Monochrome Multifunction Printer: Copy, Print, Scan, Fax & Email. PRICE: EC $1250.00 or $72.00 monthly r $72.00 mo RICE: EC $12 Fax & Emai nt, Scan, Copy, Pri nter: Pri functi Multi Monochrome or $72.00 monthly PRICE: EC $1250.00 l. Fax & Emai nt, Scan, nter: on functi Monochrome FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016 VOLUME 110, No.19 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines POLICEMANÊS DEATH EVOKES MIXED FEELINGS by DAYLE DA SILVA MOTHER OF SLAIN Police Constable, Giovanni Charles, says that, while she tries to remain strong, she knows that her only child did not deserve to die in the manner in which he did. Susan Charles told THE VINCENTIAN that she is a believer in God, and that it was through her faith that she has been able to make it through the horrific ordeal. “It have to be God keeping me,” she said. “I would not have been able to be talking to anybody, I would have been breaking down every minute. “But because I believe and put my trust in God, He is the only one keeping me right now,” Charles said. Her son, 26-year-old Police Constable 602 Giovanni Charles, died on Monday, May 2, after being stabbed in the neck and about his body, while on duty at a fair at the Belmont Government School. The incident is said to have occurred shortly after 4pm. Susan recalled her last interaction with her son, saying that she last saw him alive a couple of hours before he was killed. She told THE VINCENTIAN that he came home and told her that he had to report back to work. “He was hustling, rushing, and I was even saying if I knew he had to go back to work, I would have started to cook,” she explained. She said that she tried to prepare something for him, but time ran out. “It was my only son; he had dreams – he wanted to go and study – but that cut short,” Charles said. Responding to the perpetrator Regarding her feelings towards the alleged perpetrator of the crime, the grieving mother said that she had not seen or heard from any member of that family. “The person who did it, he had no right because my son was simply doing his job – he was killed in the line of duty,” she said. But she said that she knows that as a child of God, she is going to have to forgive her killer for what he had done to her son. Continued on Page 3. PC Giovanni Charles in a jovial mood, characteristic, relatives say, of his personality. Susan Charles, mother of the deceased, says her faith compels her to forgive the perpetrator. Douglas Pompey, father of Giovani, sees his son’s death as part of the wave of wrong- doings by the youth of the country.
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FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016 VOLUME 110, No.19 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
POLICEMANÊSDEATH EVOKESMIXED FEELINGS
by DAYLE DA SILVA
MOTHER OF SLAIN Police
Constable, Giovanni Charles,says that, while she tries toremain strong, she knows that
her only child did not deserve todie in the manner in which hedid.
Susan Charles told THEVINCENTIAN that she is abeliever in God, and that itwas through her faith that shehas been able to make itthrough the horrific ordeal.
“It have to be God keepingme,” she said. “I would nothave been able to be talking toanybody, I would have beenbreaking down every minute.
“But because I believe andput my trust in God, He is theonly one keeping me rightnow,” Charles said.
Her son, 26-year-old PoliceConstable 602 GiovanniCharles, died on Monday, May2, after being stabbed in theneck and about his body, whileon duty at a fair at theBelmont Government School.
The incident is said to haveoccurred shortly after 4pm.
Susan recalled her lastinteraction with her son,saying that she last saw himalive a couple of hours beforehe was killed.
She told THEVINCENTIAN that he camehome and told her that he hadto report back to work.
“He was hustling, rushing,and I was even saying if Iknew he had to go back towork, I would have started tocook,” she explained.
She said that she tried toprepare something for him,but time ran out.
“It was my only son; he haddreams – he wanted to go andstudy – but that cut short,”Charles said.
Responding to theperpetrator
Regarding her feelingstowards the allegedperpetrator of the crime, thegrieving mother said that she
had not seen or heard fromany member of that family.
“The person who did it, hehad no right because my sonwas simply doing his job – hewas killed in the line of duty,”she said.
But she said that she knowsthat as a child of God, she isgoing to have to forgive herkiller for what he had done toher son.
Continued on Page 3.
PC Giovanni Charles in a jovial mood, characteristic,relatives say, of his personality.
Susan Charles, mother of thedeceased, says her faithcompels her to forgive theperpetrator.
Douglas Pompey, father ofGiovani, sees his son’s deathas part of the wave of wrong-doings by the youth of thecountry.
2. FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
Child MonthVNURTURING A CHILD: Focus of Child MonthTHERE ARE CHILDREN whoare living in unsafe homeenvironments at home —and this is a reality that allthe stakeholders must seekto erase.
So said Chief EducationOfficer Lou-Anne Gilchriston the occasion of theofficial launch of ChildMonth, last Friday.
Gilchrist imploredparents to availthemselves of outreachprogrammes becausewhile becoming a parent isa biological function, thereis no manual available onteaching individuals how
to raise a child. Child Month is being
celebrated this year underthe theme, ‘Blossom in anurturing environment’.
The education chiefnoted that there was onlyso much that the Ministryof Education can do on itsown with respect tonurturing children.
It relies on supportfrom other ministriesincluding health,mobilisation andagriculture, she posited.
Most importantly, theministry requires theassistance of parents,
Gilchrist underscored. “If we have before us
children who are welladjusted, well nurtured,well-loved and who arebeing well cared, only thencan we have children in astate of readiness forlearning,” the ChiefEducation Officer said.
And according toGwenette Cambridge,Senior Education Officerwith responsibility forEarly ChildhoodEducation, while it was allwell and good for specificattention to be given tothe academics of children,
the nurturing aspect wasoften omitted.
She said that she oftenwondered where the zealthat toddlers first possessgoes to as they get older.
“Where does theenthusiasm for learningand for life go when theystart so eager in the earlyyears?” she questioned.
“And every year, wekeep saying not only tothe pre-school advisorsand practitioners, but (to)teachers in the primaryschools and secondary,that we should nurturethe whole idea that
childhood is something tobe relished,” Cambridgecontinued.
It was from theseexperiences that thefoundation is set, andwhich determines whatkind of person childrenare going to be later on inlife, she reasoned.
The activity includedperformances from variousearly childhood centresacross the country, as well
as remarks fromrepresentatives from theministries of health andmobilisation. (DD)
PRE-SCHOOLERS from Head Start Pre-School visitedthe Argyle International Airport on Friday April 22nd,2016.
While the students got a peek into the future of airtravel in St Vincent and the Grenadines, they also hada glimpse of our past at the Cayo village. The eager lothad a first-hand view of the indigenous culture of StVincent and the Grenadines, at the site where fivehuts replicating a typical Carib village, are beingconstructed.
Mr. Erasto Robertson of the National Parks wasonly too happy to describe what a typical home for theCaribs looked like over 400 years ago. The childrentouched the Roseau leaves, which is the material usedto make the huts, looked into the two completedthatched houses, and were able to view the structureof one of the huts under construction.
It was noted that the Cayo village is located on theexact site of a village previously inhabited by Caribs.According to Mr. Robertson, the project is acollaborative effort of the National Parks, NationalTrust, Ministry of Tourism and the InternationalAirport Development Company.
The students then journeyed to a strategic pointwhere they were able to view the terminal building,control tower and runway all at once. It was indeed anhistoric moment when the eager minds were exposedto our past while embracing our future, as old meetsnew in Argyle. (Submitted by Gilleon O’Garro)
Right: Lou-AnneGilchrist, ChiefEducation Officer,reached out to parentsto accept and fulfil theirresponsibility to theirchildren.
Pre-Schoolers visitAirport and Cayo Village
Head Start Pre-Schoolers at the site where fivehuts replicating a typical Carib village, are beingconstructed.
Police investigatinganother shootingdeathPOLICE HERE are investigating thecircumstances surrounding the death ofMickel Seaton, a 32-year-old labourer ofBequia / Murray’s Village.
Seaton died after receiving gunshotwounds to his head. He is said to havedied on the spot where he was shot, atMurray’s Village, around 10pm, Friday29th April.
The image of Seaton lying dead inthe road, with blood apparently
pouring from his head, wentviral (on social media) thesaid night, evoking mixedreactions from persons, hereand abroad.
Seaton’s death was listedas the 10th homicide forthe year, and followedthe previous Saturday’sshooting death ofRichard Sam, otherwiseknown as Leroy Sam,and Carlos ‘Bop’Richardson on theprevious Tuesday.
Sam was shot inRose Place, andRichardson in Ottley
Hall.No arrest has been made
so far in connection withSam’s shooting, but one manhas been charged in theRichardson’s matter. (KH)
V News 3THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 3.
Mickel Seaton’s lifelessbody was discoveredsprawled in a road inMurray Village.
THE COMMISSIONER of Police MichaelCharles says that the public has nothingto fear in terms of retaliation by police,in light of the two recent incidentsinvolving members of the Royal StVincent and the Grenadines Police Force.
“The police will continue to be fair,” hesaid.
He spoke to THE VINCENTIAN onWednesday morning following thestabbing death of Police Constable 602Giovanni Charles, while on duty at theBelmont Government School’s fair onMonday, and another report cominghours after that a female officer and aresident of Georgetown was attacked androbbed while making her way to work.
Sources have reported that ConstableCharles, who was attached to the RapidResponse Unit (RRU), was attacked byan individual who attempted to enter theschool premises via another route whenhe was asked to go around and enterthrough the designated gate area.
In the other incident, COP Charlessaid that the officer, while waiting on transport, was attacked by amasked individual, and although she was able to fight off herintruder, the assailant got away with her bag.
It was later recovered but without much of its contents, includingmoney.
Even with reports of civilians being manhandled by police, theCOP insisted that he did not think the two recent occurrencesrepresented a calculated onslaught on members of the constabulary.
He did, however, admit that some individuals had since resortedto making negative comments about the police, particularly on socialmedia.
Notwithstanding, “…the police will want to be on the alert,” COPCharles said. (DD)
Michael Charles,Commissioner ofPolice, assured thepublic that there wasno reason to think thathis officers willretaliate for two recentattacks on theircolleagues.
No fear of retaliationby police
Continued from Front page.
“Is the enemy working through theseyoung people to commit these crimes.Everything the enemy tell them to do, theyhave no stopping.”
However, Jillian Charles, a cousin of thedeceased, was not as forgiving.
“It is not sitting right with me the way hewas taken out and the story around it.
“I have no mercy for the young man whodid this, my heart has not settle on that,” shetold THE VINCENTIAN.
She said that she watched her cousin growup, and described him as an upstandingyoung man and an example to a lot of hispeers.
“We are not rich people, but we are rich inspirit, meaning we love to encourage – wesupport each other,” Jillian said.
Everybody loved him
Giovani’s aunt, Hetty Charles, said thatthe news of her nephew’s death came as ashock.
“Giovanni was family to everybody –everybody loved him; he did not deserve thatdeath, and that guy must think to himselfthat he is a young man and he have otherfamily, and would not have wanted that tohappen to them,” she said.
Giovanni was enlisted in the Royal StVincent and the Grenadines Police Force forsome three years, and up to the time of hisdeath, was attached to the Rapid ResponseUnit (RRU), commonly referred to as ‘BlackSquad’.
His aunt Hetty said that she knew hernephew was good at his job, and did notdeserve to die in that manner.
Father reflects on wider concerns
Father of the deceased, Douglas Pompey,said that he was having a hard time comingto terms with the loss of his only child.
When he first heard the tragic news, he
said that heimmediately thoughtof the impact on hisson’s mother, who hasbeen diagnosed ashypertensive.
“It is very hard tolive with the news,”he said, adding that itwas more difficult tosee his son’s lifelessbody following thepost mortem.
He, however,offered some advice toother parents, sayingthat they ought towarn their childrenabout weapons.
“Because too manypeople doing wrongthings, and thepeople who doing thekilling are the youth,”Pompey said.
He said that hewould like to seepolice move in on thelocal gangs and stepup on patrols.
Funeralarrangements arestill to be finalised,but Susan confirmedthat the police will beresponsible for thefuneral.
She expects that a date and time will befixed so as to accommodate relatives residentoverseas, who have expressed intentions ofreturning home for the funeral.
Meanwhile, police were able to make abreak in the case, and did have a young manin custody assisting with the investigations,up to press time.
Constable Charles’ death brings thenumber of homicides committed for this yearto 11.
Policeman’s death evokesmixed feelings
Jillian Charlesexpressed nothingbut rage towardsthe person whostabbed her cousin.
Aunt Hetty Charlesrecognised hernephew as beinggood at his job.
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
TEARS WERE SHED openly at the Serious OffencesCourt on Wednesday, as some witnesses in thePreliminary Inquiry (PI) into the January 12, 2015 RockGutter tragedy, were overtaken by memories of thehorrifying incident which claimed the lives of sevenstudents, from the North Windward village of Fancy.
Several others sustained injuries during thecatastrophe.
Ravanan Nanton of Fancy, the driver of theminibus involved in the accident, and the conductorEhud Myers, a pastor at the Fancy Apostolic FaithMission, the church which owned the minibus, arecharged on seven counts of manslaughter byomission.
They are charged with, by an omission, causedthe deaths of Glenroy Michael, Jamall Edwards,Jamalie Edwards, Anique Alexander, RacquelAshton, Shanstacia Stay, and SimoniqueBallantyne, students of various schools, who were
all occupants in the vehicle atthe time of the accident.
To date, the bodies of Stay andBallantyne have not beenrecovered.
Nanton and Myers werecharged along with ColbertBowens, at the time Principal ofthe Fancy Government Schooland assistant Pastor of theApostolic Faith Mission.
However, before the start ofthe Preliminary Inquiry onWednesday, Senior ProsecutorAdolphus Delpleche informed thecourt that the Prosecution waswithdrawing the charge againstBowens.
Relatives of the victims, mostly parents, brokedown on the witness stand, as they testified,recalling the painful memories of the tragic event,which had sent shock waves across the country.
The witnesses were however able to regaincontrol of their emotions and give their evidence.
The Senior Prosecutor could be seen handingtissue to the witness to dry their weeping eyes.
A roll of tissue was placed at the end of the BarTable close to the witness stand.
The court heard evidence from eight witnesses,including: Junior Bowens, the father of RaquelAshton; Simone Ballantyne, the mother ofSimonique Ballantyne; Nelsia Stay, ShanstaciaStay’s mother; and Gloridene Hoyte-John, GlenroyMichael’s mother.
Evidence was also heard from Dr. TraceyBarnard who performed the autopsies on RacquelAshton and Anique Alexander.
Their cause of death was severe head injuriesdrowning due to road traffic accident.
The charges stem from an incident on January12, 2015 at Rock Gutter, an area between Fancyand Owia, in which a minibus travelling from Fancyin the direction of Georgetown, ran off the road andplunged into the sea.
Attorney Israel Bruce is representing Nanton.Myers is represented by Grant Connell. ChiefMagistrate Rechanne Browne presides.
When contacted and asked why the chargeagainst Bowens was withdrawn, ProsecutorDelpleche told THE VINCENTIAN that, based onthe Prosecution’s judgement, there was notsufficient evidence to make out a prima facie caseagainst Bowens.
The PI has been adjourned to August 8.Several other witnesses, including students, are
expected to be called.
KERON HADAWAY was granted bail in the sum of$20,000 with one surety, when he appeared inCourt on Wednesday, May 4, on three ammunitionrelated charges.
The Ottley Hall man was charged withpossession of 69 rounds of .22 ammunition withoutlicence, 7 rounds of .40 ammunition without licence,and 14 rounds of 5.56 ammunition without licence.
Hadaway is accused of being in possession of theammunition on Monday, May 2, at Ottley Hall.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges when heappeared before Chief Magistrate RechanneBrowne.
As part of his bail conditions, Hadaway wasordered to surrender his travel documents andreport to the Central Police Station on Mondaysand Thursdays, between 6 am and 6 pm.
The matter has been adjourned to May 12.
OTTLEY HALL resident Ivan Ragguetteis behind bars awaiting a July 29Preliminary Inquiry into the shooting
death ofCarlos ‘Bop’Richardson,also of OttleyHall.
Ragguettehas beencharged withthe murder ofRichardson,36, who wasshot in hisback, around6:30 a.m. onTuesday, April26, in an areaat Ottley Hallcalled ‘FireHill’.
Ragguette was not required toplead when he appeared beforeChief Magistrate RechanneBrowne at the Serious OffencesCourt last Friday, April 29, andwas remanded.
4. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
CourtV
COMMISSIONER of Police Michael Charles hasmade it clear that the Royal St. Vincent and theGrenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) does notsubscribe to vigilante justice.
The top cop’s comment came in response to aquestion by THE VINCENTIAN about commentsin some circles that a civilian, accused of killing apolice officer on Monday, should have beenbrought in dead.
“We don’t subscribe to vigilante justice.“The alleged perpetrator is in police custody.
The investigations are ongoing. We now have towait and let justice take its course,” Charles toldthis publication on Wednesday.
When asked about comments by some personsthat the alleged perpetrator would most likely bebeaten while in police custody, the Commissionersaid, “As far as I am aware, he was not beaten.”
Constable Giovanni Charles, 26, met his deathby stabbing while on duty at a school fair at theBelmont Primary School on Monday.
The Commissioner has also made it clear thatthere is no need for any bitterness between thepublic, and the police because of the unfortunateincident.
And he is urging the public to continue co-operating with the police.
“The police enjoy a good relationship with thepublic and we would like this relationship tocontinue.” he stated.
The top cop admitted, “The Police Force is in astate of mourning. We are hard hit by this tragicincident”.
But he added, “We have to still conduct ourduties, notwithstanding our loss.”
The Commissioner disclosed that counsellorsfrom the Ministry of Education along with policechaplain, Pastor Adolfus Isaacs, held sessionswith members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU)and Port Security, to which PC Charles wasattached.
The sessions, held on Tuesday and Wednesday,were attended by the Commissioner, DeputyCommissioner Reynold Hadaway, Head of theCriminal Investigation Department (CID) Supt.Ruth Jacobs and Head of the RRU and PortSecurity Assistant Supt. Timothy Hazelwood.
COP: ‘Police don’t subscribe to vigilante justice’
A BELMONT man will return to theSerious Offences Court on May 11 onfirearm and ammunition charges.
Making a brief appearance at theSerious Offences Court on Teusday,Everise Bynoe pleaded not guilty topossession of one transcomban .38 specialrevolver without licence, at FairbanePasture on May 1, 2016.
Bynoe also denied having fired roundsof .38 ammunition at Fairbane Pasture onthe same date.
Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delplechehad no objection to bail, but requestedsufficiency in surety, and reportingconditions.
Chief Magistrate Rechanne Brownegranted the accused bail, in the sum of$15,000 with one surety, on condition thathe report to the Calliaqua Police Stationon Mondays and Thursdays between 6amand 6pm.
Attorney Grant Connell appeared onBynoe’s behalf.
Belmont mandenies gun,ammo possession
Ammunition galore!!
Charge laid for ‘Bop’s’ killing
Carlos ‘Bop’Richardson wasgunned downnot very far fromwhere he lived inOttley Hall.
Recalling the tragedy of January 12, 2015 at RockGutter, caused many witnesses to openly shedtears.
Colbert Bowensno longer has acharge of causingthe deaths ofseven students toanswer.
Witnesses overtaken byRock Gutter memories
PageantryV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 5.
NLA welcomes Miss SVG contestants THE MISS SVG CONTESTANTS2016 were, on Friday last, givena tour of the National LotteriesAuthority (NLA) headquarters inPaul’s Avenue.
Manager of the NationalLotteries Authority,MacGregor Sealey along withother members of staff were onhand to welcome and entertainthe contestants.
Sealey has been employedat NLA for approximately 34years. He said that when theNational Lottery wasestablished, “It wasestablished to help carnival;however the mandate haschanged. We are now intosports, culture, education andhealth. But every single year,we have been contributing tothe Carnival DevelopmentCorporation (CDC) to the tuneof 1.5 million dollars,” Sealeyboasted.
He said the sponsorship toCDC includes assistance forcontestants in the Miss SVGpageant. And the NLA has a
proud history asfar as its supportof Miss SVGcontestants isconcerned. TheNLA sponsoredcontestants tohave worn theMiss SVG crowninclude: KimoneBapstiste in 1999;CasynellaOllivierre whocaptured the titleand that of MissCarival in 2005;and AviarCharles, Miss SVG2011.
The NLAManagercongratulated thecontestants,adding, “May thebest person win.”
The 2016 MissSVG Pageant is slated forJune 4, and will feature eightcontestants: ShaniqueAlexander - Miss Bank of St.
Vincent and the Grenadines;Anya Frederick, Miss St.Vincent Electricity ServicesLimited; Vakeesha John - Miss
Agriculture Input Warehouse;Zenna Lewis — Miss Lotto;Raneasha Loraine - Miss Play4; Dahvana Providence - Miss
Metrocint General InsuranceCompany; Jeanette Richards -Miss Jergens; and NikiannaWilliams - Miss Flow.
Manager of the NLA MacGregor Sealey (centre) with 2016 Miss SVG contestants (from left): ShaniqueAlexander, Dahvana Providence, Nikianna Williams, Vakeesha John, Anya Frederick, Jenette Richards,Raneasha Loraine and Zenna Lewis.
HUNDREDSOFVINCENTIANandCaribbeannationals inBrooklyn,New York lastSunday paidtheir lastrespects toKeith ‘Slick’Bonadie-Clarke, oneof St.Vincent andthe Grenadines’ greater mid-fielders everin football (soccer), who died on April 18at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center inBrooklyn. He was 58.
Scores of ex-national soccer stars,erstwhile sporting heroes and officialswere among mourners at the jam-
packed wake and funeral service at ElCaribe Funeral Home, 1922 UticaAve., near Avenue L in Brooklyn.
Dozens also converged on theentrance to, and in the lobby of, thelarge chapel.
Mourners paid tributes in song,scriptures and speeches, while pannistTrevor ‘Ras Jahbie’ Hepburn, of LongWall, Upper Kingstown, beat outspiritual rhythms during the almostthree-hour-long wake and periodicallyduring the two-hour-long funeralservice that followed.
Since no other musical instrumentwas used during the service, Hepburnprovided the lone accompaniment torenditions in song and hymn.
Bonadie-Clarke, who representedthe nation in soccer from 1974 until hemigrated to New York in 1982, diedfrom cardiac arrest after suffering astroke in August last year, from whichhe never fully recovered, his eldestbrother, Lennox Berthram ‘Bertie’Hadaway-Clarke told THEVINCENTIAN.
Hadaway-Clarke also said his
brother, who played soccer for theBrooklyn-based Vincentian team,Hairoun, was additionally afflictedwith hypertension and diabetes.
Earl Horne, a former president ofHairoun Sports Club, describedBonadie-Clarke as a “genuine, humbleand passionate human being,” whowas the “best” midfielder the nationhad ever seen.
According to Horne, Bonadie-Clarke’s “first national cap” cameduring the 1974 Cable & WirelessWindward Islands Tournament.
“Yes, I know he had talent,” said theex-General Secretary of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines FootballAssociation in his tribute, stating thatBonadie-Clarke was a player anyonewould want on one’s soccer team.
Former national soccer captain andcoach, Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Boucher, said,to applause, thatBonadie-Clarke was“one of the best whocame out of St.Vincent and theGrenadines.
“This guy wastremendous,” Bouchersaid. “The reason whyhe’s up there [inHeaven] looking downon us is because theyneeded that one whowas a star.”
Patrick Horne, asports writer andsoccer coach saidBonadie-Clarke was “veryunselfish.
“He was an exceptionalplayer .., a complete player.His vision was a 20-20player. He knew when topass the ball and how topass the ball. ‘Slick’, if hewas born in another era,the sky would be the limit.”
Former national netballstars and newly-mintedSports Ambassadors, StellaBoyea-Ashby and GaileneWindsor — also paid tributeto Bonadie-Clarke, withWindsor urging mournersto always “show love” —don’t wait to do so at afuneral.
Sports Minister Cecil “Ces” McKiesaid Bonadie-Clarke could have madeany Caribbean soccer team, suggestingthat a Master’s Tournament thatwould precede the return leg of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines/U.S.Asoccer clash in St. Vincent and theGrenadines, on September 2, benamed in honor of Bonadie-Clarke andTweetie Spence, another local soccerstar, who also recently went to theGreat Beyond.
In his eulogy, Barbadian pastorPeterson Thompson, of the Greater Iam Church on St. John’s Place inBrooklyn, noted in jest: “It looks likeeverybody left St. Vincent and theGrenadines to come to the funeral.
“It’s a good thing to know Keithgave his life to Christ in the end,” hesaid, removing a soccer ball from atopthe casket, dribbling briefly with it,
then handing it to Bonadie-Clarke’s mom, Cynthia Clarke,who reciprocated byperforming a small dribble, toloud applause.
“Thank God for a gift thatGod has given unto you,”Pastor Thompson added. “He[Bonadie Clarke] used whatGod gave unto him.”
Bonadie-Clarke was interredon Monday at the CanarsieCemetery in Brooklyn.
6. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
DiasporaVHundreds mourn ÂSlickÊ
Former national netball stars and sportsambassadors Stella Boyea-Ashby (L) andGailene Windsor give tribute.
Inset: Former national soccer captain Rudolph“Rudy” Boucher pays tribute.
THE CARNIVALDEVELOPMENTCorporation’s (CDC)Coordinator for RuralCarnivals, Esworth‘Ezzie’ Roberts, has madea public call for discjockeys (DJs) hired toplay at rural events, tobe briefed on what songsthey ought to play.
According to Robertswhile speaking at a CDCPress Conference onTuesday, a lot of songshave been released bylocal Soca artistes so far.
And according to therural coordinator, it isthe generalunderstanding that DJshired to play at eventsand parties at ruralevents, or other partiesleading up to Vincy Mas,will play local songs..
“But the reality has proven differently thusfar, in some quarters that is, as some DJs give usthe onslaught of foreign music,” Roberts said.
This practice leaves the local productions tosuffer from the lack of being played, hecontinued.
“I therefore, make a call publicly for RuralCarnival Committees to ensure that DJs beinghired for rural carnival events are briefed inrelation to this matter,” he said. (DD)
CARNIVAL 2016 willofficially get underwaytomorrow with the officiallaunch, scheduled to takeplace at the Victoria Park.
And with it will alsobe some changes to theprogramme line-up.
So says the CarnivalDevelopmentCorporation’s (CDC)Marketing Co-ordinator,Anthony Dennie, who, atTuesday’s press briefing,noted one of the changeswill be a change in venuefor the day activity, fromHeritage Square to theFLOW Promenade.
This event, sponsoredby the multi-platinumsponsors FLOW, willfeature the Girls’ HighSchool Steel Orchestraand a number of juniorSoca and Calypsoartistes.
“The promenadepromises to be a hype ofactivity,” Dennie said.
The other significant
change is the route of theparade which culminatesat Victoria Park andprecedes the officiallaunch.
This year’s parade isexpected to start at theCruise Ship Terminal,Upper Bay Street, andwill include displaysfrom Mas bands, theeight contestants in the2016 Miss SVG Show,steel orchestras and anumber of floatsfeaturing some of thesponsors of Vincy Mas,Dennie explained.
One of the things theCDC is looking at,according to Dennie, is tohave the trucks whichlead a parade intoKingstown, to “catch thetail end of the celebrationparade,”
The formal part of theactivity begins at 7, andwill hear addresses byChief Executive Officer(CEO) of the St Vincent
and the GrenadinesTourism Association(SVGTA) Glen Beache,and CDC ChairmanDennis Ambrose.
Displays by allthirteen competing masbands are also expectedto cross the stage, andthe Miss SVGContestants will formallyintroduce themselves tothe public and be ‘sashed’by their respectivesponsors.
The New Songcompetition will takeplace again, in threegenres. Grantley ‘I-pa’Constance, Cleopatra‘Cleo’ Hendrickson andKingsley ‘Hero’ Robertswill compete in thecalypso category; KahaliaBeache, Bernard‘Mentalist’ John andKingsley ‘Hero’ Robertsin the Ragga category;and Kahalia Beache,Kamara ‘Keido’ Fosterand Ozarie ‘Ozarie’
Matthews in the Soca. The decision taken
last year to relocate thelaunch from theSolidarity Inc. Car Parkto Victoria Park hasexceeded expectations,according to Dennie, andthe CDC anticipates thatthis trend will continue.(DD)
ArtsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 7.
Vincy Mas 2K16set to launch
Play local music!!
Anthony Dennie, CDC’sMarketing Co-ordinator,highlighting some of thechanges to this year’sVincy Mas launch.(Photo: CDC)
Esworth ‘Ezzie’Roberts, CDCCoordinator of RuralShows, has made itclear with respect towhat DJs should beplaying.
IN SPITE OF an explosiveburst of spleen in last week’sinterview, I still hold thatMitchell has been the mostpositive and constructive ofour Heads of Government to date. If in his’‘nonage’ he continues to tarnish his image, hemay well do permanent damage to his legacy.
My theme is simple to demonstrate thatMitchell’s was no one-man-band performanceas he delights in portraying “I did this, I didthat”, but a team effort in which many hadtaken part, especially ex-members of theEducational Forum of the People (1969-79).
Mitchell first tried out his own thing, “TheGrand Caribbean Unity Movement”, whichhad a baptism of fire from the people, 1965,which hounded the GCUM off the publicstage, once and for all. “Archie Bruck DemUp”.
Next, Mitchell appeared in 1966 election asa successful candidate in the Grenadinesconstituency for the SVLP which formed theOpposition 4 to 5.
In 1967, Sam Slater crossed the floor tomake it, after subsequent elections, 6 to 3 inLabour’s favour, including Mitchell as newMinister of Trade and Agriculture.
Mitchell picked a quarrel and staged aprotest march in Bequia over supposedneglect, and finally gave up his ministry, andwas booted out of the Party which calledelection straightaway in 1972.
The results showed 6 Labour 6 PPP andMitchell, who displayed great negotiatingskills of nerve-wracking intensity in pullingoff the Premiership of the Junta Party.Within two years, the Junta Government so-called collapsed when Mr. and Mrs Joshuaswitched their support to Labour, which wonthe follow-up election 1974. Ten- Two-One ismurder: 10 Labourite 2 PPP and 1 Mitchell.
Meanwhile Mitchell had formed the NewDemocratic Party in 1975, with himself asLeader, Owen Walker as Secretary, andCherry Smith as Priest who gave the Partyits name. The country then experiencedpolitical turbulence everywhere. A youthfulgroup had founded the EFP which took partin the elections of 1974 as well as those of1979 as part of a wider grouping, the UPMfrom which it broke in 1979 on account of Dr.Gonsalves’ proposals that we formally adoptcommunism as our guiding philosophy.
As far back as 1974, three front-linemembers of the Forum - Kerwyn Morris,Parnel Campbell and this writer - had beeninvited over to Bequia by Mitchell to advisehim in the 6.6.1 situation. And Parnel and Isubscribed to the wording of the speech bywhich Premier Mitchell greeted his people.And I, Kenneth John, was initially offered asenate seat by the triumphant Mitchell.
So it should not surprise anybody thatfollowing the break-up of the UPM, memberson the loose should choose the NDP whereonto rest their head.
The 1984 election was instructive. TheTheme of that election held in the carnivalseason was captured by calypsonian Becketwith his song “Horn Fuh Dem”, on whichJohn Horne preyed to win West Kingstown.Eddie Griffith took East Kingstown, young
Marcus De Freitas took West StGeorge, and Jerry Scott, as anassociate of the EFP, completedthe circle around the capitalwith South Leeward in the bag,
all of which today NDP still manages todominate, despite the occasional reverses.
It was out of respect that president JamesMitchell asked his friend J.L Eustace and P.Rand myself to be the three wise men thatlaunched his first foray: Parnel becameAttorney-General and Deputy Leader, while Iserved as Chairman of the PSC fifteen years!
It bears notice that the current Presidentof the Party, the controversial ArnhimEustace, one of the two vice-presidents, theMajor St Clair Leacock and the general-secretary Allan Cruickshank were allmembers of the EFP from the early 1970s.
One has to conclude that EFP has been asilent (not sleeping) partner of the robustNDP throughout its history.
The truth is that NDP (incorporating theEFP) behaved especially in its early days, likea house set on fire.
Both factions had similar social andpolitical beliefs best captured in Mitchell’scoinage of “a property-owning democracy” andliberation that inhered in the title“democratic” what Mitchell contributed wasinspired and undaunted leadership.
Culturally, the NDP pushed carnivalthrough its new Chairman of the Festival, theworld reknowned “Shake” Keane, a very closefriend of Mitchell.
We abolished so-called Discovery Day, andwent so far as to change our flag, cutting outthe miniature Union Jack.
As an agriculturalist, Mitchell had placedemphasis on “Dig a better life,” and generallyfocussed on SVG becoming “a property-owning Democracy”. Hence a progressive landreform project was being implemented, andagriculture was planned around “green gold”,for which the ground-work was prepared inthe Rabacca land reform project.
A thrust was made in the area of tourism,especially in the Grenadines, where nativeright to the beaches were all safe-guardedaccording to an official script of Mitchellhimself “to hell with Paradise”.
On mainland Saint Vincent, the MitchellGovernment had purchased two estates fromthe last of the plantocrats, and redirected apublic road to make the area suitable for totaldevelopment.
Have the most impressive Prime Ministerto date and the finest specimen ofstraightforwardness gone past the point ofreconciliation? I don’t believe so.
But some nagging snags have cropped up,forcing interesting persons to re-think theirposition.
Whatever problem there is, sprang fromMitchell’s understandable misconception thatthe NDP is an extension of his ownpersonality, “Son” writ large.
It is befuddling that, with tribal warfare onthe rampage, the ULP could hold thecontinued fight for power, it does not add up.
This skirmish is really a non-issue, a side-track from election petition, their fall-out, theuncertain future that we currently face.
ANYTIME THERE IS a spike in violent crime here, expect thatthere will be an inundation of ‘plausible’ explanations for that phenomenon.
The last week or so was no different. Three violent deaths havethrown up the usual outcries, denunciations, blame-laying and all the‘possible’ reasons for what some say is a plague.
What heightened the frenzy was the fact that the most recentoccurrence involved the stabbing death of a police officer.
There has been no want of drumbeats against the police here for onething or the other — brutality being the number one allegation.
When, four years or so ago, this publication was brazen enough towarn that anytime the criminal element in our midst directed theiriniquitous intents at the police, this was going to be ‘the beginning ofthe slide into chaos if not anarchy, a la Jamaica and Trinidad, manyturned their noses upward in scorn at what they saw as a meaninglessposting.
Not that there have been any marked or sustained acts of violenceagainst the police, but the very fact that one young man was moved toopenly stab a police officer to death, is enough to send warning signalsagain.
What seems to have crept into the society is a blatant disregard forthe traditionally uniformed police officer and plain clothes officer.
Policing has become characterized by two divisions of the PoliceForce: the Special Services Unit (SSU), commonly referred to as theSpecial Squad; and the more authoritative Rapid Response Unit (RRU),known as the Black Squad.
It appears that no longer are civilians respectful, far less fearful, ofthe traditionally uniformed cop; but let loose those in green or black,with their firepower, and we quake into submission.
The reality here is that our police force has become visiblymilitarized — armed and some say dangerous — in keeping, theauthorities say, with the demands of the changing face of crime and thesophistication of the criminal underworld.
Not that we don’t understand the need for the changing face ofpolicing, but the very fact that we have armed the police is enough toexpect an armed response against civilians and in turn, against thepolice.
The reality is that, while we condemn the stabbing death of theofficer while on duty at a School Fair, the society has become soconditioned by the militarizing of the police force, that if it was theother way around, i.e. police killing civilian — the crescendo ofcondemnation would have been so much more lasting, and the demandsfor justice so much more verbalized.
This is not a characterization of which we have anything to beproud!
That is why, we have to work toward a balance that would breed anamicable relationship between civilian and police; one that would allowfor the society as a whole to police itself, and assist in its own orderand safety.
If it is that the mood is such that there would be no second thoughtabout turning on a police officer, can we blame the cop if he fires first?
Do we want a situation in which police officers find reason to secondguess themselves while in the line of duty, and fail to quell athreatening situation?
If they act in accordance with assessment of a given situation, and,God forbid, the worst happens, are we going to level condemnation onthat officer?
It’s a catch 22 situation. We have created a situation of amilitarized police force that is not deemed to be a friend of the people;and we hasten to condemn the officers when they step out of theperceived ‘safety’ line.
The stabbing death must be condemned, and the police must not justhear our support in this time of their bereavement; they must feel it.
In so doing, we must guard against the introduction of policiesand/or practices that evoke reprisals from the police in the name ofkeeping crime down.
Rather, we must accept that the police is but one arm of the judicialsystem, the shortcomings of which may well be contributing factors in asituation of spiraling crime.
And while we are at it, isn’t it time that our law enforcementagencies recognize that law-abiding residents of poor communities,what have been described as ‘Hot Spots’ of crime, are among thestrongest advocates for enforcing laws against crime? This may notalways be made manifest, but this recognition lies at the root of thepolice winning the fight against crime and criminal networks.
The last thing we need are reprisals by the law and/or continuingunwanted acts of violence against the law custodians.
Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd.,
P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Police and civiliansMitchell and Eustace: A Non Issue (Part 2)
IT IS GOOD to see, at longlast, that the minimumwage and workingconditions of workers willbe looked at in a
meaningful way. I amlooking forward to theconsultation process andto having my input.
There are a number ofissues that have to belooked at whenconsidering theminimum wage. Theworkplace is no longerstatic. It has becomemobile and complex.
While workers remaintrapped in poverty, theywatch a growing gapbetween themselves andthe wealthy and bigbusinesses. This toxicmix of increasedeconomic inequality,combined with extremelevels of poverty andunemployment, is nolonger simply a socialissue, if ever it was. It isone of the major politicalhot topics of its time.
While a nationalminimum wage is not apanacea, it will be animportant step forwardin responding to thesechallenges. It will be keyto a package of labourmarket, social protectionand economic measuresaimed at giving concretemeaning to the slogan ofZero Hunger, No man,woman or child will go tobed hungry, i.e. povertyeradication.
Labour market
measures must bedesigned to eliminateworking poverty,radically reduceinequality of incomes.The national minimumwage is key to thisagenda, because itestablishes a minimumincome floor or base tostart with. It will aid inthe reconfiguration of thewage structure in mostvulnerable sectors, withother measures aimed atcreating greater incomeequity. These labourmarket interventions willpromote decent work andunleash the economy’sproductive potentials.
A living wage is whatis required by theworkers of today. Aliving wage would meanworkers would be able tofeed themselves andfamilies; pay their rent,pay for health care,clothing, transportationand education; and havea small savings for anyunexpected eventuality.
A living wage shouldbe the basic pay earnedin a standard workingweek. Overtime andbonuses should besupplementary to aliving wage. A livingwage is just one of thetenets of the decentWork Charter of the
International LabourOrganization (ILO), andit is a crucial one.
Poverty paymentsimpact on decisionsworkers make regardingtheir workplaces.Without a wage thatthey can live on, workersare forced to risk theirhealth, family life andnutrition. Sometimestheir very lives are atstake in order to ensurethat the rent is paid, foodis available, the utilitybills are paid, and theirchildren are educated. Aliving wage is whatworkers require most atthis time, and not justthe minimum wage. Solong!
Man on the Go
Living wage and notminimum wage
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 9.
LettersVWHAT ARE WE coming to? It seems we havereached to a point, which I hope is not a point of noreturn.
I could not believe it at first when I heard that apoliceman was stabbed to death over the weekend.Not at a fete or some block-O, but at a school fair,making the whole affair so much harder to bear.
What is next? A murder in a church during aservice? Mind you, we have already come close tothat.
These are bad times… the devil is surely findingwork for idle hands to do, as my dearly departedmother would have said. It seems we have lost allrespect for human life, and that comes from howdivided we have become.
I am not going to say that the ULP governmentis responsible for the breakdown in society, butwhat I can say is that they are very much part ofthe blame.
But when all is said and done, it is all of us whoare to be blamed for this evil that prevails.
Time to get down on our knees and pray forsalvation.
Phillips
Look wherewe have come
FOOTBALL in those days were played on Monday,Wednesday, Friday, and the three referees were‘Stump’ Mc Kie, Berk Smith and a Grenadian StLouis, who worked at the Registry.
There were 2 divisions: 1st Division comprised ofEverton, Allies Commandoes, Ranger, and theArmy (West Indies Battalion). The Army had noVincentian on the team. The majority of its teamwas from the Leeward Islands.
The 2nd Division was made up of GrammarSchool (GS), M/C, Maple Leaf and Belle Star.
One afternoon, the Army gave GS a 6- nilbeating in a shield game, but School came back afew afternoons later and knocked out the Army outof the Da Silva Cup, with a 1-nil beating.
FO Mason was in goal when ‘School’ won thatencounter. Lio Smith scored the goal. ElmoreDaisy was on the team that day.
If anyone is interested in football history, youcan contact Lio at Smiths Bakery, and you will getan idea of what it was like when school boys playedagainst the Army, who had two defenders, onecalled ‘Baga Sugar’ and the other ‘Bofung’, andthose guys were big and rugged.
Alfred Charles
ON ANY GIVEN day, there is amixture of people awaiting to take aflight somewhere. Some are firsttimers, some are regulars, some aretimid, some well-educated, others farfrom that and so appear lost. Iwonder if those who sell this service(air transportation) take these factorsinto account! Far from it, it seems.
Those service providers mustrespect that, regardless of whichcategory a traveller finds him/herselfin, each is a valuable customer; theyhelp to keep the planes afloat, and soshould be treated as worthwhile.
Travel is quite an undertaking. Ittakes years sometimes to put one’sfare together, plus other monies forother things.
Is enough guidance provided tomake the travelling publiccomfortable? Far from it. Nervousnessamong travellers, especially first time,is evident from the time they enter theplane. This can be seen in their facialexpressions and outright fidgeting —dropping things accidentally,displaying of travelling documents,etc. This is a way of asking for help,and only those who care and areobservant will be able to spot these.
Being in transit is a whole differentkettle of fish. To move without mishapfrom one plane to the next is, at times,
nothing short of a miracle.Added to the uneasiness of the first
flight, comes the worry of findingwhere to take your luggage. At timesyou are approached by some, who looklike officers, ready to arrest you fornothing. But among them are somewho would politely ask if you needhelp.
This will raise your hopes quite abit until the luggage reach theirdestination. Then you are looked inthe face, the hands outstretched. Youare not given a chance to let themknow you think this is a good gesture,only to have them launch into theirstory as to how many mouths theyhave to feed at home. They want cash.
As if this isn’t enough, there is amuffled public announcement system.You may recognize your name, buteverything else is gone in the wind.
Searching your person and luggagemakes you feel as though you havecommitted a wrong. It appears as ifthat’s the only thing that is conductedthoroughly.
Persons who travel keep the planeafloat. More consideration, guidanceand courtesy must be meted out tothem.
Very Observant
I LOOKED at the sea, I gazed at the sky.The sun is shining so bright, and watched the birdsfly. I picked up sea shells, and ran from the wavesWalking in the direction of the hidden cave.At the mouth of it, I missed the sea shells.Washed away by the heavy waves.
The sea, the sun, so bright, dazzling my eyesAnd gives me a hot, salty smile.Then I heard the beating sounds of bats flyingaroundAnd I could not see, the sun againFrom the moving mammals in the air.
I crouched low for a whileAnd waited till I was safe insideHeld up my head, and walked againHoping nothing would scare me away In the cave, no waves, no sun, my adventure hasjust begun.
Joanna Thompson – PC823
MEMORY LANE:Football in the 40s
ARE THESE times theworst economic timesthat this country hasever had to endure?
If you ask thatquestion of thegovernment, theanswer would be anemphatic, NO! If youask the oppositionNDP, the answerwould be an equallyemphatic, YES!
Every time I get intoKingstown, especiallyat the end of the monthor the first week in thenext month, I marvelat the lines at theMoneyGram agent.This tells me that quitea large percentage ofour people depend ontheir relativesoverseas. Without thatmoney coming in, andthe barrels aroundEaster and Christmas,a lot more people willbawl for murder.
Time that we admit,even in the face of allthe handouts fromgovernment, that weare not in the best oftimes. And with a longwait before theinternational airportcould become ‘busy’,things are not going toget better soon.
Just ask the littleold lady whom I metrecently at asupermarket check-outcounter, who didn’thave enough money topay for what was avery small but basicbasket of food items.
The real RandolphPeters
Air Travel: Not enough guidance
Nature and me
Timeshard!!
Introduction
THE ISSUE OF FOREIGN directinvestment is something that iscreating much discussion in certainquarters of our country. There is somemisunderstanding in some quarters,and elsewhere some persons haveattempted to “muddy the waters” so tospeak, to create fear and mischief.There really is no mystery to the issue offoreign direct investment, when you getright down to it. All countries,particularly Third World countries, havea keen interest in this issue, whether it’sattracting investors, or gettingbusinessmen and women to put moneyinto projects in their individualcountries.
For a small country, St.Vincent andthe Grenadines has attracted a fairshare of foreign direct investment,and the ULP administration hasspared no effort in this regard. PrimeMinister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves recentlyreturned from a trip to the UnitedKingdom, where he interacted withinvestors who want to do businesswith this country. This process willcontinue for a long while. Everygovernment minister, and all relatedagencies in the State, are tasked withincreasing the level of foreign directinvestment, for St.Vincent and theGrenadines.
In fact, even the opposition NewDemocratic Party is trying to use thisfactor to attract support, even if theirideas are described as “half baked”.For example, the plagiarising of anidea to build a cruise ship terminal inChateaubelair, comes to mind. Theidea of a landing strip on Balliceaux isanother of the “half baked” ideas putforward by the NDP.
What investors want
Simply put, investors are lookingfor a healthy return on their money,when they become involved in anyproject. No financier will take theirhard earned money, and invest it in aproject or a business, unless there is apotential to gain some return on theirinvestment. An investor is not a“Santa Claus”. Generally speaking,they are tough businessmen backedup by experienced advisers, who willprovide critical information to be usedin decision making.
When investing in St.Vincent andthe Grenadines, financiers will ofcourse recognise that there are riskswhich they will have to take.Questions as to the stability of thecountry and the government, the easeof doing business, the presence of atrainable workforce, the labourconditions, and the operations of thefinancial services, will have to beaddressed and considered, before adecision to invest is made.
The imminent opening of theinternational airport at Argyle will bea critical factor for financiers wantingto invest in the country. The openingof the international airport providesfor better air communications withthe rest of the world, and clearly willprovide some advantages forinvestors, particularly those involvedin the hospitality industry. Butoverall, investors want to beassociated with countries with asound image as this inspiresconfidence; and so the presentstrategy by the NDP, to “bad mouth”the country, must be seen asunpatriotic.
Recently, an article written byLucien Chauvin, highlighted
St.Vincent and the Grenadines ashaving a prime investmentopportunity in the area of alternativeenergy. The article says that thegeothermal project now beingundertaken by the ULPadministration is a remarkableexample of a public privatepartnership to provide an alternativepower source, which will bringsavings to investors in general, andthe country as a whole.
What the country wants
It is clear that foreign directinvestment will bring benefits to thiscountry, particularly in the area of jobcreation and wealth. Investmentsaffect the gross domestic product of acountry in a positive way. People getjobs, wealth is created and businessopportunities are created.
The ULP administration hasprojected to creating some ninethousand jobs over the next five years,in a number of areas. The opening ofthe international airport at Argyle isa start, but many more projects willtake off over the next five years.These include the new city at ArnosVale, the geothermal project, theMt.Wynne/Peter’s Hope tourismdevelopment, the port modernisationof Kingstown and tourism projects inMayreau, Bequia, Canouan and UnionIsland.
Further, there will be initiatives inthe areas of fisheries, agriculture,manufacturing, ICT and construction.The ULP administration, in its bid tomaximise all these opportunities, hasestablished a ministry of economicplanning and sustainabledevelopment, headed by a youngenergetic minister, Camillo Gonsalves,and backed up by an administrationthat is committed to creating a soundclimate for investment.
As a people, who are ready toreceive the benefits from foreigndirect investment, we must beprepared to understand all the issuesthat surround this situation. It iscritical that investors recognise thatwe are a country of laws, and that therights of Vincentians must beprotected at all times. At the sametime, we as a people must also respectthe agreements made between theauthorities and the investors. Thereare those among us who are bent onmaking things difficult for investors,even while they receive benefits fromthe respective investor. This state ofaffairs cannot be tolerated.
Conclusion
As a country, St.Vincent and theGrenadines offers much tointernational investors who want todo business here. The investmentclimate is sound, despite the efforts ofsome to create problems. The ULPadministration has an ambitiousplatform which is attractive toinvestors, but we owe it to ourselvesto understand the issues related toforeign direct investment. This is theonly way we can create an atmospherewhere investors and citizens can exist,recognising that mutual benefits willabound to each other, in the longterm.
THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) isconfident that it would have done a betterjob in fighting crime in St. Vincent and theGrenadines. The party is strongly of theview that in order to effectively combatcrime, the emphasis must be placed onidentifying the likely causes of crime, anddeveloping a strategy to remove thosecauses.
Over the past fifteen years, the NDPhas been concerned about the crimesituation and the negative effect it hasbeen having on society. As a result, theNDP drafted a Resolution on crime, tookit to parliament, but the governmentrefused to debate it. Moreover, theparty’s Spiritual and Social RedemptionCharter detailed actions geared towardsfighting crime.
We are pleased, herein, to remindVincentians about our Resolution oncrime and our Spiritual and SocialRedemption Charter.
Motion on CrimeWHEREAS over the last few months,
St. Vincent and the Grenadines hasexperienced an unprecedented series ofheinous and barbarous crimescontributing further to a veritableclimate of fear throughout thisotherwise blessed land of ours;
AND WHEREAS this trend hasaffected the lives of all Vincentiansresulting in a large number of ourpotentially productive young peoplebeing lost to crime as can be evidencedby the number of youths in our prisonpopulation, the spiralling number of“homeless youth” roaming the streets ofKingstown, and the creation ofneighbourhood watch societies inseveral communities;
AND WHEREAS there is aninsufficient number of rural librariesand like facilities, an absence of a girls’home, to complement the Liberty LodgeBoys’ home, an inadequate number ofrural counselling centres, and anabsence of a scientific approach todealing with these social problems;
AND WHEREAS resources need to bemade available to address theseconcerns which continue to impactsociety negatively and, in particular,that such assistance be used forincreasing community policing, lendingassistance to such organs as crimestoppers anonymous, youthorganizations, family life and spiritualdevelopment programmes, and forexpanding local and domestic security;
AND WHEREAS this unsatisfactorystate of affairs has been acknowledgedby the media, civil society and theHuman Rights Association asmanifested by their editorials,statements of condemnation, calls formarches of peace and a request for areturn to more Christian values and theneed to be “our brother’s and sister’skeeper”;
AND WHEREAS this prevailingclimate now sustains an environment ofuncertainty, despair and unlawfulconduct which threatens the best of ourdemocratic traditions, constitutionalprivileges and a reasonable sense ofdecency;
AND WHEREAS given the impact offoreign cultural penetration on smalldeveloping countries like St. Vincentand the Grenadines, the state has anobligation to reintroduce the family unitand specifically the basic role of parentsin the upbringing of children by asustained and relentless educationinitiative for the development ofspiritual, ethical, moral and humanvalues through social, cultural andeconomic interventions;
AND WHEREAS it is universallyaccepted that there is an undeniablelink between the levels of crime anddepressed economic conditions, and thatthe issues of drug trafficking, drug useand drug dependency along with poverty
alleviation loom large and require theutmost priority;
AND WHEREAS government spendsover $13,000.00 per annum to maintaina prisoner in the main correctioninstitution and only $5.00 on a GirlGuide or Boy Scout(at an organizationallevel as evidenced in the estimates)among youth who comprise the standardbearers of discipline for a kinder,gentler St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
AND WHEREAS the potential fordevelopment of the criminal instinct ishighest in disadvantaged , homeless andorphaned youth, it is imperative thatthe state complements the existingLiberty Lodge Boys Training Schoolwith a counterpart female institution,introduce truancy officers in the severalconstituencies, towns, villages asappropriate to back up a compulsoryeducation initiative while the Ministryof Gender and Social Affairs is chargedwith the responsibility for trackinghomeless and orphaned children andaiding in their rehabilitation.
BE IT RESOLVED that thisHonourable House support a Motion tobe called ‘The Spiritual and SocialRedemption Charter’, giving tangibleeffect to a national commitment to ajust, equitable, fearless, respectful,proud and God-fearing people byproviding resources, giving leadership,employing social and economicstrategies to reduce the intolerableviolence, providing hope for theVincentian aspiration, tolerance fordivergence, love and respect for thedignity of human life and ourcommitment to the Supremacy of God inall we say and do in building the kinder,gentler society for the 21st century.
Spiritual and Social RedemptionCharter
* Initiate household sustainability:Each Vincentian household must haveat least one occupant employed over thenext five (5) to ten (10) years.
* Encourage prayer: A school prayerand pledge to be recited daily, suggestedprayer to be crafted by the St. Vincentand the Grenadines Christian Councilin collaboration with other religiousorganisations. The Ministry ofEducation will be the executing agency.
* Invigorate Sunday school: Supporta fund for Sunday/Sabbath teaching.
* Strength youth development: workwith the National youth council on a prorata contribution of $1000.00 permember group base on an approvalbasis. The following organizations willbe given special recognition, St. Vincentand the Grenadines: Cadet Force, GirlsGuide, Boy Scouts, Boys and GirlsBrigade, Pathfinders, Red Cross andInter- School Christian Fellowship andNational sporting bodies.
* Further stimulate the intellectualcapability by promoting the capacity ofstudents through compulsory debatingsocieties in all government and assistedsecondary schools.
* Effect quantitative improvement inthe Royal St. Vincent and theGrenadines Police Force by theimplementation of national securityprofessionalization and leadershipprogrammes for the Office Corps.
* Grant amnesty for illegal firearms.* Provide a girls’ home similar to the
Liberty Lodge, for disadvantaged,homeless and orphaned girls.
* Develop value laden family lifetelecasts for television and establish asport endowment of $20,000.00 to eachof the leading sporting bodies forcommunity based sports programmes.
10. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
ViewsVBuilding a kinder and gentler societyForeign direct investment for
St.Vincent and the Grenadines
EVERY ADULT in St Vincent and theGrenadines must have heard the term‘ignorance of the law is not an excuse’.The maxim is of ancient origin, and ithas become firmly entrenched inthe common law as regards criminallaw. As regards criminal offenses, itmeans that one may be excused if theyare ignorant of the law.
Criminal codes across common lawjurisdictions are at pains to highlightthat ignorance of the law by a personwho commits an offence, is not anexcuse for committing that offence. Inthe hand book Mens Rea (guilty mind)in Statutory Offences, it is stated :“At least one thing is crystal clear,namely, that the establishment of a‘guilty mind does not involve proofthat the accused knew that he wascommitting a criminal offence’.”
The simple reason behind thisview is evident on its face. Were theposition otherwise, it is obvious thatthe law could be floutedindiscriminately; an offender takingcare to ensure that he did not makehimself cognizant with the law. Thepublic must be made aware thatignorance cannot be pleaded in excuseof crimes, although the maxim did nothold in civil cases.
There are two significantdistinctions and two exceptions. Thefirst distinction is encapsulated in theignorance of fact excuses; ignorance oflaw does not excuse. The British caseof R. v. Crosswell addresses the twoexceptions:
“Generally, ignorance of the law isno excuse, although there are someexceptions. An exception (is) ... wherethe charge was one of willful failure tocomply with probation and the breachwas an allegation of committing acriminal offence with aseparate guilty mind. A furtherexception is recognized to the generalrule that ignorance of the law is noexcuse, for cases of officially inducederror.” A local example is where apolice officer directs you to make agiven turn, only to be told by anotherofficer after you would have followedinstructions, that you made an illegalturn.
Sometimes lawyers are placed inthe unenviable position by clients whobelieve that, once she is hired, shemust know everything in the law.Justice James Abbott’s memorablewords in Montriou v Jefferys is worthrepeating here: “No attorney is boundto know all the law. God forbid that itshould be imagined that an attorney,or a counsel, or even a judge is boundto know all the law....”
While Justice Abbott is absolutelycorrect, all officers of the court have aresponsibility to their clients and thesociety to honestly tell clients andeveryone appearing before the court,that there are limits to the knowledgewhich any officer may have. There isalso the responsibility of persons toresearch the law and becomeconversant with the law. Attorneysmust never give the impression thatthey are supermen or women who cansolve all problems. Clients mustrealistically be told what they can
expect, based on the instructionsgiven and the law available to thelawyer.
What follows from the foregoing isthat citizens must be madeacquainted with both the criminal andcivil laws of the land in which theylive. Unfortunately, the laws of SVGare kept as a closely guarded secret.There is no easy access to the laws ofour country. The cost of the country’s15 volumes of laws runs into thethousands of dollars. The difficultieswith ordinary citizens accessing ourlaws are in stark contrast to whatobtains in many other Caribbeancountries. In Belize, Jamaica,Antigua, St Lucia and Grenada andBarbados, anyone anywhere in theworld can access the laws of thesecountries and keep abreast of legaldevelopments.
Not so in St Vincent. It is time forour laws to be freed up. St Vincentand the Grenadines is becomingincreasingly litigious. Persons want tohave their issues ventilated in court.In the criminal arena, especiallywhere we do not have a Legal AidSociety that assists with criminaldefense except in murder and otherrare cases, people need to have accessto the law.
It is hoped that by highlighting thisissue, the authorities will considerposting all of our laws either on thegovernment’s or on House ofAssembly website.
AMERICA SAYS IGNORANCE OFTHE LAW IS AN EXCUSE IF YOUARE A POLICE.
There is some movement awayfrom the maxim that ignorance of thecriminal law is not a defense. On theMonday, December 14, 2014, the U.S.Supreme Court ruled that the samestandard doesn’t necessarily apply topolice. In a splintered 8-1 ruling, thecourt found that cops who pulled overa motorist for a broken taillight werejustified in a subsequent search of themotorist’s car, even though NorthCarolina law says that having justone broken taillight is not a violationof the law.
The ruling means that police didnot violate the motorist’s rights whenthey later searched his car and foundcocaine, and that the cocaine evidencecan’t be suppressed at a later trial.But it also means that the U.S.Supreme Court declined theopportunity to draw a line limitingthe scope of police stops, at a timewhen they areas rampant and raciallydisproportionate as ever. Instead,police may have considerably moreleeway to stop passengers on the road,even in a number of jurisdictions thathad previously said cops are notjustified in mistakes of law.
THE CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH Dictionarydefines/describes caviar as “the eggs ofvarious large fish, especially the sturgeon,eaten as food.” This expensive food isconsidered a delicacy and is usuallyconsumed by the rich and famous –usually as a garnish or a spread. Theconsumption of caviar by the “privileged”members of society is not something new.History confirms that the British RoyalFamily had developed a strong desire forthis food item from as early as 1324. Theywere so protected of this delicacy thatEdward II decreed that all sturgeons foundwithin British waters were classified asbeing the property of the monarch. Thisspecies of fish then became known as theRoyal Fish. Today, Canada, the UnitedStates of America, Iran, Uruguay, andRussia are among some of the world’slargest producers and exporters of caviar.They generate healthy sums of foreignexchange as they supply this much-desiredfood item to those nations whose citizenshave “expensive tastes” and “royalpalates”.
The United Nations (UN) is at theforefront of advocating for povertyeradication, improvement in education(especially for girls in Easterncountries), women’s empowerment,maternal health, and the preservationof the natural environment. These allformed part of the UN’s millenniumgoals launched in 2000. The 189member nations endorsed the UN’sefforts to improve the lives and wellbeing of the world’s poorer anddisenfranchised citizens via theMillennium Development Goals. Twoyears later, the UN Secretary General,Ban Ki-moon, then remarked that,“Eradicating extreme poverty continuesto be one of the main challenges of ourtime, and is a major concern of theinternational community. Ending thisscourge will require the combinedefforts of all, governments, civil societyorganizations and the private sector, inthe context of a stronger and moreeffective global partnership fordevelopment. The MillenniumDevelopment Goals set time boundtargets, by which progress in reducingincome poverty, hunger, disease, lack ofadequate shelter and exclusion – whilepromoting gender equality, health,education and environmentalsustainability – can be measured. Theyalso embody basic human rights – therights of each person on the planet tohealth, education, shelter and security.The Goals are ambitious but feasibleand, together with the comprehensiveUnited Nations development agenda,set the course for the world’s efforts toalleviate extreme poverty by 2015.”
Unfortunately, many of the “bread-and-butter issues” set out in themillennium goals remainunaccomplished. The targets have beenrevisited and reset. The UnitedNations’ Sustainable DevelopmentGoals now expands many of theMillennium Development Goals andencompass a total of seventeen (17)topics under their “Transforming OurWorld - the 2030 Agenda forSustainable Development”. The nobledreams include ending poverty andhunger, improving food security,ensuring healthy lives, focusing ongender equality, equitable education,affordable and reliable energy,combatting climate change, and so on —
all “bread-and-butter issues”. Allconsidered to be minimum requirementsfor healthy, safe, and fair living. Allconsidered to be noble dreams andambitions. All considered achievable ifour world leaders in the private andpublic sector will demonstrate empathyfor their fellow man and genuine, self-less love for mankind. And therein liesthe challenge. Gregory Weekes’ openingquotation emphasizes the humanitariantest, and the reality of the magnitude ofour problems, “How can our leaderspreach bread-and-butter issues whentheir breaths smell of caviar?” Toomany of our leaders are focused onpersonal gain at the expense of theirconstituents.
The disclosure of the HSBC filesrevealed that many regional and worldleaders had stashed away millions ofdollars in the highly secretive andconfidential Swiss banks. Theserevelations were unearthed in March2015 as a result of the financialinstitution’s database being hacked.How could our leaders amass suchwealth in such a relatively short time?What was the source of these funds?More recently, the Panama Papers, theleaking of 11.5 million files, revealedthat many regional and internationalleaders have been banking significantsums of money in their banking system.Similar questions emerge in relation tothe source of funds and the level of theftand corruption that appear to entice somany of our leaders and erode the socialan economic fabric of many nations.
In both instances, the leakeddocuments contained the identities ofwealthy public and private sectorofficers (including Presidents and PrimeMinisters) who have hidden significantsums of money lodged away from publicgaze. Several accounts have been alsoidentified as belonging to associates andclose relatives of a number ofgovernment heads; individuals whosound good talking about bread-and-butter issues in their home nations butapparently living the life of royalty andhaving their breaths smell of caviar.
The old people have a saying, “Timelonger than twine”. Sometimes it is justa matter of time before the deedsperformed in darkness are revealed inthe brightest light and the clearest day.Our small (and relatively poor) nationscry for transparency and accountabilitythroughout the various communities.This is as necessary in the privatesector as it is in the public sector and/orgovernment. Too many of our regionalprojects appear to scrape the verybottom of our treasuries while theadministrators and/or their relativesappear to get rich so very quickly. Aswe focus on dealing with the bread-and-butter issues, let us also take note ofthose whose breaths smell of caviar.Our societies must demand justice andreparations when these individualshave been exposed. Justice must notonly be seen in relation to those fromthe bread-and-butter segment of society;it must also deal fairly with those whosecaviar tastes were developed bydishonest means.
ViewsVIgnorance of the law is no excuseBread and butter issues
Socialism has devastated Venezuelaand is mashing up SVG too!VINCENTIANS are asked to take note ofhow socialism has devastated Venezuela,and how it is having a massive negativeimpact on the people of Venezuela.
There is a severe shortage of foodand medicine; public servants work foronly two days per week;, and waterand electricity are being rationed.
The Miami Herald newspaper saysthat Venezuela is nearing total“collapse”. A top InternationalMonetary Fund economist saysVenezuela could reach “total economiccollapse” in 12-18 months.
Venezuela is being run on socialistprinciples as established by HugoChavez. Chavez based the economy onone sector - oil. Venezuela has theworld’s largest proven oil reserves;however, since global oil pricescollapsed, its economy has been inrecession.
The socialism propagated by Chavezis mirrored in SVG. Under Gonsalves’socialism, the economy is beingincompetently managed on one sector -tourism.
The downfall of Venezuela and theweakness of the SVG economyillustrate the foolhardiness of runningan economy on one sector. It’s likebuilding a house on one column — it is
destined to collapse.Socialism and the lack of visionary
planning have plunged Venezuela intoa state of high poverty and crime. Thesame is happening in SVG.
Gonsalves’ son was in New York inApril 2016 on a ‘begging spree’. Thisshows how low our country has fallenunder Gonsalves’ socialism, and showsthat, like father, like son, the way theysee fit to improve the economy is bybegging. It must be in the genes.
Since Chavez’s successor, Maduro,took office after a dubious election in2013, the economy has collapsed froma 5 percent growth rate that year, toan 8 percent contraction in 2016. Mostimportantly, poverty has balloonedfrom 23 percent to 73 percent ofVenezuelan households over the sameperiod.
Since Gonsalves took office after thedubious election last year, our countryhas got worse. Thousands of childrencannot get a job, and many businesseshave been forced to close down.Unemployment has increased.
The Venezuelan currency, theBolivar, is increasingly worthless. Noteven robbers want it. A news reportquoted an engineer who was attackedby armed robbers, but they refused to
take Bolivars. President NicolásMaduro has resorted to blaming the ElNiño weather phenomenon for some ofthe country’s problems. That, in itself,shows how wrong socialism is inVenezuela.
The Argyle airport is a classicexample of how Gonsalves’ socialismcan push a country into the groundovernight. The cost of construction wasset at EC$502 million in theEnvironmental Impact Assessment;however, it is purported that aboutEC$1.2 billion has already been spenton it.
There is still no evidence that theArgyle airport will actually improveour economy. Rather than spend a fewhundred thousand dollars on a costbenefit study, the ULP regime hasthrown away EC$1.2 billion onbuilding a white elephant. That showshow wrong Gonsalves’ socialism is forSVG.
SVG urgently needs a change fromGonsalves’ socialism to economiccompetence and a strong private sectorof small businesses. We need anexport-oriented economy and multiplesectors to the economy. We needaccountability, transparency and a fairtax system, or very soon we will beexactly like Venezuela.
The Leader of SVG Green Party, MrIvan O’Neal, who has a BSc (hons) inAccounting and Finance from OxfordBrookes University, England, an MScin Macro Economics, Policy andPlanning from Bradford University,England, and an MBA from LeicesterUniversity, England, says that SVGshould follow the example ofSingapore, not Gonsalves’ socialism.
Mr Ivan O’Neal lived and worked inSingapore, and witnessed the amazingtransformation of Singapore from acountry rife with prostitution andcrime, to the present Singapore, aWorld Bank economic success model.
Singapore focused on a knowledge-based economy. SVG urgently needs todiscard Gonsalves’ socialism and thetourism mentality, and change to aknowledge-based economy. Economicand social transformation can only beachieved in SVG by the developmentof high-quality education.
SVG Green Partywww.svggreenparty.orgFind us on Facebook and Twitter
12. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
ViewsV
WINSBERTH QUOW,Manager of the SolidWaste Management Unit,is persisting with hismessage of maintaining ahealthy environment.
And, according to him,there are ways in whichtaking care of thesurroundings can be abusiness enterprise.
Quow made thestatement while deliveringthe feature address at thelaunch of a group calledLeaders in EnvironmentalAwareness and Protection,(LEAP), at the St. Martin’sSecondary School, Friday29th April.
He referred to twooperations in which hisUnit is currently involvedat its Diamond landfill: the use ofwaste from septic tanks as fertilizer;and a charcoal business endeavour,driven by the use of a locally designedmetal Charcoal Kiln.
Quow also alluded to the value ofcomposting, and challenged the youngmale students to think about usingwaste to generate electricity.
The installation of bins to drivehome the importance of recyclingdoes not seem to be having thedesired impact, Quow lamented,since the bins were not being usedproperly.
He bemoaned the tendency ofcitizens to “throw thrash on theground,” and reminded the students
that littering was illegal,as was urinating inpublic, the wantondisposal of waste, anddefacing property withgraffiti.
Quow was pleased withthe initiative taken by theyoungsters, and suggestedto them that “You canbuild an economy bytaking the Leap”. Quowsuggested.
LEAPPresident of LEAP Oji
Sutherland justified thedecision to form the group.“We are seeing the growthin pollution. We want toget our peers to put ahand in helping to keepour society and our
environment clean,” Sutherland said. LEAP was inaugurated March 15.
Other officers are: Vice President -Matthew Jackson, Secretary - JoelRoss, Treasurer - Deron Richards,and Public Relations Officer - JaiBrowne.
There are 25 members in the groupwhich is assisted by teachers RichardSmith, Asheika Charles and SharrifaBarrow.
Principal Wendel Edwardscomplimented the youngsters andpledged cooperation.
LEAP’s first round of activitiesincludes the staging of a Clean Class Room Competition which endsJune 3.
SMSS takes a LEAP
Winsberth Quowchallenged thestudents of SMSSto considerpossibilities forturning waste intouseful materials.
by GLORIAH…
A NEW UP-CYCLE business, utilizing discarded items and addingvalue to them by transforming them into value added décor andpersonal ornaments, was launched here in Kingstown, lastFriday 29th April, 2016.
The enterprise, called ‘DeZings Unparalled’, is owned andmanaged by Ms. Karen James.
According to Ms. James, after years of managing people,properties and systems, she felt the need to reinventherself.
“I needed a business idea that didn’t require alump sum of cash to get started, and one day thethought that I could use trash to create beautifuldécor came to mind,” James explained.
She said that, “Upon visiting the business, clientswill be able to view delicate items of decorationfashioned from wine and other liquor bottles, glassjars, wine corks, newspapers, old magazines andCDs, plastic bottles, milk boxes, egg crates, and toiletpaper rolls among others, all aimed at enhancing theinterior style of any room.”
Addressing the larger concern her enterpriseinvolved, Ms. James posited, “I believe that we allshould do our part in preserving the environmentand making it a safer place to live.”
Business launch
At the launch, Ms. Robertson of the Solid WasteManagement Unit fully endorsed the new initiativeon behalf of her Unit. She expressed the hope thatproprietor James would become an inspiration andmotivator to other Vincentians.
Similarly, Master of Ceremonies, Mr. KenrickQuashie, Director of the local Coalition of ServiceIndustries, called the business more than recycling.“She has taken trash and has transformed it intovaluable pieces that I envision in many hotels,restaurants and private homes.”
Quashie recognized that we had become quite goodat collecting waste and shipping it overseas, wherevalue is added to it, and then we purchase thetransformed items, and expressed delight that theseitems are now being transformed right here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.
By the same token, Chief Cultural Officer, Mr.Anthony Theobalds encouraged local artisans andcraft people to seize the opportunity to collaboratewith her. “This venture not just benefits theenvironment,” he encouraged, “people are moreinclined to visit countries that are into recycling.”
‘DeZings Unparalled’, located upstairs theStandGro Supermarket, opposite Ace Hardware onMelville Street, is now open for business.
ArtsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 13.
Ornaments,jewelry, etc.,made fromdiscarded items,on display andfor sale at‘DeZingsUnparalled’.
Karen James, proprietor and principal craftperson of ‘DeZings Unparalled’.
From trashto treasure
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 15.14. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
16. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
PeopleV
FRIDAY 29TH APRIL, 2016marked another March andRally in aid of the MelanieMc Kenzie Scholarship
Fund.The annual event,
organized by the NationalSociety of Persons with
disAbility (NSPD),followed the same formatas it has for the last tenyears or so: a walk
through the streets ofKingstown, accompaniedby the Royal SVG PoliceForce Band, and
culminating at VictoriaPark for the rally.
The event attracted theusual support ofDifferently Abled Persons(Disabled Persons) —adults and children —persons from the MentalHealth Centre (MCH), TheRed Cross Society of SVG,the National Society ofand for the Blind (NSOF),the Girls’ High School2016 Young Leaders, otherorganizations andindividuals.
The Rally’s programme,chaired by retired ASPJonathan Nichols, heardaddresses fromPresident/Co-ordinator ofthe NSDP Mrs. PatriciaCumberbatch, Ms. PollyOliver of the Ministry ofNational Mobilization, andsongs rendered byrepresentatives of theMHC and the NSOFB,and a special interlude byreigning Calypso Monarch,Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’Adams.
Mrs. Cumberbatch didnot conceal the difficultyher Society faces insecuring financing tomaintain its currentprogrammes, not least theMelanie Mc KenzieScholarship Fund, whichcontinues to support fivestudents in secondary andspecial needs institutions.
The Presidentintimated to THEVINCENTINAN, that thisyear’s takings along theroute of the march, was“disappointing.”(Designated persons solicitcontributions from thepublic along themarch’s route).
While she thankedthe Government, otherprivate sectorbenefactors and theEmbassy of theRepublic of China(Taiwan) for theirsupport to the Societyand the march andrally, she appealed forpersons to recognizethe work of her Society,the role that“Differently AbledPersons can play insociety,” and to supportthe cause.
This appeal wasechoed by ‘Man Zangie’when he took to themicrophone.
As a prelude to apartial rendition of one
of his winning songs inlast year’s CalypsoMonarch Competition — asong entitled ‘Act beforeit’s too late’ and dedicatedto Differently AbledPersons and the need tosupport them — ‘ManZangie’ traced hisrelationship with Mrs.Cumberbatch, anddetailed the positiveinfluence she has had onhis attitude to DifferentlyAbled Persons like herself.This, he said, was themotivation for the song.
“I am now a proudmember of the NationalSociety of Persons withDisability, and Iencourage others to join,”said ‘Man Zangie’.
His moving rendition ofhis ‘Act before it’s too late’was met with loudapplause and a few tearyeyes.
KeepingDisabilityin focus Differently Abled Persons and representatives of supporting organization took to the streets for
another Annual Awareness March, accompanied as usual, by the Royal SVG Police Force Band.
Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’Adams, reigningCalypso Monarch, gavea brief and movingspeech, and renderedhis song dedicated toDifferently AbledPersons.
Mrs. Patricia Cumberbatch,President/Co-ordinator ofthe NSPD, did not hide thefact that it has been astruggle maintaining thelevel of programming thather Society offers.
NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 17.
THE HELPING arms of Trinity’s CanadianMedical Students Association (CaMSA)were recently extended even further, toembrace a number of health facilities inSt. Vincent and the Grenadines.
On Tuesday, 26th April, at thecampus of the school, members ofCaMSA handed over a quantity of
items to institutions involved in healthcare.
Benefiting from the group’sgenerosity were the Lewis PunnettHome, the Mental HealthRehabilitation Centre, St. Benedict’sChildren’s Home, the Milton CatoMemorial Hospital and a number ofHealth Clinics.
Sonia Stasyszyn, fourth termstudent and current President ofCaMSA, explained: “At the end ofevery term, we get the students whoare leaving to give back, to donate, andwe have now accumulated over ninebarrels of clothing and other items.We are basically spreading out theclothing and linens donations amongthose three institutions.”
She stated that they were currentlyorganizing other donations. “We havemore things coming from Canada,where we are working with dentists,doctors and businesses, friends andfamily to fill barrels to send here togive back.
Receiving on behalf of the LewisPunnett Home was Marie Davis,Departmental Manager. She thanked
Trinity CaMSA on behalf ofthe Ministry of Health,Wellness and theEnvironment and herinstitution, saying, “Weappreciate yourcontribution and arelooking forward to ourcontinued relationship.”
Likewise, Sr. DianaBailey, Senior NursingOfficer at the MentalHealth RehabilitationCentre, in accepting thedonation, echoed a similar sentiment.
Deputy Administrator of the MiltonCato Memorial Hospital, AndrewWilliams, was on hand to receive theitems destined for his institution, andaccepted on behalf of theAdministrator, Grace Walters.
Dean of Trinity, Dr. LindaAdkinson, commented on the students’values as linked to that of Trinity’s.“We are lucky to have a large,committed group of students whounderscore our mission of being, notonly clinicians but giving back to thecommunity wherever they can. These
students have given up their holiday todo this while their friends have goneoff for a couple of weeks. This trulydemonstrates their passion for whatthey are doing.”
In highlighting the school’sresponsibility in the community, theDean proffered, “This is aresponsibility that we have. It’s aboutcommunity, it’s about wellbeing, aswell as taking care of the people whoare not well at the moment. I thinkthese activities underscore a verystrong program in ethics andprofessional behavior.”
Deputy Administrator of the Milton Cato MemorialHospital, Andrew Williams (left) accept donationfrom Dean of Trinity, Dr. Linda Adkinson (right).
Rep. of the Mental Health Center (left)accepts donation from Dr. Reymann.
TRINITY CaMSA extends helping hand
IT WAS THE DAY originally designated‘Submission of Projects Day’ in the 2016RBC Young Leaders Competition, but theYoung Leaders of the Girls’ High Schoolhad one more telling piece of their projectto complete.
They had to turn out, a la theircommitment, to assist in soliciting fundsduring, and participate in the annualMelanie Mc Kenzie Scholarship FundMarch and Rally, Friday 29th April2016, organized by the National Societyof Persons with disAbility (NSPD).
Smartly and appropriately clad, forwhich their school could be proud, nineseemingly perpetually smiling andenergetic members of the GHS YoungLeaders Group turned out to fulfill theircommitment and complete their project.
In speaking with three of theirrepresentatives, THE VINCENTIANlearned that the GHS Young Leadershad chosen as their sub-theme, ‘Everystep we take, a better person we shallcreate’.
Undaunted by the gravity of the
challenge inherent in theirsub-theme, the YoungLeaders set about theirprogramme with vigor,determined to make animpression on the judges,and unseat defendingChampions St. VincentGrammar School.
The girls began withthe launch of their ‘BigSister Activity’ whichinvolved a mentoringprogramme for juniorstudents; to guide them intheir academics, and keepthem on the straight andnarrow as far as theirmorals were concerned, and to offer anysupport that would “socially upliftthem”, said Aliyah John, an Executivemember of the Group.
But that was not all to the ‘Big Sister’activity. There was a Fun Day awaitingall those involved in the activity.
The School’s facility also gotattention. The Young Leaders paintedthe Pavilion at the school’s hard court,and gave the School Emblem that isdisplayed on the main building of theSchool, a facelift.
There was time to visit and mentorwith primary school students at theC.W. Prescod School, Windsor Primary,St. Mary’s R.C., Sugar Mill InnAcademy, and the Brighton and Stubbsschools.
Visits tosecondary schools - amongothers St. Vincent Grammar School,Bethel High, Buccament Secondary,Intermediate High School, St. Joseph’sConvent Kingstown - thoughrepresenting the core of their opponents,provided the Young Leaders with theopportunity to interact with their peers,and to dispel “all the myths andpreconceived ideas, that the otherschools have of us,” said another rep,Jada Ross.
And there was still time for sharingand experiencing an eye opener with
visits to the St. Benedict’s Day Nurseryand Children’s Home and the HelpingHands Centre. Interacting with childrenwho are so less fortunate that most, wasa crowning moment for many of theYoung Leaders, as was anotherundertaking, the feeding of the homelessand assisting at the Loaves and FishesSoup Kitchen, Kingstown.
Not yet finished, the Young Leadersincreased the throttle and hosted two‘public lectures’ — One on Politics andthe other on Religion.
The former was presented by AnesiaBaptiste, leader of the DemocraticRepublican Party (DRP), and the latterby Rev, Dr. E. Walford Thompson —President Emeritus of Ministries inAction (MIA).
Mrs. Baptiste addressed the gatheringof students and others on, inter alia,what one should look for when voting ina general election.
Dr. Thompson, “was overwhelming inhow simple he made us understand thedifferent religions. He captured theyouths with ease,” said one of the YoungLeaders.
It was, in short, a self-confessedexciting year for the GHS YoungLeaders, one that taught so much morethan was expected. (See impressions onthis page.)
18. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
YouthVGHS Young Leaders:Looking to be the best in 2016
What has the Young LeadersProgramme meant to you?THE FOLLOWING are the impressionsof three members of the Girls’ HighSchool 2016 Young Leaders Group:
ALIYAH JOHN
“It was an overwhelming experience.I particularly enjoyed the opportunitiesto visit new places (institutions) andinteract with persons whom I didn’tknow, especially the disabled.
“I am a lot more outgoing now since Ithink my personality is more open.
“I was particularly happy to be partof the Group’s video project.”
JADA ROSS
“I liked the collaboration; it taughtme how to work with others, and I haveformed new bonds.
“I also learned the importance oflistening, and how this can influencewhat we speak about.
“It was fun, and I feel a newfreshness about me.”
TYRA BURGIN
“It was full of entertainment, butmoreover, I made new friends.
“Meeting with others, especially othersecondary school students, helped me todevelop special relationships with newpeople.
“The stories I heard were interesting,and I felt good about the whole thing.”
L-R: Jada Ross, Aliyah John, TyraBurgin.
The 2016 GHS Young Leaders put the icing ontheir 2016 Project with active involvement in thisyear’s March and Rally hosted by the NSPD.
EAST CARIBBEAN GROUP of Companiescontinues to demonstrate its corporateresponsibility in all the markets.
The most recent demonstration ofthis commitment came with thestaging of a seminar in Antigua, aimedat strengthening the capacity of thebaking and catering sectors in thatCaribbean country.
The seminar, held from April 13 —15, 2016, with theoretical sessions atthe Antigua and Barbuda HotelTraining Institute (ABHTI) atDutchman’s Bay, and practicalafternoon sessions at Vance Jackson’sBakery, was facilitated by Mr. AliMedjahed of Sweetie Pie Bakery —Mustique, with assistance fromECGC’s Quality Assurance Officer, Ms.Lanel Black.
Some twenty-two (22) participants —bakers and caterers — availedthemselves of the training in therudiments of baking, and anintroduction to new and palatably
exciting finished productsto the market.
According to a releaseform ECGC, all theparticipants expressed‘total satisfaction with thequality and content of theseminar’, and highlightedthe knowledge gained,especially in the areas ofPastry Making, TheStorage of Dough andConsistency inMeasurements.
The seminar wasconducted by ECGC incollaboration with Antiguaand Barbuda distributorsInter Island Sales andSupply (IISS) and Bargain Center.
In related news, ECGC will hold itsannual National Baking Competitionin St. Vincent and the Grenadines onThursday, May 26th, 2016.
Participants in the Bakers and Caterers Seminar in Antigua with (seated from left): AliMedjahed- Facilitator, R.Haslam- Marketing Manager, D.Warren- IISS, R.Matthews-BargainCenter.
NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 19.
THE FINANCIAL institution FastCash is expanding its services tocitizens of St. Vincent and theGrenadines, with a Group PaymentProtection Plan.
The new service was launched lastTuesday, May 3, at the company’soffices on the first floor of the CAGComplex, Kingstown.
Fast Cash Country Manager KevinJessamy outlined that, “Fast Cash hasenhanced the micro lending landscape,with the inclusion of its customers toits Group Payment Protection Plan.”
The coverage is endorsed by Pan-American Life Insurance Company.
Jessamy pointed out that themeasure comes at “marginal cost toyou, and is built into your instalmentamount,” and described it as hiscompany’s way of “helping to protectyou.”
Coverage will be activatedconsequent upon death, critical illness,disability (temporary, partial or total)and involuntary loss of employment.
Fast Cash: More than cash
Fast Cash has been providing
“smart fast andflexible lendingoptions ataffordable ratesto the public,”Jessamy declared.He praised thecitizens for theirresponse to theservices, andquipped: “Oncepersons areworking, they paytheir bills.”
The Country Manager pointed to hiscompany’s involvement withcommunities. “We get familiar withour clients,” he mentioned, andreferenced to his company’scommunity orientation and of its rolein giving back to the community.
In addition to the Kingstown outlet,there is a branch in Bequia, managedby Shanel Duncan-Pierre, CustomerSales Representative.
Other members of the Fast CashStaff in Kingstown are Kelorn Durrant-Customer Service Representative,Stacy Barnum - Supervisor andMaureen Wells - Office Attendant.
VINCENTIAN Karlene Rogers-Aberman, a practising lawyer byprofession for over 18 years, hasrecently been ranked among the“Super Lawyers” appearing in theAnnual List of the Top Attorneys in
Southern CaliforniaSuper LawyersMagazine.
Over the years,Mrs. Rogers-Abermanhas distinguishedherself as one of thetop rated Health CareAttorneys inBurbank, California,which has ultimately
led to her position on the Annual Listof Top Attorneys in the SouthernCalifornia district.
Super Lawyers is a rating serviceof outstanding services provided byattorneys who have all attained ahigh degree of peer recognition andprofessional achievement in theirfield, and which selection process isas a result of independent research,peer nomination and peerachievement.
Heartiest congratulations areextended to Mrs. Rogers-Abermanfrom family and friends in St. Vincentand the Grenadines, and from theManagement and Staff of THEVINCENTIAN.
Mrs. Rogers-Aberman is thedaughter of Almira “Patsy” Rogers.
Karlene Rogers-Aberman
Vincentian named among SUPER LAWYERS
Fast Cash CountryManager KevinJessamy gave anoverview of thenew service.
Fast Cash broadensservice portfolio
ECGC holds bakers’ seminar in Antigua
Should I become aninformer?Dear George,
WHEN I GOT married fiveyear ago, I decided to‘hang’ with a small circleof friends. I was forced toreconsider this list when Ifound out these friendshave been engaging inweekend sessions of groupsex for money. These
games would go on untileverybody had sex witheverybody else, or untilthey decided enoughmoney was made for thatnight.
The trouble with this,George, is that all thesewomen are married andlead very respectablelives in the society.
They do make a lot ofmoney with their groupsessions, and to betruthful with you, I havebeen tempted a fewtimes to join them.
Thank God I have not,and instead I told my
husband about this, andhe applauded me fordoing so.
What I finduncomfortable is that Iwant to tell the husbandsof these women whatthey are involved in, butmy husband does notwant me to. He told meit is none of my businessto go about informing onothers. It is so unfair tothese husbands!
Guilty feeling
Dear Guilty feeling,
You must becommended for sharingthis with your husband.I am sure your decisionto tell him will increasehis trust in you, andconfirm that he hasmade the best choice inyou as a life partner.
He is, however, correctin asking you to refrainfrom taking on theinformer role that youbelieve is yourduty. Your friends areall responsibleadults. You have donethe correct thing bydetaching yourself fromthat group of friends.
George
20. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
AdviceVDear George,
I WRITE on my friend’s and my own behalf. Weare 4th formers at a school in Kingstown.
One day, our teacher decided to share his homeproblems with us. We did not ask him to do that,but I guess he needed someone to talk to, and wemight just have encouraged him.
He related how he found his wife in bed withanother man, and admitted that he had nevercheated on her. We enticed him to take revengeon his wife, and accompanied him to his housewhere, after we drugged him, we had sex withhim. From that time, he has been hocked on us.
The problem is that we are both now pregnantfor him. We decided to abort, but then my friendchanged her mind, decided to carry the baby tobirth, and to tell the man’s wife about his affairwith us. She thinks that he loves her and willmarry her after he breaks up with his wife.
I think she is delusional. How can I cut myselffree from all of this?
Student woes
Dear Student Woes,
It is unfortunate that instead of focusing onyour education, you and your friend have decidedto get yourselves entangled in something in whichyou have no calling.
Your teacher should know that there should bea clear line drawn between teacher and student,and that line must never be crossed. Once thatline is crossed, there are consequences that willmost certainly follow. Unfortunately, thissituation has the potential to get much worse.
Your teacher has to take responsibility for hisactions, and be prepared to deal with theconsequences.
You and your friend need to get someprofessional help which should show you theoptions that are available to you, including someway in which you could continue your education.
The time has come for everyone in this case totake responsibility for his/her actions. Seek outthe help I suggested, and do the best you can toget back on the right path.
George
Dear George,
I MADE A PURCHASE in Kingstownnot too long ago, for an amount of$5.00. I gave the cashier the exactmoney. The cashier gave me back$95.00. I did not let her know she hadgiven me back the incorrect change.
I didn’t tell her because on aprevious occasion when I made apurchase in that same store, the samecashier robbed me of $10.00. It isfunny how life is.
My friends told me that I was rightto do her that, based on what she did
to me before. I want her to read thisand know that ‘what goes around,comes around’.
London Bridge
Dear London Bridge,
Those who know better mustalways do better.
It was incumbent on you to do theright thing and give back the $95.00.Even if that cashier did in fact robyou of $10.00, by keeping that extrachange, you cannot declare that youare any better than she is. You stillcan return that money, and let her seethe difference in you. That action onyour part might just help to restoreher faith in humanity, and teach youwhat a good feeling it is to do theright thing, even when you arechallenged not to.
Charles25. Like a villain26. Dispositions27. Du Maurier
classic31. Drug-regulat-
ing org.32. Golfer’s score
indicator33. Fabled bird34. James and
Marilyn37. Meager39. Page margin40. Humbles41. Fleet of war
vessels44. Asphalt
45. Type ofapart ment
(hyph.)46. Moviegoer’s
admonition48. Eight, to
Eduardo52. To be (Fr.)53. Manipulate54. Fibber55. Ownership
document56. Pig’s pad57.Troubadour’s
Offering
DOWN
1.Little white lie2. Actor Jacobi3. Carpenter’s
tool4. Troubador’s
output5. Was obligated6. “By Jove!”7. Always8. Commotion9. “No way,
Jose!”(hyph.)
10. Alaskan port11. Norse
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)Investments that deal with property willpay off but could cause conflict withsome family members. You should beable to get a lot done. Do a little extrawork at home. Your tendency tovacillate will drive everyone crazy.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)Your desire for excitement andadventure may be expensive. Childrenmay be difficult to handle. You willhave the discipline and fortitude toaccomplish what you want this week.Deception is likely.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)Do a little extra work at home. Don'tdivulge secret information. Close dealsthat have been up in the air and moveon to new ones that appear to beprofitable. Your mate, however, maynot be too pleased with you. Get downto business.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)This could be a difficult day to deal withco-workers. Try not to upset otherswith your plans. Channel your effortsinto achieving your goals. You will enjoytravel and getting together with peers.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)You will find it easy finalizing personalpapers if you make an effort. Youshould be doing something special withchildren. Spend time with your loverthis week. You need to make your loverfeel wanted, not like a piece of thefurniture. our lucky day this week will be Friday.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)Try to stay calm and do the best youcan. You can accomplish a lot if you putsome effort into household duties orredecorating plans. Social events maylead to a romantic interlude. Thinktwice before you speak.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)Empty promises could be likely wherework is concerned. You may find thatlectures or travel will be highlysuccessful. You will meet new romantic
partners through the company you keep.You can develop your creative talents ifyou take the time to practice your art.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - Nov. 22)Don't be too quick to voice youropinion. Listen to others carefully. Besure to take time for old friends orrelatives you don't get to see that often.Past partners are likely to reappear.Empty promises are evident anddeception probable.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)Changes involving your domestic scenemay be unpleasant. You can ask forfavors and get sound advice from closefriends or relatives. A romanticinfatuation from your past may surface ifyou frequent places that you both usedto go. Be cautious when dealing with co-workers.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)Your emotional partner may make youangry this week. Enjoy a quiet dinner fortwo and discuss some of the plans youhave for the future. You can continue tomake gains if you call a few people whocan help you close an important deal.Don't go hog wild when it comes toentertainment or you could find yourselfshort of funds at the end of the month.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)Trips will be favorable for business aswell as pleasure. You'll be able to breakbad habits if you put your mind to it.You can make financial gains throughyour unique and creative approach tobusiness. -You need to enjoy thecompany of those who enjoy the samepastimes.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)You can get others to do things for youbut be sure not to overpay them or lendthem money. Uncertainty regarding yourmate may emerge; re-evaluate what yousee in each other. You will have noproblem getting your point across tothose in a position to help you. You'llregret every word for some time tocome.
thunder god19. Road curve21. Bro, to sis22. __ radio
(hyph.)23. Fuss (hyph.)24. __ shark25. Wipe out28. Study
frantically29. Ice cream __30. Drama
divisions32. Mobil symbol35. Harvested36. Like the
AddamsFamily
37. Train depot (abbr.)
38. Channing andBurnett
41. Scored 100%42. Method of
learning
43. Additional44. He and she47. Before DDE49 AFL’s partner50. Leia’s “Star
Wars” hero51. Gp.
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22. FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 23.
THERE WERE even performances withbat and ball in the two trial matches, asthe top female cricketers vie for spots inthe final team to represent this country ina three-match limited over series againstGrenada, later this month.
A further squad is expected to beselected for continued training, afterwhich the final team will be selected forthe three-match series later this month atthe Sion Hill playing field.
In the first match between a Stacy-AnnAdams-led Eleven and a Juliana Nero-ledEleven, Nero’s team won by 4 wickets.
Stacy-Ann Adams’ team batted firstand made 133 from 40 overs. Cordel Jacktop- scored with 63. Kimone Homer hit28. Bowling for Nero’s team, off spinnerLa Toya Providence took 4 for 30.
ShanicaCampbell andCrystal had 2wickets each.
Nero’s Team in replyraced to 137 for 6 from30 overs, with VinishaKing and Giany Marshallboth being not out on 26.Earlier, Glendeen Turtinand Camile Garrick both
got 25. Captain Adams took 2 for 26.In the second match, which featured a Stacy-Ann
Adams-led Eleven against a Cordel Jack Eleven, theformer closed on 143 from 39 overs, with goodscores coming from Shaniza Daniel 46, SamanthaCaine 23 and Stacy-Ann Adams 20. Providence wasagain among the wickets, snaring 3 for 6, and Jackhad 2 for 10. Shanica Campbell also claimed 2
scalps.The Jack Eleven were
127 for 6 from 36.2 overswhen play was called,with Providence on 23not out and Crystal John27 not out. ShanizaDaniel was the pick ofthe bowlers with figures4 for 15, and NyashaWilliams took 2 for 10.
I.B.A.ALLEN
ZEFAL BAILEY correctly filled theprescription when he made good of theDasco Pharmacy 46- mile road race ofthe St Vincent and the GrenadinesCycling Union, last Sunday afternoon.
Bailey’s winning time was 2 hours27 minutes 0.14 seconds, out-ridingthe rest of the elite field of five othercyclists.
The course saw the cyclists startingjust outside the Dasco Pharmacy inKingstown on their way to Colonarie,then returning to the Round -About inArnos Vale, before heading back to
Diamonds on the Windward coast.From there, it was back to Arnos
Vale Round About and the finish atHowards Marines at Villa Flat.
Second to Bailey was Enroy Lewis,who clocked 2 hours 27 minutes 03seconds, and third was LuckyAntrbous in 2 hours38 minutes 51seconds.
Lewis was the first to reach SionHill, which gained him someadditional cash as he won the hillprime, while Bailey copped the sprintprime, being the first to reach Vila
Flat on their way toColonarie.
The other two cyclists
to complete thedistance wereSamuel Lyttleand MarlonAntrobus.Antrobus wascompeting in hisfirst race for theyear. Lyttle’stime was 2 hours39 minutes 54seconds and theelder Antrobus - 2 hours 58 minutes26 seconds.
Meanwhile, in the masters’ bracket,Peter Durrant was again the topfinisher, as the entrants did 36 miles
of the course.Durrant’swinning timewas 2 hours 4minutes 06seconds.
TrailingDurrant wasRandy Wilkinsonin 2 hours10minutes 56 seconds and third —Steve Ollivierre in 2 hours 13 minutes32 seconds.
And, Orel George, who wascompeting for the first time in 2016,finished outside the top three, did the36 miles in 2 hours 24 minutes 52seconds.
The top places in both categories,received cash awards for their efforts.
The next race on the calendar is setfor Sunday 15th May.
24. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports V
VINCENTIAN- bornJumonne Exeter,representing SaintAugustine’s University,USA, highlighted thefinal day of the PennRelays with a men’striple jump victory atFranklin Field onSaturday, April 30, 2016.
And his countryman,Richard Crick,representing VirginiaState University, coppedthird place in the sameevent.
Exeter leaped 51-1¾to defeat AmanzeWilliams of theUniversity of Connecticutand Richard Crick ofVirginia State Universityin the college division.
The winning mark tieda career-high for Exeter.Williams registered a 50-8¼ jump and Crick 50-2.
Exeter’s victory was the second at the PennRelays this weekend for Saint Augustine’sUniversity. On Thursday, Shakinah Brooks(Jr./Raleigh, NC) won the women’s long jump atthe oldest and largest track and field meet in theUnited States.
Information received from a Team AthleticsSVG official, confirmed that Exeter is in theprocess of attaining qualification for the 2016 RioOlympic Games, while Crick is concentrating onqualifying for the 23 and Under NACCA Games.
Vincy wins TripleJump at Penn Relays
Jumonne Exeter sayshe studies thetechniques of otherlong jumpers as wellas his own videos tosee how he canimprove. (PhotoCredit: Laurie Watts)
Shared honours in womenÊs trials
Top three finishersin the Masters –from left RandyWilkinson, PeterDurrant, SteveOllivierre withJustin Da Silva ofDasco Pharmacy.
Zefal Bailey (center) is flanked byEnroy Lewis (left) and LuckyAntrobus (right).
Zefal Bailey takes 46-mile cycling road race
Cordel Jack hitthe lone half-century in thetrial matches.
Stacy Adams led ateam and showedsteadiness in hercaptaincy.
La ToyaProvidenceshowed goodconsistency withthe ball.
Doyle, Mayersdominate SquashTournamentJASON DOLYE and ThandiMayers stole the spotlight ontheir way to taking top honorsin the men’s and women’scategory respectively, in theSt. Vincent & theGrenadines SeniorNationals SquashTournament, whichclimaxed last weekend.
In the playoff for 5hplace in the CombinedOver 40, Dominic Rossdefeated Tessa Shallow-King 11-5, 711, 11-2, 9-11,11-3. Paul Cyrus took the3th place playoff beatingTelbert Samuel 11-4, 11-7,13-11
In the combined over 40final, James Bentick beatColin Alexander 11-7, 11-5, 16-14.
Alexander returned totake the Over 50 categoryafter a hard-fought battleagainst Telbert Samuel.Alexander won 11-9, 8-11,9-11, 11-6, 11-9.
I.B.A.ALLEN
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 25.
SportsV
THE EUPHORIA of the West Indies victory inthe T/20 World Cup, April 3, was ruined by thereaction from some members of the victorioussquad.
It amounted to an almost lose/lose situation.Whereas the taste of victory was satisfying forWest Indies fans, they could have been better offwithout the remarks and other expressions.
It is a pity that a squad had to be motivated bytheir desire to shred the West Indies CricketBoard to pieces. There is a sense of disloyalty bythe players.
Whatever their grouse, matters need not beresolved in the open.
The Caribbean is known as an area of hightolerance. We have emerged from a history ofturmoil. The region has evolved into acondensation of peoples and culture, where theapproach to life has its own peculiarities.
We are a unique brand and are prone to arange of symptoms. There should be no excusesfor inconsistencies. However, we seem to revel inthe tendency to self-destruct. The lessons of theWest Indies Federation continue to haunt us. Wedon’t care if those symbols which remain of ournationhood are threatened by the inbornattraction of total annihilation.
How can we justify the players’ response towinning the title for a second time?
The situation is not going to enhance ourprospects, and we are left to wonder what weneed. Having fought to achieve the victory, itseems that there were sinister intentions.
There is no measure of compromise entertainedby the players. Persons have to be guarded bytheir comments, especially when exposed to theglobal audience.
The sword pulling does not augur well forcordial relations. Whatever the Board may beaccused of, they are responsible for the tenure ofthree world titles, and that is something thathigh flying nations will be proud of.
Everyone is familiar with the operations of theWest Indies Cricket Board. There is no guaranteethat things will be smooth. We have ongoingissues, and while efforts continue to repair thedamage from the recently aborted Indian tour,this outburst has thrown the debacle into thespotlight and has rekindled suspicion that thedark clouds have not completely disappeared.
The situation has implications. It goes with theambit of the sports, and life itself.
We have a duty to demonstrate a sense ofresponsibility and show the rest of the world thata tinge of maturity still abounds.
One hopes that a degree of maturity surfaces,and that wherever it is required, one is preparedto make compromises that can assuage theupheaval.
The Caribbean has its history of turmoil andplanks of deprivation and disorientation. We can’tafford to make that the basis of our existence.
We have a commitment to a better future. OurUnder 19 Cricketers set the platform. That musthave been the inspiration for the Seniors.
The Men were ranked among the elite of WorldCup Cricket as far as T/20 is concerned.
The Women added to the foundation. So therewas little choice for the men. But to burst into adisplay of ingratitude and disrespect for theirsober supporters, is not the manner in which weought to project ourselves.
Throwing away the baby
HER MAJESTY PRISONS Kingstownwas a recent recipient of a quantity ofTable Tennis bats and balls.
The donation came compliments ofthe SVG Table Tennis Association,whose spokesperson described thegesture as being in fulfilment of theAssociation’s mandate to get morepersons actively involved in the sport.
Additionally, according to thespokesperson, the donation is viewedas a measure aimed at enhancing thereform process at the Prison, especiallyin light of the number of youngoffenders who, all things being even,can be moulded into becomingresponsible citizens.
The Association is hoping by theyear 2020, every village/ communitywould be equipped with Table Tennisboards, related equipment, and
involved in programmes for the youngpersons towards building strong andlasting club structures.
Superintendent of PrisonsBrenton Charles (left) acceptsdonation from PRO/ SVG TableTennis Association, Sean Stanley.
TT donates to Prisons
Action in the NationalSquash Tournamentplayed at the NationalSquash Courts, Paul’sAvenue, Kingstown.
Thandi Myershad the upperhand on hersister andclaimed thefemale title.
Jason Doyleaddedanotherchampion-ship title tohis list.
26. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016. 27.
ClassifiedsV
PRINCESS ADINA MCKIE
Mt. Bethel Spiritual Baptist Church
Sunday 1st May, 2016
2:00 p.m.
ETHERLINE KIRBY
Kingstown Methodist Church
20163:00 p.m.
Kingstown Methodist Church
According to Anglican Rites
Saturday 30th April, 2016
3:00 p.m.
ALLEN DEBIQUE
Mt. Moriah Spiritual Baptist
Spring VillageSaturday 30th April,
20161:30 p.m.
Cathedral of the AssumptionKingstown
Saturday 30th April, 2016
2:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016 VOLUME 110, No.19 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines A.I. REAL ESTATEBiabou 12 Bedroom Property on 3,265 sq.ft. -
$425,000.00 - H907
Langley Park 3 Bedroom Property on 4,646 sq.ft. -$145,000.00 - H455
Pembroke 3 Bedroom Property on 7,499 sq.ft. -$399,500.00 - H109
IT HAS NOT TAKEN long for the fallout oflast weekend’s stabbing death of apolice officer and a subsequent attackon a female police officer by a maskedman, to take effect.
Female police officer, InspectorKimm Dougan, has taken to socialmedia to vent her frustrationoccasioned by what she deemed as “a
threat on her life.”According to Insp. Dougan, “Shortly
after the news of my colleague’smurder broke, I saw this thread onFacebook (fb). I commented that thecomment made by Kullahz Q Derby isin breach of the law and he should bearrested. As a result of my comments,one Ace Steppinrazor decided that Ishould be killed for speaking out. Hetook a graphic pic (picture) of myfallen comrade, copied my photo in asplit screen, and spent all day makingthreats to me,” said Dougan.
Checks with the Facebook threadreferred, revealed the followingposting by a person carrying thename Ace Steppinrazor: “Timeenough Vincy people get justice frompolice brutality,” apparently aresponse to the stabbing death ofOfficer Charles.
Another individual by the name ofKullahz Q Derby commented on thesame thread, “Until we can get justicein the streetz, there shall be no mercyfor d police, an soon people go startshooting and murdering them blood…. an I say this with no regret ,whole heap a time them advantagewe ……… all police fu dead , could abe me brother.”
The female officer, frustrated bythe comments posted in response:“Listen, I’m into my 29th year as apolice officer. I’ve seen and done it alland no wanna be gangsta is going toscare me into silence. If he or hissupporters wants to kill me for mystance that’s their problem, just knowthat I’m not afraid of dying. I havedone nothing to anyone on fb or anyother social media & I will not backdown. WRONG IS WRONGREGARDLESS OF WHO THEPERPETRATOR(S) ARE!!!. My frenz& family are blowing up phone
understandably upset &concerned with thebrazen and open threatshe is making. I howeveris completelyunaffected.....such is thenature of my job. Everyday I leave home I leaveknowing there’s apossibility I may notreturn so I don’t scareeasily,” posted Dougan.
Her post continuedwith: “So to everyone whoexpressed concern for mywelfare, thank you forcaring, I appreciate it butI refuse to be bullied. IfMr Mervin Marshallwants to kill me, insteadof coming on fb anddeclaring his intent forall to see, be a man, stophide behind the keyboard like a coward, I’mnot afraid of you oranyone. WE ALL GOTTADIE!!!.”
In an interview withTHE VINCENTAIN,Dougan said she didnothing to warrant thethreats. She explained,“I had just gotten thenews of my colleague’smurder. I logged into fband saw the threatposted. I shared it andresponded to thecomments made whichwere basically celebratingthe death of the officer,and advocating that allpolice must be killed. Iresponded informing the commentswriter, Kullahz Q Derby, that he’s inbreach of the law and should bearrested. The next thing I know is thisguy (Ace Steppinrazor) copied one ofmy photos, split screen it with that ofmy deceased colleague, and startmaking threats about what he will and
will not do if I attempted to arrest hisbrother, (Kullahz Q Derby).
She continued, “I don’t know none ofthe individuals, but Facebook is public,so if people post derogatory thingsabout the police, I will respond, if Ihave the facts and realize they’respreading gossip. If that makes me atarget, then so be it.”
FEMALE POLICEOFFICER THREATENED
Inspector Kimm Dougan has comeunder threat for what she thoughtwas the correct response topostings that degraded andthreatened police officers here.
Part of the Facebook threat that raised the ire ofInspector Dougan.
