FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017 VOLUME 111, No.49 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

JUSTICE HENRY TORULE EARLY 2018

by DAYLE DA SILVA

JUSTICE ESCO HENRY hasindicated that she intendsto deliver her decision onwhether to grantpermission for theinspection of all 15 ballotboxes used in the 2015General Elections for the

constituency ofCentral Leeward,sometime early inthe New Year.

Justice Henrytold the court onWednesday,following two daysof arguments fromthe petitioners andrespondents, thather decision hasbeen reserved, andadjourned thematter to a date inJanuary orFebruary 2018, tobe decided by theHigh CourtRegistrar 2018.

The issue

The matterbefore the court,follows on thepetitions filed byBenjamin Exeterand LaurenBaptiste, NewDemocratic Party(NDP) candidatesin the last generalelection for theconstituencies ofCentral Leewardand North

Windward respectively. At the centre of the

melee are allegations,first made in June, thatthere were irregularitiesin the ballots used,leading to an applicationby the petitioners for theinspection of the ballot

boxes.When the matter was

heard in the High Courtin October, therespondents stated thenthat both parties hadagreed to conditions, andwere presenting a draftconsent order to thecourt for the inspection ofthe ballot boxes in onlyfour of the pollingstations from CentralLeeward — CLF, CLF1,CLE and CLE1.

But the petitionersobjected, saying thatthey were seeking tohave inspection in all 15polling stations.

A subsequentapplication was filed onNovember 9.

The Petitioners’argument

On Tuesday of thisweek, Stanley ‘Stalky’John Q.C., representingthe petitioners, made itclear that the petitionershad filed the applicationfor production andinspection purposes only,and not for recount orscrutiny reasons.

He further argued thatthere were irregularitieswith the ballots usedthat compromised theconduct of the electoralofficers.

“The end result is thathundreds of ballots wereaccepted as invalid, but

still counted,” Johnargued.

He further contendedthat the privacy of thevotes cast wascompromised, contrary toSection 31(2) in the rulesand guidelines forgeneral elections.

This section deals withthe manner in whichballots ought to behandled before beingplaced in the ballot box.

According to John, thefaulty design and foldingof the ballots meant thatthe officers present

would have seen forwhich candidate thevoters cast their ballot, adirect breach of the ruleswhich stated that a votermust vote in secrecy.

Continued on Page 3.

Senior Counsels Anthony Astaphan (left) and Douglas Mendes exchange amoment this week.

Legal Counsel for thepetitioners, Stanley ‘Stalky’John Q.C. checks his notes.

BusinessV 2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

IT HAS BEEN almost a week sinceoperations began at PhoenixKitchen 2, located at Yambou, andthe man behind the outfit – Leon‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel hasindicated that all is going well sofar.

‘Phoenix Kitchen 2’, or‘Country Kitchen’ as Samuel hasdubbed it, was officially openedlast Sunday and, according to theproprietor, was opened tocomplement his food outlet inKingstown.

Phoenix Kitchen was openedin June, 2015 and now thebusiness has expanded to offermore local foods and is located atthe site that formerly housedSamuel’s block-making facility.

And now with the opening ofPhoenix Kitchen 2, Samuelexplained to THEVINCENTIAN that patrons cannow expect a wider variety oflocal foods and juices.

“We believe in bringing morelocal food to the people,” hesaid.

Local cuisine including Ducana,Dough Boy, (Cattle Head) Souse andthe twenty-two fruit juices, will beprepared at the Yamboulocation for sale/distributionfrom the Kingstown outlet,Samuel said.

Other foods alreadyavailable in Kingstown willbe offered, albeit in smallportions, at the Yamboulocation, and any expansionwill be based on the demand.

Samuel explained thatlocal tour operators usuallytravel through the Yambouarea on their way to theWindward side of the island.

It was anticipated that hewould be able to offer aservice to visitors who maywish to stop and purchasesomething local.

Plans are in the making toinstall restroom facilities aswell, Samuel said.

But for now, the focusremains on offering hispatrons more local food.

The expanded menu,Samuel said, will be offeredinitially on weekends, but itwas expected that it will be

added to the daily menu. But it was all a matter of “logistics”,

Samuel said, or once they have figuredout the best way to transport thesemeals into Kingstown. (DD)

The new ‘‘Phoenix Kitchen’ outlet at Yambou.

Phoenix Kitchenexpands

(L-R): Grace Frank (farmer), and Stanley‘Stalky’ John Q.C. cut the ribbon to officiallyopen the new outlet. Leon ‘Bigga Biggs’Samuel is also pictured.

MEMBERS OF THE ST. VINCENT AND THEGRENADINES Teachers CooperativeCredit Union (SVGTCCU) have anadditional service at their disposal.

As of last Monday, they now haveaccess to an ATM service.

In a ceremony held last Monday atthe Credit Union’s headquarters inPaul’s Avenue, to launch the service,President Kay Martin-Jack traced thestages leading up to thecommissioning of the service, payingtribute to past president ErrolBelgraves for his role in seeing it tofulfilment.

Members can now access theiraccounts — withdraw and deposit, -and pay loans, even on mortgages.

And access is widened asSVGTCCU ATM card users can accesstheir accounts at 19 (ATM) outletsoperated by the Bank of St. Vincent,this confirmed by Leroy Rose of thatbank.

Soon, according to Martin-Jack, aDebit Card service will also becomeavailable.

Other Sentiments

Jasmine Huggins, Chief ExecutiveOffice/SVGTCCU, was ecstatic. She

welcomed the operation and pointed tothe “easier access” for members to gettheir money. She praised the“convenience,” and projected towardsits value at critical times.

“We are happy that we have beenable to launch this,” she concluded.

Daniel McMillan outlined theimportance of the development. Hedescribed it as a “long held dream tohave access through the ATMconvenience.” He welcomed the speedwhich he regards as “features ofeveryday life.”

Dwight Lewis another pastpresident, declared, “It has been longin coming. I am excited about it.”

Daree Myers, a NationalScholarship holder whose educationwas facilitated through theSVGTCCU, ascribed a new meaning tothe acronym ATM - ‘Access To yourMoney,’ and considered the service asone that will “ease up the work loadfor both members and tellers.”

Errol Belgraves was on hand to cutthe ribbon to declare the systemofficially operational. “It was long incoming,” he said, adding that he wasoverwhelmed now that “it is opened.”(WKA)

V News 3THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 3.

Teachers get easier money access

Errol Belgraves (right) cut the ribbon to officially open the new ATM serviceat the SVGTCCU headquarters.

Continued from FrontPage.

As per the defects ofthe ballots, John pointedto two features: the mostcrucial one being thatthere were hundreds ofballots that did not havethe official mark, and thesecond being that othersappeared to have thembut were placedincorrectly.

This was basis, Johncontinued, for permissionto be granted for theinspection of the ballotboxes, so as to determinethe extent of theseirregularities.

“It is not enough foreither party to make anassumption based on oraltestimonies,” said John,who added that therewere also swornstatements by officials,including the returningofficer for CentralLeeward and theSupervisor of Elections,that acted as indicators ofwrongdoing.

“How can the court, inthe state of affairs, … notconsider, consistent with

the learning, that it oughtnot to inspect all of theballot boxes?” hequestioned.

The Respondents’argument

Senior CounselDouglas Mendes,representing therespondents, counteredthat it was not enough forthe court to grantpermission for theinspection of ballot boxesbased on allegations.

He said that theallegation was notsupported by anyevidence , and what waspresented is a petitionwith the other partyasking the court for helpto find the evidence.

“Even if there isevidence, there areinstances whereinspections are notrequired because theissues have beenadmitted or proved,”Mendes said.

Senior CounselAnthony Astaphan, alsorepresenting therespondents, further

argued that any call forinspection could not be forthe sake of findingevidence.

According to Astaphan,there was no evidence toback the petitioners’claim that the votes werereleased or folded toexpose secrecy.

As a matter of law,there was no evidence asto how these ballots werefolded and, according tothe Senior Counsel, if youhave not pleaded the casein petition, then it couldnot be sought by usinginspection as a backdoor.

But John responded,saying that there wasevidence to suggestwrong-doings, and basedon the affidavit frompetitioner Exeter, heindicated to JusticeHenry that he waspresenting facts.

He maintained thatthe secrecy of the ballotswas compromised, andthe best way to obtainevidence of any wrong-doing was to get it byinspecting the ballotboxes.

Justice Henry to rule early 2018

,

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

THERE HAVE been moreconvictions in recent yearsin matters relating tocounterfeit currency, andone reason for this is theavailability of expertevidence.

As recent as Monday,44-year-old David Legairof Paul Over was fined$3,000, at the SeriousOffences Court, afterbeing convicted of having3,000 counterfeit EasternCaribbean Currencynotes.

Chief MagistrateRechanne Brownehanded down thepenalty.

Legair was ordered topay the Court $3,000forthwith or nine monthsin prison, and thebalance in two months,or nine months.

The sentences will runconcurrently if the finesare not paid.

Closing argumentswere heard at the trial,last week Monday bySenior ProsecutorAdolphus Delpleche, andLegair’s Attorney IsraelBruce, but the ChiefMagistrate had reservedher decision.

Evidence presented bythe Prosecution showedthat on December 16,2016, police officers,conducting investigationsinto a narcotic relatedmatter, executed asearch warrant atLegair’s Paul Over homeand found the counterfeitcurrency made up of$100 notes, on a ledge inhis bedroom.

They were examinedby AssistantSuperintendent of Police(ASP) HesronBallantyne, second inCommand of theCriminal InvestigationDepartment (CID),gazetted to give expertevidence in counterfeit

currency matters, andthey were found to becounterfeit.

In his defence, Legairsaid he found the moneyby the road, in atransparent plastic bag,not knowing that it wascounterfeit. He said hecounted it, and took ithome, in the event thatsomebody would comelooking for it, but nobodydid.

Under cross-examination by theProsecutor, Legairadmitted that he wasgoing to spend the moneyif nobody came to own it.He added he had madeseveral enquiries, butnobody said they lostmoney. He indicated hehad found the notesthree days before he wasarrested.

Legair, admittingbeing a salesman for tenyears, and also workingas a labourer, andelectrician, said he never

knew that money carriedserial numbers.

In his closingsubmissions, Delplechepointed out that therewas sufficient evidenceadduced, to prove,beyond reasonable doubt,that Legair was inpossession of the notes,and that he knew theywere counterfeit.

But Bruce argued thatthere was no evidence tosuggest that his clientknew or believed that thenotes were counterfeit, orto say that the defendantwas copying or printinganything.

Bruce argued that thefact that Legair said hewas going to spend themoney, if nobody said itbelonged to them, wasconsistent with hisevidence that he did notknow they werecounterfeit.

Legair’s convictioncomes at a time whenpolice are advisingcitizens, as well asvisitors, to be on thelookout for counterfeitnotes, usually prevalentat this time of the year.

To date, ASPBallantyne is the onlyofficer in the Royal St.Vincent and theGrenadines Police Force(RSVGPF) gazette to giveexpert evidence oncounterfeit currency. Hewas gazetted in 2014.

In the past, it wasdifficult to secure aconviction in counterfeitcurrency matters inwhich persons hadpleaded not guilty,primarily due to theabsence of expertevidence.

CourtV 4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Another conviction forcounterfeit currency

RAPHAEL PATTERSON, a 76-year-old CampdenPark man who was charged with damaging a facebasin at the Argyle International Airport (AIA)two weeks ago, was cleared of that charge whenthe returned to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Courton Tuesday.

Patterson, who has been residing in Trinidadand Tobago for several years, was accused ofdamaging the face begin, valued $569.70, theproperty of the Government of St. Vincent and theGrenadines, and at the time was reckless as towhether such property would be damaged. Theoffence was reportedly committed on November30, this year.

Patterson pleaded not guilty when he originallyappeared before Senior Magistrate Bertie Pompeyat the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on December1 and was granted bail. He was slated to return tothat Court on December 8, but the Court did notsit on that date.

The matter was set for hearing on Tuesday, butwhen it was called, Crown Counsel Carl Williamsinformed the Court that the Prosecution waswithdrawing the charge against Patterson.

Williams also requested that Patterson’s traveldocuments, which were surrendered as part of hisbail conditions, be returned to the defendant. Thecourt then made the order for them to bereturned.

Attorney Jomo Thomas represented Patterson.Reports are that Patterson was at the AIA on

the date in question, scheduled to board a flight toleave the country. He was at the LuggageChecking Area around 2:50 pm. when a JuniorAviation Security Officer searched his luggageand found a bottle of sunset strong rum, one ofthe items on the prohibited list for travelling, viaaeroplane.

The Security Officer told Patterson that hecould not travel with the strong rum. However,Patterson, rather than leaving the bottle of rumthere, grabbed it, saying nobody was going to getit. He, then took it to a washroom at the airportand emptied its contents into a face basin.

Reports are that checks by AIA personnelrevealed a visible crack on the edge of the facebasin.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that thebottle was not broken nor was the face basinsmashed, as reported in some circles.

When contacted on Tuesday afternoon, CrownCounsel Williams declined to comment, explainingthat, “The Prosecution does not have to give areason/s for withdrawing a charge.”

FOUR non-nationals were takenbefore the Kingstown Magistrate’sCourt on Monday on separateImmigration charges, causing SeniorMagistrate Bertie Pompey to questionwhether this was just a coincidence.

The defendants, male nationals ofSt. Lucia and Dominica who arrived inthe state this month, were slappedwith charges of entering the state anddisembarking without the consent ofan immigration officer; that whilebeing a prohibited immigrant, enteredthe state without passport, andentering the state other than at a portof entry.

The Court entered a not guilty pleaon behalf of one of the defendants,following his explanation that he

arrived here after being rescued by afishing boat. The others pleadedguilty and received fines of EC800.00forthwith or six months in jail. Thosewho pleaded guilty to the prohibitedimmigrant charge were reprimandedand discharged after Crown CounselCarl Williams indicated that there wasno record before the Court to showthat they were prohibited immigrants.

Why these nationals fromneighbouring Caribbean countriesturned up here at this time of the yearmay be a matter for speculation.What is certain, though, is that it isnot unusual for non-nationals to visitthese shores at this time, to enjoy thiscountry’s unique Nine MorningsFestival.

AIA criminaldamage matterwithdrawn

Non-nationals finedfor illegal entry

IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN a‘Freudian Slip’, but St.Lucia’s EconomicDevelopment Minister -Guy Joseph is not lettingOpposition Saint LuciaLabour Party Senator -Guibion Ferdinand slipthrough the cracks for arecent statement thesenator made.

St. Lucia Online Newsreported that SenatorFerdinand, during anSLP-led protest marchover the week, to havesaid, at the (SLP)-led St.Jude Hospital protestmarch over the weekend,“Come and discuss thefindings of the audit inparliament where we canrepresent you and we canask them questions andthey will answer thequestions. But instead,we just hear about theaudit and we hear a‘coolie man’, an Indiansaying ‘… I know what isin there,’ as if he is someengineer and some

expert on demolishingand building.’”

Joseph took immediateumbrage to the racialslur leveled against himsaying, he was “appalled”that the party hasreduced to “name calling”and personal attacks, St.Lucia Online reported.

Speaking to the press,Joseph said thatFerdinand went aheadand used “names thatsend a derogatorymessage about a certainset of people in thiscountry…”

Joseph also pointed tothe recent slur as notbeing “.. the first timethe Labour Party hasdone that. It’s as ifbecause I’m of an Indianheritage I should nothave a say in anythingthat happens in SaintLucia. So if I want to goand use the words thatthey used to describe meto describe them theywould tell you, ‘oh, you

are disrespectful.’”The economic

minister, according to St.Lucia Online News,accused the SLP ofhaving double standards.

“So in parliament theywant to portray onebehaviour — they want totell you, oh, you’re a badexample, but when theyare out there when morepeople are watchingthem, look at theirbehaviour. I tell them I’mconsistent. The differencewith me is [that] whatyou see is what you get.Unlike them who wouldpretend in one forum tobe one thing and outthere…. And it wasappalling to see that thatwas the level ofdiscussion taking place;that we would reduceourselves to namecalling,” he said.

Ferdinand, a formerschool principal, inresponding to Joseph’ssentiments, noted that

that there were anumber of otherareas where theterm is used.

“I can think ofeven fruits. I mean,should we tell ourchildren that theyshouldn’t say ‘cococoolie’ or theyshouldn’t eat‘chatine coolie?’Some people call itjack fruit — but it isa very deliciousfruit,” Ferdinandasserted.

He explained thatthis is an evolvingsociety whereperspectivessometimes change.

“If there is goingto be a perceptionthat this term is sooffensive, I amprepared to suggest thatmaybe the governmentshould take the lead andbegin the discussion onperhaps changing thenames of some of the

communities — the namesof some of the festivals oractivities, and even thenames of the items andfruits that have thatterm in it,” he stated.

Ferdinand saidotherwise, it wouldappear that there is aconvenient complaintregarding the issue.(Source: St. Lucia OnlineNews)

RegionalV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 5.

‘‘Coolie man’ comment appalling,’says St. Lucian Gov’t Minister

Guy Joseph, St. Lucia’sEconomic DevelopmentMinister and a person ofEast Indian descent, didnot take kindly to what hedeemed to be a racial sluragainst him. (You TubePhoto)

Guibion Ferdinand,Opposition Saint LuciaLabour Party Senator,responded to Joseph’ssentiments but found noreason to apologize.(Photo Credit: St. LuciaOnline News)

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;kingnaking210@yahoo.comUS CORRESPONDENT

SEVERAL MEMBERS of theCaribbean community onThanksgiving Saturday,Nov. 25, joined the UnitedVincie Cultural Group ofBrooklyn (UVCGB) inparticipating in thegroup’s annual ChristmasSerenade, at theFellowship Hall of theMiracle Temple Ministriesin the Brownville sectionof Brooklyn.

Members and patronssang lustily popularChristmas carols andsongs, recited poems,gave speeches andperformed a skit inevoking much CaribbeanChristmas nostalgia.

After singing “SilentNight” and “Long TimeAgo in Bethlehem,”UVCGB membersrecited, in part, “TheGift”.

Noting that eachvillage in St. Vincent andthe Grenadines has “a

unique wayincelebratingChristmas,”Mistress ofCeremoniesCarenCharles-DeFreitas, ofCedars,askedpatrons todescribe theway inwhich thiswas doneand to sing aChristmascarol.

“DuringChristmas,we sneakedand openedup our gift,”saidRegistered Nurse PamelaGriffin, who trekkedfrom the Bronx with herhusband to attend theevent for the first time,recalling Christmas inher household as a childin Frenches, Kingstown,the Vincentian capital.“We have we [our]mauby.”

One patron fromGeorgetown, St. Vincentand the Grenadines’second largest town, saidher house wasthoroughly cleaned inpreparation forChristmas Day.

“We cleaned thewindows as usual,” shesaid. “We had our ham

and sorrel beer.”Geoffrey Holder,

UVCGB vicepresident, who hailsfrom Byera Hill, saidhis family stocked upon beverages fromlocal manufacturingcompanies.

“We never waiteduntil Christmas; weused to drink out theJu-C,” he said, abouthis and his siblings’indulgence as youths,to much laughter.

“The bestChristmas is in St.Vincent and theGrenadines,” he added,announcing that he wasgoing home this year forChristmas. UVCGBpresident and founderDr. Roxie Irish, a youthminister at the MiracleTemple Ministries, andher youthful friends —Jamaican Faith Bennettand London-born YvonneWilkes-Slater —reconnected at the eventafter singing together,about 20 years ago, as“The Zionnaires.”

“Christmas to me is anenjoyable time,” saidBennett, who journeyedfrom Connecticut. “WhenI was a child, Christmas,to me, took 20 years. Wewere up at 4:00 a.m., andmarched and sang up to7:00 a.m.”

The reunited“Zionnaires” then offered,acapella, to rave reviews,“There’s a Name,” and“Jesus, Jesus, O What aWonderful Child.”

Laverne McDowald-Thompson, president ofthe Brooklyn-basedCouncil of St. Vincentand the GrenadinesOrganizations, U.S.A.,Inc. (COSAGO),COSAGO treasurer andBequia UnitedProgressive Organization(BUPO) presidentO’Brien Simmons, andUVCGB member Judith

“Baffy” Cuffy-Murraycollaborated in singing“I’m Dreaming of a WhiteChristmas” and “VirginMary Had a Baby Boy.”

Jamaican MaxineFisher, who worships atMiracle TempleMinistries, sang “ThankYou, Lord,” and hercompatriot, Lavina Hall,also a Miracle TempleMinistries worshipper,belched out “Dawn fromthe Glory.”

Other performancesincluded selections fromthe Miracle TempleMinistries choir (“Joy tothe World”); PastorRudolph Telesford, ofNehemiah ChristianOutreach Ministries inFlatbush, Brooklyn(“Lilly of the Valley”);Lorna Jackson (“RaisesYour Voices”); EmilyScykes (“Ra Pa PomPom”); TobagonianBishop Hollis Charles, ofBethel Gospel Assemblyin Chester Cottage, St.Vincent and theGrenadines (“Trust HimBecause He Loves You”);and Sheba (“We ThreeKings”).

Cuffy-Murray, aformer St. Vincent andthe Grenadines’ nationalnetball star, also led ashort skit on “BeatriceBeauty Shop,” endingwith the cast rendering

“Christmas, Christmas,We Wish You a Merry,Merry Christmas.”

Using a broken bottleand aluminum foil asinstruments, St. Vincentand the Grenadines’ NewYork Consul GeneralHowie Princedemonstrated hisversatility by playing to,loud applause, “O, HolyNight.”

The UVCGB broughtthe house down with amedley, comprising,among others,“Christmas, Christmas,”and “All We Want forChristmas is Peace andLove.”

“I’m so excited to behere,” said SavandaLatrice, originally fromGeorgetown, SouthCarolina, who traveledfrom Hartford, Conn.“I’m really enjoyingmyself.

“Christmas, for me,when growing up in theSouth [southern UnitedStates], was about lovingeach other,” she added.

Besides nationals fromthe US, St. Vincent andthe Grenadines andJamaica, nationals fromseveral CaribbeanCommunity (CARICOM)countries attended andparticipated in the event:Trinidad and Tobago,Barbados, Haiti, Guyanaand Belize.

6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

DiasporaVVincy group hosts annual Christmas serenade

United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn brings Christmas cheer.

United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn Bandprovides back-stop music to serenaders.

The Zionnnaires reunited,singing “There’s a Name.” L-R:Dr. Roxie Irish, Faith Bennett andYvonne Wilkes-Slater.

NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 7.

G.H.S. wins U.S.EmbassyÊs STEMVideo Competition U.S. EMBASSYBRIDGETOWN ispleased toannounce thatthe winner of itsSTEM VideoCompetition inSt. Vincent is theSt. Vincent Girls’High School.

The contest,which was opento all secondaryschool studentsin St. Vincentand theGrenadinesover the age of13, requiredstudents toproduce a shortvideo explainingwhy STEM –science,technology, engineering and math – isimportant in their community. Thecontest supported the U.S. Embassy’sgoal of promoting STEM education asa driver of sustainable economicgrowth, and as a means to fosterinnovation and empower youth.

The video submission from thestudents of this all-girls secondaryschool showcased creatively howSTEM advancements led to enhancedcommunications and improved thedissemination of critical information,such as extreme weather advisories, tolocal residents in St. Vincent. Fifthform students, Khalisa Peters,Areanna St. Luce, Tamika Gloster,and Alyssa Patterson, created thevideo, and were supervised by teacherLenski Adams.

Public Affairs Officer at the U.S.Embassy, James Rodriguez,

congratulated the winning studentsduring a ceremony at the St. VincentGirls’ High School on December 8. Hepresented a grand prize packageincluding a Celestron telescope, books,and other STEM-themed items to theschool’s science department.

“It is particularly noteworthy thatSt. Vincent’s winning team iscomprised exclusively of young womenfrom the country’s all-girls school.While previously overlooked, theimportant contributions of women inSTEM fields, both past and present,are now receiving proper recognition. Istrongly encourage our contestwinners, and any other interestedstudents, to continue to pursue theirpassion for STEM. It is advancementsin these fields which will facilitate thegrowth of our global community.”(Source: US Embassy — Barbados)

by HAYDN HUGGINS

ACTINGCOMMISSIONER ofPolice Renold Hadawaysays that the transfer, onTuesday, of Second inCommand of the NarcoticsUnit, Station SergeantKatherine Robinson, hasnothing to do with acocaine matter, beingheard at the High CourtCriminal Assizes, up topress time Wednesday.

Robinson learnt of hertransfer to the QuestellesPolice Station after givingevidence on Tuesday, inthe case of BenjaminHarvey and VincentDembar, both of UnionIsland, charged withpossession of 9,159 grams(20 lbs) of cocaine withintent to supply, and

possession of the drug forthe purpose of drugtrafficking.

Robinson’s transfer isexpected to take effect onFriday, December 15.

Speaking with THEVINCENTIAN onWednesday, the ActingCommissioner saidRobinson’s transfer was aroutine one.

Noting that the StationSergeant was at theNarcotics Unit since July1993, Hadaway added,“Her next likely positionwould be Inspector, andevery effort is being madeto ensure that persons ather rank are adequatelytrained and equipped withthe necessary skills andknowledge for leadership,so they could embrace thewider aspects of general

policing. That’s part of thereason for her transfer,”the top cop explained.

He made it clear thather transfer had nothingto do with the cocaine casebefore the Court, or withthe disappearance of aquantity of cocaine fromthe exhibit room at theNarcotics base.

“We would transferpersons from time to timefor a multiplicity ofreasons. Transfers occuron a regular basis. Itdoesn’t mean that youhave done somethingwrong. In fact, you mightbe in great demand atother Departments of thePolice Force, because ofyour competencies,”Hadaway pointed out. (Seerelated story on Backpage)

Drug Squad Deputy’stransfer normal

Principal of St. Vincent Girls’ High School, Michelle Beache(far right), supervising/physics teacher Mr. Lenski Adams(center), and the winning team, accept prize bags fromPublic Affairs Officer James Rodriguez (far left).

AS I WRITE, the court is in progresswith the now famous 2015 electionpetition cases which were filed inDecember 2015, almost two years ago.Vincentians now know whatShakespeare railed against with theconsequences of the “the Law’s delay”.And Justice Henry had particularlywarned the parties in the present case,of the essentiality of expedition in itsprocess, without success.

People are wondering whether thereis a ring of truth in Dr. Gonsalves’sdictum: that one may try all kinds oflegal manoeuvre in quest of justice, but“must come back to Papa at the end ofthe day!”

Vincentians are worrying aloud as towhat ensues if the government wasdeclared illegal abinitio from the datethat it was properly appointed by theGovernor General, sometime in the darknight of Election Day. Probably, theynow understand the zeal of leadinglights of the NDP to try and prevent theULP “victory” to receive the officialimprimatur of the Governor General’swhich legalize them. It concerned thiswriter that the G.G depended on theword of the Supervisor of Elections, whohappens now to be a respondent in thepresent case.

As I have noted, citizens of all stripeworry about exactly who pays the piperif the elections were to be declared anabortion. It would be a nightmare. True,nearly all laws passed by such agovernment could be legalised by a newgovernment. It would be largely amatter of convenience, practicality andexpediency. I can honestly shed littlelight as to who settles the question ofthe astronomical costs in this case.

But this is running ahead, and thebare possibility exists that the petitionscould fail totally, and the presentsituation confirmed, but still there willbe new elections to consider in a year ortwo, involving new leadership all round.

Arnhim Eustace has been deprived ofleading this country, by foul meansboldly proclaims this columnist. I believethat if he contests the East Kingstownseat in any elections held within, sayone year, he would win handsomely his 6successive victories. His daughter, Maia,might be persuaded to run in herfather’s footsteps in the future.

Whenever the next election takesplace, I expect to see an NDPGovernment installed of eleven againstfour oppositionist ULPites, who will holdon to North Central Windward, SouthWindward, Marriaqua and East St.

George seats.The NDP will sweep clean the entire

Leeward, Kingstown and the Grenadinesconstituencies.

Both North Windward and West St.George favour the NDP, with Mrs.Browne-Baptiste confirming her lead,ruling ULP taking back NorthWindward, but will be accorded a seateach, with the NDP chalking up an 11 to4 victory.

I know that in the past the ULP highcommand made sport of me, but then weplayed not on a level field, as Judge andJury are now discovering.

Otherwise, these should be not muchtrouble with the analysis. Bruce by dintof hard work will defeat Caesar whosuffers from lack of favour by Ralph,who naturally prefers his son Camillo tohelp build a dynasty which the countrydeplores and has fallen out of fashion.

Generally, the country wants andneeds a change. Gonsalves at one timeruled that no person should serve morethan two terms. Now he’s extended hisown four terms to the possibility ofcontinuance via a dynasty.

North Leeward, which has a history ofswitching sides, has been turned off bythe plain arrogances of a Carlos Jameswho, while among other things, hasreferred to Jomo Thomas as a nobody!

In fact, South Leeward has beenconfirmed NDP territory, especiallyowing to the way Jomo has been treatedby his own party. Jomo remainscertainly an important element inpolitics in SVG.

I give you as a fitting repast twoparagraphs of my own in an articledevoted to one aspect of the type ofvoting recommended by Dr. Gonsalves,courtesy The Cross Country newspaperMay 13 2000.

“Meanwhile, Dr. Gonsalves has urgedhis party supporters who reside inconstituencies which were won by theULP in the last elections by largemargins, to change their registration.

‘Those of you who are living inNorth Central Windward and haveboyfriend and girlfriend and relatives inthose constituencies we lost narrowly, Iam asking you to change yourregistration to those constituencies... doit legally,’ Dr. Gonsalves urged.”

WE HAVE HEARD over and over, from as high an office asthat of our Prime Minister, that the guns used in the majorityof homicides here are not manufactured in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Many officials have reminded us that we sit, idyllic as we are, on thebrink of the mighty USA, the world’s largest manufacturer of guns — fromsmall arms to the most sophisticated weaponry.

Stop the illegal import of guns, and we would have taken the first,substantive step towards curbing gun-related deaths in this ‘most expensivepiece of real estate’ this side of the world, they tell us.

That is why, the cache of gun seized recently at the Miami InternationalAirport in Florida, USA, that were destined for Jamaica, is not a matter tobe slighted.

Granted, we may not have made the homicide headlines to the extentand profile that Jamaica has, but this is no reason not to stand up and takestock when, it emerged, that the shipment of guns referred included 100illegal firearms and over 200 assorted rounds of ammunition.

If it hadn’t yet ed on us, the Jamaica shipment should tell us that thereis an enormous arsenal of guns of all sorts available to the criminalelements in the Caribbean chain. It may be, so to speak, a case of demandas per economy of scales; but the demand for guns and ammunition bycriminal elements here in St. Vincent is no different in purpose andintention from those of their Jamaican ‘colleagues’.

Our ‘associational groupings’ might not need the same amount of gunpower, but that does not negate the perceived need for it. In the criminalworld — whether led by ‘associational groupings’ or gangs — the heavier thegun power, the greater the chance of control of trade, action, not tomention control of turf.

For certain, there seemed to have been, over the last five years or so, aheightened effort by the law enforcement units here, to ‘take the guns offthe street’. The failure of a previous amnesty may just have occasioned amore aggressive approach by units of the Royal SVG Police Force.

And even without empirical evidence (perhaps the police will issue astatement in this regard), it would be safe to say, given the frequency ofmedia reports of arrests and confinement for possession of illegal arms andammunition, that there has been some success in this regard.

The reality is, though, that for every illegal gun taken off the street, tworeappear. This begs the questions: Are we doing enough to curb the ‘entryof illegal guns into this country? Why, for example, do we not hear ofseizure at sea or even at legal ports of entry?

It may sound alarmist, but the guns may just be entering under the verynoses of those agencies we expect to guard against this very eventuality.

Guns and ammunition in any circumstance don’t come cheap. What thenabout the sophisticated guns that have surfaced on our terrain over the lasttwo to three decades? These have got to be even more expensive. So, who isbankrolling this illegal trade? Who is funding the purchase or controllingthe barter system that make these guns available to our young men?

The flow of deadly weapons from the US in particular, not that guns arenot coming in from channels controlled by forces further south, has got tobe funded, encouraged by people of means and, dare we say, influence.

Can the young, unemployed, unskilled young men we have apprehendedwith guns and those who have had cause to use them to deadly ends, affordthese expensive ‘toys’? Far from it, but that goes unnoticed as, with guns inhand, they unleash terror and spill blood across the land and if caught, wemake examples of them, as we ought to.

But, even as we acknowledge that, why are we not moving withseriousness to identify and deal appropriately with these suppliers —merchants of death? Are they immune? Are they sacrosanct…untouchable?

The police cannot be exempted from the task of identifying thesemerchants of death who are funding the purchase of weapons and havingthem shipped to SVG.

There is, supposedly, a close relation between Kingstown andWashington. i.e. cooperation between local law enforcement authorities. Isthis relationship being fully exploited? If so, without any real action at theroot, are we to conclude that the buck stops far short of the real criminals?

It is the responsibility of the authorities to make use of all the availablemeans of investigation and intelligence, to put away all killers and equally,those who sponsor their bloodletting.

8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

ViewsV

Editorial

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

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

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd.,

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

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Merchants of deathThe world record-breaking petition (in terms of time taken)

WHEN THE ULP gotinto power, they setabout doing what theyreferred to as ‘correctinghistorical wrongs’.People in Richmond andother places gotseverance pay, and theyintroduced thePossessory Title lawwhich allowed people toget title deeds to landthey occupied for years.

All over the place, andin a rush, the ULP went

about handing out thisand that to show up theNDP.

Now, there is nothingwrong with that, but allof this ‘good’ turns sourwhen you see that theULP treats the wrongtheir people havecommitted with adifferent set of attitudes.

Every man who hasbeen caught with hishands in the cookie jaror has done something

wrong while they holdpublic office, has beenrewarded with promotionor given a slap on thewrist and sent on theirmerry way. Theseinclude permanentsecretaries, persons indiplomatic positions,even a Registrar.

Now, we have adiplomat in the USAphysically abusing hiswife, and the ULP isdoing all it could toprotect him and‘whitewash’ the incident.

Time to take the speckout your own eye, ULP,and correct wrongwherever it exists andwhosoever commits it.

Wrong is wrong in anylanguage.

PS

NOW THAT the “tincup” is back out (theGovernment seekingloans, grants, etc. for anew hospital, aGovernment hotel,various newdevelopment projects,etc.), may I humblysuggest that some fundsbe sought for a shelterfor homeless individualsand families.

The police rounded-upmany homelessindividuals prior to thebeginning of the cruiseship season, but theywere all incarcerated atthe Mental HealthCentre. Not everyone

who is homeless is crazy;some are just indigent orhave been neglected, forone reason or another,by their families.Sending every homelessfamily or individual tothe Mental HealthCentre is wrong andoutrageous.

If we can’t providejobs or public assistance,we should at least beable to provide a roofand food. We seem ableto readily provide fundsfor many less worthyprojects.

Herzen

Editor’s Note: We arepleased to welcome backMr. Avil Cupid to our LetterPage. Mr. Cupid had beena regular contributor toTHE VINCENTIAN, hisearliest submissionsdating back to the 1960swhen Weston Lewis waseditor.

I have the utmostrespect for Dr. RalphGonsalves’ scholarship,his political andeconomic skills. But I’mtotally opposed to hisridiculous, patronizingcampaign for reparationof slavery.

The message I gleanfrom this campaign is:We must continue inself-pity and blameslavery and slavemasters, colonialism andimperialism for ourplight. We can’t moveforward unless the heirsof slave mastersapologise and paycompensation for slavery.

Many politicalactivists and freedomfighters paid theultimate price in thestruggle for the freedomand dignity of blackpeople. But (perhaps)

Gonsalves wants more.His Portuguese

ancestors enslaved myAfrican ancestors. I don’thold that against Ralphand I’m not asking foran apology andcompensation.

As Prime Minister ofan independent nation,Gonsalves is at the fore-front of the systemtackling the challengesof modern living. So hecan’t turn back the clockto the days of angrypolitical activism. Hemust stop chasingshadows and get real! Avil Cupid

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 9.

LettersV

* How come a certain top publicofficer is still driving,even after hiscarelessness on theroad led to a youngman losing a leg?* Isn’t it commonpractice (law/) thatthat person’s driver’slicence should atleast be suspended?* As was implied bya letter writer in lastweek’sVINCENTIAN, is theouter lane on BayStreet (between thebottom of HeritageSquare and theCentral PoliceStation) now aparking lane?* Clamping thosevehicles that areillegally parked isgood, but what aboutthose minibuses thatbreak the traffic lawsas though they(laws) don’t exist?

Get real, Gonsalves!ON FRIDAY, I read of director Knights of theTelecommunications Regulatory Commissionextolling and celebrating the implementations ofthe IXP (Internet Exchange Point). This wassupposed to increase Internet speed, increase bandwidth, reduce latency, etc. Saturday, I spent theday utilizing three different browsers, attemptingto access various websites. On the few occasions Iwas able to actually reach a site, I was unable toopen anything within it. My Internet access hasalways been spotty–off again, on again–and slowat best. Now it is nonexistent.

I operate a home business which relies onInternet access. I was paralyzed. If the currentGovernment continues to make any more“improvements” in Internet access, I will be shutdown completely.

And then there is probably no point in mysaying that half of the Flow Cable channels that Iwant to watch (and already pay for)are now blankor listed as “having problems connecting”, for thelast couple of months. Thanks Flow, thanks TRC,and of course, many thanks to the ULPadministration for facilitating the demise of mybusiness. If it “helps” me much more, I’ll be forcedto take my wife and family and business and leavethe country.

Gates

Speedy access– more disaster

Correcting the wrong

CAN I ASK if it ispossible for you todraw the attention ofthe people of St.Vincent and theGrenadines to theappalling postalservice they receive?

I posted a smallpackage to UnionIsland from my homein the United Kingdomon October 13th. Itreached the KingstownPost Office on October20th and has notmoved from theresince. Seven days totravel over 4,000miles, how long totravel the 90 miles toUnion Island?

The trackingnumber is RU741401705 GB.

Surely, suchabysmal service is notacceptable to anynation, and should beinvestigated in thepublic interest.

Fred CopelandFred.copeland@yahoo.co.uk

PostalServicein SVG

I WOULD LIKE to commend those who uplift ourspirit with music.

We experience music and especially Christmasmusic in a very special way. It puts us in acelebratory mood for the season. For many years,the Royal St. Vincent Police Band, under the lateWeston Lewis and the recently retired BernardHaynes, brought joy and entertainment to manycommunities with the Christmas concert. Thetradition continues, much to the delight of thenation’s citizens.

The Kingstown Chorale must also be lauded fortheir wonderful performances.

Always a pleasure to hear them sing.Congratulations to the Starlift Steel Orchestra

for celebrating 50 years. They have done anoutstanding job. Such an inspiration.

I would like to suggest that we set aside a daywhen the steel bands of the nation of St. Vincentand the Grenadines (SVG) play eithersimultaneously or consecutively a rendition of “TheRight Hand of God.”

This could be done at Christmas time or whenthe nation celebrates something like NationalHeroes Day or Independence Day. Imagine thewhole nation resounding with this tune on such anoccasion. A national steel band performance acrossthe whole country.

A fitting tribute to the late outstandingVincentian musician, Pat Prescod, and a culturalperformance embracing and showcasing thecreativity of one’s own.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and all thebest in 2018.

Love and thanks to all musicians. Keep up thegood work.

Cheryl Phills King

The joy ofChristmasmusic

Home for the homeless, please

(Reprinted from April 2017)

Introduction

IT WAS ST. CLAIR LEACOCK, themember for Parliament for CentralKingstown, who stated in the 2015election campaign, that too many youngpeople are following Ralph Gonsalvesand the ULP. He further stated that thiswas a concern to him. Clearly, he wasnot happy that his political party, theopposition New Democratic Party, wasnot attracting the attention of the youngpeople of the country.

Although there is no empiricalevidence, it is clear that the youngpeople of this country played a criticalrole in the 2015 general elections. Theyoung people of this country examinedwhat both political parties had tooffer, and decided that the ULP, ledby Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, was the bestparty to govern the country over thenext five years.

In fact, the ULP government isrightly seen by the overwhelmingmajority of young people, that is aged15 to 35 years, as the most youthfocused in the history of St. Vincentand the Grenadines. The ULP doesnot see the young people of thecountry as “problems”, as described bythe opposition NDP. The ULP sees theyoung people of the country as realflesh and blood humans, possessed ofimmense strengths and possibilities,which must be developed andharnessed.

Central Objectives

There are three central objectivesto the youth policy of the ULPadministration. The first relates tothe need to empower young persons tomake meaningful contributions tonational development. Secondly, theULP wants to create a deeperawareness of the policies andprogrammes aimed at youthdevelopment.

Thirdly, the ULP wants to fosteramong young people, the ideals ofsocial harmony, mutual respect,cultural heritage and the importanceof our Caribbean civilization.

Education forms the main drive forthe empowering of young people, tocontribute to national development.Young people are now being educatedfor living and production, based ontheir abilities, possibilities and goals.Education and training, includingtechnical education, is designed toenhance the capacity of our youngpeople, to engage efficaciously thecompetitive environment nationally,regionally and globally.

And our young people have notdisappointed. The results at thevarious CAPE and CXC examinationscontinue to improve at a rapid pace.At the level of the universities, ourstudents continue to emerge asvaledictorians, as they dominate in anumber of subject areas. Truly, theEducation Revolution is paying hugedividends for our young people,although more needs to be done, andwe must not rest on our laurels.

The ULP has also enhancedavenues for self-expression andpersonal development, through sports,the arts and culture, religion andgeneral social activities. In short, ouryoung people aspire to becoming thebest they can possibly be. They arebeing encouraged to “soar like eagles

with their wings unclipped”, and theULP is creating the environment forthis to happen.

What we have done

It would take considerably morespace to detail some of the work of theULP in advancing the youth agenda ofthe country. Suffice it to say that theeducation revolution is the centralplank of this strategy. Never beforehas the country seen such levels ofattendance at every level of theeducation ladder, pre-school, primary,secondary, and tertiary. All this hasbeen supported by the ULP, throughthe training of teachers, and theprovision of quality learninginstitutions. Many persons do notremember the “one laptop per studentinitiative” which has opened the eyesof many of our students, and theirparents, to the exciting world of theinternet.

In terms of work preparation, theYouth Empowerment Service, theYES programme has provided on thejob training for over seven thousandparticipants since 2001, at a cost ofsome EC$40 million. This is backedup by the Support for Education andTraining, the SET programme whichoffer a similar training for college anduniversity graduates.

All this is supported by a strategywhich enhances access to college anduniversity education, through theprovision of scholarships, grants andfinancial support through loans foreconomically disadvantaged students.All these are ground breakingstrategies, never before seen in thehistory of St. Vincent and theGrenadines.

These are the flagship programmes,but there are others. The governmenthas created a programme to assistyoung entrepreneurs with start-upand expansion capital for ICT basedbusinesses, and there are moreinitiatives in the pipeline. Our youngpeople are owning houses and aregetting involved in land cultivation atdifferent levels. It is only the ULPadministration that can provide theseopportunities through our policy ofPeople-Centered Development.

Conclusion

The ULP administration issensitive to the concerns of our youngpeople, and is always ready andwilling to respond to these concerns ina positive way. The ULP recognizesthat our young people are the key tothe further advancement of ourcountry, and so no stone must be leftunturned, in terms of their trainingand development.

It is from this sector that ourfuture leaders will emerge. This iswhere our doctors, teachers, nurses,technicians, farmers andentrepreneurs will emerge. Our youngpeople are our nation’s treasure andthey must be treated as such. Andthat is why the ULP is committed totheir development. They must be atthe core of all programmes aimed atthe socio-economic development of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

AS WE CELEBRATE our Nine Morningsactivities, we are reminded of the manycultural traditions for which St. Vincentand the Grenadines is famous. Thesecultural traditions should be encouragedand expanded into marketable productsas attractions for visitors and as incomegenerating activities for our citizens. Itis obvious that the Unity Labour Partyregime does not recognize this, and hasfailed miserably to effectively packageand market our cultural activities. TheNew Democratic Party (NDP) willdevelop all aspects of our culture, andproduce a well-organized package thatis attractive to our citizens and visitorsalike.

It is noticeable that when visitorsarrive from cruise ships, most wanderaimlessly around Kingstown. A fewwill take a coach tour; but other thanthat, there are really no otherattractions. Some visitors come for aspecific event - Carnival, Christmas,Nine Mornings or a yachting regatta.They need ancillary activities inwhich they can participate, and localunique products which they canpurchase, such as art and crafts, andmusic can provide entertainment forour visitors.

To successfully promote ourcultural traditions, the NDP will takepolitics out of culture. The best andmost innovative Vincentians must beable to participate in the creation of aviable sustainable cultural industry,which can aid our development as apeople as well as usefully contributeto our country’s economy. We willrevive the National CulturalFoundation (NCF) and make it oncemore the umbrella body andcoordinator of all cultural activitiesnationally. The NCF, through its workwith community based groups andother cultural entities, will beresponsible for encouraging theexpression of our indigenous culture.

Most importantly, the NDP willbuild a National Cultural Centre. ThisCentre will be the hub from which ourperforming and graphic artists will beencouraged to grow and develop. Itwill incorporate a well designed,equipped and acoustically soundperforming arts facility. It willinclude a School of Music toaccommodate the following demands:music theory and practice,instrumental training and formalvoice training. From this nucleus, aNational Youth Orchestra will beestablished.

Our graphic artists will be enabledto showcase their talents in thedecoration of the public spaces, aswell as in the creation of sets andbackdrops for all types of culturalperformances. A National CulturalCentre will also provide spaces tohouse exhibitions of our artists’ work.

In addition, the NDP will: reviveour National Music Festival, andrevitalize and expand poetry, danceand drama festivals to cater for bothyouth and adults; encourage danceprogrammes in schools at the primaryand secondary levels; support theefforts of independent teachers ofdance and enable our talented dancersto continue to tertiary level anddegree level programmes, through theprovision of scholarships andbursaries; provide support for culturalprogrammes at a village level whichseek to reinforce our values and ourindigenous culture; and revitalizecommunity spirit by reintroducingbest village and best school annualcompetitions. This will again add tothe possibility of exposure for ourculture practitioners across thecountry.

The NDP will also support andencourage active participation in ournation’s festivals including gospel,jazz/blues and carnival. Carnival inparticular, needs the infusion of newideas and a revamped marketing

strategy. The management of carnivalwill be subsumed under the NCFwhich will function to create anenabling environment for creativity,without tight government censorshipand control.

Moreover, we will support theexpansion of culinary artscompetitions, exhibitions, fairs andtraining programmes to encourageolder community heads to pass ontheir skills and techniques to ayounger generation. Exhibitions andfairs will be linked to cruise shiparrivals and other festivals. In thisway, we can expand the range ofattractions for visitors while at thesame time providing opportunities forincome generation locally.

The NDP is also committed toassist and facilitate the reorganizationof the Youlou Pan Movement, whichcould then benefit from theopportunities available underEconomic Partnership Agreement(EPA), Assistance will also beforthcoming for the CalypsoAssociation with finding a home and asupport system for its members, andcreate an annual calendar of eventswhich will form part of the tourismstrategy for marketing to visitorsregionally and internationally.

Ministers responsible for Culture,Trade and Tourism will be encouragedto work together with allstakeholders, to ensure that ourculture practitioners are able tobenefit from the EPA. Trade andtourism expositions will beencouraged to ensure the promotion ofour country, its culture and its people,and there will be full support for allinitiatives taken to ensure that ourartists and performers are properlyrewarded for their talents and skills.To this end, we will enforce existinglegislation that protects theirinterests.

Towards this end and more, anIntellectual Property enforcementbranch of the Police Force, withtrained police officers, will becommissioned for handling issuesrelated to this field.

Moreover, the NDP will work toimplement properly accredited visualarts and design programmes incollaboration with the Ministry ofEducation, the CaribbeanExaminations Council and theUniversity of the West Indies, toinclude a visual arts element in thesyllabus for trainee teachers.

Our artistes will be encouraged toexpand their skills into technologybased fields, such as computeranimation, computer games andgraphic design.

A Policy Framework andDevelopment Strategy for cultural andcreative industry development andprovide fiscal incentives to encouragethe private sector investment in themusic industry, carnival, and incultural performances, will be at thecore of our endeavor in this area ofdevelopment.

And, not least, legislation to awardNational Honours will be completed.The NDP had developed a system oflocal National Honours, and a Bill,providing for the declaration ofNational Heroes and the style anddesignation of the appropriate award,had its first reading in parliament.The NDP will revisit this legislationto ensure the recognition of exemplarycontributions made to thedevelopment of our society by itscitizens. Undoubtedly, the NDP iscommitted to the development ofculture.

10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

ViewsVCultural activities in SVGShaping the future with love

“Only a life given away for love’s sakeis worth living.” Carl FrederickBuechner (born 1926) – Americanwriter and theologian.

IT IS OFTEN QUITE AMAZINg andinspirational when we reflect on whatindividuals do for love’s sake. Somespouses give up their profession andpersonal dreams to follow the path thattheir partner has chosen. They maysacrifice their time, money, andprofessions “for the better good” asperceived by their partners. This maymean uprooting from their regular placeof abode in the interest of what isconsidered to be the best for the family.Many parents, especially singlemothers, make tremendous personalsacrifice for their children’s sake. Theyare prepared to survive on relativelylittle so that their children would haveenough to go to school and/or attain atertiary level education. They will dowhatever it takes for love’s sake.

My first encounter with this week’sintroductory quotation immediatelyconjured up thoughts about twoindividuals. The first was our Lordand Saviour, Jesus Christ. He cameto earth, born of the virgin Mary,suffered, and died for our sake; forlove’s sake. In the gospel of John weread, “For God so loved the world thatHe sent His only begotten Son, thatwhosoever believeth in Him shouldnot perish, but have everlasting life”(John 3:16). The second individualthat comes to mind is a missionarycalled Jim Elliot. Philip James Elliot(1927-1956) was an evangelicalChristian who was one of fivemissionaries killed in Ecuador by themembers of the Huaorani people thathe had gone to evangelize. Thesededicated Christians were prepared todie for love’s sake — the love of theirLord and Saviour and the love ofmankind.

The New Testament books ofMatthew and Luke provide vivid anddetailed descriptions of the historicevents surrounding that very firstChristmas — the birth of our Lord andSaviour Jesus Christ. He left Hishome in glory to be born of the virginMary, to suffer, and to die formankind. He did it for love’s sake.He paid a price that we could neverdream of paying. He made theultimate sacrifice to die on a cruelcross so that you and I could gaineternal life. This is why He came. Hedid it for love’s sake. We thereforereadily understand and appreciatewhy Christians, the followers ofChrist, celebrate the Christmas andEaster Seasons with such passion.We are forever grateful that He came.

Jim Elliot was an outstandingChristian gentleman. He had apassion for spreading the good newsthat Jesus Christ came todemonstrate His love for mankind. Itwas this passion, this strong drive,that encouraged him to become amissionary; leaving the comfort andsecurity of his home in the UnitedStates of America to share this gospel,this good news, with the tribes locatedin the forested areas of Ecuador in theearly 1950s. He accepted thechallenge to go into all the world andproclaim the good news that Jesuscame to die for all mankind. It was sovery tragic that the same persons that

he went to share this gospel witheventually killed him. However, hislegacy still stands strong. Wecontinue to be inspired by many of hisquotations. My favourite Jim Elliotquotation is, “He is no fool who giveswhat he cannot keep to gain what hecannot lose.” It is such a powerfulreminder that when we give ofourselves (our time, talents, andtreasure) for the gospel’s sake it paysgreat dividends in this world and inthe world to come. There is wisdomin giving for love’s sake.

As the Christmas season quicklyapproaches, there will be multipleopportunities for each of us to give forlove’s sake. Christmas is traditionallya time for merriment and giving.Much thought is often given inrelation to the gifts that we give tofamily members, co-workers,neighbours, friends, and so on. Thesegifts do not necessarily have to beconsidered expensive. They can be“simple gifts” that convey how muchwe care. Gifts that we give … forlove’s sake.

The wise men who visited the BabyJesus carried three gifts — gold,frankincense, and myrrh. These weregifts that had very special meaning.The gold, a highly sought-afterprecious metal, represented thehighest prestige, purity, andlongevity. The frankincense, one ofthe fragrances to make holy incense,is said to have represented the wayJesus lived His holy life and, inparticular, His ministry to mankind.The myrrh, a highly fragrant spice,was used as medicine, perfume, and apreservative, and is said to havesignified His anointing by God to dothe outstanding works that He didwhile on earth. All of these gifts hadspecial meaning.

This Christmas, we are challengedto let our gifts reflect God’s love andHis grace. There will be manyopportunities for us to give ofourselves … for love’s sake. Each ofus will have opportunities to give tothe unloved and the unlovely … notonly to friends and family. We canhelp to mend broken hearts and, in sodoing, find a special joy emanatingfrom within us this Christmas. Giftsof forgiveness, appreciation,encouragement, love, joy, peace,contentment, and so on, will beconsidered priceless this year. Eachof us will come across persons who arehurting and burdened with a feelingof abandonment and rejection. Wecan provide many of these brokenindividuals with a place of refuge,comfort, and forgiveness in the JesusChrist of Christmas. We will all havewonderful opportunities todemonstrate his love and kindness tothose around us — including those whoare not like us. The recipients willfind these gifts life changing and lifelasting when they realise that wehave given them for love’s sake.

Send comments, criticisms &suggestions to

julesferdinand@gmail.com

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 11.

ViewsVFor love’s sake ‘Journalism is news someone,

somewhere does not want published.Everything else is advertising.’Alfred Harmsworth, BritishNewspaper and Publishing magnate.

HARMSWORTH’S VIEW, expressed morethan 100 years ago, holds true nowmore than ever. Power likes darkness,and the role of the journalist is to shinea light into the corridors of power sothat blame can be justly accorded andshame can be forced to mushroom like amighty foam. The journalist’s role is notto celebrate the powerful, although hehas a responsibility to give unto thepowers that be what it justly deserves.

Fundamentally, the journalist willonly be successful if she sees herselfas a truth teller, sense maker andexplainer. With the advent of socialmedia and the cellular phone, literallyevery citizen is armed with the powerto be a journalist. As we have seen, aphoto of police brutality or thedreadful conditions of a public facilitycan result in a conviction or remedialaction. Most of us have the tools to bea photo journalist or a whistle blower.All we need now is the moral courageto act when we see wrongdoing.

The professional journalist istasked with even greaterresponsibility because the internet isfundamentally redrawing ourrelationship with our audience: howwe think about our readers, ourperception of our role in society, ourstatus.

We are no longer the all-seeing, all-knowing journalists, delivering wordsfrom on high for readers to take in. Inthe era of the newspaper, there werefew writers and many readers. Now, itcan be hard to tell the difference.Those who yesterday were essentiallythe audience don’t just sit thereanymore. If the journalist, publicrelations or communications specialistdon’t listen to, work with, work for,give them what they want and need,they have plenty of other places to go.

The open web makes it possible tointeract with this audience like neverbefore, and collaborate with them todiscover, distribute and discuss storiesin an array of new ways. Readersneed to feel that they can trust thejournalist with the knowledge that hewill be transparent and not attempt tosugar coat or hide vital information.

As a writer, I go with my instinct. Itry to write what I know is theverifiable fact. And I believe this iswhy people have been attracted to myvoice on radio or to my column overthese last 20 years. I have tried tolisten to people and be guided by whatthey think or are concerned about, butI avoid what is called ‘traffic whoring’.I will never write a story simply tobring attention. Before social media,you wrote a story and kissed it good-bye. You had little or no way tomeasure its impact. You simplydeveloped a nose for a story and ranwith it.

Some journalists try hard topresent themselves as neutrally aspossible. Others claim they areneutral while bias drips off everypiece they write. I have tried toalways declare the politicalperspective in a transparent way.There needs to be greater solidarityamong journalists rather, than thesquabbles we see and hear aboutevery day in SVG.

The main reason for this call forunity is because there are very realthreats to journalism that make these

squabbles look petty. As one journalistsaid, this amounts to ‘two bald menfighting over a comb.’ In this era,governments are continually try topull a fast one over citizens, mostpolitical parties confuse and conflatethe nation’s interest with the party’sinterest, and other powerful elites,whether in business, religion or theprofessions, want to keep the light oftransparency from ever beaming intheir dark box.

There is crisis of trust in themedia. A 2013 global measure, putmedia as only just ahead of banks andfinancial services in terms of publictrust. These crucial times place agreater demand on the journalist.These times call for self-examinationthat happens in a time of crisis. I amin agreement with Margaret Sullivanof the New York Times when she saysthat “a real journalist is one whounderstands, at a cellular level, anddoesn’t shy away from the adversarialrelationship between government andpress”.

I am attracted to this definitionbecause it’s about a state of mind.Journalists need to be on the outsideof all kinds of power - political,institutional, corporate. The role ofthe journalist is to find things outwhich otherwise wouldn’t be known.

A few weeks ago, I said leadershipis not a position, it is a behaviour. Themodel holds true for journalism. Thetrue journalist must see what he doesas behaviour: journalism assomething you do, not something youare. Journalists must refrain from thebusiness of manufacturing content.That role must be left to the publicrelations and communicationsspecialist. The journalist’s only role,aim or goal must be to help to ensurethat the public is informed.

Now and for the foreseeable futuremedia houses need a cadre of full-timeworkers who report the things thatsomeone somewhere doesn’t wantreported, and who do it in a way thatdoes not just make informationavailable, but frames that informationso that it reaches and affects thepublic.

We need journalists with thediscipline, commitment and foresight:to nurture a source over many monthsso he can bring you their story; withthe ability to spot a story, to sensewhen something is not right, orsomething is being hidden; to askuncomfortable questions so as to getthe important bits of information froma witness; to know how to talk on thephone, where to find a certain publicrecord or piece of data; to know whatyou’re looking for; to know when tochallenge a CEO, or read between thelines of what they are saying; to havethe discipline to challenge a politicianyou might otherwise agree with; toknow when to go with a story, andwhen to wait; and to be brave enoughto resist pressure from others,whether from the police, thepoliticians, or journalists.

These are the demands of ourtimes. I trust that media workers inSVG will take up this challenge. Iknow I am ready.

Send comments, criticisms &suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

The future of journalism

IN DECEMBER 2017, the IT company,Apple, agreed to pay Ireland back nearly$15bn in unpaid taxes. Apple CEO TimCook has talked about the need forcompanies to have a social conscience.

The super-rich migrants inMustique and Canouan have enjoyedtax and customs duties exemptions fordecades; they should pay back thebillions of tax they have avoidedpaying.

It’s a shame these super-richmigrants have no social conscience andcontinue to avoid paying tax.

Apple has used Ireland throughwhich to filter its European profits,thereby avoiding heavier US andEuropean tax rates. The EuropeanCommission (EC) got curious aboutsuch tax avoidance, and ruled inAugust 2016, that Apple effectivelyhad state aid, in that, it was payingless tax than other businesses.

The EC ruled such actions wereillegal state aid.

The Mustique Act no. 48 of 2002gives the super-rich migrants inMustique and Canouan tax andcustoms duties exemptions. This, ineffect, is state aid from the ULPgovernment, as the super-richmigrants in Mustique and Canouanare paying less tax than other

businesses in SVG.As such, they gain an unfair

advantage over local, Vincentian-owned businesses who have to pay tax.Hotels and apartments owned byVincentians cannot compete with thehotels and apartments owned by thesuper-rich migrants in Mustique andCanouan, who, in the scheme ofthings, have lower overheads.

This is grossly unfair. These super-rich are leeches on our economy andsociety.

The EC demanded Apple pay backthe tax it had managed to bypass. It isonly right that the parasitic, super-rich migrants in Mustique andCanouan pay back the billions in taxthey have managed to bypass over thedecades.

The $15bn billion which Apple paidIreland, covered the period 2003 to2014 when Apple, which has itsEuropean, Middle East, and Africa HQin Cork, southern Ireland, paid Ireland0.005 percent corporate tax, instead ofthe country’s normal 12.5 percent rate,in a sweetheart deal called a “taxruling”.

The super-rich migrants have beenavoiding paying tax since about 1989.They are certainly no ‘sweethearts’ tothe people of SVG and must pay back.

Like Apple, the tax was avoided.The super-rich migrants in

Mustique and Canouan have beengiven blanket tax and customs dutyexemptions for life. They are riding onthe backs of the black population inSVG, and no doubt enjoy watchingpoor Vincentians suffer, so that theycan bring out the Mustique Charity tolook like good and decent people, whoare helping our people. This isdisgusting!

Irish finance minister PaschalDonohoe says, “Ireland has and willplay its role in what’s needed to dealwith the issue of aggressive taxavoidance… and companies should paytheir fair share”.

Dear super-rich migrants inMustique and Canouan: ‘pay your fairshare’ or pack your bags and go backto where you come from.

There is extreme economic

inequality in SVG, fuelled by the taxevasion and avoidance of super-richmigrants in Mustique and Canouan. Itis a plague on our country and causedtens of thousands of people throughoutSVG to live in poverty and deprivedthe poor of vital education and healthservices.

The tax avoided by the super-richmigrants in Mustique and Canouan ismore than enough money to providethe vital medical facilities needed toprevent the premature deaths ofmothers, babies and children in SVG.

SVG Green Partywww.svggreenparty.org

12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

ViewsVSuper-rich migrants in Mustique &Canouan must pay back tax avoided

OVER THE LASTseveral years, there havebeen some happenings inour beautiful butunfortunate country,which we, if we wereconscientious andmaturely responsiblecitizens, ought to haveaddressed with a degreeof firmness, if we desiredto be faithful to ourresponsibility to somanage our patrimony,that we pass on to thenext generations a landwith a sufficiency ofresources, to give them areasonable chance ofprospering.

But we cannot trulysay that we have in themain measured up to thechallenge. Almost all ofus have fallen well shortof the standard and (are)guilty of having beenindifferent, even when itwas evident to us thatthings were not going theway that would producethe environment, whichwould have contributedto the prosperity andpeace of our people.

It should never beforgotten that we are anagricultural community,made up primarily of theprogeny of slaves whowere used to producecrops for the Europeancolonizers. When thecolonizers withdrew, theycompensated the estateowners for their loss ofbusiness brought aboutbecause of the order of

Emancipation. Whatallowed the former slavesto survive was access tothe land. The terrain wasrough, but the soil wasfertile.

While one couldempathize with ourleaders of the fifties andsixties for falling to theinducement of a tourismthrust, in whichexpatriates were offeredvery generous terms forthe development of theirresorts which heldpromise of providing jobsfor the people, it isinexcusable forVincentians today toallow their electedleaders to be selling off,and giving away therights to the lands whichthe next generations willneed for their owndevelopment.

Have we no faith inthe capacity of our ownpeople? Can we notenvision that in twentyor thirty years’ time, thepeople of St. Vincent andthe Grenadines will havethe capacity to developthe land in a mannerwhich will bring morebenefit to our peoplethan is the case today?

There are manyVincentians yet alive,who will remember thaton the site of the now“de-commissioned” E.T.Joshua Airport, thereused to be a horse-racingtrack and cricket field onthe eastern end. When

one walked fromKingstown to Arnos Valeand arrived at CassonCorner and looked downon the valley (the Vale),there were hardly twentyhouses to be seen. Lookat the area now!Properties developed byour own people, as hasbeen the case of the areaof Ratho Mill, Brighton,Prospect and thesurroundingcommunities. Thoseinvestments are worthseveral billion dollars,and importantly, theywill be inhabited by theprogeny of Vincentianswho developed them.

When recently therewas that fiasco inCanouan whichCommander David Robinwas sent to quell, I wasquite surprised to learnthat our governmentintended, planned for,the development ofCanouan after the modelof Mustique. That was ashocker to me! I couldnot believe that thatarrangement could beentertained in the 21stcentury in theCaribbean.

All those who areguilty of perpetratingsuch an injustice on thepeople, should hastilyexert themselves to makeamends to address thisdishonourable legacy.Time is running out!

LeRoy Providence

A cripplinglegacy indeed

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 13.

DECEMBER holds much significance tothe people of Venezuela, and in keepingwith this, the Venezuelan Embassy herehosted a ceremony dubbed ‘BolivarianDecember’, last Wednesday, December13.

According to His Excellency YuriPimentel, Ambassador

of the Bolivarian Republic ofVenezuela in St. Vincent and theGrenadines, there are three dates inDecember that stand out in the historyand lives of Venezuela: December 17,1830 — the death of Simon Bolivar, theLiberator of South America; December8, 2012 - the last public message fromHugo Chavez, the leader of theBolivarian Republic of Venezuela; andDecember 14, 2014 - the creation ofthe Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoplesof our America (ALBA).

Ambassador Pimentel paid homageto Bolivar as “the main visionary ofthe emancipation of the SouthAmerican peoples.”

Commander Hugo Chavez, he said,kept the Bolivarian torch ablaze, andhis creation of Alba is regarded asmaintaining the “principles ofsolidarity, complementarity, justiceand cooperation of the peoples of OurAmerica.”

In reference, it appeared. to thecurrent situation in Venezuela, theAmbassador recalled that it wasPresident Chavez who, on December 8,2012, warned, “There will be noshortage of those who try to takeadvantage of difficult situations tomaintain this commitment to the

restoration of capitalism, of neo-liberalism to end the Homeland.”

On hand at the ceremony to showsolidarity with the Venezuelan effortwas Cuba’s Ambassador to St. Vincentand the Grenadines Her ExcellencyVilma Reyes Valdespino.

A fair-sized gathering at for theceremony was enthralled by thepulsating sounds of the ResistantHeart Beat Drummers. The six-member cultural outfit was joined byAmbassador Pi Pimentel in one oftheir renditions.

14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

NewsV

FOUR Vincentian students aremoving ahead with their academic

pursuits, with assistancefrom the EasternCaribbean Group ofCompanies FoundationInc.

LaToya Browne,Tacklan Fergus, CyritaHarry, and IdaneshaMcDowald receivedbursaries at a ceremonystaged at the Universityof the West Indies OpenCampus, at theirtemporary base at

Frenches, last weekThursday.

Browne, from theNorth Leeward villageof Coulls Hill, is doinga BSc YouthDevelopment Workprogramme.

Fergus iscompleting a BEd inEarly ChildhoodDevelopment andFamilies Studies. Sheis from capital

Kingstown. Harry is

from theMesopotamiaValley and ispursuing aBSc inManagementStudies(Marketing).

McDowald represents the NorthCentral Windward district ofGeorgetown and is moving towards aBSc in Accounting.

Phyllis James, Human ResourcesManager at ECGC, addressed thegathering. She was deputising for herChief Executive Officer OsmondDavy, whom she credited for creationof the Foundation.

She referred to the bursaries as“another investment in the humanresources of our country,” anddescribed the ECGC Foundation’sintent as one of “creating a legacy.”

This is the third batch of studentswho have benefited from assistancefrom the ECGC Foundation, since2015. (WKA)

Venezuela Embassy hosts a December event

La ToyaBrowne

TacklanFergus

CyritaHarry

IdaneshaMcDonald

ECGC ‘creating a legacy’

The Resistant Heart Beat Drummersbrought a touch of Vincentiancreativity to the occasion.

His Excellency YuriPimentel, Ambassadorof the BolivarianRepublic of Venezuelain St. Vincent and theGrenadines, explainedthe significance ofDecember to thepeople of Venezuela.

Grenadines NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 15.

A NEW 385-foot pedestrian trail wasopened in Bequia last Tuesday,December 12.

The trail goes around the Pointbetween Plantation and PrincessMargaret Beaches. This structurereplaces a previous trail that wasseverely damaged by massive surgesthat resulted from Hurricane Mathewin 2016.

Funding for the project wasfacilitated by a joint effort involvingBequia Beach Hotel and the NGO -Action Bequia.

The structure consists of a 100-footconcrete promontory from PrincessMargaret Beach and a 285-foot over-water section, which was designed andbuilt by in-water structures specialist,Sea Operations SVG Limited.

The design concept, according tothose responsible for the project,focused on withstanding the extremestorms that nature periodically throwsat our islands. Some fifteen in-waterconcrete piers firmly secured to the seabed are designed and built to offerminimum resistance to surges. Sixteen

elevated timber“bridges” span thesepiers to the landsidepromontories ateach end of the in-water section.

The projectcommenced at theend of Septemberwith a targetedDecember 15completion date.

Project Managerfor Action Bequia, Michael Connellcommented: “The team at Sea Ops hasbeen phenomenal. From ChiefExecutive ‘Sardo’ Sutherland, theonsite managers… to the team leaders… they have all worked exceptionallyhard. …. They finished ahead ofschedule and with no compromise onthe quality of their workmanship”.

David Harper, Action Bequia’s CEO,added “We also owe many thanksto those who provided vital funding.Bequia Beach Hotel and GrenadinesPartnership Fund were the biggestfinancial supporters, but many others

provided critical contributions, andall these supporters are recognised onour website, www.actionbequia.org”.

The latest undertaking is anotheraccomplishment for Bequia Actionwhich, in 2012/13, funded andmanaged the repair of the BelmontWalkway and between 2013 — 2016,the restoration of a coastal trail andwalkway that enabled unbrokenpedestrian access from Port Elizabethto Lower Bay.

Action Bequia has also completed aHarbour beautification project,organised mosquito eradication cleanups, and started a recyclingprogramme which, amongst otherachievements, sent 60,000 plasticbottles for recycling in the last ninemonths. In addition, they provideongoing support for more than fiftycommunity initiatives led andorganised by other Bequiagroups. (Source: Bequia Action)

The newly restored and strengthened pedestrian walkway linking theBelmont Walkway to Princess Margaret Beach.

New pedestriantrail opened in Bequia

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 17.16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 19.

Osmond Davy – Chief Executive OfficerOSMOND DAVY boasts

that whoeversucceeds him at the

helm of the EasternCaribbean Group ofCompanies (ECGC), wouldhave a smooth transitionwith no problems.

And this, he said, isdue in no small measureto members of staff here

and at the rice mill inGuyana.

Davy, the company’sECGC’s current ChiefExecutive Officer, joinedthe staff some 30 yearsago as the ChiefAccountant andManagement SystemsDirector.

Following on the

acquisition of the ricemill in Guyana, he wasassigned there, initiallyfor three years, asGeneral Manager.

Those three yearsturned into fifteen, heremarked.

But from his vantagepoint, he has witnessedthe mushrooming of the

company which startedas a flour mill 40 yearsago.

“It became among thefirst in the region to takeadvantage of the benefitsof free movement withinCARICOM,” Davy said,adding that the companyhas accomplished a lotover the years —something for which hecredits former GeneralManager Ormiston ‘Ken’Boyea.

“He (Boyea) needs tobe given credit for whathe had done and wherehe had taken thecompany that hasallowed us to build on,”Davy said.

The CEO alsohighlighted thecontribution of hispredecessor, Dr. JulesFerdinand, incontinuance of the

pursuits of the company.Because of their

unstinting dedication,Davy said that thecompany has beenrecognized as one of theflagship companies in theregion, and although it isnot global, it hasestablished links inEurope, the UnitedStates and Canada, Davysaid.

Davy, the company’sthird CEO, emphasizedthe company’s taglinewhich focuses onexcellence and quality,and on producing aquality product.

But in order toproduce a qualityproduct, he posited, thecompany needs a qualitystaff.

“They exhibit apassion for what they do… they are high on

integrity… they can allsay that they have puttheir best foot forward,”the CEO said of the staff.

He took theopportunity to thank allmembers of staff, bothpast and present, andassured that “there is agood team at ECGC.”

AS ONE OF THESENIOR MEMBERSin the maintenancedepartment, KennethCrozier says that heis proud of the factthat he was a part ofthe team that hasassisted ECGC inbecoming what it istoday.

Crozier has beenaround with thecompany since theinception 40 yearsago.

He began his working life atVINLEC and was offered theopportunity to move to the EasternCaribbean Flour Mills by the thenmanager of the ECFM Ormiston ‘Ken’Boyea.

“When I came on board, I met twoGermans, who were instrumental ingetting the mill set up,” Crozierrecalled.

His background included training inmachines: “So I was able to fit inwhatever.”

He worked in the mill for a yearand was given the opportunity tobecome a miller, completing the

required training withinmonths.

And when the companyexpanded into Guyana, hewas part of the team to getthat mill operational.

Upon his return, he wasassigned to Montserratwhere he worked on settingup a mill in that country,that is until the volcanoforced operations to cease.

Before long, Crozier saidthat he was promoted to asupervisory position and wasput in charge of the

technical installation and modificationof the mill here in St Vincent.

His responsibilities, among others,is to make routine checks on theoperations of the mill in Guyana.

He credits Boyea, however, for hisvision, saying that he has left a legacyat the facility.

Looking back, Crozier said that thathard work has paid off.

“It’s a good feeling to know that Iwas a part of everything….it’s like Iown a part of the company, and it feelsgood to know that you are leavingbehind a wealth of knowledge,” hesaid.

Kenneth Crozier – Senior Millwright

THE FOCUS has alwaysbeen on qualitythroughout the years.

And Elvis DeRiggs,Chief Operating Officerat the EasternCaribbean Group ofCompanies (ECGC),stressed the importanceof striving for excellence,pointing to thecompany’s tag line:‘Excellence throughteamwork’.

The company hastransitioned over theyears, he explained,keeping to a core groupof products, beginningwith flour on December11, 1977 and moving intoanimal feed and riceproduction, the latterextending to theacquisition of a farm inGuyana.

More recently, thecompany beganproducing the localbeverage ‘Ju-C’ takingover from where Bottlers(St. Vincent) Ltd. left off.

And through it all,ECGC has strived tomaintain that excellence.

“In terms of success,our tag line is‘Excellence through teamwork’, and the teamwork is from the supplierand the chain fromproduction todistribution, then todistributors across theregion, then on to thehomes of many personsacross the EasternCaribbean,” he said.

“We have stayed trueto quality and producinga quality product,”DeRiggs continued.

Coupled withexpanding productionand maintaining quality,thecompany hascomplied with work,health and safetystandards.

Continued on Page 20.

Elvis De Riggs – Chief Operating Officer

20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Danroy Spence –Senior MechanicDANROY SPENCE remembers

the day he began working at theEastern Caribbean Group of

Companies (ECGC) back in 1977. “It was on a Thursday when I came

here. They had already started puttingup the equipment,” Spence, SeniorMechanic in the MaintenanceDepartment of ECGC recounted.

Spence is one of the few employeesstill around today, 40 years after theplant began production.

He came to East Caribbean FlourMill (ECFM) as it was known then,with experience in mechanicalengineering, having done a brief stintwith the state-owned electric company.

The transitioning process was easy,Spence recalled. His newresponsibilities were a little moretechnical, but his experience ensuredthat he was ready to take on any taskhe was asked to perform.

He was around long enough towitness the expansion of the company,moving from flour production to

animal feedand riceproduction.

His jobrequiresthat heensures thesetting upand properrunning oftheequipment needed for production in allareas.

With years comes experience, andSpence can now boast that he is one ofthe few staff members who know alittle about all the machines — fromgenerators to roller mills.

Looking back, Spence said that hehas enjoyed his 40 years at ECGC andis proud of what the company hasachieved over the years.

“It’s a nice company with a lot ofbenefits for the employees,” he said.

And even after 40 years, Spencesaid that he still enjoys what he does,

and is hopingthat by theGrace of God,he can give afew more yearsof his serviceto thecompany.

HAROLD ALLEN joinedthe staff at the thenEastern Caribbean FlourMills (ECFM) shortlyafter leaving school, onNovember 13, 1978 —almost one year after theplant had commencedoperations.

He started off as astorekeeper, and shortlythereafter moved up theranks to where hecurrently is today -Assistant Senior Miller.

He recalls his trainingas a pallet mill operatorunder the guidance ofsome expatriates fromCanada.

He would then betransferred to thewarehouse, taking on theposition of WarehouseSupervisor.

His knowledge andworking experience,coupled with him beinggiven the task of trainingnew employees, propelledhim into a a supervisoryposition.

“So that caused me tobe where I am today,because of theexperience,” he said.

Looking back at his 39years with ECGC, Allensaid that he has noregrets.

Since joining theteam, he has had “a lotof training” and is nowfully certified in someareas, particularlymilling.

“So I’ve learnt a lot ofthings, technical things.”

Knowledge of themilling industry was notthe only skill Allen saidhe has acquired sinceworking with ECGC.

He boasted that hehas become almost anexpert in conflict

resolution, applying thatskill both on the job andin his personal life.

Harold Allen – Assistant Senior Miller

Continued from Page 19.

According to DeRiggs, the Guyana plant — wherehe spends a lot of his time — has been InternationalOrganisation for Standardisation (IOS) certified.

Currently the local plant is in its final stages inimplementing health and safety regulations for itsemployees and midway in being HASAP certified.

So the watchword is quality, and that has beensomething that has been maintained through theyears, with De Riggs commending the staff for theirrole in this regard, describing them as a “qualitystaff.”

Elvis De Riggs – Chief Operating Officer

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 21.

22. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

MEMBERS OF STAFF,well-wishers andformer employees

joined in on Monday,December 11, tocommemorate the 40thanniversary of theestablishment of what hasevolved over the years tobecome Eastern CaribbeanGroup of Companies(ECGC).

The activity, held atthe ECGC compound atCampden Park, took theform of a thanksgivingservice and awardsceremony, during whicha number of employeeswere honoured for theiryears of service to thecompany.

Present at the servicewas Chairperson of the

Board of Directorsof ECGC - AudreyDe Freitas whoaddressed thegathering both aschairperson anddaughter of theman — Sir PhilipVeira - who hadthe vision to join inestablishing a flourmill in St Vincentand theGrenadines.

“When my fathercommenceddiscussions aboutstarting a flourmill, he wasbombarded withnegativity anddoubt, but he wasnever one to giveup.

“He perseveredand then wentahead, registered

the company and beganthe purchase ofequipment,” she said.

They sat idle, untilanother businessman gotinvolved, and thecompany took root, DeFreitas said.

The early operationsproduced what came tobe known as ‘Cream ofthe Island’ flour, whichwas made available forsale around the nation.

From producing flour,the company expandedinto other areas andbecame the EastCaribbean Croup ofCompanies, comprised ofa number of subsidiariesand boasting over 300employees, here and

Guyana. “It is ranked among

the most successful inthe region and thelargest company in theOECS; better yet it is theflagship company of theOECS,” De Freitas said.

She showeredgratitude on theemployees, past andpresent, who, she said,continue to produce aquality product, andrecognized theshareholders, who werecharged with making the‘tough’ decisions and forensuring that thecompany continues toperform well.

Awardees

A number of awardswere distributed. Underthe years of servicecategory, CynthiaCharles was recognizedfor her 10-yearcontribution thus far;Kenny Williams andBastaan Gill were bothawarded for 20 years;Alden Jacobs, JeffreyPompey, Randolph Guy,Ray-Anthony Williamsand the company’scurrent Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Osmond Davyreceived awards for their30 years of service.

Danroy Spence andKenneth Crozier wereboth recognized for their40 years of service, bothcoming on board from thecompany’s inception.

‘Education’ awardswere distributed to LanelBlack, DelwirthYearwood, MarrisonMatthews, BrionneCampbell and RuelWilliams, both certifiedas flour millers under theNABIM Flour MillingCourse.

Charmaine Charlesand Lanel Black receivedrecognition forcompleting an AIBScience of Baking Courseand AIB/HACCP OnlineBread Troubleshooting.

Clemesha Caine wasrecognized for completingan F1 Course in ACCAand Ginel Cudjoe forbecoming a CertifiedAccounting Technician;Andre Davy wasrecognized for competingthe CompTIA Security

course. Three employees were

awarded for their yearsof service, and will soon

be retiring. Among thoseindividuals were VernKirby, Victor McLeanand Lennox Campbell,

all three expecting toretire soon, were alsoawarded for their yearsof service. (DD)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 23.

ECGC turns 40: Timeforgivingthanks

Audrey De Freitas,Chairperson of the Board ofDirectors of ECGC,addressing thecommemoration/awardsceremony to mark the 40thanniversary of the company.

Dear George,

SOME MEN just do not have anyconscience. This man I am with and for whom Ihave two children, has decided to move in nextdoor with another woman, and is telling hischildren that they should leave my house andcome live with him. The children did not do as heasked, and he has cut them off completely — noteven a dollar for school.

To add insult to injury, the woman he moved inwith is now pregnant for him, and he is buyingher all kinds of niceties, leaving me to scrape andscramble to support his children. As it is, Icannot go out to do any work, as my children aretoo young to be left alone. There are days we donot have much to eat, but I am not going to beghim because that is what he wants. I have toomuch pride for that. He will get what is comingto him, all in due time.

Too much pain

Dear Too much pain,

It is puzzling and difficult to figure out whatwould drive a man to do what you havereported. There is no way you can be blamed forthe actions of another, and in this case, you haveto focus on responding to the situation in a waythat would not expose your children to furtheremotional trauma.

You may need help in figuring out how torespond to their (children’s) questions andconcerns, and for this I advise that you contactThe Marion House in the first instance, as they doprovide parenting skills for those who need it.

This man in question has a legal responsibilityto provide for his children, and you have therecourse of putting the matter to the FamilyCourt. In the meantime, avoid being sucked intoany physical altercations or public verbalexchange. This will be playing into his hands andgiving him reasons to find justifications for hisboyish actions.

George

Dear George,

BELIEVE ME when I tellyou that I am very close tospending my Xmas injail. I am a very patientman but I think this timemy patience has run out.

My girlfriend hasalways given me an earlyXmas gift as my workdemands that I amhardly in the country. Iam about to leave andhave not seen any signsof her giving meanything. It is not that Iam waiting on her foranything, but seeing thatit has become a traditionbetween us, I am lookingforward to it.

As fate would have it,I received a text messagefrom her which I believedwas sent to me in error.It stated how she waslooking forward tospending Xmas with“you” and “not to worry,”“this time around it willbe better than ever.”

When I read that text,my blood went cold. Iimmediately saw myselfsitting in jail.

I have cancelled mytrip; I will be here in thecountry for Xmas, butshe will never know ofthis. Little does she

know that she is in foran Xmas she neveranticipated.

How could this womando this to me, after beingtogether for 11years? Right now, I amjust waiting to give herthe surprise of her life.

Angry Birdie

Dear Angry Birdie,

Whatever you are

thinking of doing to thiswoman, will not solve theproblem that you havehighlighted.

That text you receivedin error was a blessing indisguise. It made youwiser; you no longer haveto waste time waitingaround and investing ina relationship that isgoing nowhere.

Use this informationto reset your plans and

future. Let her knowwhat you know, andadvise her that you aremoving on. The thoughtof losing a good man forwhat could turn out to bestraws, could behaunting for her. Takethe high road and leaveher to her owndeceitfulness. You willbe a better man for it.

George

Dear George,

A GIRLFRIEND of minetold me that myboyfriend is putting“something” in my foodevery day to slowlypoison me, so he and shecan be together. Sheconfessed that she was totell me before, but shedid not believe him untilrecently.

I live with myboyfriend, and he is the

one who does thecooking. My question toyou George is: Should Icontinue to eat from him,and how do I know mygirlfriend is telling methe truth? Could it bethat she only wants tocause problems betweenus so she can just havehim?

I did notice that theygot along well with eachother, but I neverthought anything of ituntil she came to me

with this story. I amvery worried but do notknow what to do about it.

Scared

Dear Scared,

Yes, this could be acase where this girlfriendcould be seeking anopening to move in onyour relationship.

Take what she hastold you seriously and dowhat you have to do tosafeguard yourself. Havea talk with your familydoctor about thesituation, and getmedical advice regardingdoing the necessary bloodwork to eliminate anyirregularities. Followingthis, let your girlfriendknow that you intend todiscuss the informationshe has given you withyour fiancé, and closelyobserve and be guided byher reactions.

Having done all ofthat, keep yourrelationship eyes wideopen to see what yourboyfriend may not beaware he is showing you.

George

24. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

AdviceVThinking of doing her harm

An uncaring father

Talk of poison and more

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 25.

LeisureVACROSS

1.Thick slice5. Clublike weapon9. Cut down grass12. River in central

Switzerland13. Egg‐shape14. Very skilled person15. Colored16. Cupola17. Affirmative reply18. Once more20. Clique22. Offhand25. Be present at26. Sun‐dried brick27. Undergo lysis28. A person29. Perceive with the eyes30. Atomic mass unit33. Japanese wooden clog35. Abode of the dead37. Boring40. Walk with short steps41. Cuban dance42. Great age43. Before44. Securely confined46. Exclamations of

Surprise50. Needlefish51. Mild oath52. Snare53. Wily54. Small boad55. TV award

DOWN

1. Sorrowful2. Put Down3. Part of verb to be4. Ornament gaudily5. Standard for

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23)Be sure to double‐check the house on yourway out. Older family members may takeadvantage of you by making you feel guilty.Lowered vitality could affect your work. Youcan find out important information if you lis‐ten to friends and relatives.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22)Jealous colleagues may try to undermine you.If they don't like the plan, suggest that theycon tribute a little. You need to do somethingenergetic and different. You are best to beaccommodating for the time being. Suddenromantic infatuations won't be lasting.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21)Be aware that joint financial ventures couldfall apart. Feeling under the weather may be aresult of overindulgence. Do not sign contractsor get involved in any uncertain financialdeals. Your bankbook will suffer and yourrestrictions will put a damper on your relation‐ship.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20)Travel will be good if you are seeking knowl‐edge. Rewards for past good deeds will beyours. Mingle with those who can help you getahead. You may find that children are not asaccepting as you have been.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19)Your mate could get on your nerves if he orshe backs you into an emotional comer orputs restrictions on your time. Children will beof major concern if you haven't kept the linesof communication open. Your emotions aresoaring and if you don't get your way, look outworld. Those you live with may be experienc‐ing problems.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20)Travel and entertainment will be pleasurable.Plan to do things with your faithful pet or withyoungsters who have interesting hobbies. Taketime to make physical improvements that willenhance your appearance. There could beopposition or temper tantrums on the homefront.

Comparison6. Acknowledge7. Eccentric shaft8. Chooses9. Perhaps10. Body of salt

water11. Uncultivated

country19. Not21. Consumed22. Taxicab23. Fuss24. Turf25. Affirmative

vote27. Meadow29. Pigpen30. Find the sum of31. Honey32. Exploit33. Chatter34. Rubbed out

35. Monetary unit of

Vietnam36. Congenitally

attached37. Sediment38. Rustic39. Very hard

mineral

40. Abounding in weeds

42. From a distance

45. Gone by47. Upper limb48. Thigh49. Engage in

espionage

LA

ST

WE

EK

’sS

OL

UT

ION

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20)Enlist the aid of family members and considerthe feelings of your mate. You can help aclose friend find solutions to personal prob‐lems. You may have been too agreeable tosomeone who just wanted to use you.Emotional situations could bring out yourstubborn nature.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21)Don't invest too much of your own money.Favors will be offered readily. You may wantto talk to your boss about your future goals.Be careful not to show your temper whendealing with the boss.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21)Put financial speculation with family mem‐bers or friends on the back burner for now.Some of that extra energy you have stored upmight just be put to good use. You will findthat money could slip through your fingers.You will be full of good ideas, and your choiceof activities may bring you enrichment farbeyond your expectations.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22)You should get out and meet new people thisweek. Property deals will pay big dividends.You can make money if you are wise in yourchoices. Traffic will be busier than you antici‐pated, so try to get a head start if you havemade plans to travel.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22)You could be your own worst enemy if youoverreact to something you're told. This is agreat day to mingle with people you wouldlike to impress. If you have treated them equi‐tably, you might be able to count on their loy‐alty. You may have ignored or neglected yourmate lately.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23)Put your efforts into physical fitness programsor competitive sports. You need a day to restand relax with the ones you love. Don't evenbother trying to get their approval on thethings you want to do. Make sure that youget legal matters checked out thoroughly.

BILATERAL DONORS havebeen urged to reconsiderthe size of their current aidprogrammes to the regionwith a particular focus oninfrastructure support and

enhancement, Hon. AudleyShaw, Minister of Financeand Planning has said.

Addressing theCaribbean InfrastructureForum at the Hilton Rose

Hall, Montego Bay today(Dec. 11, 2017), MinisterShaw said that the recenthurricanes, Irma andMaria, had “reminded theworld of the extreme

vulnerability of theCaribbean to exogenousshocks.”

However, he said ,“current multilateralfinancing and support

exclude some Caribbeancountries from access todevelopment financing byusing limited criteriabased on per capitaincome and failing to takeinto account, extremevulnerabilities”.

“The vulnerability ofthe Caribbean is nowindisputable and we needto seek affordableinfrastructure financingsolutions”, Minister Shawtold participants of thetwo-day forum beinghosted by IJ Global andNew Energy Events andsponsored by CIBCFirstCaribbeanInternational Bank andKPMG.

He said that “theseunprecedented naturaldisasters requireextraordinary and equallyunprecedented responsesfrom the combinedresources of themultilateral developmentpartners and I have urgedthese institutions to usethe devastation of the2017 hurricanes as anopportunity to reconsidertheir policy stance in theadvancing of funding toeconomies reboundingfrom the effects of naturaldisasters.”

Minister Shaw saidthat the Government ofJamaica was acutelyaware that infrastructuredevelopment is critical forproviding people withaccess to such basic needsas electricity, water,improved living conditionthereby reducing povertyand supporting economicgrowth.

He pointed toprogrammes beingimplemented by theGovernment and partnersincluding in agriculturewith the installation ofharvesting systems underthe Climate ChangeAdaptation programmeand upgrading ofirrigation infrastructure,the provision of budgetarysupport and parametricinsurance through theCCRIF.

In tourism, MinisterShaw said that theGovernment is focused onproviding qualityinfrastructure to supporthotels already in operationand those projected for thenext five years. In energy,

he said “Jamaica ispursuing an alternativeenergy policy to reduceenergy costs, developadditional generatingcapacity and invest inrenewable alternativeresources.”

In the meanwhile, NigelHolness, ManagingDirector of CIBCFirstCaribbeanInternational Bank saidthat “cooperation betweenprivate sector, publicsector and the financialservices sector is critical toraising the quality ofinfrastructure the region”.

Noting that “manypeople in the Caribbeanstill do not have access tobasic infrastructuralservices like water,sanitation, transportationand modern energyservices”, Mr. Holness saidthat infrastructure inmany islands is old andinadequate andinsufficient to meet today’spopulation needs. As aresult, he said, someCaribbean Islands oftenmiss out on opportunities.

The CIF, he said, willexplore “the developmentneeds and challenges ofour

CaribbeanInfrastructure market andthe partnerships it willtake between government,multilaterals, privatesector and internationalinvestors and developersto overcome thesechallenges and stimulateour infrastructure”.

“We are here to focus onthe need to improveinfrastructure systems inmeeting the social,humanitarian andeconomic needs of ourislands”, Mr. Holnessdeclared. (Source: FCIB)

BusinessV 26. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Increase funding forinfrastructure anddisaster management

Hon. Audley Shaw (r)Minister of Finance andPlanning, Jamaica,greets Hon. David Burt,Premier and Minister ofFinance, Bermuda; HonSharlene Cartwright-Robinson (2nd right) ,Premier, Turks andCaicos Islands andNigel Holness,Managing Director, CIBCFirstCaribbeanInternational Bank, atthe CaribbeanInfrastructure Forum.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Gairy ConstructionSimple Boyz are one match away from retaining thetitle in the National Lotteries Authority TBPO2020 cricket competition.

In fact, if they retain the title, it will be fifthstraight for the Boyz.

But they will have to get past CGM GallagherNovice in the final, to be played this Sunday at theDaphne Playing Field, if they are to stamp anindelible mark on that competition’s history.

The defending champions earned their finalsberth with a semi-final victory over Challengerslast weekend, at the Dauphine playing field.

Simple Boyz amassed 178 for 6 in 20 overs, towhich Challengers limply replied with 55 all out in12.3 overs. Eldon Morris, 4 for 7, was Simply Boyz’sleading bowler, after run machine Desron Maloneyhad top scored for the champs with 48.

C G M Gallenger Novice booked their place in thefinals when they defeated Nice Radio Clinchers by 5wickets. Clinchers made 88 all out in 19 overs, towhich Novice replied with 92 for 5 in 15.1 overs .Novice’s Renrick Williams, 30, and Clinchers’Romano Pierre, 31, were the games top scorers, withNovices’ Rolando Wright 2, Sherlon Pompey 3 for15and Clinchers’ Peter Richards, 2 for 38, the leadingwicket-takers.

The finals will be preceded by the third placeplayoff between Challengers and Clinchers.

I.B.A.ALLEN

AVENUES UNITED FOOTBALLCLUB capped off 2017 withanother two titles, takingboth the First Division andPremier Division of theComputec/Comsports/Hairoun/BDO Arnos ValeFootball League.

The two titles werecaptured on consecutivedays, last Saturday andSunday, at the Arnos ValeTwo Playing Field.

And, as if scripted,Avenues’ holds on thetitles were by the samescore-line.

On Saturday, via goalsfrom Gareth Leigertwoodand Nathaniel Williams,they defeated NationalProperties Fair Hall, 2-0,to win the First Division

title. They copied their

Saturday performance onSunday, when the PremierDivision final was held,blanking System 3, 2-0,the goals coming fromnational players- MyronSamuel and GlenfordAshton.

A combined $2700(First Division- $1200;Premier Division-$1500),was cashed in by Avenues.

Fair Hall won $ 800;third place- Je Belle-$400and second place in thePremier Division- System3 got $1000. All of the topplaces got trophies.

In the Under- 17Division, Je Belle wasfirst; System three —

second and Largo Heightthird. All three placeswere awarded trophies,but Je Belle got an addedprize of $100 for their firstplace

Prior to their sweeps inthe Arnos Vale League,Avenues had taken thePremier Division of theSVGFF National ClubChampionships as well asthe Under-17 bracket ofthe Hamilton LashleyFoundation CaribbeanCharity Children’s ShieldSoccer Classic, held herein August.

Rewards

As for added rewards inthe Arnos Vale League,

player of the finals, wereNathaniel Williams andDeno John, both ofAvenues United, tookthe Player of the Finalaward in the First andPremier Division,

respectively. John also gotthe nod as thetournament’s BestDefender.

Avenues’ Kenyan Lynchwas the tournament’s BestGoal Keeper, and System3’s Shayne Lynch wasadjudged the BestMidfielder.

The tournament’sLeading Goal Scorer wasOlayide Daniel ofAmerican University, who

had 11 goals to his name.Meanwhile, Je Belle’s

Twayne Matthewscollected the award ofMost Promising Player,and Fair Hall was votedas the Most DisciplinedTeam.

Twenty teamsparticipated in the FirstDivision; six in thePremier Division and fourin Under-17.

TEACHERS CREDITUNION North EastMasters retained theirtitle of the SVG Masters20/20 Cricket Competitionwith a convincing 50-runwin over RSVG Police inthe finals of the 2017edition, played at the SionHill Playing Field, lastweekend.

Deighton Butler put ina fine all-round

performance to propelNorth East to anothertitle. His 60 not out waspivotal in his team’s totalof 180 for 4 off 20 overs.He found support fromRawle Baptiste, 38, andElton Williams 28, andAlison Dublin 22. ElginRichards captured twoNorth East wickets for ahandsome 66 runs.

The Police Mastersfound the goingchallenging asthey failed toget on top ofButler’smedium paceand the willyleg spin ofOlanzoJackson,.Butler finishedwith 2 for 38and Jackson 3for 25. JeffreyLaBorde, 32,

and Richards,31, were the

main contributors to thePolice’s total of 130 for 8off 20 overs.

Champions North EastMasters took home a cashprize of $1,200 and thechampionship trophy, withrunners-up Police Masterspocketing $800.00 and atrophy.

Teachers Credit UnionNorth East Masters hadearned their place in thefinals after a convincing 8-wicket win over MustiqueCompany. Scores:Mustique CompanyMasters 144 for 6 off 20overs - Roy Baptiste 47;North East Masters 145for 2 off 16.2 overs -Winsbert Springer 56 notout,

The lawmen put theshackles on StanleyBrowne’s StubbsMasters to earn theirberth in the finals.Scores: StanleyBrowne’s StubbsMasters 146 for 6 off20 overs - . KissingerMcLean 79, ElginRichards 3 for 24;Police 147 for 6 off 18.4overs - Richards 51 notout.

A presentationceremony that followedthe finals threw upawards for outstandingindividualperformances.

Elgin Richards ofthe RSVG PoliceMasters was adjudgedthe MVP of the

Tournament award, andDeighton Butler wasnamed the Player of theFinals.

Harvey Pope of NorthEast was recognized forbeing the competition’shighest run-getter (230),and Elmore Alexander ofRSVG Police for being theleading wicket-taker (16).

Alison Dublin wassingled out for specialrecognition, he being thelone century maker (107)in the competition.

The top individualperformers each receivedtrophies and other prizes,including thirty dollarscredit complimentsDigicel.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 27.

Simple Boyz eyefifth TBPO title

North East retains Masters Cricket Title

Avenues reelsin morefootball titles

Premier Divisionchampions- Avenues.

Right: Avenues- FirstDivision winners.

Elgin Richards (left) MVP of thetournament, received his trophyfrom Deputy COP Colin John.

Repeat Masters Champions – Teachers CreditUnion North East Masters.

Deighton Butler – Player ofthe Finals and Captain ofchampions North EastMasters.

28. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

SportsV

AFTER FOUR months ofactivity, the 2017 Digicel/St Vincent Brewery/Breakaway Masters FirmsInvitational FootballChampionships weretucked away until 2018,when the seventh editionended last Sunday, at theGrammar School PlayingField.

On a weekend offinals, Textile SportsMinistry of Educationsnapped the senior

division league title fromRSVG Police.

Ministry of Educationcame from two goalsdown to level the match2-2, and sent the final tobe decided from thepenalty spot.

Showing more nerves,Ministry of Education,won 3-1 in the spot kicks.

RSVG Police madeamends on Sunday,defeating Bonadies one-nil, to retain the KnockOut title.

Also on Sunday,Central Shooters beatLargo Heights 3-2 inkicks from the penaltyspot, after they hadplayed to a nil-nil draw,in the Agriculture Input

Warehouse Under-16 division.

System 3 Onetook the Under -16League title, aheadof Volcanoes, LargoHeight and Adare,in that order.

Awards

Topping theindividual awardsin the seniordivision was KFC’sMark King, who

was adjudged the MostValuable Player.

R & R ConstructionMinistry of Transport’sUroy Bulze took the MostOutstanding Goal KeeperAward, with SVG PortAuthority’s ReginaldPayne being the top goalscorer with 14 goals.

The Female Player ofthe Tournament wasMinistry of Transport’sJessica Miller.

SVG Port Authoritygot the award for theteam with the mostsupport; Customs andFinance- MostDisciplined team andKFC — Most Improvedteam.

Central Shooters’ SilasKirby was the Under-16division’s Player of theTournament, andcopping the YoungestPlayer Award was AidonSolomon of System 3Two.

Also rewarded wasSonja Mc Kie ofVolcanoes. She wasnamed Female Player ofthe Tournament. Herteammate - D’ NelsonLewis was the top scorerwith a tally of 12 goals.

There were threeawards for goal keepers,which went to CarlRagguette, JahfariSamuel and Neil James.

Ragguette of Central

Shooters was named theMost Outstanding GoalKeeper; Samuel — theMost Promising GoalKeeper, and James- theMost Improved.

System 3 Two won theMost Disciplined Teamaward in the Under-16division.

Special Recognition

Former nationalfootballer — Ali Munroewas last Sundayrecognised for hiscontribution to the sport.

Munroe, who beganplaying the sportrelatively late, firstrepresented St Vincentand the Grenadines in1979 as a goal keeper.

He then shifted hisposition to a striker inthe 1980s, but stillmaintained his place onthe national team.

At present, Munroe iscontributing in the areaof physical fitness, as heis the trainer of theAvenues and CentralKingstown footballteams.

Munroe was one oftwo on whom honourswere bestowed. Theother was Michael

Findlay, who got his onthe opening day of thetournament in August.

On December 5th-10th 2017, four BlackSands Swim SquadSwimmers competedin the Barbados ShortCourse NationalswimmingChampionships,bringing home a totalof 18 medals.

It was a “Perfect10” for SVG’s futureCARIFTA contenderEltonte Leonard, whoswam himself to atotal of “TEN” goldmedals. Leonarddominated the boys 9-10yrs age group inevery race, settingpersonal besttimes and SVGnationalrecords alongthe way. In the 200meter freestyle hedemolished thecompetition, finishingfirst and over 15 seconds ahead of the secondplace Bajan swimmer. By the end of thecompetition, Leonard had won himself a total of11 medals (10 gold 1 silver) and has now achievedCARIFTA qualifying times in 50m Butterfly andthe 50m and 100m Freestyle.

National records set by Eltonte’: 50 Free 29.58;100 Free 1.06.97; 50 Back 36.59;

100 Back 1.23.65; 100 Breast 1.28.34; 100 IM1.16.78; 200 IM 2.51.07

Leonard’s younger sister - Eltonique Leonardshowed that she also has great swimmingpotential. Swimming as a 6-year-old in the 8 yearsand Under category, Eltonique just missed out onthe medal podium, but swam personal best timesin all of her events.

Competing in her first year of the girls 9-10yrsage group, Jamie Joachim battled her way to asilver medal in the 200m freestyle and a well-earned bronze medal in the 400m freestyle, whilstrecording a total of five personal best times at theevent.

Sixteen-year-old Aaron De Freitas gave it hisbest shot and was able to swim himself to a totalof 4 silver and one bronze medals, smashing his50 and 100 meter personal best times in theprocess

Black Sands coach Kyle Dougan commented:“This was a brilliant performance by all fourswimmers, once again representing SVG well anddemonstrating to the region the high standard ofswimming that SVG is able to produce. Eltonte’shows great promise of successwithin swimming for the future and he’s proving;he’s on the right path by breaking recordspreviously held by Alex Joachim.”

Dougan went on to congratulate Blue Marlinsswimmers Adiah Phillips, Kenice Green andZariel Nelson for their outstanding performancesat the same event. (Contributed)

A RECENT goal-keeping course for coaches hostedby the SVG Football Federation, was intended tobring a more structured approach to teaching andpreparing good goal-keepers.

This was expressed by course conductor AklainePlumber — a FIFA accredited goal-keepinginstructor, who also confirmed that he was part ofFIFA’s quest to close the gap among goal-keepers.

“We are looking to bring more structuredteaching and how you prepare good goal keepers,

and to coach coaches how tocoach goal keepers for thenext generation. We aregoing out to spread the wordabout the need forstructured coaching whileintroducing new concepts”,Plumber said.

Plumber expressed theview that the area of goal-keeping has been neglectedfor a very long time, becausea lot of the people who arecoaching are not wellinformed.

“Our aim is also to

develop goal-keeper coacheswho can have the ability notonly to identify deficiencies ingoal keepers but how to fixthem, so that the goal keeperscould improve,” the instructorexplained.

The instructor wasadamant that coaching had toconcentrate at the grass rootlevel.

‘We have to start to developgoal-keepers instead oflooking for players with lessskill and who are ‘chubby’, togoal keep,” he advised.

The national goal-keepingcoach Kevin Richardson iscertain that the course willonly help improve the goal-keeping standard here.

“The information andteaching from the course willenhance the level of goal-keepers in the clubs andhopefully encourage more structured coaching”,Richardson said, adding that the intention of theFederation is to have a goal-keeping coach assignedto each club by 2020.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Black Sands swimmersperform well in Barbados

The Bland Sands swimmerwho competed in theBarbados Short CourseNational SwimmingChampionships (from left)Jamie Joachim, EltoniqueLeonard, Arron DeFreitas,Eltonte’ Leonard.

Aklaine Plumber -FIFA Goal-keepinginstructor –conducts a sessionat the Arnos ValePlaying Field.

Kevin Richardson -national goal keepingcoach, anticipates that thecourse will serve SVG well.

SVGFF holds goal-keeping Course

RSVG Police retainedthe Senior Knock Outtitle.

Special honoree-Ali Munroe (left)gets his tokensfrom FreddieAdams.

ReginaldPayne- Topgoal scorerin theseniordivision.

Breakaway Masters Firms’Invitational FootballTournament ends

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 29.

SportsV

BY SUNDAY, the 2017 Winlott Windward IslandsUnder 15 Champion will be determined. TheVincentian contingent showed improvement, withtwo victories from their first round.

They secured a tight 15-run victory over St.Lucia at the Cumberland Playing Field lastWednesday. They defended 127 for 7 made offtheir 50 overs.

The win by the Vincentians brought them incontention for at least a share in this year’s title.Over the recent past, the Vincentians seemed tohave cemented themselves in the cellar position.

One or two individuals might have emergedover those years, but there seemed to have sometactical and technical flaws. This year, the effortsof Coach Bertram Stapleton, assisted by OrlanzoJackson and Kenroy Martin, have paid off. Onewill also have to credit Deighton Butler for hiscontribution to the development of the squad.Other personnel and enthusiasts, along withparents, and well-wishers have chipped in.

The Vincentians secured a 5-wicket win intheir first match against Dominica, at Park Hill.

St. Lucia overcame a Grenada charge, to wintheir opening clash at Cumberland. Grenadarebounded to dispose of the Vincentians at ParkHill, while St Lucia beat Dominica at Cumberlandto maintain their then unbeaten record. It was inthat context that the Vincentians’ victory over St.Lucia at Cumberland was significant.

It must have been a delight for the cricket fanswho witnessed that showdown.

Yesterday, Thursday, saw the Vincentians andGrenada again in battle, at Cumberland. NorthLeeward fans will be only too keen on anotherVincentian victory. Two more playing dayscomplete the arrangement. If the Vincentianskeep the momentum from Wednesday’s triumph,it would put them in good stead towards at leastsharing the title.

The depth of cricket talent is evident here.What is missing is a commitment to ensure thatthe diamonds are shaped.

Our Under 19 teams have invariably beenworthy contenders. Players progress to the SeniorNational level, from where they can stake theirclaim for a spot to the Senior Windward party.That’s where the foundation is set and where thescreening starts for candidates to the Senior WestIndies party.

Caribbean youngsters tend to drift after theUnder 19 stage. Therefore, the reservoir fromwhich the pool of future West Indies players istaken tends to be scanty.

Interest in cricket must be instilled from earlyunless you are Curtly Ambrose and possess somenatural traits.

Cricketers could be shaped, and like mostaspects, practice makes perfect. The VincentianUnder 15 coaching staff and the administrationought to be pleased with the improvement theunit has demonstrated.

The hope is that the squad grows in stature.The drive seems to have been injected into theyoungsters, and they will have acquired sometoughness. There is no doubt that the input of theAcademy is paying dividends.

The Cumberland Playing Field is a venue thathas added a boost not only to the cricketers, butthe North Leeward community and the entirenation.

As a new arena, there is an air ofunpredictability with the pitch. There is nodenying North Leeward has been drawn into thecircle of sporting and economic enhancement.Things could only get better for the youngsters.And having made their mark at this juncture,there is no reason why they won’t continue theirflight up the progress ladder.

Under 15 actionTHE GEORGETOWNSecondary School lifted, forthe first time, the JuniorDivision of the SecondarySchools’ NetballChampionships, while theBarrouallie Secondary addedanother to its list of seniorachievements.

Georgetown’s moment inhistory was set lastTuesday at the Arnos ValeNetball Complex, whenthey proved to be moreskilled than the Sandy BaySecondary, as the twosquared off for the title.

The Georgetown institution led in all quarters, 6-2, 9-8, 13-11 and finally triumphed 20-16.

For Georgetown Secondary, Sue Ann Pattersonscored 17 of her 24 tries, and Idesha Marshall had 3counted from her 12 attempts.

Sandy Bay’s tally came from Shanell Huggins, 10from 15, and Rafanique Baptiste, 6 from 13. .

The second final of the afternoon was a lopsidedaffair, with the moreexperienced BarrouallieSecondary team easilydefeating the ThomasSaunders Secondary,31-12.

Barrouallie led 7-1,13-4 and 20-8, in thefirst three quarters.

Sandy Bay’sMonell Lavia wasadjudged the JuniorDivision’s final MostValuable Player andBarrouallieSecondary’s AnciaHackshaw, the SeniorDivision’s recipient.

Hackshaw was thestandout goal

shooter of the final, converting24 of her 26 attempts.

Third Places

The third place in the Junior Division was wonby the Bethel High School, with their 20-15 winover the Barrouallie Secondary.

And, in the Senior Division third place play off,the Sandy Secondary defeated the GeorgetownSecondary, 18-14.

The Troumaca Ontario Secondary won the JuniorDivision in 2016, with the Bethel High Schooltaking the Senior Division.

SIBLINGS Afe and Afi Lucascarried off six of the awardshanded out at last Saturday’s X-Cel Tennis Academy Christmastournament, held at the NationalLotteries Authority Tennis courtat Murray’s Road.

Afe was in great form, takingthe Girls’ U-10, U-12 and U-14titles. She beat Neveah Richards

10-2 in hermarch to the

U-10 title, and scored a 7-4,7-1 win over Kysha Da Silvain the race for the U-12.

Up another age level, Afedefeated Tifanny Da Silva 8-6, 7-2, to win the U-14.

For her performance, Afewas adjudged the MostPromising Player.

Afe’s brother Afi, broughtmore joy to the household, as hetook the Boys’ U-12 and U-14.

To claim the U-12 title, Afiswished Spire Aussi 10-1 andwas similarly dismissive ofShamar Castello, 7-0, 7-0, enroute to becoming the U-14champion.

Other than the Lucases,Jadon Fraser, Olivia Aussi andAngelo Morgan were alsocrowned divisional winners.

Fraser won the Boys’ U-8ahead of Daeari Quashie, whileAussi copped the Girls’ bracketof that age group.

Morgan secured the Boy’s U-10title.

And taking the Most ImprovedFemale Player, as determined bythe organisers, was Deja Henry.Jadon Fraser was adjudged theMost Improved Male player.

Head coach of the X- Cel TennisAcademy- Kebajah King said thehosting of the one- daytournament provided anopportunity for the players t testand refine their skills, as well asserving as a way of socialising atthe end of the year.

Monell Lavia-MVP of theJunior Divisionfinal.

MVP of the SeniorDivision final- AnciaHackshaw.

BarrouallieSecondary-winners of theSenior Division.

Olivia Aussi

Afi Lucas (left) and Afe Lucas.

Jadon Fraser

Siblings excel at in-houseJunior Tennis tournament

Junior Division champions Georgetown Secondary.

Georgetown, Barroualliebucket SecondarySchools’ Netball titles

30. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017. 31.

ClassifiedsV

WILBY SIMON

Anglican Church

Saturday 9th December,

20172:00 p.m.

GEORGE WILLIAMS

Cathedral of the

Monday 11th December, 2017

3:00 p.m.

WORREL MAPP

Anglican Church

CalliaquaSaturday 2nd

December, 2017

3:00 p.m.

MAGDELINE MCDOWALL

Grace & Truth

LayouSaturday 9th

December, 20172:00 p.m.

MARIA PATRI-CIA FOYE

St. Sullivan

Upper

Sunday 10th December,

20173:00 p.m.

CARL EROSON RICHARDS

Anglican Church

December, 20173:00 p.m.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017 VOLUME 111, No.49 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

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

A.I. REAL ESTATEQueens Drive 13,362 sq.ft @ $18.00 p.s.f - $240,516.00

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FOR

SALE

by HAYDN HUGGINS

ACTING COMMISSIONER of Police RenoldHadaway confirmed to THE VINCENTIANon Wednesday, that an investigation hasbeen launched into a report of thedisappearance of a quantity of cocainefrom the exhibit room at the Narcoticsbase at Arnos Vale.

And the top cop has assured that oncompletion of the probe, the person orpersons who are found culpable will bedealt with in accordance with the law.

In the matter involving BenjaminHarvey and Vincent Dembar, both ofUnion Island, charged with possessionof 9,159 grams of cocaine with intentto supply, and possession of the drugfor the purpose of drug trafficking,Station Sergeant Katherine Robinsonof the Narcotics Unit testified onTuesday that on May 26, 2017, shewent to the exhibit room, along withHead of the Unit, AssistantSuperintendent Foster Scott, SergeantWilliams, Corporal Edwards andConstable Francis, and noticed thatthe exhibits in the matter wastampered with. She said the exhibitsconsisted of a ‘crocos’ bag with twoplastic bags, one white and one blue,

each containing four packages, but oneof the packages in the blue plastic bagwas discovered missing.

The exhibits formed part of theevidence in the cocaine matter whichwas ongoing, up to press timeWednesday.

Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) Colin Williams had alsoinformed the Court about the missingpackage before the start of the trial onMonday.

A question of integrity/credibility

Speaking with THEVINCENTIAN onWednesday, the ActingCommissioner said,“The report of thedrugs, unaccounted for,is of serious concern forthe Police Force, hencewe could not sit back.We had to see how wecould deal with thematter, and aninvestigation had to belaunched.”

The Acting COP saidthe report speaks to theintegrity and credibilityof the Police Force.

“It is very troubling,because we are held ina position of trust, andthat position of trust

goes to the core of the integrity of themen and women of this nobleorganization,” Hadaway declared.

He revealed that part of the ongoinginvestigation, entailed the (recent)conduct of polygraph tests, todetermine an officer’s credibility, andas a result of the polygraph findings,several officers from the NarcoticsUnit of the Police Force had beentransferred.

“Someone has to be responsible, butwe cannot say, at this time, who is

responsible, that’s why there is aninvestigation,” Hadaway explained.

He emphasized, however, that thereare very competent and trustworthyofficers in the Narcotics Unit, as thereare in all the other departments of thePolice Force.

The local Coast Guard reportedlyintercepted Dembar and Harveytravelling on a speedboat, off thewestern tip of Bequia on July 3, 2014.

(See related story on Page 7.)

COP (AG.) TAKING MISSING COCAINE REPORT SERIOUSLY

Acting Commissioner of PoliceRenold Hadaway confirmed that aninvestigation into a ‘case ofdisappearing cocaine while in policecare’ is ongoing.

And eight packages (of cocaine) became seven.