FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014 VOLUME 108, No.10 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines by NELSON A. KING [email protected]; [email protected]US CORRESPONDENT OUTRAGED BY THE DEATH of a Chateaubelair woman a day after police raided her home, reportedly looking for illegal weapons, a United States soldier is spearheading a protest vigil today, Friday, March 7 in that North Leeward town. Though he is based at Ft. Carson in Colorado, Sgt. Luke James, a Chateaubelair native and former fourth form classmate of Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas at the Petit Bordel Secondary School, told THE VINCENTIAN that he has been in frequent touch with Thomas’s relatives and friends in arranging the vigil, aimed at pressuring the authorities to conduct a formal probe into her untimely death. “We are looking for justice in terms of having a formal investigation into what happened, to see if policies and procedures were violated, anyone at fault to be disciplined, and actions to be taken in terms of training/retraining, so this never happens again,” said James, a logistical technician and qualified combat lifesaver with the Colorado National Guard. More reason for involvement The former Chateaubelair Methodist, Fitz Hughes Government and Petit Bordel Secondary School teacher said he got involved in the case “as I was disappointed to hear that, after ‘Codo’ took ill, the police (allegedly) continued their search (of her home) as if it was business as usual, (reportedly) saying she was ‘faking,’ At that point, James — who, while on active US Army duty for six years, spent two consecutive years on assignment combating the war on terrorism, for which he received the Global War on Terrorism Medal, among others — said the police should have stopped the search, rendered aid and resumed the search, if necessary. He said he was also disappointed to learn that the police allegedly refused civilian aid to Thomas, even when residents volunteered to assist. Continued on Page 3. Sgt. Luke James is leading the organization of the vigil from the USA, in an effort to pressure the authorities to order an investigation into Sylma Thomas’s death. The picturesque town of Chateaubelair has seen its fair share of mishaps as it relates to loss of lives. Left: Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas is reported to have fallen ill during a raid of her home by members of the RSVG Police Force.
Transcript
FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014 VOLUME 108, No.10 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
OUTRAGED BY THE DEATH of a Chateaubelair woman aday after police raided her home, reportedly looking forillegal weapons, a United States soldier isspearheading a protest vigil today, Friday, March 7 inthat North Leeward town.
Though he is based at Ft. Carson in Colorado,Sgt. Luke James, a Chateaubelair native and formerfourth form classmate of Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas atthe Petit Bordel Secondary School, told THEVINCENTIAN that he has been in frequent touchwith Thomas’s relatives and friends in arranging thevigil, aimed at pressuring the authorities to conducta formal probe into her untimely death.
“We are looking for justice in terms of having aformal investigation into what happened, to see ifpolicies and procedures were violated, anyone at
fault to be disciplined, and actions to betaken in terms of training/retraining, sothis never happens again,” said James, alogistical technician and qualified combatlifesaver with the Colorado NationalGuard.
More reason for involvement
The former Chateaubelair Methodist, Fitz HughesGovernment and Petit Bordel Secondary School teachersaid he got involved in the case “as I was disappointedto hear that, after ‘Codo’ took ill, the police (allegedly)continued their search (of her home) as if it wasbusiness as usual, (reportedly) saying she was‘faking,’
At that point, James — who, while on active USArmy duty for six years, spent two consecutiveyears on assignment combating the war onterrorism, for which he received the Global Waron Terrorism Medal, among others — said thepolice should have stopped the search, renderedaid and resumed the search, if necessary.
He said he was also disappointed to learn thatthe police allegedly refused civilian aid to Thomas,even when residents volunteered to assist.
Continued on Page 3.
Sgt. Luke James is leadingthe organization of the vigilfrom the USA, in an effort topressure the authorities toorder an investigation intoSylma Thomas’s death.
The picturesque town of Chateaubelairhas seen its fair share of mishaps as itrelates to loss of lives.
Left: Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas is reported tohave fallen ill during a raid of her home bymembers of the RSVG Police Force.
by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY
ST. VINCENT BOYS GRAMMAR SCHOOLstudents: Chrislon Fraser, Akeili Latham,Akeem Muhammad, Judah Smith, ImronJohn, and Teron Pope, accompanied bycoordinating teachers Faith Odle andAmirh Dennie as well as Curtis King, satout a period while the man they werevisiting dozed away in blissful oblivion.
The students are executivemembers of the Heritage Club. Theywere visiting Leopold David Anthony,the oldest Boy of the institution alivethen.
Anthony, originally from the NorthLeeward village of Troumaca, attendedthe institution from 1933 to 1938.
He retired as a Head teacher in1975, but Anthony continues animpressive historical record. Noted forhis sharp wits, even closing in on his93rd birthday, Anthony held his smallaudience spellbound with his talesafter rousing from his nap.
He expressed delight to theHeritage Club for the packagepresented to him. He received twomagazines, commemorating the 100thanniversary of the school, a GrammarSchool tie, pens, and other tokens
marking thatcelebration.
Anthony stunnedhis viewers when heproceeded to readpages of themagazine with hisnaked eyes. Theformer head teacherused the occasion topraise the Cuban government for theVision Now programme of which hewas a beneficiary.
Anthony recalled enlisting on theprogramme from the neighbouringvillage of Coulls Hill following hisfailure to get on the list in his nativecommunity.
A musician of some merit, Anthonyreminisced on his stint in Cuba. Theepisode of his infiltrating the band ofCuban musicians at the Jose MartiAirport there to welcome patients, hasbeen a repeated documentary.
Anthony confessed of havingachieved his aim when he was invitedto do a solo with the Cuban ensemble.
That was right up Anthony’s street.He and his violin are inseparablewherever he goes, and after havingannounced his arrival with his deft
repertoire,Anthony showed his versatility on theflute pulled from his pocket.
Anthony is one used to controversy.He reflected on his differences withthe authorities, even after he retiredin 1975. Anthony quit his job as ateacher to join the army of migrants tothe Dutch territory of Aruba in theearly 1940s. He spent some timeworking with the Lago Oil Companyuntil his return home in mid-fifties.
He returned to the teachingprofession and occupied himself infarming as well.
By then, Anthony had started hisfamily with his wife Miriam EnoAnthony. They produced nine children.Anthony became a widower in 1994when his wife died.
He soldiers on and remains one of
this country’s most resourcefulcitizens. The fact that the HeritageClub visited him is evidence of theesteem with which he is held.
The visitors used the opportunity tocompare life during Anthony’s schooldays to contemporary affairs. The OldBoy was alert to the situation, andonce he was awake, it was a steadyinteraction with the group.
Anthony beamed with satisfactionin his role as the focus of attention.
A former Methodist Local Preacher,Anthony has been involved in manyaspects of life in the North Leewardcommunity, the rest of the nation andthe wider arena altogether. Hiscontribution to national developmenthas been established, and he continuesto be a source of inspiration.
2. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
People V
Leopold Anthony stunned his visitors when he read pages ofthe magazine presented him, with his naked eyes.
Leopold Anthony is said tobe the oldest surviving paststudent of the St. VincentGrammar School.
Last manstanding
REHABILITATION WORK at VINLEC’sHydro Stations that were damagedduring the December Trough System isprogressing well.
So said a statement from VINLECmade available to the media here.
According to the statement, atpresent, only one station at theCumberland Power Plant, whichconsists of three run-of-the-riverstations, is functional. TheCumberland 1 Station was re-commissioned in January and hasbeen operating at full capacity for thepast six weeks.
VINLEC assures that work torebuild a section of the woodstavepipeline at Cumberland 3 is ongoing,and should be completed by mid-March, at which time, it is anticipated,electricity production at that Stationwill recommence.
At the Cumberland 2 (SpringVillage) Station, the electrical andmechanical equipment have beencleaned and inspected, and clean-upoperations at the station compoundhave been completed. At the momentthe normal annual overhaul of theturbines and generators is being done.The demolition of the Anchor Block onthe pipeline is ongoing and work torebuild a new one will commenceshortly after the demolition process iscomplete. A damaged section of thepipeline is to be rebuilt, and this isexpected to be completed shortly. TheCompany is working towards havingall of the Stations at the CumberlandPlant operational by April of this year.
VINLEC is also working towardsthe re-commissioning of the SouthRivers Power Plant following a
pipeline failure during an earlierattempt. The switchgear at theStation was damaged because offlooding from the broken pipeline. TheCompany’s Technical team was able tocomplete repair work on theequipment and overhaul the turbinesat the Station. However, work torepair the pipeline is ongoing andshould be completed by the end of thisweek. Upon completion, anotherattempt will be made to restoreoperations at South Rivers.
Meanwhile, sections of the damagedpipeline at the Richmond location havebeen dismantled in preparation for
repair work. The Company isevaluating various options forrebuilding the severely damagedinfrastructure. VINLEC is alsocurrently making the necessaryarrangements to commence clean-upoperations at the Intake during thismonth. The Company is also using theopportunity to upgrade the turbinesand generators at the RichmondStation during this down period. Thiswork is part of an earlier plan toupgrade the Station.
VINLEC is working towards havingall rehabilitation work completed bythe end of 2014, so that the Company
can have its hydro operations fullyfunctional. VINLEC’s hydroelectricfacilities traditionally contribute anaverage of 18-20% of the electricitygenerated annually.
The Company is currentlysubsidizing the Fuel Surcharge rate inthe absence of its hydroelectric plants.In February, VINLEC’s subsidy to theFuel Surcharge rate was in the 11.76cents per unit, a total value of 1.3million EC dollars.
V News 3THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 3.
Rehabilitation of VinlecHydro Station progressing
Repaired Pipeline at South Rivers being installed.
US soldier spearheads Chateaubelair vigilContinued from Frontpage.
“The police should protectand serve in the performance oftheir duty — and not ignoremedical situations like this,” hecharged.
“I am in the US Army; and,even if someone is trying to killme, and I injure them, I haveto, by law, perform aid to thatperson,” added James, whoholds a Master’s degree incriminal justice from theUniversity of Colorado atBoulder. “This happens on thebattlefield, much less to asimple police search of a home.”
Outrage
In the wake of Thomas’sdeath, James said residents ofChateaubelair have expressedoutrage.
He said he has since createda Face book page, “Justice forCodo,”(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-
Codo/233375110198783), sosubscribers can lodge theircomplaints and/or comments.
“This could have been me, afamily member or a friend,” hesaid. “I have joined with thefamily to demand answers andaction, so this never happens toanyone else.
“Overall, I am very upset anddisappointed over what thepolice (allegedly) did,” he added.“I think they should take theirjobs seriously, protect and servethe people, and stop abusingtheir position.
“The police are supposed towork in harmony with thepeople; but many of them usetheir badge as an excuse fordoing wrong,” he continued.“This abuse of power needs tobe dealt with by people inauthority. There are many goodpolice officers, so the ones whoabuse their power should bedealt with accordingly.
“A life has been lost. Aidmight have saved her(Thomas’s) life,” James said.
“We want to make sure (that)the police are sensitive to thiskind of issue and (to) remembertheir job is to protect andsearch — not to abuse theirpower.”
Thomas’s death and StateDepartment report
Thomas’s death comes as theUnited States claimed in areport last week (see pages 14and 15) that the police’soccasional use of excessive forceis among the “most serioushuman rights problems” in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.
In its “Country Reports onHuman Rights Practices for2013,” the US Department ofState, however, said that theDr. Ralph Gonsalves-ledadministration “took steps topunish officials who committedabuses, and there was not awidespread perception ofimpunity for security forcemembers.
“There were no reports that
the government or its agentscommitted arbitrary orunlawful killings,” it said.
But the report said, while theconstitution and law prohibittorture and other cruel,inhuman, or degradingtreatment or punishment, “thenon-governmental organization(NGO), St. Vincent and theGrenadines Human RightsAssociation (SVGHRA),asserted that the police usedexcessive force.”
James said he expectsseveral hundred people toattend the candle light vigil,which is organized incollaboration with Thomas’sbrother, Chris Howe, a veteranBritish soldier, and familyfriend Vanessa Browne.
He said it gets underway at6:00 p.m., starting at Thomas’shome in Sharpes,Chateaubelair, towards theMission Corner, in the centre ofthe town, near the policestation, and ends at theChateaubelair playing field.
Work being done on the CumberlandPipeline.
OOOPS!!!WE HAVE BEENinformed that wejust might haveerred in saying inlast week’s frontpage article, thatPhillip ‘Super Cat’Quashie had “spentsome time in theUnited States…..(and) was forced toreturn home.”
A family memberinformed this weekthat Quashie wasnever in the UnitedStates.
We apologise forthe error and anyinconveniencecaused.
4. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
NewsV
by KENVILLE HORNE
PERSONS APPLYING for areplacement passport nowhave to dig deeper into theirpockets.
This follows on theintroduction of an E-Passportfor this country, and anincrease in the PassportReplacement fee.
The revelation was made byPrime Minister, Dr. RalphGonsalves, while deliveringthe feature address duringTuesday’s presentation of thenew Electronic Passport at thenew headquarters of theImmigration Department.The Immigration Departmentis now housed in the D’SBuilding, Bay Street, upstairsthe Electoral Office.
Gonsalves stated that SVGis the second country in theEastern Caribbean tointroduce the E-Passport inkeeping with internationalstandards. He explained thatthe new system would cost the
Government USD3.4 million.The Prime Minister said too
often passports are damagedduring domestic disputes, andhinted that the increase in feemight act as a deterrent.
“We have to increase thecost of replacement. We havetoo many people allowingtheir passport to be defaced,or wet up. Very often when aman and a woman get in aconflict, they don’t trouble thebible. The first thing thewoman goes for is the man’spassport, and vice versa,”Gonsalves explained.
He appealed to couples,“Please, when yo have aquarrel with yo love ones, justleave the passport alone, treatit like the bible,”
The new fee for replacing apassport which has beendamaged is EC$300.
“So when you as a manmash up yo girlfriendpassport, know that you haveto pay 300 dollars to replace it, cause invariably it comes
back to the man to pay for it,so pay for your ignorance,”said Gonsalves.
The new ElectronicPassport replaces the MachineReadable Passport, which wasintroduced in 2005.
by KENVILLE HORNE
Vincentians are being urgedto be more informed on thefuel surcharge, which formspart of their electricity bill.
On Monday this country’slone electricity provider, St.Vincent Electrical ServicesLimited (VINLEC) hosted aworkshop for MediaPractitioners, at thecompany’s training room,in Cane Hall. Theworkshop was intended toeducate participantsabout the Company’stariff structure.
VINLEC is not astatutory corporation,but a state-ownedcompany, thatoperates under theElectricity SupplyAct, Cap 288 of thelaws of SVG RevisedEdition (1994). TheAct, which is set tocome under reviewin 2033, gives thecompany soleright andexclusive licenceto generate,transmit, distribute and sellelectricity in SVG.
The Fuel Surcharge
VINLEC’s Manager ofFinance, Juliet Hinds-Wilson,
spoke on the topic, ‘The FuelSurcharge Component of ourRate and Tariff Structure’.
She told the gathering thatthe Fuel Surcharge is one ofthe two components ofVINLEC’s rate and tariffsystem, the other being thebasic rate or the energycharge. Hinds-Wilson
indicated that section 10 of theElectricity Act indicates howthe company charges forelectricity.
According to Hinds-Wilson,the Fuel Surcharge isintended to cover the cost in
excess of the 1973price for fuel used inthe generation ofelectricity by thecompany. “In otherwords, it is intended tocover all the cost inexcess of 52 cents forevery gallon of fuel
that we use,”said Hinds-Wilson
She said thatthe price of fuelwill impact thefuel surchargerate, and that therate is applied toall the categories inVINLEC’s operation, that is“commercial, industrial, andthe street lighting.”
According to thecompany’s Finance Manager,the basic charge component isintended to cover all operatingcost of the company includingdepreciation, repayment ofindebtedness, and provides forcapital expansion to meet anydemand for increased serviceto the public.
Last year’s revenue fromthe Fuel Surcharge amountedto EC$ 68,760,386, while theactual cost of fuel was EC$72,686,085. In January thisyear, $6.8 million worth of fuelwas consumed.
Ongoing battle
VINLEC’s CEO, ThornleyMyers, cited the need forpersons to understand theFuel Surcharge. He alluded toforces working against thecompany. “We have a battlewhere people who know betterdon’t do it, because electricityis seen in St. Vincent as apolitical tool. In other words,half of the population willlisten to one side, and halfwould listen to the other side.So we have a constant battle.”
Myers said it is importantthat those who understandhow the Fuel Surcharge rateworks and is calculated, betruthful to the public on thematter. “All I ask is for all ofus in this society whounderstand this, to betruthful,” he implored.
VINLEC became a fullyowned state enterprise in 1985when the Governmentacquired the remaining 51percent shareholding of theCommonwealth DevelopmentCorporation, UK.
by SHERONGARRAWAY
AFTER A FIVE-year absence,the cruise shipAIDA Lunareturned to thiscountry,bringing with ita total of 2,100passengers, whoenthusiasticallyexplored theisland.
The AIDALuna, which is aSphinx class orseries of cruiseships, is ownedby CarnivalCorporation andoperated byAIDA Cruises.
According to MicheleForsyth who is Head of CruiseTours for the local agentCorea’s Caribbean Adventures(CCA) with parent companybeing Corea & Co (1988) Ltd.,the vessel arrived here on 21February with, among others,over 500 passengers whobooked private tours withCCA,
She, however, pointed outthat hundreds of other cruisevisitors took the opportunityto enjoy the island by othermeans of conveyance, both bysea and land.
Forsyth pointed out thatthe AIDA cruise companycomplimented the nation onits cleanliness and greenery,as well as the friendliness ofthe people. She encouraged allcitizens to continue to behospitable, noting thatVincentians continually liveup to their names of beinggreat hosts.
Other cruise lines that visitthis country include P&O,Seabourn and HollandAmerica.
The 2013/14 cruise seasonruns from October, 2013 toApril 16, 2014.
An interesting comparative analysisshared with media practitioners.
PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalvesappealed to passport holdersto desist from defacingand/or destroying theirspouses’ passports.
Visitors from AIDA Cruise Ship enjoyingVilla beach.
Increased fee forreplacement passport
VINLEC informs on FuelSurcharge
VINLEC’s Manager of Finance,Juliet Hinds-Wilson, explaining howthe Fuel Surcharge is computedand applied.
Thornley Myers, VINLEC’s CEOspoke to his company’songoing battle to beat backmisinformation about the FuelSurcharge.
AIDA Cruise Ship docked at the Kingstownhabour.
AIDA Cruise Line returnsto SVG
RegionalV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 5.
UNITED NATIONS Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hasjoined the internationaloutcry about the ongoingsate of violence and loss oflives in Venezuela.
On Wednesday lastweek, the Secretary-General voiced his sadnessat the continuing situationin Venezuela, and urgedthat all efforts be urgentlymade to lower the tensionsand prevent furtherviolence.
He also recognized thecalls for dialogue made byPresident Nicolas Maduroand other Venezuelans,and registered the hopefor concrete gestures by allparties, to reducepolarization and create thenecessary conditions toengage in a meaningfuldialogue so that calm canbe fully restored in thecountry as soon aspossible.”
Meantime, scatteredbarricades blocked streets,and protesters battledpolice in some Caracasneighbourhoods up to lastFriday even, as reportspointed to ‘normal life’ inother areas across thecountry.
Other reports say,student-leddemonstrations have sofar maintained a streetpresence, not just in the
capital, butalso in citiesincludingValencia,Merida andSanCristobal.
PresidentNicolasMadurohowever,forgedahead witha new roundof televisedpeacemeetings onFriday. He
announced his intention toestablish similarconferences in all states.Absent were members ofthe opposition, who refuse
to open a dialogue untilMr Maduro releasesprotesters from jail andstops harsh crackdowns onprotests.
“I believe the countrywould win if we see eachother face to face andtalk,” Mr Maduro said. Healso announced thatnational guardsmanGiovanny Jose HernandezPantoja died Friday afterbeing shot in the eye,while he and othersremoved debris from astreet in Valencia.
But that appearsunlikely to happen, withone opposition leader injail and an arrest orderout for another.
Meanwhile, the United
Nations HighCommissioner for HumanRights Navi Pillay echoedthe Secretary-General’scall, saying, “It is time forall sides to move beyondverbal aggression andtowards meaningfuldialogue.”
Ms. Pillay’s office saidthat, according to thelatest known officialfigures, 579 people havebeen arrested since theunrest in the countrybegan earlier this month.
“I am concerned that avery large number ofpeople have been arrested,and we have reportsindicating that some ofthem are being heldincommunicado. I urge the
authorities to ensure thatpeople are not penalisedfor exercising their rightsto peaceful assembly andto freedom of expression,”said the highcommissioner.
“Those who are beingdetained merely forexercising these rightsmust be promptlyreleased. All cases must behandled according tointernational standards ofdue process.”
After two weeks ofstudent-led protests,mostly in middle-classneighbourhoods, 18persons are said to havebeen killed, with each sideaccusing the other ofinitiating the violence.
EVERY CITIZEN must play arole in turning around the ailingeconomy. “If you are not part ofthe solution you are part of theproblem”.
This is the call of BarbadosLabour Minister Dr. Esther ByerSuckoo.
She made the call whileaddressing the ProductivityCouncil’s Week of Excellence, lastweek, during which she alsoacknowledged that the FreundelStuart government was fullyconscious of the challenges, andhas a mandate to seek andimplement.
“We all have a role to play inthe recovery process,” sheimplored.
However, Byer Suckoo warnedthat “there is no panacea for allthe challenges which weencounter, whether it be at thelevel of Government, socialpartnership, the workplace oreven in our personal lives; butwhatever the solutions we decideupon, ingenuity, proactivity andfortitude would make themattainable.”
She explained that the ongoingrecovery programme, though
difficult, wasnecessary ifsome of thecurrentproblems wereto be resolved.
“Governmentis activelyworking onsolutions in the19-monthrecoveryprogramme thatwe’re all awareof, whichincludesreducing itsexpenditure andstarting projects such as theBarbados Water Authority’smains laying programme, whichwas started last week.
“And yes, the retrenchmentsare part of that as well. Apainful prescription, I know, andlike surgery it hurts, even whileyou know that there’s healinggoing on the inside.
“You may not all agree withthe measures that have beenoutlined…but now is not the timeto sit around arguing about whatGovernment is doing or not
doing. The fact is, government isnow a part of the solution — (but)are we? Meaning ‘we’ at theindividual level...what are youdoing for the sake of your countrythat has done so much for you?,”she said.
The Stuart administration hasimplemented a retrenchmentprogramme that would result inan estimated 3,000 publicservants being made redundant,as it seeks to reverse theeconomy.
Prime MinisterFreundel Stuart hashad to introduce fiscalmeasures whichinclude cutting the sizeof the public wage bill.
ANTIGUA ANDBARBUDA PrimeMinister Baldwin Spenceris yet (up to press timeWednesday) to announcethe date for the generalelection in that country,but he has issued arequest for the CaribbeanCommunity (CARICOM)to send a mission toobserve the election.
The election is,according to indications,likely to be held thismonth (March) nextmonth. This after PMSpencer told supporters ofhis United ProgressiveParty (UPP) to keepMarch 15 as an important
date.Spencer later explained
to the Caribbean MediaCorporation (CMC) thatthe reference to March 15was intended to get peoplesensitised to the fact thatan election was imminent,“and in the planningprocess, I just wanted toset the stage for the peopleof Antigua and Barbuda toplace certain dates inmind.
“The 15th of March isthe date something willcertainly happen inAntigua and Barbuda,” hesaid, adding that theannouncement withrespect to the actual
election day “is still in myback pocket”.
Spencer, looking to leadhis party into a thirdconsecutive citory,expressed pre-electionconfidence.
“We believe we havekept faith with the peopleof Antigua and Barbuda,and we have done thegreatest good for thegreatest number since wetook office in 2004.”
But Gaston Browne,who is leading the mainopposition Antigua LabourParty (ALP) into thegeneral election, told CMCthat the UPP governmenthad over the past few
years “actually dismantledthe economy,” and that theisland had lostapproximately 25 per centof its gross domesticproduct (GDP).
“Today you haveunemployment in excess of25 per cent, and thepoverty level in excess of35 per cent. So in essence,they have destroyed thecountry, and I thinkAntiguans and Barbudansare desirous of change,and I believe they haveevery confidence that theAntigua and BarbudaLabour Party will make adifference in their lives”.
The last time general
elections were held inAntigua and Barbuda in2009, the UPP won nine ofthe seventeen seats in theHouse of Representatives,
with the ALP taking 7 andthe Barbuda People’sMovement one seat inBarbuda. (Source:Caribbean 360 News)
Antigua PM wants CARICOM election observers
PM Baldwin Spencerissued the call for aCARICOM electionobserver mission.
First time leader of theALP, Gaston Browne, isconfident that his partywill be returned togovernment.
‘Be a part of the solution,’ beckons BarbadosLabour Minister
Dr. Esther ByerSuckoo, BarbadosLabour Minister, wantsall Barbadians to be apart of the solution toBarbados’ economicwoes.
Anti-government demonstrator heads towards riotpolice during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela.
Un Secretary-GeneralBan Ki-moon has calledfor all efforts to bemade to halt the unrestin Venezuela.
Navi Pillay, UN UnitedNations HighCommissioner forHuman Rights, calledfor the ‘prompt’ releaseof all those detained for,what she sees as,Exercising their rights.
Call for dialogue in Venezuela
6. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
NewsV
PEACE MEMORIALHALL takes on a shadeof aquatic blue thisSaturday, March 8, whenthe Image ModelingAgency stages a fashionproduction entitled, ‘Intothe Blue’.
Billed as anextravaganza featuringsome of the mostprominent localdesigners that “is set toleave you wanting more,”event organizer, MrsJanelle Humphrey, oneof Image’s longestserving models andtrainers, says, “I amecstatic with the Image
In fact, ‘Into the Blue’is something of a return‘to the catwalk’ for theImage Modeling Agencywhich, by its ownadmission, had been“dormant” for threeyears.
Though MoniqueArthur, inspirationalfounder and manager ofthe Agency, quips thatwhenever personsconfront her about theAgency’s dormancy, “Isimply smile and quotethe words from the great
Mick Jagger, ‘We neverplanned on returning tothe scene because wehaven’t left’.”
‘Into the Blue willfeature members of theJunior Club of ImageModeling Agency. It istimed to coincide withthe eve of the 16thanniversary of theAgency and is the first ofmany activities plannedfor 2014, included amongwhich is a ‘Model call forpersons 16 years old andabove.
‘Into the Blue’ hits thecatwalk at PeaceMemorial Hall from 6:30pm.
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
“IF YOU WANT to make policingyour career, you have to makean ardent effort to withstandconstructive and destructivecriticisms.”
The advice came fromAssistant Superintendent ofPolice (ASP) Thecla Andrews,the first female Commandantof the Police Training School.
“Education is the key,knowledge is power, befocussed, put God first ineverything and give it yourbest shot,” ASP Andrews, who
was appointed Commandant,February3, 2014, added duringan interview with THEVINCENTIAN on Wednesday.
The police officer of 12years described herappointment as verychallenging, but added, “Iaccept it with open mind andwith grace to assist with thewell rounded development ofour police officers.”
Andrewsunderscored thatthough policing is amale dominatingcareer, there are
competent and qualifiedfemales in the localconstabulary. She noted thattwo females, she and chiefinstructor Station SergeantMahlon Cuffy, are first andsecond in charge respectively,at the training school.
Andrews has also worked asa police officer at theKingstown Magistrate’s Court,
Colonarie PoliceStation and onBeat and Patrol.She wasattached toSpecial Branchwhen she wasappointedCommandant.
OFFICERS of the Court and police officersattached to various units of the local constabularyare now better equipped in their respective areas ofexpertise, having attended the first Multi-LateralMaritime Prosecution and Interdiction Summit inMiami, Florida, February 25 to 26, 2014.
Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, whorepresented the office of the Director of PublicProsecutions (DPP), told THE VINCENTIAN onTuesday that the summit was primarily aimed at:fostering better working relations between theCoast Guard Services of Caribbean countries andthe Americas, in the interdiction of persons dealingin illegal drugs across the waters of the Caribbeanand the Americas; and to develop better workingstrategies in the sharing of intelligence betweenthese countries.
The conference also touched on the prosecutorialaspects of persons caught with drugs on the highseas, with a view to seeing how strategies could bedeveloped to catch those persons and successfullyprosecute them.
The exercise dealt with interdiction, and
prosecution conviction.Delpleche declared that he
benefited immensely from aprosecutorial standpoint.
“For me, it was veryeducational and instructive. Idid learn a lot from thepresentations and otherparticipants,” said Delpleche,who heads the SummaryProsecutions Division in theDPP’s office.
The meeting was attendedby Judges, Magistrates, DPPsCrown Counsels, PublicProsecutors, Coast Guardpersonnel and heads of variousNarcotics Divisions from acrossthe region.
Also attending the summitfrom SVG were Chief Magistrate Sonya Young,Inspector Foster Scott of the Narcotics Unit andCoast Guard Commander Brenton Caine.
Senior ProsecutorAdolphusDelpleche was amember of theVincentiancontingent thatattended a summitin Miami.
RURAL CARNIVALS for VincyMas 2014 are to receivecontinued support fromtelecommunication giant,LIME.
The rural carnivalsearmarked for support arethose in North Windward,St. George’s, NorthLeeward, South Leeward,and Central Windward
Last Tuesday,representatives from thevarious rural carnivalcommittees and CarnivalDevelopment Corporation(CDC) representatives,converged on LIME’sheadquarters on HalifaxStreet for a pressconference in whichGeneral Manager atLIME, Leslie Jack, madethe announcement.
Jack said that theagreement signed recentlywith the CDC included aclause which allows forpart of LIME’s promisedcash into Vincy Mas 2014,to go to rural carnivals.
“We do realize thatrural carnivals play asignificant role in howwell the awareness isspread throughout SVG,as well as regionally andinternationally…… . We
thought it really necessaryto add some additionalincentives to the ruralcarnivals. It will be in theform of cash, as well asadvertising support, andwe will be identifyingother events that we willget involved in,” Jack said.
Outside of theagreement referred to isLIME’s support forcarnival-related activitiesin Owia.
The LIME GeneralManager noted that theOwia Sports and CulturalOrganization (OSCO) hasidentified themselves as avery organized group, “andworthy of support. Theyhave approached us anumber of times,…. andthis year we have agreedto lend them some supportin carrying out the variousactivities they do havelined up.”
Shaffiquer Nanton, arepresentative fromOSCO, expressed heartfeltthanks to LIME for itssupport.
CDC’s Coordinator ofRural Carnivals, EsworthRoberts, said that therural carnivals offer abuild-up to the nationalfestival. He noted that lastyear witnessed a reduction
in thenumber ofcarnivals,“from 12 to8,” forreasons thatincluded the lack ofsponsorship, clash of events and thework load of the police.
He thereforecommended LIME for itssupport over the years.“Money is always hard tocome by in these tougheconomic times, and the
contribution made byLIME is certainlywelcomed,” Robertsassured.
He implored the ruralcarnival committees thatwould receive sponsorshipfrom the LIME, to givemileage to the company,“as the monies comingfrom the sponsorship are
coming from their (LIME)advertising budget,therefore, they would needto gain adequate mileage
for monies spent.” LIME is a platinum
sponsor of Vincy Mas.
THE DR. J. P. EUSTACE MEMORIAL SecondarySchool now has a revived chapter of the InterSecondary Christian Fellowship (I.S.C.F.).
The Fellowship was formally revitalized onJanuary 29, 2014, under the leadership of theSchool’s Principal, Mr. Alwin Joseph.
It is being co-odinated by staff members Mrs.Noelene Young, Mrs. Marcia John, Mr. KurtisWilliams, Mrs. Leonora Ambris, Mr. Maxann Rock.
According to information received from theSchool, the Fellowship’s theme for this year is ‘TheFruit of the Spirit’.(Gal. 5).
Already pastors and ministers of differentreligious denominations have either made or agreedto make presentations on aspects of the theme.
And in keeping with the theme and thrust, someforty Fellowship members involved themselves inmaking ‘Peace Cards’, which they distributed tochildren at the Paediactric Ward of the Milton CatoMemorial Hospital, on February 28, 2014.
Already an effort is in place to collect cannedfoods from among the student body, for distributionto victims of the Christmas 2013 floods.
Esworth Roberts, CDC, urged Rural Carnivals togive mileage to their sponsors, especially LIME.
A section of the I.S.C.F. party, staff member andpatients at the Paediatric Ward, at thepresentation of the ‘Peace Cards’.
Christian Fellowshiprevived at J. P. Eustace
Right: Leslie Jack,General Manager ofLIME, referred to theimportant role ruralcarnivals play inspreading the ‘awareness’of carnival.
LABOUR’S FIRST GOVERNMENT assumedoffice with much public goodwill in 1967, andimmediately set about its task in a mostbusiness-like manner. Almost as a matter ofcourse, the Port was nationalised.
A new thrust was made in the field ofagriculture under the Ministry of “Son”Mitchell. Carrots burst on the scene. TheNational Provident Fund provided shelter forworkers on rainy days.
Statehood came in 1969. Young ParnelCampbell of the EFP was appointed officer-in-charge of celebrations. Cato became the firstPremier, with Rupert John, his deputy at thelaunching of Labour in 1955, installed as firstnative Head of State.
1969 was also the birth year of theEducational Forum of the People. Cato, seeingRed, was to institute a period of repression. In1970, the Emergency Powers Act gave teeth tosecurity, and an Act was passed specifically tomuzzle public servants and cramp the style ofthe EFP, whose members were in thegovernment teaching service. In the result,Forum members were suspended or dismissedfrom their jobs on grounds of political trespass.Three members in the leadership feared worse.In 1970, the police carried out simultaneousdawn raids on the homes of Kerwyn Morris,John Cato and Parnell Campbell, ostensibly insearch of arms, ammunition and prohibitedliterature.
For reasons that were best known tohimself, Cato fired J.L Eustace from theMinistry of Education in 1969, replacing himwith Marksman, who had been coaxed intodeserting the Joshuas and joining Labour.
Eustace’s removal together with the returnto St Vincent and the Labour Party of Messrs.Arthur Williams, Vincent Beache, GraftonIsaacs and John Thompson, indicated to “Son”Mitchell that it was time that he consulted hisown interests. Citing neglect of the Grenadinesand Cato’s arrogance, Mitchell gave up hisMinistry and was booted out of the party. Catocalled elections before Mitchell could make areal considered political move.
The 1972 elections created history, with adead heat between both major parties. For thepublic, it was literally a case of six of one andhalf dozen of the other, and odd-man outMitchell was left to decide the issue. This hesettled by pooling resources with the PPP,whose leader held down the pivotal FinanceMinistry and Deputy Premiership, whileMitchell himself became Premier.
The stresses and strain in the AllianceGovernment were cleverly exploited by Catoand Labour, especially through their use ofThe Star which featured searing cartoons by“Bendix”. Finally, Joshua was cajoled intosweeping the rug from beneath the Mitchellgovernment in midterm. Cato picturesquelydescribed the 1974 elections results whichfollowed as: “Ten-Two-One is murder,” inreference to victories by ten Labourites, thesupporting Joshua couple, and Mitchell.
The Second Time Around
Cato presided over a constitutionallycontrived set-up that “paved the way” for Mrs.Joshua’s appointment as leader of theOpposition at the expense of Mitchell.Notwithstanding his personal defeat atMitchell’s hands in the preceding election,Labourite Sydney Gun-Munro wasrecommended by Cato to the Governor’s post,following Rupert John’s resignation as a resultof differences with Cato.
The new Labour Government set about toremove any trace of the previousAdministration whose legitimacy Cato hadnever accepted. Plans for an InternationalAirport were put in permanent cold storage.The Department of Culture was scrapped andits Director, Shake Keane, sent packing,among a host of other reversals.
In general, “the strongest Government inthe world”, so tagged by Cato, would brook noopposition, affecting in particular industrialrelations that soured in 1975. The approach ofthe Labour Party was to tear-gas and jaildemonstrating teachers, and haul a number ofnurses before the court “every Mondaymorning”. A cold peace was eventually shoveddown the throats of the trade unionists,leaving a bitter taste.
The sick-out of local constabulary organizedby the Police Welfare Association gave theGovernment pause, and warned them to treadlightly.
During this period, the NationalCommercial Bank was established, a positivemove that was somewhat diminished by theappointment of the Premier and otherministers to the controlling Board of Directors.The Development Corporation lengthened itsstride in seeking to create a proper investmentclimate for the establishment of an IndustrialEstate, but generally flattered to deceive. TheNational Trust Authority was set up to attractand shepherd the influx of the offshorebanking trade, which probably created moreproblems than it solved. Casino gambling wasintroduced in the teeth of biting public protest.Only the manufacture of flour by the ECFMcould be considered an unqualified successstory.
The Labour Party had steadily been losingmarks, but picked itself back up on thehomestretch to the 1979 elections, for thefollowing four reasons. Firstly, the eruption ofLa Soufriere in April 1979, like most nationaldisasters, brought Government and peopleclose together. And Cato had handled adelicate and sensitive situation withcommendable aplomb and consummate skill. Itwas, perhaps, his finest hour. Secondly, the1979 Grenada Revolution was an unknownquantity that pitched into our local politicalequation with which Vincentians would takeno chances. They were prepared to settle for“the Devil they know”. Thirdly, the attainmentof Independence was a timely plus on the veryeve of elections, so to speak.
Continued on Page 12.
THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL FUNCTION of any government is to provide forand guarantee the safety of its citizens – all citizens, regardless of class,race, sex and political persuasion.
Without this safety, there is no foundation for freedom, and assuch, citizens will not be accorded the opportunity to enjoy living, inthe fullness of the word; for homes become virtual prisons, and walksalong public paths become risky undertakings.
It follows, therefore, that policing has to be perceived and acceptedas a basic responsibility, and addressed as priority by anygovernment.
This country has seen numerical increases and physicalimprovement in our effort to police and safeguard our environment,for the safety of its people.
According to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in his 2014Budget Speech, the security/policing departments are staffed asfollows: Police — 816; Fire - 69; Coast Guard - 91; Prisons - 131;Immigration (63). In each of these service areas, there has beenincreases over the 2001 figures.
In addition to the increase in ‘human capacity’, a number of newpolice stations have been constructed, and some of the old onesrenovated; a new prison facility has been constructed andcommissioned; the main Coast Guard base at Calliaqua has beenrenovated and a new one under construction in Canaouan; new firetrucks acquired through the goodwill of allied countries (Taiwan),and (most recently) new headquarters provided for the immigrationdepartment.
All of that, if the truth be told, is commendable, in as much as it iswhat we expect of a government in fulfillment of its responsibilities.
But as commendable as those efforts are, crime, including newand high tech crime, plagues us daily.
Property crime and violent crime remain, in want of a better wayof putting it, unacceptably high.
Observers say that crime has increased tenfold and more since2001.
What abounds moreso in our society is a wave of anti-socialbehaviour, fed by political praying mantises, that festers and eruptsinto criminal activity.
Anti-social behaviour is, according to sociologists, the consequenceof a set of problems whose manifestation and combination are uniqueto the modern world, with all its unbridled materialism, influences ofpolitical intrigue, welfare dependence (including party handouts),family breakdown, educational practices and theories that may justbe misguided, the disappearance of traditional skills and occupations,foreign cultural penetration and, worst of all, the availability ofhighly addictive and destructive drugs.
So we build more prisons to house those who are, in effect, thevictims of this wave of social misbehavior, encouraged by our owndoing.
What we fail to do in the process of building more edifices likeprisons, is to make meaningful structural change(s) to our prisonsystem, which, according to modern dictates, should be designed toachieve the goal of re-offending. We continue to be overwhelmed, itseems, given the recent jailbreaks, by the day-to-day operations ofwhat we would like to think are correctional facilities.
Our situation is quickly becoming one in which we cannot trust, orwill soon lose trust, in the prison staff who are responsible forinmates.
Improving discipline and basic education for workers in the prisonsystem must be as important as improving physical workingconditions.
This is not to say that there are not capable prison officers in oursystem; but it is time that we move with real purpose to transformour prisons from unproductive human warehouses, where idlenessand slackness reign among staff and inmates, to constructive regimeswhere the environment is clean, and there is purposeful activity.
Incarceration can represent a unique opportunity to turn aperson’s life around. Inmates must be made to realize this; but theywill never do so if certain deficiencies, in policy and implementation,abound.
Time that we take an honest look at what obtains at our prisons.It is vital that they be used as more than a state’s response to
criminal activity and become places of cleanliness of mind and body,and a vehicle to inculcate real change among staff and inmates alike.
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
Crime, prisons and ourresponse The later Cato-
Inside the house 1967-84
HEAVY RAINS pouredon earth-land with avengeance on 24thDecember, 2013. It didnot discriminate;everything and almosteveryone suffered.
People’s lifestyle wasone of the factors whichcontributed to the flood,but the sun starts toshine brightly again, andthis tends to contributeto some people’s oblivion.We forgot the fear thatdrove people to say thatthat day was their lastday, and we went rightahead to continue ourbad ways, our badhabits, just like people in‘Noah’s Day’.
But the old folks havea lot of old sayings, oneof which is ‘the last stateof a man is always worsethan the first’, and this
is so true.Our country looks to
the younger generationto take the place of theolder ones; but the roadthese younger ones seemto choose will take thecountry in a very darkand bad place.
Every simple task istoo difficult for someyoung people. Ascriptural verse says thatthey will put their handin the cookie jar, but findit very difficult towithdraw it. Are theseassets to our country, orliabilities?
‘Cleanliness is next togodliness’. This is a veryold saying. The trainingof children should startin the homes. If theselittle ones are constantlytaught to put waste inthe box, bag, whatever is
used as bins, won’t theyfollow through on it atschool and wheneverthey go?
Considering that somegrown-ups are hopelesswhere being tidy isconcerned, these littleones should be littlecandles and shine theirbright lights for all tosee.
Our drains, bus sheds,roads, open spaces arethe latest in garbagebins, and since people ingeneral love the latest,these are well supported.
Many are affiliatedwith churches which arespringing up everywhere.Are those churchmembers showing thelink between cleanlinessand godliness? If so, whycan’t we see an upwardtrend in cleanliness?
Provision is made forgarbage collectionweekly, and we arepaying for it. Why aren’twe using it moreeffectively? If we do, wewill have clean drains,bus sheds, lands, andclean air to breathe. Wewill serve our God with acleaner conscience for Heis clean and we will livehealthier lives.
Concerned
THERE HAS been anotherpromise to clean up thelegal profession. ReneBaptiste, the BarAssociation’s newpresident, is the latest tomake this promise.
How often have weheard this promise? Ihave lost count of thenumber of times. Everypresident of the BarAssociation in recentmemory has made thesame promise orsomething to that effect.
Let me be clear. Imay be stupid, but whensomebody promises toclean up something,doesn’t it mean thatthere is a mess?
There have been anumber of documentedcases of lawyers heretaking clients for aride… both local clientsand clients who resideoverseas. But it alwaysseems that, like otherprofessions, the lawyerslook out for one another,
and nothing is ever doneto bring those lawyerswho give less thandecent service back inline, or to discard themaltogether.
Don’t get me wrong.There are someoutstanding legal mindsin this country, perhapsthe majority. People likeAndrew Cummings,Douglas Williams andP.R. Campbell bringkudos to the profession.But like everything else,
there are always somerotten eggs in the tray.
I wish Rene Baptiste asuccessful period asPresident of the BarAssociation, and willhold her to her promiseto bring a clean air to theAssociation.
Rodriguez
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 9.
LettersV
* Why is the acting CEO of LIATso ‘fussy’ aboutsharing informationwith the media? Isshe underinstructions?* Is information onLIAT being sharedwith other persons?* How on earth couldpeople, especiallygovernment people, besaying that EdsonAugustus didn’t doanything wrong?They have somethingto hide or what?* How comeCARICOM talk outabout the situation inVenezuela, but saidnot a thing on thesituation in St. Kitts?* Anybody else noticehow the governmentpeople leaving out awhole part of wehistory, like neverreferring to the goodthat the NDP did, andforgetting that Quowis a formerCommissioner ofPolice?
Cleaning up the BarI COULD never understand those fellows who feelthey have more education than most of us, andclaim they read more than most. They alwaysseem to find some hifalutin explanation foreverything, and it’s always America to blame forthe problem.
Venezuela is in trouble. I don’t want to say it,but it could be on the brink of a civil war. But yetwe have some people here who find all kinds ofexcuses, and try to put blame on all sets of people.
The truth is that an oil-rich country likeVenezuela had shortages of medicines, toiletpaper, milk, cooking oil, sugar, even corn meal, aswe call it.
My question is: Did anyone really ask why?How could this happen in such a rich country?Where did all the money go? Did it go intobuilding? Did Chavez bite off more than he couldchew?
The truth is that the country is divided. I amnot going to say that Chavez didn’t help the poorpeople, and help us too; but when you have toturn against your own people to do this, you aresetting your country on a course of destruction.
Sometimes I feel it for the Venezuelan people,when I think of the help their country gives toothers, while they face hardship in their owncountry.
You don’t have to wage a war against anotherclass of people to help the poor. That kind ofstrategy has been tried and failed. Even Cuba isnow opening up to allow Cubans more freedom.
And by the way, regardless of how much somepeople want to say America this and that, howthey like to destabilize governments, it’s thatcountry where all of us head to make a betterliving. Ah lie?
George
Venezuela’stroubles
Cleanliness and ways of behaving
SIR, Does your company discriminate againstcustomers in SVG?
Sir, I applied for disconnection of service, payingall bills and leaving my deposit for future business.I was asked to bring a letter from a J.P, which Idid.
Now I am applying for reconnection as I have toreturn to my previous home. I was asked for aletter. This was attached to the application formwhich I was required to fill out.
When I returned to the office for the 4th timesince making the application for reconnection, I wastold that there is a letter on the office computerstating not to reconnect without the owner’spermission, and I must bring the owner, my wife.At no time before was I told that I have to presentthe owner. I was only asked for my wife’s ID and aletter.
Sir, my second application for reconnection wasstill in my possession, which meant it did not reachyou as yet. So how come that note is in the office?Is it discrimination again me for being outspoken?
I had also asked the agent at the office to giveme in writing where the company retrieved a letterand the owner’s ID, which she bluntly refused me,saying, she won’t give me any written note.
Sir, there should be printed forms for bothdisconnection and reconnection available tocustomers. This will save us much needed cashbetween disconnection and reconnection. It has costme six trips at $12 = $72 + 1 trip for both of us@$24 = $96 — that is 1 month of energy cost.
Sad customer
OUR CREATOR did not create us tolive up in his heaven. A look intoBiblical writings will give us a betterunderstanding as to why we are onplanet earth.
‘Let us make man in our ownimage, and let them be master over alllife. The fish in the waters, the birdsin the air, all the livestock wild anddomestic animals.’ (Gen. 1:26).According to bible history, God mademan from earth, and breathed life intohim, and beckoned him to be fruitfuland bear children, populate the earthand control it — govern it.
We have fulfilled part of thatpurpose, i.e. to populate the earth; butwe are not in control of it. Satan is theone in control of this earth’s system.Who is satan? Where did he camefrom? What is his functions on earth?And, what will be his end? Theprophet Isaiah spoke of him as Luciferwho was cast out of heaven. He was inheaven when our Creator made manfrom earth. There was a ‘democratic’call in heaven to participate in theviewing of the making of man, and allthe angels gathered, included Lucifer,the chief musician and light bearer.
They all saw when our Father madethe first man, but they didn’t see whenhe placed life into him. Lucifer feltthat was an injustice, so he embarkedon a campaign against our Creator. It
is said that one- third of the angelsjoined Lucifer’s rebellion, and ourFather cast them out of heaven toearth, where they (led by Lucifer)deceived the first people, Adam andEve.
Lucifer’s name was changed toSatan, the devil. He and the otherangels were cast out of heaven withhigh magical power, and that powerwas and is still being used on thehuman race, to make us believe thatwe came from the ape; that one race issuperior to another; that it’s ok forsame sex; it is ok to enslave, exploitand oppress others; it’s ok to break thelaws of our Creator.
The main agents of satan on earthare the political and religious leaders,supported by their lawyers. But thisinfluence by satan is at its last hour.Their governments are uncontrollable,but the end of these governments is athand.
When the time comes, God willsettle all international disputes. Thenations will recognize the oneness ofhumanity. They will not engage forwars anymore, because all wars willstop and the military training willcome to an end (Isa. 2:4). The wickedones will be no more.
There will be true world peace,indeed. Mankind will live in heaven onearth. Think of it!
Christian Democrat
God’s purposes for mankind
A letter to theCEO of VINLEC
The Issue
IT IS A WELL ACCEPTED fact thatcommunications is a key factor for theproper function of a democratic society.Democracy in part is the contention ofideas, the securing of free speech for thecitizens, and the provision of ideas toallow voters to make the correct electoraldecision, when they are summoned to doso.
In developed countries, many mediaorganizations wield tremendous power;because of the important role they playin the bid to control the minds of theaudience. This refers not only toadvertising and marketing, but toensure that ideas and opinions takecentre stage, in the overall scheme ofthings.
St.Vincent and the Grenadines is nodifferent. Before February 2008 severalradio stations in the state were engagedin the process of political propaganda,vying for the votes of the electorate. Atthe front of the queue is Nice Radio,owned and operated by BDS Ltd, andused almost exclusively by theopposition New Democratic Party, toattack the policies of the government.They did this through their mainsponsored programme called NewTimes, with Elwardo Lynch as host.One other station, Hot 97, while notaffiliated to any political party, has apublic segment in their morningprogramme, which leans towards theopposition NDP.
We Fm, owned by WilliamsElectronics, provides some balance,although its Shake Up programme,pioneered by the late press secretary,Glen Jackson, provides material insupport of the ULP administration. WeFm has also featured several personswho are key members of the NDP,including Linton Lewis and St. ClairLeacock.
Enter Star Radio
The pioneer of Star Radio was theGeneral Secretary of the ULP, SenatorJulian Francis. It was his hard workand negotiating skills that led to Starbeing the latest radio station to becomeoperational in the state, on February26th 2008. Almost immediately, StarRadio was making an impact on thepolitical scene in St. Vincent and theGrenadines. Where people flocked toNice Radio expecting to hear the truthon issues, they now turned to StarRadio to hear the other side, and in allcases the correct side to an issue. Manyof them never went back to Nice Radio,opting to stick with Star, and hear thefacts, from which they got the truth.
Suddenly Vincentians were exposedto the lies told by the NDP. SuddenlyVincentians began hearing clearly forthe first time, the nonsensicalleadership being provided by the likes ofArnhim Eustace, St. Clair Leacock andDaniel Cummings, to name a few. Andsuddenly, Vincentians saw the NDP forwhat it is, a political party devoid of anyphilosophy for the socio-economicdevelopment of the country.
By contrast, Vincentians began torealize and appreciate how much workthe ULP had done, and continues to do,in relation to the development of thecountry. More information was beingprovided to the listeners about the ULPstrategy, the projects, the critical
decisions, and the important mediaconferences hosted by the PrimeMinister and other ministers ofgovernment.
But it was the linkage between StarRadio and We Fm, in relation to theShake Up programme that has providedsustained and critical information onthe plans of the government, and theoften hostile and foolish mistakes madeby the NDP. It is not enough to talkabout the mistakes made by the NDP.On Shake Up, the hosts relied onactuality, to back up their claims fortruth and facts. So that once ArnhimEustace and the NDP lie about this orthat issue, a tape is always ready to beplayed, which backs up the claim aboutthat particular lie.
And so the combination between StarRadio, We Fm where Shake Uporiginates, and another rural station,Garifuna Radio, has given the ULP awide audience to address. The feeling insome quarters is that this combination(Star Radio, We Fm and GarifunaRadio) played a key role, among otherfactors, for the victory of the ULP at thepolls in December 2010.
The Future ahead
There can be no doubt that StarRadio has made a significant impressionon the broadcasting field in St.Vincentand the Grenadines. After six years,many persons are turning to Star tohear the facts and the truth aboutissues that affect the economicdevelopment of the country. Star hasdeveloped a number of in houseprogrammes to complement Shake Up.For example, Star boasts a programmecalled Street Beat, which is the first andonly “drive time” radio talk showprogramme in the state. What anachievement!
In the weeks and months ahead, StarRadio will increase its impact on thepolitical scene, with more in-depthprogrammes, and new and excitingradio programme hosts will come onstream. From time to time, the PartyLeader and Prime Minister Dr. RalphGonsalves will drop in to talk about theplans of his government. Julian Franciswill remain a permanent fixture on aTuesday night, full of incisive analysisof the NDP, and further promoting thework the ULP administration.
The members of staff at Star havegrown in confidence and expertise, andare household names in Vincy radioland. Star currently boasts a library ofrecorded material along political lines,the likes of which has never been seenin the State. Now the staff of this radiostation can go back in the archives andfind tapes with Arnhim Eustace turningdown the offer of “Together Now”, ofDaniel Cummings and his special chairsaga, of Edwardo Lynch describingDouglas De Freitas as having “weakknees” and of Burton Williamschristening “his pickney first”
Most important in all this, is the factthat the supporters of the ULP nowhave an outlet for their views andopinions, something that they can calltheir very own. The ULP wishes StarRadio a happy 6th anniversary, andlooks forward to greater things in thefuture. After all, it may well be that theULP is the only political party inCaricom, to own and operate a radiostation…..
THE MAJOR RESOURCE base of ourcountry is its land, which has beentraditionally devoted to the cultivationof crops, and rearing of livestock forlocal consumption, income generation(including export earnings) and jobcreation. Our country is among thebest disposed group of islands in theCaribbean for agriculture; it isendowed with an extraordinarily richsoil. Its tropical climate andabundant supply of clean water,coupled with the skill and will of thefarming people, make it ideal for year-round production of high qualityagricultural products.
Despite the importance of theagricultural sector, its dominantposition in the life of Vincentians hasdeclined substantially since the UnityLabour Party has been in power, aslarge numbers of farmers have left thesector/industry. The following causeshave been identified for this decline:government’s virtual neglect anddegradation of the sector; theimposition of ill-advised policies liketerminating the banana credit systemand failure to incorporate theestablished banana facilities overseasto expand the national diversificationeffort; the high cost of inputs; lowprices offered for produce, andunstable markets.
The fact is: many establishedfarmers have been forced out ofagriculture, and vast areas of formerlyhighly productive land are nowabandoned. Even a cursoryexamination of our rural areas revealsa deteriorating situation, where largesections of land, previously deemedpart of the national food-basket, arenow under-utilized. This is serious!Our responsibility is to helprehabilitate the sector.
The New Democratic Party (NDP)recognizes the central role ofagriculture to the economy of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and tothe livelihood and well-being of allVincentians. The role of an NDPgovernment will therefore be tofacilitate and support local productionand marketing processes that willenhance the country’s agriculture. TheMinistry of Agriculture will berepositioned to meet the challenges ofthe 21st century, and promote a visionof food security, rural prosperity andimprovement in the quality of life andlivelihood of all Vincentians.
The vision will be pursued throughstrategic planning meetings,seminars, workshops and field visits;in order to encourage partnership, co-operation and participation with keystakeholders in the private sector,NGO’s and civil society. Such contactwill inform national priorities anddevelopment plans, and determinespecific programmes and action. Thisapproach will motivate farmers,fishermen, processors, marketers,agribusiness entrepreneurs andtechnicians to be more productive andgain confidence in the Ministry as atool, or facilitating mechanism, to aidtheir business operations.
And the NDP has begun a series ofagricultural consultations to developthe vision. The first of suchconsultations was held at theChapmans Community Centre. TheHonourable Arnhim Eustace,President of the NDP and Leader ofthe Opposition, dealt specifically withthe revitalization of the bananaindustry. He pointed to thedevelopment of an organization, whichwould belong to the farmers, to
supervise the recovery of the Bananaindustry. The Honourable ArnhimEustace outlined the NDP’s plan forreshaping and revitalizing the BananaIndustry. This plan should see bananaexports reach earning levels of 40-50million dollars per year.
Among other things, Mr. Eustace’splan will see farmers receiving incomesupport and discounts on inputs, in anindustry which would have asupervisory organization belonging tofarmers, and not the government. Healso sees a properly run, re-structuredMinistry of Agriculture, with adifferent attitude to farmers and theirresponsibility to develop the industry.
Pointing to the profits of $6 millionrealized from farmers’ exports ofbananas to the United Kingdom, Mr.Eustace reminded the farmers thatnone of the profits came back to them,and that the current ULP governmentis not considering income support forfarmers, something the HonourableArnhim Eustace considersfundamental to the recovery process.
“A farmer has a family, and he andhis family must eat. They must begiven some sort of income support. Ipropose $500.00 per month for 6months, while they reinvest theirenergies into seeing their crop come,”Said Mr. Eustace.
The Honourable Arnhim Eustacereminded the farmers that this plancould only be implemented if an NDPgovernment is in office. He called onthe farmers to understand that theyhave the responsibility to givethemselves a chance to return tosustainable banana farming. “TheNDP,” said Mr. Eustace, “iscommitted to seeing the entireagriculture industry rebound.”
The mission of the NDP is to arrestthe deteriorating situation andrevitalize the agricultural sector tomake it more efficient, technologicallyprepared and internationallycompetitive, so that the sector canregain its place of prominence as amajor contributor to the nationaleconomy, guarantee the food andnutrition security of our people, andprovide employment, income andsustainable livelihoods whilepreserving the national environment.
The NDP will offer support in thefollowing: technology generation,technology development andtechnology transfer for bothproduction and marketing; promotionof an agricultural Trust Fund, underthe management and control of thefarmers, agro-processors, marketersand traders, to ensure their access tocredit and other resources to advancetheir production and marketingsystems and consequently those of thecountry as a whole; provide for feederroads, bridges and otherinfrastructure to advance theagricultural production and marketingsystem; provide incentives to theproduction and marketing sectors,while respecting the globalinternational rules.
The overall goal of the NDP is tooptimise and maximise our capacity toprovide for our food needs. This willbe done through increasing productionof a range of crops and livestockspecies as well as fish and related by-products, thus ensuring a sustainablefood security system for all.
10. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
ViewsVAgriculture, a priority for theNew Democratic Party
The rise ofStar Radio
DIPLOMACY AND FOREIGNpolicy creation and articulation area fine art. Diplomacy and foreignpolicy are not the domain ofeveryone. Some persons are bettersuited for this taxing job whichalways demands a considered opinionand judgment. To rush to decisions ormake declarations without sufficientinformation is destined to result in apropaganda disaster.
But foreign policy is criticallyimportant to governments. Acountry’s foreign policy can do anumber of things. It can open awindow into the thinking of theleaders in the country. It candemonstrate whether that leadershipis traditional or forward looking,opportunistic or simply engaging inreal politics.
Real politics in diplomatic affairsgained currency during the 1850s,following the now renownedstatement of Lord Palmerton,‘Countries have no permanent friendsor enemies. Countries only havepermanent interest.’ This view cameforcefully into public display after theSecond World War and the increasedcompetition between the UnitedStates and the former Soviet Union.Countries changed allegianceregularly, depending on which of thebig powers offered more.
We also saw this occurring betweencountries as it related to the dollardiplomacy practised by the People’sRepublic of China and Taiwan. As wesaw in Grenada and St Lucia, achange in government resulted in aswitch in diplomatic ties betweenBeijing and Taipei. Some leadersswear that this diplomatic nimblenessworks to their country’s benefit, asmore powerful countries vie for theirattention and support.
But how can small, developingcountries like SVG manoeuvre andsurvive in this difficult world? Weknow that our traditional friends areunwilling or unable to provide thelevel of assistance they once did. Infact, it takes turmoil and crisis for usto get a little attention. Three decadesago, when the Grenada Revolutionburst onto the scene, the attention ofthe US government was immediate.
It was during this period that adecision was made to flood the regionwith American ideas through freecable service. As well, the Americansspent millions of dollars in theCaribbean. But as soon as therevolution was lost, this assistancedried up. We are still poor andvulnerable, but the eyes of those whocan help are directed elsewhere.
It is for these reasons and morethat SVG must creatively select anddevelop relations with countries thatare strategic and well placed to helpus. We have done very well indiversifying around our traditionalfriends and we must continue to doso.
During the last 10 years, thegovernment has paid a lot of attentionto developing relations with emergingcountries in the South of the globe.We have relations with a number ofAfrican countries, including Ghana,Ethiopia, Morocco, and SouthAfrica. Relations with many Asiancountries, Singapore, Malaysia andViet Nam, have flourished. Relationswith Taiwan have been strengthened,while in Latin America, we now enjoyfruitful relations with Argentina,Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Mexico.
There has also been a deepening ofrelations between our nation andVenezuela.
Foreign policy and theestablishment of diplomatic relationsare expensive business. To establishrelations, especially where thoserelations are at ambassadorial orcounselor level, would involve theplacement of diplomats, the rental ofoffices and homes in faraway placeswhere the cost of upkeep may proveprohibitive. But diplomacy does notreally cost; it pays.
Look what has happened as wedeveloped and broadened our foreignrelations. Out of that engagementwith Portugal came thousands ofcomputers for our children in primaryschools. Soon a different set ofengagement, with another group offoreign entities, will allow every highschool student the ‘luxury’ of a lab topwith up to date Microsoft operatingsystems.
The same determined and confidentapproach to foreign policy making anddevelopment has allowed SVG to beon the verge of owning and operatingthe international airport at Argyle.Through initial discussions withformer Cuban and Venezuelanpresidents Castro and Chavez, thePM was able to win support for theairport. Initially, many doubted thatthis commitment could come toanything. Today, the only quibble iswhen, rather than whether theairport will open.
Or we can take recent Christmasfloods which caused damaged of closeto $300 million or 17 percent of ournation’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP). The assistance has beengenerous and wide ranging. Far awayMorocco sent a plane load of suppliesvalued US$100,000; little St Kitts, ifjudged by per capita, has made by farthe largest donation, EC$1million.
Assistance has come from acrossLatin America, and CARICOM. OurAsians friends, the EU and othergroupings have provided valuableassistance. At the last check, the UShas offered, through USAID,US$50,000 in much neededassistance.
The clear point here is that wehave to continue to diversify aroundour traditional friends such asCanada, the EU and the USA. For acombination of reasons, thesecountries are unable to offerassistance in the volume theyprovided hitherto. Every cent wecollect, from whichever source, helpsto close a small hole in the $300million disaster we suffered only 2months ago.
Foreign policy and all of thediplomatic niceties that go along withit, are important if small, developingcountries like ours are to survive inthis increasingly hostile economicclimate. Our environment isdestabilized. This means that we canexpect more droughts, unusuallyheavy rain fall, floods, hurricanes andpossibly earthquakes.
We simply cannot think small if weare to survive any of these shocks.Foreign policy is now akin to nationalsecurity. Let’s make the linkages andbecome more serious in all we do.
“... I am absolutely satisfied that adiscussion about skin colour is one thatwe need to have, and that such adiscussion is not ‘race talk’.” — MartinDaly, Sunday Express, dated 16thFebruary, 2014, p. 12.
THE DISCUSSION OF leadershipcapabilities and skin colour hassurfaced throughout many Caribbeannations during recent years. SomeCaribbean citizens (predominantly fair-skinned individuals) have beenadvocating that light-skinned individualsmake better leaders. In a sense, this isunfortunate; we would have thought thatthis debate was settled many years ago,with the emergence of manyoutstanding dark-skinned Caribbeanluminaries in business, government,literature, economics and politics.Names like Toussaint L’Ouverture, Dr.Eric Williams, Dr. William Demas, DerekWalcott, Professor Rex Nettleford, andSir Arthur Lewis are only a few thatemerge to confirm that dark-skinnedindividuals are no less intelligent andcompetent than the fairer-skinnedCaribbean leaders. However, we see thedebate resurfacing in places likeBarbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & theGrenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago, asquestions are raised in relation to thismost “sensitive matter”. And whilethere are some who will advocate thatwe not discuss or debate the issue, ithas become increasingly obvious thatthis is not a time for society to bury itshead in the sand. It is high time that weput the matter to rest. But we shouldalso note that this debate is not onlyconsidered topical in the Caribbean.This topic was hotly debated in theUnited States of America and worldwide,when then Senator Barak Obamaannounced his campaign for theAmerican presidency back in 2007. Hewas eventually able to displace HillaryRodham Clinton in the Democratic Partyprimaries in 2008, to receive thepresidential nomination. Obama thendefeated John McCain, the Republicannominee, in the November elections,and was inaugurated as the 44thpresident of the USA on January 20,2009. He became the first black man tolead one of the world’s most powerfulnations. Is he any less competent orcapable than his Caucasian presidentialcontenders? Is he any less capablethan his presidential predecessors? Ishe unfit to lead because of his darkpigmentation? Of course not! So let thediscussions proceed.
This particular debate is “hot” inTrinidad and Tobago, at the timewhen this article is being penned.Martin Daly, writing in the SundayExpress of Sunday, 16th February,2014, noted that “Preference forlighter complexions and prejudiceagainst darker ones is a worldwidephenomenon and exists even amongpeople of the same race.” Thesociologists and anthropologistsamong us will advance reasons whythis may be so. In relation to theprejudices among the “various shadesof blackness” among Caribbeanpeoples, they may suggest that thecolonialists would have influenced thepopulations to value one shade (thelighter colour) over the other (thedarker colour), based on the differencein bloodline; with the lighter colourconsidered superior because of the“infusion of white blood”, as the whiteMaster procreated with the blackfemale slaves. Many of the offspringfrom such unions, the light-skinnedmulattos, ended up being “privilegedhouse slaves”, while their dark-skinned brothers and sisters weredestined to a life of being the labour-burdened field slaves. However, thedays of slavery are long past. We live
in a new era now. Blacks have beenable to gain upward social andeducational mobility, as a result ofsuccessive proactive and visionaryregional leaders who realised thatskin colour did not (and does not)enhance leadership skills or academicprowess.
Here in St. Vincent and theGrenadines, we have been blessed tohave had harmonious relationshipsbetween and among all races andethnic compositions. This is evidentby the number of inter-racialmarriages that exist. As children, mygeneration grew up not noticing thedifferences in skin colour and hairtexture. Yes, we observed thediscrimination as we entered youngadulthood, and noticed how easier itwas for the lighter coloured among usto get jobs in the commercial banks(even when darker skinned nationalshad better academic records). Butthose days are now long gone. Thosesituations are behind us (we hope).All of our people must realise that,regardless of our Carib, African,Indian, Irish, Portuguese, Syrian,Lebanese, or Chinese (in recent times)origin, we should all have equalaccess to the available jobs andleadership positions. We are onepeople, and we must not let the recentemergence of the “colour debates”retard the progress that we havemade as a people. There is beauty indiversity ... and leadership abilitiesare evident in each ethnic group. Beassured that the debate is healthy.And we must seek to be objective(emotionally detached) as we examinethis sensitive topic. The youngsterwho is growing up in Sandy Bay orFancy must never conclude that s/heis barred from being the leader of thisblessed land because of their ethniccomposition or skin colour. The youthwho resides in Rose Hall andRichmond must be assured that s/hehas just as much right to a leadershipposition in business, government, andsociety as his/her counterpart in Villaand Cane Garden. The young adultwho resides in Ashton, Union Island,or in La Pompe in Bequia, must knowthat s/he can aspire to be the PrimeMinister of our dear country ...regardless of the shade or shading oftheir skin or the area where theywere born.
The debate of political leadershipand colour is not new to St. Vincentand the Grenadines. There are somewho have concluded that our peoplestand a better chance at economic andsocial development when the politicalleader is “fair-skinned”. Some evenventure to state that light skinnedleaders are unlikely to be distractedfrom their leadership duties whenthey “commit infractions” or engage infoibles. They can “get away” withindiscretions for which a “black”Prime Minister will be “dragged overthe coals”. And while there may besome truth in such observations, itbecomes a serious incitement of theimmaturity of our society. We mustarrive at the level of developmentwhere our assessments are nottainted by skin colour. We mustassess our leaders in business andgovernment, based on theircompetence and character — not ontheir skin shades or shading.
ViewsVForeign policyLeadership: Shades and Shading
BEN HARRISON –InternationalCorrespondent
MANY VEHICLEdrivers, and thatincludes privatepassenger autos, vansand commercial vehicledrivers,, not only practisedangerous driving habitsbehind the wheel, butrefuse to use common ,endangering the lives ofother drivers,pedestrians andthemselves.
I’m talking aboutthose drivers who, attwilight, have not turnedon the low beamheadlights on theirvehicles, but refuse toturn on even theirparking lights. Alldrivers in St. Vincentand the Grenadines arelegally required to havetheir headlights turned
on at sunset. Last Tuesday evening,
the official, sunset timewas 6:10 p.m. At 6:45p.m., except for a fewlingering rays of light, itwas dark. I was drivingfrom Kingstown toArgyle, and noticed ahigh percentage ofvehicles had no exteriorlights turned on.Oncoming andovertaking dark ghost-like vehicles suddenlyappeared, as if by magic,one approaching and theother in my rear viewmirror.
If I couldn’t see eithercar until they werewithin 100 meters, it is asure bet they couldn’t seeeach other. If theovertaking car had beenpassing me, a horriblehead-on accident wouldhave occurred. Thereality is that many
drivers risk a personaltragedy by pushingtwilight into night beforeturning on theirheadlights.
In many jurisdictions,not only must headlightsbe turned on at sunset,but daytime runninglights must be visible atall times. Researchstudies on theeffectiveness of daytimerunning lights inFinland, Hungary,Canada and allScandinavian countries,where they are nowmandatory, confirmaccident reduction ratesof 25% for multi-vehiclefatal crashes; 28% forfatal pedestrianknockdowns; 20% formulti-vehicle injurycrashes, and 12% formulti-vehicle propertycrashes.
With daytime driving
statistics likethese, how canwe possiblyargue againstusing headlightin the earlyevening or lateat night?
While I am notarguing for mandatorydaytime running lights, Iam arguing for the policeto step up their enforce-ment of persons notusing headlights aftersunset, and for alldrivers to use commonsense when drivingduring and after thatdangerous period fromtwilight into darkness.
Another pet peeve ofespecially drivers ofsmaller cars, are thosedrivers who bothapproach and come upfrom behind withoutdimming their blindinghigh beam lights.
Finally - See and beseen: Pedestrians whowalk along the edge ofthe road wearing darkclothes, especially inunlit or low light areas,are taking their lives intheir hands. Visibility isthe key to pedestriansafety. Wearing a light-colored hat or shirt, aswell as reflector tape onshoes, causes pedestriansto stand out in thereflected light of vehicletraffic.
Whether you are avehicle owner oroperator, an experienceddriver or learner, or apedestrian on the edge ofthe road, use courtesy
and common sense soyou and other users ofour roads and highwaysarrive at theirdestination safely. Thelife you save may be yourown.
12. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
ViewsV
THE constitutionally appointed Director of Audit ofPublic Accounts failed the ULP government on theaudit of public accounts for the financial year 2008.The Director of Audit stated that the accuracy of theassessment of revenue at the Inland RevenueDepartment could not be verified due to non-access tothe records.
The Director of Audit said, “Because of thesignificance of the matters described above, I havenot been able to obtain sufficient appropriateevidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion.Accordingly, I do not express an opinion on thefinancial statement.”
A public inquiry is needed to find out why theULP regime is blocking the Director of Audit’saccess to public financial records. No one is allowedto interfere with the work of the Director of Audit.No government department should be out of boundsto the Director of , under the 1979 SVGConstitution.
Mr Ivan O’Neal, the Leader of SVG Green Party,has a BSc honours degree in Accounting andFinance from Oxford Brookes University, England; a
Master’s Degree in Budgeting and Macro Economicsfrom Bradford University, England, and a MastersDegree in Business Administration from LeicesterUniversity, England.
Mr Ivan O’Neal believes that SVG is in realfinancial chaos and shambles, and there is littlechance of financial recovery while the ULPgovernment restricts the Director of Audit’s accessto public financial records.
According to a Director of Audit report, “The non-functioning of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)has been a source of great concern to the AuditOffice over the years. I am not aware of any activityof the PAC up to the time of drafting of this report.”
The PAC is meant to keep a check on governmentspending, and it should be led by the NDP. Since2001, the ULP and NDP have been as useless aseach other: the ULP has failed to keep governmentfinances and debt under control, and the NDP hasfailed to ensure that public expenditure has beeneconomic, effective and efficient.
The failure of the PAC to operate is partly whySVG suffers financial chaos and shambles. A public
inquiry is needed to find out why the PAC still failsto operate.
For years, the ULP government has ignored theDirector of Audit’s requests for the governmentaccount at the National Commercial Bank (NCB) tobe reconciled with the NCB account. There is $112.9million missing from the NCB, and a public inquiryis needed to find out where these missing millionshave gone.
The Freedom of Information Act, which wassigned by the Governor General in December 2003,has not been gazetted, therefore it is still not law.This means no member of the public can accesspublic financial records to investigate missingmillions and the reason for the ULP government’sfinancial chaos and shambles.
The CDB, IMF, World Bank, USA and theEuropean Union must take note that the ULPgovernment blocking the Director of Audit, thefailure of the PAC to operate, and the lack of aFreedom of Information Act, mean SVG fails tofunction as a fully democratic country.
This is killing our economy and making ourpeople suffer.
SVG Green Partywww.svggreenparty.org
Public inquiry neededinto SVG’s financial mess
Pedestrian in dark clothes.
On the roads: To see and be seen
Pedestrian with whiteshirt and reflective stripson shoes.
Continued from Page 8.
And fourthly, news of theintroduction of the Sugar-Industry wasaccepted as a “Godsend” by a peoplegrown desperate by a bad local economicsituation that reflected, and wasaggravated by, a global oil crisis.
In the prevailing circumstances,Prime Minister Cato led his side to easyvictory: 11 Labour, 2 NDP.
Cato’s Last Lap
Perhaps spoilt and pampered by theextent of his electoral victory - “thisoverwhelming mandate”- theGovernment put down the Union Islanduprising with a heavy hand. It was infact dealing with “Son” Mitchell byproxy. For Mitchell had been seen as the
only person capable ofmounting a real challenge tothe regime, and every trick,in and out of the book, wasbeing used to isolate and
keep him at bay.Situated on Grenada’s doorstep and
allegedly in America’s backyard, Cato’sSt Vincent began to see a Communistunder every bed, and “Phantom Coups”everywhere, fantasies that werenonetheless attacked with very realweapons. Suddenly, the police began tobulk disproportionately large in thescheme of things, with the S.S.U men inparticular assuming an over-weeningimportance in the country’s securitysystem. The law was to lend a helpinghand in the form of “Dread Bills” whichstruck a blow at the right to strike andfreedom of conscience, and wereultimately withdrawn in the face ofmilitant opposition.
Meanwhile, Cato had lost grip of theParty which careened out of control as
each man did his own thing withimpunity. The dismissal of A.T Woods,the least among the apostles, failed toserve as the proverbial offering of thesacrificial lamb. The last straw came inCato’s persistence in soldiering on withAttorney-General, Grafton Isaac, afterhis conviction for contempt of Court hadbeen upheld by the Privy Council. TheCato Government took out an insurancepolicy in the form of cushy retirementbenefits, just in case.
Nor would Cato’s credit points puthis dismal balance-sheet into the black.
His progressive Protection ofEmployment and Status of ChildrenActs as well as the National InsurancePlan, paled into insignificant againstthe background of rampant corruptionand mismanagement in Government aswell as statutory Corporations. TheLabour Party was swept from office in1984 in a popular tidal wave. It was:“Horn Fuh Dem”.
Cato took his Government’s defeat
badly. Within months, he gave up bothhis seat and the leadership of theLabour Party from which he cut adriftafter the failure of the Party to endorsehis candidate of choice, Hudson Tannis,to replace him in the East St GeorgeConstituency for the 1985 by-election.So deep was the hurt that he could notbe persuaded to say even one word intribute to Hudson Tannis, who in deathwas being hypocritically lionised by hiserstwhile comrades. Cato had in factblown whatever chances there were ofhim continuing to influence the politicsof St Vincent as an elder statesman,from behind the scene.
Robert Milton Cato has made hiscontribution. He has been this country’sfirst Premier and Prime Minister. Hehelped to mould the image of ourfledgling nation. He took his blows andpaid his dues. Whatever hisshortcomings and mistakes, his place inour History remains assured. But not ashigh as National Hero.
The later Cato- Inside the house 1967-84
Stories by HAYDNHUGGINS
AS IT CONTINUES THEDRIVE to positivelyenhance the CriminalJustice System in St.Vincent and theGrenadines, the office ofthe Director of PublicProsecutions(DPP)/NationalProsecution Service (NPS)handed over copies of abooklet entitled ‘Points toProve’ (P2P), toCommissioner of PoliceMichael Charles, onWednesday.
The copies of thebooklet will bedistributed to all policeofficers, and members ofthe media received theirsat the handing overceremony.
P2P, a publication ofthe DPP’s office/NPS, isa ‘tailor made’publication for personsinvolved in lawenforcement andconcerned about the ruleof law, in particular theCriminal Justice Systemin St. Vincent and theGrenadines.
It provides guidelinesto core principles,covering issues such aspolice powers of arrest
and detention, thejudges’ rules, essentialelements with respect tosome of the mostcommon offences, as wellas the “never” offenceslike human traffickingand money laundering.
P2P is not a text book,but is intended to be aworking documentpractitioners(Investigators andProsecutors) would keepclose at hand, and towhich they would readilyrefer whether forguidance or to refreshtheir memory.
The publicationrepresents an importantstep forward in thecontribution of the DPP’soffice/NPS in positivelyenhancing the CriminalJustice System here.
In deliveringremarks at theceremony,Commissioner Charlessaid that when therecruits at thetraining schools study‘Points to Prove’, thecontents of thebooklet would beinstilled in them andwould notdepart as theygrow as policeofficers.
INTERNAL DISCIPLINARYCHARGES are expected tobe laid against two policeconstables for tellingmembers of the public,making reports, that nopolice transportingavailable.
Commissioner of PoliceMichael Charles made thedisclosure on Wednesday, inresponse to a question froma journalist during thehanding over of a number of‘Points to Prove’ booklets tothe Commissioner, for use atthe police training schooland among police officersgenerally.
The top cop did notdisclose the names of thepolicemen, but indicatedthat one is from Georgetownand the other from Colonarie.
Charles made it clear that the police highcommand will not tolerate police officers tellingpersons making reports that no transport isavailable.
He noted that, even if there is no transportavailable at one police station, officers there couldcall the neighbouring stations for transport. Headded that police officers could also use the publictransport system.
“When persons call to the station with aproblem, they don’t want to hear there is notransport. That is not their concern; they want tohave their problem addressed,” Charles said.
NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 13.
DPPÊs Office enhancingthe justice system
Policemen to facedisciplinary charges
Commissioner ofPolice MichaelCharles is nottaking it lightlyhaving his officersmake excusesabout theunavailability oftransport.
DPP Colin Williams (4th from right) introduces the ‘Points to Prove’ Booklet to the High Command ofthe local constabulary and the media personnel.
MCU officer investigates prisoner’s escapeSERGEANT ATLAND BROWNE ofthe Major Crime Unit (MCU) isspearheading investigations into theescape of Trinidad and Tobagonational Desmond ‘Cat’ Pavy, from theBelle Isle Correctional Facility,February 22.
Commissioner of Police MichaelCharles made the disclosure onWednesday at the DPP’s Office/NPShanding over of copies of the booklet‘Points to Prove’ to CommissionerCharles, for distribution to all policeofficers.
Up to press time Wednesday, Pavy,41, was still on the run, andspeculation abounds regarding thecircumstances surrounding his escape.
Responding to a question from ajournalist, Charles expressedconfidence that the Belle Isle Facilityis a maximum security prison, adding,
“that’s why an investigation is beingcarried out,”
An official at the Facility told THEVINCENTIAN February 26 that Pavycame out his cell around 5 a.m.February 22 to assist with thepreparation of meals. He wasdiscovered missing between 4-5 pm,close to lock down time.
Pavy was serving a nine-monthsentence for drug related offences. Hewas the second inmate to haveescaped the facility in the space ofabout two months. The other is CollyLowman, a 41-year-old Georgetownfarmer, who exited the penalinstitution last December 6. Hereturned to custody three days lateraccompanied by his lawyer, GrantConnell.
The police are requesting thepublic’s assistance in locating Pavy.
DPP Colin Williams (L)hands over copy of thebooklet to VOP MichaelCharles during a shortceremony lastWednesday.
The ’Points to Prove’ booklet isexpected to be made available toall police officers and recruits.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014. . 15.14. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
16. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
FeatureV
ABDEN SARDINE returned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines some six months ago, after spending 34 years in the USA. When he decided in 1979 to migrate, it was with the intention of gaining experience in his chosen craft, auto body repair and refurbishing. What he got there was not only experience but an eye- opener to the world, and how competitive it is in whichever field of endeavor a person might choose to focus. The son of Frank Sardine, noted Vincentian cyclist, mechanic, machinist and ‘jack of all trades’, Mark seemed destined, like many of his other siblings, to find his niche in the area of machines and their care. His first work-related endeavour in SVG was in that field.Undaunted by what he encountered in Miami, the then young and starry-eyed Vincentian moved swiftly to
develop
himself. It became clear to him very early, that his adopted homeland demand-ed nothing but proven qualification and expertise. Back to school he went, and successfully acquired certification in the field of auto-motive care, boasting among his many academic achievements an Advanced Degree in Refinish Products
and Systems from the
Sheridan Vocational Techni-cal Centre. On the back of his qualifi-cation, and by this time, proven expertise, he opened his own shop, Mark’s Auto in Miami, and gradually built a more than satisfied clientele. He became a household name in the industry.
Beating the competition
Not satisfied with adding panache to the vehicles of his wide and varied clien-tele, Mark saw the need to launch into the wide and seemingly endless opportu-nity of producing his own custom-designed vehicles, and even developing proto-types.
Continued on Page 17.
Mark Abden Sardine brings a wealth of experience and accomplishment in support of his Ultimate Auto Works shop.
Mark Sardine:
Top truck, ‘Sex on Wheels’. The original MSS1 can be seen in the top left hand corner.
The ultimate in car care and more
The ultimate in car care and more
A trophy Mark displays with a special pride was awarded to his modified truck he called ‘Sex on Wheels.’
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 17.
FeatureV
18. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
EDITOR’S NOTE: In response tonumerous inquiries on the articlecaptioned ‘Karaoke Beyond Bars andNight Clubs’, published in the February28, 2014 issue of THE VINCENTIAN,Arden Tannis, President of Next LevelCountry Music Club, took time out toaddress some of the issues raised. Noneof those responses, i.e. to the issue ofthe benefits of karaoke to the family isaddressed here by Mr. Tannis.
“In the 1970s, karaoke sessionswere held primarily in hotels, bars,and night clubs. This was mainly toprovide entertainment in the absenceof appropriate music bands.
Even today that is still very muchthe case. Nevertheless, ‘KaraokeBeyond Bars and Nights Clubs’ seeksto take karaoke toadditional venues, wherethe entire family maybenefit.
I am of the opinionthat in a venue, void ofdim lights, smoke,alcohol and loosebehavior, even the veryyoung in the family canbenefits fromparticipating in karaoke.For Pre and Primaryschool age members ofthe family, karaoke canbe a useful tool indevelopmenteducationally and
socially.Learning to read, for many children,
is challenging, and not a lot of fun formost. Singing karaoke is a good wayfor them to learn without evenknowing it.
Children, after all, are familiar withlyrics to many nursery songs and othersongs. Singing karaoke can help themto know and recognize these wordswhenever they are seen elsewhere,other than on the television screen.
For the pre-schoolers, seeing andsinging the numerals and alphabetkaraoke style can add real fun to theirlearning.
Children can also build self-confidence and an appreciation formusic at an early age, by participating
in karaoke at public venues, where theenvironment is non- threatening.Performing in front of friends andfamilies also helps to improve theirself-esteem .The presence of adults,their approval and applause afterperformances are sweeter than musicto the child’s ears.
Without doubt, children like todream about becoming stars. Theylike to imitate, and public karaoke can
provide an opportunity for them tointeract and hone their creativity.
Karaoke can also help to maintainhealthy lives for seniors. How, is foranother in this series.”
The first Karaoke Beyond Bars andNight Clubs session is scheduled forSaturday 5th. April 2014 at 7.00 p.m.,at the Peace Memorial Hall,Kingstown. It caters to persons fromone to one hundred years old.
Arts V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 19.
THE NATIONALEFFORT to assist thoseaffected by the Christmastrough system thatoccasioned destructivefloods here, continues onMarch 29, 2014.
Nationals are invited tothe Victoria Park foranother ‘relief concert’,dubbed the ‘HelpingHands Benefit Concert’.
The concert is a jointpromotion of ThomasCrown Promotions andAngie Promotions, incollaboration with theSVG Red Cross Society.
According to arepresentative of thepromoters, the billed castfor the concert areKonshens, dance hall reggae artiste
from Jamaica, and localbards, Alston ‘Becket Cyrus,reigning Calypso MonarchSkarpyon, Jamesey P, I Pa,Vibrating Scakes, Prez andRandy Small, all performingfree of charge.
The backing band is‘Kenetics’, and soundreinforcement will beprovided by PlatinumSounds.
The St. Vincent Brewery,under its flagship brandHairoun Beer, has come onboard as the primarysponsor of the concert, fromwhich all funds raised willbe passed on to the localRed Cross.
Patrons and well-wishersare asked to contribute
$20.00 at the gate.
Helping Hands Concert for flood victims
Konchens fromJamaica, will jointhe effort to raisefunds to assistthose affected bythe Christmasfloods.
Children can benefit from karaoke
Children’s involvement in karaoke can do them aworld of good.
Dear George,
I am 17 going on 18 andstill in school. Myboyfriend wants me todrop out of school and goaway to America withhim. I have a visa forthe States. My boyfriendalso has a US visa andsaid to me that we cango there and stay with
his uncles. Both of hisuncles are a little olderthan him. He is 20 yearsold. We already have themoney to pay for thetickets, but I am not sosure about this. I askedhim what about myschooling, and he saidthat I can always get togo to school in New Yorkbecause people can go to
school at any age and atany time they want.
I love my boyfriendand I do not want to sayno to him. At themoment, he is notworking, and he saidthat he is sodisappointed that hecannot buy me what Iwant. My friends’boyfriends buy them
whatever they want. Hesaid once we are in NewYork, I will be able to getwhatever I want.
In Love
Dear In Love,
You need to have adose of reality, and thesooner you get it, thebetter off you will be.
You need to stay inschool and get aneducation. It isimportant that yousecure a propereducational base or agood launching pad sothat you can build on infuture years, and get tosome level ofindependence.
Your boyfriend has hisown selfish plans allmapped out, and you arejust a part of that, alldesigned to make himself‘happy’. Let him go on toNew York if he wishes,but you stay right whereyou are — in school.
Any decent,progressive boyfriendwould want the best foryou, and that includesgetting an education.His going away to NewYork may be the bestthing that will everhappen to you!
George
Dear George,
I HAVE BEEN married for the past 15years, and it is like I don’t even know myhusband. He did something to merecently that left me in total shock. Hehad to go overseas to a conference, andwhile he was out, I went to collect therent from our tenant who livesdownstairs. She is a young lady of 29years and lives there alone. My husbandis the one who usually collects the rent.
When I went to collect the rent, shetold me that my husband (calling hisname) has an agreement with her notto pay any rent for 3 months, once sheperformed sexual favours for him. Sheshowed me where she made him sign a
paper to that effect. I was shocked,and told her that my husband wouldnever sign such a thing. I told herthat I do not know of such anagreement, and insisted that she paythe rent. She slammed the door in myface.
I asked my husband about it whenhe got back, and he denied havingsigned any such paper, and said theyoung lady was lying. The signatureon the paper looked like his signature,and I somehow believed the younglady. I told him that he has to findsomewhere to go because I want himout of the house. He appeared toleave, but I discovered the next daythat he had slept with the lady that
said night. This marriage is one big
mess, and I just want out!
Shock & Shame
Dear Shock & Shame,
If he did sign on the dotted line,then it would be hard to dispute. I amno lawyer, but I am supposing that heentered into acontractual arrangement with thatyoung lady, which both of themsigned. That might very well bebinding.
You need to talk to a lawyer aboutthat, but I won’t hold my breath for a
different answer. I suspect there maybe other issues in the marriage tocause you to want to end it; but beforeyou do anything that you would legallyregret, find out what both of yourrights are, and then you shouldproceed to get out by way of divorce, ifin fact that is what you really want.
It would not hurt to reconsider thisaction and see whether it is possible tosalvage the marriage. Toward thisend, try and secure the services of amarriage counselor to assist you inputting things into perspective.
George
20. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
AdviceVRent paid with sex
Caught between ‘love’ and my future
Dear George,
I CAME HOME to discover my brand new bedbroken in the middle. I did not notice it until Iwent to lie on it. I found that the mattress wassinking somewhat in the middle.
I mentioned it to my husband, and he justignored me, hoping that I won’t push the issue. Iinsisted that something was not right, and gothim to take the mattress off. I could not believewhat I saw! Two of the bed boards were broken.I asked my husband if he knew how thathappened, and he of course told me, no.
I am not as stupid as I may appear to be.When I slept on my bed the previous night, it wasperfect. How could two bed boards get broken inthe space of a few hours, and none of us knewabout it? I did not want to believe the suspicionthat came to my mind, but how can I not? Theremust be a jumbie sleeping in my bed!
Suspicious
Dear Suspicious,
One does not have to be a rocket scientist toknow that your instincts are correct. Maybe youcan calmly tell your husband that whoever the‘Jumbie’ was, not to let them return.
When there is a problem in your bedroom, andit does not involve you, that can be troubling, andneeds some urgent attention. Take this time toreview the relationship and by doing so, youmight find areas that might have been overlookedand therefore, caused your bed to be usedinappropriately, in your absence.
Without pointing fingers at your husband,suggest to him that you need to talk to someoneprofessionally to help you figure out how your bedgot broken all by itself. He can save you a trip bygiving you the answer himself.
George
Who broke thebed boards?
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 21.
LeisureVACROSS
1.__ pump5. Contains8. Hornet’s kin12. Romanov
ruler13. Commercials14. “American__”15. Italian
sparklingwine
16. Golly’s kin17. “Ooh-__”
(hyph.)18. Reporter Starr20. Little devil21. Famed
operatic tenor24. Sidles27. Tall-grass
cutters32. Before Wed.33. Toe-wiggling
sounds34. Rental units
(abbr.)35. Type of TV
cabinet37. Map part38. Leaped (up)40. Jaworski and
Spinks44. One who
captures48. Farm measure49. Pierre’s friend51. Religious
ceremony
52. Shanty53. Primarycolor54. __ even keel
(2wds.)
55. Make the salad
56. Sheep’s mom
57. Amorous glance
DOWN
1.Brief try2. Russia
between1917 and
1991 (abbr.)3. Matching half4. Queen’s
daughter5. Mother of
Ishmael6. Picnic
beverage7. Compass pt.8. __ E. Coyote
(cartoons)9. Abel’s dad10. Concert
feature11. Make
arrangements19. Prosecutors
(abbr.)20. Physician,
informally
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)Your social activity should be con-ducive to finding love. Spend sometime with people who can shed somelight on your personal situation. Youcan meet new friends who will let youknow just how valuable you are.Some time spent with that specialsomeone should be your intent.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)Sudden romantic connections may beshort lived. Short trips will be educa-tional. Females may put demands oradded responsibilities on you.Financial investments that deal withjoint money can be extremely pros-perous.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)Travel is evident, but be cautiouswhile in transit. Visitors may be likelyto drop by. Your best efforts will comethrough investments concerning yourhome. Sudden romantic connectionsmay be short lived.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)You are apt to meet someone specialon your journey. If you take on toomuch of a financial burden you maymake yourself ill. Get out and, about.Your dynamic, determined approachwill win favors as well as a helpinghand.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)Disruptions may set you back, butyou're strong, and in the end thechoices you make will be favorable.Love can be yours if you get out andabout. If you keep busy you won'tfeel the personal pressures you aregoing through. You may find yourselfmixed up in a triangle of sorts.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)You will accomplish the most in thework environment this week. You justhate waste, and when someone elsecosts you dearly you see red. Youneed to mingle with people who canspark enthusiasm and confidence inyou. Group endeavors will provideyou with entertainment.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)Be sure that you lay your cards on thetable. Do things that involve children.Don't make any drastic changes orbegin new projects this week. Secretaffairs can only lead to devastatingcircumstances. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)Believe in yourself and so will thosewho count. Concentrate on yourself oryour work. Curb your mood swings;they could result in loneliness. Signup for seminars that will expand yourbusiness awareness.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)Your dramatic approach to life hasprobably gotten to your mate. Yourpartner may not understand yourmood swings but if you are willing tocommunicate, a lot of grief can beavoided. Arguments will flare up if youget backed into an emotional corner.Moves will be hectic but favorable inthe end.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)Ask those in key positions to help youovercome the delays and to supportyour concerns in order to move on.You will find your personal partner tax-ing this week. Money can be made ifyour are willing to take a chance. Youwill have no trouble getting things tofall into place.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)You can make money if you put yoursavings into conservative investments.You may be out of sorts If you havebeen extravagant or have let childrenor friends take advantage of youfinancially. You will be able to find theperfect outfit, and the greatest newaccessory for your house. Deceitaround you is evident.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20-)Unexpected changes in friendships
could occur. You can utilize your versatile mind and dazzle others with yourspeed and accuracy. Don't play onyour partner's emotions. A romanticdinner, followed by a quiet eveningwith the one who is enticing you,should be most satisfying.
HE IS UNDOUBTEDLY a JustinBieber look alike, and StephenPayne seemed inspired by thelyrics of two of the pop stars’big hits, ‘Confidence’ and‘Never say Never’, as heovercame more spiritedchallenges this time around, onhis way to winning the KPMGNational Table TennisChampionships at the West St.George Secondary School lastweekend.
He comfortably defeatedCarlton Daniel in the final,4/1, in the best of seven sets.
The loose-limbedBarbadian, who put on adevastating display at thesame venue last year, lookeda little shaky in the earlypart of the competition whenhe suffered what was his firstdefeat, losing 1-3 (11/9 5/11,2/11, 9/11) to VincentianRobert Ballantyne in thepreliminaries.
Former several timesCaribbean men’s singleschampion, Orville HaslamOD, in assessing Payne’sdefeat to Ballantyne, toldTHE VINCENTIAN that heappeared not too focused.
“Somehow, he seems just alittle loose and distracted onthe board. I don’t want to sayit’s arrogance, but maybe it is…..and he will have to getback to playing with moreseriousness,” Haslam said.
As if heeding the words ofthe experienced Jamaican,
Payne appeared to adopt theopening words of Bieber’ssong ‘Confidence,’ which saysin part, “Focused, I’mfocused……,” as he then wenton to record comprehensivevictories over all the otherplayers, including a 3/0 winover Kavir Gaymes who hadnarrowly lost to Ballantyne,2/3.
Payne then went into semi-final action againstBallantyne with possibly thethird verse of Bieber’s ‘NeverSay Never’ ringing in his earand on his mind: “I will neversay never! (I will fight), I willfight till forever! (make itright), Whenever you knockme down, I will not stay onthe ground”.
In what was a match full ofhigh class serves andreturns, as well as afusillade of shots,Payne was able toprevail 4/3 in the dingdong affair ,winning11/9, 8/11, 11/5, 11/7,9/11, 5/11, 11/7.
Payne’s opponentwas decided in theother semi-final whereDaniel made light workof veteran JosephCarrington in fourstraight sets, 11/3,11/8, 11/7, 11/9.
The final proved anant-climatic affair, withPayne never allowingthe more timid Danielto settle, as he unfurledhis repertoire of shots
on both sides of the table -the freedom he was neverallowed against the moreexperienced and craftyBallantyne.
The situation for Danielquickly went from throbbingto debilitating as afterwinning the opening set atnine, he looked in all mannerof discomfort with possiblythe only way out -two Aleve.
With Daniel writhing inthe face of Payne’s onslaught,the final score read 9/11, 11/8,11/9, 11/4, 11/7 in the latter’sfavour.
In the Women’s final,Unica Velox beat NatashaShotte 11/7 11/8, 10/12, 13/11,while in the Boys U17 FinalKadeem De Shong beat CruzHalbich 7/11, 11/3, 11/7, 11/8.
ZEFAL BAILEY WALKEDaway with two trophies in hissaddle last Saturday night,when the St Vincent and theGrenadines Cycling Unionstaged its 2013 awardsceremony, at the Murray‘sHeights Hotel.
The teenaged cyclist was notonly the top cyclist of categoryone, but stitched up the topaward of Cyclist of the Year.
In sopping the overall topaward, Zefal ensured that thatmajor award remained in theBailey household, his elderbrother, Shimano, havingtaken the said award when theCycling Union last held itsawards in 2011.
Zefal had to stave off a stiffchallenge from CammieAdams. With five wins to hiscredit, Zefal outpointed Adamsin the race for the category oneaccolade.
Adams, though, is alreadyout front for 2014, havingsecured three wins in the racesthus far, and leads the points
table among the category onecyclists.
Other awardees on Saturdaynight included Curtis Lewis,top award Category Two, andSteve Olliveirre, top MountainBiker 2013.
The ever present PeterDurrant was the obvious choiceof Master Cyclist for 2013 andNiesha Alexander- the FemaleCyclist of the Year.
Martin Bollers collected theawards for the MostInspirational Cyclist title andthe Most Improved Cyclist forthe Year under review.
The St Vincent and theGrenadines Cycling Union hasits plate full for the upcomingmonths, as it hosts tworegional cyclingchampionships.
Set for St Vincent and theGrenadines are the OECSchampionships from 7th to 9thJune, and the CaribbeanMasters, scheduled for 18thand 19th October.
VOLLEYBALLERSHERE now have a courtwhich should enhancetheir performance andsustain them physicallythrough longer activeinvolvement in thesport.
This comes as theSVG VolleyballAssociation laid thiscountry’s first eversynthetic outdoorsurface at the Girls’High School Hard Court,Kingstown. The surfaceis a donation fromthe North, CentralAmerica and CaribbeanVolleyball Confederation
(NORCECA). The laying of the
surface was supervisedby Belville Smith of St.Kitts and Nevis. He wasassisted by a number oflocal volleyballers.
According to a releasefrom the Association, thesurface comes at atimely juncture as thenational teams preparefor the 2014 regionaltournament calendar.
The release alsostated that theAssociation is currentlyin discussion with theMinister of Sport, CecilMc Kie, exploring the
construction of abeach volleyballfacility at ArnosVale.
Theexpectation isthat this facilitywill becommissioned intime for use bythe nationalyouth team intheirpreparation forthe YouthOlympics,scheduled forChina in August2014.
Robert Ballantyne (R) and Stephen Payne in a hearty exchange after their preliminaryround match in the KPMG National Championships.
Belville Smith, hand on hip,overseeing the laying of thesurface.
Martin Bollers wasadjudged to be themost inspirationalrider for 2013.
The synthetic outdoor surfaceas laid on the hard court at theGirls’ High School.
Payne persists⁄ Zefal Bailey is Cyclistof the Year
Volleyball gets synthetic outdoor surface
Zefal Bailey nippedCammie Adams forthe award of Cyclistof the Year 2013.
Peter Durrant wasnamed top cyclistamong theveterans.
24. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
SportsV
by E. GLENFORDPRESCOTT
JOINT DEFENDINGchampions, Victors ONE,behind a combination ofexcellent batting from itstop order and workmanlikebowling led by NorlanWilliams, condemnednewly promoted PoliceONE to a third straightinnings defeat, in thenational cricket Premierdivision on the weekend, atthe Sion Hill Playing Field.
SCORES: Victors ONE255/4, Police ONE 97&127.
The champs left ituntil late, and were onlyable to complete victoryin the eighth over of themandatory 15, whenlegspinner Keiron Cottoytrapped Osrick James infading light and hovering rainclouds, to complete the inningsand a 31-run win.
The lawmen, forced tofollow on 158 runs in arrears,showed more application asecond time around but, ashas appeared to be the case inthe previous journey to thecrease, the resistance provedonly a temporary occurrence.
Shacquille Browne, 4/34,gave his team the ideal startwith a wicket in his first over,and it was always downhill asthey lost wickets in a clutterand, despite a 52-run seventhwicket stand between SylvanSpencer, 40, and ChesleyJacobs, 22, in taking the scorefrom 62/6 to 114/7, they losttheir last four wickets for 13runs, and the last three for norun on 127. Cottoy finishedwith 3/27 and Denbar 2/25.
Earlier, Victors ONE, whowon the toss under newcaptain Donwell Hector,overcame the early loss ofopeners Miles Bascombe, 19,and Atticus Browne, 1, to postwhat turned out to be amatch-winning 255/4, withhalf centuries coming fromChrisroy John, 87, Hector, 73,and Cottoy, 55 not out.
Hector and John had raised126 for the third wicket, beforethe former was bowled byVertil Davis with one of themany that stayed down.Hector, showing his class,struck seven fours and foursixes, one of which brought up
his half century. John thenadded a further 71 withCottoy, but with a centuryoffering an open invitation, heundiplomatically declined byswinging wildly to be caughtat midwicket. He had ninefours, one five and two sixes inhis second half century of theseason. Cottoy then took theteam to a third batting pointwith a good half century. Hestruck five fours.
Police ONE then put onanother of their nowcustomary substandardbatting display against whatwas accepted as good but notunplayable bowling on a pitchwhich remainedtough to bat on attimes.
Their confidencewas not helpedwhen captainVertil Davisbecame a goosewith a golden egg -out first ball toWilliams- hisfourth nought insix innings.
Williams thenput on a masterfulexample of swingbowling, as he leftthe lawmenfollowing wrongleads and on wild-goose chases. Hebowled fourbatsmen and hadtwo LBW, as lawenforcementwilted, to lose theirlast six wickets forsix runs, goingfrom 91/5 to 97 allout in the space of
four overs.He took the first eight
wickets and was hinderedfrom taking all ten whenCottoy took the ninth wicket.
His former teammate,offspinner Dodridge Small,took all ten in a match againstRadcliffe at Arnos Vale TWOin 2006.
Williams, who over theyears has found it difficult toget a permanent place on thenational senior team, finishedwith figures of 11.3 overs, onemaiden, 9/43. He got 1/19 inthe second innings for a matchhaul of 10/62.
BUCCAMENT BAY Androids,Combine Youths and TriumphUnited Cricket Club “A” securedwins in the First Division of thenational cricket competition, lastSunday.
Buccament BayAndroids defeated Smashers by 14runs in a game played at ArnosVale TWO. The victors 165in 37.5 overs, with leading scorersbeing Kelvin Quashie with 48 andHector Cordice, 30. KonardAdams picked up 4 for 29 to beSmashers’ best bowler.Smashers replied with 151 in 28.2overs, Rawdon Bentick top scoringwith 59. Kelvin Quashie, WesleySimmons and Joel O’Garro tooktwo wickets each. .
Combine Youth defeatedTriumph United Cricket Club“B” at Arnos Vale by 3 wickets.
Triumph United Cricket Club“B” batted first and made 155 in37 overs. Leonadro Gilkes stroked54 and Wasem Dunbar 30. MarlonFarrell bagged 5 for 45 and ShaneRoberts 4 for 32. CombineYouth replied with 157 for 7declared. Frankie Farrell top-scored with 49 and OnealEndeavour contributed 43. RoselleWilliams took 3 for 46 and EltonJoseph 3 for 39.
Triumph United Cricket Club“A” registered a big win overYoung Warriors at Buccament.by 143 runs. Triumph UnitedCricket Club “A” compiled 258 for8 declared. Ronique Laborde ledthe batting with 50. KenroyWilliams chipped in with 48.Young Warriors never found anymomentum, and their effort ended
at a total of 115, to give TriumphUnited Cricket Club “A” victory bya thumping 143 runs.
Nigel Small was Warriors’ chiefdestroyer, with figures of 4 for 13.
The other scheduled matchbetween Team Rivals 2 and NeilWilliams Academy at NorthUnion was abandoned without aball bowled, because of rain.
This Sunday: Robertson’sSurveying Belmont United willplay Radcliffe Too at North Union;Young Warriors oppose PoliceTHREE at Buccament; I ShallzByam Physical Therapy take onTeam Rivals 2 at Park Hill; andGeorgetown Youth face TriumphUnited Cricket Club “B” at SionHill.
I.B.A.ALLEN
Chrisroy John plays through the onside during his 87.
Shot of the match: Keiron Cottoy cover drives in his 55 notout.
First Division Cricket Round-up
Norlan Williams (facing camera) picks up another wicket in hismatch haul of 10/62.
Donwell Hector hits through the offside in his 73.
Victors Onehands Police One,two-for-oneNumber Three
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 25.
SportsV
THE DRAMA in the closing stages of the One DayInternational series set a foundation for the T/20matches that will follow. The West Indies andEngland will their readiness in BridgetownSunday, Tuesday and Thursday. That will be anideal platform for those squads to fine-tune theirmachines for the World Cup in Bangladesh.
West Indies have fallen off the charts asfavourites. That could be a good thing for them.Teams may be influenced by the bookmakers.West Indies must remember that they are thedefending champions, and must rekindle thatwinning formula.
No matter what the odds are, it is whathappens on the field of play that counts.Speculations are put to rest when the conteststarts and it is the results that tell the story.
Some may be blessed with a crystal ball. I boastof such qualities. I expect the West Indies to retainthe title. I am not going to hope for anything else.
We have a task to find ways to replenish ourstock. St. Vincent and the Grenadines have aresponsibility to help fill the void. There is ashortage of quality batsmen in the region.
Our Under 19 squad placed sixth in the lasttournament. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and NicolasPooran were our most outstanding batsmen. Butthe depth in batting needed to command anyrespect at that level was missing. We proved ourdeficiency against South Africa and Australia. Ourbowling tilted the balance in our favour on severaloccasions.
Vincentian Ray Jordan announced himself as apotential candidate for the future. It is a pity thatthe transition period of our youths into the seniorcircuit is longer than normal.
Selectors have to show faith in the youngsters,and expose them so that they can become viablechoices sooner.
When persons perform, they ought to be giventhe opportunity, no matter where they come from.The tendency towards discrimination has becomean entrenched aspect of our operation. Becausepeople have no avenues to vent their feeling exceptstaying away from the games, they have to staywith the status quo.
In any event, you have to trust somebody. Anduntil you are willing to step up and make yourcontribution, there is little else available.
These are rapidly changing times. Never knownclimate to be so relevant. The impact of climatechanges is vivid.
My apologies for last week’s absence. There wasnothing drastic. If a sprained ankle is enough tocause a delay in the production in The Vineyard, itis nature’s way of reminding me of the changinglandscape. That jolt was enough to trigger animbalance that makes you appreciate the delicacyof nature.
By the time the T/20 World Cup ends, it will betime to move into the Indian Premier League. Andin between some bouts of basketball, swimming,athletics, cycling, tennis, and squash, fans will belooking forward to the most eagerly awaited event:the FIFA World Cup in Brazil from June to July.
Rekindling thewinning formula
by E. GLENFORDPRESCOTT
“I am extremelysurprised by thisturnout….we have 140kids here and I wasexpecting between eightyand one hundred…this isgreat and the enthusiasmis unbelievable.”
These were the wordsof CONCACAFGrassroots CoachInstructor Ces Podd in aninterview with THEVINCENTIAN.
He was speakingduring the ‘FootballFestival’ which recentlytook place at the end ofthe FIFA sponsored grassroots programme at theArnos Vale Playing Field.
The sessions had run from Thursday to Saturday,with classroom sessions from 9 a.m to 5 p.m on theopening day and on Friday.
The workshop, the second in the last few months,followed on the heels of one conducted last July byinstructor - Lenny Lake of St. Kitts.
Podd was happy with the attitude of thoseattending the course, whom he addressed as thecoaches’ educators.
“They looked happy to be part of thisprogramme…..I hope that those certificates are notgoing to be used only as wall decorations……thecoaches have to go out and continue theprogramme,” Podd, who now serves as St. Lucia’sTechnical Director, said.
He believes that such a programme will serve asa foundation to build the standard of the game andbring the skill level closer to that of neighbours inSouth and Central America, whom he described asbeing some way ahead in that area.
Some of the children who attended theprogramme were accompanied by their parents, oneof whom, Kim Durham, spoke to THEVINCENTIAN about the programme.
“I like the programme because it really gets thechildren to like the game. My son (Brandon Lewis)really enjoyed himself,” she said at the end of thesession.
She, however, lamented the fact that it wasdifficult to get her son to such local programmes, asthere are none taking place in the South Central
area.First vice-president of
the SVGFF, KentonOllivierre, told THEVINCENTIAN that plansare afoot to ease Ms.Durham’s concerns.
“I have met with thelocal grassroots coaches,and we are in the processof putting together aprogramme to go acrossthe island…it will be likewhat you would describeas a ‘Coaching Caravan,”said Ollivierre, hiscustomary smile lightingup his face.
The Grassroots football,an initiative of the sport’sgoverning body, seeks toget both boys and girls between the ages of six andtwelve involved, thereby increasing participation inthe sport, according to FIFA.COM
It added that the thinking behind the GrassrootsFestival is that it provides children with a positiveexperience, and gives them all the same opportunityto play, without an overall winner being declared atthe end of the day. It is, in the main, a fun activity.
In addition to Podd, the team comprised AntonCorneal —Coaches Instructor, Jonothan Martinez -Development Co-ordinator and Chris Craig - EventsManager.
DENO JOHN, one of three local Under 17footballers who received training at the DigicelChelsea Academy in Barbados last year, is beingeyed by the University of the West Indies (UWI),Cave Hill, Barbados soccer staff.
The focus on John comes as a result of him beingadjudegd the Most Improved Player over the oneweek training, which took place in November lastyear. His Vincentian colleagues on the referredtraining programme were Jowan Sawyers and KyleEdwards.
John received his Most Improved Player trophylast week Tuesday from Digicel’s MarketingManager Juno DeRoche, during a short ceremony atDigicel’s head office in the Lewis Building on JamesStreet.
Since his return from Barbados, John, who playsfor the Layou senior team, has been drafted into theUnder-20 national team and the national seniorteam. .
“Roland Butcher of the UWI Cave Hill soccerstaff is showing interest in Deno, and once he keepshis grades up, he can get a scholarship”, saidDigicel’s Marketing Executive Justin John.
Deno, a Form Three student of the BarrouallieSecondary School, said he was happy that the game
he loves was opening doors forhim.
“I feel happy because mymom is blind, so I want to goout to get an education andmake money to help her,” saidDeno, whose father is afisherman.
He added, “I would like tothank Digicel for the support,and I hope they stay with meall the way”.
Deno was chosen to attendthe Digicel Chelsea Academyin Barbados after hisparticipation in the first everlocal Digicel Chelsea KickStart Clinic which took placehere on Friday April26th 2013, at the Arnos ValeSporting Complex.
During his time in Barbados, Chelsea coachessaid that he showed willingness and an ability toplay in different positions. He was also commendedfor exhibiting a sense of team spirit and leadershipcapabilities.
Deno John hascaught the eyes offootball staff at theUWI, Cave Hill.
Local footballer being eyed by UWI
Ollivierre looking tospread grassrootsprogramme
Ces Podd (left) indiscussions with 1STVP SVGFF KentonOllivierre.
CONCACAF ‘S Chris Craig (left) and JonathanMartinez chatting with grassroots footballers.
‘Soccer Mom’ KimDurham with sonBrandon Lewis hopingfor a programme in herarea.
26. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
ClassifiedsV
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 27
ClassifiedsV
ENOS CORNELIUS HARRY
Hill Top TabernacleGolden Vale
Wednesday 5th March, 2014
3:00 p.m.
BENJAMIN COOOIE LAWRENCE
Born: 14th May, 1949 - Died:
17th February, 2014
Park Hill Commu-nity CentreSunday 2nd March, 2014Service at 3:00 p.m.
VERTIL RAGGUETTE
Church of Christ
Paget Farm, Bequia
Sunday 2nd March, 2014Service at 2:00 p.m.
BROTHER BRIAN ELLIS
19th October, 1953 - 20th
February, 2014New Testament Church of God
Wilson HillSunday 2nd March, 2014Service at 3:00 p.m.
SHAYNE SILBERT WILLIAMS
Mt. Moriah Seventh Day Adventist
ChurchSunday 2nd March, 2014Service at 2:00 p.m.
DONALD TIMOTHY COZIER
CathedralKingstown
Saturday 1st March, 2014Service at 3:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014 VOLUME 108, No.10 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50
A.I. REAL ESTATEBonadie Hill 7,516 sq.ft @ $12.00 p.s.f. - $90,192.00 - BB469
Overland 2.5 acres. - $235,000.00 - BB473
Prospect 4 bedrm Property on 11,213 sq.ft. - $545,000.00 -H115
Other listings are availablePhone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382
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
William Harry, also a retired COP, addresses the 15thanniversary celebration activity for the PPRCD, duringwhich he did not correct the information regarding theestablishment of the PPRCD.
The photograph from THE VINCENTIAN’S ARCHIVES THATSHOWS (l-r) Pastor Errol Daniel, COP Osbert Quow, DeputyCOP William Harry and ASP Artis Davis at the 1999 launch ofthe PPRCD. (We apologise for the quality.)
RETIRED COMMISSIONER of PoliceOsborne Quow has described as“misleading,” information that the PolicePublic Relations and ComplaintsDepartment (PPRCD) of the localconstabulary, was established under theleadership of former CommissionerWilliam Harry.
“I established the Police PublicRelations and ComplaintsDepartment,” Quow, told THEVINCENTIAN on Monday. He notedthat Harry was Deputy Commissionerwhen the Department was established.
THE VINCENTIAN contacted Quowfollowing a conversation this reporterhad with a former senior police officerthe previous day.
In delivering remarks at a ceremonyheld at the Police Canteen January 13,2014, to mark the 15th anniversary ofthe PPRCD, Commissioner of PoliceMichael Charles, former CommissionerKeith Miller and head of the PPRCDAssistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) Jonathan Nichols lauded Harryfor what they said was his foresightand initiative to have put the
Department in place.Harry, who also spoke at the
ceremony, said he took the initiative toestablish the Department, mainlybecause of the hostility between thepolice and the media at the time, andthe public’s lack of trust in the police.
Quow explains
Quow, who disclosed that he wasnot invited to the 15th anniversaryceremony, told THE VINCENTIANthat there was a Public RelationsCommittee installed by formerCommissioner Randolph Toussaint,and after he (Quow) becameCommissioner in 1998, he establishedthe PPRCD in 1999. Quow retired in2001.
“I don’t know how there could besuch an oversight,” Quow said, inreference to the public statement thatHarry had established theDepartment.
Quow informed THE VINCENTIANthat he had since spoken to ASPNichols about the issue, and Nicholspromised to have it addressed.
THE VINCENTIAN was unable to
confirm from Nichols if this was done,as up to press time, he was overseason police business.
Quow noted that some mediahouses, both print and electronic,reported ‘the misleading information’.
Harry responds
When THE VINCENTIANcontacted Harry on Tuesday and askedwhether the Department wasestablished under his leadership, hereplied, “As far as I could remember.”He, however, advised that we checkthe Department since, according tohim, the records would be there.
When contacted, Commissioner ofPolice Michael Charles said that,according to the records at his office,Quow was Commissioner of Policefrom September 15, 1998 to May 31,2001. He noted that an official at thePPRCD told him, when he madeinquiries on Tuesday, that theDepartment was established January4, 1999. Based on this information,Charles concluded that Quow wouldhave been Commissioner when theDepartment was established, unless he
was out of the state and Harry wasacting.
Charles indicated that the issuewould have to be addressed when ASPNichols returns to the state.
Into the archives
An article in THE VINCENTIANFriday, January 11, 1999, page 2, andunearthed only after the article on theevent to mark the 15th anniversary ofthe PPRCD was published, carried aphotograph of then CommissionerQuow, then Deputy CommissionerHarry, first head of the PPRCD (then)ASP Artis Davis and Pastor ErrolDaniel, at the official launch of theDepartment.
The accompanying article, captioned‘Police launch Public Relations andComplaints Department’, reportedQuow as saying that a betterrelationship between the police, mediaand the public would be a majorobjective for 1999 and the upcomingyears.
The Department, according to thearticle, was officially opened January4, 1999.
Retired Commissioner of Police(COP) Osborne Quow movedswiftly to correct what hedescribted as misleadinginformation.
