The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the...

by HAYDN HUGGINS

COLIN ‘COCO’ DAVID, oneof three men charged inconnection with theOctober 15, 2017 shootingof Paul’s Avenue residentJawanza ‘Sanga’ Fraser,was denied bail againwhen he returned to theSerious Offences Court onTuesday. However, Ricardo‘Shrek’ McFee, who wasalso in that Court on similarcharges, may have been inthe wrong Court at thetime.

The men are chargedwith attempting to murderFraser, using a firearmwith intent to commit theoffence of murder onFraser, and possession of afirearm to endangerFraser’s life.

Jomarno ‘Small Man’Tash, 26, of Rockies, isalso charged with theattempted murder ofFraser, and using a firearmto commit the offence ofmurder on Fraser, in connection with thatshooting. However, while Tash was granted$30,000 bail when he appeared at the SeriousOffences Court on October 19, McFee, 28, ofVilla, and David, 30, of Fair Hall, were deniedbail when they were brought before the Court onOctober 23, and were carded to return to CourtTuesday, November 7 for bail review.

However, McFee and Martin ‘Jahson’ James,45, also of Villa, were subsequently indicted withthe October 7, 2016 murder of 9-month-oldMozarie Lee, unlawfully and maliciouslywounding, with intent, the baby’s father MozartLee and mother Shelly Ann Durham, on the samedate, and the attempted murder of Belmontresident Monty Hillocks, on that date.

McFee and James were scheduled to appearbefore the High Court on Tuesday, according to awarrant of arrest order issued by the High Courtfor the men, signed by Registrar Andrea Young.But McFee was instead taken before the SeriousOffences Court, along with David.

Continued on Page 3.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017 VOLUME 111, No.45 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

BROWNE –CUMMINGSCLASH OVERQUESTION

by DAYLE DASILVA

MINISTER OF HEALTH, Wellness andthe Environment, Luke Browne, saidthat among his tasks as the head ofthe health sector, was ensuring thatthe highest level of quality healthcare was administered to patients.

This was in response to Daniel

Cummings, question to theminister to indicate the number ofcases of persons dying at theMilton Cato Memorial Hospital(MCMH) during this year.

He asked also for the ministerto state whether the cases werebeing investigated, to provide thecauses of the fatalities, and toindicate if the death of a pregnantwoman was included in any of theinvestigations.

However, Browne, in beginninghis response, took issue with thequestion, particularly the partwhere Cummings stated that“There has been this yearnumerous cases of persons dyingat the MCMH in circumstancesthat are to say the least,bewildering.”

“If anything, this question isbewildering and probably does notcomply with the rules of thisHouse,” Browne sid.

The health minister said thatthe question was in violation ofStanding Order 20 of the rules ofthe House.

“Moreover, there is of course noway of knowing what is or is notbewildering in the mind of thehonourable member for West

Kingstown,” Browne continued.“I wish the honourable member

would concentrate his energy onasking sensible and intelligiblequestions in this Parliament andbe less pre-occupied with playingpolitics, making cheap shots and


MIX UP INCOMMUNICATION

Colin David

Ricardo ‘Shrek’McFee

Luke Browne Daniel Cummings

NewsV 2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

RastafariansobservedSelassie 1ÊscoronationMEMBERS of theRastafarian community inSt. Vincent and theGrenadines converged onHeritage Square onThursday 2nd November, tocommemorate thecoronation of Ethiopia’sEmperor Haile Selassie 1and Empress Menen. Forthe millions ofRastafarians around theworld, Selassie is reveredas the returned messiah ofthe Bible, God incarnate.

Born Tafari MakonnenWoldemikael on 23 July,1892, he took the regalname Haile Selassie 1when he was crownedEmperor on 2ndNovember, 1930. He wasEthiopia’s 225th and lastemperor. Among thosepresent at Thursday’sevent were Speaker ofthe House Jomo Thomasand VenezuelanAmbassador to SVG YuriPimental.

Angella “Ideisha”Jackson, head of theLazaras Samuel

Foundation, theorganization behind thecommemoration of theevent, told THEVINCENTIAN thatThursday’s activity wasused to showcase theculture, talent and theskills of the Rastafariansmovement. She said thepublic showedappreciation for theevent, but she was nothappy with thepromotion, noting thatnot enough people knewabout it. Jackson statedthat many businesshouses said that theywere unable to assist, butassistance was receivedfrom the NationalLotteries Authority,Digicel, Sky BlueApartments, JomoThomas, Joseph Delves,members of the

Rastafarian community,the VenezuelanEmbassy, Solidarity InAction Inc and PatriotCleaning Company .

The event was wellorganized, and thecolorful, red, yellow andgreen associated with theRastafarians were ondisplay at HeritageSquare; from the swimwear on sale, to thebanners around thevenue. Among otheritems on sale wereplants, flowers, andbooks ranging fromtopics such as blackhistory, medicine andancient history. VariousRastafarian cuisine werealso as on sale, withfoods made of chicken ormeat being noticeablyabsent, as they are nottypically a part of the

Rastafarian diet.Among those

selling items, wasUland Cambridgewho goes by theRastafarian nameSister Iland. Shehas been sellingplant productsincluding floraland ornamentalarrangements forover 10 years. “Wecome to givepraises to theKing, give thanksto the ones thatcame out, and thatwe are able toshow blackness,”said Iland, on thereason for theevent.

Walford McKie,better known asRas Pahiri, said thatWalford is his givenname but Pahiri is histrue name. He usuallysells plants includingrosemary, differentfruits, dry herbs andproducts such as bananabread, potato pudding,coconut healing oil,among other things. Hesaid that whenRastafarians gathertogether, it is awonderful thing, andthat more of theseactivities are needed tokeep the vibes going.

The event alsowitnessed live musicfrom the likes of popularreggae artistes Abuza,Dappa and Keneyatta.

Drumming, drama anddance were also amongthe activities that wereshowcased at the

commemoration of theHaile Selassie 1coronation. (KH)Walford McKie better

known as Ras Pahiri.

Members of Rastafarian community came out to show support.

L-R: Mrs. Pimental, wife of Venezuela Ambassadorto SVG; Organizer of the event Angella “Ideisha”Jackson, and Venezuela Ambassador to SVG YuriPimental.

Uland Cambridge goes by the Rastafarian name SisterIland and sells plants and floral arrangements.

Swimwear on sale by Shanice Designs.

Continued from FrontPage.

seeking to plant wrongfulperceptions in the mindof the public,” Brownesaid.

Cummings thenreacted, raising a point oforder, explaining to theSpeaker of the House,Jomo Thomas, that thequestion was clear andthat for anyone whounderstood English, willknow what he meant bythe word bewildering.

“And to imputeimproper motive to myquestion is entirely out oforder,” Cummings

argued. The Speaker of the

House, in agreement withCummings, asked thatBrowne ‘take back’ theimputation, but Brownereplied that he did notknow what imputationwas being referred to.

Thomas repeated hisinstruction for Browne toretract the imputation;again the minister saidthat he was unsure as towhat the Speaker andCummings were referringto.

“You know what yousaid,” said Thomas.

“What I said was thatit was not possible for me

to determine what isbewildering in the mindof the Honourablemember for WestKingstown, and I cannottake that back,” Browneresponded.

When Browneattempted to return hisattention to the question,Thomas said that he wasnot allowed to do so,adding that Cummingshad alleged that he(Browne) was imputingimproper motive to hisquestion and that heought not to proceed.

Browne withdrew theimputation of impropermotive and proceeded to

explain that there is areview process of themanagement of eachpatient during daily wardrounds and monthlymorbidity meetings.

This review isconducted by seniorphysicians and alliedmedical nursing staff, hesaid.

“In addition to themonthly review meetings,pediatric and obstetricservices are analyzed ona yearly basis during theannual perinatalmortality conference, andthe hospital is oftensubject to external reviewby PAHO (Pan American

Health Organisation)consultants and otheragencies for an objectiveanalysis of its servicescomplete with criticismsand recommendations,”he said.

“There are severaluseful indicators of ahospital’s performanceand quality of healthcare, including data onadmissions, readmissionsrate, length of stay,nosocomial infectionrates. And may I just sayhere, this simply refers toinstances of infectionswhile the patient is still apatient at the hospital,and SVG compares veryfavourably to its regionalcounterparts on thisregional indicator.”

He said thatInformation gathered

includes from post c-section/infection rates,death rates, waitingtimes for surgery ordiagnostic procedures, thenumber of prescriptionsfilled, the downtime forthe lab, the accuracy ofdiagnosis.

“Be assured that ifthere is any complaintmade which justifiesreview, such a review willbe conducted forthwith,with the resultspublished to the relevantpersons and authoritieswith the highest regardfor transparency,patients’ rights andjustice. If any negligenceis found in themanagement of patients,there is recourse underthe law,” Browneconcluded.

Continued from Front Page.

Senior Prosecutor AdolphusDelpleche told the Court thatMcFee should have been before theHigh Court. He admitted that theHigh Court should have takenprecedence, on Tuesday, in relationto McFee, but explained that therewas a mix up in communications.In relation to David, Delplechemaintained his objection to bail.

When David and McFee initiallyappeared in Court, in connectionwith the Fraser matter, the SeniorProsecutor had objected to bail forboth men, on the grounds that thecurrent climate in relation tofirearm related offences had to betaken into account, that the policewere looking for a gun allegedlyused in the shooting, and that theywere investigating other firearm

related matters. He had alsohighlighted the fact that it wasDavid’s third gun-related mattercurrently before the Court, andthis one was higher than theothers.

Delpleche, again addressing theissue of bail on Tuesday, stated, inrelation to David, “The objectionremains the same. We are not yetin a position in which we couldwaiver those objections”.

But Connell, representingDavid, in his response, argued thatthere was no issue with theclimate when Tash was granted$30,000 bail, in connection withthe same matter.

He noted that the prosecutionmade absolutely no objection tobail for Tash. “What has changedin the climate since?” Connellquestioned. He pointed out that

certain comments weremade by a certain callerto a particular radiostation, but that shouldnot change the climate,or influence a Court ofLaw.

Connell furtherargued that his clientcould not be considereda flight risk because hehad never breached anyof his bail conditions forany of his mattersbefore the Court. Hisapplication was refused.

Chief Magistrate RechanneBrowne contended that the lawgives guidelines in relation to bail,but those have to be considered inthe context of what is before theCourt, and what is going on in thecountry.

McFee, who was unrepresented,raised the issue of him beingindicted with the baby’s murder,six months after he was dischargedin that matter during thePreliminary Inquiry (PI) at theSerious Offences Court. But theMagistrate told him she could notcomment on that matter as it wasbefore the High Court.

The Chief Magistrate had, onApril 25, this year, dischargedJames and McFee on charges ofmurdering the baby andattempting to murder his parents,after upholding no casesubmissions from attorneys GrantConnell and Israel Bruce,representing James and McFeerespectfully.

But the Office of the Director ofPublic Prosecutions (DPP), wassubsequently granted anapplication by a High Judge inChambers for what is known inlaw as a ‘Voluntary Bill ofIndictment’ for the men to standtrial on charges of murdering thebaby, unlawfully and maliciouslywounding his parents with intent,and attempting to murderHillocks.

V News 3THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. 3.

CORRECTION:

In a story that appeared in theNovember 3, 2017 edition of THEVINCENTIAN under the headline‘Application to inspect all boxes was made’,the final paragraph should have read thata source has confirmed that December 12and 13 are the dates agreed to by bothparties when the motion for the inspectionof the ballot boxes used in constituency ofCentral Leeward during the 2015 GeneralElections.

Browne – Cummingsclash over question

Mix up in communication

CHIEF MAGISTRATERechanne Browne sent aclear signal on Monday,that her Court has zerotolerance when it comes

to cocaine.“It is destructive”, she

told 24-year-old ZimronEdwards of Edinboro, asshe sentenced him to 11

months in prison after hepleaded guilty topossession of 17 rocks ofcocaine with intent tosupply.

The Magistrateexplained that, unlikemarijuana, cocaine isinfused with all sorts ofchemicals.

“I am not fining you, Iam imprisoning you”, shetold Edwards.

Senior ProsecutorAdolphus Delpleche toldthe Court, earlier,“Cocaine is destroyingour nation. Cocaine iscrippling our youngpeople, and the harshestof sentence must beimposed on cocainedealers”. Edwards wasarrested around 1 p.m.November 5 at Retreat,Canouan, after policewent to the area, onreceiving a report of adispute at a functionthere. Edwards waspointed out to a policeofficer, who identifiedhimself, and informedthe defendant that hewas arresting him forpossession of an offensiveweapon. A search wasconducted of his person,and foil wrappingcontaining the cocaine,was found in his rightfront pockets.

Edwards, who told theCourt that he wasworking in Canouan as alabourer, said he foundthe drug under aHairoun case when hemoved the case to sitdown. He admitted,though, that if the policehad not found him withthe substance, he wasgoing to sell it.

CourtV 4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

RICARDO ‘Shrek’ McFee, facing several charges,including murder, attempted murder andwounding with intent, is questioning whethercocaine is a business in St. Vincent and theGrenadines.

The 28-year-old Villa man raised the questionwhile making an appearance at the SeriousOffences Court on Tuesday.

The outspoken accused, who wasunrepresented, told the Court that since he wassmall, a certain individual here has been referredto as a businessman. But he hastened toquest6ion, “Cocaine is a business?”

McFee identified this individual, by name, tothe Court, but this reporter has opted not tomention the name.

McFee also told the Court that he had given thepolice the identity of three persons in relation tothe murder of one man and the attempted murderof nine others when masked gunmen alighted avehicle and opened fire into a bar at Diamond justafter 9 p.m. on October 14. But McFee expressedconcern that, to date, only two persons have beenarrested and charged in connection with thatincident. He expressed the view that, “Theyprotecting some, and some getting prosecuted”.

McFee had told the Serious Offences Court onOctober 23, during an appearance on gun-relatedcharges, that the attackers had come to Diamondto kill him.

McFee was reportedly in the bar among severalother persons when the shooting took place, butwas said to be one of the few who managed toescape unhurt.

Just after his appearance at the SeriousOffences Court on October 23, McFee commentedthat certain persons were protecting a clique ofmen, “responsible for more than 200 homicides inSt. Vincent”.

FEBRUARY 15 is the date set for the PreliminaryInquiry (PI) into the October 14, shooting of severalpersons at the bar in Diamond.

The date was set on Monday when the accusedAlaskie ‘Beaver’ Samuel, 30, of Redemption Sharpesand Obandelle Neverson, 43, of Murray’s Villagereturned to the Serious Offences Court.

The two are jointly charged with the murder ofGregory ‘Pecca’ Abraham, 33, also known as ‘Woody’of Diamond.

They are also charged jointly with the attemptedmurders of Venus Thomas, Kenneth ‘Bullo’ Barzie,Karim Benjamin, Kerwin John, Kamani Richards,Fitzroy Iris, Oslin Thomas and Andrew Layne, all ofDiamond; as well as Ricardo ‘Shrek’ McFee of Villaand Michael Richards of Choppins.

The men had initially appeared at the KingstownMagistrate’s Court on October 23, but the matterwas adjourned to Monday, November 6, andtransferred to the Serious Offences Court.

The charges were laid in connection with anincident at Diamond on October 14, during whichmasked gunmen alighted an unmarked whiteToyota Sprinter vehicle and opened fire into the‘Road Side Bar’, killing Abraham and woundingseveral others.

Attorney Ashelle Morgan is representingNeverson, but up to Monday, Samuel wasunrepresented.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

DEFENCE lawyer GrantConnell is of the view thata Gag Order should be ineffect, in relation to thecommenting on mattersbefore the Court, but itshould be applied to all,including those holding“high offices”.

Connell’s remarkscame on Tuesday shortlyafter he made anotherfailed application for bailon behalf of his clientColin ‘Coco’ David, 30, ofFair Hall, charged withthe October 15 attemptedmurder of Jawanza

‘Sanga’ Fraser of Paul’sAvenue, using a firearmto commit the offence ofmurder on Fraser andpossession of a firearm toendanger Fraser’s life.

In his bail application,Connell questioned whathad changed since 26-year-old Jomarno ‘SmallMan’ Tash was grantedbail at the SeriousOffences Court onOctober 18, in connectionwith the same matter.

Tash is also chargedwith attempting tomurder Fraser and usinga firearm with intent tocommit the offence ofmurder on Fraser.

Connell had indicated,in Court, that certaincomments were made ona particular radiostation, but that shouldnot influence a Court ofLaw.

Speaking with THEVINCENTIAN shortlyafter, Connell said, “Iwould not commentfurther on that; thematter is before theCourt. But while I am ofthe view that a gag ordershould be in effect for meand others, in relation tomatters before the Court,it should be applied toall, including those inhigh offices”.

PI into Diamondshooting for February

Lawyer Grant Connell

Lawyer, “Gag Ordershould be for all”

„Cocaine isa business‰?accusedquestions

„Cocaine destroying the nation‰

RegionalV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. 5.

THE TRINIDAD-BASED CaribbeanCourt of Justice (CCJ) says“appropriate actions are beingtaken” to protect the integrity of thePresident of the Court, Sir DennisByron, amid allegations that acriminal complaint has been filedagainst him and a prominentGrenadian jurist.

In a brief statement made onthe weekend, the CCJ madereference to the “recent attack inthe media” on the reputation ofSir Dennis “by a dissatisfiedlitigant”.

While the statement gave nodetails of the “recent attacks inthe media,” a story carried by aUS-based regional onlinepublication, claimed that thecriminal complaint had been filedby Dominican attorney CabralDouglas.

The publication quotes Douglasas saying that in filing thecriminal complaint against thetwo prominent Caribbean jurists,he stands ready to assist thepolice with a criminal prosecutionin an effort to “root out thecesspool of corruption that hasengulfed the highest judicialinstitution in the Caribbean”.

In the statement, the CCJ saidthat Sir Dennis has been “advisedby his advisors that it would notbe appropriate at this time torespond publicly in his personalcapacity in any detail to the

allegationsmade againsthim anddisseminated in the public arena.

“However, the President wishesit to be known that every singleallegation or wrongdoing orimproper conduct attributed tohim by the litigant in hiscontinuing campaign to denigratethe Court is false.,” the statementsaid, adding “appropriate actionsare being taken to protect theintegrity of the President and theCourt”.

Douglas has been critical of theCCJ, after claiming that theisland’s highest court had“squandered a tremendousopportunity to build its credibilityas an international court” when itdismissed an application he filedaccusing the Dominicagovernment of causing a breach ofcontract with the Jamaicanentertainer Tommy Lee Sparta.

The matter was first filed in2015, when Dominica became afull member of the CCJ that wasestablished in 2001 to replace the

London-based PrivyCouncil.

Douglas hadalleged that the

action of the Roosevelt Skerritgovernment had also causedmultiple violations of his rightsunder the Revised Treaty ofChaguaramas (RTC), but the CCJruled that Douglas had failed toprove a breach of treaty rightswhich were intended to benefithim directly.

The Dominica government saidits action was based in theinterest of public safety as severalorganisations, including theDominica Association ofEvangelical Churches, haddenounced the artiste’sappearance, saying his musicglorifies Satan and promoteslawlessness and violence.

But Douglas, the promoter ofthe Dominica show, said thestance taken by the governmentwas illegal and he was demandingmore than three million USdollars in compensation. (Source: CMC)

EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRST phase of thegeothermal development project on Nevis, beganarriving on the island following shipping delaysdue to the recent passage of Hurricanes Irma andMaria, pushing the start-up dates from October tomid-November.

Mr. Mc Levon “Makie” Tross, LocalRepresentative for the geothermal developersNevis Renewable Energy International (NREI),told the Department of Information on November02, 2017, that most of the containers including thedrill rig have already arrived on the island.

“The rig is coming from Salt Lake City in Utahin the United States of America. It took about 10to 12 days. It went through St. Thomas. It shouldhave been here a few days ago but with FederalEmergency Management Agency (FEMA) weexperienced some delays.

“They are giving priority to the disaster reliefcontainers, so we had to wait a couple of days, butthe drill rig is here. A lot of the peripheral[equipment] is here. We have up to 15 containerson site. We are waiting for another five,” he said.

Mr. Tross noted that installation and assemblyare expected to commence in a day or two. Thedrilling process will follow and the exploratorydrilling is estimated to take about 45 days.

DOSECC Exploration Services LLC, drillingcontractors based in Salt Lake City, Utah, havebeen contracted by NREI to undertake the drillingprocess. The test well is projected to be 4,000meters deep. It will be used to collect all datapossible to satisfy the financiers.

Mr. Tross, noted that on completion of theexploration, the data will be analysed and finaladjustments will be made to the engineering. Theproduction process is planned in early 2018.

In response to whether there are anyanticipated challenges with drilling in the firstphase of the project, David Griggs, OperationsManager with DOSECC who is already on Nevis,explained that there could be.

“Anything that potentially delay the drillingwould be the idea that you are drilling in an areathat is volcanic and so, things are very jumbled upgeologically and so, in a lot of mineral systems,you would kind of know where you are at in thestratigraphy [but] in these particular instances,you don’t really have a good lay of the geologyright now. So there could be some technicalchallenges that arise,” he said.

In the initial stage of the project, four localpersons will assist six drillers from the US-basedcompany. However, in the second phase the localwork force is expected to jump to 80. (SourceTimes Caribbean)

Geothermal rig to be used in the first phase of thedevelopment project on Nevis.

Geothermalequipmentarrives in Nevis

CCJ defends its presidentPresident of theCourt, Sir DennisByron, has becomethe target for thetirades of adisgruntled litigant.(Photo Credit:Chanel5Belize.com)

Cabral Douglas,DominicanAttorney, saidthe CCJ has notgrabbed theopportunitiesbefore it tobuild credibility.

AN AMENDED Misuse of DrugsAct, which decriminalizedpossession and use of smallamounts of marijuana, is now lawin Belize.

Governor General Sir ColvilleYoung has assented to the Bill,following approval by legislatorsin the House of Assembly and theSenate late last month.

Now that the Bill has beensigned into law, adults can haveup to 10 grammes of marijuana intheir possession and smoke it ontheir own premises or somebodyelse’s private premises, once theowner gives permission.

However, it is still illegal totake the drug on school premises,and the amended legislationprovides for monetary and non-recordable penalties for that.Minors caught with any quantityof the drug would also be subjectto punishment.

“If you are a minor and you arein possession of marijuana, youwill have to be detained. You haveto be arrested,” explainedAttorney General MichaelPeyrefitte.

“It’s just that when you go tocourt, the court will say ‘good,given this new piece of legislation,you young man or young lady weare going to put you through acounselling programme’. In thecoming weeks or days, theMinister of Police is going to setforth some regulations that wouldsay what the appropriatecounseling is, what is theappropriate guidance. Until then,

the Juvenile Courtwill use whatevermeasures they usecurrently topunish minorswho have committed offences.”

While Prime Minister DeanBarrow had described the partialdecriminalization as a landmarkmove, the National EvangelicalAssociation of Belize (NEAB) hastaken issue with the removal ofpenalties for the possession andprivate consumption.

“We feel that legalizing, even ina small amount, is a step in thewrong direction, as it will nowallow more persons to be involvedin this trade,” lamented NEABpresident Pastor Lance Lewis.

Vice president Pastor ScottStirm further complained that theGovernment passed the law tooquickly and ignored all viewsopposed to its passage.

“The National EvangelicalAssociation of Belize presented tothe Prime Minister and Cabinet,on May 20, 2016, letters, reportsand the signatures of 225 nationalpastors and denominationaloverseers and leaders, expressingour strongest concern andobjection to the initiative todecriminalize small amounts ofmarijuana in Belize. That packet

included scientificreports… stating the scientificfacts of research concerningdamage to the brain from dailymarijuana use, especially toteenagers…It seems to us that thealarming scientific and real lifedata has fallen on deaf ears. Itseems that the influence of thedecriminalizing of marijuanacommittee has overridden allother voices,” he said.

However, Peyrefitte contendedthat “given what the church hasbeen found guilty of in recentyears…priests and pastors haveno moral authority to try andjudge anybody out here whowants to smoke marijuana”.

“The churches don’t rail againstcigarettes, they don’t rail againstalcohol, and there’s nothing toprove that marijuana is any moredangerous than those twoperfectly legal drugs,” theAttorney General argued, alsoquestioning the church’smotivation for its opposition to thelaw and charging that given theirlate intervention, they “just wantto object for object sake”. (SourceCaribbean360.com)

Attorney GeneralMichaelPeyrefitteemphasized thatminors caughtusing or inpossession ofmarijuana will bedetained.

Pastor LanceLewis, Presidentof the NationalEvangelicalAssociation ofBelize.

Restricted use of marijuana in Belize

Stories by NELSON A. KING [email protected];[email protected] CORRESPONDENT

VINCENTIANS on a whole, but nationalsin Pennsylvania in particular, areexpressing elation over the historichoisting of the national flag atPhiladelphia City Hall last Friday.

“It was a magnificent feelingwatching SVG [St. Vincent and theGrenadines] flag glistening in the windon the northeast corner of one of theoldest municipal buildings in the USA,Philadelphia City Hall, and it willfly there for one week. Wonderful!”exclaimed James Cordice, the ClareValley-born former president of thePhiladelphia-based St. Vincent and theGrenadines Organization ofPennsylvania (SVGOP), who wasinstrumental in getting the national

flag to fly on theBenjamin FranklinParkway inPhiladelphia in2010.

“But this sightreminds me of10/27/2010, whenour flag was firstinstalled on BenFranklin Parkway,”added Cordice, thearchitect of St.Vincent and theGrenadines’participation in theprestigious PennRelays at theUniversity of Pennsylvania inPhiladelphia, in a VINCENTIANinterview.

“Rohan Pierre, Ronaldo Pierre andmyself were there, first on scene,” he

continued. “And this warmfeeling of pride lingers in myheart. Thank you, Lord! Thankyou, Philadelphia for givingSVG this prominent gift.”

Yvonne O’Garro, theincumbent SVGOP president,who hails from Lower MiddleStreet, Kingstown, said “It wasa spectacular sight and amomentous occasion” on thehoisting of the Vincentian flagat Philadelphia City Hall.

“Mayor Jim Kenny wasunable to attend, but declaredOct. 27 a celebration of St.Vincent and the GrenadinesIndependence Week inPhiladelphia,” said O’Garro in

a statement. “A small group of Vincentians,

decked out in their national colors,stood with their eyes fixed to the sky,as they watched with pride as the flag

of St. Vincent and the Grenadines wasbeing hoisted.

“Ms. Claudine Mitchell sang theNational Anthem with Vincy pride,and Sister John gave the invocation. Itwas truly a feeling of elation,” sheadded.

“Ms. Miriam Enrique, Director ofOffice of Immigrant Affairs, said shewas touched by the group’s reaction asthey watched their flag being hoisted.”

Sheila Hess, representing MayorKenny, presented a proclamation toO’Garro.

Stanley Straughter, formerchairman of African and CaribbeanBusiness Council of GreaterPhiladelphia, said “Ms. YvonneO’Garro has put St. Vincent and theGrenadines on the map”.

“It was, indeed, a historical day forall Vincentians living in Philadelphiaand the surroundings,” O’Garro said.

Elated historichoisting of Vincyflag at PhiladelphiaCity Hall

6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

DiasporaV

ST. VINCENT AND THEGRENADINES Ambassador to theUnited Nations, I. Rhonda King, saysthat, since the opening of the ArgyleInternational Airport (AIA), “there hasalready been an increase in thenumber of visitors arriving by air.”

In her maiden address to nationalsin Winnipeg, Canada two Saturdaysago, marking the 38th anniversary ofSt. Vincent and the Grenadines’political independence from GreatBritain, King said, “We received 7,518stay-over visitors; this year we had8,186 - an increase of 668 in the monthof July.

“Let give thanks for AIA, for thevision and tenacity of our PrimeMinister, Dr. the Hon. RalphGonsalves and his government,” Kingtold the gala ceremony, organized bythe St. Vincent and the GrenadinesAssociation of Winnipeg, Inc. “Let usgive thanks for the rapidly increasing

speed of accessibility to our shores. Letus give thanks for the new possibilitiesthis accessibility will bring.

“Infrastructure and accessibility arecritical components in our quest formore sustainable development,” sheadded. “They are not optional. Indeed,they are imperatives.”

On Feb. 14, the Gonsalvesadministration opened AIA, thenation’s first international airport.

King described the airport as “abeautiful, state of the art facility —arguably now the most beautiful in theCaribbean.”

The envoy noted that it wasrecently announced that both Sunwingand Air Canada Rouge will operateflights into AIA during this Christmasseason.

She said the application process forthe additional routes is “more difficultin the US and which, apparently,could not begin in earnest prior to the

completion of the actual facility.” King said Caribbean Airlines has

now applied for direct access to AIAfrom John F. Kennedy International inNew York, disclosing that otherapplications and negotiations areunderway.

“In the meantime, CaribbeanAirlines provides an excellent serviceto bridge the gap in this interimperiod,” she said, stating that she wenthome for the summer, leaving JFK at7:30 a.m. and arriving at AIA before3:00 p.m. on that same day.

The diplomat also said negotiationsfor a United Kingdom route “willadvance when the Buccament BeachResort reopens and an additional 200rooms are made available once again.”

Stating that “the issue of citizensecurity” was on the minds of manypatrons at the ceremony, King said“the recent spate of deaths by gunviolence is cause for alarm.

“I stand here to underscore theassurance of the Hon. Prime Minister,Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, ‘Our civilizationwill never allow a handful of gunmenand their opportunistic allies to holdsway. We shall be relentless inpursuing them. Our parliament,cabinet, law courts, police force, andall other security and law-enforcementagencies, at home and abroad, incommunion with a supportive peopleas a whole, will defeat these vilethreats to our citizen security.’”

King said 50 percent of the murderslast year and again this year wereconfined to groups participating indrug- related activities, adding that 50percent of the murders were caused bydomestic violence, “with the exceptionof the four murders last year

committed by a mentally illindividual.”

“Nevertheless, let us be mindfulthat the absolute number of crimesreported is declining annually and isdown significantly this year with areduction, perhaps, of over 40 percent,when compared to last year’s statisticsif we stay on the current trajectory,”she said.

On foreign policy, she said thenation’s “very robust,” stating that,recently, it was “our robust andeffective defense of the principle ofsovereignty, non-intervention and non-interference at the OAS [Organizationof American States] that thwarted theintentions of the misguided tointerfere in the politics and internalaffairs of the Bolivarian Republic ofVenezuela and possibly mount aninvasion under the falselymanufactured accusations of humanrights violations.

“Let us remember that in theaftermath of the recent devastatinghurricanes in the Caribbean it wasVenezuela that immediately came tothe aid of Antigua and Barbuda andDominica,” King said.

She said while St. Vincent and theGrenadines is “still a young nation,” ithas “made great strides.

“As we contemplate the journeyahead, we might be well served torecall the famous words of the lateJohn F. Kennedy: ‘Ask not what yourcountry can do for you, ask, too, whatyou can do for your country.’

“Let us agree that, together, we willwork to eradicate the nagging spirit ofdependency by encouraging newattitudes to work, production andproductivity,” the envoy said.

Photo shows Vincentians gathered after historic raising of Vincy flagat Philadelphia City Hall. (Photos courtesy James Cordice)

James Cordice atreception after theflag-raising atPhiladelphia City Hall.

UN envoy reports enhanced visitor arrivals since AIA opened

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United Nations I. RhondaKing, fourth from L — back row — with executive members of the St. Vincentand the Grenadines Association of Winnipeg.

NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. 7.

SVG gets assistancefrom Japan THE GOVERNMENT OF St. Vincent andthe Grenadines, in particular the Ministryof Health, is the beneficiary of generousassistance from the Government andPeople of Japan.

The assistance came in the form of agrant of USD 90,000 under the grantassistance facility of the Grass-RootsHuman Security Projects (GGP).

In fact, monies from the grant hadalready been used in the purchase ofequipment.

During a ceremony held last weekTuesday at the Ministry of ForeignAffairs, Kingstown, Minister of HealthLuke Browne, in thanking theGovernment and People of Japan fortheir continuing goodwill, outlined howthe money was apportioned.

According to Browne, US $34, 000was used to purchase urologyequipment,; US $12,000 for thepurchase of equipment for the bloodbank, and just over US $ 40,000 for aBronchoscope.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir LouisStraker also addressed the ceremony,and assured that the various pieces ofequipment will enhance the operation

of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital(MCMH), in its delivery of properhealthcare for the citizens of thiscountry.

Sir Louis also reminded theceremony that “… we have to observethat this country has been doingexceedingly well in its foreign affairs.Because it’s through our relationshipsthat we have been able to source somuch for the economic and socialenhancement of our country.”

Diana Martinez, Urologist at theMCMH, expressed her gratitude forthe donation. She said the equipmentwill be very useful for their work andwill bring benefits to the patients.

Meanwhile Yoshinori Yakabe,Counsellor and Deputy Head ofMission at the Embassy of Japan inPort of Spain, Trinidad, explained thatthe Grant Assistance Contract wassigned between his predecessor and DrCharles Wood, Medical Director of theMCMH.

“Indeed, it is our hope that thebenefit from this grant will furtherenhance the quality of healthcareprovided by the hospital, while

improving patients care for thecitizens of St. Vincent and theGrenadines,” said Yakabe, adding thathis government “stands committed tothe bilateral relations with SVG.”

The Grass-Roots Human Security

Projects (GGP) was established toassist NGOs and local publicauthorities in developing countries, inresponding to various developmentneeds in a prompt and completemanner. (KH)

(L-R): Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker; Yoshinori Yakabe,Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Port ofSpain, and Minister of Health Luke Browne.

(A recycled and updated article)

I HAVE DECIDED to be out of the blocksearly in the New Year of 2013 to throwsome light on events which are likely totake place.

To begin at the top, there is the matter ofchoice of National Heroes which ideallyshould form a sort of over-arching pantheonthat inspires and guides our young nationin its future endeavours. I present my slate,so to speak, purely from the standpoint ofan interested citizen bereft of all theborrowed robes of society, which Dr.Gonsalves has rightly advised as the properorder of things.

There should be about three otherNational Heroes to join Carib Chieftain,Joseph Chatoyer.

Apart from any special qualifications ofan interest in my history, social scienceorientation and a balanced knowledge of the“politics” of the situation, it so happens thatI know of no other person who was luckyenough to have had more than a noddingacquaintance of all three larger-than-lifefigures.

First, there is Hugh Mulzac, born inUnion Island 1886, and whose life impactedon his West Indian people, largely onaccount of the contributions which he madein the USA.

He came back home to settle at a timewhen I as Resident Tutor of Extra MuralStudies, was able to embrace him. He gavetwo lectures under our auspices andarranged the launching of hisautobiography “A Star to Steer By” of whichI had been a proud owner of anautographed copy.

Captain Mulzac in his vintage alsoconducted Extra- Mural classes where hegave unsparingly of his wealth of knowledgeto local yachtsmen, and told the stories ofhis contributions to the Black cause in theUSA. I do not think that he should belegislated out of contention because heoperated out of the dispora.

Secondly, Mc Intosh enjoyed the samebirth year as Mulzac. I enlisted in a groupof persons who have severally put togetherthe Mc Intosh story that is compelling.

The group includes Dr. Adrian Fraser,Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and myself whotackled Mc Intosh from differentperspectives, out of which invariablyemerged a towering figure of a man short ofstature!

Mac had been the first trade Unionist,champion of the Shakers, founded the first“Labour Party” that picked up the piecesafter the 1935 disturbances. In fact he hadbeen declared a “national hero” by Dr.Gonsalves and myself some years before theterm was in vogue.

In very many ways, Joshua was the

logicalextension ofMc Intosh.They were atone on many issues of the day: land reform,child labour, the extension of the peasantry,constitutional development, the “Shakers”religion; militant trade unionism.

All three men distinguished themselvesas being “socialists” at a time when it was adirty word in the lexicon of the westerncolonial world, and paid dearly for it.

They all suffered for their beliefs indescending order: Mulzac in right-wingUSA of the 1940s and 1950s; Mc Intosh wasmade an official scape- goat during theuprising of 1935, and Joshua was constantlyharassed by colonial authorities. Let themall be lionised now by their people, if onlyposthumously.

Robert Milton Cato cannot be measuredin the same bushel of the aforementioned.To begin with, he lacked that indefinablequality or “Charisma” that provided an aurato personalities like “Dada Mc Intosh” and“Papa Joshua”.

In practical terms, where the former twowere winners from the moment that theyformally entered the political arena, it isnoticeable that Cato and his team werecompletely routed in their first electoralouting in 1957. In fact, there is one school ofthought which opines that Cato capturedthe leadership of the Labour Party bysleight of hand when the true leader shouldhave been Rupert John, the first VincentianGovernor.

It turned out that in a class-drivensociety, it was Cato’s lot to emerge as thedarling of the middle —classes, in oppositionto the charismatic Joshua by whose everyword the people swore.

Indeed, the most damning indictment ofCato was chalked up by Ralph Gonsalves inhis “Minimum Programme” of the MNU in1983. So, Ralph has painted himself into acorner from which he cannot escape withoutcreating a terrible mess.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves needs the Cato“Legacy” to ensure his successful run ofGovernment of the ULP which in hispolitical odyssey he has come to rely heavilyon many old Labourites, particularly inCalliaqua-Ratho Mill area. I verily believethat Ralph cordially hopes for rejection ofCato by force of pressure from persons suchas I, but he himself has to go through themotions of giving “Cato” a fair chance.Hence his clever appointment as chairmanof selection committee of Rene` Baptiste, adie-hard whose birth-date Cato selected asfitting for national Independence, ignoringthe date of the 1935 riots which fell withinsix days of his choice!


TODAY, WHEN MOST PEOPLE think of Caribbean music, thefirst genres that come to mind are reggae, dancehall andsoca.

It is a minority of people who will mention calypso as St. Vincent andthe Grenadines’ foremost musical genre.

Admittedly, through the years, calypso, as we know it in its purest form,has lost much of its appeal, especially to the younger crowd who want‘something’ to gyrate to, rather than something that taxes theirsensitivities. The physical has outweighed the aesthetic.

The slide prompted many commentators to ask: Is calypso dying? Is itdead? Is there a future for Calypso?

If the truth be told, calypso seemed to have been losing its place ofprominence to its derivatives - ‘groovy soca’ and ‘power soca’.

Yes, lest we forget, those current day trends in Caribbean music havehad their genesis in the calypso, which the pioneers of these trends haveall acknowledged.

But once upon a time, a trip to a Calypso Tent at carnival was a must.There, the people — of all classes, ages — went to savour humourous dittiesand biting, expertly masked political and social commentaries on issues ofthe day. So much so, one British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)commentator had been moved to declare, after a single visit to a CalypsoTent, that he had never heard such “masterful use of innuendo”.

Such was the poetic genius that characterized calypso then.But sadly, for all about two decades or more, there has been a steady

decline in attendance (at Calypso Tent shows), threatening the veryexistence of the art form which, by and large, has its weightiest impactwhen delivered to a ‘live’ audience.

But, calypsonians are no different from the people they serve; in theface of adversity, they remained resilient - resolved to stay the course.

And if 2017 was any indication, there was a ‘mild return’ to the tents,encouraging for those calypsonians who have stayed the course —persevered against odds of diminishing airplay (radio), sponsorship and thelike.

So that when something happens that gives indication that there aresome exponents of the art form who recognize this ‘return’, and poisethemselves to embrace this opening on which to build a revival, they mustbe commended.

Last Saturday, at the Russell Auditorium — a venue that is graduallybeing established as the successor to the Peace Memorial Hall and LyricCinema as the ‘home stage’ of calypso — an ‘out-of-season’ calypso concertwas staged.

Courageously, the Graduates Calypso Tent took the occasion of thissense of ‘return’ by the scruff of the neck, and staged what they dubbed a‘Calypso Wake’.

And while the ‘Wake’ might have had its reference in the fact that whatwas being offered was an evening of rendition of the works of thosecalypsonians who have since left this dimension for another, and anineffectual attempt to create a sense of death and mourning, what wasdished out, in effect, was an ‘Awakening’.

As though to put demographics to sunder, Chewallee, born in 1988, longafter the songs were first delivered, took on a personality uncannily similarto that of this country’s foremost entertainer, Reginald ‘D Professor’Cornwall, and literally ‘awoke’ an audience with his note for note, phrasefor phrase reproduction of ‘I am a King’ and ‘Mas in the Hospital’.

And ‘Lord Have Mercy’ on anyone who left without the shout of‘WILLARD!!’ resonating from the deepest chambers of their psyches.

Not to be outdone, and as though to make a ‘political’ statement, Luta, aleading representative of the new wave of ‘soca artistes here, took anaudience through a ‘jump-up to ‘Jump with Bra’, considered the ‘Best RoadMarch That Never Was’.

But this is not a blow by blow review of the ‘Calypso Wake’. It is rathera reflection that speaks to that ‘Wake’ as an ‘Awakening’ - the beginningof a new track for calypso and calypso tents here.

Down the road one could see a cross-tent committee of sorts ensuringthat this ‘Awakening’ continues, but they must guard againstcircumventing what, ideally, should be the work of a CalypsoniansAssociation.

Off course, when that responsibility — vision — fails to ‘come forth’ fromthat Association, the calypsonian at large, true to his cause ‘on behalf ofthe people, will take it into his own hands and ensure that there never willbe a ‘wake’ for calypso.

Commendations are bountiful for the Graduates Calypso Tent for theirvision, their tenacity. Count yourself as having taken the lead in the‘awakening’ of a ‘sleeping consciousness’ albeit, with something notnecessarily different… but with renewed intent and commitment.


ViewsV

Editorial

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd.,

P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

From a “Wake’ to an “Awakening’

Our final complement of National Heroes

I AM NOT a teenage by any stretch of theimagination. I was not born into the world ofthe internet and this thing we call socialmedia. I grew into this new age world sinceit is not something which, regardless of yourage, one can hardly escape. Even if you don’tuse it (internet and social media), ourchildren will, to the point that they seem todepend on it for their daily sustenance.

That is why, even as we approach the useof social media with a Cybercrime Act toguide us, it is important that those of us, ofthe post-World War 11 generation whosechildren are the young professionals of today,who have found it useful to access specialmedia, that we do so with a sense ofresponsibility and decorum.

How much worse can it get when oneperson could find it fit to attack someone whoopposes their political view, with some of theworst language you could imagine —obscenitiesincluded.

We musteducate ourpopulation on thenegative effects ofposting threatsand obscenities onsocial media. It isa known fact thatsocial mediaprofiles now forma part ofconsideration byemployers orbusinessassociates.

Social mediashould beconsidered as anopportunity toenhancecommunication —including thesharing of views,opinions, andinformation. Itallows us tocommunicate in thehere and now. Itoffers us theopportunity tocommunicate moreeffectively. All ofthis adds up to usrecognizing that wehave aresponsibility to usethis medium to dobetter — improvelives through thesharing ofknowledge.

We shouldcommit ourselves tousing this mediumwith respect andetiquette.

Maybe if we wereto think of the socialmedia ascommunicating withsomeone face toface, then, perhaps,we would be morerespectful andcaring.

Stop the abuse ofthe social media.

L. Joseph,Kingstown

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. 9.

LettersV

I MUST congratulate THE VINCENTIAN forkeeping the ‘marijuana conversation’ going.I gather that the subject may still be ‘taboo’in your country, and if this is the case, thecontribution of your newspaper is even morenoteworthy as we move to eradicate themisconceptions about this plant.

I want, for the benefit of those who arefollowing or are actively involved in the‘conversation’, the following extract fromPrakash Nagarkatti, Ph.D., VicePresident for Research, includingCannabinoids Research, University ofSouth Carolina.

Here, inter alia, is what that learnedgentleman had to say:

“The medical benefits of marijuanacome from THC (psychoactive) and CBD(non-psychoactive). Synthetic THC hasbeen approved by the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration to treat nausea andvomiting caused by chemotherapy incancer patients, and to stimulate appetiteand prevent weight loss in AIDS patients.A combination of THC and CBD obtainedfrom marijuana plant extract is availableas the drug Sativex to treat multiplesSclerosis in more than 25 countries. Anexperimental drug derived frommarijuana (Epidiolex) was recently shownto significantly reduce epileptic seizures.And a combination of THC and CBDobtained from marijuana was shown in arecent clinical trial to benefit patientswith gliomas, cancers of the brain.

‘There are more than 80 autoimmunediseases in which the immune systemgoes haywire and destroys organs andtissues through chronic inflammation.These include MS, arthritis, colitis, lupusand type 1 diabetes, against which there

is no cure. Several studies suggest thatcannabinoids are effective to treat suchdiseases because they suppressinflammation and subsequently chronicpain. It is noteworthy that we produceour own cannabinoids calledendocannabinoids – which are similar tothose found in the marijuana plant –that regulate memory, mood, appetite andsensation of pain. Thus, it is likely thatsome of the diseases may be triggered bydeficiencies in endocannabinoids that weproduce, and use of marijuana may helpreconstitute that defect.

While additional research and clinicaltrials are necessary to further evaluatethe medical benefits of marijuana, weshould not deny its use to patients withdebilitating disorders where there is noother treatment available and where theevidence for cannabis is highlyindicative.”

The fastest growing industry this sideof the woods, USA, is the medicalmarijuana industry. For too long we inthe Caribbean have allowed those whocome with starry eyes and supposedlylarge bank accounts, to railroad us intobecoming mere secondary players inenterprises which they control. Thehistory of marijuana cultivation and trade(as illegal as they have been) shows alevel of ownership and control by peopleof farming and rural communities, manyhaving been marginalised by the oldplantation system.

The medical marijuana industry is agold mine which we can ill-afford to letpass us by.

Johnson Henry, M.Sc - Ohio

Advancing themarijaunaconversation

I WANT to add my twocents to this marijuanadiscussion.

Mr. Editor, contraryto what might be thepopular view now, ifyou take the time to dothe research, it’sinteresting to learnthat there is a lack ofcredible, sufficient dataon the impact oflegalizing marijuana.Most expertsacknowledge thatconcrete outcomes aredifficult to determine, aresult of fairly recentimplementation ofrecreationallegalization laws in atleast four states in theUSA.

There are interestingarguments for andagainst legalization,but there is one thingwe know to be certain —marijuana usecompromisescoordination, vision,reaction times, andjudgment. Maintainingsafe workplaces iscrucial from where Isit, and it should be abig concern for us all.

Challenges existrelated to regulation,enforcement, andeducation, and this istoo important an issueto rush throughquickly, just because ahandful of investors inthe campaign stand togain financially.

Tom

Becareful!!

Use social mediaresponsibly

THE ONLY and previously albeitlimited place of recreation andstimulation for the mental patientsat Mental Health RehabilitationCentre (MHRC), is rumored to beclosed and, coming soon, off-limitsfor patients.

A sudden influx of scores ofmetal bed frames now housed in therecreation room at the smallOccupational Therapy (OT)building, and packed to the rafterson the back porch of said building,is another impediment to thepatients who now have absolutelynowhere to congregate on theoutside premises, at present.

Reliable sources indicate that thebeds are to be stored indefinitely,until the renovations to thecontroversial conditions at theLewis Punnett Home (also in Glen)are complete, at which time thebeds will be moved there. Giventhe 2-year delay in completion ofthe renovated MHRC (2013 — 16),the beds are likely to be a figure atO.T. for quite some time.

Occupational Therapy Aide(OTA) Juanita Maxine Glynn mightbe in for at best a reassigned role at

MHRC, or at worst, out of a job.Glynn has worked as OTA atMHRC taking over for OTA O’Brienin 2013 shortly before theappointment of recently retiredSNO Diana Bailey-Greaves. Shehas run the O.T. programmeefficiently. She has thequalifications - a certificate inSocial work, professional first aidand nurse’s aide skills. She alsobrings to the job, expertise atpattern drafting, sewing, cookery,and has shown commitment byproviding supplies out of her ownpocket. The lady must be shakingher head at the development.

Readers will recall, Special(Sports) OTA - Arrington Burgin,expressed strong views on leavingMHRC in April, including citinglack of cooperation by authorities inhis take on patient rights andinclusion in said programme.

Glynn, in addition, has run thesole education programme in adultliteracy since 2013, which will be asetback for the albeit few who havebenefited and stand to from it.

Gone is the space for thisprogramme, in addition to indoor

fitness, and sessions also given byvisiting experts on a wide range ofsubject matter. What gives? The OTprogrammes were an importantadmittedly small cog in the wheelsof the rehabilitation process; aprocess largely touted in theestablishment of the refurbishedMHRC, by the powers-that-be!

It seems to be operatively, a caseof inter office politics on the part ofcertain elements of thedevelopments, in removing kitchenitems including two stoves from theOT kitchen (a vital aspect of patientsupport), and assigning Glynn toactivities which currently do not fallunder resume in appointed position,apparently stirred in opposition to aclose connection between Glynn anda former senior staff member.

Incidentally, acting SNOElizabeth Medford is at press timeon a two-week relief effort inhurricane-ravaged Dominica.

THE VINCENTIAN would loveto talk with the very well-presentedag. SNO Medford on these issueswhich scheduling conflicts have notallowed up to now. She will begiven leeway to comment at lengthon any aspect of this report.

Other senior staff are not dulyforthcoming.

One who knows

Occupational therapy beds* Has the

programme to cutoverhanging andthreatening treesbeen discontinued?

* What is thesituation withreimbursement topersons byVINLEC?

* Is that area(corner actually)between theMetrocint andWinfa buildingsnow a bus stop?

* Who gavepermission to astore operator toplace mannequinson a culvert onEgmont Street, sothat no one can usethat culvert to geton to the sidewalk?

* Why can’t wehave a religiousminister/pastorpresent when thoseballot boxes areopened?

IntroductionLAST WEEK, the opposition NewDemocratic Party found itself in a virtualquandary, in trying to pin the PaulManafort matter on the ULPadministration, and by extension,continues to badmouth the good nameof St. Vincent and the Grenadines. PaulManafort is a former chairman of thecampaign team of US President DonaldTrump. He was charged with moneylaundering and tax evasion in the UnitedStates, and readers can examine thedetails of the indictment athttps://www.justice.gov/file/1007271.

A journalist reporting out of theUnited States, tried to link St.Vincent and the Grenadines with themoney laundering indictment,claiming that this country was a“prime money launderingdestination,” and that it was“notorious for money laundering”. Allthis is very wrong, as we shall pointout later in this article. The NDP,notably its current leader, LorraineFriday, and the former leader ArnhimEustace, were quick to jump on theblame train, claiming that the ULPadministration was responsible forthis situation, and that thegovernment could not control theoffshore financial sector.

Friday and Eustace were notinterested in the facts, and as far aswe are aware, made no effort toascertain the facts. And even whenthe former NDP chairman andsenator Dr. Linton Lewis stated in aradio programme that SVG didnothing wrong in this matter, he wascastigated by all and sundry withinthe NDP, even as he was praised bythe member for Central Kingstown,St. Clair Leacock. It is instructive tonote that Kingsley De Freitas, a taxioperator partial to the NDP, washauled over the coals for suggestingthat Friday and Eustace were simplyblowing “hot air” in their criticism ofSVG in this matter.

Developing the offshore financialsector

The truth be told, it is the ULPadministration under Dr. RalphGonsalves, which has donetremendous work to re-develop and tobetter regulate the offshore financialsector in the State. When the ULParrived in office in 2001, the country’soffshore sector was in tatters. TheULP moved swiftly to revamp thesector, introducing new laws inrelation to the proceeds of crime andmoney laundering.

The ULP administration alsomoved to set up a Financial ServicesAuthority, and the FinancialIntelligence Unit, the FIU, which isarguably one of the best in the region.The country has a clean bill of healthfrom Caribbean Action Task Force,and the Organisation forEconomicCooperation andDevelopment, the OECD. Many of theparliamentarians on the oppositionside have been present in the Houseof Assembly to debate tough new lawsaimed at strengthening the offshorefinancial sector.

It stands to reason therefore thatthe characterization of SVG as aprime money laundering destinationis uninformed, outdated, erroneousand inaccurate. There really is nobasis for such a report. In fact, SVGhas been for many years, effectively

addressing issues related to moneylaundering and financial crimes. SVGhas participated in internationalinitiatives aimed at combating moneylaundering, the financing of terrorism,tax offences and financial crimes. Thecountry has been commended forcooperating with the United States ina number of matters, including theindictment against Paul Manafort.

SVG did nothing wrong As Linton Lewis has pointed out,

SVG has done nothing wrong in thiswhole episode. In fact, if we follow therelease from the three offshoreadministrators, SVG crossed all the“ts” and dotted all the “is” in thisentire episode. It is Paul Manafortwho is in trouble with the USauthorities.

He failed to register with the USAas a foreign agent according to USlaws, and he failed to disclose hisforeign bank accounts. If you followhis indictment, you will see that hecommitted no crime under the laws ofSt. Vincent and the Grenadines. Heoperated two international businesscompanies here, all completely legal,and these companies received moneyfrom overseas sources, all completelylegal. Money from these twocompanies was used to purchasegoods and services in the UnitedStates, all completely legal.

Of course, readers will see thatManafort used companies in Florida,Delaware, New York, Cyprus, theUnited Kingdom, the Seychelles andSVG. Yet, for some unexplainedreason, the journalist only mentionsSVG and Cyprus. It is important tonote that before the indictment wasserved on Paul Manafort, the ULPadministration cooperated fully withthe US government in their requestfor information from the FIU, and theFSA. So that St. Vincent and theGrenadines has done nothing wrong,other than to act quite properly inthis Manafort matter.

We do not know what will becomeof Mr. Paul Manafort and his legaltroubles, but one thing is for sure, andthat is, our country proved itself onceagain to be a well regulated, and fullycooperative offshore financialjurisdiction.

ConclusionOne of the virtues that is embedded

in politicians who support the ULP, isa deep abiding love for the peoplecalled Vincentians and the countrycalled St. Vincent and theGrenadines. Sadly, this is a virtuethat is absent from the NDP,particularly its leaders. To try to scorepolitical points from this incident,without doing any research, and inthe face of statements from the officialagencies, and one of their colleagues,Linton Lewis, who has experience inthis field, shows the recklessness ofthe NDP, and their desire to gainpower in this country at all costs.

The people know that the NDP isan unpatriotic party which offers nohope for the development of thiscountry. That is why they willcontinue to remain in opposition forthe foreseeable future.

THE RECENT dialogue with Dr. GodwinFriday, Leader of the Opposition, and awide cross section of youth, generatedtremendous discussion on private sectordevelopment. The New Democratic Party(NDP) is cognizant of the importance ofthe private sector to the economy of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. We willdevelop a strong and sustainableeconomy. One of the major strategies wewill utilize towards this goal is privatesector development.

It is well-established that in today’sworld, a thriving private sector is thefoundation of a growing economy.Private sector development has manybenefits for St. Vincent and theGrenadines’ economy. It will expandeconomic development and support asustainable source of revenue, tax andotherwise that will fund strategicsocial programmes. Private sectordevelopment will become the nucleusof employment, and therein acceleratethe process of socio-economicdevelopment.

The Unity Labour Party regime,however, appears not to understandthis basic fact. Evidence of this is seenthrough government’s ill-advisedpolicies, and the fact that thisgovernment owes the private sector anenormous amount which hasaccumulated to millions of dollars; acrippling burden for a private sectoralready weighed down by some of thehighest energy prices in theCaribbean.

The NDP recognizes that improvinggovernment policies and behavior willnot only shape the investment climateand drive private sector development,it will also drive overall economicgrowth and improve opportunities foreveryone. We will therefore provide arange of incentives and supports toencourage private sector development,and above all, create the stable andpredictable macro-economic and socialenvironment that will encourageinvestment.

In order to foster private sectordevelopment, the NDP seeks to focuson creating an attractive investmentclimate. An NDP government willestablish a ministry of the privatesector to facilitate the developmentand expansion of private industry ingeneral. We consider that Small andMedium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) area critical factor in economic growth,and we will create the conditions thatwill enable SMEs to play a major rolein entrepreneurship, innovation andjob creation.

In order to create the environmentin which Small and Medium sizedEnterprises will thrive, the NDP willend the competition betweengovernment enterprises and SMEs,adopt and pursue appropriate fiscaland employment policies to promotean optimal economic environment,improve the attractiveness ofentrepreneurship and remove theconstraints to the development andgrowth of SMEs through: the re-establishment of a Development Bankto provide funding and financialsupport for SMEs.

The NDP will also establish agovernment sponsored Laboratory, aScientific Research Council to providetechnical assistance for all new andexpanding enterprises, establish a St.Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau ofStandard, and foster strategicalliances between Vincentian andforeign companies to gain knowledgeabout market entry and export ledactivities.

Moreover, the role of the Ministryof the Private Sector will identify andseek to develop or expand a range ofdirect and indirect support servicesfor SMEs, including: business pre-start , start-up and developmentassistance; business plan developmentand follow-up; business incubators —legal, accounting and financial

services; information servicesincluding advice on governmentpolicies; advice on the effectiveapplication of information, providecommunication and businesstechnologies to the business process;offer consultancy and researchservices; managerial and vocationalskills enhancement; promotion anddevelopment of enterprise basedtraining;

In addition, provide support andoffer training in occupational safetyand health; assist in upgrading theliteracy, numeracy, computercompetencies and basic educationlevels of managers and employees;provide access to energy,telecommunications and physicalinfrastructure either directly orthrough private sector intermediaries.And assist in understanding andapplying labour legislation, humanresource development and thepromotion of gender equality, productdesign, development and presentation,packaging services, environmentalmanagement services, qualitymanagement, including qualitytesting and measurement andstreamline business regulatoryprocesses and procedures in order tosubstantially improve the ease ofdoing business in St. Vincent and theGrenadines. The Ministry will alsowork in close collaboration with theMinistry of Foreign Affairs and ouroverseas Missions, Caricom and theVincentian Diaspora to identify tradeand export opportunities for SMEs.

There are also significant benefitsthat can be achieved throughentrepreneurship. These include,increasing the number of self-employed persons through thecreation of quality jobs. This newwork environment will produce neweconomic activities; to increase themotivation and skills of theunemployed in the rural area. Toactively seek and create newemployment opportunities withintheir own communities; to ensure anequitable distribution of wealththough all sectors of the nationaleconomy. This will lead to a reductionof poverty and the negative effectsassociated with poverty, and toempower people to trust in their ownabilities and knowledge. And to learnthe basic values and operatingprinciples of business, therebyadopting a practical approach to theworld of business.

Private sector development willimprove the lives of our people,whether directly or indirectly. It willexpand the variety of goods andservices available and reduce theircost, to the benefit of consumers.Private sector development will createsustainable jobs and opportunities formacro and micro-entrepreneurs alike.Micro entrepreneur is one of the keypathways by which people can escapepoverty. We will give each person thepower to shape their own destiny.

The resultant economic growthenvisioned will also help to reduce thecosts of goods to our citizens. This isespecially important to those whosuffer the economic burden the most.Private sector development willcontribute to an expanded tax basethat will allow for investment inhealth, education and welfare for allour people.

It is obvious that the NDP has thebetter programmes and policies, andVincentians, especially the youth, canlook forward to benefit from theNDP’s private sector developmentinitiative.


ViewsVPrivate Sector Development: A Priority for the NDPSVG did nothing wrong in the

Manafort matter

“In that inevitable, excruciatinglyhuman moment, we are offered apowerful choice. This choice isperhaps one of the most vitallyimportant choices we will ever make,and it determines the course of ourlives from that moment forward. Thechoice is this: Will we interpret thisloss as so unjust, unfair, anddevastating that we feel punished,angry, forever and fatally wounded—or, as our heart, torn apart, bleeds itsanguish of sheer, wordless grief, willwe somehow feel this loss as anopportunity to become more tender,more open, more passionately alive,more grateful for what remains?” -Wayne Muller (born 1954) executiveleadership mentor, therapist,minister, community advocate,consultant, public speaker, andbestselling author.

IT IS PROBABLY FITTING to commencethis essay by providing some form ofdescription of what we mean by“defining moments”. These are eventsthat take place in our lives that catapultus in a new direction or energise us tocontinue along our chosen path. Inother words, these events, whetherperceived to be positive or negative,appear to drive us along a particularpath. They may take us to new heightsof success or to new depths of despair.They may shape or change who we areor what we pursue. The definingmoments in our lives often emergeduring or immediately following arefining moment; a period of trauma orcrisis. The thought of refining conjuresup images of intense fire and, in someinstances, pain. Having visualised thiskind of imagery, we can readilyunderstand and appreciate how suchexperiences can define us. They changeus. They shape and mould who webecome.

However, moments of intense joyand a sense of accomplishment canalso define us; positioning us toaccomplish even greater things.These can be described as thosemoments when destiny appears tosmile on us; when God opens up Hiswindows of privileges, and pours outblessings that we could never haveimagined.

Sometimes, we can be so engrossedin those defining moments (whetherthey are generated by moments ofpain and sorry of when we are at theheight of ecstasy), that we seem not tofully appreciate how these impact ourthoughts, attitudes, and focus. Afailure can be the motivator that getsus fixated on improved planning andpreparation. A failure can help us toimprove our focus. So, too, can amoment of success. As the old peoplesay, “Success breeds success.” We canleverage a good result to propel us toaccomplish even better things. Thesecan also be our defining moments.Nelson Mandela would have hadseveral defining moments. However,his greatest and most intense definingmoment may have been when he wasjailed for 27 years for what many willnot agree was a “trumped up charge”.Those long years of imprisonmentwould have broken the resolve of mostindividuals. But they seemed tointensify his steadfastness, andprepared him to be one of SouthAfrica’s most loved and respectedpresidents. What have been yourdefining moments? What events

shaped you into being who you areand where you are? In responding tothese questions, I realised that I havehad several defining moments. Theone that stands out most involves myfather’s anger when he receivedwritten notification from the St.Vincent Boys’ Grammar School that Ihad failed the 11+ common entranceexamination. The physical andemotional punishment that he thenprovided, made me feel hopeless andabandoned. However, the “twindefining moment” that is linked tothat very experience, emerged whenmy mother reminded me that I hadfailed the examination, but that I wasnot a failure. Her words interceptedmy negative thoughts and turned anegative to a positive. That was adefining moment for me. I resolved tostudy hard to make my mother proud.And that I did. That moment definedme.

Now, let us return to the twoquestions that ushered in theprevious paragraph. Here is whereeach reader is invited to reflect ontheir defining moments. Throughthat exercise, you may very welldiscover that an event that may havepreviously been considered a negative,was actually quite positive. Definingmoments, whether positive ornegative, play a major role in makingus who we are. We therefore need todevelop the ability to discern whenthey enter our lives, and skilfully usethem to direct us towardaccomplishing noble dreams.

Failure, divorce, rejection, betrayal,accidents, diseases, and rape are buta few examples of negative eventsthat trigger defining moments in ourlives. As unpleasant as these mayoften appear, they can be leveragedfor good. So much depends on ourattitudes and our level ofdetermination. When ourcommitment is strong and our focus isintense, we can go beyond ourtragedies and trauma to accomplishoutstanding positive things. Even aswe seek to cope with those inevitable,excruciatingly human moments, wecan avoid dwelling on self-pity and,instead, use the experience tostrengthen our resolve to be kinder,better, and more accomplished as wefocus on the various challenges ahead.

Successes, job promotions, the birthof a much-longed-for child, and thelearning of a new skill can beconsidered positive defining moments.These often generate a tremendousamount of positive energy and a senseof accomplishment or achievement.These, too, can be considered to bedefining moments. Periods thatpropel us to consider even greaterattainments.

It is so very important that wedevelop a keen sense of discernmentso that we can accurately andspeedily identify our definingmoments; using them to improve ourlives and the lives of those around us.

Send comments, criticisms &suggestions to

[email protected]


ViewsVDefining moment

IN JUNE OF 2016, a CARICOM Task Forcecommissioned to look at marijuana acrossthe region came to SVG. At theconsultations, the commissioners weretold that St. Vincent and the Grenadines isa ganja country. We have not heard of thecommission or its findings since.

St Vincent’s fame as a marijuanacountry was buttressed by statisticsand folklore that a large personage ofthe Vincentian population uses orbenefits from the cultivation and sale ofmarijuana. Many citizens make theirlivelihood, take care of their families,build homes and send their children toschool and university with proceedsfrom marijuana sale.

Current, there is talk of medicalmarijuana which is said to be an evenmore lucrative trade. Foreignbusinesses are eyeing our soil and ourcrop as prime target for investment andexploitation. Whether Vincentians willbenefit from this venture is left to beseen. One can only hope thattraditional growers are not alienatedand pushed out of the trade altogether.

Plain Talk hopes that theintroduction of medical marijuana willcome as part of a comprehensive planthat deals will an official apology fortraditional users who were wrong bystate action, compensation whereegregious wrongs are identified,clearing of criminal record for personsconvicted of small amounts of the herb.

It is estimated that over 20 percentof the Vincentian population is usingthe herb in one form or another. Asmuch as 40 percent of citizens arebelieved to be beneficiaries from theunderground economy fueled bymarijuana.

The Caricom task force was awelcomed though belated initiative bythe political establishment across theregion, to get a handle on the herb andthe multifaceted ways it can be used.

Clearly, the Caricom initiative wasfueled by a rapidly changinginternational environment in whichmarijuana has been legalized by manystates in the United States of America,as well as a renewed interest inmedicinal marijuana. Long before thiswidespread interest in marijuana asmedicine, scientists in Jamaicaperformed important research thatresulted in the discovery, developmentand marketing of a drug that had abeneficial preventative and curativeeffect on persons suffering fromglaucoma.

Smoking of the herb is a very smallpart of the ways and benefits one canderive from marijuana. In fact, tosmoke the weed is tantamount towasting the weed. Huge companies anduniversities have gotten into thescientific research that is yieldingsignificant results. There is nowconclusive evidence that marijuana canoffer significant relief to many sufferingfrom many painful and debilitatingillnesses.

Consequently, one of the biggestfears among traditional planters andusers of marijuana in SVG, is that thesmall farmers and growers will bepushed out of marijuana production orsidelined, while big foreign companiesgain licences to grow in our lands, gainthe useful extractive properties of theherb and make a significant profit,while those who were in the vanguardpushing for the legalization ofmarijuana get nothing.

A central concern, as the discussionon marijuana develops, is the vexedissue of the prohibited state in whichmarijuana currently exists. Many want

total and complete legalization. Thosemaking this call say that it is sadcommentary on society that so many ofits citizens are stigmatized for engagingin a prohibited practice. The claim isthat a more enlightened approach is toview the use of marijuana use as apublic health issue and to treat it assuch.

A most appropriate example wasoffered to demonstrate the fallacy of thecriminalization view. It was suggestedthat excessive use of sugar and saltcreates havoc with the health ofcitizens. Thousands suffer fromdiabetes (sugar) and hypertension(salt), but no right-thinking person callsfor a ban on salt and sugar.

Decriminalization envisages therehabilitation of youthful offenders andsmall time users. Because so many ofour youth smoke, criminalizationhampers their life chances. Many endup with criminal records, and thisseriously hampers their migrationchanges to choice destinations like theUSA and Canada.

In this regard, it was felt that thepolice directorate should be empoweredto use their discretion as firstmagistrates. If this policy becomeswidespread and enforced, many who arenow arrested and prosecuted for thepossession of small quantities, will nolonger be arrested. This will make for awin/win situation for the ‘offenders’ andthe state. As it stands now, state fundsare expended to arrest, charge, feed andprosecute a small time offender with aganja stick. This included the scientifictest of the herb.

Excessive use and the negativeimpact that such use continues to haveon the mental health situation in thecountry, remains a concern. Hundredsof young people, particularly men, arepatients of the mental hospital. Apredominant indicator is that they havebeen using and abusing marijuana for along time.

Deforestation is linked to marijuanacultivation. Huge patches of ourhillside, mountains and forest arecleared each year to grow marijuana. Asensible policy may open up lands atlower elevations so as to protect thehigh land. This will protect the countryfrom environment destruction.

There is no easy way to get aroundthis issue. The position that marijuanais all bad should be frown on in thesame way we frown on the notion thatmarijuana is all good. A middle groundmust be soberly debated and agreedupon.

This is a conversation that should becarried on without the emotions thatare so often attached to these issues.Caricom leadership on this issue is goodbecause it helps to remove the partisanpolitical bickering that is so oftenassociated with discussions withinnational borders. Sadly, 18 monthsafter the task force visit, there is nofurther word from Caricom.

Worse, recent history in the regionhas shown that whenever there isregion-wide initiatives aimed atharmonization, the effort is oftenstalled or retarded. The time to move isnow. We are clearly behind in theworldwide effort to cultivate and exploitand benefit from this most importantherb.

Send comments, criticisms &

suggestions to [email protected]

Marijuana and SVG

THE SVG ECONOMY is still dying, evenwith Argyle airport. We were promisedbetter times with Argyle airport, butthings have not improved.

The financial and economicproblems created by the incompetentULP regime still persist, and ourpeople are still suffering. People needjobs, and poor households need to seetheir financial income increasedsubstantially.

The SVG economy will only becomestrong when there is a newgovernment that has the financialknow-how and ability to createsustainable streams of revenue for theSVG Treasury.

SVG Green Party Leader IvanO’Neal, who has BSc degree inFinance and Accounts from OxfordBrookes University, England, has beenstressing the critical need for the SVGeconomy to be driven by productivesectors and to be export oriented. TheULP regime’s policy of begging andborrowing will not create a strongeconomy.

As a nation, we are getting leftbehind other countries, because theULP regime lacks the financial abilityto move the economy forward. Thepast 16 years under the ULP regimehave been wasted, as they have failedto create productive economic sectorsthat export goods to other countries.

The rural economy has beenvirtually wiped out, and this loss hascreated substantial hardship for thepoor masses. Social problems such ascrime, poverty, the high level ofunemployment, children dropping outof school, and households unable topay water and electricity bills, arewidespread.

This clearly indicates that thingsare going badly wrong in SVG, and wemust change the government and thedirection of the economy, and haveproductive exporting sectors as theengine of the SVG economy.

Industries such as the export ofbaby foods, herbal teas and fruitjuices, would make farmers prosperousand boost the rural economy. SVGcould create jobs and a stable economyif we had strong productive sectors.We need to build factories for agro-processing and light manufacturingand start exporting in bulk.

We have seen the best of Gonsalves,and it has been an undisputedeconomic failure. It seems that everyday, Gonsalves is guessing when itcomes to managing SVG’s economy.His backward policies have left ourcountry broke.

SVG needs a government focused onbuilding a revenue base and creatingjobs from productive export sectors. AGreen government would focus on


ViewsVAfter 16 years of the ULP regime, SVGeconomy still dying

I AGREE with Dr. Ralph Gonsalvesthat crime is a complex issue, but I donot agree with him that because of itscomplexity, only persons such ashimself with his doctorate and hiselitist intellectualism can providesolutions. If academic qualificationswere the answer to our problems, thenthis ULP regime with its slate ofRhode scholars and other suchluminaries would have been able tocreate a virtual haven flowing with theproverbial milk and honey for all.

The reality, however, is that Dr.Gonsalves and the ULP have failed tolive up to their promise to be “tough oncrime and the causes of crime.” As aself-proclaimed guru on crime, with aspecial understanding of the criminalpsyche, Gonsalves by his ownadmission was uniquely qualified toaddress crime and violence in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. Not to beoutdone, Julian Francis,demonstrating his exceptionalunderstanding of the situation,identified dancehall music, rum, drugsand ‘tabanka’ as the root causes ofcrime and violence in St. Vincent andthe Grenadines (not a simplisticanalysis by any chance?).

In 2004, the ULP regimecommissioned Orville Durant, retiredCommissioner of Police, Barbados toconduct a study and makerecommendations for the“improvement and modernization ofthe police force, and in particularensure that a better quality of service,both in administration and lawenforcement, is given to the nation.” Areport with recommendations wassubmitted in 2005. Outside of theseparation of the ImmigrationDepartment from the police force,what other substantial changes havebeen implemented here?

Now armed with the Durant’sReport, their ULP’s 14 point strategyon crime and violence, Gonsalves’unique insight into the criminal mind,and Julian’s in-depth analysis of theroot causes of crime, how does theULP report book stack up to scrutiny?

Any right-thinking Vincentian,making an honest assessment here,will give the ULP regime a failinggrade in tackling crime and violence inthis country. Instead of allocating timeto identifying and implementing crime-fighting strategies, the Prime Ministerand Minister of National Security, inhis first press conference after some ofthe most frightening events causingthe death of so many of our youngmen, was able to dedicate several

minutes to criticize a letter publishedin the newspapers that did nothingmore than highlight the extent of theproblem. Dr. Gonsalves is seen bysome as an intellectual giant, and if hesaid that said letter was utter rubbish,one would have expected that would bethe end of it. Why then would such anerudite fellow proceed to read almostin its entirety a letter he dismissivelyreferred to as ‘tripe’ and ‘rubbish’?Why would he then painstakinglyattempt to dismantle and debunk thecontents of that letter almost line byline? What substantial strategy didGonsalves provide to address theproblem? Is advising the police not togive any ‘beatitudes’ the answer tocrime and violence?

Dr. Gonsalves is well known for hisstrategy of distraction. Is this anotherone? Vincentians need answers notanother “cuss out the citizen.” Dr.Gonsalves is the Prime Minister ofevery square inch of this country, andtherefore MUST take responsibility forwhat is happening under his watch —good or bad; not expend time andenergy attacking a citizen because hechooses to voice his concern. Therehas been a spate of homicides that hasleft 34 of our sons and daughters dead;Vincentians are afraid.

To assist in the construction of aNational Anticrime Plan, here aresome questions for the NationalSecurity Minister: What specifically doyou see as the immediate challenge insecurity? What are your short-termand long-term goals as it relates tocrime and violence? Obviously, fromthe length of time allocated todissecting a letter full of rubbish andsimplistic analysis, you have none.

The other question I would like topose now is this: Where are these gunsand ammunition coming from?

Can we now say like you said someyears ago,

“ When we talk about the PrimeMinister, Minister of National Securityand the Commissioner of Police weassociate them in historical terms withthe tremendous increase in [murdersand gun related crimes], in the sensethat they have the responsibility tostop the [guns and ammunition]coming in; if they do not stop the [gunsand ammunition] coming in, it have tobe their fault because they are incharge of the security arrangements soto do, and one of the firstresponsibility of any seriousgovernment is to provide propersecurity for its citizen’? Are you there yet?

The rhetoric of security

utilising SVG’s indigenous resourcesfor agro-processing, exporting freshdrinking water, creating an Atlantictuna fishing and fish processingindustry for export, renewable energyproduction and educating our peoplewith our own SVG university.

Due to economic and financialignorance, the ULP regime’s strategyhas been to focus on dead projects.Hundreds of millions of taxpayers’money have been wasted on projectsthat do not produce any revenue forthe country.

Money has been wastefully spentbuilding the Belle Isle jail, severalnew police stations, useless resourcecentres, a centre of excellence andmore seriously, the $1.5 billion Argyleairport.

None of these projects was apriority for SVG, and none of them is

creating revenue for the country.These projects are dead projects,because there is no return on themoney that has been spent.

SVG must create productive exportindustries if we are to save the SVGeconomy from dying, createsustainable streams of revenue andcreate thousands of new jobs.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.orghttps://twitter.com/svggreenpartyhttps://www.facebook.com/SVG-Green-Party-154937087877631/


Digicel offerscustomers newretail experience

DIGICEL SVG LIMITED isgiving customers a new‘experience’ incommunication andentertainment. Thetelecommunicationprovider recently openedthe doors to its new retailExperience Store onHalifax Street inKingstown on Thursday,November 2nd 2017.

The retail store,located on the groundlevel of the MTMBuilding on HalifaxStreet, boasts a 10-member team, all trainedto facilitate customerrequests.

Digicel’s ExperienceStore features a newdesign concept for thebrand’s retail outlet, andaccording to thecompany’s Retail and

Sales Manager FantaWilliams, “We are proudto be in the first batch ofDigicel territories whohave implemented thenew design.”

Williams added, “Wehave introduced ‘SmartServe’ in our ExperienceStores, which is anintelligent digital queueand customer flowmanagement system.This will significantlyreduce wait times,provide a flexibleshopping experience, andgreatly increase thequality of service we areable to deliver.Additionally, it will alsoprovide us withintelligence on customerrequests, service timesand agent performanceso that we can monitor

and improve processes”.Marketing Executive

at Digicel, JamishaWright, welcomedpersons to the new lookand feel of Digicel. Sheexplained that “our retailstore serves as Digicel’sliving room”. “This iswhere any customersexisting or prospectiveshould come andexperience and feel thetrue Digicel,” saidWright.

She added that the

new Digicel includesdedicated internet accessfor businesses, vehicletracking services,customer care andentertainment. “I alsourge persons to lookforward to Digicelcatering to more of theirentertainment needs inthe coming weeks andmonths,” said theMarketing Executive.

Visitors to theExperience Store on

Thursday expressedpleasure with thedevelopment, andwelcomed the newupgrades.

Following the officialopening ceremony,customers were treatedto a cocktail .The Cell-Digicel’s ExperienceStore is now openedMonday to Friday8:00am to 5:00pm, andon Saturday from 8:00amto 1:00pm. (KH)

Customers interact with staff at Digicel.

Retail and SalesManager Fanta Williamsaddresses the patronsat the event.

Jamisha WrightMarketing Executive atDigicel.

by JP SCHWMON

ONE MUST APPLAUDUrban Expression TheatreInc. for its much-heraldedreturn to the Bank of SVGNational Theatre ArtsFestival.

Sticking withtraditional Festivalprotocol, the producersoffered an array ofentertainment as thepre-show fare. ArabesqueDance Company,Afrikaan songbird andteacher Marie Pascal -even leading ladyNerissa King and others- stoked patrons’appetite for a goodlyportion of last Saturdayevening’s showing. ‘ManZangie’s’ soulful Calypsorendition stillreverberates aroundPeace Memorial’shallowed chambers.

Some Old, Some New

Claude Anthony’s ‘TheBar’ enjoyed its secondstaging as Urban’s 2017Festival’s pick. In this

run were several notableadjustments, includingcasting and plot points.

Nerissa King retainedher lead role as ‘Ms OpenScrew,’ and quitecredibly acquittedherself. Sylvorn Laviareturned to the stagefollowing her debutouting earlier this yearin Carriages’ productionof this same piece. Thistime around, sheappeared morecomfortable as ‘Ms LustyMilk’, though stillsuffering slightprojection challenges.

Cast changes includednewcomers to theFestival stage - TeandraJack, Akini Hypolite andJamery John. StanleyJohnson forsook the techbooth for his onstagesupporting role as ‘Ants’.The ease with which hecarried and coloured thismentally challengedcharacter, was onlytempered by theinfrequent but noticeableloss of character. A breakin the cariacture’s accent

or mannerisms, thoughat points miniscule,impacted greatly on theway the story was beingtold. Secondary schools’Drama champ JeremyBoyde took some time toget warm, deliveringbelievable enough lines,but somehow failing to

really connect with andengage his onstagecounterpart, in the firstfew moments of theproduction. Do notdiscount his offeringthough; Boyde is one onwhom to keep both eyes.

The Play

Altogether, theelements (cast, story, set-though somewhatdisappointing-and techsupport) combined to tella tale revolving aroundseveral social maladies:human trafficking,mental health disorders,community response andresponsibilities to mentalhealth patients,prostitution, andworkplace concerns likecustomer care,employee’s attitude towork and timemanagement.

This conflagration ofmessaging pushed theoverall tone of the scriptto a preachy kind of vibe.Moreover, proper plotpoint development couldnot quite take placebecause of the influx ofconcerns to be addressed.For that reason, the

audience did not alwaysconnect with emotivesother than laughter. So,when ‘Ants’ attempted totrace the roots of hismental illness, one washardly moved toempathize with him.

The director’schallenge then becomesone of balance betweenthe wordiness of thescript and translated,appropriate action on thestage. He/She must alsohelp guide the actors toappreciate theirresponsibility tomaintain that suspendedreality that breedsbelievability.

This second staging of‘The Bar’ enjoyed abetter polish than thefirst run. Urban’s innateFestival maturity was

evident the whole nightthrough, as theproduction not onlystarted on time, butflowed seamlessly frombeginning to finalcurtains. There wereforgotten lines ormisplaced cues, to besure, but none wasglaringly obvious to thepatrons, and that, alongwith an exceptional frontof house service, ispraiseworthy.

Urban ExpressionTheatre Inc.definitely opened theBOSVG NationalTheatre Arts Festivalwith a bang. Up next isthe Division of NursingEducation PerformingArts Club with theiroriginal production‘Coconut Hut’.


TheatreVThe Bar: A Review

Nerissa King and Jeremy Boyde in confrontationalexchange.

Right: Cast with local arts Patron and formerMinister of Culture Rene Baptiste.

Continued from Page 8.

On second thought, I would plump forDr. Parmenos Eustace’s election to thisaugust circle, having been impressed bythe advocacy of Curtis King, TheoBrowne and, especially Vin Samuel whore-awakened in me the real worth of Dr.Eustace, earlier preached to me byEddie Griffith and Dr. Walford Thomsonwho enlisted in the Doc’s originaleducation revolution.

We have to ignore the honeyed wordof our Prime Minister on IndependenceDay, particularly in reference to theslate of national heroes which hepromised to have ready before next

Independence Day, with Rene’ Baptisteas Chairman. Dr. Gonsalves had stalledthe process for 15 years.

Also, the presentation of History ofSVG by several authors was alsosuggested by his Government fifteenlong years ago!

Dr. Gonsalves must accept that thepeople’s goodwill for him has been trulyforfeited. Hopefully, after the court hasspoken on the election petition case, hewould have lost legal power, bearing inmind that he never possessed moralauthority.

It is only a matter of time which islonger than twine.

Our final complement of National Heroes

FRIDAY, November 04,2017 marked the 39thanniversary of Dominica’sindependence fromBritain, and to mark theoccasion, Dominicansresident in SVG gatheredat the Financial Complexin a flag-raising ceremony.

The event served atwo-fold purpose: tocommemorate theanniversary ofindependence, and toshow solidarity withtheir country men andwomen who sufferedimmensely from athorough battering byHurricane Maria.

The event was a mixof cultural performancesand addresses from bothDominicans andgovernment officials andLeader of the Opposition.

The RSVG PoliceBand provided musical

interludes and renderedboth national anthemsflawlessly. This wasfollowed by the hoistingof the Dominican flagand reciting of thenational prayer.

Messrs. Laura Browneand Josette Williams

gave an historicalbackdrop aboutDominica, as well asenumerated thechallenges that lay aheadas Dominica struggles torebuild.

Mr. Nelson Pierreprovided some culturalentertainment, as well assharing his personalexperience during thepassage of Maria.

As a mark of respectto departed Dominicansliving in SVG and thosewho lost their life as aresult of Maria, a minuteof silence was held.

Addressing thegathering from thegovernment bencheswere Minister ofEconomic DevelopmentCamillo Gonsalves, whowas joined by Leader ofthe Opposition Dr.Godwin Friday.

Both gentlemenempathized with theirstricken neighbours, andpledged maximumsupport as the countryrebuilds, even as theywere mindful that these

natural events willbecome more frequentand more intense ifglobal warming is notheld in check.

Gonsalves, inparticular, noted that thedeveloped countries werethe ones generating theexcess carbon that hasupset the balance naturecreated, and that we inthe Caribbean were thevictims of theseabnormal weatherevents.

He went on to statethat the onus was onthese countries to helpfledgling economies likeours to rebound fromthese disasters.

Cabinet has alsoapproved Nov. 04 asDominica Solidarity Day,which will now be anannual event.

Last Friday’s activitywas organized by theDominican Association ofSt. Vincent & theGrenadines incollaboration with thegovernment of SVG.

Dominica FeatureV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. 15.

A FIVE-MEMBER team from St.Vincent Electricity Services Limited(VINLEC) left the island on SundayNovember 5th for the Commonwealthof Dominica to assist with therestoration of electricity.

Electricity supply in Dominica wasseverely disrupted following thepassage of Hurricane Maria. Reportsindicate that a large number of areasare still without power and requireextensive work. The team, which isbeing led by Mr. Alston Scott (LineSupervisor - Maintenance), will workwith staff from Dominica Electricity

Services Limited (DOMLEC) andother regional utilities to rebuild thenetwork and restore electricity.

The other members of the team areMr. Mowai Latham - Lineman 2, Mr.Dwight Roberts - Lineman 2, Mr.Lamont Sterling - Lineman 3, and Mr.Stanley Laidlow - Lineman 3.

VINLEC is pleased to be able tocontribute to the rebuilding of theseCaribbean countries. The islands ofAnguilla and the British VirginIslands also received technicalassistance from VINLEC after theirsystems were damaged by the passageof hurricanes.

Members of the Dominican Restoration team.

VINLEC team assisting withelectricity restoration in Dominica

The Dominica Flag takesa place of prominencealongside the SVG Flag.

Dominicans stage first everFlag-Raising Ceremony

Dominicans gathered on the grounds of the Financial Complex to mark theircountry’s independence and bring a greater awareness to the plight of theircountry men and women.

Nelson Pierre offered a taste of Dominican music,a fitting inclusion in the day’s programme.

Minister of EconomicDevelopment CamilloGonsalves raised again,the obligation on thepart of guilty parties tohelp fledglingeconomies.

Leader of theOpposition Dr. GodwinFriday pledgedcontinuing support forthe re-building effort inDominica.


EntertainmentV

KESTER CHAPMANenhanced his status asa Soca artiste with twobig songs in 2017:‘Whole hog’ and‘Jessica’. He took partin the National SocaMonarch at VictoriaPark, and even thoughhe was not in the topbracket, he admits thathe has been “highlyrecognized”.

Known in theentertainmentindustry as ‘Flanka’,Chapman hails fromthe interior region ofVermont, and hasbeen nurturing alatent talent for someyears.

It was not until asojourn in Canada,that he became attached to the studiovibes. That was when a friend wasworking on some dance hall material.

Flanka advised that Soca was the

way to go, and tookthe cue himself.

He did severalrecordings, and in2015 he launched intothe arena with anumber called ‘Nomanners’. He followedthat with ‘WarTanker’ in 2016, butnothing compares withhis 2017 explosion.

‘Flanka’ is gearedup for the 2018festival, but beforethat, he is broadeninghis appeal, intendingto add to hisrepertoire with anumber entitled ‘Heatup the Christmas’,especially for this

year’s Nine Mornings Festival.‘Flanka’ is bent on staking a claim

in the cultural arena, and as he movesfull steam ahead, he is encouraged byfamily and friends.

ÂFlankaÊflinging ÂHeatÊ

Flanka 2: Kester ‘Flanka’Chapman.

18 CHEFS GRADUATED withAdvanced Level certificates fromthe Alvin’s Culinary Instituteduring a graduation ceremonyheld at the Kingstown TechnicalInstitute Saturday 4th,November.

The students as well asfamily members, members ofthe Kingstown TechnicalInstitute and Alvin’s CulinaryInstitute gathered outside theKingstown Institute buildingfor the graduation ceremony.The Advanced Level courseinvolved practical andtheoretical sessions.

The students smiled anddisplayed happiness as theywere presented with ChefJackets and certificates. Butthere was no one as proud asAnnesa Caesar theValedictorian, who hails fromthe North Leeward communityof Spring Village.

Caesar during hervaledictory speech said thatwhen she first heard about theCulinary Art class, she becameexcited, since she has interestin cooking, and since joining,she has no regrets. “I must saythat it was fun andeducational,” said Caesarconcerning the course. She saidshe found inspiration from some

of her colleagues, while otherssaw the course as acompetition. “I must say thanksto Ali (Alvin Jackson) who waslike a father, a counselor and apeace maker in this group”. Shealso commended her fellowgraduates, and concluded bytelling them “You don’t receiverespect if you don’t earn it”.

Chef Alvin “Ali” Jackson isthe driving force behind theadvance culinary course andalso the tutor. He said that hestarted doing basic cookingclasses at the YWCA, but thestudents from the basic classencouraged him to do anadvance level course. “Thisyear, I started the advancelevel, and this is the secondbatch of graduates, and there isa third batch already on theway,” he said. The certificatethat the students received upongraduation is certified by theMinistry of Education. “I amvery proud, really really proudand very much impressed. Thebatch before this did well andthis batch also did extremelywell, and it shows that peopleare learning, and if I canimpart some knowledge untosome, I am willing to teach asmuch as I can,” said Jackson,

who revealed that hehas great plans forthe future which willbenefit the entirecountry. “We haveplans to open aculinary college in St.Vincent”.

Principal of theTechnical InstituteBertillon Hamiltonencouraged thegraduates to aimhigher and to achievea CaribbeanVocationalQualification (CVQ)so that they canmove within theregion. “This is justthe foundation, and Ihope you can moveon to higher qualification,”declared Hamilton.

Featured speaker NegusBynoe paid tribute to Jackson,noting that he has numerousqualifications, but he chooses tohelp persons develop theirculinary skills.Bynoe told thegraduates thatthey have thepotential toreach as far asthey want in

the culinary arts. “I believe thatyour experience at this point isreally just the tip of the iceberg.I believe that the potential isinside of you, you just have toreach in and tap into it,” saidBynoe.

He encouraged Alvin to

continue on his journey, tellingthe audience that Jackson is onthe right path.” He is thinkingahead, and I want to encouragehim to continue to do that.”

A number of students alsopaid tribute to Jackson as wellas their colleagues. KH)


AlvinÊs Culinary Institutegraduates 18

SVGCC congratulatesCAPE studentsTHE ST. VINCENT AND THEGRENADINES Community College(SVGCC) wishes to congratulate all ourstudents on the May/June 2017 CAPEsittings.

Some of our students performedextremely well and are ranked in the topten in the region in this year’s results.

Ms. Abigail Scott was ranked No.2 forthe CAPE Biology Unit 2, 3rd forChemistry Unit 2, and 9th for PureMathematics Unit 2.

For Geography Unit 2, Ms. ThandiMyers and Mr. Daree Myers are ranked4th and 6th respectively.

In Physical Education and Sport Unit2, the SVGCC copped 4 of the top tenplaces. Ms. Cherice Roberts, Ms. GlendaHarry, Mr. Akinde Samuel and Ms.Shaniqua La Borde are all ranked 3rd,4th 7th and 9th respectively.

We thank the students, parents andlecturers for their hard work in theacademic year 2016-2017. Specialmention must be made of the followinglecturers whose students have achievedthe above rankings in the mentionedsubject areas: Mrs. Jo-Ann Marshall-Thompson-Biology Unit 2; Mrs. VeronicaJohn-Luke-Chemistry Unit 2; Mr.Wayne Young - Pure Mathematics Unit2; Mr. Allanson Cruickshank -Geography Unit 2, and Mr. Roxell JohnPhysical Education and Sport.

Mr. John must be especiallycommended, as this is the first year that

so many Vincentianstudents have beenranked in the topten regionally for asingle subject. Lastyear, only twoVincentian studentsmade it into theCXC Merit lists:Abigail Scott was 5th in Unit 1Chemistry, and Richard John was 1stfor Integrated Mathematics and 6th forComputer Science Unit 2.

The St. Vincent and the GrenadinesCommunity College takes thisopportunity to wish the students all thebest in their future endeavours.

Nothing limits Excellence!

The complete lists can be found athttp://www.cxc.org/merit-lists/

Thandi Myers

Daree Myers

Abigail Scott

Graduates pose with tutor Alvin Ali Jackson (in black).

THE NUMBER of gun-relatedkillings continues to increase, astwo men were gunned down onThursday, November 2, in Belair.

Dead are Mrie Holder, a 19-year-old mechanic of Belair, and Orlando“Young Money” Jackson, 26 years,a labourer of Cane End. MendorraSimmons, 21 years of Belair, wasshot in her left thigh during theshooting, but up to press time wasstill warded at the Milton CatoMemorial Hospital (MCMH).

Reports are that the trio werewalking in the area of the GomeaPrimary School on their way tovisiting a friend, when a mandisguised in a hoodie approached themand started shooting. Holder was shotin his head and about his body andsuccumbed to his injuries sometimeafter 1 am at the hospital.

Police saythey areinvestigatingthe incident,but no one has been apprehended. Thedouble murder has brought thenumber of homicides to 37, and moreoutcries come from civilians forsomething to be done to stop the floodof gun-related killings.

THE PEOPLE OF NORTHLEEWARD will beinconvenienced after twobridges in that area weredamaged following theheavy rain last weekend.

However, Minister ofTransport and WorksSenator Julian Francissaid that every effort willbe made to ensure that

the issue isresolved in theshortest possibletime.

Addressingthe members ofParliament onTuesday,Francis made aministerialstatement wherehe spoke of thetwo bridges thatwere damagedlast Sunday andMonday.

According tothe minister, onSunday, theabutment forone of thebridges gaveway, and onMonday, acrater was

formed on anotherbridge.

A team was supposedto visit both sites andprovide an assessment,Francis said.

But certainly, theresidents were expectedto be inconvenienced wellbeyond the Christmas

season, the ministercontinued.

While dispellingrumours that thedamage was caused bythe earthquake thatrocked the country onSunday morning, Francissaid that the episodes ofheavy rainfall have beenhaving an adverse effecton the country’sinfrastructure.

For example, he saidthat, based oninformation provided,some four inches of rainfell on Saturday night,and it was expected thatanother two to fourwould fall on Sunday.

“Rain continues toterrorize us in thiscountry. I know it is thework of the Almighty,but you can take somuch.”

“The limited landspace that we have, thesteep mountain sides, therush of the waterscoming down the hill,just destroys everythingin its path,” he said.

Aside from the two

bridges at NorthLeeward, Francisidentified two otherareas that warrantedimmediate attention.

According to thetransport and worksminister, the Noel andOverland Rivers werecausing problems withthe large volumes ofwater.

“On Sunday, we hadsix feet plus of

sedimentation at theNoel River,” he saidadding that the time hadcome for bridges to bebuilt across these fords.

“We cannot have theseparticularly remote areasbeing cut off.”

But over the years, therain has wreaked havocon the country.

Some 691mm (about28 inches) of rain wasdumped on St Vincent

and the Grenadines backin November 2016 — hesaid.

And so far for theyear, the rainfall was asfollows: 105mm inJanuary; 63mm inFebruary; 105mm inMarch; 174mm in April;84mm — May; 236mm —June; 172mm — July;335mm — August;244mm — September and343mm in October. (DD)


NewsVTorrential rain an issue

WORKERS ATTELECOMMUNICATIONSCompany FLOW had to vacatethe building’s headquarters onHalifax Street, after someone called ina bomb threat on Wednesday.

Police cordoned off the area betweenthe St. Vincent Building and Loan andCoreas City Store on the southern sideand the Ministry of Education to thenorth, as detectives went searching fora bomb. However, no bombs werefound. Affected though, were manypersons carrying out normal businessand working activities in the area,who were disrupted. The flow of trafficwas also interrupted, with traffic

having to be diverted to McKie’s Hill.Flow employees waited patiently to

return to work, while the officersprevented persons from traversing thearea.

Up to press time when THEVINCENTIAN contacted the police forinformation concerning the bombthreat, none was forthcoming. Anemployee at FLOW, however, toldTHE VINCENTIAN that someone hadcalled to report that a bomb wasplaced inside the building. (KH)

2 killed, 1 survivor inBelair shooting

Minister of Transport and Works,Senator Julian Francisaddressed the issue of damagedbridges across the state as aresult of heavy rain.

FLOW gets bomb scare

L-R: Mrie Holder, a19-year-oldmechanic of Belairand OrlandoJackson, a 26-year-old labourer ofCane End.

Employees of FLOW as well ascurious onlookers, waitedoutside the Coreas building.

Law enforcement personnel, includingfirefighters, were quick to secure thescene.

OVER 300 delegates fromAsia, Africa, the Americasand the Caribbean, onWednesday, November 8,began three days ofintensive discussions oncritical issues in the globalbanana industry, as theWorld Banana Forumopened its Third GlobalConference in Geneva,Switzerland.

Delivering the openingaddress at theConference, theChairman of theExecutive Committee of

the Forum, Mr RenwickRose, called for “newforms of engagementsand exemplaryrelationships” to beforged by the multipleplayers in the industry inorder to avoid thenegative situations of thepast which had led to avirtual “race to thebottom”.

He said that the so-called “banana wars” ofthe past and intensecompetition betweenretailers, had hurt all

involved in the industry,especially smallproducers. The pathembarked upon by theBanana Forum ofdialogue andcollaboration for mutualbenefit, is the only wayforward, and theexperience of the Forumis already demonstratingthat.

One example of thiscollaboration is theproduction of anOccupational Health and

Safety manual, acooperative effortbetween memberorganisations of theForum, with support ofthe International LabourOrganisation (ILO). TheManual, which coversrecommendations onhealth and safety issuesin the banana industry,is part of a pilot projectin Ecuador andCameroon. It wasofficially launched at theOpening Ceremony of the

Conference by theMinister of Labour ofEcuador, Mr RaulClemente Ledesma.

A special conferenceon “Gender Equity” inthe banana industry tookplace on Tuesday, andmade a number ofrecommendations toimprove the well-being ofwomen in the bananaindustry. It was attendedby WINFA Coordinator,Ms Kozel Peters-Fraserwho described it as “veryproductive” andeducational.

A number ofrecommendations weremade by the Women’sConference to the mainConference, coveringsuch issues as makingbanana productionattractive for women, theprovision of child-carefacilities, micro-financing, empoweringwomen and fosteringtheir participation indecision-making, as wellas combating sexualharassment and gender-based violence.

Ms Peter-Fraser willaddress the Conferencetomorrow as part of aPanel examining “Afairer distribution ofvalue”.

ST. VINCENT and the Grenadineswas represented by The GarifunaHeritage Foundation (TGHF) at aSeminar organised by Impact Justice,a Project funded by the Government ofCanada, in Georgetown, Guyana fromOctober 9th-11th, 2017. The purposeof the Seminar was to review TheAmerican Declaration on the Rights ofIndigenous Peoples and to discuss theFormation of a CARICOM Associationof Indigenous Peoples. TGHF travelledto Guyana to make a presentation atthe Seminar.

The American Declaration on theRights of Indigenous Peoples wasadopted by the OAS in June 2016. TheIndian Law Resource Center ofWashington D.C made a presentationon the Declaration, and a discussionwas held on what can be done toengage the Governments of the regionto implement these rights. At the endof the meeting a statement wasproduced as follows:

“Statement of the Network ofIndigenous and Tribal Peoples of theCaribbean Region” Georgetown,Guyana 11 October 2017

“Representatives of Indigenous andTribal Peoples (ITPs) of the CaribbeanRegion have gathered in Georgetown,Guyana from 09 — 11 October 2017 topause and reflect on the status of thefulfillment and protection of ourrights, as reflected in, among others,the UN Declaration on the Rights of

Indigenous Peoples and the AmericanDeclaration on the Rights ofIndigenous Peoples. The meeting wasconvened by IMPACT Justice, aProject funded by the Government ofCanada.

We have concluded that there aremany commonalities and similarconcerns, challenges but alsoopportunities among the indigenousand tribal peoples of the Caribbeanregion. The meeting concluded that weneed to have a stronger voice,strengthen solidarity, have moreeffective influence on policies thataffect us and proactively undertakeour self-determined actions. We havetherefore decided to establish aNetwork of Indigenous and TribalPeoples of the Caribbean Region withimmediate effect. Over the next fewmonths, further networking andconsultations will take place, both atnational and at regional level to givethe network further form andcontent.”

“The meeting was attended bydelegates from Belize, Guyana,Suriname, St. Vincent and theGrenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.”

This statement was agreed uponand circulated to the United NationsPermanent Forum on IndigenousIssues (UNPFII).

It is expected that follow updiscussions will shortly be held by theIndigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITPs).

International RelationsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. 19.

Set new standards of engagement

Renwick Rose,Chairman of theExecutive Committeeof the Forum.

Delegates at the Seminar.

The Garifuna HeritageFoundation attends Seminarorganised by Impact Justice

Dear George,

MY GIRLFRIEND admitted to me that the reasonwhy she punched holes into the condoms I usuallyuse with her, was because her ex-boyfriend madeher do it, so in case she got pregnant for him, Iwould think the child is mine. I asked her howcome he was able to even be in a position to make

such a suggestion, and she confessed thatshe was still in a sexual relationship withhim. She said that is all over now, but I donot believe her because as she was tellingme that he texted her and asked that shemeet him at his house for another “session.”That was after she said they broke off thatrelationship months ago. I told her to getlost, but she is going about telling peoplethat she was the one who dumped me afterfinding me in bed with one of her girlfriendswhom she cannot name. She calls my phoneevery day, begging me to bury the hatchetand get back with her but I have not paidher any mind since. Why do I still feel guiltyfor chasing her away?

Hurt and confused

Dear H&C

I believe the reason why you may befeeling guilty could be the way in which youended the relationship. If you did so in theharshest of ways and out of character, thenthat could explain your guilty feelings. Haveanother talk with her and calmly explain toher that she is not the person whom you arelooking for to be your life long mate, and tellher why. You cannot be with someone if youcannot trust them, and once trust is beingbroken habitually, then it becomes abigger problem. Stick to your decision if youmust, but let her know that her actions haveconsequences, which is why she is now out inthe cold.

George

Dear George,

I AM A TEACHER at aSecondary School and Iam having a problem.

There are at least fiveor more students whohave been coming on tome in the most candid ofways. At least three ofthem are in fifth formand will be leaving schoolsoon, but the others arein third form. The onesin third form look evenmore mature andsexually appealing thanthe ones who are in fifthform. They are invitingme to have sex withthem, and they do notcare if it is one or more ofthem. That is howdesperate the situationis. I must admit that Iwent as far as to kiss twoof them, but that wasall. Is there anythingwrong with me at leastkissing them and waitinguntil they are out ofschool to have sex withthem? One of themthreatened to tell myfiancée about mydealings with her if I do

not make love to her. Iam caught in the middleand do not know what todo. I do not want myfiancée to find out abouther, and I am beginningto think that I shouldjust give her what shewants and shut herup. What do you think?

Questions from ateacher

Dear Questions from ateacher,

You have begun to diga hole that willeventually swallow youup if you continue to dig.You are placed in aposition of trust andauthority, and youshould not see yourstudents as candidatesfor sex, but rather aschildren who were putunder your care with aview to preparing themfor the future and life.The physical contact youhave had thus far withthose in question, iswrong and a violation ofthat trust. I must also

mention that your actionis enough to have legalconsequences. I suggestthat you get professionalhelp as soon as possible

before you make anothermove.

George

Dear George,

MY BOYFRIEND loves women who have big boobs andbutt. I do not have either, and to keep him, we agree tolet him have a relationship with my best friend who haswhat he is looking for. We agree that he would get hissexual satisfaction from her, but would remain with meand have me as his main woman. Months after we didthis hook up, he has developed a serious relationship withmy friend, and now they are talking marriage. She hasthe gall to ask me to be her maid of honour! I am out andshe is in. I do not deserve this after I have tried to be soaccommodating.

Tricked

Dear Tricked,

You handed your boyfriend the woman he reallywanted on a silver platter, andnow you are complaining afterhe is now fully satisfied.Consider your actions asmisguided, and if you cannotbe happy for your now ex-boyfriend, then forget that allof this ever happened andmove on with your life. Thereis a man out there who islooking for exactly what youhave. Just be patient and takethe time to find him.

George


AdviceVCaught in the middle Why do I

feel guilty?

I’m out and she’s in


LeisureVACROSS

4. Highest mountain in Crete8. Hemmed in by ice11. Periods of history13. Vessel or duct14. Sweetbrier15. Notion17. Cut and dried grass18. Bristles19. Bowler hat21. Gave food22. Furniture wood24. Glass container27. Endure29. Purse31. Plant juice33. Something that is owed35. New Zealand parrot36. Leave out38. Vagrant40. Pending42. Tides that attain

the least height43. Cut45. Kaput49. Large flightless bird50. To endure51. Petty quarrel52. French clergyman

DOWN

1. Separate2. Barren place3. Female deer4. Relative by marriage5. June 6, 1944

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23)You can win if you're open and up frontwith your boss. Be sure to double‐check thehouse on your way out. Listen to a goodfriend who is truly looking out for your bestinterests. Travel will be most enticing.Consider a cruise.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22)Try to be patient with their inability toaccept your new beliefs. Things are lookingup. Romance may be better than you everthought possible. You will find your person‐al partner taxing this week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21)You may want to tell someone how youreally feel. Try a barbecue or a day at thebeach. You will have no problem gettingyour point across to those in a position tohelp you. Travel and entertainment will bepleasurable.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20)You will find that social activities will beenjoyable and will promote new connec‐tions. You may find yourself in the limelightfor the wrong reasons. Delays are evident.Do something that will be stimulating andcreative.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19)If boredom has set in, find new and uniquedirections that offer interesting friendships.Friends or groups that you're affiliated withmay want you to contribute more cash thanyou can really afford. Don't be afraid toconfront situations concerning loved onesin order to solve any problems that mayexist.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20)You will have to check your cash flowbefore you decide to indulge in hobbies orentertainment that may be beyond yourbudget. Your self esteem will come back ifyou take part in organizational functionsthat allow you to be in the lime light. Youcan't always have your own way.

6. Trinity7. Consumers9. Juniper10. Exclamation

of disgust11. Anesthetic12. Black bird16. In bed20. Unit of linear

measure21. Craze23. Bottom of

ship’s hull25. Fine26. Ruin28. Ebony29. Ingot30. Needlefish31. Noises32. Mines

34. Old measure of capacity

35. French military Cap

37. Fungal infection

39. 19th letter of the Greek

alphabet41. Leg or arm44. Tavern46. Arrest47. Flow back48. Coloring

material

LA

ST

WE

EK

’sS

OL

UT

ION

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20)Sudden changes regarding friendships arelikely to occur if you have tried to changeothers. Travel could be in order. You will dowell with clients this week. You could meetan interesting individual you'll want to getto know better. TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21)A quiet restful day just staying in bed orcatching up on reading will be your bestbet. You may find that someone you livewith may be irritable; you're best to leavethem alone. Do not over expand if youhave your own business. Sit tight.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21)People you live with will not be terriblyhappy with you regardless of what you dothis week. You can convince anyone ofanything. Channel your energy into proj‐ects that will enhance your home. Lookinto family outings or projects.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22)Just be yourself. Lovers will be demanding.You are best to sign your partner up foractivities that will be tiring. You will meetnew and exciting people if you attendsocial activities or sporting events. Youmight find that the extra cash will come inhandy when an opportunity to investcomes along.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22)Take the initiative and go after your goals.Your confidence is growing and advance‐ment is apparent. Take the time to sort outyour personal papers and double‐checkyour financial investments. this week willbe hectic.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23)You will have no problem getting yourpoint across to those in a position to helpyou. Relatives will be cordial. Get thewhole family involved in a worthwhilecause or cultural event. Don't blow situa‐tions out of proportion.


NewsV

AN EMPLOYEE shall be appointed to aposition commensurate with his or herqualifications within reasonable time ofthe completion of his or her studies,provided that the Ministry of Educationhas approved such studies and theemployee is qualified for promotion, inaccordance with the Public ServiceCommission Regulations.

This is a quote from the CollectiveBargaining Agreement of 2005between the Teachers Union and theGovernment of St. Vincent and theGrenadines, which was highlighted ina Press Conference held on Monday bythe St. Vincent Teachers Union, andwas an integral part of theirpresentation.

With the announcement by PrimeMinister Ralph Gonsalves in hisrecent Independence Speech, of theappointment of 100 GraduateTeachers, Industrial Relations OfficerOtto Sam is of the opinion that thisannouncement was as a result ofUnion Pressure, calling on theGovernment to adhere to Article 26-2and 27-3 of the Collective BargainingAgreement of 2005.

Sam also stated that, while theappointment is partially pleasing,there are Graduate Teachers whohave retired and were legally entitledto be appointed, that should alsoretroactively receive compensationbased on the agreement, some from asfar back as 2005.

The Union also announced a weekof activities dubbed TeachersSolidarity Week "Defending WorkersRights: An Imperative," beginning onSunday, November 12th with Church

Service to be held at the Hope for LifeRestoration Ministries in Arnos Vale.Other Activities include the AnnualGeneral Meeting to be held onWednesday, November 15th at theThomas Saunders SecondarySecondary School at 4pm, and aMarch and Rally on Friday, November17th from the Peace Memorial Hall tothe Bishop’s College Kingstown HardCourt.

The Union also announced plansafoot to implement a Health Insurancefund for its Members, costingapproximately Five Dollars per Month.

Continued from Back Page.

and put them on a legal footing, andwe have to strengthen theadministrative framework.”

Other neighbouring Caribbeanterritories have done it, but the timehad come to ensure the safety ofworkers throughout St Vincent andthe Grenadines.

The Bill began as a modellegislation from the ILO, but hadtaken on a different look, according toGonsalves, through the OECS andfollowing the meeting of the selectcommittee.

It contains 13 parts, makingprovisions for the enactment and,according to Gonsalves, speaks to thesetting up of an advisory body, andchief and medical inspectorates.

The role of the chief inspectorate

will be to control officers, andprovision was also made for a medicalinspector.

An important part of the Bill, nowAct, is that provisions have beenmade allowing for workers to refuseto perform duties if the individualfeels that their life or health is injeopardy.

Conditions under which a workercan refuse to work are spelt out in theAct, Gonsalves said.

Now that the Bill has been passed,Gonsalves explained that the intentwas not to enact it into law “in oneswoop,” but it would be implementedin phases in order that thegovernment be in a position to followthrough on setting up the requiredbodies and inspectorates, and to allowfor business houses to be given timeto make the relevant adjustments.

OSH gets Houseapproval

Position should becommensuratewith qualifications

Industrial Relations Officer, OttoSam.

AWESOME FC WERE, lastSunday, crownedChampions of the SouthEast Development Inc.Football League, at theStubbs Playing Field.

The East St George-based Awesome beatVolcanoes 3-2, in ahighly competitive final.Their goals came fromOmar Cupid — (two) andLeslo Mc Kenzie theother. Hosni Chandlerand Kishorn Durhamscored for Volcanoes.

It was Awesome FC’sthird visit to the final,but the first time comingout on top.

Zeddie Millington of

Awesome FC was namedPlayer of the Final.

In the semifinals,Awesome overcameUnited 3-0, whileVolcanoes saw offDiamond 2-0. Diamondwent on to beat United 8-0in the third place playoff.

Awesome collected$1500, the first placetrophy and the FrankieBrowne EvaluationServices challenge shield;Volcanoes - $1000 and atrophy, and third placeDiamond- $800 and atrophy.

Awards

Apart from winningthe top place, AwesomeFC were able to snatchother awards.

Individually, KizaniHaynes won the BestGoal Keeper award;Lezlo Mc Kenzie — MostGoals, and DominqueStowe- Most OutstandingManager.

Awesome FC also wonawards as the BestAttacking Team and theMost Disciplined Team.

Meanwhile, CountryMeet Town QUESCO’sNazir Mc Burnett wasnamed Best Striker;Mazique Herbert of

Volcanoes- BestMidfielder, and IshamaMc Ree of United- BestDefender.

Volcanoes copped theBest Defending Team.

The individualawardees, all receivedcash prizes, trophies andphone credit fromDigicel.

Also, the MostValuable Players of eachof the fourteen teams,were awarded withtrophies.

President of the SouthEast Development Inc. —Yolande Londonannounced at lastSunday’s presentation

ceremony, that with herorganisation celebratingits tenth anniversary in2018, all competitions,inclusive of the Football

League, will be restrictedto the twelvecommunities in theSouth East belt.

V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017. 23.

Awesome FC takes SEDIInc. Football title

ROBERT “BOB”BALLANTYNE, has vouchedthat he will not compete atanother Open Men’s Singlescategory National TableTennis Tournament, as the

2017 edition was his last.His official signing off was

last Thursday night at theWest St George SecondarySchool’s auditorium, when hefailed to wrest the title fromCarlton Daniel.

Daniel, who won the title in2016, retained his crown,beating Ballantyne, 11/5,12/10, 11/7, 11/9.

Before reaching the final,Ballantyne defeated KavirGaymes 11/5, 11/9, 9/11, 11/2in the quarter finals, andhumbled Damion Dublin, 11/6,11/9, 11/7, 12/10, in their semi-final showdown.

Daniel, on the other hand,displaced Joseph Carringtonin the quarter finals, 11/3,8/11, 11/7, 11/7, and took outSean Stanley, 13/11, 4/11,11/4, 11/5, 11/2, in the semi-finals.

On the night, Ballantyne

was seeking a swansongoccasion, as he attempted totake three crowns. The 57-year-old, who blamed“tiredness” for his loss toDaniel, had to settle for two,the Masters’ Singles and theMen’s Doubles.

In securing the Masters’title, Ballantyne blankedNixon Louis three games tonil, winning 11/4, 11/3, 11/5.He teamed up with CarltonDaniel to play unbeaten in theround robin Doublescompetition.

“I have had enough… I amdone with the Men’s Singles”,Ballantyne outlined. He,however, said that he willcontinue to compete in theMasters, and will represent StVincent and the Grenadines atthat level if called upon.

Ballantyne, a former OECSSingles winner, leaves

competing atthe Nationallevel, withmany Juniorand Seniortitles under hisbelt.

Coming froma sportingfamily,Ballantynegrew up inFrenches, witha Table Tennisboard alwaysat his disposal.

It was nosurprise thathe beganrepresenting StVincent andthe Grenadinesfrom the age of14, at the then WindwardIslands Tournament. He wenton to do so at sub- regional,

regional and internationalTable Tennis tournaments.

Bob Ballantyne bows out from National TT Singles

Robert “Bob” Ballantyne

Carlton Daniel

Awesome FC after copping the SEDI Inc. Football title at theStubbs Playing Field, last Sunday.

Left: Action in the finals between Awesome FC and Volcanoes.

Lezlo Mc Kenzie (right) accepts his Most Goalsawards from Shania Baxter.

--TWO FORMER WindwardIslands leading players,having been invited asguest speakers for the

official opening ceremonyof the Hope Playing Fieldlast Sunday, impartedvaluable advice to some of

this country’s top youngcricketers during theirvisit.

Junior Murray and

Thomas Kentishencouraged youngcricketers of theSVGCA/Lennox JohnCricket Academy and theNational Under-15 teampreparing for theupcoming WindwardIslands Under-15tournament.

Kentish, one ofWindward Islands andCombine Islands top offspinners, urged theplayers to take theircricket seriously, whiletaking note of the qualityof the coachessurrounding them. “I willlike you guys to practiseand play the game hard,because work hardbrings success. Also,taking your school workseriously is a plus tobeing a roundedindividual,” he impartedwhile wishing SVGplayers all the success inthe upcoming WindwardIslands tournament.

While addressing thethree females present atthe event, Kentish saidthat the future is brightin female cricket nowbecause more effort has

been put into women’scricket at the WestIndies level.

The off spinner alsotook the opportunity toextend thanks to theparents of the playerswho would have madevaluable contributionstowards his nativecountry Dominica, whichwas devastated by ahurricane recently. “Mycountry was hit by aCategory 5 hurricane,and things were reallybad, so I must applaudthe efforts by all whohave made contributionsto our country.”

Junior Murray, whoalso has a youth cricketacademy in Grenada,said he represented hisnation well. “It wasn’teasy and it’s not an easygame, but you have tohave the love andpassion for the game, youhave to learn to workhard because nothingcomes easy. If you wantto achieve something inlife, you have to work

hard, you have to setsmall goal first, butalways have in mind thebigger picture. Justlisten to your coachesand always look toimprove”.

Jomo Thomas,Speaker of the House ofAssembly and attorney-at-law, also addressedthe youngsters, statingthat he didn’t finish highschool, and had to workhard to achieve in life.“The science is out nowthat if you want to doanything well you willhave to put in 10,000hours of practice, and bydoing so, you will justhave to refresh yourselfwhile you still have thebasics and sufficientamount of knowledge tocarry you through so youmay not have to work ashard”.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Murray, Kentishencourage YouthCricketers


SportsV

VINCENTIAN, LindaMc Dowall scalpedthe Women’s Divisionof the South America10k in Guyana, lastSunday.

Mc Dowall’swinning time was 39minutes 50 seconds,ahead of secondplace- GrenadianKenisha Pascalwhose time was 40minutes 44 seconds.

Completing the topthree in the Women’sOpen was GuyaneseMaria Urquhart, whoclocked 44 minutes20 seconds.

While Mc Dowallwas able to get a podium finish,Junior Ashton, St Vincent and theGrenadines’ male representative inthe event, finished fifth.

Ashton’s 35 minutes 53 seconds,was over two minutes slower than thewinner- Cleveland Forde of Guyana.

Forde clocked 33minutes 42 seconds,to lead off Guyana’ssweep of the podiumplaces.

Behind Forde wasCleveland Thomas- 33minutes 51 seconds,with WinstonMissigher, third in 34minutes 05 seconds.

VeteranTrinidadian distanceathlete- Curtis Coxwas fourth, in a timeof 34 minutes 18seconds.

The race traverseda route from the GTTEarth Centre onCARIESTA Avenue to

the National Park.The two are the defending

champions of the internationalcategory of the Team Athletics SVGNACAC Chatoyer 10K Endurance,scheduled for 26th November, fromGordon Yard to the ChateubelairPlaying Field.

Players from the SVGCA/Lennox John cricket Academy and the National U-15 team.

Thomas Kentish, pastWindward Islands andCombined Islands offspinner.

Junior Murray,former West Indieswicket keeper.

Linda Mc Dowall wins SouthAmerica 10k in Guyana

Linda Mc Dowall


SportsV

SUNIL AMBRIS ought not to have difficultygetting into the West Indies Test side. He hasreplaced Kyle Hope. Ambris was put through aperiod, to which he responded in appropriatefashion.

He will have to be on guard for moves todemoralise him.

There is the undercurrent of insularity forwhich the Caribbean is grounded. No one forgetsthe Federation, even though we are together inmany aspects. The venom among territoriesprevents us from advancing.

Each nation has its characteristics. Barbadoshas produced a wealth of cricketers. FrankWorrell, Everton Weekes, Clyde Walcott, GarfieldSobers, Seymour Nurse, Wesley Hall, CharlieGriffith, Conrad Hunte, Gordon Greenidge,Desmond Haynes, Malcolm Marshall, and JoelGarner bear testimony of the Barbadian heritageon the world stage as far as cricket is concerned.

Many others will be spoken of, and more havecome and gone and never created the stir. So withthe West Indies cricket threatened by feud,Barbadians assumed ownership.

Other countries use Barbados as the standardbearer, and the rivalry is keener and morepurposeful once Barbados is involved.

Jamaica earns props on the world stagethrough Reggae music and athletics especiallywith the exploits of Usain Bolt. Trinidad andTobago has Calypso, carnival and steel pan toclaim.

Guyanese have been known to adjust, for beingpart of the South American mainland, people fromother regions find it strange that Guyana isCaribbean. They have gold and land.

They have other matters to contend with,including a dispute with Venezuela. Cricket hasserved as the nation’s therapy.

Frank Worrell predicted that the strength ofWest Indies cricket would be in the smallerislands. Other territories never took it seriously.They regarded it as an affront.

Cricket is a team sport. Once there is friction, itamounts to a lost cause. No smooth talk willcorrect the trend. West Indies players haveproduced. Selectors have to provide the material.Tour management have to overlook the partisanagenda.

Ambris will be into the New Zealand tourwhich will be a test of his character. He will notbe without well-wishers. The entire Vincentianpopulace greets his elevation with pride and asense of relief.

He is a man of the deep, and has been able toastonish with his skill and technique. Sunil hasbeen a diamond in the making almost from birth.His father Walford Ambris bears the humility ofthe typical Vincentian. He will be the happiestman, seeing that his early inspiration has reapedreward. History will record that Sunil would havewaited up for as long as needed, for his father tocome home to do some catching practice in the(nets) house, no matter what the hour.

Walford will be overjoyed when Sunil takes hisfirst catch.

Congrats to Sunil

SIXTEEN TEAMS will contest inthe 2017 Edition of the ASCONetball Tournament. Thecompetition resumes followinga two-year absence, and isexpected to be of a highstandard as the past years.

The opening last weekendat the Gomea Hard Court,witnessed addresses fromDenisford Foster, Presidentand founder of ASCO, whobelieves there is a lot one canachieve from getting involvedin netball, and urged thecaptains, managers andplayers to commit andeducate themselves towardsthe development of thegame, as ASCO will continue toplay their part to ensure theyproduce netballers at all levels.

Cecil McKie, Minister of Sports,presented some netballs for thesenior and junior competitions. Indoing so, he said “I am pleasedtoday, that we were able to add tothe teams in your variousdivisions in this competition, theWest St. George Primary Schoolsdevelopment festival, where wewill have the five primary schoolsin that area competing in thatfestival. We intend for this to bethe feeder ground into the ASCOand the Sion Hill competitions, sowe will have a team fromBelmont, Dorsetshire Hill, Belair,Gomea and Sion Hill. A coach

from the physical education andsports will be assigned to eachteam to work along with theschool, and we are hoping fromnext year, some of the youngplayers will go on and representSVG at the junior level.”

General Secretary of the SVGNetball Association DianRobinson, who congratulated theASCO Netball Association,stressed that as we look towardsthe development of netball,persons are encouraged to attendthe netball umpiring session everyTuesday at the Kingstown NetballCentre, as no team will be allowedto enter the competition in 2018without a practising umpire.

Five Primary Schools will be

part of the competition this year:Gomea Methodist, BelmontGovernment, Belair Government,Sion Hill Government andDorsetshire Hill Government. Theremaining teams are ASCO 1, 2, 3and 4, Pace Setters, YoungStrugglers, Everready FutureStars, Valley Scorchers, GreggsJuniors and Island Blend SuccessNetters 1 & 2.

The Best Dress and BestBanner went to Island BlendSuccess Netters, and GomeaMethodist School got second placein the Best Dress.

Games will be played eachevening at the Gomea HardCourt.

I.B.A.ALLEN

MICHEL CREESE, Rondre John,Mikel Hazelwood and CalebHoward took top spots in the justconcluded National Table TennisChampionships, which came to anend last Saturday at the West St.George Secondary School.

In the Pre -Cadet finals, Creesedefeated Secondary SchoolChampion Caleb Howard 5/11,11/4 12/10, 12/10; this was after

he gotan easypassageinto thequarterfnals,winningbydefaultover Tai

Ballantyne.In the Cadet

Division Semifinal,Creese overcame aspirited fight fromelder brother MiracCreese 12/10, 6/11,11/9, 4/11, and 11/8,to meetAkeil DeRoche inthe finals.

DeRoche, whohad beenimpressive for thewhole tournamentand in earlier Cadetdivision rounds, haddefeated CalebHoward in theQuarters, three games tozero: 11/4, 11/6, 11/8, and top

seed Rondre John threegames to two: 15/13, 12/14,11/8, 8/11, 11/7 could notcope with the controlattacking game ofCreese, and lost the finalsto Michel 11/6, 5/11, 11/7,

11/8.Rondre John,

playing asthe No. 3 seedin the Juniordivision,reboundedfrom hissurprising lossin the Cadetdivision to AkeilDeRoche, tomeet andconquer three-time defending

championAndreMitchell:10/12, 11/6,11/8, 7/11,11/5.

In theJuniorDoubles Open Finals: MikelHazelwood and Caleb Howardteamed up to capture the titlewhen they defeated AndreMitchell and Rondre John 14/128/11 10/12 13/11 11/5.

In the presentation ceremony,which followed, Michel wasawarded the Most OutstandingCadet Player trophy, Rondre Johnthe most Outstanding JuniorPlayer Trophy, and Akeil DeRochewas adjudged the Most PromisingCadet Player.

I.B.A.ALLEN

ASCO Netball shoots off

Teams being inspected during the opening ceremony.

Creese dominates National Juniors Tournament

Michel Creese, Pre-Cadet and Cadetchampion.

MikelHazelwood andCaleb Howardwon the JuniorsDoubles Openfinals.

RondreJohn capturedthe JuniorsSingles Open.

FOR LEASEGround and First Floor

Tyrel Street, near General Hospital, KingstownCan let separately.

Tel: 457-2110531-8458

THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED EverythingVincy Independence Festival that waspresented by the Vincy Motorsports Club(VIMOC) was deemed an overall success byboth our visitors and residents alike. Thisunique festival was made possible by acollaborative effort of VIMOC, SVGMotorcycle Club, Invest SVG, SVG AMP,Department of Culture, Midnight RacingClub & Kart Club SVG along with thefestival partners.

The series of events included severalmotorsport races, cultural performances,a business exposition, and a local musicconcerts all combined to highlight VincyPride and showcase all things Vincy. The9-day festival of events kicked off onSaturday, October 21, 2017, andconcluded on Sunday, October 29, 2017.The motoring aspect of this festival sawan influx of visitors from the region andbeyond. SVG received guests fromseveral Caribbean islands whichincluded over 145 automobiles andseveral hundred motorsport enthusiasts,by far the largest contingent ofmotorsports fans to grace our shores tohelp celebrate the 38th anniversary ofour independence.

At the end of it all, Vincentians wereentertained by some of the fastestvehicles from the region along with someincredible stunt and drift performances.With five (5) days of motoring events,this festival showcased our local talent,and brought together the best of thesouthern Caribbean to make history atthe decommissioned ET Joshua Airport.

The independence weekend saw twovery exciting events that brought themasses out to the ET Joshua Airport.Friday October 27th (Independence Day)saw the opening of the Everything VincyExpo in the terminal building. This expowas tastefully produced, and highlightedmany of our local businesses in thevarious economic sectors. While the expowas running in full gear, many gearswere shifting on the tarmac outside, asracers from SVG, St. Lucia & Grenadaparticipated in the 1st ever regionalsolodex time attack. This dexterity typespeed event tested the drivers’ skills asthey maneuvered through obstacles ontheir way to set the fastest time of theday.

Results of the Regional Solodex: 2WD Category— 1st Place (Fabian Holder of Barbados

— Toyota Cressida) 2nd Place (Stephan Goodluck of SVG —Shifter Kart) 3rd Place (Hadley Bourne of SVG —Honda Civic)

4WD Category- 1st Place (Llewelyn Duncan of

Grenada — Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) 2nd Place (Ike Alcindor of St. Lucia —Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) 3rd Place (Brian Evans of St. Lucia —Mitsubishi Lancer Evo)

Motorbike Category1st Place (Kevin Gibson)

The weekend also saw the first everRegional ¼ Mile Drag Race event to beheld in SVG. Dubbed “Deep Stage”, Dragcars & Bikes from TNT, Barbados,Grenada & St. Lucia joined our localracers to battle for the right to claim thefastest times in the various timebrackets.

The highlight of the weekend was thetwo Trinidadian dragsters: AndyBissessar with his Havoline sponsoredRail Car, and the famous Hollister“Flambo” Edwards in his popular Bucketv8 open wheel dragster. This was thefirst time a parachute was deployed toslow down a race car in SVG. That honorgoes to Andy and the Rail Car who alsoset the local record for the fastest timeon a full ¼ mile run of 8.4 seconds.Saturday’s entertainment began withthe test n tune segment for the dragracers, which was followed by theevening entertainment session.

Saturday evening’s entertainmentround brought out Mr. Fabian Holder,

drift specialist out ofBarbados, whodazzled the massivecrowd with hisprecision drivingskills and driftingstunts. A definitecrowd pleaser whowas complimentedby the ever-popularBajan Biker Sergio.Both of thesetalented individualsperplexed theaudience with thestunting skills.Sunday, October29th brought thefestival to a close asthe drag racing tookcenter stage. Several

of our local competitors came out to bepart of this momentous occasion.Throughout the day, we were given aglimpse of the potential growth ofmotorsport in SVG as thousands cameout to support the event.

Results of Deep Stage ¼ Mile DragRace: 8 Sec Bracket - Andy Bissessar (RAILCAR) TNT 8.48 Seconds

9 Sec Bracket - Kelvin “Bird” Daniel(Kawasaki ZX10) BGI 9.23 Seconds

10 Sec Bracket - Gregory Boyea(Mitsubishi Evo) SVG 10.44 Seconds

11 Sec Bracket - Gus Marcellin (NissanSkyline) SLU 11.11 Seconds

12 Sec Bracket — Brian Evans(Mistubishi Evo) SLU 12.93 Seconds

13 Sec Bracket — Pascal Reddock (NissanPulsar) SVG 13.30 Seconds

14 Sec Bracket - Carl Joseph (SubaruImpreza) SVG 14.06 Seconds

15 Sec Bracket — Bernard Williams(BMW 3 Series) 15.26 Seconds

Best of the Rest — Farrah Mascoll(Subaru Impreza) SVG 16.06 Seconds

Fastest Female — Nakita John(Mistubishi Evo X) SVG 13.52 Seconds

The final competition of theindependence weekend was the popular

Audio Warz Sound Clash which was heldin stages due to the weather. In the end,heated rivalries were on display, ascompetitors from the region clashed toclaim bragging rights in the soundcategories.

Sound Clash Results: Best SQ Lightweight - Team Unruly(SLU)

Loudest Lightweight - Team Mikie(GRE)

Best SQ Heavyweight - Team Joe Knows(SLU)

Loudest Heavyweight - Team THUG(SVG)

Grudge King: Team Joe Knows (SLU)

Best Install/Creativity - Team Hot Rod(SLU)

Overall Winner - Team Hot Rod (SLU)

Part of the culture package also sawthe introduction of the “Creole on thePromenade” series which showcasedlocal talent, food and craft for four dayson the FLOW promenade on HalifaxStreet. This portion of the event willlikely grow into a larger and moreinteractive cultural activity for the nextfestival in 2018.

The Everything Vincy FestivalCommittee wishes to thank the generalpublic for their amazing support of thefestival and its components. Specialthanks also goes out to the Minister ofTourism, Sports & Culture Hon. CecilMckie and the Chief Cultural Officer Mr.Anthony Theobalds for their support andinput into the overall product. Agracious thank you also to all our valuedfestival partners who helped make thisventure a success. Special mention alsoto Mr. Flambo Edwards, Ravi Rajpauland Patrick Nicholas of Trinidad fortheir generous work in preparing thetrack. Sincere gratitude also to theInvest SVG team and SVG AMP fortheir amazing work in bringing thefestival to greater heights. And to all themembers and fans of Vincy MotorsportsClub, SVG Motorcycle Club, MidnightRacing Club and Kart Club SVG…Thankyou! We look forward to bring you abigger and better festival in 2018 andbeyond. (Submitted)


Sports FeatureVEverything VincyMotorsport a success

Scenes from the Motorsport scene.


ClassifiedsV

LEON SAMUEL

Mt. Coke Methodist

ChurchStubbs

Saturday 4th November,

20173:00 p.m.

CHARMINE DURRANT

Maranatha Seventh Day

Adventist Church

Block 2000Monday 6th

November, 20172:00 p.m.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Family of the late NELCIA MOORE MC GUIRE of Calder

Ridge/Freeland, Mesopotamia who died on September 6th, 2017 would like

to thank all those who offered words of condolences, attended funeral, sent wreaths, cards, paid tributes on social media or sympa-

thized with us in any other way during our time of bereavement.

Your support was deeply appreciated.

Sadly missed by mother and father: Maple and David Moore, brothers-

grandmother, relatives and friends.

Rest in peace, our love.

JEANETTE DERRICK

New Testa-

ment Church

Saturday 4th November,

2017 3:00 p.m.

ADOLPHUS JOSEPH

SUTHERLAND

Roman Catholic Church

GeorgetownSaturday 4th

November, 20173:00 p.m.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017 VOLUME 111, No.45 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

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

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FOR

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Stories by DAYLE DASILVA

OPPOSITION ParliamentaryRepresentative for Central Kingstown, StClair Leacock has thrown his support tothe idea of the production of medicalmarijuana.

While making a presentation duringthe congratulatory remarks atTuesday’s session of Parliament,Leacock said that he had spoken tomembers of the visiting InternationalMonetary Foundation (IMF), and thatthe time had come for all involved torethink the position on medicalmarijuana.

He referred to an edition of the

‘Times’ magazine where there was anarticle detailing the amount of profitthat can be had from the crop.

“My position is that I am insupport,” he said.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves,a few years ago, spoke on the issue ofmedical marijuana, and while he saidthat he did not intend to pass any lawas it related to medical marijuana, hehas made provisions for open dialogueto further discuss the issue.

Leacock went on further to indicatethat he had also spoken to the IMFofficials about adding value to locallygrown fruits.

He highlighted the booming coconut

milk industry and all that wasbeing manufactured usingcoconuts.

“It is about time we show valueadded contributions to St Vincent,”said Leacock.

He said further that he wasvolunteering his time, and that ofthe New Democratic Party’s (NDP)shadow minister for agricultureRoland Matthews was to be part of asteering committee to work with thegovernment to see if they can develop

this country as an organic centre ofthe world.

“It is a great opportunity for us tocreate jobs [and], I am not afraid tocross the aisle on this matter,” he said.

THE OCCUPATIONAL Safety andHealth Bill successfully made itsrounds in Parliament and was passedduring last Tuesday’s session ofParliament.

The Bill replaces the Factory andOccupational Notification Acts, thisaccording to Camillo Gonsalves,Minister of Labour, and who movedthe motion for the Bill, declaring thatneed for an enhanced occupationalsafety Bill has been self-evident.

“The headlines in the country arereplete of workplace injury and deathin our country,” the labour ministersaid.

He identified instances whereindividuals were either injured or diedwhile on the job, and further

explained that one only needed todrive throughout the country, andthey will be able to see examples ofunsafe work practices.

“It highlights that the simple act ofgoing to work can be fraught withdanger, and you can be going to workas you do all the time, and ifconditions are not optimal, you can beinjured or worse, and we have themandate to provide an environment tocreate a culture of prevention and topreserve employee rights,” Gonsalvessaid.

According to statistics provided bythe International LabourOrganization (ILO), globally therewere about 3 million deaths related tooccupational deaths and or health

related illnesses. There was also a high number of

non-fatal injuries, or work placediseases, Gonsalves continued.

“As we open our doors for business,one of the first questions asked iswhat are minimum wages, whatpackage of concessions, and invariablyshortly thereafter, what is thelegislative framework for occupationalhealth and safety, and in our quest toattract entities, we may be attractingentities that have a different cultureof worker safety, and may have ahistory of paying less than optimalcare, and we have to strengthen thebest practices


OPPOSITION MEMBERSUPPORTS MEDICALMARIJUANA St Clair Leacock has become the

first member of the NewDemocratic Party (NDP) toopenly support a medicalmarijuana industry in St Vincentand the Grenadines.

Camillo Gonsalves, this country’sMinister of Labour, moved themotion for the new OccupationalSafety and Health Bill to become law.

OSH gets House approval

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