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FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015 VOLUME 109, No.17 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

by DAYLE DA SILVA

CARROLL ABBOTT stillclings to those momentsof joy she shared with hernow deceased four-year-old daughter, McKaylaAbbott.

Young McKaylasuccumbed to theinjuries she sustainedafter she was involved inan accident with a mini-bus, which occurredalong the Georgetownpublic road about1:40pm, Monday 20thApril, 2015.

She was pronounceddead at the GeorgetownHospital some 25minutes later, accordingto a police report.

“I trying my best, butat certain times…I can’tsleep,” she told THEVINCENTIAN.

Abbott, a resident ofByera, said that shewould wake her otherchildren around 4am, inorder to get them readyto catch the van atColonaire, which usuallytransports them toschool.

So every morningsince the incident, ataround 3:00, Abbott saysthat she is particularlysad.

The memory of whatoccurred on that tragic

day still lives, sheintimated.

“When I picture it, ithurt me inside a lot; Iwill never forget this,”she said.

“It’s not easy, it hascaused me a lot of paininside,” the grievingmother said.

McKayla was the lastof four children and,according to her mother,brought to her and therest of the family a lot ofjoy. Her daughter, shesaid, was filled with love.

According to Abbott,

McKayla would often tellher how much she lovedher.

“Now, is only God canhelp me to have thefaith,” Abbott said. “I am

going to miss her a lot.” Carroll recalled an

activity at her churchlast Sunday. Thecongregation offeredprayers for the younglady who had committedsuicide, and the pastorasked for all the childrento look at themselves in a

mirror, which wasprovided, and recite thewords, “I shall love, and Ishall not die.”

McKayla was the lastto leave, her motherrecalled.

Continued on Page 3.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

WHILE IT APPEARS to former Bishop’sCollege Kingstown teacher, Josette Bibby-Bowens, that the recent decision to placeher at the Adult Education Unit is a moveto frustrate her, she is happy that shewould still be able to make a contributionto the nation’s development.

Bibby-Bowens’ lawyers had receiveddocumentation from the office of theDirector of Public Prosecutions (DPP) onThursday, April 16, informing them of adecision to discontinue two charges ofobscene publication brought againstBibby-Bowens two months ago, andadjourned for trial on two occasions. Shewas expected to return to Court Friday,April 17.

The Principles of Accounts and

Information Technology teacher at theBishop’s College, was suspended fromduties on half-month salary, pending theoutcome of the matter.

Move to frustrate

Bibby-Bowens told THE VINCENTIANon Wednesday that on Tuesday, shereceived a letter dated April 17 fromActing Chief Personnel Officer EileenBute, informing her of the decision toplace her at the Adult Education Unit.The new assignment took effect fromMonday, April 20. The teacher is nowbased at Redemption Sharpes as part ofthat Unit.

Continued on Page 3.

Teacher: ‘Move meant to frustrate me’

FOUR-YEAR-OLD:ROAD FATALITY

McKayla wasdescribed asbeing filled withlove, and onewho broughtmuch joy to herfamily.

#12McKayla Abbott – preparations were already intrain to have her registered for primary school.

Josette Bibby-Bowens (left) and one ofher lawyers, Kay Bacchus-Browne, sharea moment of glee together.

FOUR-YEAR-OLD:ROAD FATALITY

DIGICEL BUSINESS TODAYrevealed details of its latestbusiness solutions product,Digicel Eye, which seescustomers across the regionbenefiting from always-onvideo surveillance that isaccessible from any mobiledevice – delivering peace ofmind 24/7.

Digicel Eye makes iteasier for customers tokeep track of theirbusiness operations, and isdelivered as a fullymanaged service withoutthe expense and hassle of

hardware purchase,installation andmaintenance. It comeswith round the clockcustomer support as wellas “storage in the cloud” —eliminating the possibilityof data loss whencustomers need it most —in the event of a naturaldisaster, physical damageor theft.

Digicel Business CEO,Paul Osborne, said;“Digicel Eye is the nextgeneration in surveillancesolutions for businesses. It

provides our customerswith peace of mind, anddelivers a world-class,hassle free service, as wellas a team of experts tohandle any issues thatmay arise. DigicelBusiness is providing thisservice in partnershipwith Genetec — globalleaders in IP security andaccredited by the USDepartment of HomelandSecurity. Its solution ispowered by the latestStratocast technologywhich offers a number ofunique features that canbe accessed from multipledevices anywhere in theworld — allowingcustomers to monitor, tag,

share and export theirvideo clips wherever theyare in the world.”

Digicel Eye uses thelatest technology in cloud-computing platforms toeliminate the need for on-premise servers andstorage, making it easier,cheaper and more reliablethan traditional offerings.The solution comes with awide range of highdefinition videosurveillance equipmenttailored to individualneeds. Customers can alsoaccess video footage 24/7via their tablet, laptop ormobile phone. (Submittedby Digicel)

2. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

BusinessV

[email protected](784)-529-2677

Digicel Eye is on

HP, Digicel inpartnershipDIGICELBUSINESS, onWednesday 14thApril, 2015, entereda strategicpartnership withHP that will see itdeliver world classHP Helion ManagedPrivate Cloudservices to largeenterprise andGovernment sectorsacross the region.

Expanding beyondDigicel’s extensive PanCaribbean Public Cloudoffering andinfrastructure, thispartnership will seeDigicel Business deliveran end-to-end HP HelionManaged Private Cloudservice for customerswhich includes AdvancedNetworking, Storage,Virtualisation, Securityand Managed Services. Inaddition, the cloudsolution from DigicelBusiness and HP will givecustomers a fully-scalableOpEx-based solution,allowing these businessesthe options to connect intoan existing cloudinfrastructure or architecta hosted fully managedprivate cloud dedicated tothem.Digicel BusinessGroup CEO, PaulOsborne, said; “At DigicelBusiness, we know thatall businesses — from thelargest enterprise andGovernment office to thesmallest start-up — arenow, more than ever,looking for solutions thatreduce cost, deliverscalability and provideaccess to data fromanywhere, at any timeand through any device.Digicel is proud toannounce this strategicpartnership with HP thatwill deliver HP Helionmanaged private cloud

services to the largeenterprise and publicsector organisationsacross the region. This isa great complement to ourpreviously announcedPublic Cloud offering thatis designed to suit theneeds of smallerbusinesses. Thispartnership will providethe flexibility andreliability our customersneed to stay focused onwhat is most important tothem.”

Martin Castillo,General Manager, HPCaribbean Region, said;“In order to remaincompetitive,telecommunicationsproviders must haveaccess to the latesttechnology along withquick-to-marketstrategies. ”The HPHelion portfolio of opensource hybrid cloudsolutions, along with theteam’s vast local andglobal experience inprivate cloud services, willhelp strengthen Digicel’sposition as a complete ITservices provider.” (Submitted by Digicel)

Paul Osborne, CEODigicel Business Groupsand the partnership withHP will enhance hiscompany’s ability toprovide flexibility andreliability to its businesscustomers andgovernments.

Digicel Eye makes it possible to keep aneye on one’s premises from a mobiledevice, e.g. a phone.

V News 3THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015. 3.

Sir James headsÂSouthÊ forpublic panelFORMER PRIMEMINISTER of St.Vincent and theGrenadines, Sir JamesMitchell, is scheduled totravel to Trinidad andTobago this weekend, toparticipate in a high-powered public panel,which will examine theissue of ‘WhetherGovernment ought toreplace the Privy Councilwithout the consent ofthe people obtained in areferendum for thatpurpose’.

Sir James told THEVINCENTIAN that hewas invited to be amember of the panel bywell-known Trinidad andTobago lawyer, RameshLawrence Maharaj.

The public panel is setfor Sunday the26th April 2015beginning at 10.00 am,

and will be carried liveon radio. It will also bestreamed live on YouTube, and interestedpersons can log in byinserting ‘Hollis Cliftonand the date of event’, inthe You Tube search bar.

According to SirJames’s own assessment,he might have beenchosen as a panellistfollowing his recentappeal to the PrivyCouncil, in which hesuccessfully challengedthe veracity of aCommission of Inquiryset up to investigate theoperations of the OttleyHall Mariner and ShipYard here in St. Vincent,during his tenure asPrime Minister.

He is also known forhis candid views on thematter of thedispensation of justice in

the Caribbean, and isknown to haveexpressed, among othersentiments, that he“grieves when we (theCaribbean) make errorsin dispensing justice.”He is especially sensitiveto this, given the factthat he would have, as aprime minister, beenpart of the making oflaws that wouldguarantee the rule of lawin the region and for itspeople.

Sir James, PrimeMinister of St. Vincentand the Grenadines from1984 — 2000, continues tokeep abreast of local,regional andinternational political,social and economicdevelopments.

He is a member of thedistinguishedInterAction Council of

Former Heads of Stateand Government, anindependentinternationalorganization designed tobring together formerworld leaders ‘to mobilizetheir energy, experienceand internationalcontacts in an effort todeveloprecommendations andfoster co-operation andpositive action aroundthe world’.

Sir James will haveanother opportunity toaddress the question ofreplacing the PrivyCouncil as the region’sfinal Court of Appeal.

JAMAICA HAS PLANTED itsfirst legal cannabis(marijuana/ganja) tree.

Monday 20th April, 2015 was ared letter day for Jamaicans. Itmarked the first time a legalmarijuana tree was planted inthat country.

The site was the grounds of theUniversity of the West IndiesMona Campus.

The planting ceremony followson the right granted to theUniversity by the government tocultivate marijuana for medicalresearch, towards positioningJamaica to maximise benefitsfrom the global medical marijuanaindustry.

The University is set toestablish an institute tocoordinate research efforts onmedicinal and commercialproducts of marijuana. In themeantime, the research effort willbe undertaken by what is knownas the UWI Cannabis ResearchGroup, co-chaired by ProfessorWayne McLaughlin and Dr

Wendel Abel.Speaking at the tree-planting

ceremony, Justice Minister MarkGolding said the university had afine team of scientists acrossdifferent scientific disciplines.

“Now that they can actuallycultivate for research purposes,we can expect that the outcomesof the endeavours will be moreprofound, and with the economicopportunities that this will bring,we see this as part of what, Ihope, will be a transformationalindustry for Jamaica,” he said.

A similar licence will also begranted to Jamaica’s University ofTechnology, according to astatement from the government.(Source: Caribbean Journal)

1. OUR APOLOGIES to Ms. Karen Hinds for omittiing

to refer to her conference asthe Karen Hinds’ PhenomenalWoman Conference, in ourarticle, ‘Digicel: Proud toalign with women’s causes’,THE VINCENTIAN OF April17, 20i5, page 2.

No disrespect was intended,and we hope that Ms. Hindswill accept the sentimentexpressed.

2. To Stephen Samuel, whomwe named as a person yet to

be sentenced for attemptedmurder. See article ‘Woodleylisted for sentencing again’,THE VINCENTIAN of April17th, 2015, page 6. Weapologise, and can nowcorrectly say that Stephen

Samuel is awaiting sentencingfor wounding with intent.

NEVER TOO BIG TO LEARNNEVER TOO BIG TO SAY WE’RESORRY

Jamaica gets its first legal ganja tree

Continued from Page 3.

The deceased was a student at the Grace and TruthPre-School in Georgetown.

She would have turned 5 on May 23, and theprocess leading up to registration for primary schoolwas already underway, her mother told THEVINCENTIAN.

Post mortem results were to be released to thefamily members yesterday, following which, Abbottsaid, the family would begin making funeralarrangements.

Monday’s accident brings the number of fatal roadaccidents to six for the year, accounting for a total oftwelve deaths.

Four-year-old:Road fatality #12

Continued from Front Page.

According to Bibby-Bowens, she is expected toconduct classes there in Information Technology, aswell as in Electronic Document Preparation andManagement. Those classes are supposed to begin inMay and June. Bibby-Bowens is also expected to bereimbursed with the monies deducted while she wason half-month salary.

Bibby-Bowens views the decision to move her fromthe Bishop’s College as another form of punishment.

“It appears to be a move to frustrate me, but once Iam making a contribution towards my nation’sdevelopment, it doesn’t matter where they put me inthe Civil Service”, she said.

Arrest ‘absolutely ridiculous’

Asked how she feels about the discontinuation ofthe charges, Bibby-Bowens said, “I should not haveeven been arrested and charged. It was an abuse ofprocess and a misuse of the Police Force.”

The graduate teacher lamented, “To send membersof the Major Crime Unit (MCU) to arrest me at myschool is absolutely ridiculous.”

She pointed out that five police officerssubsequently searched her home.

Bibby-Bowens revealed that her lawyers areconsidering what further steps they should take. Sheis represented by Kay Bacchus-Browne, NicoleSylvester and Dr. Linton Lewis.

‘Anyone can be moved around’

When contacted on Wednesday, the Acting ChiefPersonnel Officer said, “I carried out the instructionsof the (Public Service) Commission,” but she declinedto comment further.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN later, chairmanof the Public Service Commission (PSC), Cecil ‘Blazer’Williams said Bibby-Bowens has been assigned, but hedoes not know to where she has been assigned. Hestressed that it was not a transfer since she is stillpart of the Ministry of Education, even though shemight not be in the classroom.

Williams explained that, “Anyone can be movedaround to ensure the effective and efficient operationof the Public Service. One does not have to be accusedof anything for that to happen.”

The charges that were brought against Bibby-Bowens stemmed from comments allegedly made onthe social media site, Facebook, on February 17, 2015,in which reference was made to one ‘Ralph’.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of ninemonths in prison.

Teacher: ‘Move meantto frustrate me’

OOPS

Right: Minister of JusticeMark Golding (right) andCourtney Betty (left),president of Timeless HerbalCare, jointly plant a ganjaseedling at Monday’ssymbolic planting at the UWIMona Campus.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

ROMANO FARRELL said he remained strong andinsisted that he was not giving up, during a vicious

gunshot attack on him last week Wednesday night.Farrell survived four gunshot wounds in a blaze

of gunfire around 7 p.m. at Brighton. He was shot inthe left shoulder, right arm, toe, and under his right

breast. But he ranfor his life andmanaged to makeit home.

Up to presstime Wednesday,Farrell waswarded at theMale SurgicalWard of theMilton CatoMemorialHospital in stablecondition, but hetold reporters thathe was supposedto undergosurgery on hisright arm.

Farrellexplained that thedrama unfoldedwhile he was “on the bloc.”

He was in the company of someone and was usinghis mobile phone. His phone’s light was shining intohis eyes, when he heard noise and shots, and whenhe looked up, saw two masked mem.

The young man said he ran; the men ran behindhim and shot him, but he kept running.

“I say I wasn’t giving up. I kept strong,” Farrellsaid. He indicated that he had no dispute withanyone, prior to the incident.

On reaching home, located not too far from ‘thebloc’, family members assisted in getting him to thehospital.

At press time, police were continuing theirinvestigations.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

KAY BACCHUS-BROWNE, leadlawyer for graduate school teacherJosette Bibby-Bowens, says thatDirector of Public Prosecutions(DPP) Colin Williams’ statementthat there are other means ofdealing with Bibby-Bowens,convinces her that the “wholeaction” was political.

The DPP has discontinued twocharges of obscene publicationthat were brought against Bibby-Bowens two months ago. He toldTHE VINCENTIAN on Monday,“We issued a nolle prosequi whichdiscontinued the criminalproceedings, but I am satisfiedthat there are other mechanismsfor dealing with her.”

Asked whose decision it was tohave charges brought againstBibby-Bowens, the DPP said, “I

exercised my powerto discontinue,that’s all I amcommenting about.”

The DPP doesnot have to givereasons fordiscontinuing anymatter.

Speaking withTHE VINCENTIANon Wednesday, Bacchus-Brownepointed out that the authoritiesshould have known from thebeginning that there werealternative ways of dealing withthe matter.

“They should have taken thesemeasures first. Why should theyleap to the highest measure first?This convinces me that the wholeaction against her (Bibby-Bowens)was a political sanction,” thelawyer contended.

“We areconvinced thatwhatever measurethey take againstour client wouldbe doomed tofailure, because itwas a spuriouscharge with noevidential basis,”she added.

Bacchus-Browne revealed thatBibby-Bowens’ legal team, which

also includes NicoleSylvester and Dr. LintonLewis, was expected tomeet this week toconsider the next step.


News V

SIX (6) OFFICERS of the RoyalSt.Vincent and the Grenadines PoliceForce Coast Guard, who participatedin the Regional Security System(RSS) Basic Seamanship Course1/15, are rearing to put their skills touse.

The six, Able-Bodied (AB) SeamenCarlie Boyea, Amber-Lea Caesar,Shantell Compton, Shantel Harry,Brandon Nanton and CorneliusRoberts, have all dubbed the coursea success.

Held in Barbados from March 9th,2015 to April 10th, 2015, the courseexposed participants to a variety ofareas including boat handling,navigation, maritime lawenforcement, knots and splices, shiphusbandry, anchoring, manoverboard procedures, first aid andbasic engineering.

AB Compton placed first (1st) atacademics and second (2nd) atphysical training. She said: “It was alearning experience, and we learnt alot of new things. From the knowledgeand experience gained from thecourse, I feel we are more competentat our duties and responsibilities thatwe have to perform here.”

AB Caesar said the month longcourse has served to reinforce areasthat have been taught to them before.

AB Roberts, who was participatingin his second overseas course, said theboat handling training played acritical role in sharpening his skills,and has equipped him with the tools

to fulfill his role at the coastguardwith more confidence.

“Navigation also sharpened myskills as well as maritime law. I amabsolutely sure that the knowledgegained will help me with the executionof my duties at sea,” said Roberts.

AB Nanton said getting theopportunity to work on a largercoastguard vessel than what exists athome, and plotting charts for searchand rescue missions were critical forhis development as a coast guardofficer.

Leading Seaman Damian Franklynof St.Vincent and the Grenadines wasone of the facilitators on theprogramme attended by participantsof host country Barbados, Dominica,Grenada, St.Kitts and Nevis andSt.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Coast Guard officers get training

L-R: Able-Bodied (AB) SeamenCornelius Roberts, Amber-Lea Caesar,Shantell Compton and BrandonNanton.

„Wholly political,‰ says lawyer

ColinWilliams,DPP, spoke toothermechanismsfor dealingwith JosetteBibby-Bowens.

Kay Bacchus-Browne, one ofthe attoneysrepresentingteacher JosetteBibby-Bowens,considers herclient’s arrest tobe politicallymotivated.

„I wasnÊt giving up,‰wounded man insisted

Romano Farrell was shot fourtimes, but claims he had nodispute with anyone.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015. 5.

Story and photos byNELSON A. [email protected];[email protected] CORRESPONDENT

A MAJOR POLITICAL clubin New York on Sundayconferred its Health CareAward on a veteranVincentian nurse, at a galaceremony in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn-basedProgressive DemocraticPolitical Association(PDPA) — headed bytrailblazing former NewYork City Councilwoman,Jamaican-born Dr. UnaS.T. Clarke, bestowed thehonor on RegisteredNurse (RN) Dofflyn King,née Cox, during itsannual ‘WomenCelebrating Women’ceremony at TropicalParadise Ballroom onUtica Avenue inBrooklyn.

King, who has over 44years of nursingexperience, and hailsfrom the North Leewardvillage of Troumaca, wasamong 14 honorees atthe sell-out event thatwas attended by virtuallyWho’s Who in Brooklynpolitics. She was the only

Vincentian to receive theaward.

“I was thrilled andsurprised to beconsidered for the honor,”King, who was supportedby family members,including her husband,and community leaders,told THE VINCENTIANafterwards.

The presidents of theInternet-based-groupVincyCares, Franklin“Supadex” Richards, andthe United VincieCultural Group ofBrooklyn, Dr. RoxieIrish, as well as theformer president of theBrooklyn-based St.Vincent and theGrenadines NursesAssociation of New York,Inc., RN Celia Bramble,were among patrons, whoattended the eventspecifically to givesupport to King.

“It’s a good feeling toknow that my work in,the community has notbeen in vain,” addedKing, who worked as aRegistered Nurse at theGeneral Hospital,renamed Milton CatoMemorial Hospital(MCMH), Botanic

Major NYpolitical clubhonours veteranVincentiannurse

Gardens Medical Center,both in Kingstown, in themedical, surgery,pediatric, OB-GYN andemergency departments,and operating andrecovery rooms.

She did 1 ½ years inCanada before migratingto New York in 1977.

“I thank God forgiving me the wisdomand ability to be ofservice to others,” shecontinued. “I also thankthe members of PDPAfor considering me forsuch an honor. It meansso much to me.”

For the past 22 years,PDP has been honoringwomen who represent a“broad cross-section ofprofessionals” in thecommunity, who give“exemplary service,”Clarke, PDPA presidentand the first Caribbean-born woman to be electedto the NewYork CityCouncil, told the four-hour-long ceremony.

“As a politicalorganization that strivesto propel our communityto its higher ideals andinvolvement in thepolitics of ourcommunity, we seek toidentify and supportcandidates with ourvalues — to add our voiceto the debate that isimportant to bring aboutsocial and politicalchange for people,” sheadded.

Among Vincentianwomen who PDPA has


DiasporaV

Registered Nurse Dofflyn King with award, flanked by, L-R: USCongresswoman Yvette D. Clarke; PDPA president Dr. Una S.T. Clarke; NewYork State Assemblywoman, Haitian American Rodneyse Bichotte; andGrenadian American New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams.

honored over the years,are community andsports personalitiesBramble, Stella Boyea-Ashby, Gailene Windsor,Karen Marks, VernaArthur, Erlene Williams-King, Ancilla Friday,Dillona Lewis andVeronica AlexanderPhillips.

King’s work in New York

In New York, Kingwas employed at variousnursing facilities,including the VisitingNurses Association ofNew York (VNS), and atBrooklyn hospitals —Kingsbrook JewishMedical Center,Kingsboro PsychiatricCenter and BrookdaleUniversity HospitalMedical Center. InCanada, she worked atHardisty GeneralHospital in Alberta.

Before joining thestaff at VNS, for whichshe worked for sevenyears, King, a verydevoted and caringnurse, worked in thehome care department atKingsbrook JewishMedical Center from1996 -2006. There, as anRN, she, among otherthings, coordinatedpsychiatric cases,assessed the clinicalstatus of patients inhomes, in determiningneed for assistance, andassessed and instructedpatients and familiesabout disease processes.

From 1990-98, Kingalso served as HeadNurse in the InfirmaryUnit at KingsboroPsychiatric Center,where she conductedtotal patient care,assessed and coordinatedplan of care, andsupervised therapy aidesin improvement of careand interpersonal

relationships. Prior tothat period, she workedin the Medical SurgicalUnit from May 1978 toMay 1998.

For 4 ½ years (March,1980 to September 1984),King was employed as anRN in theNeurological/SurgicalUnit at BrookdaleUniversity HospitalMedical Center. There,she assessed clinicalstatus and provided post-operative care topatients, among otherthings.

While pursing nursingstudies in her homeland,King worked in themedical, surgery,pediatric, OB-GYN andemergency departments,and operating andrecovery rooms at theMCMH. Shesubsequently worked inthose departments at theBotanic Gardens MedicalCenter and HardistyGeneral Hospital.

King holds a Bachelorof Science degree inCommunity Health fromSt. Joseph’s College inBrooklyn; RN andLicensed Practical Nurse(LPN) diplomas from theState University of NewYork; and a diploma innursing and a certificatein midwifery from TheSchool of Nursing inKingstown.

Community work

Despite her very busyschedule, King still findstime for communityinvolvement. She was afounding member of theBrooklyn-based St.Vincent and theGrenadines NursesAssociation of New York,Inc., and played aleading role in thegroup’s community andprofessional activities fora number of years. She

served in variouscapacities, includingrecording andcorresponding secretary,and chairperson of theFund-raising Committee.

Additionally, RN Kingwas co-founder andsecretary of theBrooklyn-basedVincentian ChristianCharity Organization(VINCO).

She was also veryinstrumental in theformation of the East94th Street (Brooklyn)Block Association, andspearheaded the block’sclean-up campaign, withsupport from theBrooklyn BoroughPresident’s Office. Sheworked closely with thearea’s 67th PolicePrecinct in organizingthe block’s ChristmasLightning Competition.

King is a formerschool teacher at theRichmond HillGovernment School,renamed the ThomasSaunders SecondarySchool, in Kingstown.

She and her husbandworship at FenimoreStreet United MethodistChurch in Brooklyn,where he is a CertifiedLay Speaker (LocalPreacher), and she singsin the Chancel Choir.

“Mrs. King’scontribution to thecommunity was veryvaluable,” Richards toldTHE VINCENTIAN. “It’sa very, very good thing.We need more rolemodels like her in thecommunity. I was veryimpressed”.

Editor’s note: RN King ismarried to our USCorrespondent andveteran Caribbeanjournalist Nelson A. King,who hails from the NorthLeeward town ofChateaubelair.


PeopleV

by DAYLE DA SILVA

GEORGE MC INNISS recalls where hewas on December 24, 2013 during thetorrential rains and subsequent floodingthat overwhelmed mainland St. Vincent,and how the events that followedchanged his life, for theworse.

Little wonder,therefore, that he isworried that the nexttime such a catastropheoccurs, he may not be aslucky as he was then.

Mc Inniss, 65 yearsold, said that he recalledleaving his wife at home,alone, and was limingwhen the rains came onthat fateful day.

He then decided toreturn to his place ofabode in Mesopotamia,only to meet it floodedafter the river had brokenits banks.

And while he waslucky to only have lost fewer itemscompared to the other flood victimsaround the country, he repeated thathe continues to live in fear that hewould not be as lucky if the event re-occurs.

“I ain’t got no money to move.Watch how me house heng up?” hesaid.

He inherited the plot of land he hasbeen occupying for the past 30 yearsfrom his mother, and over time, hetold THE VINCENTIAN, he witnessedfirst-hand how the water way hasbeen progressively widening.

Over time, Mc Inniss said that helost a portion of his property, whichnow sits on the river floor when itbecomes flooded.

Some work was done, with sectionsof the river being excavated, to offersome relief, and it was promised thata back wall would be constructed.

Nothing was ever done, and allplans were halted.

Back in 1999, Mc Inniss recallsexperiencing the river’s fury when fiveMarriaqua students were washedaway.

He said that he reported what hesaw to the authorities then, including

the area representative; however,nothing was done to reinforce theriver’s banks or to put into protectivestructures.

Fourteen years later, disasterstruck again, and now there is morecause for concern, the elderly mansaid.

The section of the home that is atmost risk is the kitchen and, accordingto Mc Inniss, if the event whichtranspired in 2013 should occur again,he may lose his house.

“I really need help. If me hadmoney, me would hire ah tractor andbuild ah back wall, because I need it, Idoh have any other place to go.”

When contacted, the DeputyDirector of NEMO, Michelle Forbes,said that she would have to conductan investigation into the matter.

She said that a number of personswere assisted to re-build back walls.

However, in this case, NEMOwould first have to make anassessment of the area beforeproceeding with any further possibleaction.

“Because in some instances, it doesnot make sense to just build a wall,”she said.

George Mc Inniss’shome sits precariouslyclose to the river’s edge.

Man fears losinghis home

George McInniss has hadfirst-handindication of thewrath of theriver that runsalong his home.

The portion of land which Mc Inniss says isovertaken when the river floods.

(“The Vincentian” May 25th 2001)

THE NEW ULP ADMINISTRATION was stilla toddler in diapers, with the Governmentbarely two months old, when Otto Sam wrotethis letter:

“I am writing out of concern over certaindevelopments since the general election.

I support the Comrade, then, now and in thefuture. I could have called your house to sharethese concerns, but I wanted the “honourable”E.G Lynch and others to know that thepopulace gave you, the ULP, the mandate toimplement changes.

Comrade, I believe that the ULP is actinglike a timid child who is afraid of ghosts.

Fifty-seven percent of the people who voted,voted not only for work, poor relief, galvaniseand lumber, but for change, in most casesinstant change. For example, the policemenwho sang, supported and danced when theULP won, wanted change in their institution.They voted against the manner in which theCommissioner was appointed, prior to the1998 general elections. They voted against thesystem of appointment. They voted against themanner in which Horace Williams “eye balled”and assaulted you. They want change now.

Comrade, we love, respect and support you,but we resent healing and togetherness beforeexposing, cleansing and purging. If those soresheal like that, they would “force well” withinflammation in them. As you know, Comrade,corruption was a main issue in the lastcampaign, and we supported and stillsupporting the exposure, and the bringing tojustice of the corrupt elements.

Expose all the former ministers who oweMarketing Board Supermarket; all who stolegovernment land for 40 cents per square foot;all those who held monies from the Canouandevelopers that should be in the Treasury.

Comrade, ask Audrey Scott, DennistonDouglas, Dr. Ambrose and any comrade on theground and their work places. ULP warriorsare dissatisfied at the pace at which things aregoing! They find that the match is boring!They want action! Labour now!!! People, ULPstalwarts, are questioning if Sir Jamesnegotiated an amnesty for his buccaneers.

Comrade, in 1984 when Sir James won, heimmediately moved to crush the SVLP byexposing all wrong doing (and) draggingArthur Williams before the Courts. Thatvirtually killed Labour! People never trustedthem again! That is why NDP was able to lastso long and even put up such a fight in the lastelections, although the majority wanted themout. It took your energy and skills, thestatesmanship of Vincentians, and thestruggles of all workers in a people’smovement to rid this nation of the evil, corruptand wicked NDP regime! Crush them now!

Dr. Denzil Douglas crushed PAM and Dr.Kennedy Simmonds by exposing andinvestigating immediately after his victory.Comrade, you and the ULP need to do thesame. Labour now, now!

Comrade, we know that Hon. ArnhimEustace is a competent technocrat (maybe wecould make him CEO of the New DevelopmentBank) but we know him as an arrogantpolitician. Yes, the man who said not a damcent more for teachers and civil servants, whocalled everybody stupid and the sistersforeigners because they demonstrated.

The banana farmers have similarexperiences of him, so we turn “red” when heis so noble. Be careful, Comrade; the ULPwould not be able to criticize Eustace again!We had destroyed the guy, as a politician.Let’s be inclusive but consistent! Respect theoffice of Opposition Leader, but know that theofficer is anti-people.

Comrade, the diehards NDP will notchange, believe me. Politics is practical;Joshua built all the roads in Park Hill, whichwas Labour and none in Diamond, which wasPPP. Today, Park Hill is still Labour.Comrade, you begged for Philbert John (mygood friend), asked him who he voted for.Comrade Walters single-handedly built ahouse for Corah, yet she remained NDP.

Comrade, you see the embarrassment theeducation officials nearly caused at PrepSchool? You had to suggest negligence,incompetence! Yes square pegs! Retire them inthe nation’s interest. They cannot do theirjobs! That’s Change! Comrade, how do weexplain CWSA Manager slamming the phoneon a minister, and Jeannie Olliverre blatantlyrefusing to implement the hundred daysprogramme? Together now!!!

Comrade, clean up the mess. You have themandate. Forget about E.G Lynch and thepeople who supported “peace party”. Labourcalls for action! Give us what we voted for -change! Do not be afraid! We support theComrade yesterday, today and in the future.”

I am so glad that Oscar Allen has sought toraise the banner by powerful advocacy of otherwritings of Otto Sam that float Heaven-ward,freed of the coils of local politics.

But I have chosen to deal with the politicalinfluence of Otto Sam. Notice that I gave hima clear run with no comment, only stressing(underlined sections) one or two times themore poisonous parts which Otto repeated atthe end for emphasis.

I shall republish a second letter thattargeted me somewhat. Of course, I made mycomments in that one, dealing mainly withinaccuracies and misstatements.

Persons like Otto Sam ought to be exposedto all and sundry, and not only as the niceChristian that some represent him to be. Iwill, of course, maintain a standard that isshorn of any malice or political ill-will.

Check out next time “Ah feel for Dr. Ken”by Otto Sam.

COULD SOMEBODY SHED the real light on what is happening with this marijuana/ganja issue in CARICOM?

Two or so years ago, the people of the region were apprised of aCARICOM Heads decision to set up a Regional MarijuanaCommission, ‘to analyze the social, economic, health and legal impactof decriminalizing marijuana use’, and to report, in particular, onhow medical marijuana could help boost the region’s economy.

And we understand, though there is no confirmation, thatCARICOM Heads expects a report on the latter by January 2016, thisafter initial indication that the Commission was expected to report tothe Regular Meeting of the Conference (CARICOM) in July2014. When this was not forthcoming, there was a hint of some sort,which spoke to something of a submission being made by January2015.

All of this speaks with the proverbial forked tongue. For since theannouncement of the Commission and subsequent varied regionalpublic reaction to the issue, very little definitive information has beenforthcoming on this Commission business. Maybe the reason for this‘inactivity’ is summed up by Barbados Prime Minister FruendelStuart who, at the most recent CARICOM Summit in the Bahamas,warned that leaders would not be rushed into a decision.

Even as we pen this, the persons named to comprise theCARICOM Marijuana Commission are yet to be made public.

So, while we wait, uninformed of what progress, if any, has beenmade with respect to ‘getting the Commission going’, Jamaica, aleading CARICOM member, and the largest cultivator of ganja in theEnglish-speaking Caribbean, the CARICOM member with the most tolose and the most to gain from adjustments in the laws and attitudesregarding ganja, has gone ahead of the pack, and introducedlegislation which: legalizes the use of a controlled amount of ganja;‘frees up’ the use of the ‘herb’ by Rastafarians in their religiousceremonies; and gives the green light for marijuana to be cultivatedfor use in research, with the intention of identifying pharmaceuticalproducts that would maximize that country’s potential to share in thebillion dollar medical marijuana industry.

Forgive us if we conclude in our ignorance: it appears the rest ofCARICOM, like Nero, fiddles, while Jamaica, like Rome, ‘burns’.

Are we heading for another mathematical perversion? Is this acase of one from fifteen leaves zero, not unlike the Federation debacleof one from ten leaves zero? Are we to be plagued once again by theaxiom that ‘the more things change, the more they remain the same’?

The truth of the matter is that, long before Dr. Gonsalves broachedthe subject to his CARICOM colleagues (March 2014), Jamaica hadlong begun its own study into the ganja issue, and established itsNational Commission of Ganja, chaired by Dean of the Faculty ofSocial Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Professor BarryChevannes.

Views and input were sought from the old, the young, male,female, professionals, unskilled and unemployed persons, farmers,factory workers, artisans, entertainers, police and clergy. Hundredsgave verbal responses and many, many more hundreds submittedtheir testimony in writing.

In fact, a member of the Commission even visited Holland to gainfirsthand knowledge of how that country’s de facto decriminalization(of marijuana) policy worked.

So, when in March 2015, the Governor General of Jamaicaassented to a Bill amending the Dangerous Drugs Act, makingpossession of two or less grams of ganja a ticketable offence and nolonger a criminal offence, the decision was informed by years of study.

The question for CARICOM as it appears to fall into a state ofslumber on the issue, is whether it is not undertaking an exercise (astudy) which has already been pursued, completed, studied andanalysed, and worked to suit a Caribbean (in this case Jamaican)reality.

There is, in short, enough documented work on marijuana/ganjause and cultivation in the Caribbean, Jamaica leading the way, thatcan inform a wider application.

While we understand that each government would want to ensurethat its position reflects the majority view of its public, theinformation to inform a decision by the people is at hand.

There is, we want to advance, little need for another intensive,expensive round of study and deliberation that will only result inperpetuating a typical Caribbean pastime called procrastination.

Let us deal with this issue honestly and with as little duplicationas possible.

The world turns on a stick of ganja, while CARICOM stands still.


ViewsV

Editorial

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

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

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd.,

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


Burning the ganja issue

Ah writing the Comrade by Otto Sam

IT’S ELECTION time again,and rest assured, we aregoing to be bombarded bythe incumbent ULP, asthey make a road marchout of all that claim astheir accomplishments.On the other hand, lookout for the opposition todig deep to remind theelectorate about all theincumbent failed to do,and how hard times are.When all is said and done,it the same thing all overagain, save and except ithappens every five years orso.

And lest you forget, inall the hard times andfinancial constraints of

government, wad loads ofmoney will appear fromwho knows where, to bespent on the electioncampaign. And with allthe enticing, voters willforget their frustration,and go out on thefurthest limb in supportof their party. It seemsthat our votes arebecoming cheaper andcheaper.

What concerns me isthe question ofsuccession, especially asit relates to who couldbecome the next PrimeMinister.

It is clear that on oneside, they are favouring a

passage from father toson. That may beacceptable to the partyfaithful, many of whomhave benefited directlyfrom one handout or theother. But we must notallow ourselves to berailroaded into acceptingwhat is offered up on aplatter. We mustdemand that our primeminister be a person whois tried and tested inthe trenches, and onewho has been on theground through thickand thin with thepeople. Dr. RalphGonsalves can lay boastto this, but can his son?

As far as the otherparty is concerned, wemust be honest and saythat, even if they win,their leader will not havemany more useful yearsto offer in offcie. The jobis not going to get anyeasier, and the leadermight just have to giveway. Who, if any, hasbeen earmarked to

succeed him? Thecountry demands thatthis be put on the cards.

I might be grasping atstraws, but remember,‘straws have a way ofbreaking a camel’s back.

Patricia R.

THIS CONTROVERSYstarted in the Garden ofEden. God spent (6)hard- working dayscreating this world. Onthe 6th day, he made hismasterpiece, man. ThusGod presented man tohis host of angels, and heasked them to genuflectto man. All did exceptLucifer. Lucifer wasasked why? He claimed

that he is of higher birththan man, he being oflight of fire, man’s beingof dust and water (TheLost Books of the Bible).

God did not condemnLucifer, because therewere no laws underwhich He could do so.So, Lucifer retained hissuperior position asGod’s chief servant. Manwas not a servant in

God’s purpose.Soon, pride overtook

Lucifer’s heart, and hewanted to become likeGod, or a God, so hestarted a revolt againstGod. He was detectedafter he had alreadyclaimed one-third ofheaven’s population. Awar ensued, and he lostand was thrown out ofheaven with hisfollowers. Thus beganthe great controversy.

Lucifer convinced manto disobey God’s firstlaw, ‘Thou shall not’.. .Man sinned and wassentenced to die. All thistook place on the 7th dayof creation, while Godtook a rest from His 6days of labour; He evenblessed the 7th day, soall his creation couldhave a rest day too.

But on that 7th day,on the day he wassentenced to die, manaccused God of notprotecting him fromLucifer, a much strongeropponent than man, whohad already claimed one-third of God heavenlyhosts. God in hiswisdom, mercy, andrighteousness, heardman’s plea and agreed topay man’s debt (death).Man had no one, so Goddecided to sacrifice HisSon, a “perfect being”, inpayment for man’s sin.

Christ came and paidthat debt on Calvary.We are indebted to Him,and all He asks is tobelieve in His (our)heavenly Father; loveone another as brothersand sisters; and obey thecommandments. Doesthis mean that all isfinished? No. Are thereany among the two-thirds of those heavenlybodies who wereplanning to join Lucifer’steam?

Our heavenly Father

has given all two-thirdsa test to prove our loveand devotion to Him andHis Son. He sent usdown to earth in theform of humans; babiesto trod the earth and betempted as Jesus was.Those of us who you seeas ‘big shots’ -presidents, kings,queens, judges, generals- were all lowly citizensin heaven; and those ofus you see as vagrants,lonely betrodden souls onearth, were all highpersonnel in heaven,sent to prove their loveand devotion to God.

Brothers and sisters,when you meet an old oryoung forsaken beggar,or sickly person, oroutcast of society, do notcondemn them. Theywere once great in theHeavenly pilgrim, butare here just like you toprove their loyalty.

Having a loving fatherand prince who gave Hislife to prove his love foryou, will you do the samefor Him? He said, “Mysheep knoweth myvoice.”

Evening shadow isfast approaching. Makeyour calling right andsecure. Showappreciation to ourheavenly Father, andlive like time is runningout!

The 8th day is athand. Will you like towake up on that gloriousmorning?

An ordinary layman


LettersVSuccessors? Who are they?

Simple,Understanding,Passionate,Loving,Our future womentaken away,From the families thatbrought them up to fearGod.Traditions lost,Tears shed,A mothers’ plea,Please bring mydaughter home!We watch but donothing,Hear but do not care,Heartbreaking,But yet no one seems tobe praying for theselost souls.But yet we try to helpourselves,But never others.Today over 300mothers’ simple plea is:God save our daughtersand God bless us!

Yanic Sayers

Saveourgirls

A great controversy

The issue

Sunday, April 19th 2015 was indeeda historic day in the political life ofour beloved country. It was a daythat a political party, the UnityLabour Party, the ruling party in thecountry, broke all rules in terms ofattendance at a political convention inthe State. Some 2,500 members andsupporters of the ULP, flocked toCampden Park, to show their support,love and solidarity for their party.

They came in their red. They camewith zest and zeal, applauding everystatement made. They sang anddanced as the ULP celebrated itstremendous progress as agovernment, ULP style, in song. Theylistened attentively to the speeches ofthe candidates, and the address of theparty leader, The Comrade, PrimeMinister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Theychatted with old friends; they madenew friends; and they conversed aboutthe work of the party in the variousconstituencies.

Above all, they came away with anew purpose, with a newdetermination: to defend the gains ofthe ULP over the last fifteen years; tosupport the new plans and strategiesin the period going forward; and toensure that their beloved party isreturned to office for a record fourthterm. They are committed not to turnback the hands of progress, and tocement the future of their childrenand grandchildren, in the people-centered policies of the ULP.

The Youths

A significant feature of theconvention was the number of youngpeople who were in attendance. Thishas two critical indicators. First of all,it’s an indication that the policies ofthe ULP administration, especiallythose aimed at the youth of ourcountry, with the EducationRevolution being in the forefront, arebringing benefits to our young people.Secondly, it’s an indication that theyoung people recognise that the ULP,and its political leader, Dr. RalphGonsalves, are good, progressivefactors for the further development ofthe country.

In the next general elections, youngpeople will have a significant role toplay in the determining who will bethe next government. Thisdevelopment must be seen by theleadership of the ULP as a positiveone, but more will be done to ensurethat our young people to go the polls,and for them to vote solidly for theULP. In the near future, the ULP willhost conventions for young people andwomen, a further indication of wherethe emphasis will be, when the ULPbegins its political campaign in full.

The Political Leader

It is widely understood that thePrime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalvesis light years ahead of the leader ofthe opposition, Arnhim Eustace, whenit comes to leadership and vision. Hisaddress at the convention reflectedthis. He stressed the message that theULP was dealing with the politics oftruth, mature reflections, andupliftment, not the politics of lies andfalsehoods, and the “bad talking” of

the country.The Comrade Leader urged his

supporters to embrace and show loveand care for all, and not to getinvolved in anything “warisome” inthe upcoming election. He furtherencouraged supporters to talk to theirfamilies and neighbours, to furthershow that spirit of love and caring,and to further promote the work ofthe ULP administration. Truly, hisaddress emphasized the theme of theconvention, which is “Labour: Greatleadership, strong performance. Lehwe go, four in a row.”

All speakers at the conventionshowed competence, confidence, andclear indications that they are readyfor the campaign ahead. Theopposition NDP must be worriedabout this turnout from the ULP, andthe confidence that is oozing from thesupporters and the leadership. Butthe task is not yet over, and there arecritical points to be addressed.

The way forward

A hugely successful conventiondoes not automatically lead to successat a general election, although it is anindication of the standing of yourpolitical party. From here on, the ULPand its strategists will begin lookingat different aspects of the campaign,including public relations, fundraising, house to house visits and soforth. There is more work to be donein relation to the youth vote. The ULPcandidates will continue to reach outto these voters so that they couldbetter understand the work of theULP. Then there is need for atransportation plan within eachconstituency, to ensure that as manypersons as possible, go to the polls tovote.

The ULP administration has a veryimpressive record in terms of what ithas accomplished in the fourteenyears in office. It is this record thathas served the party well at the pollsin 2005 and 2010, and it will do soagain in 2015/2016. On the otherhand, the opposition NDP lurchesfrom one bungle to the next, makingmistakes left, right, and center, anddoing very little or nothing to engagein any debate on matters related tonational development.

Simply put, the NDP has nophilosophy, no vision, poor leadership,and virtually no framework for thedevelopment of the country. The NDPsimply engages in a platform of liesand half-truths, telling lies onVincentians, and generally speakingill of our citizens. They are fueled by adesperate bunch of fanatics on theinternet, many of them Vincentians,who continue to show no loyalty totheir mother country.

It is clear that the ULP is on apath to victory at the polls, when theComrade rings the bell. But we haveto continue to stay the course,defending the gains of the ULP,avoiding conflict situations, andengage in love and sharing with ourfamily and our neighbours.

Most Vincentians were disappointedwith what they heard and saw at theUnity Labour Party’s (ULP) Conventionon Sunday 19th April, 2015. They wereunhappy that the Prime Minister, Dr.Ralph Gonsalves, did not announce thedate for general elections. Instead, it wasthe constant barrage of attacks andinsults on Vincentians and, moreso, theleadership and members of the NewDemocratic Party (NDP). The PrimeMinister failed to outline his party’sprogrammes and policies, so Vincentiansdo not know what the ULP has to offer.The event was seen as one ofentertainment for its few remainingfaithful supporters. On the other hand, theNDP is ready to govern St. Vincent and theGrenadines, and is continuing to presentits programme and policies to theelectorate.

Education

The NDP has placed a high value oneducation, and our efforts will befocused on transforming andmodernizing the school environment atall levels. The NDP will:

* improve the quality of primary andsecondary education, with a greateremphasis on the allocation of resourcesto primary education, through, interalia, improvement in teaching qualityand facilities, relevance of curriculum,learning materials, and the introductionof continuous assessment systems andremedial programmes for slow learners;

* ensure that quality, fairness andjustice are central to the practice ofeducation. We will provide opportunitiesfor all, regardless of their position inlife, and ensure that all persons andinstitutions are dealt with fairly andaccording objective procedures andstandards;

* direct funding to the poor andstudents from rural areas, to enablethem to easily access quality educationand to take advantage of suchopportunities;

* ensure that all students have accessto learning resources such as text books,computers and other relevant learningresources;

* establish a national curriculumframework on numeracy and literacy;

* implement strategies to effectivelydeal with undiagnosed and untreateddevelopmental and learning disabilities,and establish remedial educationprogrammes to effectively deal withsuch learning difficulties;

* revise the school feedingprogramme, to establish a policy thatincludes emphasis on the nutritionalcontent of the feeding programme, andensure the use of more local produce;

* make skills training moreaccessible throughout the country, andensure that targeted interventions arewell designed and are appropriatelylinked to the labour market demands,national development and the globaleconomy;

* provide direct assistance tostudents writing external examinationssuch as CAPE and CSEC, by paying thefees for all students registered to takethese examinations;

* employ technology coordinators tohelp apply computers in the delivery ofthe curriculum;

* curb the school drop-out rates byembarking on curriculum reform, toensure that the curriculum is broad-based and that there are extra—curricular activities to meet students’developmental needs;

* promote career and vocationalguidance in all educational institutions

* implement National VocationalQualification Certificate for nationals inand out of secondary schools, inaccordance with CARICOM’s guideline.

Health

The New Democratic Party willintroduce a “Back to Basic Approach” inthe delivery of health care in St. Vincentand the Grenadines. Access to properhealth care remains a fundamentalright of every citizen, and the NDP iscommitted to facilitating the delivery ofthat right. An NDP administration willfocus attention on the basic principles ofdecentralizing the primary health caredelivery system. We will also placeemphasis on preventative medicine, as ameans of significantly reducing the needfor lifetime medication.

In order to meet the health careneeds of St. Vincent and theGrenadines, the NDP will: construct andequip a modern state of the art hospital;improve and upgrade the GeorgetownHospital and the Community Clinics;examine different models, with a view tothe implementation of modernmanagement techniques within thehealth sector; implement our plan forNational Health Insurance and ensure,by prudent management andaccountability throughout the system,availability of basic medication willalways be a priority.

The NDP will also give priority to thefollowing:

* restoring the proper functioningand the staffing of all district clinics andhospitals, to bring primary health carewhere it is needed;

* strengthening the health educationand awareness programmes;

* introducing a vigorous programmethroughout the country, geared towardsreducing the incidence of chronic diseasesuch as hypertension, diabetes andobesity;

* reducing the incidence ofcommunicable diseases, by improvingpublic health standards in eachcommunity, the management of solidwaste and the cleaning up of streams,coupled with a nationwide beautificationprogramme in each community;

* work with the Ministries ofAgriculture, Industry and Education toensure that school children are fed withlocally produced high quality food anddrink.

* Ensuring that customer complains,related to hospital services are speedilyand professionally investigated, andnecessary corrective measures aretaken.

These plans for health and educationcan only be accomplished when the NDPis voted into office. It is crystal clear theULP administration is totally bankruptof ideas, and does not have any plans forhealth and education. As a matter offact, the ULP has failed to deliver on itspromise to increase the budget forhealth care. Instead, the health carebudget has decreased significantly overthe years, making it extremely difficultto purchase basic medication and othermedical supplies, which are needed forthe effective functioning of the healthcare facilities in the country. And weare still waiting on the dialysis centre.

The NDP has a competent team tosupport its programmes and policies,and the capacity to implement itsprogrammes and policies. The NDP alsoknows that improved health careprovides a significant boost to economicgrowth, and will do all in its power toensure that the wellbeing of the citizensof St. Vincent and the Grenadines issafeguarded and encouraged.

We appeal to the electorate, on behalfof all Vincentians, to make certain thatthey go out and vote solidly for the NDPat the next general elections. The ULPis bad medicine for the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.


ViewsVThe NDP is ready to deliverA massive ULP Convention

IN ITS FINAL CONVENTION before thenext general elections, the UnityLabour Party put on an impressiveshow that must have given secondthoughts to opposition leaders andsupporters, who thought that theirjourney to the corridors of power wasnear at hand.

With the theme ‘Great Leadership,Strong Performance’, the partybrought faithfuls from far and wide,who displayed joy, enthusiasm, energyand optimism, as it revved itsmachinery for the difficult, butimminently doable task, of winning a4th consecutive term. It was thelargest outpouring of support from itsbase in the 20-year history of theUnity Labour Party.

Parties winning a fourth term isdifficult and rare; but the ULP leavesthe starting blocks with animpregnable position in 7 seats. Onlya lacklustre, ill- disciplined, error-filled campaign and a weak,ineffective get out the vote strategycan derail and upset the ULP fromNorth Windward to West St George.

The next elections must be one ofcomparing and contrasting, andreminding people not to forget. Theelections will be won by the partywith the clearer narrative and visionfor the future. These elections will bewon not simply by convincing andpersuading people that you are betterby far. They will be won by movingcitizens, who believe in your message,to go to the polls and vote.

Therefore, the message must bescripted and punchy, upbeat andhopeful, positive and forward-looking.These elections are about leadershipand the future. There is no doubt thatthe ULP is better placed on bothcounts. Gonsalves consistently out-polls Eustace. The last ULP poll inOctober of 2013 showed Gonsalves ledEustace 61/39, a 22-point margin.

Regarding the future, this is a mustwin elections for the NDP. Eustacehas gone past 70, Leacock is 64,Cummings 62, Ferdinand is 62, andFriday is close if not over 60 already.If they fail to win these elections, theNDP can send goodwill kisses to thatgeneration of politicians, and preparefor another class of leaders. But thecupboard is bare. No one in SVGseriously talks about Loren Baptisteor Patel Mathews, Nigel Stephensonor Noel Dickson, Terrance Ollivierreor Ben Exeter, as dynamic up andcoming leaders.

Now, contrast that dull and dismalpicture with who is emerging in theULP: the dynamic national scholarsSaboto Caesar and Luke Browne; thehigh energy and academically strongCarlos James; the composed, solid,sober and reflective CamilloGonsalves; and the quiet maturity ofyours truly. The ULP team is betterequipped with an abundance of youth,substance, oratory skills andintellectual vigour.

The team that appears angry andoverly aggressive could turn off theelectorate. Already, Gonsalves haslabelled the NDP as having a ‘Love forPower,’ as opposed to his ULP ‘Powerof Love’.

As the opposition clamour forchange, the ULP must meet thatcharge head on. It must offer itsrecord of achievement and substantiveresults on behalf of the people, as wellas visionary leadership on issues largeand small. A clear narrative will allowthe people to decide on the two vitalquestions: Change from what?Change to what?

People need to be reminded wherethe country was in 2001, and where itis now. One will have to beunthinking and hyper-partisan todeny that the ULP initiatives of thelast 14 years have brought change ina number of areas, with tangiblepositive impact on all strata ofVincentian society.

While the evidence is starkly clearin education and housing, the benefitshave democratized the locallandscape. More people have title tolands under this government, thanthey received when the NDPcontrolled the government. New vistashave opened to our students with theintroduction of computers to primaryand secondary school students. It nowmeans that information has becomemore accessible, and access toknowledge is much less dependent onthe financial fortunes of your family.

The social safety net programmesin the form of assistance to theelderly, the poor and deprivedstudents and the vulnerable, are trulyimpressive. The tax relief tobusinesses at the top and to thosemaking less than $18,000 per year,has put more money in the hands ofthe people.

The financial assistance tofinancially disadvantaged students,has contributed to a broadening of themiddle class, as trained, youngprofessionals either return to thecountry to assist their parents andother family members, or find workabroad and send home much neededassistance. This is a boom to thefamilies’ wellbeing, and confidence aswell as the economy.

These elections will be hard fought.The opposition has gained thousandsof new voters following its defeat in2001, while the ULP popular supportremains flat. Therein lies thechallenge for the ULP. It mustconvince many of those who voted forit, particularly in North and SouthLeeward, West and CentralKingstown, Marriaqua and East StGeorge, to go back to the polls inincreased numbers.

This is not an easy task, but it isnot impossible. With strategicplanning and targeted outreach as itrelate to resource allocation andpersonnel, the ULP can stop thebleeding as regards the popular vote,as well as recapture some of the seatsit lost in 2010.

One does not have to be a pundit toknow that the Leeward corridor, fromWest Kingstown to North Leeward, isgoing to be a major battleground. TheULP has the better candidates in allthree seats. The return of theundefeated veteran, Sir Louis Straker,to the contest in Central Leeward, hasdimmed the NDP hopes there. Noserious political observer doubts thatthe ULP chances in North and SouthLeeward are exceedingly good.

The ULP, with its successful21st convention, has set the guard bywhich any other successful politicalgathering will be judged. The 2015elections campaign is about to go intohigh gear.

Send comments, criticisms &suggestions to [email protected]

“The most beautiful people we haveknown are those who have knowndefeat, known suffering, knownstruggle, known loss, and have foundtheir way out of those depths.” -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (1926-2004),American Psychologist.

IT WOULD BE INTERESTING to conduct asurvey of the most popular hymns. Sucha study could be expanded to inviteresearch into the circumstances thatencouraged the writing of thesetreasured lyrics. It will reveal that manyhymn writers went through some oflife’s most traumatic experiences priorto penning many of these hymns.

We can consider hymns like “PraiseHim, Praise Him”, “To God Be theGlory”, “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”,“Near the Cross”, “Redeemed”,“Rescue the Perishing”, “Jesus isCalling”, “Give Me Jesus”, and “MySaviour First of All”. Fanny Crosby(1820-1915) penned all of thesepopular hymns. However, her lifewas not an easy one. She was onlysix weeks old when she developedinflammation of the eyes. Seeking atopical cure, mustard dressings wereapplied to her eyes. It was hoped thatthis would have been able to treat theinfection and retard the discharges.This harsh treatment apparentlydamaged her optic nerves andresulted in blinding the infant.However, despite this early setback,Fanny eventually developed literaryskills and is now considered one of themore prolific hymnists in history. Shewrote over 8,000 hymns and gospelsongs. It is no wonder that shebecame known as the “Queen ofGospel Song Writers”. Today, we areencouraged and inspired by the lyricsof her many songs. We are blessed byher test.

Many church congregations arestirred by the words of the hymn,“There is a Fountain”. WilliamCowper (1731-1800) wrote thispopular hymn. English literaryhistory confirms that he experienced aserious attack of insanity during hisearly 40s. Many of his poems werewritten following his bout withmental illness. Several evolved tobecome popular hymns, and are nowregularly sung in church assembliesaround the world. Numerousindividuals can attest to the spiritualand emotional strength gained fromimbibing the thoughts portrayed inhis hymns. In his hymn, “LightShining out of Darkness”, he remindsus that “God moves in mysteriousways, His wonders to perform; Heplants his footsteps in the sea, andrides upon the storm.” We are so veryblessed by his test.

Many attendees at funerals areespecially consoled and cheered by thesinging of the hymn, “It is Well Withmy Soul”. Horatio Gates Spafford(1828-1888), an American Lawyer,wrote this hymn following thedrowning of his four daughters, whowere on board the ill-fated steamshipVille du Havre when it struck an ironsailing vessel and sank on November22, 1873. All of his daughters (11, 9,5, and 2 years old) were countedamong the 226 passengers who diedcrossing the Atlantic. The vessel wastraveling from America to England.But this was almost like a “nail in hiscoffin”; two years earlier, he had losthis real estate investments in Chicagoin the Great Fire of Chicago. Thisnow very popular hymn emerged from

the series of tragedies in Spafford’slife. Today, we are blessed by histest.

There are so many other examplesthat we can insert in this essay,as we seek to extract the manyblessings that have emerged from avariety of tragedies. Many readersmay not be acquainted with the nameJoseph M. Scriven (1819-1886).However, most of this column’sreaders would be familiar with thehymn, “What a Friend We Have inJesus”. Scriven wrote this popularhymn. The lyrics of this hymn alsoemerged from a series of personaltragedies. His fiancée accidentallydrowned the night before theirmarriage in 1845. The grief-strickenScriven then left his homeland ofIreland and migrated to Canada. Heagain fell in love and was due to bemarried, when his wife-to-becontracted pneumonia and died. Butlife had not yet completed batteringthis young man who had devoted hislife to helping others. Some timeafter this, he received news fromIreland that his mother was seriouslyill. Scriven then wrote a poementitled “Pray Without Ceasing”, andtrusted that it would have comfortedhis mother when she read it. Thatpoem was later set to music andevolved to become, “What a FriendWe Have in Jesus”. We have beenencouraged and blessed by his test.

There is an old saying that “whenlife sends you lemons, we can makelemonade”. Even the darkest andmost traumatic of circumstances havethe potential to create opportunitiesfor learning and growth. So veryoften we do not see the “jewels in themaking” when life appears to begrinding us to pulp; whencircumstances appear to toss us to thefloor and have us in a stranglehold.Many of us will prefer to avoid suchstruggles and trauma as best we can.However, many are unavoidable.They visit us when we least expect.They invade our privacy and sense ofsecurity. They put us in a tailspin(and seem to “cut our tail”). Theyappear to clip our wings and take thewinds from our sails. However, withGod’s help, we can learn to fly again.We can chart new courses (althoughbattered and bruised) and discovernew lands — new blessings.

We can gain strength and newinsights from Fanny, Cowper,Spafford, and Scriven. The lives ofsuch beautiful people (and there aremany others) remind and encourageus that it is possible to know defeat,know suffering, know struggle, knowloss, and find our way out of thosedepths. They teach us that we can uselife’s tragedies to pen “new endings” -that setbacks can create comebacks.Despite the trauma and the pain, wecan gain new insights, regroup, andcreate new insights that encouragegenerations yet unborn. With theright attitude and focus, we can beblessed by the test … and be ablessing to others.

Send comments, criticisms &suggestions to

[email protected]


ViewsVElections camapaign to go into high gearBlessed be the test

THE ARGYLE AIRPORT project is dead, butthe ULP regime continues to wastemillions of dollars trying to resuscitate it.There are serious problems at Argyle,including the strong gusty winds, but morespecifically, the runway orientation.

Runways are normally built in linewith the prevailing wind. In theCaribbean, the prevailing wind movesin an east-west direction. It is nosurprise then, to find that the airportsin our region are aligned similarly tothe prevailing winds.

In runway orientation terms, aneast-west direction is 09/27 (90 degreesoff north / 270 degrees off north). Thetable shows that runways throughoutour region are built in accordance withthe guidelines of the International CivilAviation Organisation (ICAO), allexcept Argyle, the misfit.

Aircrafts land and take off into thedirection of the wind. This enhancessafety by generating more lift whentaking off, and provides greaterstability when aircraft are approachingfor landing. The ULP regime, however,has gone against the wisdom of theICAO guidelines, and decided to put theArgyle runway perpendicular to theprevailing wind. The Argyle runway is00/18, a north-south direction.

Even the government’s ownEnvironmental Impact Assessment(EIA) report does not recommend arunway that is 00/18. On page 34 of the

EIA report, a runway direction of 02/20is mentioned, with the northern end ofthe runway ending in the sea. The ULPregime has since rotated the runwayanti-clockwise, making it moreperpendicular to the wind and moredangerous.

The only thing about the Argylerunway in line with the 09/27, east-westprevailing wind line, is the Yambouriver that flows through the middle of

the runway. Whilst some planes do landon water, LIAT and every other airlinewill not be landing in that.

Landing and taking off in crosswindsis much harder, and the FederalAviation Authority says take offs andlandings in certain crosswind conditionsare unadvisable or even dangerous. Invery windy conditions, “wingstrike” mayoccur, which is when a wing hits therunway. Airbus says wind is the maincause of 4% of ‘approach and landing’accidents. When crosswinds are toostrong, aircrafts are forced to divert toanother airport.

All aircraft have a maximumcrosswind limit that they can fly in. Anumber of the LIAT aircrafts have amaximum crosswind limit of only 20ktson narrow runways, such as at Argyle.It is likely we will see many occasionswhen LIAT cannot operate flights toand from SVG, at Argyle, because thewinds there are frequently strongerthan 20kts.

Another concern is the actualstrength of the Argyle runway.Runways to be used by aircraft over 140tonnes, must have several feet ofreinforced concrete to support theairplanes, without cracking. At themoment, the Argyle runway is beingcovered in tarmac to look pretty in timefor the election, and to try and fool thepeople. But the reality is that thewhole runway will need to be ripped up,

to put down the several feet ofreinforced concrete needed, as Argyle ismeant to accommodate 400 tonne jumbojets.

The ICAO says that to calculate theusability factor of a proposed runwayorientation, it is necessary to usereliable wind distribution and speeddata collected over a period of not lessthan five years. The observations usedshall be made at least eight times dailyand spaced at equal intervals of time.

If the ULP regime would have spenta few thousand dollars collecting thewind data for 5 years as recommended,they would not have wasted $700million on the colossal mess at Argyle,building a runway with a misfit 00/18north-south orientation that cannotwork.

Gonsalves should take fullresponsibility for the stupidity ofwasting $700 million on Argyle airport,and make a public statement in theSVG House of Assembly announcing animmediate date for the suspension of allfurther construction work on the Argyleairport, and (then) resign as PM.

The Argyle airport project is dead.About $700 million has been wasted onArgyle, and millions more should not bewasted trying to resuscitate it. It cannotwork, and is highly unlikely to get alicence to operate. We must abortArgyle airport and put Vincentians’needs first, not tourists.

SVG Green Partywww.svggreenparty.org


ViewsVArgyle airport dead –Do not resuscitate

PERHAPS I am too easily amused.But I do laugh every time I hear arepresentative of our Government(more often than not, the PrimeMinister himself), trumpeting thesuccessful completion of a majorproject, or the implementation of

another new programme or anundertaking underwritten by, orfunded by, or way too often, the wordsused to describe the funding are,“…with funds provided by..” a niceeuphemism for a LOAN from this orthat foreign entity, sometimes citing

the amazingly low interest rateattached (citing the interest rateONLY when it is amazingly low). Evena loan at NO Interest is a LOAN. Thatmeans it has to be paid back, if not bythis Government, then by the nextGovernment; if not by me and you,then by our children.

This country’s population, overtime, has been shrinking. We arebecoming a country of the very young,the very old, and the left behind. Theeducated and skilled emigrate, leavingthe unskilled behind. An Americancomic used to joke, “How are you goingto keep them down on the farm, afterthey’ve seen the farm?” The youngVincentians have seen the farm, andwhat it has degraded to, and manywant no part of it. The Governmentinadvertently acknowledged theincrease in middle class flight when itexplained the increase in pre-graduation school leavings as, not“drop outs”, but children beingwithdrawn by parents who areemigrating: fewer children in schoolbecause their parents took them withthem when they left the country.

Some of this emigration results inremittances which help sustain thevery old and very young (and lessskilled) left behind, but does notrepresent a taxable resource for theGovernment. So who or what, amidst ashrinking population characterized bystagnant or decreasing cruise shiparrivals, business closures and layoffs,bank’s closing branches and reducingstaff, telecommunication mergersresulting in top-to-bottom layoffs , anda shrinking private sector, is going tobe a source of taxation, a revenue

stream from which a Government canobtain funds for loan repayments? Ofcourse, there is a large BlackMarket (that is becoming a GreyMarket) in the trans-shipment ofcocaine and guns in, and marijuanaout of the country. Good luck in taxingthat.

If the Lottery borrows money fromthe National Insurance Services (as ithas, a heretofore unimaginableproposition), it has to pay it back:when and how remains an openquestion.

Any loan is a loan: you have to payit back. It’s not free money. Why is itnot understood and recognized thatthis is DEBT? Maybe relatively cheapdebt, sometimes, but debt nonetheless,and it all adds up. Some Government,sometime, has to pay all this moneyback. Whether to the EuropeanUnion, Caribbean Development Bank,the IMF, the World Bank, TheRighteous Revolutionary Resource forthe Destruction of Imperialism,or Sheikh Abdulla Mohammed in AbuDhabi, St. Vincent & The Grenadineswill have to repay all this debt, all thismoney, someday, somehow.

And never mind asking, after theprojects are completed, how well theyare maintained, or whether it maythen be determined that insufficientfunds are available for thepreservation or upkeep of saidundertakings, and hence neglect,vandalism and the forces of naturetake their toll – do I need to citeexamples, or can you fill them inyourself? Maybe we should try to getanother loan to…

HJA

Who is going to repay the loans?


by BEN HARRISON

THE GRENADINES ISLANDCanaoun, as part of thesovereign nation of St.Vincent and theGrenadines, has beendependent on mainland St. Vincent for many of thenecessities of life,including transportation,food, energy and especiallyfresh water. It has never,

however, lost its beauty andattraction to a relativelysmall number of touristswho didn’t mind theinconvenience of travellingoff the beaten path.

It is not surprising thatin recent years, withglobal travel being thenorm, that Canaounwould be seen to haveoutstanding tourist andinvestment potential, and

was recognized thus byworld class investors, thelikes of Swiss bankerAntonio Saladino, Irishbillionaire DermotDesmond and well knownentrepreneur and upscaledevelopment guru,Donald Trump.

Developers’ Vision

The investor/

developers’ vision, fueledin part by the success ofneighbouring Mustique’sattraction to the world’srich and famous, plusplans for a majorinternational airport onSt. Vincent itself, was toturn Canaoun into amajor, multi-facetedvacation spot to attractaffluent, sophisticated,international travelers.

The Canouan ResortsDevelopment Ltd (CRD)company was formed, andsigned a 99-year leaseagreement with theGovernment of SaintVincent and theGrenadines for property,for the construction andoperation of 2 hotels.

In 2003, Donald J.Trump and CRDannounced thedevelopment of luxuryvillas and estateproperties, with TrumpHotels & Casino Resorts,Inc. managing theoperations of the casino.A managementagreement was signedwith Raffles InternationalLtd. to operate a 156-room luxury resort,scheduled to open in mid-2004.

Between 2004 and2010, Raffles managedthe Resort, whichoccupies the north of theisland. The resort had aJim Fazio designed golfcourse (that won the RobbReports Best of the BestGolf Courses in the World2005 award), restaurantsand private villas.Construction began of anentirely new luxury resorton Godhal Beach,scheduled to open in thefall of 2013.

Advertisers and PRbriefs clearly stated“Getting Here Is Easy.From the US, you’ll flyinto San Juan. Then it’san easy, non-stop flight toCanouan”. That was untilthe scheduled carrier,American Eagleeliminated the service.

That was just anotherof a multitude ofchallenges and obstaclesthat have frustratedprogress, bringingCanaoun development toa virtual standstill in2014.

Standstill

Last year, thedevelopment project wasemploying upwards of1000 people, mostly fromSt. Vincent. However, thepartnership between theSaladino Group andDesmond, was runninginto operationaldifficulties, resulting in awinding down of theoperations at the partiallycompleted marina, andcurtailing the opening ofthe hotel in the developedarea.

The Government of St.Vincent and theGrenadines had asignificant proprietaryinterest in the project aswell. It had recentlysold/leased an additional20 acres to thedevelopers, and was owedsome 8.5 million USdollars. That was injeopardy.

Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves reportedthat these difficultiesaffected the nationadversely, since many ofthe employed were laidoff, causing serious staticin the country’s economy,employment, andnecessary cash flow forthe construction of theArgyle InternationalAirport.

He met with the twomajor investors, and wasinstrumental in resolvingmany of the operationaldifferences. He expecteddevelopment to resumewith the return ofhundreds to the workforce, and receivedassurance that the moneyowed would be paid.

THE VINCENTIANvisited Canaoun lastweek, speaking to anumber of persons, bothresidents and thoseconnected with theongoing developments.

Although little isknown officially, itappears that the jointventure equal partnershipbetween Saladino’s CRDGroup and Desmond’s IIU(International Investmentand Underwriting), hasbeen dissolved, creatingtwo separate companies,with CRD completing thedevelopment of theupscale hotel/villa resortproject, and Desmonddeveloping the world-classGlossy Bay Marina on thesouth end of the island.

Will this newarrangement, with each ofthe former partners“agreeing to disagree”,result in the fulfillment ofthe developer’s dream fora world of upscale touristsbeating a path to St.Vincent and theGrenadines island ofCanaoun, and accruedbenefits to St. Vincentand the Grenadines?Time will tell.

Stay tuned to THEVINCENTIAN forupdates as they occur.


FeatureVCanouan: A troubledpast, an uncertain future

The island of Canouan – a developer’s dream.

Business V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015. 15.

CABLE & WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS(CWC) has been named the officialbroadcast sponsor – and the exclusivetelecoms partner – of the 2016 RioOlympics for the Pan-Caribbean region byCANOC Broadcasting Inc. (CBI), asubsidiary of the Caribbean Association ofNational Olympic Committees. Theorganisation has secured the exclusiveOlympic content rights to all platforms in20 English-speaking countries, as well asnon-exclusive rights in 10 non-English-speaking countries throughout the region.

In addition to the Olympic coverage,CWC which now operates both theLIME and Flow brands in a number ofmarkets, will also provide its customerswith a unique variety of live video feedsand data services offered across anumber of media platforms includingradio, TV, mobile, and internet streams.These live services will featureinterviews, profiles and live-actionfootage of local Caribbean athletes as aresult of this uniqie partnership.

“We are proud to have thisopportunity to bring a more enrichedOlympic experience to our region,” saidJohn Reid, former President ofColumbus Communications and recentlyappointed President of CWC’s ConsumerGroup. “It truly is a privilege to offer ourcustomers unparalleled access to thissignificant international sporting event,and we are excited to work with CBI,

who are committed to ensuring thatviewers in our region can enjoy thespectacle of their hometown heroescompeting on the world stage.”

According to Reid, “The Olympicgames are a fitting choice as the firstmajor sponsorship of our combinedcompany, and build upon a foundation ofgrass roots support for athletes, whilesetting the bar for future sportsprogramming across the Caribbean. Ican’t think of a more relevant way todemonstrate the value of our mergerthan by offering exclusive, multi-platform coverage, featuring Olympiccontent.”

Speaking on the partnership, CBI’sChairman Steve Stoute said, “Our goalhas always been to give Caribbeanathletes the broadest exposure possibleof their participation in the 2016Olympics in Rio. CBI’s agreement withCWC is an important step in achievingthis goal, and ensures that our objectiveto maximize the Olympic experience forCaribbean viewers will be realised.’”(Source: C&W Communications)

The Cable & WirelessCommunications arrangementwith CANOC Broadcasting Inc.is intended to bring greaterexposure for Caribbean athletesparticipating in the 2016 RioOlympics.

LIME Partnerswith young group A group of young artistes have partneredwith telecommunications provider LIME,on a nationwide hunt for like-mindedentertainers.

The Carpe Diem Society kicked offtheir talent search last Friday on theLIME promenade, auditioning personswho could be this country’s next ‘bigthing’.

Secretary of the Society VanishaWilliams explained: “We are looking forpersons between the ages of 16-35, whohave a talent in dancing, singing,theatre arts, modelling and creativewriting.”

She added, “Our aim is to focus onthese talents, and to recognizecreativity throughout the length andbreadth of the country, because weknow there are persons out there who,

if given the right opportunity, can makeit on the international stage.

“We are very grateful for LIME’ssupport in this venture. They are onboard for a number of upcoming eventsthat we have planned, including a campin August, as well as a ‘Stop/Show’,where we go around on a truck andraise awareness of what we are tryingto do.”

Another audition is planned for May.Management of LIME, pleased to be

associated with this recent effort, saidthat the company has always been insupport of local talent, and hassponsored a number of entertainersover the years, including the Vincy SocaDans, and its slate of musicalambassadors.

CWC; Official2016 Olympicsbroadcaster

LIMEAssistantMarketingOfficerVeroniqueWilliams withexecutivemembers ofthe CarpeDiem Society.


by DAYLE DA SILVA

PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalveshas charged that the Leader of theOpposition, Arnhim Eustace, has aproblem with him being the chairmanof the Eastern Caribbean MonetaryCouncil (ECMC).

He made the conclusion to amedia briefing on Wednesday, whileresponding to a statement made byMr. Eustace, who proffered that anaddress of the Eastern CaribbeanCurrency Union (ECCU) on mattersrelating to the banking andfinancial sector on April 14, shouldhave been done by the Governor ofthe Eastern Caribbean CentralBank (ECCB), Sir Dwight Venner.

Dr. Gonsalves explained that hiscolleagues had asked him toaddress the people throughout theECCU’s member states in hiscapacity as the chairman of theECMC.

He questioned the concern,therefore, that Eustace had raised.

But Mr. Eustace had insisted onMonday, that despite the Prime

Minister’s capacity as chairman ofthe monetary council, this shouldnot have occurred.

“All over the world you go, thosetypes of presentations coming fromthe bank, come from the Governorhimself; but be that as it may, thisis how it has been done, and I havemy own suspicions why it has beendone that way,” Eustace said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Eustaceannounced that his NewDemocratic Party (NDP) will hold apolitical rally on Saturday, May,9th, at Sion Hill.

He expects that speakers at therally will address issues, includingthe current situation regardingcommercial banks in the country,negative economic growth of the

country, and the state ofthe tourism industry,which the Prime Minister,he said, had opted not toaddress.

PoliticsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015. 17.

Eustace opposes PMÊsdelivery of ECCU address

WHEN IT COMES to issueson the performance of theeconomy, Prime Minister DrRalph Gonsalves said that hehas always spoken the truth.

He responded Wednesdaymorning to a comment madeby Leader of the Opposition,Arnhim Eustace, who said onMonday, that he challengedthe government to tell thenation that this countryrecorded negative growth in2014.

However, Dr. Gonsalvesexplained that the figure thatis provided by theInternational Monetary Fund(IMF) is the one that is sharedwith the government, after theanalysis work on the economyhas been completed.

He further explained thatthe estimates will be given fora certain period, and by the middle of thesubsequent year, or even in some instances, a yearand a half will go by, and when the review is done,the IMF may come up with another number that ishigher or lower than the one previous released.

“Now, on every single occasion that I have beenin office, Mr Eustace has been wrong in relation tohis prediction on the economy.”

The opposition leader contended that there wasnegative economic growth for five years, starting in2008, Gonsalves said.

“If you say every single year for 14 years that thenumber is less than what the Prime Minister says,you may get it right, but is like lotto,” he continued.

“I heard Mr Eustace’s predictions from way backwhen [and] I came to the conclusion that when hemakes economic predictions, by comparison,astrology becomes an esteemed science,” Gonsalvessaid. (DDD)

The NDP will return to Sion Hill for a rally, at which it will address, interalia, the state of commercial banks here.

PM: ‘Eustace is wrong’

Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalveshas responded tothe OppositionLeader’s claimabout negativeeconomic growth,by saying theLeader of theOpposition got hisfigures wrong.


by KENVILLE HORNE

ST. VINCENT AND THEGRENADINES 40thanniversary of Fisherman’sDay celebration will takeplace from the April 16th toMay 25th (40 days) underthe theme, ‘Forty years ofHarvest, Accept no Less,Fish is the Best’. Theslogan is ‘Put a fish in yourdish’.

The slogan and themewere selected in keepingwith World Food Day’s‘Zero Hunger Challenge’,and the Ministry of Agriculture’s‘Years of Harvest’.

The community of Barroualliewill host three Fish Nights,commencing from April 30.Calliaqua will have their Fish Nighton May 8, and Rose Place on May22. The series of activities willculminate with the Grand Finale onMay 25, at Calliaqua.

This year will also feature a newevent, Man verses Foodcompetition. A six-day fishingcompetition will replace thetraditional one day. Daysdesignated as fishing competitiondays are April 20 and 27, and May4, 11, 18 and 25.

These details were disclosed onThursday 16th when theFisherman’s DayCommittee officiallylaunched its 2015programme, and staged anOpen Day Exhibition atthe National FisheriesMarketing Ltd compound,Bay Street, Kingstown.

The launch heardaddress from PermanentSecretary in the Ministryof Agriculture RaymondRyan; Chairman of theFisherman’s DayCommittee WinsbertHarry; Chief FisheriesOfficer JenniferCruickshank-Howard, andMinister ofAgriculture/FisheriesSaboto Caesar.

Ryan congratulated theFisherman’s DayCommittee, the FisheriesDivision and Fisher folksfor working tirelessly “toconsistently host thisnational event over thelast thirty-nine years,” and

he appealed to the Committee andFisheries Division to take aleadership role in the cleaning up ofseaweed from the beaches. “It(seaweed) has an impact not only ontourism but also on fisheries,” hesaid.

Committee chairman Harryreported, with a tone ofaccomplishment, that, “We havebeen able to get some fisher folks tojoin the National InsuranceScheme(NIS), so in the event ofaccidents, health problems or oldage, we can be assured that we arecovered.” He also called on theGovernment to establish a FisheriesLearning Resource centre to attractyoung people to the industry, and toenhance the learning abilities of the

older folks.Chief Fisheries Officer

Cruickshank-Howard emphasisedthe importance of the fishingindustry, especially as it related togenerating employment and foreignexchange earnings. According toher, in 2014, 1.6 million pounds offish were landed in SVG, with anestimated value of just overEC$10million ,an increase of 2.36%over 2013.

Minister of Agriculture SabotoCaesar cited government’s input ofsome EC$6 million for theexpansion of the local fishing fleet.He expressed disappointment thatjust over 1 million dollars wereaccessed, even though the facilitywas advertised widely.


GovernmentV

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Excellent Taste!

LAST WEEK, we looked at Light. Thisweek, we look at Temperature.

Every houseplant has a temperaturerange in which it will thrive. Mostpopular indoor plants can thrive in atemperature range of 60-70 F (15-21 C).

Certain types of plants, such asevergreens and flowering plants, prefercooler conditions.

All plants can tolerate temperaturesslightly higher and slightly lower thantheir ideal range, at least part of the

time. Extended exposure to temperatures

beyond its range of tolerance though,will eventually harm the plant.

When blooming plants are exposed tohigher than ideal temperatures, theirblooming period is usually shortened.

(To be continued next week)Presented by the SVG HorticultureSociety.

Care and treatment of potted plants

Others who addressed the Fisherman’s Day launch, were(from left): Chief Fisheries Officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry ofAgriculture Raymond Ryan, and Minister ofAgriculture/Fisheries Saboto Caesar.

by DAYLEDA SILVA

SMALLRUMINANTPRODUCTIONis set to takeoff here, withtheintroduction ofan ArtificialInsemination(A.I.) project.

LocalVeterinaryDepartmentpersonnel, Dr.Amelia Jack,Officerresponsible for Animal Reproduction; Dr NatalieToney, Field Officer, and Louanne Johnson,Technical Officer, are expected to spearhead thisproject, this after their return from Taiwan wherethey were involved in three weeks of trainingworkshops in A.I.

The training centred on the collection andprocessing of semen, along with the administeringof the proper technique of A,I., in small ruminants.

Dr. Kathian Herbert-Hackshaw, ChiefVeterinary Officer, explained that focus onincreasing small ruminant production was inkeeping with the country’s drive to lower the foodimport bill.

She alluded to a number of projects which arealready in train, but admitted that more had to bedone, and quickly.

Dr. Herbert-Hackshaw also acknowledged theprompt response from Mr Chin Yu-Lee, Chief ofthe Taiwanese Technical Mission, in facilitating thetraining opportunity in Taiwan.

With the stepped up action in A.I., the “Hencewhen we discussed with are now on our way now,”she said.

The technique of A.I has a number of benefits,the Chief Veterinary Officer explained.

“The end point of production is money, and if youcan have your animals synchronized and come inheat when you want it, and several of them onetime, it is easier for you to service more than oneanimal at the same. ….. servicing the animals usingAI, at the end of 5 months or so, you will have moreanimals,” Herbert-Hackshaw explained.

This compares to having to wait for the animal’snatural rhythm to run its course.

Dr. Jack added that the artificial inseminationprocess has the ability to impregnate more females.

One ejaculation from a male can impregnate 25to 30 females, she added.

“So hopefully we can get this process startedsoon, and see an increase in small ruminantproduction in the country,” she said.

The new A.I. project is expected to be fullyimplemented within the next six months.

Local vets trained inArtificial Insemination

Dr. Kathian Herbert-Hackshaw,Chief Veterinary Officer, waspleased with the promptresponse from Mr Chin Yu-Lee(right), Chief of the TaiwaneseTechnical Mission, to a requestfor training.

Winsbert Harry,Chairman of theFisherman’s DayCommittee, washappy to reportthat somefisherfolk havesigned on to theNIS.

FishermanÊs Daycelebrates 40 years

Dear George,

MY WIFE hasthreatened to leave meand go to meet the man Iam accusing her of beingwith. She said she hadnothing to do with thisman, but yet she issaying that one of thesedays, she will go andmeet the same man if Icontinue to accuse her.Why would she want togo with a man she has nofeelings for?

I am very suspicious of

her and her recentactions. If I talk aboutsomething she is doing,she finds me “jealous andargumentative”, and Iam saying to myself, if Iremain quiet, I could bethat man who allowsthings to happen rightunder his nose.

Confused Hus

Dear Confused Hus,

It is never a goodfeeling to be accused of

something you are notguilty of, and that couldbe the source of yourwife’s responses to you.If there is good basis foryour accusations, thenyou need to calmlyarticulate this to yourwife, in a way that shewould understand

without feelingwrongfully accused. Herthreat to be with theman she is accused ofbeing with, could havebeen made simply tobring you to the highestpoint of your anger, justto appease herself.

There is no room forbaseless accusations in amarriage, and it could bea good time for you to dosome self-assessment, tosee whether you havemore than a hint ofjealousy inside, whichleads you not to trustyour wife.

If it is that you nolonger trust her, then itmakes no sense beingwith her. Without soundproof of wrong doing,everything else amountsto accusations, and thatis not the best way tomaintain happinesswithin the marriage.

George


AdviceVDear George,

I HAD A TALK with my husbandabout my feelings for otherwomen, and I am not sure if hisresponse to me was a genuineone or not. I just want your viewon the matter.

I had a run in with awoman some months ago in aladies bathroom, at aconvention. We began talkingabout how a woman’s body

was sexy and beautiful tobehold. I told her myhusband does not tell memuch about my body, and shethen began complimenting meon how lovely my body was.As she spoke, she begantouching me sensually.Without hesitating, she kissedme deeply, and I cannotdescribe how I felt at thattime.

I did not tell my husband

about the incident, but toldhim how I felt about theopposite sex. He listened tome, and then told me that ifthere was another woman Iwas interested in, I shouldbring her to him and perhapswe can work something out,where all three of us can betogether. I am not sure Iwant that, because lately, hehas not been stepping up withhis appreciation of me. I don’tfeel comfortable with him

anymore, and my feelings arevery mixed right now.

Between

Dear Between,

The mixed feelings that youare experiencing ought to bediscussed more candidly, andmaybe it would help if you cando this in the presence of amarriage counsellor, whowould be able to put some

neutrality to the subject. Maybe your focus to the

opposite direction came aboutas a direct result of somedegree of neglect on the partof your husband. There needsto be an honest dialogue aboutthis, so that you can beassured that you are not justgiving way to a fantasy, at theexpense of your marriage.

George

Temptation? Tread carefully!

Time to do some soul-searchingDear George,

I AM 15 years old, and I am always walking withmy best friend who is the same age as me. We bothattend the same school.

My problem with her is her tendency to shoplift.Almost every day, she would walk intosupermarkets and other stores and shoplift. I donot feel comfortable about this. I have told her so,but she refuses to listen and stop.

I do not want to lose our friendship, so I just goalong with her. Am I doing the right thing?

Innocent

Dear Innocent,

The company you keep could very well help todefine who you are. It is important that you decidefor yourself whether your friendship with this girlis worth risking, at the expense your reputation oreven your freedom.

As your friend begins to feel more confidentabout her ability to steal without being caught, shewould eventually move things to another level, tofurther challenge her ‘skills’ in getting away scotchfree. Let her know, in no uncertain terms, that youdo not approve of her behaviour, and to keep yourfriendship, she needs to quit. Should she refuse,then you should part ways with her, and findyourself friends who share the same values andideals as you.

Remember, ‘birds of a feather always flocktogether’; you do not want to be wrongly accused.

George

Part ways foryour own good


LeisureVACROSS

1.Seed vessel4. Confess9. Tea holder12. Colorful

card game13. Beer head14. Utility15. __ Tac

(mint)16. Not so

many17. Used a

stool18. Brass

instruments20. __ Blanc22. Damp24. Has on27. Less cloudy29. Razorsharpener30. Sweetums31. Standard

(abbr.)33. HST

follower34. As far as37. Hit hard40. Popular

wintervacation

destination41. More

practical42. Novelist

Ayn44. Fathers46. Enjoy the

slopes48. Muralist

Rivera50. Finland’s

cont.52. Scurry53.Pyroman-

iac’s act54. Teachers’

gp.55. Measures

of length(abbr.)

56. Goulashes57. Pig’s

abode

DOWN

1.Place2. “Step __!”

(2 wds.)3. Factual

movies4. “An __ to

Remember”5. Bureau6. Cut grass7. Thing8. Tosses9. Soul food

ingredient(2 wds.)

10. Neighbor of Mex.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)Put your energy into moneymakingventures. You will earn recognition forthe work you are doing. Invite friends orrelatives into your home. Children maypose a problem if they don't likesuggestions.

TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 21)It's time to get yourself back on track.Be careful when using machinery orelectrical equipment. Don't hesitate tolook for alternatives that will enable youto raise the kind of donations you needto do the job right. You can makealterations to your appearance thateveryone will admire.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)Dealing with in-laws or relatives will notbe in your best interest. Avoid lendingor borrowing. Try to avoid any drastic/decisions concerning personal legalmatters. You need to put some trust inothers.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)Opportunities to get involved in self-improvement projects will be rewarding.You need to do your own thing andwork on making yourself the best youcan be. You need to do somethingenergetic and different. Make sure all ofyour travel and driver's documents arein proper order.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)You can certainly gain popularity;however, don't do it by paying foreveryone else. Get some sound adviceand help setting up a workable budget.You may have problems with children.You're undergoing changes. You canmake personal changes that willenhance your appearance and bringyou greater popularity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)You need to keep the peace and youwill have to bend in order to do so. Youcan meet new and exciting friends whowill provide mental stimulation. Look toa close friend for advice. Your

involvement with groups will raise yourself-esteem.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)Your high energy will help you throughthis rather hectic day. Property dealslook good. You will meet potential newmates through business. Propertyinvestments will payoff.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)Put all your energy into moneymakingventures. Think twice before youvolunteer information. Use your charm,but don't sign or agree to anything. Curbany jealous fits if your partner has beenflirting with someone else.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)Friends may not be completely honestwith you. Opportunities to makeadvancements through good businesssense are evident. Opportunities foradvancement at work are apparent. Youwill be emotional with regard to yourpersonal life.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)Take time to listen to the problems offamily members. Avoid functions that willbring you in contact with those you finddifficult to get along with. There may beopportunities to attend social functionsthat are linked to work. You can win ifyou're open and up front with your boss.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)Your communication skills are at an all-time high. You should make sure thatyour personal papers are in order.Secret enemies will be eager to spreadrumors about you. Travel will beexciting.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)Don't let your mate stop you fromattending an event that could be mostimportant. You need time to put yourhouse in order and sort out what you aregoing to do about your personaldirection. Dealing with foreigners will bemost enlightening. Debates will stiflepassion and result in estrangement.

11. “__ real!”19. Feathery

neckwear21. Butterfly

catchingdevice

23. Curl25. Was

carried26. Moved

rapidly27. Comrade28. Actress

Anderson32. Scottish

city35. “__

Believer” (2 wds.)

36. Lavin and

others38. Workers’

organizations39. Where

Munich is(abbr.)

43. Dish the __ (gossip)

45. Bird’s treat46. Like a

shrinkingviolet

47. Nanny’s baby

49. Wind dir.51. Sunbeam

LA

ST

WE

EK

’sS

OL

UT

ION


V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015. 23.

Lawmen desert, RivalsbenefitStories by E. GLENFORDPRESCOTT

TEAM RIVALS continued theirunbridled run to a fourthconsecutive Premier Divisioncricket title, after claiming fullpoints when RSVG Police TWOfailed to show up on day two oftheir match, at the Park HillPlaying Field, last weekend.

Reports say Police TWObatted first and weredismissed for 103, and TeamRivals had reached 48/0, bythe close of the first day.

But with Team Rivalslooking set to work towards afourth straight victory, thelawmen failed to turn up onSunday’s second day.

Manager of Team Rivals,Carlos Veira, said he wasdisappointed that the matchended the way it did, since histeam wanted to win on thefield.

He questioned whetherPolice TWO were seriouslyinterested in playing thematch.

“On the first day, the matchstarted almost half an hour

late because they were notthere on time, and we couldhave claimed the match…butwe wanted to play….so wewaited, and finally they came,”Veira explained.

He said he was surprisedwhen the same thinghappened on the secondmorning.

“When we arrived thereabout 9.30am, we met McLeonWilliams (Police openingbatsman) and we even askedhim jokingly if he slept there.A little later two other playerscame, but it was not untilminutes to eleven that we gota call saying that they (thevehicle) had broken down inArgyle. What were they doingthere at that time when thematch was starting at 10o’clock? They could not beseriously interested in playingcricket,” he stated.

Reports say that the PoliceTWO team, based of thecompetition rules, will have tofork up EC$100.00 (Onehundred) before being allowedto take any further part in thecompetition.

This ‘win’ put TeamRivals in an almostinsurmountable lead at the topof the standings, with theircloses challengers, GuardianGeneral Saints being held to adraw on the weekend byNEWS Spartans, at Stubbs.

The NEWS Spartans,batting first, reached 150,with Dominic Da Silva getting

36 and Renaldo Coombs 30.Saints’ left-arm spinnerRolando Wright, with 5/49,continued his good form.

Guardian General Saintswere dismissed for 182, thanksto half centuries from RickfordWalker (59) and all-rounderAndrew Emtage (57). VincentCupid got 30 at the top of the

innings.Off-spinner/all-rounder

Gidron Pope took 4 for 57,bowling for NEWS Spartans.

Batting a second time,NEWS Spartans, facing adeficit of 32, batted out time tobe 106/4, with Pope getting 47.Wright finished with 2/29.

Rickford Walker (59)top-scored in Saints’total of 182.

Right: Rolando Wright,Saints’ off-spinner, hada match haul of sevenwickets, including 5 inone innings.

Victors ONE records crushing victoryVICTORS ONE inflicted a crushinginnings and 188 runs defeat on newlypromoted Triumph United CricketClub, in their Premier Division matchat the Sion Hill Playing Field lastweekend.

SCORES: Victors ONE 373/8,Triumph United Cricket Club 95 &87.

Victors ONE won the toss and choseto bat. They were piloted to theseason’s highest innings total (373) bycenturies from Atticus Browne (147*)and captain Donwell Hector (103),against an attack that lacked depth.

Openers Browne and MilesBascombe (37) put together apartnership of 67, before the latter fellfor yet another time in the thirties,this time to the bowling of off-spinnerRohan Ash.

Browne was joined by Hector, andthe pair put together 181 for thesecond wicket, before Hector, the moreaggressive of the two, was caught atlong-off, off the bowling of leg spinnerCorbin Williams (3/125). He struckfour fours and three sixes off the 111balls he faced. Victors ONE then

suffered aslight drop offas they wentfrom 248/2 to

285/5. But with Browne still

at the crease and NorlanWilliams (30) puttingthe long handle oncemore to good use, theywere able to gatherquick runs in the fadinglight. Browne struckfive fours and two sixesand faced 188 balls.

Ash, who has looked,so far, to be Triumph’sbest bowler, enjoyed amuch deserved rewardby grabbing 5/98 from 19overs.Triumph, who havestruggled to get in excessof 150 in most of their matches inwhat is their debut season in thepremier division, were always underpressure, despite facing a depletedVictors ONE attack.They suffered badly, falling for 95 in35.2 overs, Travis Cumberbatch,battling manfully amid anotherlacklustre batting display by histeammates, contributing 49*.Cumberbatch struck four fours andfaced 93 balls. Two of TriumphUnited’s batsmen did not take the

crease. Norlan Williams 4/27 andMiles Bascombe 3/6 were the chiefdestroyers.

Asked to follow on 282 runs inarrears, Triumph United did just asbadly as they did their first timearound, falling for 87 in 35 overs, withBascombe taking 3/19 and NorlanWilliams, forced into the role as an off-spinner, taking 3/28, as Victors ONEwrapped up the win just after tea onSunday.

Domwell Hector raced toanother century (101) inlocal Premier Divisioncricket.

Atticus showed the classmany feel he has, with asound knock of 147*.

Rohan Ash toiled toreturn figures of 5/98.


SportsV

LUCKYANTROBUSedged outCammieAdams lastSundayafternoon, towin the StVincent andthe Grenadines Cycling Union 40-mileroad race.

The two, along with Zefal Bailey, had bunchedtogether for the last seven of the ten-lap race.

Antrobus ‘ winning time was two hours 36minutes 39 seconds, and Adams’ two hours 36minutes 41 seconds.

Yet to find consistent form this year, Bailey timedtwo hours 36 minutes 50 seconds.

Veteran cyclist Peter Durrant finished fourthoverall in a time of two hours 40 minutes 31seconds., but was the first in the Over 35 category.

Placing fifth and second among the veterans wasOrel George in 2 hours 50 minutes.

Taking the junior category was Quasim Thomas.Requiring to do four laps, Thomas clocked one hour

25 minutes 27.31 seconds.Following Thomas was Casnel Duncan who

clocked one hour 41 minutes 06.69 seconds, andthird was Samuel Little in one hour 41 minutes11.77 seconds.

In the mountain bike, the one competitor, OkyraSylvester timed one hour 19 minutes 47.49 seconds.

And, Neisha Alexander topped the females in 40minutes 8.58 seconds ahead of Ariel Durrant in onehour 29 .1 seconds. The females did eight miles,which covered two laps.

The 40-mile course began and ended at HowardsMarine on Villa Flat, which saw the cycliststraversing from Ratho Mill to the Round About inArnos Vale.

THE REMAINING winners in the St Vincentand theGrenadinesTennisAssociationhosted 2015Subway JuniorTennistournament weredecided last Saturdayat the National TennisCentre, at Villa.

In the first of twofinals, Imani Kingclinched the MalesUnder-18 singles,when he defeatedArnel Horne, 6-4, 6-1.

It was King’s secondtitle, as he hadpreviously combinedwith Taj Ballantyne to

beat Akeem Guy andKyle Hall in the doubles.

Guy, though, overcame Hall on Saturday, 6-3, 6-3, to win the Males Over-18.

Also in the winner’s column was Myka Williams.She took the Females Under-14, with Briana Nash,the runner-up.

Richard Hoyte won the Males Under-16 overLuke Browne, and Gabrielle Benn outlasted hertwin sister, Amarlia, to cop the Females title of thatage group.

Gabrielle also left Amarlia in the second spot inthe Under-18.

Twenty- five payers participated in thetournament.

Next on the agenda of the National Tennis body,is a national tournament which should serve off inJuly.

RUDDY’S ELECTRICALUnique Warriorschalked up acommanding win on theweekend, in the nationalNLA First DivisionCricket competition.

At Arnos Vale 2,Ruddy’s ElectricalUnique Warriorsdefeated GeorgetownCombine by 288 runs.Georgetown Combinewon the toss and electedto field. Ruddy’sElectrical UniqueWarriors made use ofthe batting conditions,and posted a mammoth362 in 45 overs.

Principal scorers wereLeon Samuel, whotopscored with 53, andLenron George and KelornDavis with 47 each, andBill Edwards, 39. IronPompey grabbed two wickets for GeorgetownCombine, but an expensive 74 runs in 9 overs.

Georgetown Combine, already wilting underthe onslaught by their opponents, caved in likehumble lambs for 74 off 19.5 overs. Iron Pompeytopscored with 17. Bowling for Ruddy’s ElectricalUnique Warriors, Kelorn Davis led with 4 for 16.Samuel, completing a good all-roundperformance, chipped in with 3 for 14, and JilanoNeil had 2 for 14.

The other scheduled weekend match betweenPrime Consulting Marriaqua and Radcliffe Too atBuccament, never got underway, as Radcliffefailed to show up. Marriaqua walked away with‘free’ points in the pockets.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Subway Junior TennisTournamentwraps up

Akeem Guy ruled in theOver-18 age group.

Imani King – double titleholder.

Myka Williams –Under-14 Femaleschamp.

Warriors infull attack

Leon Samuel led theRuddy ElectricalWarriors’ battingonslaught againstGeorgetown Combine.

Antrobus takes 40-mile cycle road race

QuasimThomaswon amongthe juniors.

Lucky Antrobus, first in the 40-miler.

Peter Durrantcontinued to betops among theveteran riders.

SportsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015. 25.

AS THE ANALYSIS of the 20thAnniversary of the Fourth WorldConference on Women, and the signingof the historic Beijing Platform for Actionfor the Advancement of Womencontinues, the women of St. Vincent &The Grenadines have one more reason tobe full of hope, and celebrate the carvingof steps on the road to gender equality.

Not too many years ago, footballwould have been seen as the precinctof boys and men, and any girl wouldhave been labelled a “Tomboy”, anddiscouraged from even coming close toa game, far less involving themselvesin the sport.

And while we celebrate with ourNational Female Football team fortheir historic victory in the WIFAFemale Football Tournament, we

must, at the same time, recognize theSion Hill Football Committee for itsforesight, so many years ago, inmaking a bold step towards genderequality in Sports.

The advancement of women hasbeen clouded with alarming reports ofsexual and other forms of violencesuffered by women and girls, to theextent that at the start of this 21stCentury, women can be considered tohave “the best of times, and the worstof times”.

On the one hand, the publicawareness and political pressure fromthe international community have ledto women being so aware of theirrights, that crimes are not leftunreported. On the other hand, thereis the stranglehold in moving the

crimes through the justice system. An example of the best of times is

that through Sports, the WindwardIslands can forge a unity that willdevelop the self-esteem, pride inachievement of self, country andregion, health and wellbeing of a groupof women who will have a greaterawareness of gender equality, as theybring up their own families. It is myhope that necessary resources becomeavailable to support their efforts.

Article C, 107(f) of the BeijingPlatform for Action calls on signatoriesto “Create and support programmes inthe educational system, in the

workplace and in the community, tomake opportunities to participate insport, physical activity and recreationavailable to girls and women of allages, on the same basis as they aremade available to men and boys”.

The women footballers arecontributing to “the best of times”, asthe first winners of the WindwardIslands Football Association (WIFA)Women’s Football Tournament, 2015.

NELCIA ROBINSONCoordinatorCommittee for the Development ofWomen

St Vincent and theGrenadines wasderailed in itsquest to advance tothe next phase ofthe NACRA 15RugbyTournament, goingdown to the BritishVirgin Islands(BVI) lastSaturday, at theArnos Vale PlayingField.

The host, whoneeded to win to assure a spot to thenext round, lost 15-22.

The Vincentians were in theascendancy 15-10, but fatigue andtactical errors saw them squanderingthe lead.

Tries by Kimran Barnum and AnizoLewis, as well as a penalty and aconversion by Odanza Dennie,accounted for the Vincentians’ tally.

“We did not execute well... It was theworst we played all season,” CoachMark Winder said following the defeat.

He mentioned that the final lead-upto the meeting with the BVI was notideal, as many of his key players were

not always present forpractice because of “workcommitments.”

SVG was also plagued with anumber of injuries during the course ofthe match.

With eyes now set on the Olympicsqualifiers in North Carolina, USA,coach Winder disclosed that his focusin the upcoming weeks is to fine-tunethe unit.

Prior to last Saturday’s match, theVincentians had recorded a 24-24 tiewith group favourites Curacao in theiropening match, and stopped St Lucia,16-8.

SAMANTHA LYNCH may haveannounced her retirement fromnational service, but she continues tobe a force to be reckoned with in localfemale cricket.

Turning out for United Survivorsagainst arch rivals Tigress, Lynch put

in an all-roundperformance thathelped her team to itsfirst and resoundingvictory in this year’sRBTT Bank SeniorWomen CricketTournament.

The victory marginof 101 runs may havea disappointment for

the fans who turned up to witnesswhat many view as the ‘premiermatch-up’ in women’s cricket here.

United Survivors won the toss,elected to bat, and made 153 for 6 in32 overs. Lynch topscored with 30.Shavorne Clarke hit 28 and CleaHoyte 21. National off spinnerRochelle John took 3 for 30 off 7 overs,and Lafesha Sam 1 for 10 off 1 over,bowling for Tigress.

There was little if any ferocity inTigress’s reply. They inched to ameasly 52 off 23.1 overs, with StacyAnn Ada registering their top score of13. Cordel Jack led the attack withfigures of 4 for 8 off 6 overs. Lynchbagged 3 for 11 off 5 overs, andKimone Homer 2 for 5 off 3.1 overs, toensure victory.

I.B.A.ALLEN

The SVG National Female Football team, winners of the inaugural WIFAFemale Tournament. (Photo by E. Glenford Prescott)

SVG Female Football victory:More than just the game

SVG bows to BVI in Rugby

The BVI on the way to make one of their trieslast Saturday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Inset:Team coach- Mark Winder.

Samantha Lynch put in acommendable all-round performanceto lead United Survivors to their first2015 Season victory.

Survivors silence Tigress



ClassifiedsV

LUCY WILSONaka LUCY COLLINS

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


Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) will beseeking a landslide victory in the nextGeneral Elections, but it is doing so notfor the love of power, but the power oflove.

Political Leader of the ULP andPrime Minister of St. Vincent and theGrenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, toldhundreds of party members andsupporters gathered at the CampdenPark Secondary School last Sunday,for the party’s Annual Convention,that the government wants to continuedoing good things for the people of StVincent and the Grenadines.

“The way they (NDP) are behaving,they are the ones who have the love ofpower, while we in the ULP, we havethe power of love,” Gonsalves told theConvention, considered the last for theULP before the next GeneralElections.

“I repeat! The way they arebehaving, over the last four and a halfyears in particular, they have shownthat they are power hungry,” hecontinued.

Last weekend’s Convention washeld under the theme ‘Greatleadership, Strong Performance’.

According to Gonsalves, theopposition was power hungry, to theextent that they had gone to the HighCourt and sworn falsely, in an effort toremove him from politics.

“They have a love of power, yet theydon’t show the power of love,” he said.

Gonsalves made a call for theupcoming campaign season to be oneof love and caring for the people of thenation.

The party also unveiled its full slateof candidates for the next General

Elections. The slate

reads: Dr.RalphGonsalves(North CentralWindward); Montgomery Daniel(North Windward); Saboto Caesar(South Central Windward); FrederickAugustus Stephenson (SouthWindward); Camillo Gonsalves (EastSt. George); St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince(Marriaqua); Cecil McKie (West StGeorge); Luke Browne (EastKingstown); Beresford Phillips(Central Kingstown); Deborah Charles(West Kingstown); Jomo Thomas(South Leeward); Sir Louis Straker

(Central Leeward); Carlos James(North Leeward); Herman Belmar(Northern Grenadines); and EdwinSnagg (Southern Grenadines).

Debutants are Prince, Phillips,Charles, Thomas and James. Theywill contest in constituencies currentlyheld by the Opposition NewDemocratic Party (NDP).

Sir Louis Straker makes a return

after staying out of the 2010 elections.The ULP is seeking a fourth term in

office after successive campaigns in2001, 2005 and 2010.

And to those who might have leftdisappointed that their leader did notannounce the date for the nextGeneral Elections, he comforted themwith “..as in all matters, I have tocontinue to pray.”

DESPITE his open criticism of ArnhimEustace, Former Prime Minister andfounder and past Political Leader ofthe New Democratic Party (NDP), SirJames Mitchell, says that he does notintend to campaign for the UnityLabour Party (ULP) in the lead-up tothe next General Elections.

Leader of the ULP, Dr. RalphGonsalves, while speaking at theULP’s convention last Sunday at theCampden Park Secondary School, saidthat the party was expected to do wellin the Northern Grenadines and,depending on the role played by SirJames, the NDP would be in troubleeverywhere.

But the former Prime Minister toldTHE VINCENTIAN that he had nointentions to campaign for the ULP.

“I wish my party well, but I don’tknow if they want my support,” SirJames said.

From the impression that hereceived, Sir James said that itappeared as if Eustace and the NDPwanted to win the upcoming GeneralElections without his support.

Nevertheless, he said that he willbe making statements from time totime on certain issues.

For example, he said, he wanted tohear how the NDP intended to bringthe banana industry back to anEC$50M a year business, and howthey are going to address the issue ofair transportation.

Sir James, a trained agronomist,has been a dominant political figure inSt Vincent and the Grenadines,becoming Prime Minister in July 1984and being re-elected for four successiveterms as Prime Minister, until hisretirement in October, 2000.

He founded the NDP in 1975 andremained as leader until handing over

the reins of leadership to Eustace. Within recent times, however, he

has been critical of Eustace, and evenmade a televised call for him (Eustace)to resign as the leader of the NDP.

Who will have the last laugh, currentpolitical leader of the NDP ArnhimEusatce (left) or founder of the NDPSir James Mitchell?

Sir James not campaigning for ULP

The large gathering of ULP faithful might have anticipated that their leaderwould be announcing a date for the next General Elections. Inset: Dr. RalphGonsalves, leader of the incumbent Unity Labour Party (ULP), appealed foran election campaign filled with love and caring for the people.

ULP: ALL ABOUTTHE POWER OF LOVE

ULP: ALL ABOUTTHE POWER OF LOVE

internet speed FOUR-YEAR-OLD: ROAD FATALITY #12thevincentian.com › clients › thevincentian › Vincentian... · 2015/04/24 · (marijuana/ganja) tree. Monday 20th April, 2015

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