The National Newspaper Of St. Vincent And The Grenadines Friday,

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014 by HAYDN HUGGINS Attorney Kay BacchusBrowne acknowledges that the issue of sentence needs to be dealt with. VOLUME 108, No.04 THE CASE OF THIS COUNTRY’S lone death row inmate, Patrick Lovelace, is again before the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, as his lawyers move to save him from possible execution. The former long-distance runner of Belmont was sentenced to death February 26, 2010, for the July 2002 murder of 12-year-old female pannist, Lokeisha Nanton of Sion Hill. A 12-member jury had found him guilty July 15, 2009, following a retrial ordered by the Court of Appeal. On Monday, Lovelace’s attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne, in conjunction with the British Law Firm Simmons, Muirhead and Burton, filed an application before the Court of Appeal for extension of time to file an appeal against Lovelace’s sentence. The British Law Firm is representing Lovelace at the Privy Council, but the issue of sentence had not been dealt with at the regional level. In a judgment handed down March 2012, the Court of Appeal dismissed Lovelace’s appeal against conviction, but U.K-based lawyer Shiraz Aziz, who had conducted the appeal, did not appeal the sentence. To date, Lovelace’s conviction and sentence stand. Bacchus-Browne, who was retained to take Lovelace’s matter to the Privy Council, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, “The matter is still before the Privy Council, but the issue of sentence needs to be dealt with. If we don’t exhaust all possible avenues in the interest of justice, it is like sending him to the gallows.” Bacchus-Browne pointed out that it was an omission on www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 Patrick Lovelace remains on death row as his lawyers prepare for another round in his appeal. Left: U.K-based lawyer Shiraz Aziz did not appeal the sentence. the part of Aziz not to have appealed the sentence. The lawyer stressed, “This matter is extremely serious because it concerns the life of our client.” Bacchus-Browne had told THE VINCENTIAN in June 2012 that she had written to the relevant authorities, including the Prime Minister and the Governor General, requesting that Lovelace’s execution be stayed pending the outcome of an appeal to the Privy Council. Nanton’s nude body was found hanging from a mango tree in an area at Sion Hill called London Road, on the morning of July 2, 2002. An autopsy showed she was strangled. Vehicle involved in Hector’s death VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, James said that, based on the HEAD OF THE CRIMINAL result of Hector’s autopsy, “we Investigations Unit, Assistant (police) believe that the Superintendent of Police deceased was struck by a Sydney James, has indicated vehicle.” that a vehicle might have The autopsy indicated that been involved in the death of he died from ‘crash injuries to Rudolph Hector, a 54-year-old chest and abdomen, and mechanic of bleeding due to multiple Fountain/Brighton, whose injuries’. body was found on the public THE VINCENTIAN’s front road outside Huffles Ranch, in page story on January 10th, Brighton, on January 6. entitled ‘Was Hector Killed?’, Speaking to THE indicated that, based on by KENVILLE HORNE ASP Sydney James, Head of the CID, has advanced a view that a vehicle might have been involved in Rudolph Hector’s death. reliable information, something heavy would have had to have pressed on Hector’s body to cause the injuries visible on his body. The story referred also reported that members of Hector’s family “believed” that he was killed. Rudolph Hector lifeless body ASP James echoed the showed clear injuries to his Hector family’s appeal for chest and abdomen. persons who might have information relating to Investigations into Hector’s Rudolph’s death, to contact death are continuing. the police. V 2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Diaspora Nurses stage Winter Wonderland Entertainment Evening Story and photos by NELSON A. KING [email protected]; [email protected] US CORRESPONDENT DESPITE A PALL that was cast on the Vincentian community in the United States over the unexpected Christmas tragedy and destruction at home by a freak storm, the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc. still sought to put on a very brave face in staging its inaugural Winter Wonderland Entertainment Evening. “When we planned this event, this was not in our wildest dream,” Celia Bramble, the Evesham-born president and retired nurse told patrons at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, on Dec. 29, alluding to the Christmas Eve storm. “In one of our meetings, we said we’ll reach out to the rural areas — Biabou, Chateaubelair, etc. But look at what happened,” added the retired colonel in the US Army Reserve, while appealing for Liturgical dancers from Doreen Swift and Company. monetary contributions to the relief efforts. “When we heard about this, we had to shift our focus to support the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” she continued. “Your proceeds will support others at home.” Bramble said patrons instantly dug into their wallets and pocket books in raising US$1,200 for the cause. She told THE VINCENTIAN that a check in that amount will shortly be delivered to US Consul General Selmon Walters, who was present at the event, and who chairs the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Relief Steering Committee. Besides the lost of nine lives, Walter spoke about damage done to homes and infrastructure, stating that it would cost in the region of EC$500 million to rebuild the nation. But, despite the gloomy picture at home, patrons also braved the rainy and cold weather to enjoy the festivity. “Despite the challenging weather, so many people turned out to support the event,” Bramble said. “The feedback was fantastic. “We had a very short time to plan it; and, despite the short duration, it was really well received,” she added. “The atmosphere reflected the whole issue of the ‘Winter Wonderland’ theme. “The performers were very good, and they donated their services,” continued Bramble, noting that children of member-nurses also participated in the event. Former president Clari Gilbert, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, gave an improvised serenading speech; Doreen Swift and Company performed a liturgical dance to ‘Precious Lamb of God’; and Tobagonian crooner Hilton Samuel rendered ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Silent Night’, and urged Vincentians in song to ‘Don’t Give Up’. Other featured artistes included Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas; Divine Praise Music Celia Bramble, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc., addressing event. Ministry; The Symphonic Sound; Trinidadian Ngozi on steel pan; poet Tajana Edwards; and Garifuna drummers from Belize. Bramble said the annual gala luncheon in June is the group’s next big fundraising event. She, however, said the current focus is sending medical supplies to areas severely affected by the storm. Recently, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc. dispatched “a lot of medical supplies” home, including wheel chairs, suction machines and oxygen. V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 3. News 3 ‘You aint no General,’ says Eustace OPPOSITION LEADER Arnhim Eustace is not falling in line with the statement by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves that soldiers must report for duty. “I reject that notion. It smacks of unbelievable arrogance,” Eustace stated. There was a gradual increase in Eustace’s tone of voice, and the impact of the comment appeared to have riled him intensely. “Mr Prime Minister, you are out of your place,” Eustace added. “It reminds me of your contemptuous George Bush remark,” the opposition leader expanded. Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves interrupted then, and asserted that the George Bush statement had “no racial slur.” “I invite you to obtain the tape,” the Prime Minister interjected. Eustace resumed and outlined that he was of African descent and knew the difference between day and night. He was at the time responding to the near four-hour 2014 Budget Address hours by Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves the previous evening. Eustace acknowledged that the budget exercise was necessary. The repercussions of the flood damage caused by the December 24 downpour shaped the direction. The opposition leader noted that the disaster struck less than two weeks after the 2014 Estimates were approved. Before the wrangle over general-ship surfaced, there were claims and denials about discrimination in the delivery of relief supplies. Eustace found it “totally unacceptable,” that distribution of (R-L): Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Opposition Leader Arhnim Eustace in a face to face exchange that continued during the debate on the Budget Address. Eustace mentioned that he as Opposition Leader was not invited to any of the meetings While the commanders squabble, the foot soldiers called to organise relief efforts. A clear disregard make do with the barest of essentials (Photo: Don for the fact that the New de Riggs) Democratic Party had 48 per cent of the votes. Minister Gonsalves’ supplies was made to “We have the charge that the claims of “party faithful (Unity responsibility to look over discrimination were Labour Party),” while the interest of our “bogus.” those in need were “To some of us, that is constituents,” Eustace overlooked. outlined. laughable,” the East “We often ignore “I am not falling in Kingstown representative comments made on this line with anybody declared. He called the matter,” Eustace because the general names of several persons outlined. who he claimed were “He has given the denied assistance some, impression that there is after the passage of no such discrimination,” Hurricane Tomas in Eustace added in October 2010. reference to Prime Excise tax on gasoline goes up COIP backs reparations initiative by KENVILLE HORNE EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a release from the Caribbean Organisation of Indigenous Peoples. The Caribbean Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (COIP) welcomes the initiative taken by CARICOM member states to establish National of Reparation Committees, to address the issue of ‘Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide’. The initiative is noteworthy, not only because it seeks reparation for Slavery, but also for Native Genocide, the latter important since descendants of the ‘First Peoples’ still live on the islands that constitute CARCOM. The descendants of the Callinago (Yellow Caribs) and the Garifuna (Black Caribs) are distinct races within the delightfully mixed population. The press release issued on 10th December 2013, by the Regional Reparations Committee Chairman, Prof. Hilary speaks,” Eustace declared. He painted a picture of his party’s having supported legislation brought by the Unity Labour Party on several occasions. We didn’t oppose for opposition sake. We approach this issue in that context. The Prime Minister is here to serve, not to rule. You aint no general,” Eustace quipped. The 2009 AGM of the Caribbean Organization of Indigenous Peoples was held in Guyana. Much literature exists to show the inhumane treatment endured by Native/Indigenous Peoples on the islands, at the hands of the European Action now, not later settlers, and the subsequent insult of exile Beckles, highlights the from their own country, as issue of Native Genocide. is the case of the Garifuna Among other things, the of St. Vincent & The release states: Grenadines. “The Commission noted With regard to St. that Caribbean societies Vincent and the also experienced the Grenadines, oral genocide of the native tradition, and historians population, which was at home and abroad have also declared a crime kept alive the accounts of against humanity by the the barbaric action United Nations. The against the Garifuna and victims of these crimes their heroic fight to and their descendants defend their homeland. were left in a state of The naming of Paramount social, psychological, Chief Joseph Chatoyer as economic and cultural the country’s First deprivation and National Hero is disenfranchisement that testimony to recognition of has ensured their that struggle. One only suffering and debilitation has to read Christopher today, and from which Taylor’s detailed account only reparatory action can of the final battles to alleviate their suffering”. conclude that Duvalle is a strong contender for the Second National Hero. COIP, which comprises membership from Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Suriname, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, all CARICOM members, stands ready to play a role in building strong arguments on the Caribbean condition of the descendants of Native Peoples and in favour of reparations for evils inflicted on them. Ricardo Bharath Hernandez, Chief of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community of Trinidad & Tobago, is the current Chair of COIP. Nelcia Robinson On behalf of the Caribbean Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (COIP) Tels: 1 868 664 1897/ 1 784 456 1422/ 1 784 492 9393 A 50 CENTS INCREASE in the excise tax on gasoline here is estimated to bring in an additional EC$3 million to government’s revenue. This was disclosed by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during his Budget Address at a sitting of parliament held last Monday. This was the only new fiscal measure expected in Dr. Ralph 2014, and Dr. Gonsalves Gonsalves assured that “the increase is delivered a Budget not expected to have any that included one immediate or significant upward impact on the price of new fiscal measure that he was fuel at the pump, as prices have been trending confident could downwards in recent months.” easily be In fact, the Prime Minister accommodated by announced a decrease in the the current price price of gasoline - from regime for fuel. EC$14.08 to EC$13.95 per gallon - though users of diesel can expect an increase - EC$13.32 to EC$13.67. Diesel used for the purpose of producing electricity will continue to be exempted. Dr. Gonsalves was confident that for the gasoline, the entire 50 cents increase can be accommodated by the lower price of the fuel. In introducing the fiscal measure, Dr. Gonsalves pointed to the current economic situation, globally and nationally, which makes little room to raise taxes or large amounts of additional revenue. “Similarly, there is little room to lower tax rates or to make additional tax concessions,” said Gonsalves, adding further, “Our fiscal policy stance for 2014 will therefore continue to be a mix of prudence, patience and enterprise.” V 4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN News ÂAlert system needed,Ê says MartiniqueÊs Council Leader Leeward Islands. He made the call while in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the December 24 to 25 trough system which affected three Windward Island territories. The Martinique leader admitted that the immediate attention was providing humanitarian assistance. He was happy that supplies sent by his country were appreciated and distributed. He promised technical assistance, and offered special engineers in the restoration Serge Letchimy, President of efforts. the Regional Council of Letchimy expressed interest Martinique, is advocating for in cooperating with the the installation of a weather Organisation of Eastern alert system in the Caribbean States (OECS), Caribbean, and closer ties CARICOM and other regional between his country and the bodies. He is concerned about English-speaking Caribbean.. the impact of climate change. He stressed his country’s willingness to share by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY information regarding that phenomenon. SERGE LETCHIMY, PRESIDENT of Letchimy noted the region’s the Regional Council of vulnerability to dangers Martinique, wants an (weather) associated with changes in alert system installed in the climatic conditions. He area of the Windward and speculated that there is the “risk that it (flooding) happens According to their analysis, the Armed Forces of the West again,” and advised, “We need two systems collided and Indies, is slated to arrive from to structure ourselves to better created the system which was: Martinique today, Friday handle these events in the “unforecastable and January 24, with more relief future. unpredictable.” supplies, including medical His Vincentian counterpart, It was classified as a one in supplies. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was a hundred years occurrence, While here, Letchimy, pleased with Letchimy’s and possibly one in 500. accompanied by a team of Red solidarity. He announced that World Bank estimates put Cross officials, engineers and the water, food and the cost of destruction at $291 Prime Minister Dr. Dalph mattresses, part of the million. However, the Gonsalves, visited the Martinique relief input, were Vincentian Prime Minister Buccament Valley and Bay on distributed by NEMO. cited a figure of $350 million. the South Leeward end of He encouraged cooperation Another vessel, the mainland St. Vincent. between the two nations, and DUMONT D’ URBILLE, from is looking forward to practical ways of collaboration. He endorsed the establishment of an early warning system. by William ‘Kojah’ Dr. Anthony Gonsalves DIRECTOR OF pointed to reports of the PUBLIC Prosecutions, Colin system by a Williams, is pleaded David Cater (left) and John ASP Sydney James, Head World Bank with the way Police Bailey, the consultants team. of the CID (left) accepts his officers here have certificate from COP who conducted the grasped the Michael Charles. training programme. technique and technology of British consultants, officers absorbed the interviewing vulnerable information in such a David Cater and John and intimidated Bailey, conducted the short space of time. witnesses electronically. training. Over ten days, 24 Williams described the Police officers in two Cater described this development as a country as leading the batches were trained in “worrying sign for those areas of Electronic way “in adopting interested in crime.” legislation for the Interviewing of He noted that St. recording of electronic Vulnerable and Vincent and the suspect interviews,” and Intimidated Witness. Grenadines “was also “the witness Special The British High narrowing the space” Measures Act” which Commission, in and “putting legal includes provision for the collaboration with the mechanism in place electronic recording of Director of Public through which Police witnesses’ statements. Prosecutions and the Officers can continue to He submitted that the Royal St. Vincent and perform.” training will make a the Grenadines Police Commissioner of major contribution to the Force, ensured the Police Michael Charles fight against organised exercise came off. Two was proud that his crime. More training for Police: Worrying signs for criminals COP wants good relations with media media is an effective means of the police NEWLY APPOINTED getting out the correct Commissioner of Police information. Michael Charles wants to The top cop said that, have a “good working while he is elated to have relationship with the his position confirmed, media.” he feels no different to Charles made this when he started as clear while speaking to acting Commissioner. THE VINCENTIAN He assured that the Wednesday, January 22, Police High Command one week after receiving will work together with his letter of appointment the general body of the which had taken effect Constabulary and the from November 1, 2013. public to make St. He had acted in that Vincent and the capacity from July 16, Grenadines a safer and 2013. better place for “The media should be Vincentians and visitors. free to consult with the Charles is described Commissioner at any by many as a ‘people’s time”, Charles said. He man’. pointed out that the He was a keen by HAYDN HUGGINS Michael Charles, Commissioner of Police is considered a people’s man by both the constabulary and members of the general public. competitor in the local police calypso competition, and is a regular feature on the local karaoke circuit. V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 5. Regional St. Lucian Deputy PM loses libel case PHILIP PIERRE, Deputy Prime Minister of St. Lucia, has had his libel case against a local newspaper, the St. Lucia Mirror, thrown out by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Media personnel around the Caribbean had followed with interest the case filed by Pierre following the publication of a letter, April 2011. The case was thrown out after Pierre and his lawyers, akin to throwing the towel, failed to make an appearance. Pierre had named then editor of the paper, Guy Ellis, who resigned during 2011, and Mirror Publishhing Company as defendants. The case surrounded a published letter by the Castries East branch of the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP). The Party Branch had called upon Pierre to explain the construction of a concrete wall along the boundary of his private property, using government funds. Cost for construction of the wall was put at over EC$70,000. The letter alleged that many residents of the constituency had suffered damage as a result of the destruction caused by Hurricane Tomas in 2010, and that Pierre had put his personal needs ahead of the constituents. Pierre had sought damages including aggravated damages for libel, interest and costs, on the grounds that the contents of the letter had accused him of “selfishly and or corruptly expending tax payers’ money on his property” and that his personal and professional reputation had undergone “extreme embarrassment and hurt feelings” as a result of the publication. He also claimed to have suffered odium (hatred), ridicule and contempt. The Court upheld the submission by the Philip Pierre failed to Guy Ellis, defendant, defendants lawyer that, make an appearance thinks that Pierre knew by failing to appear, the before the Eastern he was going to lose, claimants had not (even) Caribbean Court of hence his nongiven the Court the Appeal. appearance. normal courtesy of an excuse for their absence. Guy Ellis, commenting after the Ax far as the opposition United ruling, said that he could only Workers Party is concerned, Pierre speculate about the reason why Pierre still has to answer to the people of failed to turn up in court, and may be East Castries for the expenditure on he had come to the realization that he the wall. (Source: Caribbean 360) would have lost. Fires rock St. Kitts and Nevis THE TWIN The Venezuelan Embassy was total ISLAND destroyed. (Photo: presstv.it) FEDERATION of St. Kitts and Nevis has been rocked by a series of fires between January 4 and 18, and arson is suspected in at least two of the incidents. The latest The burnt out interior of the Treasury building in occurred on The building owned by Nevis (Photo: Caribbean News Now) Nevis when the opposition politician Lindsay of the Venezuelan Unity Party, an building Grant up in flames. handling, and the fire transpired here,” Embassy. allegation denied by housing Nevis services. They will do Premier Vance Amory Two suspects were party officials. Island confirmed that arson was detained and later their investigation and told the media as he led In the meantime, the Administration’s suspected at the OAS they will then advise us his Cabinet colleagues on released. Prime Minister authorities declined to Treasury, Inland building due to what was Denzil Douglas added as to what are their a tour of the gutted speculate as to the cause Revenue and Value discovered there, but findings. Until this point, building. (Source: fuel to fire when he is of the fire in Nevis. Added Tax departments stopped short of blaming we cannot say or even Caribbean News Now) reported to have blamed “This is something was gutted by an early arson for the destruction allies of the opposition speculate about what which the police are morning fire on Janaury 17. This followed January 5 fires on St. Kitts that destroyed the THE TRINIDAD NEWSDAY local Strategic Services Agency Venezuelan Embassy, newspaper is reporting that a (SSA) and the National one that was started at local group of criminals has Operations Centre, to weed the Organization of been identified as the out the persons behind the American States office, mastermind behind the shipment. and one that destroyed a exportation of US100 million Sources, according to building owned by worth of cocaine to the USA. Newsday, said that the group opposition politician On December 20, 2013, of persons involved in The cocaine Lindsay Grant. Customs and Border Protection organized crime was was Fire Chief Everette (CPB) officers seized 732 responsible for the shipment, concealed in O’garro confirmed that pounds of cocaine, concealed in and local and US officials cans that the Basseterre unit 700 sealed tins of Trinidad believe that the December 20 carried responded to a report of Juice cans bearing the labels of seizure was not the first such these labels. Trinidad Orange and shipment by the group. a fire at the OAS office Grapefruit Juices, at the Port of Meanwhile, drinks producer just after midnight, Norfolk in Virginia, United SM Jaleel has since distanced The cocaine seizure worth $100 million in street (Saturday 04), and was product in value is the largest drug seizure in the Port of States, on December 20 last itself from the particular able to stop it spreading this regard.” Norfolk’s history. year. consignment of goods which to other parts of the This The juices carrying the labels included 700 sealed tins building. The fire service latest In a release, the drinks are manufactured by JM Jaleel. bearing the labels of its juices. then responded to a incident follows an earlier one manufacturer said, inter alia, The reference to a criminal JM Jaleel had acquired the report around 4.30 am in December 2013, when a “It is common knowledge that group was apparently revealed Citrus Cooperative Growers that the Venezuelan young Vincentian British naval the criminals involved in the Association, representing all Embassy was on fire, but to Newsday last Sunday, officer, Joromie Lewis, died drug trade have been using purportedly by high level major estates and farmers after he ingested a cocaine on arrival, the entire National Security sources, who growing oranges and grapefruit, mechanisms to transport building was already cocaine such as fruit, car parts, laced Pear D drink. Pear D is confirmed that US Drug and started producing tinned also manufactured by SM engulfed in flames and lumber, hardware, etc. It now Enforcement Administration juices under the Trinidad Jaleel. (Source: CBS, Trinidad could not be saved. appears that someone may be (DEA) agents are in Trinidad Reconstituted Juices brand, in Newsday, Trinidad Express) The fire chief trying to utilise our company’s working with agents from the 2009. Local group fingered for cocaine shipment V 6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Court Youth charged, victimÊs condition serious Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS Carter, who was not required to plea was remanded. A preliminary inquiry is slated for May 14. Ten witnesses are expected to be called. WHILE attempted murder accused Lara Carter awaits his next court date, Chief Magistrate Sonya Young expects a medical report on the condition of the victim, Bennisha Baptiste, who was shot in her back during an incident at Ottley Hall, last week Saturday night, January 11. The Chief Magistrate requested the report on Monday when Carter, 23, of FIVE NATIONALS of Ottley Hall, appeared at the Serious Haiti, the only FrenchOffences Court, charged with the speaking member of attempted murder of Baptiste, 18, of CARICOM, apparently the same address. Senior Prosecutor intended to make St. Adophus Delpleche is expected to Vincent and the provide the court with the report by Grenadines their home February 4 when bail will be or at least, to remain reconsidered. here for some time. In objecting to bail, Delpleche Unfortunately, their stated that the victim was warded at stay here ended last the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Sunday when suffering from a gunshot wound, and immigration officials, is being monitored closely by doctors. acting on information He noted that she was heavily received, confronted pregnant at the time and the baby them at their place of had to be taken through surgery. abode on the Northern The prosecutor said the baby is Grenadine island of alive, but the victim is in serious Bequia. condition. Their passports were The Haitians, one partly hidden, on their way to the Kingstown Baptiste was nine months pregnant examined, and it was Magistrate Court under escort by at the time of the incident. revealed they were immigration officials. given one month’s stay in the country, but had overstayed without officially extending their time. As a result, they were arrested and charged. The five — Margaret Saint-Vil, Mackvens Guerra, Joseph Lochard, Remy Louis and Jean Betty Lewis — appeared before Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMathias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with breaching immigration laws. Speaking through an interpreter, all five pleaded guilty to the charges. Browne-Mathias ordered that they be removed from the country, but told them that they could return on condition that they got their papers in order, especially if they wanted to remain here. The Haitians reportedly arrived at the E.T. Joshua airport last year but the purpose of their visit is not clear. Some 250,000 to 300,000 people died, and more than a million were left homeless when a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti four years ago. Haitians deported but could return Lara Carter leaves the Serious Offences Court on his way to remand at Her Majesty’s Prison. Alleged police shooting death under investigation UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, police were continuing their investigations into the alleged police shooting death of Alex Matthews, a 33-yearold labourer of Greiggs. Police reports are that around 6 p.m. Thursday, January 16, Corporal Cuthbert Morris, attached to the Special Services Unit (SSU), was in the bedroom of his girlfriend Colma Durrant’s home at Greiggs, when he heard her scream and shout from the kitchen that “a crazy man” was in the house. When Corporal Morris came out, he saw a man in the house armed with a cutlass. He advanced towards Morris with the cutlass, and the officer shot him. The civilian was identified as Alex Matthews. Morris was said to have been off duty at the time of the incident. An autopsy conducted on Monday showed that Matthews died from a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest. V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 7. News Interest in Greenhouse Parks increasing by: KENVILLE HORNE INTEREST IN THE Greenhouse Parks for vegetable production continues to grow among farmers here. On Wednesday 15th January, representatives of farmers groups in the Marriaqua community came together for their second meeting in the current Greenhouse sensitization campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, and they plan to convene further sensitization sessions with their full membership later this month. Similar meetings have been held with groups in the Georgetown - Orange Hill and North Leeward areas. The Establishment of Greenhouse Parks is a major activity under the Fruit and Vegetable component of the BAM (Banana Accompanying Measures) - a European Union funded programme to modernize and develop the agricultural sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The BAM agreement was signed on March 19th, 2013, between SVG and the European Union. Philbert Gould, BAM’s Fruit and Vegetable Component leader, is coordinating the sensitization sessions. Under the programme, government has selected Mc Millan in the Montreal area, Dandrade in Orange Hill and Richmond in North Leeward to establish the parks. Farmers, through a hybrid Adventist Service International established Delegates to the recent two-day Seventh-day Adventist Church’s conference that established a local chapter of ASI. President of ASI, Ronnie Jack, is seated second from left. human resource. At last Saturday’s ST. VINCENT and the closing of the Grenadines now has a Conference, the chapter of Adventist following were elected to (Community) Service the executive of the local International (ASI). chapter: Mr. Ronnie The chapter was Jack — President; Mr. formalized here after a Dave Baptiste and Ms. two-day conference held Mineva Glasgow — Vice on Friday 17th and Presidents; Ms. Roxanne Saturday 18th January. John — Treasurer; Mr. ASI is described as ‘a Anthony Patterson membership-based Public Relations Officer. organisation of the Mr. Westwick Seventh-day Adventist Williams heads the lay people who are Board of Directors, and enthusiastic about Mr. Igal Adams is the actively participating in Co-ordinator of the church’s worldwide Evangelism. mission’. Meanwhile, the It is committed to Seventh-day Adventist supporting the Seventh- Church here will provide day Adventist Church’s 5,000 meals over the various and diverse next ten days to persons programmes in health, currently housed at evangelism, community emergency shelters in services, family concerns Spring Village, Rose and special projects. Bank and South Rivers, Lay members who following the December comprise ASI chapters 24th floods. avail their talents and A memorandum was expertise to the previously signed with implementation of the National Emergency projects that would Management benefit their Organization (NEMO) to communities bring this outreach effort economically, and build into effect. by PATMOS RICHARDS cooperative structure which can incorporate business interests, will establish and operate the parks which will each comprise 25 greenhouses. Each park will be equipped with solar and irrigation facilities. The implementation of the Greenhouses for vegetable production is expected to lead to higher and more reliable output by reducing the seasonal nature of production, The Greenhouse Park at Peter’s Hope has been in operation for some time now. and ensuring a more consistent quality. This, in turn, is expected to help secure better marketing arrangements both locally and in overseas markets. It should also reduce the vegetable import bill, which was estimated at about EC$16.86 million between 2006 and 2010. The farmers groups have noted the benefits of the greenhouse parks but have signaled a strong desire for technical assistance and support with the establishment of the proposed cooperative structure. The Ministry has promised expert assistance under the BAM for this process. V 8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Editorial The case of an abrupt end THE 2014 NATIONAL BUDGET DEBATE came to an abrupt end, much to the revulsion of those who thrive on the protracted submissions that last into a work-day week or so. It was the first time in our history as an independent country that there was no substantial debate on an Appropriation Bill. Mind you, there are many who will profess that the proceedings described as ‘debates’, including the debate on the Budget, in our highest law-making arm of governance, the House of Assembly, have been anything but debates, and through the years have been characterized, instead, by some of the most incisive ‘political picong’ and if one may say, demonstrations of a political immaturity from men and women who are proclaimed as role models and leaders of a free people. This year’s address by the Prime Minister/Minister of Finance, while relevant in fiscal and financial terms to the reality that currently pervades the society and bears down on an already fledging economy, was prefaced with reference that appeared to speak to an intention or expectation of another cat fight. It appeared to have an aura of disgust and blame about it. There were aspersions after aspersions that one would have expected belonged on a political rostrum in the heat and height of an election campaign. May be, just may be, this is an indication that an election is neigh, and as part of the political strategy, it was accepted that there was no better place for an early disparaging of the other side, than on an occasion and place when and where you call the shots, albeit a single shot more that the opposing dueler. That the opposition leader might have added gun powder to an already overloaded (antiquated) musket cannot be simply ignored. The old ‘call and response’ approach ruled the day, or was allowed to rule the day. After all, the House is made up of two sides, regardless of how unbalanced it is numerically, and makes for a solid footing on which to begin the battle. The situation in our case was that one side seemed so much more prepared, armed, for the battle. The question remains: Why didn’t members of the Government side or for that matter the opposition move to make their usual presentations, particularly, as we have grown accustomed to have them, in relation to their respective portfolios, references to which were made in the Prime Minister’s Budget Address? In a time of national imbalance, occasioned by nature herself and our wanton disregard for her; in a time when the country should be at one in support of the recovery effort; in a time when we go cap in hand to the world in search of aid and concessionary arrangements to fund that recovery, the demonstration in the last sitting of the House spoke of a country at war with itself, even as it suffers as one through the hardships that breathe down its back presently, and the hardships it will have to endure for some time to come. No one expected less from the Prime Minister; notice of a Supplementary Appropriation Bill was obvious. However, it may have been the extent of substantiation of the reasons for this Bill and the inferences thus, that set the tone for the eventual incompletion of an anticipated ‘normal’ Budget Debate. This is no time to be making folly of what is necessary for setting this country on a path back to some semblance of normalcy. This is no time to be pointing fingers, by either side, at who did what, who didn’t do what, and who has to take the blame for past transgressions. Past, present, future, there will always be transgressions; but in the current milieu, perhaps some forgiveness could prevail, and towards rebuilding this country, we could discovery in a real and exacting way, a spirit of reconciliation. Then and only then might future transgression be avoided. And, by the way, are we going to have a repeat of what transpired during the 2014 Budget Debate when the House meets to ‘debate’ the Supplementary Appropriation Bill? Parliament continues to act out a pantomime LEROY PROVIDENCE is a good friend since our Grammar School days. I welcome his thoughtful political essays in the newspaper, walking in the footsteps of his own father Leonard who wrote independently, albeit with a built—in Labour Party bias. As a token of appreciation of our long camaraderie, I made to him, as I have done both to George Howard and Jomo Thomas, a presentation of a copy of Special Issue of Forum September 1972, inviting them to read in particular my criticism of “the Political System”, which bears over-riding contemporary significance after 40 long years! Divisive Tendencies Nobody today doubts that the island has been devastated by party politics. It has in fact become something of a cliché to say that politics has divided families, split friends, and separated communities. Labelling is the newest thing; a person is either “a dirty Labour dog” or “a stinking PPP”, or worse, “one ah dem!” Neighbours, if they happen to support opposing parties, no longer dwell on speaking terms. Gone is the live-and-let live basis of good neighbourly relations, as they haul each other before the Courts every Monday morning, for the most frivolous and trifling causes. Politics has split the country right down the centre. The medical profession, the Bar Association, the civil service, the police, the business community and even the so-called down-trodden masses are divided along party lines. In the House, the parties are engaged in a veritable life-and- death struggle. There is no let- up with the government setting about its business as if the opposition does not exist. Government has tremendous advantages, for it can wield virtual dictatorial powers, without unduly straining the constitutional instruments. This is because the Westminster model of Government which we supposedly operate, places very much formal powers in the hands of the ruling group, powers which in the metropolitan country are cut down by a sense of restraint, a democratic attitude, and the censure of an informed and critical public opinion, including an independent press In St Vincent, on the other hand, the population is polarised as between support for the two established groups, and the ruling motto is: “my party right or wrong”. This sort of attitude filters down from the leadership to infect their mass following with an almost blind fanaticism that in turn inflates the ego and strengthens the hand of the leaders to do anything. So, in the House, the Government of the day bulldozes everything, riding rough-shod over democratic niceties. The speaker is invariably a party politician, actual or potential who tows the line with gusto. The Council is too small to have Government backbenchers, so the ruling party moves like a well-oiled steamroller, crushing everything in its way. Questions by the Opposition are side -tracked and evaded, their motions struck out, their contributions omitted from the Government radio station’s newscasts. But although the Opposition kicks up a lot of noise, it is not unduly bothered, for, it knows that the day will probably arrive when it will repay such actions with vengeance. Since the problems of the country are so elemental and some of the less controversial solutions so obvious, the Opposition often finds that it must agree basically with the goals of the Government. On the other hand, the Opposition conceives its role as one of constant critic, and has therefore to compromise its position: it agrees with the Government in principle but begs to differ in practice; or it supports the end while finding fault with the means. Politics of bossism At this point, we might as well broaden this specific question to touch on the elitist concept of politics in the West Indies which we see at every turn. The political leader bosses the party executive which runs the party that dictates to the people. In such a situation politics is loosely organised and badly structured: you get the hero at the political apex and the crowd of followers at his feet. All the institutions which apparently link them- party conventions, conferences caucuses; delegations and petitions; Town Boards and Village Councils.- are a massive hypocrisy. Here, again, a system which taught that the people’s lot was merely to do, not to reason why. Accepting the view that a man believes in the inherent goodness of his Party, he is afraid to question some of the apparently dictatorial actions lest he gives comfort to the other side. Indeed party hacks often tell their supporters that the party is not perfect, it has serious faults, but to bring them up for serious discussion is to rock the boat and enhance the chances of its rivals. Similarly, most politicians realise that they are on to a good thing, and resent the efforts of “upstarts” who attempt to break into the system and threaten to upset it by spreading education among the masses. Political propaganda True, the politicians go through the motions of democratising the country. Appearances, not content, is their trade. Political meetings do not inform, they propagandize painting a totally distorted picture of political events. At any rate, given the polarisation of the society, both groups preach to the already converted, while the “Philistines” turn a deaf ear on them. Nor does local Government serve its true purpose of enthusing people about Government by placing it so to speak,on their own doorsteps. The waspish attitudes which render the legislative process an almighty farce are also present among Village party politicians. If anything, the fight is more savage because of the smallness of the arena. The local bodies are not allowed to live a life of their own: they sheepishly co-operate with Government or blindly oppose them, depending on whether or not their party controls the central legislature. Intended to be partly a nursery to train politicians at the grass-roots, party politics has made these bodies into nursing homes for defeated politicians who wish to keep up their stocks until the next General Election. Above all, local Government administration is used as a primary base from which patronage and victimisation might be carried out to a fine detail. Patronage and victimisation are the very foundations of our politics. Both sides practise them. The one might do it with sophistication, the other with crudity; the one, while hiding its own misdeeds, might have the machinery to show that the other side is guilty of favouritism. But everyone deep down knows that political patronage and victimisation are rampant in the society. The EFP believes that this phenomenon is a natural outgrowth of a two-party system operating in a two-byfour poverty-stricken island. The national cake being so small, it is not surprising that after supporters of the ruling party demand and get their first bite, there is little left to go around. And the facts of political life dictate that representatives will sooner or later succumb to the pressures of a starving clientele to find work for them. Since there is scarcity of available jobs, there is an almost irresistible temptation to replace “enemies” by “friends” in existing positions. Especially is this so where there is the belief- and this is the usual casethat the other side started the process or would have done so if given the opportunity. In this way, a spiral is set up in which victimisation increases at every round as the Government changes and political attitudes harden. After all, “ It is a policy of winner takes —all”. Comments The current pappy-show made of Parliament is only the logical conclusion drawn by a modern day Massa who brooks no dissidence on his plantation. The situation harks back to Gordon Lewis’ “darkened theatre audience”, strangers in the gallery”, all EXTRANEOUS’ people called by different names. Only a change if Government could solve the problem Arnhim Eustace and his team have demonstrated time again that this country need not descend inexorably into the mire, whither its seems headed hell-bent. V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 9. Letters Pain and Food for the mind tears (In memory of those who died) Sometimes in life, We wonder what God has in store for us, Do we sit and reflect, Or rush bout without a prayer? We never sing a song of praise, But when something happens, We are ready to fly to God for comfort, It’s true, Many have left our side, So here we are moaning and grieving, Remembering the times we shared, But should we cry? God has his arms open, He has our loved ones safe and sound, They are not crying or are in pain, So we thank God for life and for our loved ones, Because one day we will meet them and God in glory! Yanic Sayers - 2014 WE WILL NOT give justice to our readers if we do not give to them a brief history of Christianity. The founding father of Christianity was a brown, dark-skinned Palestinian Jew, by the name of Yeshua (the English called him Jesus). He revealed himself to be the Messiah appointed to liberate humanity from selfishness and sin in general, and to establish the Kingdom of God (a society ruled by God’s laws). The Jewish authorities refused to accept him as the Messiah, and at their instigation, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, had Him crucified as a political troublemaker. His small group of believers, headed by the apostles, won many converts from the ranks of the ordinary people by their teaching and preaching of the Kingdom of God, and the doctrine of redemption and salvation through the Messiah. Rome was then a world political power, and as Christianity spread in the Empire, the early Christians met persecution by the Roman government (similar to the ‘Converteds’ in SVG under England rule in 1912). Eventually, when Paul, one of the chief persecutors, was converted, he spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God widely throughout the Roman Empire. The Ethiopian eunuch took Christianity to Africa. The early believers, as they were called, practised true Christianity according Faith Editor’s note: This piece, written originally at midnight, Friday 5th July, 1991, is shared on behalf of the writer, who has found sustenance in revisiting it, and hopes that by sharing it with others who find themselves in bouts of despair, that they may find some level of comfort and encouragement. AS I SIT here pondering in loneliness, staring at my exhibition of poverty in various forms, a voice from deep within me speaks;, it tells me that all is not gone;, there is abundant hope and joy awaiting me. I am confused, attempting to ignore the voice, but it insists on reassuring me. It tells me that it is an intangible object that I would not be able to see nor touch. My perplexity increases as the voice declares that it is wishing me well and testing my strength of character. “I am your friend,” it says. “My name is FAITH; it is I who sustains you daily.” I shudder in fear. FAITH also tells me that there are times when I feel I can’t cope with living, and it is he who urges me to go on living. “I,” he asserts, “am the one who stops you from doing bodily harm to others.” FAITH tells me also that there are many people whom I would like to destroy because I believe they are responsible for my present plight. I begin to laugh loudly, believing that I am going a little berserk. “What is the matter with you?” the voice inquires with fatherly authority. “Do you know that man is also spirit? Are you silly?” I learn from FAITH that there is an inherent substance within man, all powerful, all knowing, and that substance is he. “Regardless,” he continues, “of your occasional negative life style, I know you have a good contribution to make in this life, and you will make it when you get to your eternal destination.” For some days now I’ve been feeling insecure, occasioned by my situation of being povertystricken, and lacking positive companionship; but from what FAITH tells me I begin to feel relieved. to Acts 2:44-45; 4: 32-35. Christianity became not only a religious force, but also a social and political one. After Rome failed to wipe out Christianity, one of their emperors, Constantine, became a Christian, hence the formation of the Roman Catholic Church, through which changes were made to the collective life and leadership of true Christianity, including the introduction of a one-man leadership of the Pope. England broke away from the Roman Catholic in the 1500s and established the Church of England, known as the Anglican Church. Further breaks with the Roman Catholic Church followed, resulting in various Christian denominations. True Christianity is a social, religious, economic and political system where all of its members work together and live together as one holy family. False Christianity is the practising of capitalism and manmade communism. Christian Democrat “I FAITH,” he moves Bout of despair and on, “will depression test our provide faith. solace for you, even in your social drunkenness. I will never fail you.” He also tells me that he understands the weakness of man in this life. “Sometimes I can’t help but laugh when some of you mortals defy me and do ignorance, commit suicide, among other evil acts,” he says. I listen carefully to FAITH as he tells me that he sees something special about me and will use up some of his inexhaustible, infinite power to keep me from failing. “You haven’t gone through, my son”, he tells me. “Some of your peers and foolish thinkers believe so, (but) you have only suffered some severe setbacks which are normal for any good man to experience.” I start feeling light, tears of joy begin to flow from my weary eyes, and the headache I was experiencing shortly before I heard this voice, begins to subside. And the voice came again with thunderous authority. “We, on this side of the immortal plane, will be dispatching what we call Angels, who would be working along with some of your good friends on Earth to help you to do wonders.” The joy of which he speaks about starts bubbling within me. I now feel confident that I could face the world courageously. It would be only a matter of time before the cycle of poverty and hard times would be broken. I shake my head in acknowledgement to the musical counsel of this inner sage — FAITH - whom I cannot see, nor feel, but will sleep peacefully tonight amidst the chirping of birds in the distance, convinced that I have found my best friend, FAITH. Patmos Richards - SVG 1991. BDS apologies to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves To: The Honourable Dr. Ralph E Gonsalves Prime Minister of SVG. On Friday evening’s 4pm and 5 pm news, Nice Radio broadcasters, Laverne Phillips and Deion Allen, out of ignorance, inadvertently broadcast news originating from Barbados Free Press, stating that you, Dr. Gonsalves, owned two aircraft and were leasing them to LIAT. This information has no basis of truth. I have spoken to both broadcasters, and they have asked to convey that they are truly sorry for their grave error. I, Douglas De Freitas, as manager, apologized to The Prime Minister by telephone on 20th of January 2014, and am now offering this apology on Air and via the newspapers of SVG. Douglas De Freitas Manager Licks don’t hurt I WAS LISTENING to a discussion about ‘licks for children; and was surprised to hear one of the persons involved saying that you have to be careful about beating children, because they might grow up to be violent. I am no expert, but I am now a fully grown man, and I can tell you that the ‘licks’ I got when I was young served me well through my life. I lived in a house in which the rule was “spare the rod and spoil the child”, and I got a good ‘cut a…’ from my mother and other adults in the house. Funny thing though, the least licks I got was from my father. I can say that the licks we got, we deserved it most of the times. And with all the licks, we did not grow up to be violent and furthermore, we never held it against our parents and others for the licks we got. I can’t explain it, but regardless of how much * When is some hardship we faced and attention going to how much licks was be paid to clean up shared, we knew that that drain that runs our parents loved us from Paul’s Avenue and would not spare the rod to spoil the child. to Back Street next I understand that the to Pulse? strap has disappeared * Are the LIAT from our schools. I people taking note believe strongly that of the incident that is one reason why the children have lost involving a CAL respect for those in ATR plane that lost authority and older a section of its folks in general. I have exterior panelling heard stories about shortly after takechildren back-chatting off? their teachers, and the teachers not being able * Why is CAL to do anything about it. looking to sell four All this, and people of their ATR are still wondering what planes? wrong with our society. * How many of I say, give the children the licks they deserve, those laptops given and bring back the out to primary strap in the schools. school students are in working order? Dennis, G V 10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Views A budget in challenging times The Issue LAST MONDAY January 20th 2014, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves presented his thirteenth budget address, since the ULP administration came to power in March 2001. It was a significant address, coming at a time when the country is still grappling with the damage done by the heavy rainfall on Christmas Eve night, in 2013. We do not need a reminder of the lives that were lost, and we do not need any reminder of the damage that was done to our country, and the citizens of our country. Truly, our mettle has been tested to an unprecedented level, and the task of rebuilding will be great. The government has already begun the task of rebuilding the country, and to source the financing required for this to be accomplished. It is in this context that the 2014 budget is crafted. After the approval of the 2014 estimates in December 2013, the government now has to find a way to conduct its affairs as planned, while at the same time meeting the costs of the rehabilitation process. The state machinery must continue to function. Projects already approved and ready for implementation must go ahead. Salaries and other allowances have to be paid, and work must go on. It is true to say that the developmental agenda of the ULP administration will be subjected to enormous pressure; but the mark of good leadership, is the ability to withstand these forces, and move on. The 2014 Budget The 2014 budget was presented as interim in nature. To quote the Prime Minister, “This Budget is aimed at strengthening our socioeconomic base for recovery and reconstruction after a natural disaster in a context of on-going global economic uncertainty and downside risks. The Supplementary Estimates and Supplementary Appropriation Bill which would, of necessity and desirability, come to this Honourable House sooner rather than later, would contain both altered and additional provisioning to reflect the profoundly changed circumstances of our country”. This is clearly understood by all and sundry, and the ULP administration is expected to return to parliament in another two months or so, with the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, which will reflect the resources required for the restoration work. Let us repeat that the recovery work must continue alongside the planned developmental agenda of the government. That is the reason for the Supplementary Appropriation Bill. Meanwhile the ULP administration will continue to employ a multi-pronged approach to development. This is based on the need to provide critical services to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines without unbalancing the overall economy, a situation that will lead to cracks and fissures in our social fabric. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves aptly states “So, to suit the specific, unique circumstances of our country’s economy and fiscal condition, we advanced the fiscal framework of prudence and enterprise”. So there will be a number of initiatives in 2014. The health sector will be strengthened through an integrated wellness policy to improve further, and to support and to sustain healthy lifestyles of Vincentians. This is all part of a modernization project to be funded by the European Union to the tune of Euro$ 8.6 million dollars. A critical activity in the health sector, is the continued search for a site to re-locate the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and the World Bank is supporting a study to determine the best location. The government has made outstanding gains in the field of education, and these will be further extended and consolidated. In 2014, there will be a renewed focus on the professional development of teachers at all levels, and the child-friendly initiative will be fully implemented. ICT will be taken to another level with the distribution of some 15,000 laptops to secondary and post secondary students. The Legislative Agenda The ULP administration will have a busy legislative agenda in 2014 with some critical laws getting some focus. Some key bills will be introduced in this period focusing among other things on Geo-thermal resources, public health, ecommerce and egovernment, data protection, domestic violence and consumer protection. Since the ULP administration recognizes that there is a critical nexus in the relationship between the public and the police, more emphasis will be placed on enhancing this relationship. This is expected to result in a marked reduction of crime and violence in our country. It is expected that the police will lift their game to enhance their approaches to community outreach strategies, more support for neighborhood watch groups, and the development of more youth programmes. Conclusion In all of this,we have not mentioned the construction work on the international airport project at Argyle, whose completion date is now a matter of months, rather than years. What we can say is that preparation has commenced to ensure that there is a smooth transition from ET Joshua to the international airport. In subsequent articles, the ULP will map out the various strategies to be implemented in the sectors of tourism, agriculture and forestry, housing, culture, renewable energy and sports, to name a few. It is regrettable that the foolish and unpatriotic opposition NDP could not lift their game during the budget debate, to provide the citizens of this country, who pay their salary, the benefit of their thoughts and suggestions, on the plans and projects of the government for 2014. Eight of them refused to respond in a positive way, when the Speaker of the House called for further debate. The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are waiting patiently to show them how such unpatriotic behavior is rewarded at the polls, whenever the Comrade rings the electoral bell. V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 11. Views The people know who failed them 3D Faith “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13 DR. ROBERT SCHULLER is an outstanding preacher, motivational speaker and author. His books, audio presentations, and video recordings have inspired many. It was while viewing one of the video presentations several years ago that I came across one of his outstanding presentations on the above-captioned subject. Schuller asserts that faith should be channeled and fuelled by direction, definition (defining moment or commitment), and drive. He considers these to be the 3Ds of faith. Schuller concluded that these were critical variables when pursuing success in sport, education, business, and life in general. We can each benefit from cultivating 3D faith. It is so important to know which direction we want our life to take. Floating aimlessly along and simply wishing and hoping that things will work out for us is not good enough. We need to set goals and arrange milestones along the way. This will assist us in retaining the focus; in keeping track of our progress. Our goals must be clearly defined and realistic. Setting goals that are unreasonable will only frustrate and de-motivate us. So while we should aspire to be ambitious and to constantly seek to better our best, we must engage in sober judgment and not seek to create unrealistic goals for ourselves. Many writers and academics have used the acronym “SMART” to aid us en route to achieving our goals. Hyrum Smith, for example, writing in his book entitled “The Ten Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management.”, reminds us that our goals should be specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound. Some writers use “achievable” instead of “actionable” to represent the “A”. However, I subscribe to Smith’s use of “actionable” on two counts. In the first place, “achievable” and “realistic” tend to convey that the goal should be within our reach. In the second place, “actionable” gets us mentally prepared to move in the direction of making it happen; it invites us to implement; it challenges us to be proactive. Goals often fail when we do not take action; when we do not implement. Each step in the direction of our goal will get us that much closer to making the goal real. Brother Francis, my 5th form mathematics teacher at the St. Martin’s Secondary School, constantly challenged students to begin each assignment promptly. He would say, “Beginning is half done!” And he would sometimes present us with the “flip side” of that statement when he cautioned us that “Procrastination is a killer; it kills dreams and ambition.” Having plotted the direction that we need to head off in, and making sure that our goals are SMART, we then proceed to create and cultivate that defining moment; that moment of commitment. This is an imperative if we are to pursue our goal with the vigor that is needed to create and sustain momentum en route to our goal. That defining moment, that commitment, will drive us to run uphill when our legs appear to be tired. It will energize and fuel our resolve when obstacles appear. It will give us the courage to go on when others appear to have abandoned our cause or mockingly discourage us from pursuing the noble dream. It will be wind beneath our wings when we face the turbulences of discouragement and self-doubt. It will tell us that we can when others seek to convince us that we cannot. It will hold us firm and on course when the various unwelcomed and uninvited dream-killers turn up. Schuller reminds us of the importance of having the drive that all successful individuals nurture en route to outstanding achievement. The English statesman and author, Philip Dormer Shanhope (1694-1773), the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, stated it so well when he said, “Perseverance is an essential component. A man of sense is never discouraged by difficulties; he redoubles his industry and his diligence, he perseveres, and infallibly prevails at last.” And so, we persevere, even when the obstacles appear insurmountable. We press on, even when the waves seem to swallow us up. We move forward, even as the winds of circumstances appear to be pushing us back, denying us that ease of forward movement. We face the mountains of doubts and discouragement, and resolve to climb over them, move around them, or tunnel through them. “Defeat” is not in our vocabulary. “Direction” is. “Definition” is. “Drive” is. These 3Ds will hold us constant. Sometimes we (you and I) need to remind ourselves of the value of these 3Ds — direction, definition, and drive as we seek opportunities to advance noble personal and community causes. In so many instances, we have the capability, the power, to accomplish great tasks, but need a template, a checklist, to remind and guide us along the noble path. And we can use these to unearth the power and perseverance to accomplish great things. For those of us who believe in the relentless power of faith in Jesus Christ, we can multiply our resolve through these 3Ds of faith. We remind ourselves of the many who went on before us, facing endless persecution and a variety of life’s challenges, but remained firm in their faith to become great over-comers. They were human beings just like us … but found extra strength and courage through their close relationship with God. They, like the apostle Paul, would have whispered “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And they went on to accomplish much in His name. We are no less capable than they. With 3D faith we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to [email protected] THE NOISE, WHICH is of little substance, is being echoed on Face Book and other social media. Some, mostly opposition sympathizers argue that the government failed the people when its members failed to debate the budget. This argument is hollow. The government presented the estimates more than a month ago. All budgetary debates are premised on the estimates which lays out government plans and intentions. Secondly, a parliamentary debate in our democracy is really aside show in which members test their debating skills and again repeat much of what they said during the debate on the estimates. Therefore, it is mostly incumbent on the representatives in waiting to demonstrate that they are ready, willing and up to the task of governance. This is particularly so where the governing party is in office for a long time and looking to prolong its rule. The government plans were laid out cogently and forcefully in a 3 hour plus presentation by the PM. Mr. Eustace’s response of just over 2 hours contained an acknowledgement about the severity of the Christmas floods, the usual warnings about importance of saving, precaution against growing debt and the foreboding prediction that the airport will not be opened on time because government does not have the capacity to spend the amount of money air-marked for spending. All useful comments, but nothing that shook the foundation of Gonsalves’ presentation. My simple mind tells me that it is the opposition party that really needs to jump all over this budget and show its holes, weaknesses and inconsistencies. It was for the opposition to present a narrative of why the ULP government had outlived its usefulness. And most importantly, it was for the NDP, through the individualized presentation of its members to demonstrate that it was willing, ready and able to take up governance. It muffed the opportunity by engaging in the tired practice of walking out of parliament. It is always easy for one to revert to his safe haven, but nothing is sweeter when members and the party as a whole can score convincing victories, in debate and substance over its opponent. What about the argument that the people were cheated because the debate did not go on for the customary 5 days? From where I sit this argument is bogus. Everyone in SVG knows that the main attention is focused on the presentation of PM Gonsalves and Mr. Eustace. For the most part, everything and everyone else is a yarn. After these two titans are done, listenership and viewership drop off dramatically. For sure, I was prepared to address the parliament on a number of matters. Among them, the existential threat which we now face as in the frequency of heavy rain or long periods of drought which are best exemplified by Hurricane Tomas, floods of April 2011 and the deadly and destructive rains/floods of Christmas eve, the state of the economy and the centrality of the Argyle airport in further diversification and development of the economy, the looming debt and the relation of debt to GDP, the debate on austerity versus government spending. I am absolutely certain that there will be many more opportunity for me to address the parliament and to make some of the same points planned for this budget presentation. To be sure, that chance might come by March when the supplemental bill comes to the parliament. It is also true that there were other members on the government side prepared and ready to debate and defend the budget. But there was no assault on it. Therefore, there was really no need to defend what was not under sustained attack. What is also true is that there was absolutely no plan by the ULP to shut down the debate. The NDP had its chance to debate and refused to debate the ULP plans for the nation. Further, it must be remembered that this is a government budget for which legislators on the government side were in essential agreement. This agreement was reinforced when the budget was unanimously passed following the customary opposition walk out. Democracy was not strangled on Tuesday. Democratic government was reinforced when government plans were laid before the parliament in the full glare of the people and passed. One side failed to shoulder its national responsibilities this past week. And the people know who failed them. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to [email protected] V 12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Views SVG economy needs trade-led development and education IN SPITE of its small economic size, low endowment of natural resources and remoteness from world markets, Mauritius, since gaining its independence in 1968, has transformed itself from a poor sugar economy into one of the most successful economies in Africa, by focusing on education and trade-led development. Real GDP growth for Mauritius averaged more than 5% between 1970 and 2010. GDP per capita increased more than tenfold between 1970 and 2010, from less than $500 to more than $6,000. Its GDP estimate was $20.2 billion and GDP per capita income over $15,591 in 2012, one of the highest in Africa. Since independence in 1979, SVG’s economy has performed poorly. Our GDP per capita in 1979 was $548 and it has only climbed to $6,515.22 in 2012. GDP in 1979 was $62 million and had only climbed to $712.6 million in 2012. Mauritius GDP per capita has increased 31 times since independence; SVG only 11 times. Mauritius’ economic success has been down to good macro-economic policies, particularly fiscal prudence and a competitive exchange rate policy; a strong private sector; and a strong, pro-trade orientation and a liberal trade regime. Mauritius has been able to craft a strong growth-oriented developmental path. Mauritius has moved away from being a labyrinth of poverty. Efforts at economic diversification have been successful, and as a result the country was diversified from a mono-crop economy to a broad-based economy with sugar, seafood, information and communication technology, textile and financial services as the main export sectors. The failure in SVG to diversify the economy and focus on exports has led to our economy becoming very weak, and created very high unemployment. SVG unemployment rate is put conservatively at 22%,; for Mauritius it is only 8.18%. Mauritius has, over time, judiciously invested in human capacity building to meet the growing challenges. Education has been a main factor in the social-economic transformation of the country. Human development — university education and skills training - has increased the potential for Mauritius to compete in a hostile world with stiff market competition. In 2005, government allocated substantial funds, and in less than 5 years the number of state secondary schools doubled, creating new opportunities for quality education. Even transport is now freely provided to the students by the state. The total annual government expenditure on education has increased tenfold over the last twenty years, from 1.3 billion rupees to 11.7 billion rupees. Mauritius built its first university in 1972, just 4 years after independence. SVG has no universities still, 34 years after independence. Mechanisation and computerisation have helped Mauritius to make significant inroads in quality improvement and productivity gains. SVG remains uncompetitive in global markets, because of the lack of manufacturing, industrialisation and lack of computerisation in productivity. For the fifth consecutive year, the World Bank’s 2013 Ease of Doing Business report ranks Mauritius first among African economies and 19th worldwide out of 183 economies. SVG languishes on as a highly indebted country with high rates of poverty and crime. SVG’s economy needs to become more industrialised, and we must have a university so we can provide highly skilled services worldwide. SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Let floodplains be ON CHRISTMAS morning, our nation woke to a sight that sent shockwaves through its psyche; a landscape we did not recognize, and a death toll unprecedented in our nation’s history. What happened on Christmas Eve into the early morning of Christmas Day is the direct result of our own choices to instigate: (a) deforestation and (b) building on floodplains, both of which severely affect the ground’s ability to absorb rainfall. Floodplains A floodplain is an area of land next to a river that stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls, where flooding during periods of high discharge will occur. In St. Vincent, as in other countries, persons have been attracted by the ambience of the river, and have chosen to build on floodplains; that is on river banks and on lands adjacent to the river. It is a part of the cycle of nature that from time to time, a river will flood. When it does, the soil of the floodplain receives the water. An increasing expanse of steel roofing and concrete on the floodplain prevents water absorption. In excessively heavy rains, the water collects and joins that from upstream to wash away everything in its path. This particular Christmas flood was also exacerbated by the practice of deforestation that we have been engaging in St. Vincent over the years. We have chopped down trees indiscriminately, eroding vast areas of our natural forest, which encloses each watershed. The debris that was washed down in the heavy rains blocked bridges, which formed dams that burst with (such) unnatural force answering these questions, we take note that climate change is real, and the fact that we have seen a heavy flood after the end of the hurricane season is testimony to this. As I stood on the devastated banks of the river in Petit Bordel, I heard the remark that reinforces the tragedy: “Government told them not to build there and they still did, and now they have lost everything.” The Planning Authority Towards sustainable development must be able to act decisively against any It is tragic that for so long, the cry construction that that sustainable development is critically important has fallen on deaf threatens the safety ears, and making a dollar in the short and lives of our people, term has taken precedence. Our as well as that which ancestors lived in harmony with the destroys the delicate environment. It is time that we as ecosystem. We must Vincentians stand up to preserve a call upon the delicate ecosystem that is being lost. Government to We call on Vincentians to let strengthen the floodplains be floodplains; let us not enforcement powers of the Planning build on them. Let us manage our Authority. forests in a sustainable manner, so We must all familiarise ourselves that most of our large trees are with the interdependence of watershed preserved. Now that so much is lost, it components and understand that any is time to re-plant. changes we make at the mouth of the Before the next drop of concrete is river will affect the forest inland and laid, ask these questions: “How will vice versa. We must address the nature respond to what I am doing? challenge of deforestation and Am I building on a flood plain? Am I unsustainable farming practices. We building too close to the shoreline? must also examine the integrity of With a clear pattern of climate change, building structures that are built on what are the risks of losing this flood plains. Can we learn at this investment to nature? And in point what steps must be taken not to devour banks and houses on the river’s edge and further afield. Through deforestation, heavy rain washes off topsoil, and desertification is the result. The damage done upstream to our forests intensified the devastation caused by this particular flood. Throughout the world, natural farmers know that the best form of fertilizer is the fallen leaves from large trees, and forms an absorbent ‘sponge’. In St. Vincent, few of us practise natural farming. We believe that to cultivate in large quantities, we need to first destroy the trees, a practice that has devastating consequences, demonstrated in the Christmas Floods. only to repair, rebuild or relocate what has been damaged, but to prevent the same extent of damage and loss ever happening again? The floodplains have spoken with such a force (like a hundred voices screaming), we cannot possibly ignore it. On Christmas Eve, we were powerless against it: let us now regain our wits and act in accordance with nature. We can no longer afford to swim against nature’s currents. Vonnie Roudette & Louise Mitchell Joseph V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 13. Business ÂTreat customers kindly,Ê says outgoing businessman friendly disposition in general,” said Lewis during an BERTRAM LEWIS, owner and interview with THE operator of the soon to be VINCENTIAN, at the closed Ross Book Store, is Grenville Street location of his urging his colleagues in book store. business to build and maintain After some 32 years in good relations with their operation, the book store, customers. which specialises in the sale of “Treat (customers) them school (text) books, bibles, kindly. Ensure as far as hymn books, greeting cards possible that you have the and religious literature, will things they ask for. Be flexible be permanently closed. in your pricing, and have a Lewis explained that the by HAYDN HUGGINS date for closure has not yet been decided, as the stock, currently priced at a discount rate, is still on sale. He assured that as soon as this is sold, business would be closed. The retired primary school headteacher described business as good generally since beginning operation in 1982. “I enjoyed it. There were challenges like in everything else, but we were able to meet all our commitments,” Lewis said. He cited his age, which he preferred not to disclose, and the death of his wife, Rosaline, as the main reasons for his decision to close the book store. Rosaline, who co-owned and assisted with the business, died September 2 last year. On retirement, the father of five intends to travel overseas, during which he will visit his children, four of them residing abroad. The book store was named after his last son, Ross Lewis. Before entering business, Lewis, a product of the Calder community, was a primary school teacher for 41 years. He taught at Stubbs, Mesopotamia, Calder, Richland Park, Union Island and Mayreau. The book store was started in 1982 by his wife, who ran a preschool at her mother’s home in Caruth before getting married in 1964. “After we got Bertram Lewis will leave the ‘books business’ after 32 years. married, we decided that she (wife) will not work anywhere until the last child was ready for school. After the child was able to go to school, she opened the book store,” Lewis recalled. “The business was registered in her name, and when I retired from teaching, I joined her in the business,” he added. The outlet was located at the Saunders building, Kingstown, before moving to its present location in 1993. Lewis said the business was generally operated by himself, his wife and one employee, and about seven persons were employed during the busy period, July to September. However, the busy period staff was reduced to four last year. “From last year, we started to simmer down our stock because we anticipated the closure of the business”, he explained. LIME partners with the Barrouallie community IN KEEPING WITH a promise made to the community of Barrouallie, telecommunications provider LIME has stepped forward to partner with one of the town’s stalwart institutions. LIME assisted the Barrouallie Co-operative Credit Union as it commemorated 55 years of existence, by donating one android smart phone for the organization’s anniversary essay and poster competition. Donique Francis of the Barrouallie Technical Institute was the winner of the Essay competition in the secondary schools category, securing herself the smart phone. In the primary school essay competition, the winner was Bernique Haynes, while Philleak Gould was second and Jada Chambers was third. All students were from the Barrouallie Government School. The Barrouallie Co- operative Credit Union, established in 1958, serves the town by providing money transfer and utility bill payment services, and of course, helping its members financially. LIME looks forward to working along with the Credit Union and other institutions in the area in the future, and from one national stalwart to another, extends hearty congratulations. Donique Francis (left) receives her prize from Badine Kirby. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 15. 14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Ex-Teachers honour Cordice, Pitt; recognize Duncan Photo and stories by NELSON A. KING [email protected]; [email protected] US CORRESPONDENT Godfrey Pitt giving acceptance speech. place at Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn during the group’s 31st anniversary celebration. The celebration is an annual one held on the Sunday before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s public holiday, observed in the United States on the third Monday in January. “Congratulations to our two honorees!” Jackson Farrell, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ex-Teachers Association of New York, Inc., told patrons, in his introductory remarks. “They both deserve it (honour),” he added at the event, attended by UN Ambassador I. Rhonda King, US Consul General Selmon Walters and his deputy Edson Augustus. “Later, we’re going to show our appreciation to Mr. Lennox Duncan.” Farrell – a La Croix native, long-standing teacher in New York’s sprawling public school system, and ex-teacher at the St. Martin’s Secondary, Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia and Evesham Methodist School – subsequently told THE VINCENTIAN that Cordice, of Clare Valley, and Pitt, of Georgetown, have done “impressive” work in the community. He also said Duncan, of Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, a former national footballer and who, with his brother, Ainsley “Teerie” Duncan, represented local football clubs Roseans and Avenues United in the 1960s and 1970s, , has been a staunch supporter of the group over the years. me to become the man I am today,” Cordice, who spent the Christmas holidays at home with his mom and other family members, told THE VINCENTIAN. “My mom will always be my ultimate teacher,” added the former president of the Philadelphia-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania. “She will always be my anchor, because she understands me. “Teachers are also gifts from God, and I am very thankful to be honoured by my teachers,” he continued. Pitt – a former member of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, and Ex-President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ex-Police Association of New York, who founded the Brooklyn-based Friends of Argyle International Airport, USA – said he was grateful to the ex-teachers’ group for “considering me as one of the awardees.” He said a trip home a few years ago – with some former local police officers and current Caribbean ones in New York, in which they experienced luggage and other difficulties while in transit in Barbados – inspired him to establish the Friends of Argyle International Airport, USA. To date, the group has handed over to Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne over US$35,000 from funds raised in the United States, Pitt said. Duncan – who, with Ainsley, was also a top midfielder for Hairoun Sports Club in the 1980s in the Central Brooklyn Soccer League and other soccer competitions in New York – simply said “thank you” after being presented with the plaque. “It was a surprise,” Duncan, who was honoured on Aug. 23, 2008, with his wife, Dawn, of Rose Place, Kingstown, by the Brooklyn-based cultural and educational group, Club St. Vincent, Inc., told THE VINCENTIAN afterwards tersely, “They did not tell me anything (before).” More about Honorees Cordice was the youngest storeroom manager and purchasing agent to be employed at the Cotton House Hotel in Mustique. He was also employed as a storeroom clerk at Petit St. Vincent Resorts before migrating to New York in 1988. Already certified at home in French, Italian and English Carvery showmanship cooking, Cordice worked as an auto mechanic in Brooklyn to finance his advanced culinary education. He interned at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in midtown Manhattan, introduced French cooking to a Russian banquet hall in Brooklyn, and managed a restaurant with a staff of 18. After relocating to Philadelphia in 1991, Cordice worked as a chef, head chef, sous chef (second in authority) and kitchen supervisor at several restaurants and hotels, including Mel’s Italian, Café Raphael, Main Street Café, Howard Johnson and Sheraton North East. In 1992, he started a vending business and later contracted for Wade Cable, among other cable and telecommunication companies. Cordice also founded a construction company that specializes in the design and construction of “fine kitchens and bathrooms.” Among other things, the untiring Cordice is a founding member and research analyst with the Philadelphia-based Caribbean American Heritage Collaborative (CAHCI), which hosts Pennsylvania’s annual Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebration; and sits on the legal and election committees of Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs. During his eight-year tenure in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Pitt was one of the original members of the Special Services Unit (SSU), which takes the leading role in combating high profile crimes. Under Pitt’s 13-year leadership, as president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ex-Police Association of New York, Inc., aid and medical supplies were furnished to the Georgetown Government School, Georgetown Clinic, Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and the local constabulary. In addition, Pitt worked with the Community Affairs Unit at the 67th Police Precinct in Brooklyn, conducting outreach with Caribbean ex-police associations. In 1999, he graduated from The Citizens Police Academy of the New York Police Department (NYPD), and recently retired as a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 810 Union. Patrons raised over US$1,100 towards the Christmas storm relief Jackson Farrell making introductory remarks. James Cordice receiving award. Others in photo, L-R: Jackson Farrell, Ex-Teachers Association member Desmarie Greenway, UN Ambassador Rhonda King and Consul General Selmon Walters. COSAGO President Laverne McDowald-Thompson addressing patrons. effort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Farrell said his group will match that amount. In its continuing community educational outreach, Farrell also said the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Teachers Association of New York, Inc. will hold a forum on Feb. 28, at Trinity Methodist Church on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, on the Argyle International Airport. Godfrey Pitt (3rd from left) receives award. Others in photo, L-R: Jackson Farrell; Pitt's wife, Rhonda; Ex-Teachers' Association member Dr. Ann Morris Sutherland; UN Ambassador Rhonda King and US Consul General Selmon Walters. The honorees speak James Cordice giving acceptance speech. THE BROOKLYN-BASED St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ex-Teachers Association of New York, Inc. on Sunday bestowed special honours on stalwart community advocates James Cordice and Godfrey Pitt, and recognized former national footballer (soccer player) Lennox Duncan, formerly Quinton. The sell-out, gala ceremony took Cordice – the architect behind St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the illustrious Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania, and mastermind behind the flying of the Vincentian national flag on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia – dedicated his award to his mom, Liliath Cordice, of Clare Valley, who turned 88 last month. “It is really moving when I think about being honoured by my teachers, who inspired and nurtured Members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania supports Cordice. Patrons at gala ceremony. Jackson Farrell, Lennox Duncan (Quinton), Dr. Ann Morris Sutherland, Ambassador King, Consul General Walters and Edward Conliffe. V 16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Arts Face Caribbean auditions local talent duet tried out for the singing segment. Rap and R+B were FACE CARIBBEAN, a presented. The judges locally owned and admitted their absolute operated selfsurprise and delight when development agency, fifteen-year-old Haliah held an audition, Telesford-King came forward Saturday, 11th January, and “blew us away” with the at the Tiki Bar on Upper song ‘Stay’ by Rihanna. Bay Street. According to Ms. Latoya With the acronym Clarke, owner and Manager of FACE representing the FACE Caribbean, there will be agency’s broad no eliminations. All who mandate — Fashion, auditioned will be given the Art, Creativity and opportunity to become a part Entertainment - the of the agency, and will begin audition was held to training in their particular investigate the singing, fields. Training was dancing, acting and scheduled to begin last modeling talent among Saturday, January 18. young enthusiasts here. “Most young people have A total of twelve talent,” Clarke explained, “but prospective models, two do not have many avenues to males and ten females, express them, except in shows walked the make-shift which boast many regional runway to ‘strut their stuff’ acts. I am training them and for the appraisal of the panel helping them to empower of judges. Each gave themselves.” impressions of his/her grace, Clarke told THE poise, and overall impact, VINCENTIAN that FACE among other characteristics; Caribbean started as Clarke and the judges were quite Fashion Agency in October of impressed with the quality 2012, and was changed to its and style which were current name in February, One of the prospective models portrayed. 2013. There are currently trying to make her mark. Three single acts and one twenty young ladies who are by GLORIAH... Haliah Telesford-King ‘blowing away the judges’ with her take on a Rihanna song. models with the agency, and the audition sought to broaden the agency’s portfolio. She outlined that the word Caribbean was included in the name of her agency because she does not intend to confine its activities to St. Vincent and the Grenadines alone. “We do not only want to be local. We intend to become regional and then branch off into the international arena,” she said. Latoya Clarke is a fashion designer from Spring Village, who is known for her swimwear designs. She first came on the scene in 2010 in Deon Paul’s ‘Escapade’ fashion shows. She currently does a series of fashion shows in the Grenadines. The judges seem rather pleased with what they are seeing before them. Latoya Clarke (centre) with models currently enrolled with her agency. THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 17. 18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 19. News BEI donates to the blind persons that are blind and visually impaired. The National Society of and for The “In as much as we are Blind (NSOFB)last Tuesday received concerned about preventing a much needed donation from the blindness, our Society cares Beachmont Eye Institute (BEI). directly for blind persons. We The donation resulted from a offer, for example, monthly food partnership between the two baskets to up to thirty blind entities during the Christmas persons. Each basket costs season. between $50.00 and $60.00. This At the handing over ceremony donation will come in handy to at the BEI office in Beachmont, assist our work,” Richards said. Supervisor at BEI, Denise Jacobs, He pledged his Society’s handed over a cheque of EC 500, commitment to assist BEI, “in to President of the NSOFB, ridding the country of needless Stanley Richards. blindness.” Richards expressed thanks to Jacobs said BIE for the generous donation. He BEI was excited said his organization looks after about future by KENVILLE HORNE relationships with the Society Of and For the Blind. “We see the importance of this relationship as a means of caring for the eyes,” pronounced Jacob, as she thanked the Society for getting on board for the promotion . The Christmas promotion saw persons getting discount on various spectacles at the BEI. The Beachmont Eye Institute is one of the leading providers of ophthalmic care, including eye surgery, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. (L-R): Stanley Richards, President of the NSOFG accepts a cheque from Denise Jacobs, BEI Supervisor, in the company of Dr. Kenneth Onu, CEO of BEI. South Rivers rebuilding Police Tank-full by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY The adage ‘I am my neighbour’s keeper’ rang out in South Rivers earlier this month when persons braved the weather and came out in their numbers to enjoy a relief concert on behalf of persons affected by the Christmas floods. The event was hosted by the South Rivers Police Youth Club and some concerned persons. Just over $4,300, a large quantity of clothing and some foodstuff were collected to aid affected persons from the area. In addition to sharing IF THERE is water shortage at the Chateaubelair and Barrouallie Police Stations, officers there should have no worry. The Police Cooperative Credit Union handed over two 800 gallon (water) tanks to Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, last Friday. Deputy of the Welfare Association Seymonde Mulcaire made the presentation. Station Sergeant Trevor Bailey, Vice President of the Credit Union, acknowledged that the Police must be in a position of comfort if they have to carry out their duties He is looking forward to the Credit Union making further contributions to the Police. Commissioner Charles regarded the gesture as fulfilling. He is Treasurer of the Police Cooperative by KENVILLE HORNE Credit Union. He remarked that: “If the Police can’t take care The St.Vincent Progressive of themselves, they will Organization of not be able to fulfil their New York duties.” (SPONY) Inc., a Assistant Superintendent of Police support arm of Johnathan Nichols, officer the New Democratic in charge at the Public Relations and Complaints Party, has come to the aid of Department, noted that persons affected Jeremiah Scott hands over the Police suffered as a cheque in to Leather Hackshaw result of the flood caused by the who lost most what she owned by the December 24 down- Christmas in the Christmas disaster. Disaster. pour. On “It is unfortunate that Wednesday, SPONY’s representative in St.Vincent, we have to put things in Former MP for South Leeward, Jeremiah Scott, place after,” Nichols presented EC$3,000 to seven members of the remarked. Nanton family who lost five members during the disaster in Rose Bank. Later that day, Scott also handed over a donation of EC$1,000 to South Rivers resident Leather Hackshaw. Hackshaw told THE VINCENTIAN that she lost her house that provided shelter for herself and her 16-year-old son, and all her personal belongings in the Christmas Disaster. “I don’t know them (SPONY), but they were thoughtful enough to help me, “said Hackshaw. “ I lost everything and this money going to really help.” In addition to the monetary assistance handed out, SPONY has already sent 12 barrels and two crates of clothing, cleaning items and food stuff for distribution to affected persons. Scott expressed thanks on behalf of the organization to all those who contributed, and conveyed SPONY’s sympathy and sentiments to the families who lost loved ones and those who Commissioner of Police were affected by the Christmas trough system. Michael Charles (right) He also gave assurance of the organization’s accepts the tanks from ongoing commitment to assist in times of need. Seymonde Mulcaire. SPONY assists disaster victims with affected persons from the area, a presentation of some items was made to Mr Hainsworth Andrews the South Rivers Shelter Manager. The clothing was also shared with the Police Youth Club of Spring Village to aid displaced persons in that area. Mrs Avis Brewster, Proprietor of Brewster’s Auto Supply surprised the organisers with a contribution of $2,000.00. The Brewsters grew up in South Rivers, and it was their small way of giving back to their family and friends. Among those offering support for the concert were area Representative Dr Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Carib Beer through Coreas Hazells Inc, Coreas Pharmacy/Food Xpress, The Soca Dans, Skinny Fabulous, DJ Stump I, DJ Cal and DJ Q, Africano Disco, Radcliff and Rivals Cricket Teams, The Royal St. Vincent Police Force, The Mrs Avis Brewster Management of the hands over cheque to Kingstown Fish Market, Decon Chewitt of the the Media. Police Youth Club. V ÂSparking-upÊ a relationship 20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Advice Dear George, I HAVE BEEN with my boyfriend for 11 months, and I was so shocked when he told me that he wants us to be seeing other people.  He claims that his love for me has not changed, but in order to keep the spark in the relationship, we can see other people.  He further told me that if I am not into seeing other guys, I must allow him to see other girls, in the interest of our relationship. He draws reference to his Uncle who did that same thing and has remained married to his wife for over 22 years. I cannot believe that he would even think of such a thing. I do not know what to do, because I am thinking if I don’t agree with his proposal, he would still go through with it behind my back. Would it be better to agree? At least he is being honest. My idea of a relationship is one man to one woman, and I am not into my man meddling with other women; but if I have to do this to keep my relationship, then wouldn’t it be worth it in the end? Unsure W. Dear Unsure W., If after 11 months, your boyfriend thinks that the way to keep the spark in the relationship is to see other people, then he seriously needs to go light his fire some place else. I am not convinced he was ever truly committed In bed with my boyfriend’s ‘ex’ Dear George, MY HUSBAND introduced me to his ex-girlfriend at a family BBQ, and she turned out to be quite a pleasant individual. I was amazed at how beautiful she was. In the past, I gave him stress whenever he brought her name up, and he would say to me, “You cannot judge her like that. She is a wonderful person.” Since the day we met, we have kept in touch, and one day she invited me to her house for a drink, unknowing to my husband. I must have drauk too much because when I opened my eyes, I found myself in bed with this woman, totally naked. I was at her house for more than six hours. to the relationship, and comply. It’s now your I asked her what happened, and she told me that what he may be trying to time to be honest and let I came on to her and, “we did it.” My husband say to you is, he is not him know that this is not never told me that she was an admirer of the quite ready to settle into what you want, and he is opposite sex and I do not know that for sure; but I a serious relationship. free to go. did not ask her for details of those hours we spent Read between the lines together. Before I left the house, she told me that I and set him free to George can feel free to come back with my husband if I so pursue his idea of a choose. ‘sparkling relationship.’ I know I cannot tell Be grateful that he only my husband about this, wasted 11 months of and I do not want him to your life! It could have see her ever again. How Dear George, been much longer. can I tell him that his I am 32 years old and I have a 13-year-old I get the feeling that woman still has some you want more from him, daughter. Her father and I are no longer liking for him without together and I have now started to date again. I and deep down you know telling him about my met this guy about 2 months ago and he has been evening with her? that you are not going to sleeping at my house more often than not. He get it. Because he is has not officially moved in, but it would appear honest in telling you Twilight Z. that way to anyone who is looking. what he wants does not On more than one occasion, he has seen it fit to Dear Twilight Z., mean that you are to walk from the bathroom to the bedroom totally naked and would not even make any move to Keeping secrets can cover himself when my daughter is around. He push you into areas you even went to the kitchen one time wearing just a never wanted to reach in shirt. I blasted him about it and he just shrugged the first place. This it off, saying that my daughter is not seeing woman must not be made anything that she does not know about. I asked him what he meant by that, and up to this day he to think that she has your secret, because she has not given me an answer. can use that leverage to To be truthful, I am concerned about him with make devastating my daughter around. I do not trust him alone inroads into your with my daughter, and I am wondering if he has relationship with your ever attempted ‘to trouble’ my daughter. My husband. daughter has already told me that she does not Explain to him just want him around and that he is not good for me. what you know about I asked her if he has ever molested her and she that evening, and tell assured me he has not, but I am still wondering him about your fears of deep down. My daughter id 13 years old but she can easily her still desiring him, be mistaken for a 17-year-old or even older and that you are just because she is very well developed physically. My giving him a heads up. head is in a spin right now, and I need to know Let him know that you what to do. are not fearful of her getting to him because Concerned. you trust his judgement. Admit to him that you Dear Concerned, did, in fact, allow the alcohol to get the better To begin with, you definitely moved too quickly of you that evening, and and prematurely to bring this man into your whatever you may have house. You have to consider the safety and done or could have done wellbeing of your daughter, and to be careful to was not because you had whom and to what you expose her. He has premeditations, and it is demonstrated that he has no respect for you or not anything that he your daughter, and this cannot be the kind of should worry about. man you want in both of your lives. Reaffirm your love and It would still be useful to take your daughter to commitment to him, and the doctor for an examination if your gut feeling let him know that the is nudging you in that direction. Tell your experience with his ‘ex’ daughter that you are doing so just to give you has shed some muchsome peace of mind, and assure her that when needed light on who she that is done, she would no longer have to worry really is, where she is about this man because he would be history. coming from, and that Your daughter needs to have better examples of what constitutes a good husband and what a her pleasant demeanor father figure ought to be like. She will respect could be a front to get you for considering her well-being by getting rid herself wedged between of that misrepresentation of decent man. both of you. Get rid of him! George George Leisure Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Problems with fire, gas, or oil may cause disruptions and annoyances. Plan events like camping or white water rafting. Don't hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship. You should consider getting into self-improvement endeavors. Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your mate may want to pick a fight but if you're persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate. Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on. Relatives will be cordial. Control your anger. Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Do not give your heart to someone who may not live up to your standards. You may end up being blamed if anything goes wrong. Try to curb your tongue and let others at least get a word in. Your passionate mood will be well received by your mate. Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Secret affairs will come back to haunt you. Self-deception about relation ships is a problem. Someone you live with may cause drastic alterations in your usual routine. Someone you work with may be trying to make you look bad. Gemini (May 22-June 21) Changes in your home environment are likely. Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you'll shine. Someone close to you may need help. Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Do not hesitate to help elders with legal documents that are too confusing for them. Don't let others saddle you with guilt that isn't warranted. Ask others to help, or you may feel that a burden is weighing you down. Your partner may be somewhat irritable this week. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Face any emotional problems head-on to avoid situations getting out of hand. Get involved in sports groups or hobbies that attract you. Look into making changes to your personal papers and don't neglect those bills that have been piling up. Upheavals may occupy your day. Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't jump the gun; you may find yourself getting angry at the wrong person. Try to spend some time on your own. People you live with will not be terribly happy with you regardless of what you do this week. Trips should be your choice. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) You may have difficulty trying to get your mate to understand your position. Business trips will be more productive than trying to fight the red tape facing you. You need to keep busy doing things that you both enjoy. You will have the getup and go to con tribute a great deal to groups of interest. Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You need to concentrate on solving existing problems. Listen to the complaints of others. Strong willpower will come to your rescue. Changes at home will be necessary. Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Unfortunately, your personal life may suffer from a lack spare time. You will feel better about yourself and you may also meet potential lovers. You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you. Show what a dedicated person you can be. Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can look into new jobs but don't count on getting help from someone who may have promised you assistance. Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them. You may have taken on a little too much, but you will enjoy every minute of it. Be sure that the person you're drawn to is not already involved. ACROSS 39. “Uh-uh!” 41. Seeped 1.Baseball stat 43. Hostel 4. Newton 45. Leaves out fillers 48. Libelous 8. Alibi __ one 11. Very long 53. Life’s period story, for 12. “What __ short About 54. Managed You” 55. Cuss (2 wds.) 56. Conduc14. Deform ted 15. Physician, 57. Suitable slangily 58. Bull, in 16. Assign Mexico 18. Fire indica- 59. McMahon tion and Asner 20. Tom Watson’s gp. DOWN 21. Comedienne 1.Some wines Radner 2. Sonic __ 24. Quick cut 3. Disguised 27. Closely con- 4. Castro of fined Cuba 29. “__ Lone- 5. __ du some I Diable Could Cry” (Devil’s (2 wds.) Island) 31. Opposite of 6. Boot camp pos. residents 33. Jackie O’s (abbr.) second 7. CD player husband problem 34. Western __ 8. “__ Man” 35. King Kong, (2 wds.) e.g. 9. Kit __ Club 36. Turned the (“Cabaret”) lamp on 10. Before, 37. Wooden poetically nails 13. Goads 38. Melt (2 wds.) together 17. A Bobbsey Twin 19. Tool __ 22. Eat supper 23. Roberto’s friend 25. Unable to be heard 26. Energizes 27. Heckle, to Jeckle 28. Shamrock land 30. Average (hyph.) 32. “__ whillikers!” 34. Turns over 38. Masc.’s opposite 40. Rolling __ 42. Antonio Banderas role 44. Politician Gingrich 46. Fit to be __47. Pieces of turf 48. Mrs., in Tijuana LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 21. 49. Racetrack circuit 50. Toiling insect 51. Car named after Ransom E. Olds 52. Cup handle 22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 23. Football PresidentÊs stands predominate in weak executive The building is obliquely opposite the main entrance to the ‘home of soccer’, Victoria President Venold Coombs -man Park. with power. Coombs, holding high the purported documents, “I CAN’T TELL YOU about that. I indicated to the Affiliates that have no information on that “the paper work was at an thing. Can’t answer that advanced stage” in getting the question, Pressy.” funds from FIFA. “Coombs has the info so you “We are going to do this can check him and see what project as part of our next he can tell you.” Goal Project…..the monies are These were the responses of already approved so we would some members of the Venold be moving forward soon,” he Coombs —led executive when said, much to the surprise of asked about the latest his executive. revelation that the St. Vincent The executive members, and the Grenadines Football looking extremely Federation is moving to embarrassed, avoided the purchase a building in questioning looks of those Kingstown, to the tune of gathered for the meeting. EC$1.7 million. Coombs is said to have Affiliates of the Federation disclosed that the Federation attending last Saturday’s will be purchasing fourteen meeting at the rented quarters thousand square feet of land at Bentick Square, were told out of a possible near twenty by Coombs that monies were thousand that compromises approved by FIFA, football’s the entire property, which also world governing body, for the houses an abandoned building. purchase of the property, According to some reports, originally known as Bishop’s the president has indicated Court and which, more that the project, when recently, housed the completed, would include the Emmanuel High School. head office for the Federation, with space for meetings and “the putting up of players.” However, Third Vicepresident Elroy Boucher, Committee Members Earl Bennett, Clemroy Francois, Yolande London, and General Secretary Trevor Huggins have admitted to being in the dark about the project. When accused of ‘being weak and ineffective” and of allowing the president to make such decisions despite being sanctioned a few months ago, the executive members could only stammer and stutter out disjointed responses. Many of the Affiliates have expressed concern with the cost of the property and the eventual cost of construction, but Coombs countered by Property to be purchased by SVGFF. saying that “structural engineers have already examined the abandoned building along with FIFA officials, and have given their support for its purchase.” Coombs has been accused of singlehandedly employing most of the paid officers on the Federation’s staff. Reports say that Raymond Trimmingham, who was brought on from the Joe Delves administration to handle the Goal Project One, is to be named as the Federation’s project manager - a decision which also comes as news to the elected executive members. Goal Project One, a technical centre in the South East of the country at the Brighton Playing Field, is said to have met with its full share of controversies and delays. Information from the SVGFF is that the project is complete, but an opening date has not been finalised. It consists of housing quarters for two teams and a training area. Waldron: ‘Football needs special attention’ ROLLIT WALDRON, one of this country’s former national players believes that both affiliates and the Football Federation must take the blame for the poor state of Football in the state. Waldron, a member of the 1969 national team, who now dedicates his knowledge and experience in the area of coaching, said the state of football reflects the inability of affiliates to recognize and select knowledgeable people “or persons with knowledge of the sports, and who can process development. “They continue in a vain selecting people for their personal benefit rather than knowledgeable people who can contribute to developing the sport,” Waldron pointed out. He alluded to the poor structure and operations of the clubs, citing a situation where some of the owners of clubs/ teams don’t have exclusive control over some of their players. As such therefore, “too many players are playing in too many different teams, which indicates that these players do not train for any fixed team,” Waldron explained.. Owners of clubs must be made to ensure that a qualified coach is attached to each team; “so players can train with a level of seriousness before they get to the national set up,” he said. Waldron needs no convincing that what obtains at the club level is a reflection on what happens at the national level, “and these are the areas the Federation needs to pay special attention to.” Waldron lamented that SVG did not win a single game at under 15, women’s and senior; didn’t win a championship in 2013. In relation to the actual game, Waldron cites the level of unpreparedness as being as bad as not being able to construct set plays. This is visible at the local competition and it reflects at the national level, he said. ‘Take the ‘overlap’ for example,” he said, “not enough players know how to position themselves to effect such a play.” He advised that these players need constant practice, and once players stay with their team/club, he is of the opinion we can produce better national teams. Waldron also called for current day players to be exposed to more former players, especially those known for their winning ways. He suggested that teams engage themselves in sessions with persons of different expertise who can assist them in preparing for footnall and for life. “If one wants to be a good footballer, then he/she needs to have the knowledge of how to prepare properly. If you Rollit Waldron, former don’t have the national player, has knowledge, you won’t some sharp understand the observations about the importance of training,” current state of football Waldron advised. in SVG. Rollit Waldron was a member of the Avenues football. Football Club of the 1960s and 1970s, considered by many to be I.B.A.ALLEN the heyday of Vincentian V 24. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN Sports Jordan off to World Cup L-R: West Indies U19 World Cup selectees- Delorn Johnson, Dawnley Grant, Sunil Ambris and Ray Jordan. Another Vincentian pacer in Windies U19 World Cup squad regional team’s 15 man squad to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World ST. VINCENT AND THE Cup in the United Arab GRENADINES has put Emirates next month. another fast bowler on the The pacey Jordan was West Indies U19 team, part of the West Indies with the latest individual U19 team which had to to have gained this cut short its recent tour prestigious honour being of Bangladesh following Ray Jordan. a bomb explosion close to Jordan, from the the team’s hotel. Georgetown area, has Jordan is following been selected to the other Vincentian by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT pacemen such as Winston Davis, Stephen John, Kenroy Peters, Delorn Johnson and Dawnley Grant into the West Indies U19 team. However John, Grant and Johnson, like Jordan, were part of the regional team to ICC U19 World Cups. John was called up as a late replacement after the West Indies were found to have selected over aged players for the 1998 tournament in South Africa. Johnson was part of the team to the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008, while Grant gained selection to the 2010 team to the tournament which was held in New Zealand after being switched from Kenya. Two batsmen in Kenroy Martin and Sunil Ambris were also among Vincentians who represented the region at the ICC U19 World Cup. Martin was called up also as a late replacement in the 1998 squad, while Ambris was the wicketkeeper/batsman in the 2012 team to New Zealand. In addition to those mentioned, Linton Lewis (now Dr. Linton Lewis), who toured England along with Davis in 1978 and pacer Cleus Lavia, who played against the Pakistan U19 team on its tour of the Caribbean in the late 1990s, have also worn the maroon cap. There are other players in the persons of pacer Ian Allen and wicketkeeper Elton Johnson who were selected to go on a tour of Canada with the regional team, but were denied the opportunity to do so after the tour was abruptly cancelled. Allen later went on the play for the senior team on its tour of the UK in 1991 under ‘The Master Blaster”, Vivian Richards (now Sir Vivian Richards). Jordan, who is currently in Barbados as part of a one week pre-tournament camp at Sagicor High Performance Centre, expressed satisfaction with his selection, and was confident of doing well, once he is given the opportunity. (See accompanying article on this page) The West Indies team will be led by Jamaican off-spinning allrounder Ramaal Lewis. The vice captain is Nicholas Pooran, the left-handed wicket-keeper/batsman from Trinidad & Tobago. The Head Coach is Roddy Estwick. This year’s tournament will feature 16 teams in four groups. The West Indies will play against South Africa, Zimbabwe and Canada in Group C. Their opening preliminary match, which is expected to be one of their toughest, is against the South Africans on Friday, February 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. The second match is on Sunday, February 16 against Zimbabwe at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The third match is two days later against the Canadians at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery Ground 1. WI U-19 squad: Ramaal Lewis (Jamaica), Nicholas Pooran (TT), Fabian Allen (Jamaica), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (Guyana), Bryan Charles (TT), Tristan Coleman (Jamaica), Jonathan Drakes (Barbados), Shimron Hetmeyer (Guyana), Jerome Jones (Barbados), Ray Jordan (Windward Islands), Brandon King (Jamaica), Preston McSween (Windward Islands), Marquino Mindley (Jamaica), Gudakesh Motie (Guyana), Jeremy Solozano (TT). VINCENTIAN FAST BOWLER Ray Jordan is off to a one week training camp with the West Indies under-19 team in Barbados prior to the 2013/14 ICC Under 19 cricket World Cup which bowls off next month in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). Jordan, who had his first stint with the West Indies under-19 team when they faced Bangladesh in Guyana last year in a sevenmatch series which the West Indies lost, said he is confident and excited heading off to the World Cup. “I feel excited because it was my dream to make a West Indies team, and I always try to do my best, and I am happy to be in the team,” Jordan said. “I plan to do my best in Dubai, seeing that I am the only player from St Vincent and the Grenadines. It will be a huge experience with a little nerve, but I will be going out and do my best,” the young man assured. He admitted being nervous during his first match against Bangladesh, but “in the following games, I gained more confidence and was happy at the end,” he said. Looking ahead, Jordan acknowledged that this year was his last year at the under-19 level, and he was looking forward to make it on to the Windwards Senior team. He also wants to focus on the High Performance Center (HPC), and has his eyes set on the West Indies A team and the West Indies senior team. He is prepared though, to “take it step by step.” Jordan represents Victors One cricket team in the local cricket competition, and started playing competitively at the age of 14. West Indies are grouped with Canada, South Africa and Zimbabwe in the preliminary round of the 2014 under-19 World Cup. I.B.A.ALLEN V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 25. Sports Cup running over IN ANOTHER four months, the world will be glued to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. One would have thought that with all the hype surrounding the game here, St. Vincent and the Grenadines would have maintained its legacy in the sport. Whatever the reasons, we have found ourselves on the lower end of the ranking. And there seems to be hardly any concern about our languishing fortunes. We missed out on our recent efforts to qualify. Nothing is wrong with being eliminated, but towards the end of the campaign, we deteriorated rapidly. How can we rise to become competitive of the regional level is left to be seen. Given the trend, the signs are not encouraging. Football is a highly scientific sport. Don’t think that we will be able to field a good squad in the space of two or four years. It is a long term exercise. If we continue to dream, we might fulfil our ambitions some time or the other. But the belief has to be sustained and shaped into some kind of reality. There has to be a culture of sport where youngsters are encouraged to hone their skills from early. With the absence of competitive football at the primary school level, there is no natural reservoir of talent. Some communities by their own intuitiveness have cultivated something of a natural inclination for football. The areas of Layou and Barrouallie are perennial bases. This has been borne out in the recent championship which saw Besco Pastures dethroning Avenues. Avenues is a combination of urban and rural talent including Layou. Besco Pastures carries a Barrouallie connection. Football talent is nationwide. What has been lacking is the passion to harness the skills. Somewhere along the way, the youths are not encouraged to persist with the sport. They drift into other spheres, perhaps influenced by the demands of life. So while the women might continue even with the factors of motherhood and other roles, their interest in sport produces more abundant results than their male counterpart. When the National Sports Awards are staged here next month, it will be a pity that not many outstanding males will be on the podium. No footballers have created any ripples over the past year. That is a major indictment. But one can’t blame them entirely. They have not been supported administratively. Sports lovers have the responsibility of instilling some passion into our sporting generation. Plunge them into the arena and make sure that they persist with serious activity until we can boast of some positive results in our programmes. Time has perhaps run out on us. But it is not too late to pick up the pieces. We have been thrown into a state of recovery. It is an ideal opportunity for a revitalisation. Many nations are responding to the disaster that has come down on us following the December 25 onslaught. Those completing the assessment must consider the sporting element as important as the river defences, road repairs and bridge rebuilding. The waters have swept away many of the burdens that attempted to clog the paths to progress. With the lessons evident, we should be in a better position to go on with the development process. That will include respect for the environment. We cannot take it for granted that we can set up whatever anywhere and expect that it will be business as usual. When the inevitable unfolds, there should be no crocodile tears. We have a responsibility to coexist with nature. We have to take our quarter and allow a natural flow to take place. Anything different spells ongoing disaster. First VP Elson Crick points to some possible changes in the 2014 national cricket competition. SVG U15 team – Youth development could well be a major part of SVGCA’s agenda. SVGCA to identify areas of development, Crick says by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) will be moving to institute changes, possibly for the 2014 or the 2015 season, which they are hoping would improve the standard of the sport here, according to Elson Crick, first vice-president of the organisation. Crick, while not divulging much, said that these are among issues which would be discussed at Saturday’s AGM at the Teachers Credit Union conference room. According to the first VP, the Association is looking at adjusting the First Division from a two-day competition to a one day contest involving a 110 overs allocation in that day’s play. “This is not a limited overs competition but a format which will see teams asked to engage in that amount of overs. But it will be dependent on if the teams go for that and what stipulations will be made to ensure you do not have one team batting the entire day,” he explained. He said that the matches will be played on Saturdays, with the introduction of a Sunday League along the lines of what takes place in England. He admitted that a number of persons with knowledge of the game, have raised concerns about the standard of the sport, and have suggested ways in which things can be improved. The Association will be looking at a number of things over time, but these may not serve as part of Saturday’s discussions. SVG Rugby Club targets schools The SVG National Rugby Club is set to introduce a brand new grass roots programme, ‘Get Into Rugby’, to 8 primary schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The initiative is due to begin on Tuesday 28th January 2014. Grade 3 and 4 students will be introduced to tag rugby (non-contact), learning the basic skills and knowledge of the new and upcoming sport Tag Rugby is set for introduction of rugby. in primary schools here. At the end of the introduction week, on Saturday 1st of February 2014, all participating schools will get together to participate in a workshop and friendly competition at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex from 10am-2pm. Parents/guardians, teachers, friends and anyone interested in rugby or learning the sport are invited to attend the final fun day. In addition to this basic one-week programme, the St. Vincent and The Grenadines Rugby Union Football Club (SVG RUFC), with support from the International Rugby Board (IRB) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and The Sports Department, will host a series of 1-hour sessions over 6 weeks during P.E classes at various schools across the country. I.B.A. Allen Among the areas for which the Julian Jack- led SVGCA has been heavily criticised is the absence of a meaningful youth development programme and the seeming fall off in the women’s game. Crick admitted that there may be some truth in what people are saying, but was quick to point out that the SVGCA will be moving to improve on this in the very near future. “There is no perfect organisation, so for me to say that the SVG Cricket Association has not fallen short will be to be disingenuous, and you will know that is not how I operate……we have work to do and we will buckle down and get it done…..but people will have to understand that it has to be done in a systematic way,” Crick, who is being mentioned as a possible replacement for Jack, said. The SVGCA for the 2013 season introduced a new competition, the Super40 which was contested by the three top teams in the premier division and the winners of the First Division. Team Rivals won that competition. Crick, in assessing the season, said that when looking at a table of achievements, it can be said that it was relatively successful, but was forced to concede that hosting competitions and tournaments was not necessarily a barometer of success. The issue of an increase in prize monies has been a bone of contention over the years, with teams calling on the Association to make significant increase owing to the high cost of gear and the lure of softball, which sees the champion team collecting as much as EC$2500.00. Crick said he would be a little cautious to support such an increase at this time, and pointed out that there was actually an increase not too long ago. Saturday’s AGM will see the executive committee presenting the 2013 financial and executive reports to its affiliates and discuss the 2014 local cricket season. The 2013 National Cricket Competitions are set to get going on February 8th, with registration closing on January 31st. 26. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014. 27. Classifieds MARGARET LOCKART JOHN Mt. Sinai Spiritual Baptist Church Largo Height Sunday 19th January, 2014 /(52<³6$5',1(´ SAMUEL Sunrise: 15th October, 1941 Sunset: 3rd January, 2014 Troumaca Evangelical Church Saturday 18th January, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m. (/&$9(521,&$ THOMAS '(/+,:$//,6 Aka Nash St Elizabeth Spiritual Baptist Church Sunday 19th January, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m. Methodist church Chateaubelair Saturday 18th January, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m. CASSMORE JAMES HANNAWAY /D\RX6' Adventist Church Sunday 19th January, 2014 Service at 2:30 p.m. $/%(57/(:,6 New Testament Church of God Clare Valley Saturday 18th January, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m. F O R The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines A.I. REAL ESTATE Carapan 6 bedrm property 10,598 sq.ft. - $580,000.00 - H531 Glen 13,881 sq.ft @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $208,215.00 - BB490 S A L E FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014 VOLUME 108, No.04 Carapan 140,402 sq.ft @ $10.00 p.s.f. - $1,404,020.00 - BB489 www.thevincentian.com Other listings are available Phone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382 Toll Free (USA): 866-978-0951 718-732-0545 Email: [email protected] Website: www.aisvg.com EC$1.50 BANANA CHEQUES BOUNCING Eustace advised to go to the Police by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY & KENVILLE HORNE OPPOSITION LEADER Arnhim Eustace has been advised to go to the Police to help solve the issue of bounced cheques that he has received from WINFARM, the body with responsibility for marketing bananas from the Windward Islands. Eustace raised the concern on Tuesday during his response to the Budget Address delivered by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves the day before. “Who is going to make those payments to farmers, for the bananas they have exported?” Eustace inquired. Eustace was lamenting the plight of agriculture, referring to the situation in the banana industry as “a disaster”, and raised the matter of his having received three cheques for which no payment was forthcoming. “If I were you, I would take the cheques to the Police. You might actually find out something,” Dr. Gonsalves quipped. The Prime Minister outlined that issuing bounced cheques was a “criminal offence.” He contended that the persons who issue such documents must be able to answer. “Make them available to the relevant authorities… ,” the Prime Minister added. But Eustace was not impressed with Dr. Gonsalves’ appraisal, and replied: “You see how the Prime Minister ducking out of this issue.” Dr. Gonsalves held his position and echoed: “Report it to the authorities, and then you will see what happens.” Eustace pointed out that other farmers were also stuck with the false money order, and the Opposition leader pondered on their situation. Prime Minister Gonsalves was given leeway to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace engaged in a lively exchange on the matter of WINFARM issuing ‘bad’ cheques, but did not seem to agree on a resolution to the misdeed. explain that WINFARM was closed, to which Eustace countered, “On the instruction of the government.” But Dr. Gonsalves rebutted, “Not at all,” and went on to make it clear that his government had nothing to do with WINFARM. The Opposition Leader, not satisfied that he had received no real clarification on the issue, repeated, “Who is going to pay the farmers of St. Vincent for those bounced cheques that they have received in recent weeks? That is the fundamental question being asked here.” The cross talk continued, but Eustace then gave way to the Prime Minister to adequately respond. Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Dr. Gonsalves told parliament that the issue raised by Eustace was an important one, “but always as Minister of Finance, I know how many farmers are actually owed and what they are being owed. I don’t want farmers being without money, but persons who issue the bounced cheques must first be made to answer.” He stated that he would like the honorable Leader of the Opposition and other farmers to be paid for their bananas, but insisted that “the person who issued the bounced cheques, knowing that they have no money , can’t do that. Nobody have to tell you, you are closing, you had to close”. The Prime Minister appealed to those farmers who were issued with bounced cheques to take them to the relevant authorities. “I would like to see that, and then we would have a proper story as to what actually transpired,” Gonsalves declared. Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.