients to the asked to provide an update Coast Guard vessel. To our regarding the promised surprise, when we got to the MedVac vessel, responded in vessel and we were ready to part: “I don’t have the details lift the patients aboard, we on the MedVac Vessel. I’m were stopped. Right away we curious to find out how were barred from entering different transportation may the Coast Guard vessel with be on a MedVac vessel versus the patients, so we couldn’t the Coast Guard vessel which move them from the 2 may have been used to bring vehicles. the persons to the mainland.” “And I’m saying this for PM Gonsalves had the record. They had some announced earlier this year meetings inside of the that government had already vessel, and we were on that committed $700,000.00 as a jetty for over an hour; until deposit on the vessel, which the people of Union Island was said to cost upwards of started to curse and carry $4M. The estimated time of on… for over an hour, and arrival was set at 3 months. remember they arrived at 11:45. Nurse Jones went on [email protected] Residents of Union Island mounted candle light vigils in honour of the three fire victims. board to try to brief them — THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 13. V News SAMPASA (NA) donates tablets

SAMPASA – NA ((St. project, he said to responding Martin’s Secondary School himself that it was the to online Past Students Association sign of the risen Christ testing. - North America), on amongst us, working in They got Monday 25th , handed and through us. prepared for over 93 Amazon Kindle He expressed thanks that,then Fire HD 8 tablets to its to the local and North the alma mater, in a virtual American chapters of the coronavirus handing over ceremony. Past Students came, and The donation is to Association for their they just assist in enhancing the support, noting that transferred online teaching and when Yohance Gibson to online learning environment at took over as Acting teaching,” the school, and the Principal, he advised him stated tablets are intended for to try to re-activate the Bishop students who do not have Past Students County. such devices or access to Association. President of the local mobilized and “we Some of the 93 Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8 tablets any. “It is good to have chapter of SAMPASA exceeded our target and donated for use by needy students of the SMSS. Speaking at the them on board,” said Ronnie Daniel spoke of all expectations.” handing over ceremony Bishop County, and he the unwavering support Ivan Morgan, was the kind of Yohance Gibson, held at the School in commended Gibson for from SAMPASA (NA), as President of SAMPASA partnership the Ministry acting Principal of the Kingstown Park, Roman his hard work as well as well as the role of the (NA), speaking via zoom, of Education was looking school, in delivering the Catholic Bishop, His the management team local chapter, who said that the goal and to encourage. The past Vote of Thanks, noted Lordship Gerald County, and staff of the school. facilitated the process for vision of the organization students could have that past students of the Chairperson of the St. The Bishop singled out the import of the tablets. is to assist past, present spent their money school continue to make Martin’s Secondary IT teacher Petrus Gumbs He singled out and future students of elsewhere, but they chose tremendous contribution School Board of for special mention. Treasurer Leroy James St. Martin’s Secondary to invest in their alma in the society, and this Governors, said that Gumbs, he said, had the for using his office to School. He said that the mater, she remarked, was testimony to the when the acting online system in place ensure a smooth process, organization is also open and called on other good work of the school. Principal of the school before the pandemic. “In adding that within a to anyone who is willing entities and individuals (KH) spoke to him about the fact they have been week, things were to work with them “to to do likewise. improve the status of this great institution”. Susan Hamlet, Project Organizer and Public Relation Officer of SMPASA NA, who also addressed the ceremony via zoom, said they were initially looking at acquiring 40 tablets, but because of the overwhelming support, they were able to purchase 102 tablets. Kay Martin Jack, Senior Education Officer with responsibility for secondary schools, said that the SMSS- Ronnie Daniel, President of SAMPASA – SVG, making remarks at the Yohance Gibson, Acting Principal SMSS, hands SAMPASA relationship ceremony. over a tablet to a deserving student. YRM stages Pre-2020 Hurricane Season Exercise WHAT BEGAN A FEW YEARS AGO began at 06:00 hours (6:00am). could establish and maintain contact including NADMA, NEMO, CDEMA as a friendly two-island emergency An evaluation session which with their respective DM agencies; to and REACT (T&T). communications exercise involving followed via a Zoom Conference took sharpen radio operators’ emergency The YRM wishes to thank Mr. Grenada and St. Vincent and the the exercise well past seven hours. message handling skills; to provide Sylvan Mc. Intyre, Director of Nadma Grenadines, has now gathered new Vincentians Anthony Benn KC2ADI radio operators with an opportunity to and Michelle Forbes, Director of momentum and wider interest. from West Palm Beach Fla, and Paul test their emergency renewable energy NEMO who were especially pivotal in And on Sunday, May 31, 2020, Lowman J88DF - AD6DF now residing devices, critical when/if the domestic realizing the exercise. Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, in the United Arab Emirates, both power grid is compromised. Radio operators who played major Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, joined benefactors of Amateur radio in St. All in all, the exercise seemed to roles during the exercise include, but Grenada and host country St. Vincent, Vincent and the Grenadines, also have achieved its objectives, with are not limited to, the following: in a communications drill to ensure participated in the conference. Courtney King 8P6JK, Senior J39JX-Floyd, J39JZ- Leslie, J38HA- that radio operators and their Dexter, j69DS —Frans, 9Z4JAG- Programme officer for Telecoms respective local Disaster Management The exercise Bramie, 9Z4RG- Robbie, VP2EIH- Ira, (DM), are in a state of readiness for Officer with CDEMA, suggesting that 8P6JK-Courtney, 8P6GW-Wesley, the 2020 storm season which officially The training exercise used several the training activity be broadened to J73WA-Wayne, j73HMJ Hilkiah, begins on June 1st. modes of communication including HF, include more Caribbean territories and J88CU- Sean, J88DT-Sylvester, On this occasion, three official DM VHF/UHF radio, with internet reliant different internet modes and gateways. J88NEL-Vulon, J88NKC- Karyn and agencies (Nadma — Grenada, CDEMA - modes like ECHOLINK and PEANUT The training exercise was an organizer of the event J88CD Donald Barbados, NEMO —SVG) and a as redundant communications modes. initiative of the Youlou Radio De Riggs. Communications support group The main objectives of the exercise Movement (YRM) in conjunction with (REACT Trinidad and Tobago) took were: to ensure that radio operators Radio Amateurs from Grenada and Report submitted by: part in the 7-hour exercise which with support from DM agencies Donald De Riggs 14. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V News Penny Bank launches online banking THE ST VINCENT COOPERATIVE BANK, although the entire feature was up online, or at the bank. familiarly known as the “Penny Bank’, and running over an eight-day period, One of the highlights of launched its online banking service on security is not an issue. last Tuesday’s launch was June 2. “We have ensured and have a demonstration video “Here at the St Vincent Cooperative implemented the highest level of which gives interested Bank, we are always looking for security on our sites,” Martin persons a visual creative ways to meet our customers’ explained. presentation of the new needs, and online banking was just The site is also user friendly and service. one of these ways,” Carlita Tyrrell, straightforward. Information pertaining Savings Manager said. “Persons should not have a problem to online banking at the The launch of the new service was navigating through,” he added. Cooperative Bank can fast tracked, Tyrrell explained, this The service is available to all be accessed on the (L-R): Carlita Tyrrell, Savings Manager, and Kai Martin, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. existing Cooperative Bank customers, bank’s website, the IT Manager explain the new online banking feature “We have one branch, and our hours and interested persons may register officials noted. (DD) now available at the St. Vincent Cooperative Bank. may not have met our customers’ needs,” Tyrrell said. “Online banking will now offer a More water rationing, says CWSA Chief more convenient means for our customers,” she continued. Continued from Backpage. They have also invested “So, it’s not that we have not Customers can now conduct significantly in water storage; addressed the issue, but you need transactions from anywhere that the “And we would have to try to however, water storage was only a water,” he explained, adding, “..the internet can be accessed and from any continue to reduce our reliance on small part of the water supply extra capacity may only reduce the device — smart phone, tablet or rainfall and surface water,” he equation. time frame before water rationing has computer. suggested. It is first harnessed, collected and to be implemented.” According to Tyrrell, online banking The future will see the introduction extracted, then it has to be treated With regard to the issue of of some groundwater and desalination services allow for the transfer of funds and stored before being distributed, he desalination, Saunders said that between existing accounts at the bank, systems as alternative sources of explained. method was for the time being checks on balances and payment of water. So, increasing storage in the utility bills. “That is going to be required going absence of addressing the other confined for use in the Grenadines. “We are ready to go,” Tyrrell said. forward because we have to reduce components is not going to get you Incorporating it into the local water Kai Martin, IT Manager explained our vulnerability to this climate very far, Saunders said. system was inhibited by its high cost. that a selected number of persons were change,” Saunders said. Work has been done in increasing Saunders did say, however, that asked to provide feedback on the According to the CWSA General the storage facilities however, with given the one of CWSA’s mandates service. This allowed for the resolution Manager, they had already been the CWSA increasing its storage was to provide quality water at an of any issues with the new service. reducing the pipelines out of rivers, capacity from 3.6 million gallons in affordable rate, it would be wise to He gave the assurance that and have reduced water crossings, etc. 2006 to 5.4 million gallons presently. use desalination as a buffer. (DD) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 15. V More Letters Crime and an election year I KNOW WE are pre- remember that there are government. They been given an of a working relationship parties. occupied with the COVID- many, many voters like appear to have changed opportunity to contribute between the police and Persons like me want 19 pandemic and doing me who do not rely on gear and may be their to any national effort to the people. It is now to know that we are safe our best to encourage social media to be mathematics too, with fight crime, so we have to worse than ever — the in our homes, safe on the measures that will informed. And I have the hope of coming to accept them for what case of us (the people) streets. We have done hopefully stop the spread heard some of my grips with the formula to they have offered, not against them (the police.) our part; we deserve of the coronavirus. And for colleagues say that change that one seat least their Redemption Crime therefore, has some peace. that, we must recognize all already they are minority into a majority, Charter. got to be at the forefront those working in the beginning to feel left out. for surely they have It seems that if there of the agendas of both Retiree frontlines of this battle. This is a warning, not made a mess of it over is one thing the I must, however, urge friendly advice, for the the last two elections. incumbent thinks is a my people not to lose goodly Doctors Gonsalves Rest assured, though, workable measure to sight of the fact that we and Friday. the incumbent is not combat crime, i.e. are in an election year, As it stands, the going to make the increase the police force. and that our two major incumbent has the examination road any Funny that we have the political parties have benefit of the state easier for their most police men and men stepped up their apparatus and all the opponents. in our history, but we campaigning, albeit in advantages that this I want to say to these have more crime, some different styles and current crisis will offer; two parties, that crime that didn’t exist three fashions. and they seem to be has got to be a major I expect, for example, doing a good job of election platform issue. decades ago. And that our two major making hay while the The incumbent promised arming the police and parties will look to make sun shines. The to be ‘tough on crime and advising that they do not good use of all these Opposition has been the causes of crime’; but read the beatitudes to social media platforms, sitting for the last two crime continued on its those who fall short of as I understand they are elections just one seat off merry upward climb. the system, is not called. They must from forming the The Opposition has not encouraging the fostering 16. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Hurricane Season 2020: Above-normal activity is most likely THE 2020 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON is an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. AN ABOVE-NORMAL 2020 Atlantic The season officially started on June 1 and ends hurricane season is expected, on November 30, dates that conventionally delimit according to forecasters with The the period of each year when most tropical cyclones National Oceanic and Atmospheric form in the Atlantic basin. However, the formation Administration (NOAA) Climate of tropical cyclones is possible at any time, as Prediction Center, a division of the shown by the formations of Tropical Storms Arthur National Weather Service. and Bertha, on May 16 and 27, respectively, The outlook predicts a 60% marking the sixth consecutive year with pre-season chance of an above-normal season, a systems. 30% chance of a near-normal season This also marks the first time since 2016 that and only a 10% chance of a below- two or more named storms developed before the normal season. The Atlantic start of the season, and the first time since 2012 hurricane season runs from June 1 that two or more named storms formed in the through November 30. NOAA’s Climate Prediction month of May. Center is forecasting a likely range of 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 Hurricane Safety tips could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 Hurricane season probabilities and numbers of named storms PRE-SEASON PREPARATION major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; predicted via NOAA’s 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. with winds of 111 mph or higher). (Image via NOAA.) • Enter the season prepared. An average hurricane season • Know all evacuation routes if you live close produces 12 named storms, of which necessary preparations for the in the Atlantic this year, the NOAA to the coast. 6 become hurricanes, including 3 upcoming hurricane season, even as said. These include no El Nino • Make sure your home meets building codes major hurricanes. they adhere to protocols relative to Southern Oscillation for withstanding hurricanes, and they have Against that background, NOAA COVID-19 (ENSO) conditions to suppress storm shutters. experts are reminding citizens of The combination of several hurricane activity; warmer-than- • Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid countries included in the Atlantic climate factors is driving the strong average sea surface temperatures in kit. Hurricane sphere, to make the likelihood for above-normal activity the tropical Atlantic Ocean and • Have plenty of batteries and flashlights Caribbean Sea, coupled with • Always have plenty of non-perishable foods reduced vertical wind shear, on hand. 2020 Hurricane Season weaker tropical Atlantic Storm trade winds, and an WHEN A WATCH OR WARNING IS ISSUED Arthur Hanna Omar enhanced West African Bertha Isaias Paulette monsoon. • Leave low lying areas. Cristobal Josephine Rene As the hurricane season • Protect windows with plywood boards, or Names storm shutters. Dolly Kyle Sally gets underway, NOAA will Edouard Laura Teddy begin feeding data into • Secure outside objects. Source: geology.com Fay Marco Vicky weather models to help track • Make sure you have plenty of fuel and Gonzalo Nana Wilfred hurricane intensity and water. boost forecast accuracy. • Have several days supply of food and Also during the 2020 water for each family member. hurricane season, NOAA • If called to evacuate, do so immediately. and the U.S. Navy will During the storm deploy a fleet of autonomous diving hurricane gliders to • Stay in Secure Room. observe conditions in the • Stay away from windows. tropical Atlantic Ocean • Do not use the phone, or candles. and Caribbean Sea, in • Monitor Weather and Civil Service areas where hurricanes Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio. have historically traveled • Have supplies on hand. and intensified. • Remain indoors when the eye moves over Hurricane your area as the storm will resume soon. preparedness is critically After the storm important for the 2020 hurricane season, just as it is every year. Keep in • Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, mind, you may need to and the storm has completely passed before adjust any preparedness going out. actions based on the • Report downed power lines, and stay away latest health and safety from them. guidelines from local • Use stored water and food. officials. (Source NOAA- • Be patient. Things will take a while before Climate Prediction they get back to normal. Center) Source: www.hurricaneville.com/safety. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05 , 2020. 17.

Inspecting and protecting your home y following the suggestions below, your home will have a Bbetter chance of surviving severe weather. Start at the top: Check for any loose sheetings or loose nails on your roof. Make sure the gutters are tightly hinged and that they drain freely. Check the storm drains for any clogging. Work your way down: Check all windows and doors to ensure there are no loose panes/hinges. It is highly recommended that you install approved hurricane shutters over windows and doors to protect your home against strong winds.

• If the power goes out, turn off your been confirmed that is safe to do so. It water heater, air conditioner, electrical may seem as if the storm has passed, appliances to reduce the yet you could be in the calm eye of the chance of damage. hurricane.

• If flooding occurs, turn off all • Make sure your car has a full tank electricity at the main breaker box. of gas.

• Do not use your computer or any • Withdraw money beforehand - the electrical device during the storm. storm may knock out power at ATMs.

• Do not leave your house until it has 18. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN V Advice Sex enhancers dependence

Dear George,

I ADMIT THAT it was his physique that attracted me to my boyfriend. We have had no issues as far as sex was concerned, but recently I’m sensing there is trouble brewing. boyfriend could have gotten caught up My boyfriend keeps using all kinds in the trend of some men going of sex enhancing substances. I have overboard with use of sex enhancing noticed he has been less and less substances. A better approach would inclined to sleep with me and passes be to stick to a balanced diet, exercise that off as the result of pressure from and leave the rest to nature. his work. Notwithstanding the above, he Somehow I do not think he is telling should open up to you and share any the truth. I’m wondering if he is issues he might be having with sex having concerns over his performance and/or work. in bed. He should be upfront and let It might be good that you relax your me know. Mind you, I made it clear to stance of not needing a man who is him from day one, that I do not want a unable to service your man who is unable to service my need. needs. Performance pressure can be I love my boyfriend and I want a an inhibiting factor as per life with him. I am not going to leave performance in his case, and could him because of what could be just a have driven him to use these minor problem, but my patience is substances. running thin. May be you should assure him that you love and accept him just as he is, Suspicious lover and are with him for the long haul. This might cause him to respond to Dear Suspicious lover, you differently, both sexually and emotionally. There may be nothing to this; your George Sleeping with my neighbour Dear George, and if after that you are can make matters worse, still determined to end so take that deep breath, I DECIDED to warn my the marriage, you need do all the counting then neighbour about being to seek legal counsel. make that call for help. with my husband. What Sudden emotional I got instead was a response to the situation George cursing from her. She made it clear my husband had said that Keep your distance she was satisfying him more than I could ever, Dear George, and showed me pictures of two of them in sex acts I’M HIDING from the boyfriend of a girl I’ve been I never knew existed. messing with. There and then, I told The truth is, I have always loved this girl, but her that I will be giving I went away for a number of year. When I him marching orders returned, she was in a relationship but we both when he returned from realized that we still loved each other. the Grenadines. Imagine She admits she does not really want to leave my shock and shame the guy unless she is assured I am serious. when she said I could let Further, she warned that this man can “behave him know that now, ignorant” and might hurt her. since he was in her Things got very heated when the man came to bedroom and had been her house and she refused to let him in, because I there for the week when was inside. I heard him shouting that he would he said he was going to kill whoever was in the house. the Grenadines. George, I was never more scared in my life and I simply walked away, I’m beginning to wonder if my life is worth went straight home and risking for this girl. Right now I’m keeping my began packing his distance from both of them until I sort things out. things. I am done with this marriage; my Yes-no-not sure neighbour can have him. He does not deserve me. Dear Yes-no-not sure, I am a young woman. I will make it. As far I see, there is nothing for you to sort out here. You were with this individual, went away, Lied to did not stay in touch, during which time she found herself someone else. Why put her in the Dear Lied to, position to choose between this guy who may have a serious relationship going with her and you who Degrading you to your might just be passing by? neighbour and going as Continue to keep your distance and let this far as taking sexual young lady respect you for doing the gentlemanly explicit pictures have put thing. You can always be her friend. It will be his actions way over the unfair to force her to choose between fantasy and line. Before you make reality. that finals decision, I suggest you engage the George services of a counsellor, THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 19. V Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) ACROSS Be diplomatic but stem. Don't allow Try to be understanding. Secret affairs someone to do a job that was may be tempting, but keep in mind that designated specifically for you. Don't let they will damage your reputation if you 1. Judicial concern your emotions interfere with completing decide to indulge. It's time to reevaluate 4. Government agent your chores. Consider making residential your motives. Debates will stifle passion 7. Achieved changes; either moves or renovations and result in estrangement. 10. Colorado neighbor could payoff. 12. Minuscule SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) 13. Based on fact Finish up any correspondence by early 14. Vanished Visit friends or relatives you rarely see. afternoon. You will meet a person who Someone you live with may feel totally may turn out to be more than just a 15. Away from the west neglected. Find an outlet for any friend. Consider a conservative 17. Less kindly mounting frustration. CYou should investment that will stay solid when 19. Mental powers consider getting your whole family everything else goes sour. You may have 20. Factory container involved in a project at home. to take a short trip to visit someone who 21. Fork prong hasn't been well. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) 22. Singer Jackson Chances are you could get stuck with a 25. Delved deep SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 26. Mediterranean fruit colleague's job unexpectedly. You will be Travel may be confusing. Your ideas can up and down emotionally. Opportunities be put into action. Don't deny yourself 29. Candid for new friendships are apparent. Let 30. Thick haze your boss know your goals. this week. You may want to look into warm vacation spots. 31. Gospel author CANCER (June 22-July 22) 32. Plead with CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 33. Rainbow shape 5. Apple emerald 38. Beautiful Turner Relatives will be cordial. You can learn a alternative great deal more if you listen rather than Evasion is likely if you aren't direct about 34. Oregon’s capital 30. Sizzle in oil 39. Roman emperor rant and rave. Don't be too quick to your feelings. Be careful not to reveal 35. Spring flower 6. Spoken assent 31. Suit-jacket flaps 40. Whistle blast voice your opinion. Listen to others private information. Don't settle for less 37. Hard blow 7. Appreciative 33. “M*A*S*H” star 41. “It’s _ life!” carefully. Business partnerships should than the best. You will be in the mood to 8. Created by us 34. _ Diego 42. Lion “hand” socialize. 38. Grant temporarily turn out to be quite lucrative. 39. 15 times six 9. Actor Danson 36. Tattooing fluids 43. Chat idly 11. Idyllic locale AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 42. Parcels 37. Hazardous 45. Nose around LEO (July 23-Aug 22) 13. Identical sibling Verbal abuse could lead to carelessness. Try to keep a low profile. You will be 44. Lasso formation Your involvement with groups will raise moody and react poorly to issues 46. Pantry invaders 16. Skinny branch your self-esteem. Take whatever time concerning your mate. You may find that 47. Bible boat 18. Jazzy you can to get to know each other all you are a little lucky this week. Don't 48. Tart King Cole over again. You will find travel and overextend yourself in the process. 49. “I _ just kidding!” 21. Pull lectures most stimulating. 22. Occupation PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 50. Young guy 51. Exert effort 23. African primate VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Try to find another time to present work 24. Leaves undone Get busy on projects that improve your or ideas this week. Don't give your heart own image; you'll have the discipline to too readily. You can do well on stage or DOWN 25. Disney dwarf succeed. You will have a tendency to put behind the scenes, the choice is yours. 1. Haul 27. President on pounds. Think about starting your Take care that arrangements to spend 2. Molecular particle Eisenhower, SOLUTION own small business. Personal changes quality time together are made in informally LAST WEEK’s will be to your benefit. 3. Become weak advance. 4. Like candy 28. Diamond or V 20. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN Breakers take inaugural VPL T10 title

Salt Pond Breakers - inaugural VPL T10 Champions. Dalzel, 2 for 21, were the best Wesrick Straugh - Salt Pond Hyron Shallow of La bowlers for La Soufriere Breakers - took the most Soufriere Hikers – the SALT POND BREAKERS became (May 31) final, played at the Hikers. wickets, 13. League’s top scorer. the first team to lift the Arnos Vale Playing Field. La Soufriere Hikers were inaugural Vincy Premier League Salt Pond Breakers took held to 81 for 9 from 10 overs. getter, being the principal T10 title trophy and pocket the first knock and registered 100 Only Dean Browne, Rayan scorer with 66. winning purse of $5,000.00. for 6 in their allotted 10 overs, Willies and Jeremy Haywood As referenced, Shallow They did so when they with a top score of 28 from got into double figures as the finished the League as the top defeated La Soufriere Hikers Donwell Hector. Dillon Salt Pond Breakers bowlers run getter with 285 runs, by 19 runs in last Sunday’s Douglas, 2 for 15 and Kenson took wickets at regular including one half century, at intervals. Medium pace an average of 40.71. Salvan bowler Jeremy Layne led Brown of La Soufriere Hikers the bowling with 2 for 12. followed with 275 at an The Indian Express average of 30.56 with two half News described last centuries. He was trailed by Sunday’s final as, “the Sunil Ambris of Salt Pond biggest cricket match being Breakers with 274 with an held anywhere in the world average 39.14 with one half since March…” century, who in turn was In the third place play followed by Asif Hooper with off, an unbeaten 68 by Asif 251 runs with two half Urnel Thomas - Salt Pond Hooper led Grenadines centuries. Breakers – took the Divers to a victory target of Wesrick Straugh from Salt emerging player award. 102, to secure third place Pond Breakers took 13 wickets over Botanic Gardens to lead all bowlers. Second Salt Pond Breakers was voted Rangers. were Sealron Williams and the emerging player of the They occupied the crease Asif Hooper of Grenadines tournament. for 9 overs and lost 3 Divers who took 11 wickets Fort Charlotte Hikers and wickets in the process, with each. Delorn Johnson and Dark View Explorers finished Ray Jordon taking 2 of Sunil Ambris of Breakers, fifth and sixth respectively. those for 22 runs. Jeremy Haywood of La Earlier, Botanic Garden Soufriere and Deron Rangers posted 101 for 2 Greaves of Dark View Sunil Ambris, captain of Salt Pond Breakers, collected the wickets in their 10 overs, Explorers took 10 Champions Trophy and winner’s cheque from Dr. Kishore with Hyron Shallow, the wickets each. Shallow, President SVGCA Inc. League’s eventual highest run Urnel Thomas of Shallow satisfied with first VPL T10 DR. KISHORE SHALLOW, President the project,” Dr. Shallow said at last consecutive days, with three games of the SVG Cricket Association Inc. Sunday’s presentation ceremony. played each day, all at the Arnos vale (SVGCA), host of the inaugural Vincy He extended, “Special thanks to all Playing Field. Premier League T10 (VPL T10), the players, coaches, managers, and While the games here were, in expressed nothing more than match officials for their role in the effect, played behind locked doors, the satisfaction at the conclusion of the tournament, and huge congrats to games were streamed live to India League last Sunday, at the Arnos Vale Sunil’s Salt Pond Breakers on going on where the largest concentration of Playing Field. the record books as the first ever viewers were registered. The matches “The VPL was a massive champions of the Vincy Premier were also streamed to other parts of undertaking, which included the League.” the cricketing world. cooperation from many stakeholders, The VPL T10 involved six teams (and) the SVGCA is grateful to all (franchises) in competition over ten Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of the SVG those who contributed to the success of Cricket Association, is a pleased man. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 21. V Sports Special Olympics trying to remain active

Sezevra Joseph, National Director but we still face the challenge of activities. “We were supposed to be of the Special Olympics SVG, said connectivity, but we’re looking to see going to Sweden for the Winter Games recently, “The athletes are at home how we can manage that,” Joseph to play floorball, which is a new sport since March and have been advised to elaborated. to SVG; but that was postponed to adhere to physical distancing. Many It was building up to be an exciting hopefully in 2022,” the National of them would have underlining year for Special Olympics here, Director disclosed. conditions, so definitely we have to especially with the launch of the KICK As it stands, Special Olympics SVG keep them safe.” IT Unified Football Programme. offers training and activities in seven Unlike other normal sporting Clinics were already staged in four of sports; track and field, football, organisations, Special Olympics SVG five zones - Kingstown, Georgetown, floorball, bocce, floor hockey, is unable to offer home-based Layou and Calliaqua — with Bequia swimming and tennis. activities, since many of the special scheduled to come on stream, when Joseph took the opportunity of this Sezevra Joseph - National Direcor of athletes do not have access to the the COVID-19 pandemic brought the recent chat to encourage persons “to Special Olympics SVG. internet, Joseph explained. programme to a halt. get on board with Special Olympics,” “However, we do call them to check The break, according to Joseph, and said that her organization would The COVID-19 induced suspension of in to see how they are doing. Some of “will allow us to identify more players be grateful for any assistance when sporting activities throughout the world them are hurt because they are and attract volunteer coaches.” they restart their programmes. has not bypassed Special Olympic missing their friends. We are trying to The pandemic has also pushed back athletes here. work on a project to get some tablets, SVG’s participation in overseas I.B.A.ALLEN Michael John unveils Cycling Union pedalling his tenure’s wish list MICHAEL JOHN, current back into competition Committee Member of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), DESPITE staging some pandemic by the World Gas Station in Arnos is keen to see, during his four- Keep Fit events, the St Health Organisation Vale, to Oscar Machine year tenure, local footballers Vincent and the (WHO). Centre at Belair. being remunerated for their Grenadines Cycling Bailey disclosed that When the clock was skills, and for the sport to get a Union (SVGCU) will not local cyclists kept stopped, it was Zefal ‘home’. be rushing back into training, albeit without Bailey, who registered John who was accepted as hosting road races much intensity. the fastest time of 8 one of two Committee Members immediately. “However, the cyclists minutes 21.14 seconds, nominated by President of the That was disclosed by were getting very over the 2.6 miles. SVGFF Carl Dickson, revealed the Union’s President — frustrated because there Behind Bailey was that these are his main wishes, Michael John Trevor Bailey last were no competitions and Sherwyn James in 9 in his four-year tenure. Sunday. He also claimed they became minutes 52.29 seconds, “I will like to see the that his executive “is demotivated,” Bailey with Antonio Richardson, introduction of a semi- monitoring the situation admitted. third, in a time of 10 professional league here in St closely,” and added, Given this growing minutes 9.80 seconds. President of the SVG Vincent and the Grenadines.” “Hopefully, by the end of uneasiness among the Also completing the Cycling Union- Trevor John said. June or early July, we cyclists, the executive distance were Rivas Bailey. A businessman by might be able to have a decided to put on a series Young in 11 minutes profession, John claimed, “I road race or two.” of Keep Fit races. 00.5 seconds and Orel the same route this will not be happy if this four- The brakes were put Adhering to the social George in 11 minutes Sunday, 7th June, as year term passes and we don’t on local competitive distancing protocols, the 15.29 seconds. they prepare for full- have players receiving some Cycling, in March, when second Time Trial was Cyclists will return to fledged road races. sort of remuneration for their the Coronavirus (COVID- held last Sunday skills.” Carl Dickson 19) was declared a morning from the Sol John, who is not new to Football administration at the national level, also believes it is high time that a more forceful effort be exerted in getting a home for the sport. Recognising that successive presidents and executives have promised a Home for Football but have not delivered, John affirmed, “I will be willing to put my time and effort, to help to see we get a Home for Football.” He noted, however, that realizing a Home for Football was not a venture that the SVGFF can do alone. “The funding is there from FIFA; they just need the cohesive effort and work together with the stakeholders, the government, so that we could achieve it,” he reasoned. President Carl Dickson, in his ten-point plan unveiled ahead of last November’s elections, listed a Home for Football as one of his priority areas. Former President Venold Coombs, at his re- election in 2015, stated, “We have 1.3 million dollars to get a Home for Football.” Coombs also declared then his wish to see the creation of a semi-Professional Football League in Second place - Sherwyn Zefal Bailey SVG. James 22. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN V Sports Vincentian duo cop NCAA accolades

VINCENTIAN track and In the case of field athletes Darria Valentine-Parris, it was Chances and choices Matthias and Brandon his fifteenth such award. Valentine-Parris were, last He is a senior at the DARREN BRAVO, Shimron Hetmyer, and Keemo week, named on the St Augustine University Paul declined invitations for the English tour. National Collegiate and competes in the 200 Replacements have been named for the three Test Athletic Association and 400m. showdown starting July 8. (NCAA) Division Two All Set to graduate this Jason Holder, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Americans list for the year, Valentine-Parris is Brathwaithe, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, 2020 Indoor season. on course to achieve a Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane For Matthias, a Bachelor’s of Science in Dowrich, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon former student of the St Sports Management. Reifer, and Kemar Roach comprise the squad. Joseph’s Convent A former Thomas Eleven others make up a reserve list training Kingstown and the St Saunders Secondary Vincent and the School student, he is one for selection. That includes Vincentian Sunil Grenadines Community of the most travelled Ambris who played in the inaugural Vincy College, it was her first Vincentian athlete. Darria Matthias Premier League T/10 competition. such accolade. Among his list of To what extent players exposed themselves to A first year student of national representation He has also attended Brandon Valentine- viewers, will be known when the droplets of the the Academy of Art are the Windward the Commonwealth Parris pandemic are controlled. Efforts to normalise University in San Islands Schools Games, Youth Games, the World as the Pan American activities are creating some unusual Francisco, California, she the Barbados National Youth Games, the Pan configurations. Players have to be respected for Games, the is pursuing studies Championships, Trinidad American Juniors, CAC Commonwealth Games, their choices, and the West Indies electors made it towards becoming a and Tobago Juniors, NACAC Under- the World clear that those players will be eligible for future fashion stylist and a Championships, along 23, NACAC Championships and the selection. visual merchandiser. with the OECS Games. Championships, as well Olympic Games. Even with half-pay, it is better than no bread at all. Some people complained to me recently and questioned my whereabouts. I assured them what Donald Thomas remembered was going on. The time spent provided me with the opportunity of seeing nature at its wildest. The dry season has created the harshest THE LATE Donald Ettiene Da Silva, who business houses, and confine his ‘Thomo’ Thomas has was a leading light in sought work for administrative services conditions for farming. Never before were bush been remembered by Mwando Strikers during unemployed members of to Mwando Strikers; he fires so rampant. Animals were allowed to roam former members of the the 1980s and 1990s, the team. served on the KLS as owners struggled to keep their stock. defunct Mwando Strikers recalled that Thomas “He was that caring Executive, the South Areas have opened which hitherto seemed Football Club, as a lived what he believed, and looked out for the Leeward Football League inaccessible. With the hurricane season creeping, “passionate and and gave his all to the players,” Da Silva added. and the St Vincent and one can only hope that when the floods occur, hardworking person.” organisation. Joining Da Silva in the Grenadines Football damage is minimal. Thomas, who died “ Thomo’ gave his all… remembering the Federation. With the elements at work, people will find last Saturday after a He loved Mwando… He attributes of Thomas, At the national level, themselves in surroundings they can’t afford to period of illness, joined loved the players and was Malcolm Webb. Thomas served as the play around with. Those are adjustments we have the Mwando Strikers in never looked down on “He was a good man to Public Relations Officer to contend with. 1981, and served as a anyone,” Da Silva have around the team… under St Clair Leacock- The uncertainty continues, for there is evidence player with the second reminisced. He wanted the best for led Executive during that some unnatural forces are intent on inflicting team and Manager of the Da Saliva noted that Mwando Strikers, and 2003 to 2007, and again as much damage as those they have no control first team that played in as Manager of Mwando went all out for us,” from 2011 to 2015, when over. the then Kingstown Strikers, Thomas Webb recollected. Venold Coombs led the Everyone is anticipating the reopening of Soccer League (KSL). established contacts with Thomas did not SVGFF. borders and the corresponding lifting of restrictions. There must be the realisation that cleanliness has no season, and while the emphasis West Indies tour of UK is on on hand sanitisation and increased personal hygiene are critical, I will add a tag that is CRICKET West Indies Indies selectors have postponed due to the overlooked: There must be pure heart. (CWI) has agreed “in been forced to increase COVID-19 pandemic That will be hard to determine. For there are principle” to July’s Test the squad to 25 to allow outbreak which has shades of purity. What used to be accepted as tour of England. for preparation matches resulted in 271 000 normal in certain times, have changed. Once the series is and injury replacements, infections and 38 000 But in all the changing scenes of life, there is a approved by the UK and as the touring side will deaths in the United constant. That is the standard we have to aspire Caribbean governments, not be allowed to engage Kingdom, as of last and keep. the first test will bowl off English sides in warm- Friday, May 29. There might hardly be the case of when the on July 8. up matches nor call up Meanwhile West Upon arrival in the injury replacements. Indies Test dust has settled. For the pattern is emerging that UK, the West Indies CMC reported on the captain Jason the dust can kick up anytime. And one has to be squad, which would have weekend that the Holder wants his team to careful as to how one mixes with the settlement. to travel by charter, matches will be played “make amends” for their In some instances, there is as much ashes as given the situation in the behind closed doors in a 2017 defeat in England, the dust. And when one puts them together, that’s region with respect to bio-secure environment duuing the upcoming the ultimate story. closed borders, would at Hampshire’s Ageas tour. That’s nothing to worry about, for anytime a have to quarantine for 14 Bowl and Lancashire’s Holder is confident void appears, there are countless others willing to days. Old Trafford. that he and his men now Jason Holder,Captain of fill the spot. The fact is proven every day. No one Both teams will be And despite the pay have the experience as the WI, is confident his envisaged what is taking place, and they never prohibited from contact cut, West Indies players well as confidence to win team can turn around will. with the public during will still receive their full a Test series in England, their fortunes in When situations arise, you have to be ready to the series, and will match fees for the series. a feat last achieved in England during the make the best use of the times. One must be undergo strict social The series was 1988 when Viv Richards’ upcoming tour. flexible in all circumstances. distancing protocols. originally scheduled for team blanked the hosts Meanwhile, West May but had to be 4-0 in the five-Test series. (Sources: CMC. BBC) THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020. 23. V Classifieds Fancy man drowns in Canouan

A 23-YEAR- OLD MAN from THE VINCENTIAN off the rock into the sea, officers from The SVG for the world, and he Fancy died in Canouan on was informed that last and that he had not Coast Guard, with stop going for a while, Sunday, May 31, in what is Sunday, John and a male resurfaced. assistance from residents but then he started believed to be a drowning relative went fishing But according to of the island, retrieved back,” shared the incident. sometime in the another account from a John’s body later that relative. (KH) Leonard John, said to morning, in the vicinity family member who did day. be from Dry River, of the casino. not want to be identified, “When you look at his Fancy, moved to The water in that John’s ‘nylon’ (fishing body after what happen, Canouan last year, to be area, according to a line) got stuck. you could see his burst with his fiancée. She had Canouan native, is “They were on the chin,” said the relative decided to return to her usually rough. rock and something John was described as native Canouan after There are at least two heavy was pulling on the quiet and easy-going residing in Fancy for differing reports as to ‘nylon’. He (John) tried to person who loved fishing. some time. how John actually met release the nylon and he He attended the Sandy his death. slip and hit his head Bay Secondary. Leonard John died According to one before drowning,” said “One time me dey doing what he loved to account, sometime after the family member who home and he went to day – fishing. the men went fishing, said the account was a fishing and he came back the male relative repeat of what was said home because he had a returned saying that a by others. vision that a man told wave had knocked John A detachment of him that God is coming

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FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020 VOLUME 114, No.23 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 MORE WATER RATIONING,

Garth Saunders, CEO/CWSA, has attributed the need to ration water as a direct result of the lack of rainfall on which our water supply is heavily reliant. SAYS CWSA CHIEF by DALE DA SILVA percent below the 10-year average. not able to discreetly distribute Saunders said that prior to the rain amounts of water to various THE CENTRAL WATER AND SEWERAGE experienced on May 29, only two communities. AUTHORITY (CWSA) is warning its inches of rain had been recorded at So, for example, Saunders said that customers that they may have to endure three of the major intakes during the it was not as easy as distributing 1,000 the present water rationing for a bit month of May, compared to 10 inches gallons here and then another 100 at longer, or until there is a significant recorded in May 2019. another place. change to the current dry weather “So that provides the gravity of the Instead, the water is turned on and conditions. situation, so we are down to about 35 an estimated consumption rate is Chief Executive Officer the CWSA to 40 percent of our operating calculated — but once the water is Garth Saunders said on radio last capacity,” Saunders said. turned off, then the estimated rate is Sunday that St Vincent and the He said that the rationing cycle has often never met, Saunders explained. Grenadines was currently experiencing affected as much as 50 percent of the “Hence, we have to go and drought conditions, and that countries total consumers, and admitted that recalculate and reschedule the next such as Barbados have reported that it some areas have been affected more phase, so it’s not that we are giving is the worst drought in 72 years. than others. This shortcoming is as a out a set amount to any one He added that neighboring St Lucia result of the 12 water supply systems community. We are opening a system has implemented a water emergency, that has a variable demand.” and that here in SVG, we are almost that are interlinked and that are used at that point. at varying capacities. Why not build extra tanks? “We have issued a water restriction “So, it is never going to be cut and notice, but the situation we have dry,” Saunders cautioned. Saunders addressed the issue of arrived at is simply due to the lack of Turning water on and off expansion, saying that the present rainfall and that is the critical issue,” adverse weather conditions can be Saunders said. attributed to climate change, and it According to the CWSA’s top man, Saunders explained that the water was becoming clear to a lot of five of the major systems have been rationing was implemented to achieve countries across the region that they operating at 40 percent below the 10- the primary objectives of having an will need to re-think their water year average for the first four months amount of water in the reservoirs so as supply systems. A dry Fancy River is a clear of the year. to be able to distribute evenly. indication of a lack of or no rainfall And the rainfall for April was 60 However, in reality, the CWSA is Continued on Page 14. even in the mountainous areas.

Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.