Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

A VERMONT MAN was shotand killed in Kingstown inbroad daylight last Tuesday,September 26.

Thirty-four-year-oldWendel O’Neil, better knownas ‘Grindy’, was shot andkilled around 1:00pm, while‘hanging out’ at a vendor’s stallon the sea wall, just outside theLeeward Bus Terminal.

His girlfriend - Jihan Browne ofChauncey — who was in his company, wasalso shot.

Eyewitnesses told THE VINCENTIANthat a masked man alighted a vehicleand started “spraying bullet,” in thedirection of O’Neal.

Persons within the vicinity of thescene of the shooting scampered forsafety, with some even jumping into thesea, one eyewitness said.

Continued on Page 3.

POLICE ARE TREATING thedeath of a Lowmans Hillman, who was found ashort distance from hishome, as a road fatality.

The body of Michael‘Bully’ Edwards ofSpring, LowmansLeeward, was found lastWednesday morning,lying in the road thatruns outside of JamesApartments andSupermarket, and leads tothe Spring community.

Edwards’ body, showingsigns of multiple bruises,was discovered sometimearound 6am on Wednesdayby a female friend.

When THEVINCENTIAN visited thescene, impressions of tiremarks with red colourationwere still discernable on theroad, just a short distancefrom where the body wasdiscovered.

The police said they believed that Edwards wasstruck by a motor vehicle and dragged.

A Station Sergeant from the Traffic Branchconfirmed that Edwards’ death was being treatedas a Road Fatality and no suspect has yet beenidentified.

Edwards was well known in the LowmansLeeward community. He was described as a‘handyman’ who made a living by cleaning yardsand picking fruits. He also sold coconut waterjust outside the Ash property on Lowmans Hill.

Edwards’ aunt, Vernie Brown described him asan “everybody person,” adding, “He was loved byeverybody because if you ask him to do anything,he never refuse. Sometimes I even think thatpeople used to abuse him, because he wasn’t alazy person.”

Continued on Page 3.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 VOLUME 111, No.39 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

LOWMANS MANKILLED IN ALLEGEDHIT AND RUN

The arrow points to the spot where the body ofMichael Edwards was found.

Vernie Brown,Edwards’s aunt,summed up thesentiments ofother residents ofthe area when shedescribed hernephew as ahelpful, non-violent person.

Jihan Browne had to undergoemergency surgery to removebullets from several parts of heranatomy.

Police moved quickly to cordon off thearea where Wendel O’Neil and twoothers were shot.

Below: Wendel ‘Grindy’ O’Neil was shotin the clear view of many persons.

Raphael ‘Snake’ O’Neil was shotand killed just days before hisbrother Wendel.

SHOOTINGDEATH IN‘TOWN’

EFFORTS BY THERAINBOW Radio LeagueInc. (RRL) to send ahurricane relief teamcomprised of a medicaldoctor and a team ofEmcoms (emergencycommunications) FirstResponders to Dominica,has paid off, thanks in partto Gas and LPG CompanyRubis SVG.

The response team,including Dominicandoctor Masada James,was flown to Dominicaon Monday by SVGAIR.Doctor James is veryfamiliar with the terrainwhich is most affected, ashe was brought up in thedistrict.

Rubis’ donation came

in the form of Avationgasoline (Avgas) for theSVGAir aircraft whichairlifted the team to theMelville Hall Airport.

The RRL has aMemorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU)with SVGAIR andMustique Airways totransport firstresponders to affectedareas requiringassistance, once fuel isprovided for the aircraft.

The League’s requestto Rubis was for fuelalong with supplies tosustain the volunteerswhile on duty inDominica.

CountryRepresentative of RubisSVG, Elroy Edwards saidthat his company washappy to be part of thenational drive to assist“our sister islandDominica. We knowvery well what Dominica

is going through, andunder these direcircumstances, we justwant to stand insolidarity with them.”

Donald De Riggs,Director of the RRL,expressed gratitude forthe assistance,acknowledging that “thedonation has made theirmission possible.”

He noted that despitethe request being madelate, Rubis respondedtimely and quitepositively.

The Director also saidthat he was lookingforward, on behalf of hisLeague, to forge astanding relationshipwith Rubis, which, if itmaterializes, would putthe RRL in an improvedposition of readiness toprovide assistance todisaster affectedcountries moreefficiently. (KH)

2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

NewsVRubis assists St. VincentRainbow Radio League

Country Representative of Rubis SVG, ElroyEdwards (2nd from left standing) with members ofthe RRL and their Emcoms First Responders.

Barge arrives safely THE 18,000-TONNE capacity barge carryingsupplies for Hurricane Irma affected residents ofthe BVI, arrived safely in Tortola earlier this week.After its first stop in Tortola, it traveled on toVirgin Gorda.

The barge left here last week Friday, afteraborting its first attempt (last week Thursday) atits journey and returning to port Kingstown, due toconditions occasioned by the threat of HurricaneMaria.

Persons here took the opportunity of freeshipment, to send food items, water, clothing andsome medical supplies to relatives and friends,especially in Tortola in which a large number(estimates say 2000) of Vincentians reside andwork.

The Government of St. Vincent and theGrenadines and business houses here also sentsupplies.

In addition to the barge, the vessel Nurse Jeandeparted Port Kingstown, St. Vincent this week,with relief supplies for Anguilla and Dominica.

Focus was placed on Dominica in particular,which had become a site of utter destructionfollowing Hurricane Maria’s full fall on that island,September 18 and 19.

Last Saturday, in a first response, a Venezuelancargo plane left here with 4 tonnes of flour, rice,cereal and milk for Dominica. Fifteen policeofficers, including two members of the PrimeMinister’s security detail, also left for Dominica toassist with security there. (KH)

The barge taking relief supplies to the BVI hasarrived safely in those territories. (Photo Credit:API SVG.)

V News 3THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 3.

Security guardkilledINVESTIGATIONS ARE ONGOING into thedeath of 56-year-old Roland Cunningham,resident of Fairbain Pasture.

According to a police release,Cunningham’s body was discovered onMonday night, sometime after 9, witha chop wound to the left side of hisneck.

Up to the time of his death,Cunningham was employed as asecurity guard.

His death was one of two thatoccurred on Monday night, the otherbeing the shooting death of IronaBascombe, a 35-year-old labourer ofVermont.

According to the police, Bascombeand another individual — JasonStephens — were walking along the

public road in Vermont when theywere attacked.

Bascombe received gunshotwounds to the head and chestwhile Stephens was shot in theback.

Stephens survived the attackand was treated at the Milton CatoMemorial Hospital.

St. Vincent and the Grenadineshas been rocked by a spate ofhomicides. Between Thurday 21stand Wednesday 27th September,seven homicides — including sixgun-related ones - were recordedhere.

In addition to Cunningham andBascombe as reported above, theothers were: Lionel Ashers (also

known as Rupert Anderson) atOttley Hall — Sept. 21; AndrewRoberts at Casson Hill — Sept. 23;Keisha Melville at Murray

Village — Sept. 23; Raphael O’Neil atVermont — Sept 25; and Wendel O’Neilat Kingstown — Sept. 27. (DD)

Roland Cunningham

Left: Keisha Melville

Continued from Front Page.

She recalled that she was awakened by a younglady who brought the news that her nephew haddied.

His death is a “big blow” to her. “Is a big lash for me because if I have anything to

do, he would do it for me. He was never rude to me,and he would be greatly missed. Even the churchmembers he would go and do things for them,” theaunt explained.

She noted that Edwards’ death might have beenan accident, but the driver of the vehicle did noteven stay around to help or even report the matterto the police. “They should have stayed around andreport it to the police,” said the aunt.

A few years ago, Edwards sustained seriousinjuries to his face, but no one was ever changedwith the incident. This drew an outcry from thecommunity, many resident, voicing the opinionthen, that he was not a violent person.

Continued from FrontPage.

“People were runningleft and right. Me see aboy come out the waterwith blood coming fromhis side,” another eye-witness said, indicatingthat a third person wasalso shot.

The gunman is said tohave left the scene in thecar from which he hadalighted.

O’Neil and hisgirlfriend weretransported to the MiltonCato Memorial Hospitalwhere O’Neil waspronounced dead, and

his girlfriend rushed intoemergency surgery toattend to bullets woundsin her chest, stomachand leg.

Up to Thursday, shewas still warded at theMCMH.

A police source toldTHE VINCENTIAN thatthe shell casing found atthe crime scenesuggested that an AK47might be the type of gunused in the shooting.

Reprisal

Wendel O’Neil diedfour days after hisbrother, Raphael “Snaky”

O’Neil, 32, was gunneddown in Vermont. Theyounger O’Neil, policesay, was on his wayhome when he wasattacked by masked menand shot several timesabout hus body.

When THEVINCENTIAN visitedVermont on Wednesday,many persons who spokewith this reporter,opined that ‘Grindy’s’death was a reprisal forthe killing of IroneBascombe, who was shoton Monday in Vermontalong with JasonStephens, also known asGodfred.

Residents speculatedthat Bascombe mighthave pulled the triggeron Raphael, and inretaliation, ‘Grindy’ tookmatters into his hands.

One villager, whospoke directly to THEVINCENTIAN, said thatWendel had promised tokill anyone suspected ofmurdering his brother.“He bin want revengeand he na bin care,” saidthe villager, adding thatboth brothers had servedtime in jail.

Wendel’s deathbrought to 31, thenumber of homicides forthe year.

Shooting death in ‘town’ Lowmans man killedin alleged hit and run

CourtV 4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

TWO 17-YEAR-OLD secondaryschool students were placed ona dusk to dawn curfew as partof their bail conditions, whenthey, along with an adult, facedthe Serious Offences Court thisweek on a burglary charge.

The teenage boys, alongwith Cardel Jacobs, 45-year-old electrician of UnionIsland, were taken beforeChief Magistrate RechanneBrowne on Monday, chargedwith entering the dwellinghouse of Collis Ambrose atCampbell, Union Island,between September 20 and 21,

and stealing foodstuff,toiletries and other itemswhich altogether valuedEC$637.

The trio pleaded not guilty,but while the students weregranted bail, Jacobs was not.

In his objection to Jacobs’bail, Senior ProsecutorAdolphus Delpleche told theCourt that investigations intothe matter were not complete,and those investigations haveled to other which wereongoing. He expressed concernthat if Jacobs was released onbail, he could hinder theinvestigations.

Delpleche asked for a

seven-day period in the firstinstance, and that Jacobs beremanded at that juncture.

The Prosecutor did notobject to the students’ bail,but as part of their bailconditions, he asked for acurfew and sufficiency ofsurety.

Attorney Roderick Joneswho represented Jacobs, andone of the students, disagreedwith the reason the prosecutorgave for objecting to Jacobs’bail.

“I am concerned when theProsecutor seeks to take awaya person’s liberty on the

pretext that the investigationsare ongoing. This is not a goodenough reason for denyingsomeone bail,” Jones argued,adding that bail could begranted with certainconditions. But the Magistrateupheld Delpleche’s objectionand remanded Jacobs. He willreturn to Court on October 2,at which time the issue of bailwill be reviewed.

The students were eachgranted $2,500 bail with onesurety, on condition that theyremain in their parents’control and custody. They are

also to remain indoors from 5p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

An order was also made forthem to surrender theirpassports and report to theirnearest police stations onMondays and Fridays. Theyare not to leave the statewithout permission from theCourt.

Before imposing the curfew,the Magistrate asked thestudents if they were involvedin any after school activities,such as sports, cadets orscouts. They both said no, butone of them indicated that hedoes night fishing as a meansof supporting his schooling.Browne, however, informedhim that that was theresponsibility of his parents,and advised that he focus onhis books instead.

The matter was transferredto the Union IslandMagistrate’s Court andscheduled for October 19.

Students on duskto dawn curfew

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLDAsbert Rodney wasremanded on a charge ofattempted murder lastMonday, following strongobjections to bail bySenior ProsecutorAdolphus Delpleche.

Rodney, a resident ofEdinboro is charged withthe attempted murder ofChristopher Wilson, alsoa resident of thatcommunity.

The offence wasreportedly committed atEdinboro on September22.

Rodney was notrequired to plead whenhe was taken beforeChief MagistrateRechanne Browne at theSerious Offences Court.

However, when theissue of bail arose,Delpleche informed theCourt that Wilson waswarded at the MiltonCato Memorial Hospitalsuffering from a blow tothe head, allegedlyinflicted by a bluntobject.

The Prosecutor addedthat the latest

information theinvestigator had onWilson was that he wasin a semi-conscious state,and was being monitoredclosely by medicalpersonnel.

Delpleche asked thatRodney be remanded andthat the Court beprovided with a medicalreport on the victim’scondition.

Magistate Browneremanded Rodney andadjourned the matter toOctober 2, at which timebail will be reviewed.

Rodney wasunrepresented.

DIAMOND RESIDENTDesborn George wasgranted $7,000 bail,when he appeared at theSerious Offences Courton Wednesday charged

with forgery.George, a labourer, is

accused of making a falseinstrument, to wit, oneTriple Win scratch ticketserial no 36486045003,

with intent that he oranother shall use it toinduce the NationalLotteries Authority of St.Vincent and theGrenadines to accept itas genuine, onSeptember 25, 2017.

George was notrequired to plead whenhe stood before ChiefMagistrate RechanneBrowne, as the chargewas laid indictably.

He was granted bailon condition that hesurrender his traveldocuments and report tothe Calliaqua PoliceStation every Mondaybetween 6 a.m. and 6p.m. He is also not toleave the state withoutthe permission of theCourt.

The matter has beenadjourned to November29.

BARBADIAN NATIONAL Vagn Johnson was fineda total of $7,550 forthwith on Tuesday, afterpleading guilty to three marijuana possessioncharges at the Serious Offences Court.

The 48-year-old vendor was fined $5,000 or 6months imprisonment for having 2,038 grams ofmarijuana with intent to supply; $2,000 or fivemonths for possession of 816 grams of marijuanawith intent to supply, and $550 or three months forhaving 292 grams of marijuana with intent tosupply.

Johnson was also fined $2,000 forthwith or sixmonths behind bars after pleading guilty to failingto leave the state before the expiration of hisvisitor’s permit.

The sentences are to run concurrently if the finesare not paid.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne also orderedthat Johnson be removed from the country whenthe fines are paid, or on completion of his sentences,if they are not paid.

The facts reveal that on September 25, policewent to the home of a Langley Park residentMichael Piggot to execute a search warrant.Johnson was met in the porch chipping upmarijuana with a pair of scissors. The policeobserved his Barbadian accent and asked for hispassport. Johnson took them to his bedroom wherea bucket containing marijuana was found. A furthersearch was conducted revealing a black bag ofmarijuana in the kitchen.

After being slapped with the marijuanapossession charges, he was handed over to theImmigration Department.

Up to press time Wednesday, THEVINCENTIAN had not ascertained whetherJohnson paid the fines or not.

Teen charged withattempted murder

Asbert Rodney is nowon remand.

Man charged with forging scratch ticket

Desborn George seemsto have carried his ‘luck’a little too far.

Bajanvisitorbusted

RegionalV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 5.

AS OF MONDAY 25thSeptember, 2017, thedeath toll in Dominicafollowing the passage ofHurricane Maria stood at27.

CMC reported thatPolice Chief DanielCarbon, who made thedisclosure during a pressconference, early

Monday, also said 18people have also beenconfirmed missing.

Chief Carbon saidfurther that the policehave been kept busy,with the latest incidentbeing a prison break thattook place late Sunday,in which four inmatesescaped. CMC reportedthe Chief as saying thattwo of these inmates hadbeen captured.

Of utmost concern tohis officers was thechallenge of “massive

looting” in the capitaland other sections of theisland.

“I can report thatimmediately followingthe passage of HurricaneMaria, we have hadmassive looting. Severalbusiness places in thecity of Roseau and to aless extent in the town ofPortsmouth, had looting,”Chief Carbon said as perthe CMC report.

As of September 25, 40arrests have been madein relation to criminal

matters, and 86people whoviolated thecurfew havealso beenarrested.

He feltassured, as hespoke to themedia lastMonday, thathis Police Forcehad broughtthis situationunder control,and noted that hisofficers had welcomedthe assistance of regionalcolleagues in this regard.

Also speaking at thepress conference wasDeputy Police ChiefDavidson Valerie, whohighlighted the fact thata large number of youngpeople were involved inthe looting.

“Many of them weresearching brokenpremises and lootingfrom them — primarilybusiness places. We wereable to put the situationunder some level ofcontrol and quell theproblems that wereemerging from thelooting. Despite ourrepeated efforts on manyoccasions, the mobswould move from onelocation to another…..”

Valerie also stressedthe importance ofobserving the curfew.

“We must not catchany resident on thestreets; at 4:00 pm (localtime), residents must behome. When the policefind anyone outsidewithout a permit — youwill be arrested if you donot have a permit. Thismust be obtained fromthe Chief of Police. Theymust remain inside untileight o’clock in themorning.

“We as the police willcon-tinue to do our best,so that during thisrecovery process, crime isminimized as much aspossible”.

Prime MinisterRoosevelt Skerrit, in hisstatement, assured thecountry that thedistribution of supplies isone of the top prioritiesof his administration atthis time, and appealedfor order.

“What we are seekingto get from the residentsis order. Yesterday wedid a fantastic job. Weare attacking this fromland, from air and fromsea.

“Every singlecommunity, every singlefamily, every single homeand street will bereached by theauthorities in providingsupplies. Our clearinstruction is for theequitable, non-discriminatorydistribution of supplies.We have lots of suppliescoming in today andthroughout the rest ofthe week…,” the PrimeMinister said, accordingto the CMC report.

PM Skerrit reiteratedhow saddened thecountry was by the lossof life, but pointed to thefact that it could havebeen worse. (Source;CMC)

CUBA CONTINUES todemonstrate that it is a country ofresilience, especially in the face ofseemingly insurmountablechallenges.

Few would doubt the ingenuityof a nation of people that have notonly survived but advanced underthe strain of sanctions imposed onCuba by the United States,sanctions which have existed since1960 and are still enforced today.

That strength of purpose and asense of camaraderie came to lifeonce again in the aftermath ofHurricane Irma which didconsiderable damage along thenorth-western coast of Cuba.

Within days of the passage ofHurricane Irma, Cuban workersat Villa Bacuranao, belonging toIslazul Hotel Chain, one of Cuba’sthree state-owned hotelcompanies, recognizing thattourism is now the motor of the

economy in their country,moved swiftly to attend tocleaning up and repairs.

Medalina Morales,Villa Bacuranao’sTechnical SalesRepresentative, within aweek of the passage ofHurricane Irma onSeptember 8, reportedthat workers at the VillaBacuranao had alreadycollected and removedtree branches and rubblefrom the grounds, andthey were into giving the‘final touches’ to repairsto the roof.

Ms. Morales had reportedearlier, that most damage wasinflicted on the restaurant area(located near to the sea). Therooms were not damaged, thanksto the pre-hurricane protectionefforts of the workers, the

representative said.According to the

representative, who spoke on

September 19, the hotel wasexpected to be ready to welcomevacationers in a week, mainlyCaribbean visitors who travelregularly to the Villa each year.

In support of this effort andsimilar ones, an officialgovernment statement said,“Advance in the recovery processis the main objective not only tothe tourism installations — whichis one of the main sources of hardcurrency to the Cuban economy —but the entire country aimed atreestablishing normal activitiesand the socio-economic balance,and continue the process ofsustainable development.”(Source: www.cubanews.acn.cu)

THE GOVERNMENT of Antigua andBarbuda has taken umbrage with acertain report carried by several on-line news agencies/sites.

That news item stated, inter alia,that the International Monetary Fund(IMF) had refused to discussBarbuda’s debt after Hurricane Irma,and went further to state that theIMF had rejected a moratoriumproposal to discuss the island’s US$3million debt.

But the Antigua and Barbuda’sGovernment’s Chief-of-Staff Lionel‘Max’ Hurst said on Saturday Prime

Minister Gaston Browne-administration had notmade overtures to the IMF and,therefore, wasn’t even aware of thediscussion that allegedly took place.

With respect to the outstandingdebt of US$33 million, Hurst said,“that’s not true.”

Among the on-line news sites whichcarried the news item were CanadianDimension and Courtroom News.

Courtroom News reported thatChristopher Lane, the financialinstitution’s special representative tothe United Nations, had confirmed

the IMF’s refusal to evenconverse about fundsowed by Barbuda.

“Our general view is that we’drather put new money in than to havea moratorium,” Courtroom Newsreported Lane as saying.

Barbuda reels from having almostthe entirety of its infrastructure and95% of its homes destroyed due toHurricane Irma.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bownewas due to leave Antigua on Sunday

for the United Nations.His plan is to spend about four days

in New York, during which time he isexpected to solicit resources for therebuilding of Barbuda.

Hurst says Browne has a meetingplanned with several CommonwealthPrime Ministers, including the leaderof Canada. (Source: AntiguaObserver, Courtroom News)

Just one example of the destruction wrought byHurricane Irma on the housing stock in Barbuda.

Chief-of-StaffLionel ‘Max’ Hurst,sought to dispelreports that theGovernment ofAntigua andBarbuda had madeovertures to theIMF regarding adebt moratorium.

Govt denies reportsregarding IMF andAntigua & Barbuda

Police ChiefDaniel Carbonconfirmedthat the policewere keptbusyingcombating aspate oflooting incapitalRoseau.(Photo Credit:Peepirit –blogger)

Dominica arising from the disorder

Prime MinisterRoosevelt Skerrit wasunderstandably stillsaddened by the loss oflife. (Photo Credit: IRINNews)

Cubans: resilient as ever

The Villa Bacuranao in Cuba was expectedto be re-opened for business within twoweeks of being damaged by HurricaneIrma. (Photo Credit: cubazul.net)

Cuban workers from the restof the country, bandedthemselves together to giveon the spot assistance tothe clean-up process in theworst hit areas of thecountry. (PhotoCredit:cubanews.acn.cu)

6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

DiasporaVStories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;kingnaking210@yahoo.comUS CORRESPONDENT

ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines says thedeath and destruction wrought by thishurricane season are not merely freakweather events or the vengeful acts ofGod, but are “the direct result of the actsand/or omissions of man.”

“They are the manifestations ofclimate change; the symptoms of theprescient predictions made by theoverwhelming majority of scientists,”said Deputy Prime Minister andMinister of Foreign Affairs Sir LouisStraker in addressing the 72ndSession of the United Nations GeneralAssembly Debate last Friday.

“Almost every year is hotter thanthe preceding one. Almost everyhurricane season more intense. Almostevery storm, drought and flood moredestructive than the previous one.Today, it is a barefaced insult to theintelligence and experience of thepeoples of island states and coastalareas to call climate change a hoax,”he added.

Sir Louis said that Small IslandDeveloping States are the mostvulnerable to climate change, while

contributing the least to the emissionsthat cause it.

“But that truism is the foundationof our just, urgent and unavoidabledemand that the nations that havecontributed most to climate changesimilarly do the most to mitigate itseffects and assist others in adapting tothe dangerous new realities,” he said.

Noting that the global communitycame together, “through hard-foughtnegotiations,” to craft the ParisClimate Accord, Sir Louis chided as“an act of hostility” any attempt todisavow the “freshly-mintedcommitments of the Paris Accord.”

He called for “special and sustainedsupport” of the internationalcommunity to Antigua and Barbuda,St. Kitts and Nevis, Cuba, theBahamas and Dominica in “immediateand massive assistance in bothimmediate relief and long-termreconstruction.”

“That assistance must beconcessional and free from antiquatednotions of per capita GDP (GrossDomestic Product),” he said. “As such,we join other countries in calling for adonors’ conference to address thedaunting challenges that thesecountries face.

“Only together can we recover,” the

foreign minister added,stating that theCaribbean territories,with specialrelationships tocolonial powers in theUnited States, theUnited Kingdom,France and theNetherlands, are “in desperate need ofassistance and with limited options forinternational cooperation, given theirunique political statuses.”

Despite its small size and limitedmeans, Straker said the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines havealready sent emergency assistance tothese territories, as well as technicalexpertise.

“We call on both administeringpowers and potential donors to lookpast political issues and look insteadat the needs of the affected peoplesand communities,” he said. “We calltoo on the colonial powers to acceptfully their responsibility for therecovery and rehabilitation of theseterritories.”

The Vincentian Deputy PrimeMinister said the rise of climatechange, as “the existential threat ofore,”

has not replaced the persistentperil of armed conflict across the globe.

In that context, he said his country“views with alarm the continuedthreats against the sovereignty of theBolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

“To be sure, the people of Venezuelahave endured an extended period ofpolitical conflict, which has

exacerbated otherdifficulties in the country. But, withillegal street violence dwindling andall political parties committed toupcoming gubernatorial elections, theinterventionist option increasinglyfloated by the United States and animprudent OAS Secretary-Generalhave no place in a modern LatinAmerica,” Straker said.

Similarly, he said any threat,expressed or implied, against thesovereignty of the “peaceful and nobleCuban people, is an anachronisticthrowback to Cold War posturingwithout any logical justification,particularly in light of recent detentebetween the Governments of Cuba andthe United States.

“Let us be clear: Latin America andthe Caribbean is a zone of peace,” hestressed. “There is no conflict, there isno challenge, there is no disagreementin our region requiring militaryintervention in any way, shape orform; be it covert, overt or by proxy.”

The Foreign Minister said St.Vincent and the Grenadines is,therefore, “resolutely and implacablyopposed to any attempt to fermentexternal interference or interventionistactivities against any nation in ourhemisphere.”

THE BROOKLYN-BASED St. Vincentand the Grenadines DiasporaCommittee of New York, Inc. Saturdaynight honored veteran Vincentianbroadcaster and journalist Don Bobbwith its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bobb was honored at the group’sSecond Annual Heritage Awards atthe Friends of Crown HeightsEducational Center in Brooklyn.

The Diaspora group also presentedCultural Awards to Donna Weekes,Cultural Ambassador Winston Soso,Godfrey “Cherry” Ince, Ainsley Primusand Gordon “Don” Sutherland.

Ruby Wood, owner of the Brooklyn-based Square Deal Shippers andMovers; retired Registered NurseLaverne Munro, and the St. Vincentand the Grenadines Organization ofPennsylvania received theHumanitarian Award.

Former West Indies cricketer,manager and sports broadcaster T.Michael Findlay; national netballerPeggy Ince-Hull, Marc Cordice and thelate Neusam “Sam” DeBique wereinducted in the Sports Hall of Fame.

N’Keal Harry was also presentedwith the Sports Award.

The reportedly ailing MaxwellHaywood, chairman of the St. Vincentand the Grenadines DiasporaCommittee of New York, Inc., said in astatement in the souvenir journal,that the Committee was “proud topresent its second annual DiasporaHeritage Awards.”

He added, “This event comes at atime of growing interests in theheritage of countries and the nature ofthe contributions of historicalpersonalities. This process is vital forthe development of all communities,especially when the outstandingcontributions of individuals andorganizations are recognized andcelebrated.”

Haywood noted that the Committeehas “moved beyond the traditionalway of recognizing and rewarding onlyindividuals,” adding that“organizations will also be recognizedand rewarded for their outstandingcontributions to the advancement ofthe Vincentian people.”

“Congratulations to all honorees foryour commitment to excellence and tothe upliftment of our Vincentiancommunity,” he said. “You trulydeserve this honor, and yourcontributions are truly exemplary ofVincentian Excellence. We hope toengrave your contributions as legaciesin the wider development of theAmerican and Vincentian societies.”

In his message, Prime Minister Dr.Ralph E. Gonsalves said, “Events ofthis type are of much significance toVincentians in the Diaspora,” statingthat they “provide opportunities tohighlight the many notableachievements of our compatriots.

“I am certain that these activitiesare marked by a great sense of prideand accomplishment, as, indeed, theyshould be,” he said.

Sir Louis Straker, DeputyPrime Minister andMinister of Foreign Affairs,addressing the 72ndSession of the UnitedNations General AssemblyDebate last Friday.

SVG blames ravages ofhurricanes on climate change

Outstanding Vincies honored

NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 7.

WHATEVER changes areintroduced for Vincy Mas2018 will be determinedby the CarnivalDevelopment Corporation(CDC).

They will have muchto inform their decisionsfollowing last Saturday’sSymposium, held underthe theme ‘The changing

face of Vincy Mas’, at theNational InsuranceServices ConferenceRoom.

The keynote addresscame from MarlonStephenson. He threwout some spheres of theexisting festival whichserved to spiraldiscussions as to a

suitable direction, evenas he compared thephases that marked theevolution of the festival.

“Why have carnivalsince the view is that theCDC does not makeprofit,” he asked, andpondered on whethercarnival ought not to betreated like the Ministry

of Education with its theBook Loan Schemewhereby students pay$50 for supplies worthmore, and the Ministry ofHealth with itssubsidised prescriptionfilling service.

He complimented theCDC and pointed to theneed to balance growth ofthe tourism product withtaking care of the eco-system.

Vincy Mas has seenchanges, Stephensonmentioned, but thetradition is making wayfor “more hype.”

There may be adecline in numbers inKingstown at carnival,but that may be offset byexpansion in Ruralfestivities.

Private entities havebecome dominant andStephenson cited them as“leading the way as faras money making isconcerned.”

Carnival Bands camein for commendation, andhe analysed the planningand implementation thatgo into the product.

Should CDC be

organising competitions?That will also be lookedat.

Advertising thefestival must be ofparamount concern. Thetravel industry isrelevant to the festivaland Stephenson raisedthe aspects of trends inthat sphere to appeal topotential visitors.

The target is vital tothe marketing strategyfor Stephenson, and heendorses the use ofvaried means thatadvances in informationtechnology offer.Whether CDC shouldown a server is anotherdecision.

Ayana Baisden lookedat the ‘Changing face ofthe masquerade’.Anthony Theobaldsaddressed issues such as‘CDC Components’Shows, Versus PrivateEvents; the Street Barphenomena; and localmusic production andpromotion.

Anthony Dennieserved as moderator in adiscussion: ‘Shows in or

out? New Marketingstrategies?’

Those followedremarks from Tourism,Sports and CultureMinister Cecil Mc Kie.He announced the officeof a Creative CulturalCoordinator which willbe responsible for takingculture and the artsforward.

CDC’s chairmanRicardo Adams alsoaddressed the gathering.(WKA)

REVEREND Adolf Davis,Superintendent of the Kingstown-Chateaubelair Circuit of theMethodist Church, has made plainhis disgust about a society’s embraceof drunkenness.

He unleashed the observation onthe St. Vincent Grammar School(SVGS) student population during aspecial service at the KingstownMethodist Church last Friday, tomark the school’s 109th anniversary.

Rev. Davis contended that most ofthe problems associated withdrunkenness involved men at thevery root.

He lamented a situation in whichthe society seems to approve ofalcoholic consumption, and pointed tosituations where “Man plan to getdrunk…. And again next week.”

He was at a loss to understandhow such a routine could take place.

The Vincentian born minister andpast student of the SVGS, urged thestudents to “take the problemregarding man personally,” and to dotheir part in “drying up” the conceptof drunkenness.

If they heard anyone planning toget drunk, they must not be afraid to

say, “I aint dey indat stupidness,”he told hisaudience ofprimarily youngmen.

Rev Davisbased his messageon Luke 12: 33which urged ayoung rich man to‘sell yourpossessions andgive it to the poor’.

He remindedthe students thatthey wereprivileged to begiven“opportunitiesothers will notdream of,” andchallenged them to take personal, thequestion of nation building. “Makethis nation a better place,” heexhorted.

Headmaster Curtis King alsoaddressed the students, impressingon them the contribution the schoolhad made to the society.

After the service, the studentsmarched throughthe streets ofKingstown totheir school,accompanied bya four-memberCadet band.(WKA)

Marlon Stephenson,lead speaker, raisedsome searchingquestions for the CDCto consider.

Some of the participants at last Saturday’s symposium.

CDC to decide on changes for Vincy Mas

Students urged to makethis nation a better place

Adolf Davisurged thestudents of theSVGS to takepersonal, theresponsibility ofnation-building.

SVGS studentsmarched from theKingstownMethodist Churchto the school.

(First published on July 7, 2007)

WE ARE STUNNED by the wild behaviour ofthe forces of nature, the carnage and blood-letting especially among our youths today, thepassivity and apparent hopelessness of theGovernment of the day, and we hope for therise of some inspiration somewhere to give usa new lease of life.

In this vein we applaud the honouring ofDe Man Age by a new breed of Vincentians inthe USA who refuse to follow the beaten pathbut selected De Man as our hero to tackle theMyriad problems heaped on our heads,through the medium of calypso.

My following article is like a citation to thehonouring ceremony. At next Independencetime, we hope to follow through with anotherarticle on the De Man Age with, possibleanother on a true hero who remains largelyunrecognised — Robert “Patches” Knights.

“Errol Rose, De Man Age, has been in theCalypso business for thirty years now.Certainly that calls for celebration amongcarnival revellers in general, and the devoteesof the calypso in particular.

It was not easy; from start to finish, DeMan Age had to fight the Powers-that-be forthe right of Kaisomen and, by extension themasses for whom he speaks, freely to expressthemselves.

In 1977, as if to greet the new Carnival’sshift from the pre-Lenten season to theclimax “Carnival in July”, De Man Age burston the scene with a vengeance.

His double-barrelled “This Society Needs aSpectacle” and “In the Ghetto” were explosivestuff. The Labour Government of the day didwhat they did best, ban any songs that spokethe truth and disturbed the peace and quietas of a cemetery!

It was the same pattern of behaviour thatwas used against thinking people: restrict themovement, ban their friends from coming in,and the books which inspired them.

In fact, De Man Age grew up in povertyand fought to attain a broad education — hewas a qualified teacher- that questioned mostthings about him. He was an ardent memberof the radical Teachers Union which wasbadly brutalised by the Labour Governmentin 1975.

Radical calypso was his way of carryingthe fight beyond the four walls of theclassroom. A group of us in the DemocraticFreedom Movement at the time, spotted akindred soul. So our 1976 convention held atthe Market Square featured the playing ofthe steel band, Abucalyse, and moreso, DeMan Age himself, defiantly singing thebanned songs for all to hear.

To add fuel to fire, so far from being cowedinto submissiveness, De Man Age produced achallenging song for the next festival, “DeyGo Ban it”. And you know “all dem bald-

heads” actually banned it, just as heanticipated.

But that did not stop De Man Age who hadbecome the people’s favourite, the poetlaureate of the ghetto, the spokesman of themasses, a virtual folk hero, from copping thecrown.

Owing to circumstance, De Man Age livedfor some time, like a king in exile, whoseabdicated throne was filled by several personswho did credit to his themes- Poorsah,Professor, Skakes, Sulle, among them.

But, with narrowing of the world and thegrowing concept of the Diaspora’s role innation building at the roots, increasingly thecalypsonian saw his rightful place to be backhome amongst his people. Persons headed byDe Man Age took advantage of this duality tosort out their livelihood in a foreign market-place, while reserving their commitment andlove to the life back home.

In a sense, they carried on a double life,enjoying both worlds, in an arrangement bornof necessity. It could be said that they wereallowed to eat their cake and have it still.

During the Mitchell years, De Man Ageremained mildly pro-NDP, based on theParty’s people oriented programmes, butmoved on the attack whenever the PrimeMinister showed signs of one-manism.

At the tail-end of the Mitchell regime, DeMan Age could advise his countrymen, “WeHave a Country to Build”.

With the governmental change in 2001,however De Man Age virtually saw red withRalph’s clear moves to control calypsonians inthe interest of Party. In championingPrincess Monique, for instance, the PM hadentered a field which the calypsoniansjealously guarded as their own naturalpreserve, sacred and sacrosanct.

In other words, De Man Age has led agroup of calypsonians in a stout defence oftheir individual rights and, incidentally,formed a bulwark against an emergingtotalitarian state. Ipa, who took a differentview, is beginning to see the proffered gifts asnot at all wholesome.

On the other side, the Comrade’s “GravyTrain” is in full flow. It caters not only forfavoured calypsonians, but selected carnivalofficials as well. In fact, this act ofdiscrimination permeates the entire society.

Through it all, De Man Age has stood firmand weathered the storm. Indeed he hasdanced about in producing lovely songs like“Anselma” and above all the wonderful “It isChristmas time”.

We welcome De Man Age home, havingchalked up thirty years in the business, intrying circumstances.

But there can be no sitting on his laurels.He may have won one or two battles, but thewar still stares him in the face. The strugglecontinues. Nay, it intensifies.

HAS ANYBODY stopped to think who benefits the most from asituation in which there is no national plan in place to fightcrime?

The only persons who benefit from such a situation are thecriminals; and they will continue to do so as long as the governmentremains stubborn about getting the opposition party on board, to workout a non-partisan national response to the crime situation.

No one, not even the Prime Minister, can deny that we are living inunprecedented times of criminal activity.

Murder - domestic and gang/drug related — heightened burglary, alltoo prevalent assault and robbery aggravated by the use of guns, arebecoming everyday occurrences. There are 31 recorded homicides forthe year… twenty-eight too many, as this column is penned.

Every one of us is, to some degree, directly or indirectly affected bythis crime wave, and it is high time that those we elect to craft a pathfor our peaceful and prosperous existence, are made to fulfil theirresponsibility to work to realise this goal — as idealistic as it mightsound.

Take it or leave it, the ULP government has not shown, other thanincreasing the size of the police force, building the new jail at Belle Isle,improving working conditions and accessories for police officers, andestablishing one department after the other in the police force, withsome seeming to have more authority than others, that it has come upwith any effective ongoing measures to fight crime. All this nonsenseon being tough on crime and the causes of crime is a smoke screen.Going after perceived major players in the criminal world has not putspend to associated criminal activity. In fact, this may have merelyserved to cause a redefinition in the manifestations of crime and thetendencies of the criminally inclined, the latter not born but rathermade by their socialisation.

For, if the truth be told, what would be considered the major causeof crime — a combination of unemployment and under-employment -continues to exacerbate steadily, and the disillusionment that sets inbecause of the failure to deliver on promises, forges a mindset amongthe youth which encourages one choice — take the easy way out — a lifeof crime, in which the gun has replaced the fist. No longer doadversaries fall for a count of ten, they fall for good.

And please, let’s not fool ourselves into accepting an explanationthat speaks to our incapacity to patrol our multi-island state as anexcuse for our inability to curb if not wipe out the illegal entry of gunsinto our state.

No one must be led to conclude that the reason there is not a non-partisan approach to fighting crime here, is because one party or theother has something to hide.

To ward off any such ridiculous conclusion, we must accept, first andforemost, that we cannot continue with this tomfoolery that crime is apolitical issue to be attended to by the government.

A non-partisan approach to the spiraling crime rate here is the onlytrue and sensible response to combating this scourge. We cannotcontinue, conveniently, to use the crime problem as a political football.

Government must swallow its pride — its inordinate love of itself —and invite the elected opposition to help set the agenda for devising atruly national, non-partisan plan for fighting crime.

In that agenda, it would make much sense that a National StrategicAnti-Crime Commission be established — comprising, though notexclusive to, the Ministry of National Security, the Police, theopposition, church leaders, civic leaders, business leaders, Vincentiansat large, to ensure that we fight this problem together.

That’s the only way we’re going to conquer the beast.Lest we forget, spiraling crime threatens our entire livelihood,

making it all the more reason why we must deal with it as aVincentian entity — not a ULP or NDP matter.

Don’t ever be fooled into believing that the police force, alone, canfight this problem. Crime is a national problem, and therefore, we needto deal with this, nationally.

What we need most at this time is strong, unbiased leadership, andit is not in poor taste to ask Prime Minister/Minister of NationalSecurity to display that leadership by causing the formation of thisemergency strategic committee to deal with the issue we face, beforeour country is completely destroyed.

8. FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER 29, 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

Fighting the crime wave

A crowning moment- DeMan Age in his element

MINISTER OF FINANCE and Prime MinisterGonsalves is not qualified in Finance. He wants tomanage our finances but he is extremely POOR atmanaging money.

His style of management has delivered asignificant killer blow to the SVG economy andsociety, which has experienced its highest crimerates during the 16 years of Gonsalves-led ULPgovernment.

Our people break under the immense pressureand turn to crimes. As a result, and all too often,people are shot to death in their heads; others killedas a result of multiple gun fire; some stabbed and/orchopped to death; females of all ages raped, andinnocent citizens robbed at gun, not to mention thenumber of burglaries.

It seems, too, that the criminals see no reason todesist from their evil ways, even as the courts applytougher custodial sentences which, sadly, only leads

to overcrowding at our prisons. It would be nosurprise if the system sees no choice but to applyearly release to prisoners of all manner ofconvictions. People will eventually lose trust in thejustice system.

As SVG continues to be governed by the ULPregime, in which not oneof the ministers isqualified in finance, theeconomy is set on a pathto death, and the societywill have to brace itselffor even furtherspiraling crime.

Kadmiel Mc FeeBritish War Veteranpoliticianmrmcfeekd@gmailcom

MR. EDITOR, theCaribbean is definitelyfar away from becominga truly united bloc.

Look at what ishappening in Trinidadand Tobago. The PrimeMinister of thatCARICOM countryextended an invitation tocitizens of Dominica,recently devastated byHurricane Maria,welcoming them to hiscountry. Lo and behold,a whole section of thatcountry’s societyimmediately began toquestion their PrimeMinister’s show of

goodwill.Now, more than ever,

we should be reachingout to our fellowCaribbean people intheir time of need, buthere we have fellowCaribbean people readyto turn their backs ontheir Caribbeancolleagues who aresuffering.

I mean, these are notnormal times forDominicans, and theleast we can do is reachout with a helping hand.

I admire the Trinidadand Tobago PrimeMinister for his gesture,

and hope thatTrinidadians wouldcome down to earth, andwelcome their Caribbeanbrothers and sisters.

Little SVG isprepared to take instudents from the BVI,so why can’t oil richTrinidad and Tobago dolikewise?

This does not smellgood for Caribbeanintegration.

Maybe we are foolingourselves into believingthat we can be oneCaribbean nation.

Charles - Edinboro

BETWEEN the year2025 and 2030 I will bethe first king of thiscountry. There will be noPrime Minister, noOpposition, no politicaloffice, no gutter politics,just me as king with acongress and a senaterunning the country.

Politics is forcountries like Englandand America that havegreat security. Politics inmy country is evil; itcauses too many deaths,especially among ouryouth who are full ofpotential.

We will be havinggreat men and women ofscience and specialists inall aspects. The hospitalwill be my main priority.Sick people could neverbe a blessing to theircountry. I will makeGeorgetown, Barrouallie,and Chateaubelair equalwith Kingstown. Everyboy and girl, man andwoman will get theirequal rights and justicein this country.

No lawyer will getaway with lies. Thedentist that cripple mebecause of politics willnot be able to do thingslike that to others andget away with it. Thecriminals will put awaytheir weapons, becausethere will be peace andlove in this country. The

children will love tolearn about many things.

The port police, withtheir inferiority complex,will never use theiranger again tomanipulate people.

You don’t tell a kingwhat to do; a kingalready knows what hehas to do. I am going tomake this nation a greatnation for the nextgeneration to come.

Alistair ‘Live Up’ Simon

Going to the dogs under Gonsalves

I AM SO PLEASED to seehow quickly my peoplehome came to theassistance of thosepersons affected byhurricanes Irma andMaria. All taken, thedamage inflicted by these

hurricanes will run intobillions of dollars, and wehave to be prepared to beour brothers’ keeper forsome time to come.

With the damage doneto some of our OECSpartners, the next ten or

so years could bechallenging for theeconomies linked by theEC dollar.

I am no economist orfinance expert, but if oneor two economies in ourregion is in shambles,

then it must have aneffect of the rest of us.

We have to beprepared to band ourbellies for a while.

Garnet, N.Y.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 9.

LettersV

* When was the lasttime the officialwebsite of NEMOwas updated?* Is NEMO nowexpecting that wewill get their‘important’information onFacebook only?* Are ex-cons now inthe employ of a well-known wheeler anddealer here?* Did a would-beforeign investor sayrecently that theeasiest way ofgetting businessdone in SVG is topay off peopleinvolved in theprocess?* Was theannouncement abouttying all animals andtaking action if theywere not, just a puffof smoke? If it is not,how come there is noaction whenresidents makereports aboutroaming cattle intheir neighbourhood? * Is a relative of the‘big man’ earmarkedfor the position ofAccountant General?

Hard times aheadTHE MANAGEMENT of Supreme Investigativeand Security Services Inc. is abhorred with therecent acts of violence perpetrated against ourfemale folk, and the heightened security risks thatcurrently exist against the business sector and thelocal community.

Many Vincentians at home and abroad are of theopinion that the Royal St. Vincent and theGrenadines Police Force is tasked to the brink. As aresult, many crimes are left unsolved.

The void that is left by the local constabulary isan excellent opportunity for private security firms,service organizations, the church, other institutionsand the citizenry, to strengthen their collaborationwith our law enforcement agency, to minimize thescourge of violence in our beloved country.

Supreme Investigative and Security Services Inc.has noted the absolute silence of prominentVincentians and organizations on this serious issue,and calls on them to let their voices be heard.

We stand readily, if called upon, to offer ourservices.

We also call on our former colleagues torecommit themselves to this task, with specialemphasis on the rights of the victims.

Our condolences to the bereaved.

Ronald ChristopherAssistant Commissioner of Police (retired)Artis Davis Superintendent of Police (retired)

Retired policeofficers abhorrecent violence

When I become king Shame on the Trinis

by PATMOS RICHARDS

I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY tocommiserate with the immediatefamily, friends, relatives and thestaff of this prestigiousnewspaper, on the sad passing ofMrs. Helen Hazell, who was laidto rest last Sunday, September24, at the Richland Parkcemetery, following a churchservice at the Richland ParkSeventh Day Adventist Church.

She was a native of RichlandPark

Mrs. Hazell, more popularlyknown as Helen Small, by dint ofa previous marriage to the latestand-up comedian Lucian‘Saluche’ Small, was undoubtedlya conscientious worker at THE

VINCENTIAN newspaper, whereshe served for a period whichspanned thirty odd years.

Although her tasks may haveseemed very simple to theaverage observer who came toTHE VINCENTIAN office, herundertakings could be arduous.Among these, as I observed,were: ensuring that sufficientcopies of the newspaper were incirculation; attending tonewspaper vendors who workedwith her in mutual harmonyconcerning accountability ofnewspaper returns/revenue;preparing and making actualpayment to freelancecontributors, like yours truly.

Mrs. Hazell was a serious

individual but one whoso easily transformedher seriousness into awarm, friendlyrelationship withcustomers of THEVINCENTIAN

newspaper. Her magnetic smileat times could endear her to you.

Her characteristic punctualityadded to her professional statureand made her a staple asset atTHE VINCENTIAN newspaper.

Internally, she found favourwith the Editor and his staff, andtried her utmost to be on goodterms with everyone at theworkplace.

It was unfortunate that inrecent times her health began todeteriorate up until her death.

One can only hope that hersuccessor works with a similarpassion and commitment. Herwork attitude is worthy ofemulating by any worker,especially the younger ones.

Mrs. Helen Hazell was an able employee

Introduction

THE RECENT DECISION by the formerleader of the opposition, and formerpresident of the New Democratic Party,Arnhim Eustace that he intends tocontest the East Kingstown seat at thenext general election, has come as amajor shock to right-thinkingVincentians, including some members ofthe NDP. Constitutionally, the nextgeneral election is due by the year2020, that is, if Prime Minister Dr. RalphGonsalves does not call it before.

In 2020, Arnhim Eustace, who isnow 73, will be 76 years of age, and atthat age, he will have to face therough and tumble of an electioncampaign. Is it that the NDP cannotfind a young person, amidst thethousands of qualified and trainedyoung people, to represent the partyin East Kingstown? This decision byEustace is a clear indication that theNDP has lost its way.

Candidate selection

The signs were there since the 2015general election. The NDP has showna clear indication, that they are notwilling to apply a scientific approachto the issue of candidate selection. Amonth ago, they ran into problemswith the selection of disc jockey ColinGraham. The sorry episode of hisselection and his subsequentwithdrawal have been told in themedia and elsewhere. Of all the youngqualified persons in East St. George,the NDP finds itself selecting a manlike Colin Graham, without doing thedue diligence process to avoid anypitfalls.

The same thing applies to some ofthe other candidates identified, butnot yet ratified by the centralcommittee of the NDP. For example,lawyers Kay Bacchus Baptiste andIsrael Bruce have already beenidentified to contest the West St.George and South Central Windwardconstituencies respectfully. It is notclear if the NDP has done proper duediligence checks in relation to thesecandidates, but that is a matter forthe NDP. But it must be clear to alland sundry that when the electioncampaign begins, certain issues willbe raised.

It is significant to note that duringthe 2015 general elections, it was St.Clair Leacock, who bemoaned the factthat too many young Vincentians arefollowing the Unity Labour Party andDr. Ralph Gonsalves. That’s becausethe ULP has a clear vision anddevelopmental philosophy, aimed atevery citizen, but with specialemphasis on our young people, sincethey are the future. This vision andphilosophy have been well received byour young voters.

The ULP approach

The ULP has been credited withpresenting a candidate slate ofVincentians who are supremelytalented, with a mixture ofyouthfulness and experience, and withdiverse talents. Within its ranks, theULP can boast about Saboto Caesar,Camillo Gonsalves and Luke Browne,who are young, very intelligent, and

with a drive to see this country andits people develop.

All three are ministers ofgovernment, administering importantgovernment portfolios. Saboto Caesaris the Minister of Agriculture,Forestry, Fisheries and RuralTransformation. Camillo Gonsalves isthe Minister of Economic Planning,Sustainable Development,Information and Labour, and IndustryTrade. Luke Browne is the Minister ofHealth, Wellness and theEnvironment. These ministries arevery important in the overalldevelopment of the Vincentianeconomy, the creation of jobs and theprovision of health services.

There are a number of youngerpeople, both male and female, whocame through the EducationRevolution, and who are poised toembark on development work for thecountry, under the direction of theULP and Comrade Ralph. Many ofthem could be heard hosting radioprogrammes on Star Radio, the radiostation owned by the ULP. You canalso catch them on Facebook andother social media, defending theprogrammes and policies of the ULPadministration.

This is the problem facing the NDP.How to attract the many young peoplewho have been trained under theEducation Revolution? As a politicalparty, the opposition has beenextremely critical of the EducationRevolution, and the young people willnever let them escape. The EducationRevolution has been a spectacularsuccess. It has touched the homes ofevery family in the State, and hastransformed the delivery of education,for living and production. Of course,more can be done and the people trustthe ULP to deliver even more benefitsto the youths of the country.

Conclusion

In the face of all this, what does theNDP do? They continue to “bad talk”and malign the good name ofSt.Vincent and the Grenadines. Theyrefuse to turn up to do the people’sbusiness in the House of Assembly,doing no work, even as they acceptthe salaries provided by the tax-payers of this country. Why are wecontinuing to pay their salaries, whenthey continue to default in terms oftheir duties? Truly, the NDP has lostits way.

Its political leader, Dr. LorraineFriday, is at sea somewhere in theBequia channel, not sure whether ornot he is going or coming. Waiting inthe wings is the representative ofCentral Kingstown, St. Clair Leacock,providing advice on how the NDPshould go about its business, if onlythey would listen to him; but theywould not.

And now Arnhim Eustace wants torun again, his sixth attempt at thepolls, following the years 1998, 2001,2005, 2010 and 2015. Truly, thepeople of St.Vincent and theGrenadines will teach them a lesson,when the Comrade rings the bell.Long live the ULP!

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) isalarmed by the most recent spate ofhomicides in the country. We believethat government’s first responsibility isto protect its citizens by building astrong and safe society. However, it isobvious that the Unity Labour Party(ULP) regime has failed miserably infighting crime; although Vincentianswere promised by the ULP in 2001 thatit would have been ‘tough on crime andthe causes of crime’.

The NDP has seen it fit to draft amotion on crime, and is still waitingfor it to be debated in parliament. It’san appropriate time to remindVincentians of the motion. Thefollowing is the motion:

WHEREAS over the last fewmonths, St. Vincent and theGrenadines has experienced anunprecedented series of heinous andbarbarous crimes contributing furtherto a veritable climate of fearthroughout this otherwise blessedland of ours;

AND WHEREAS this trend hasaffected the lives of all Vincentians,resulting in a large number of ourpotentially productive young peoplebeing lost to crime, as can beevidenced by the number of youths inour prison population, the spirallingnumber of “homeless youth” roamingthe streets of Kingstown and thecreation of neighbourhood watchsocieties in several communities;

AND WHEREAS there is aninsufficient number of rural librariesand like facilities; an absence of agirls’ home to complement the LibertyLodge Boys’ home; an inadequatenumber of rural counselling centres,and an absence of a scientificapproach to dealing with these socialproblems;

AND WHEREAS resources need tobe available to address these concernswhich continue to impact societynegatively and in particular that suchassistance be used for increasingcommunity policing, lendingassistance to such organs as crimestoppers anonymous, youthsorganizations, family life and spiritualdevelopment programmes and forexpanding local and domestic security;

AND WHEREAS thisunsatisfactory state of affairs hasbeen acknowledged by the media, civilsociety and the Human RightsAssociation as manifested by theireditorials, statements ofcondemnation, calls for marches ofpeace and a request for a return tomore Christian values and the need tobe “our brother’s and sister’s keeper”;

AND WHEREAS this prevailingclimate now sustains an environmentof uncertainty, despair and unlawfulconduct which threatens the best ofour democratic traditions,constitutional privileges and areasonable sense of decency;

AND WHEREAS given the impactof foreign cultural penetration onsmall developing countries like St.Vincent and the Grenadines, the statehas an obligation to reintroduce thefamily unit and specifically the basicrole of parents in the upbringing ofchildren by a sustained and relentlesseducation initiative for thedevelopment of spiritual, ethical,moral and human values throughsocial, cultural and economicinterventions;

AND WHEREAS it is universallyaccepted that there is an undeniablelink between the levels of crime anddepressed economic conditions andthat the issues of drug trafficking,drug use and drug dependency alongwith poverty alleviation loom largeand require the utmost priority;

AND WHEREAS governmentspends over $13,000.00 per annum tomaintain a prisoner in the maincorrection institution and only $5.00on a Girl Guide or Boy Scout(at anorganizational level, as evidenced in

the estimates) among youth whocomprise the standard bearers ofdiscipline for a kinder, gentler St.Vincent and the Grenadines;

AND WHEREAS the potential fordevelopment of the criminal instinct ishighest in disadvantaged , homelessand orphaned youth, it is imperativethat the state complements theexisting Liberty Lodge Boys TrainingSchool with a counterpart femaleinstitution, introduce truancy officersin the several constituencies, towns,villages as appropriate to back up acompulsory education initiative whilethe Ministry of Gender and SocialAffairs is charged with theresponsibility for tracking homelessand orphaned children and aiding intheir rehabilitation.

Be it Resolved that this HonourableHouse support a Motion to be called:The Social and Spiritual RedemptionCharter giving tangible effect to anational commitment to a just,equitable, confinement, fearless,respectful, proud and God-fearingpeople by providing resources, givingleadership, employing social andeconomic strategies to reduce theintolerable violence, providing hopefor the Vincentian aspiration,tolerance for divergence, love andrespect for the dignity of human lifeand our commitment to theSupremacy of God in all we say anddo in building the kinder, gentlersociety for the 21st century.

Spiritual and Social RedemptionCharter

* Initiate household sustainability:Each Vincentian household must haveat least one occupant employed overthe next five (5) to ten (10) years.

* Encourage prayer: A schoolprayer and pledge to be recited daily,suggested prayer to be crafted by theSt. Vincent and the GrenadinesChristian Council in collaborationwith other religious organisations.The Ministry of Education will be theexecuting agency.

* Invigorate Sunday school:Support a fund for Sunday/Sabbathteaching.

* Strengthen youth development:work with the National Youth Councilon a pro rata contribution of $1000.00per member group base on anapproval basis. The followingorganizations will be given specialrecognition, St. Vincent and theGrenadines: Cadet Force, Girls Guide,Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Brigade,Pathfinders, Red Cross and Inter-School Christian Fellowship andNational sporting bodies.

* Further stimulate the intellectualcapability by promoting the capacityof students through compulsorydebating societies in all governmentand assisted secondary schools.

* Effect quantitative improvementin the Royal St. Vincent and theGrenadines Police Force by theimplementation of national securityprofessionalization and leadershipprogrammes for the Office Corps.

* Grant amnesty for illegalfirearms.

* Provide a girls’ home similar tothe Liberty Lodge for disadvantaged,homeless and orphaned girls.

* Develop value laden family lifetelecasts for television

* Establish a sport endowment of$20,000.00 to each of the leadingsporting bodies for community basedsports programmes.

The NDP continues to offersolutions to effectively manage crimein this country. The Spiritual andSocial Redemption Charter is onesuch mechanism in the prevention ofcrime.

10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

ViewsVMotion on the crime situation in SVGThe NDP has lost its way

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, towin glorious triumphs, even thoughcheckered by failure, than to take rankwith those poor spirits who neither enjoymuch nor suffer much, because they live inthe grey twilight that knows neithervictory nor defeat.” ― Theodore RooseveltJr. - American statesman, author, explorer,soldier, naturalist, and reformer whoserved as the 26th President of the UnitedStates from 1901 to 1909.

MANY CARIBBEAN citizens have beensocialised (nay “programmed”) to avoidtaking calculated risks. Our parents andgrandparents would have cautioned us to“play it safe” and to not “ruffle anyfeathers” or “rock the boat”. We wereencouraged to pursue courses of studythat would provide us with theopportunities to gain governmentemployment where, according to them, wewere guaranteed tenure and lifelongemployment. In many instances, criticalthinking or the expression of divergentviews had been discouraged. Some maywish to blame such socialisation on ourcolonial masters. However, regardless ofthe reasons for the emergence andperpetuation of such thoughts, the newCaribbean citizen must break that mould.If we are to survive in an ever increasinglycompetitive world, we must encourage ourchildren to dare to do mighty things.

We must encourage our wards toconsider how they can add newknowledge to the fields of science,technology, mathematics, agriculture,and so on. We must encourage them tobreak the shackles of mental slaveryand explore the possibilities of beingneuro-surgeons, astronauts, andastronomers. These are not occupationsand professions that are set aside forthose who were born in developedcountries. The children from emergingeconomies have the same brain capacityas those who are born in developedcountries. An examination of theadvances in science and aerospace inplaces like China, India, and SouthAfrica confirm that the capabilities arenot confined to those with fairer skinpigmentation. This is not to imply thatthe facilities and exposure to advancedteaching methods will not make adifference. They certainly do. However,we draw hope from persons likeSrinivasa Ramanujan who was born ina rural village in South India. He wasnot exposed to modern school facilitiesor highly trained teachers, but baffledthe brightest and the bestmathematicians at the prestigiousTrinity College in the United Kingdomwith his outstanding mathematicalbrilliance in the early 1900s. Thisbrilliant mathematician gainedadmittance to Cambridge Universityduring World War I, and became anaccomplished pioneer in mathematicaltheories with the guidance of his coachand mentor, Professor G. H. Hardy. Hislife story encourages us to understandand appreciate that it does not matterwhere we start from in life. If we havea strong desire to pursue our nobledreams with passion and gusto (and areprepared to study and work hard), wecan accomplish greatness when we dareto do mighty things.

For too long, we have constrainedourselves and our wards by notencouraging critical thinking or takingcalculated risks. Research hasconfirmed that India and China have“programmed” their youth to be “a newbreed of aggressive businessmen andbusinesswomen”. The 2009 publication

entitled “Getting China and IndiaRight: Strategies for Leveraging theWorld’s Fastest Growing Economies forGlobal Advantage” (ISBN-10-0470284242), makes very interestingreading. The authors, Anil K. Guptaand Haiyan Wang, provide some usefulinsights in relation to how successivegovernments in China and India havefacilitated and encouraged their peopleto launch out in every field andprofession with confidence. Theycontinue to expand the boundaries ofscience, technology, agriculture,medicine, and many other fields anddisciplines. They are daring toaccomplish mighty things.

Dr. Nirmalya Kumar, a professor ofMarketing at the London BusinessSchool, provides some useful insights inrelation to the “invisible innovation”that continues to emerge from India.Several articles appearing in theHarvard Business Review confirm thatIndian nationals continue to inventproducts and services that may becredited to the more developed countriesthat are the home base for themultinational companies that they workfor. He points out that, for example,many of the inventions that are takingplace at Silicon Valley in the UnitedStates of America are being done byIndian nationals. And while there isnothing inherently wrong with this, wemust understand and appreciate thatmany citizens from emerging economieslike our own, as migrant workers,continue to do mighty things in and fordeveloped countries.

Citizens from emerging economies(developing countries) have the capacityto do mighty things. We mustencourage this spirit of experiment andexploration within and beyond ourschools. We have a responsibility and aprivilege to chart a new and improvedcourse for the next generation.Education, in its truest sense, preparesstudents for life and for living. Wemust insist that the curriculum in ourschools (at all levels) prepare ourchildren to survive and strive in a “newworld” that will demand that they dareto do mighty things. Our curriculumplanners must have the vision andinsight to anticipate what that worldwill be like, and chart the course now tomake sure that they succeed. We needto ignite their creativity in every field ofstudy. Our leaders in business,government, and society will be heldaccountable if we take on a “wait-and-see approach”. Our leaders, too, mustdare to do mighty things by chartingthat new and improved course for thenext generation.

Sir Ken Robinson, the Britishauthor, speaker, and internationaladvisor on education, reminds us thatwe need to ignite creativity in allsubject areas in the curriculum. Henotes that, “You can be creative inanything - in math, science,engineering, philosophy - as much asyou can in music or in painting or indance.” We can inspire our children tobe creative and to dare to do mightythings wherever their passions lie.

Send comments, criticisms &suggestions to

julesferdinand@gmail.com

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 11.

ViewsVTo dare mighty things

‘THOSE WHO DESIRE to give up theirfreedoms and liberties in order to gainsecurity will not have, nor do theydeserve, either one.’

Benjamin Franklyn

‘All too often, members from thelower stratum of society, responding tothe object poverty and completeemptiness of their lives resort tosenseless violence as a way to givesense, meaning and respect to theirvery existence. The brazen and wantonnature of these acts of violence by these‘lost souls’ are a warped way in whichthey attempt to give purpose to anotherwise helpless and meaninglessexistence.’

Amilchar Cabral

As of Wednesday, we recorded 31homicides. Last year, we had 40. Thenumber is frightening because, with 94more days to go in 2017, we are tenmore killings away from setting a newrecord for homicides in a single year.This is a staggering number for acountry of just over 100,000. We arefast approaching world levels as itrelates to violent crime that results indeath.

This rapid rise in criminal activitythat results in bloodshed and death, isnot good for the psyche of our peoplenor the image of our country. Nationalsare becoming alarmed because of thebrazen manner in which many of thesekillings occur. No longer are thesehomicides occurring under the cover ofdarkness, back alleys in our villages orbetween the thick foliage of ourmountainous forest. These deadlyassaults are taking place in broaddaylight, in the presence of frightenedcitizens in Kingstown.

The criminal fringe is intent ondominating the national space. Wecannot let them. We must not let them.But what can we do? Where can weturn for support? The problem ofviolent crime is much more than apolice problem. It is a national problemand must be addressed with theseriousness and urgency that the timesdemand. Clearly, the policing has a bigrole to play. Some say we must gettougher with the criminals. Plain Talkdon’t know how much more tough wecan get unless we are prepared to turnour country into an occupied zone.

Part of the solution to the problemrests with policing, but we arevehemently opposed to the notion thatpolice need to turn our villages andblocks areas of brutality andoccupation. Already there is too muchrough tactics by a large section of thepolice force. Too much force is used indefusing very minor situations whichresult in the alienation of mothers,fathers, sisters and brothers from thepolice. When the police storm a villageand brutalize a youth and knock outhis front teeth, as so often happens,because of some alleged notion ofdisrespect, respect for law makers takea dive, and detection of crime suffers.

Information from citizens is a crucialelement in crime detection, prosecutionand punishment. Criminals threatenand drive fear into potential witnesses,and often go free because of lack ofevidence. A solid witness protectionprogramme would help. A properinventory of all of the motor vehiclenumbers is needed. Criminals areusing vehicles with false plates to maketheir getaway. A gun amnesty isneeded.

We have close to a 1000 policeofficers in SVG. We have to train themto be the first line of defense againstlawlessness. The time has come forthere to be increased, armed policepresence across our communities.Presence is deterrence. Armed presenceby security personnel is an evengreater safeguard against opendisregard for the law. However,nothing beats a good people/policerelations.

Our police need to be well trained tomeet the new realities. Too often, casescollapse at trial because the policeevidence gathering techniques are inshambles. The issues and problemswhich confront police and make itdifficult for them to give their bestmust also be addressed. The time mayhave arrived for us to seek foreign,professional policing assistance to staffthe highest echelons of our force.Everything aimed at arresting the slidemust be on the table for consideration.A bi-partisan commission on crime isnecessary, if only to give the nationconfidence that the entire politicalestablishment is collectively addressingthe problem we face.

The ULP came to power with themantra ‘tough on crime and the causesof crime.’ The considered view is thatthe authorities have been tough oncrime but not sufficiently tough on itscause. Too many of our youth still livein a state of helplessness andhopelessness with no meaningful wayof making ends meet. Hundreds ofyoung people with community collegeeducation are without work. This addsto their frustration.

Bill Clinton famously said ‘it’s theeconomy stupid.’ Unless more is doneto make youth feel that they have anequal and good chance of making agood living, a significant number willturn to crime and violence. If and whenforeigners with shady backgroundsappear to get along with the politicalelite and rip off our people and countrywith impunity, our youth will taketheir cue that crime pays. Think Aimes,Dr Rolla, Weise and other ‘respectable’persons believed to be involved inshady activities. Jobs must be createdand unemployment must be reduced ifwe are to effectively fight crime.

Finally, Grenada may offer a lessonas regards homicides that flow fromgun violence. Grenada experienced lessthan 10 homicides per year, whileTrinidad, Barbados, St Lucia and SVGare above 30. Last year, Barbadosrecorded 33, Trinidad 452, St. Lucia 32and Grenada 9. By March of 2017, StLucia recorded 17 homicides.

Peter David, the veteran criminaldefense attorney from Grenada, saidthat in the last 10 years only about 2homicides remain unsolved. He saidwhen 15 homicides were recorded in2008, there was an uproar and alarmamong the populace. David said he isreluctant to say that Grenada’sexperience with firearms, therevolution, its violent implosion andthe American invasion has anything todo with these very low rates.

We are all in this fight together. Ourvery existence depends on our success.

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

Crime and violence in SVG

A KINGSTOWN BUSINESSMAN told theLeader of SVG Green Party, WarrantOfficer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc,MBA, that the ULP regime is unable togovern SVG.

SVG has seen an explosion inbloody violent crime and brutalkillings. The living environment inSVG is no longer safe, and that is aserious cause of concern. Also, it is aworry that the ULP regime has nostrategy to deal with the explosion inbloody violent crime and brutalkillings in SVG.

Already in 2017, SVG has had about32 brutal killings, and yet Gonsalves isquiet on the subject. Gonsalves is theMinister of National Security, but hehas not announced a plan to stop theexplosion in bloody violent crime andbrutal killings.

No one wants to even think that heis happy for guns to be smuggled in toSVG, and to let the bloody violentcrime and brutal killings continue, asit is black people killing black people.

Our economy and country have been

destroyed by the grossly incompetentULP regime. The inability of the ULPregime to manage the country’sfinances and create revenue, has madethe economy very weak. This hascaused high levels of unemployment,illiteracy and poverty, andconsequently, the current explosion inbloody violent crime and brutalkillings.

Action needs to be taken now tostop the bloody violent crime andbrutal killings. Gonsalves — what thehell are you waiting for? It seems thatSVG is on the verge of anarchy.

SVG lacks leadership under theincompetent ULP regime, and this hascontributed to SVG being mashed upand the high level of crime. SVG needscompetent leadership to implementshort-term and long-term plans to saveour country.

In the short-term, to provide animmediate crackdown on the brutalkillings, SVG needs:

* armed United Nationspeacekeeping troops to intervene and

help the local law enforcementagencies eradicate the out-of-controlgun crime, a la Haiti in 2007, and helpbring peace and civil security.

* food aid, as many thousands ofhouseholds have no income and nofood, and rely on other relatives formeagre food supplies;

* water aid, as many householdshave no mains water (Internationalagencies could help set up theinfrastructure for hundreds of waterstandpipes around the country toprovide free water, and so helpprevent an outbreak of cholera andother water-borne diseases).

In the long-term, SVG needs acoherent economic plan to createrevenue and thousands of new jobs.This will require an update of ourinfrastructure and a quick andsubstantial injection of money, whichwe can obtain by abolishing the taxexemptions given to Taiwan and thesuper-rich of Mustique and Canouan,and imposing a billion dollar windfall

tax on them.As they have not paid tax for

decades, this billion dollar windfall taxis a fair amount.

To avoid further social calamity andto give our young people hope for abrighter future, we could invest someof the revenue from the windfall tax ineducation, skills training and thedevelopment of a light industrialsector.

We should also use money from thewindfall tax to set up: a tuna fishingand canning industry; factories foragro-processing leading to the exportof fruit juices and other products; theinfrastructure and a factory to exportsurplus fresh drinking water intanker-loads.

These industries would create workfor thousands of unemployed, low-skilled workers in SVG. In turn, thiswill provide a financial income andmore food security to the manythousands of poor households, andreduce crime.

Gonsalves is foolish to sit back anddo nothing, and hope the bloodyviolent crime in SVG will just go awayby itself.

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

12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

ViewsVKingstown businessmanbelieves ULP regime isunable to govern SVG

by EARL W. ROBINSON

TWO MONTHS shy oftwenty years, theSportstar magazine ofIndia carried an articleheadlined, ‘The Titanicis sunk’. It said, “WestIndies cricket eventuallymay well be as muchpart of history as theTitanic’.

Hanif Mohammed(deceased) said, “Theirpresent team is theweakest amongst nineTest playing countries”.

The nucleus of theteam referred includedBrian Lara, Carl Hooper,Curtly Ambrose, IanBishop and CourtneyWalsh (captain). Allplayed in June of thatyear at Arnos Valeagainst Sri Lanka, whenSt. Vincent and theGrenadines hosted itsfirst Test match.

Ten in a row

Inclusive of the 1997series in Pakistan andthe recently concludedcampaign in England,West Indies havecontested 34 series, won5 and lost 27. ChrisGayle and Darren

Sammy earned draws ontours to New Zealand(2008) and Sri Lanka(2010) respectively. Thefive-triumphant serieswere against Zimbabwe(2001 and 2003) andBangladesh (2002, 2011and 2012).

After Pakistan in1997, West Indies weretrashed five-nil by SouthAfrica, then endured atwo-nil defeat by NewZealand. This meantthat the last ten Tests inthe 1990s the WestIndies played on foreignsoil were lost. Ten in arow!

Obviously, fansthought this was just anaberration. Many neverconceived that worse wasto come in the newcentury.

A false dawnappeared at the start ofthe five-match series inEngland in 2000. Afterwinning the first Test inthree days by an inningsand 93 runs, fans saidthe team had turned thecorner under theleadership of JimmyAdams. Sadly, disasterwas just around thebend. West Indies lostthree of the remaining

four matches. The fourthTest at Leeds lasted onlytwo days. Our ownNixon McLean was inthat line-up.

Whitewash

Next port of call wasAustralia in 2000-01 fora five-Test series. EveryTest was lost by hugemargins. It washumiliation for formerplayers like Sir GarfieldSobers, Rohan Kanhai,Wesley Hall and JosephSolomon. They were allinvited to Brisbane towitness the first Test, tobe part of activities tomark the 40thanniversary of the tiedTest in December 1960.Forty years on, WestIndies lost the openingTest by an innings and126 runs in three days.This set the stage fortheir first whitewashdown under. Anemerging talent fromthat four was MarlonSamuels — almostseventeen years ago.

From Centurion toWellington

In 2003-2004, West

Indies were defeatedagain in South Africa.After earning a draw inthe third Test, the teamwas back to old habits.The final Test atCenturion ended in a 10-wicket defeat.

This was followed by afour-test defeat inEngland; a 2-nil defeat(of a depleted team) atthe hands of Sri Lanka2-nil; Australiaadministered a miniwhitewash in three Testsin 2005 in Australia; anda two-test victory(Auckland andWellington) of a three-test series in NewZealand.

In total, West Indieshad lost twelveconsecutive overseasTests between January2004 and March 2006.And the losing streakhas not stopped; it hasmerely been punctuatedby a few draws and thesporadic victory.

Eighty-four years

So much has beensaid of the memorablefive-wicket victory atLeeds, and havingbroken the 17-year

winless streak inEngland, expectationswere high going into thefinal Test at Lords.

They were written-offand justifiably so, afteran amateurishperformance in the firstTest at Edglaston, whichsaw them lose 19 wicketson the third day, tosurrender by an inningsand 209 runs defeat.

At the Oval on August14, 1933, the second dayof the third Test, WestIndies had lost 18wickets after Englandwere dismissed for 312.This team (2017) hadrewritten the recordbooks after 84 years.Were Geoffrey Boycott’scomments unfair? AtLords, it was back to thefamiliar story defeat inthree days and anotherseries lost.

So, how easy or howhard is it to market WestIndies cricket overseas?

In almost twentyyears, West Indies haveparticipated in 99 tests,won only eleven and lost68. Five of the elevenvictories were againstBangladesh, two eachagainst England andZimbabwe, and one each

against South Africa andPakistan.

They last won a seriesagainst a traditionalteam in 1995. OnFebruary 13, 1995,Walsh’s team beat NewZealand by an inningsand 322 runs to take theseries one-nil. Fifteenyears earlier, on thesame day February 13,1980, Michael Holdingkicked the stamps out ofthe ground when umpireJohn Hastie refused togive John Parker out,caught behind by DeryckMurray. The home teamwon by one wicket as aresult of home townumpiring.

In between thosedates, West Indies lostno series at home orabroad. For almost 15years they ruled the Testcricket world.

During the past twodecades, many questionshave been asked ofWICB and by extensionthe selectors.

Presidents, coaches,captains and playershave come and gone, butthe proverbial Titanichas not ascended.

Yet, while we remainsearching for ideas andremedies, we just haveto continue to ‘rally’round the West Indies’.

Rally round the West Indies

DISPLACED STUDENTS attending the All SaintsMedical University, Dominica, were expected toarrive here Wednesday following the passage ofHurricane Maria which damaged theinstitution’s Roseau campus.

According to Luis de Shong, PrincipalAssistant Registrar at the All Saints campushere, approximately 400 students wereexpected to be ferried into St Vincent from StLucia.

He explained that following the passage ofHurricane Maria, the building that housedthe campus in Roseau, Dominica wasdamaged and the students displaced.

The medical institution is comprisedprimarily of students from the United States,Canada, India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and theregion.

However, the governments of the UnitedStates, India and Canada had given itsnationals the option of taking some time off,or continuing their education.

For those opting to continue, de Shongexplained that 250 were ferried to St Lucialast Sunday, and the remaining were ferriedin on Tuesday.

And so, by Wednesday, with the exceptionof those who were airlifted into St Vincent,all others were scheduled to arrive by boat atPort Kingstown.

“We are making arrangements to gethousing,” de Shong said during a telephoneinterview on Tuesday.

Housing was not expected to be an issue,

he said, with a number ofpersons having already steppedforward offeringaccommodation.

He added that there was anexisting list of possibleaccommodation and it was onlya matter of expanding.

As far as how long thestudents would remain in St.Vincent, de Shong said thatwould depend on the length oftime that it took for thephysical structure in Dominicato be repaired.

Similarly, word coming from the St JamesMedical School indicated that 55 studentsfrom their sister campus in Anguilla, whichwas also devastated during the passage ofHurricane Maria, had already arrived in thecountry.

Information coming from the schoolindicated that accommodation was not anissue.

The length of stayfor the St. Jamesstudents was not yetdetermined, but in theshort term, thestudents were expectedto complete onesemester — equivalentto four months. (DD)

NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 13.

ST. VINCENTELECTRICITYServices Limitedcontinues to reachout to neighbouringcountries that wereravaged byhurricanes in thepast weeks.VINLEC’s latestoutreach is to theCommonwealth ofDominica. TheCompany hasdonated cannedfoods, toiletries,tarpaulin, babysupplies and otheritems valued at$15,000 EC dollarsto the Governmentand people of thatcountry.

According to the Company’sCommunication Officer, Mrs. TamaraJob-Sprott, VINLEC stands firm withthose impacted during the recenthurricanes. She says this latestinitiative is in keeping with theCompany’s promise of providingservice beyond the lines and poles. Shesays that VINLEC understands hownatural disasters can impact the livesof people, and is providing this aid tohelp to ease the suffering of thepeople. Earlier this month, VINLECsent relief supplies to the BritishVirgin Islands.

Mrs. Job-Sprott also indicated that

VINLEC is providing technicalsupport to the British Virgin Islands.She noted that a five-member teamfrom Ruddy’s Electrical ContractingCompany Limited, under the directionof Mr. Alston Scott - Line Supervisorat VINLEC, left for the British VirginIslands last weekend. This team willassist with the restoration ofelectricity in that territory. Thisundertaking is being financed by St.Vincent Electricity Services Limited.VINLEC also has a five-member teamin Anguilla assisting with therestoration of electricity.

The Company continues to workwith CARILEC to provide assistanceto other affected islands. (Submitted)

Some of the students of the 2015 enrolment at St James Medical School,Anguilla, could well be in SVG.

Students of the AllSaints MedicalUniversity,Dominica, willcontinue theirstudies at the St.Vincent campus ofthe University.

Medicalstudents arrive

VINLEC continues to reachout to Caribbean neighbours

Just part of a larger shipment of relief supplies thatVINLEC dispatched to Dominica.

Editor’s note: This article wassubmitted for publication in lastweek’s issue. SHE WAS NO thief in the night. EveryDominican knew she was headinghis/her way, and they were well awarethat the country would be at her mercy.Some prayed, some busied themselves inefforts to make ready for the onslaught.

And so, it was, in the middle of thenight of Monday, September 18, 2017,into the early hours of Tuesdaymorning, September 19, 2017, the eyeof Hurricane Maria smashed into theeastern Caribbean island of Dominica,with winds of up to 160 miles perhour.

Dominica had, only two weeks ago,escaped thewrath ofHurricaneIrma, andhad evensent cashand in-kinddonations tomore

northerly islands whichhad been devastated.

Now it wasDominica’s turn.

Prime MinisterRoosevelt Skerrit postedon his Facebook page,“My roof is gone. I amat the complete mercy of thehurricane. House is flooding.”

Continuing before allcommunications broke down, thePrime Minister posted as he becameaware of the extent of the onslaught,“…we have lost all what money canbuy and replace. My greatest fear forthe morning is that we will wake tonews of serious physical injury andpossible deaths as a result of likelylandslides triggered by persistentrains.

“So far, the winds have swept awaythe roofs of almost every person I havespoken to or otherwise made contactwith. The roof to my own officialresidence was among the first to goand this apparently triggered anavalanche of torn away roofs in thecity and the countryside.

“Come tomorrowmorning, we will hit theroad, as soon as the all clearis given, in search of theinjured and those trappedin the rubble.

“I am honestly notpreoccupied with physicaldamage at this time,because it isdevastating...indeed, mind-boggling. My focus now is

in rescuingthe trappedandsecuringmedical assistance for the injured.

“We will need help, my friends, wewill need help of all kinds.”

As recovery work continues, thePrime Minister officially declared astate of emergency and a curfew from4pm to 8am.

As she left Dominica, HurricaneMaria headed for the nearby Frenchterritory of Guadeloupe where, reportsindicate, she was also responsible forone death.

She continued on her ‘merry’ way,occasioning hurricane warnings for StKitts and Nevis, Montserrat, the USand British Virgin Islands, PuertoRico, Culebra and Vieques.

14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

NewsV

Roads, poles, vehicles, torn asunder in Dominica. (Credit: BBC)

MariadevastatesDominica

Batteredcoast line.(Credit:Daily Sabah)

The Land of Many Rivers may just have to count some more as the ragingwater found new paths. (Credit: usma)

This elderly lady maywell have losteverything, like so manyothers, and nowwonders, what next?(Credit: hotnewhiphop)

Downed utility poles wasa nationwide occurrence.(Credit: The Nation)

TO MARK THE END of their 20thAnniversary year, the Image ModellingAgency will host its male model eventGuinness Mr. Macho 2017.

This year, twelve competitors willtake part in the Agency’s fitness andfashion competition, which culminateson Saturday, November 11th , at theRussell’s Auditorium.

Taking part in this year’s event areImage Models Javan Providence,Harvey Derrick, Amos Tittle, AzaraHaywood, Trevon Joseph and BradleyCharles; Paragon Models KeyanBarrow and Desron Black; as well asindependent competitors Kit Horne,Akini Hypolite, Giles Garraway Jr andJerron James.

This year’s competition is brokendown into four stages, which beganwith the first judged event lastSaturday.

Up next will be the Fitness event,dubbed ‘Socacize’, scheduled forOctober 7th and staged in conjunctionwith Constant Fitness, the fitnessgroup operated by the reigning Mr.Macho, Gary Constantine.

The third event, which serves as thesemi-finals, will be the Guinness Mr.Macho Pool Party on October 21st .The competition wraps up with theFinal Night of Competition, fromwhich Guinness Mr. Macho 2017 willwalk away with a $2000 cash prize, aone-year gym membership fromFitness Lab, an Oasis Spa packageand other prizes.

“Guinness Mr. Macho is our way tohelp promote current and aspiringmale models. Too often, male modelsare not given the limelight to showcasetheir talent during regular fashionshows, which tend to be female-dominated. It’s also a fun event thatbuilds camaraderie amongst the

competitors, as many of them alreadytrain together,” said ManagingDirector of Image, Monique Arthur.

The event is being held inassociation with Grenadine House, and

sponsored by Guinness, Fitness Lab,Campari, Johnny Walker Black, KBPixels, Oasis Spa, Max Digital DarkRoom, Dasani, with media supportprovided by FLOW.

NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 15.

Guinness Mr. Machoreturns after 9 years

Akini Hypolite – IndependentCompetitor

Desron Black, from Paragon Models

Gary Constantine – reigning Mr. Macho

Trevon Joseph, from Image Models

16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Trinity FeatureV

ON WEDNESDAY 20th andThursday 21st September, Ms.Amoy Munroe, Director of PhysicalOperations at Trinity School ofMedicine, along with DanielKhashchuk, President of theChristian Medical Dental

Association and his VicePresident, Brian Coffey, paidvisits to three institutions in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

The institutions visited werethose whose primary concern isto offer care of persons in thesociety who cannot fend forthemselves, with the purpose ofhanding over items which theinstitutions would distribute totheir clients and use in theirdelivery of service.

Items distributed includedlinens, toiletries, clothing,foodstuff, water and supplieslike gloves, gauze, andthermometers that would aid inpatient care.

Students Khashchuk andCoffey also handed over itemson behalf of

the Canadian MedicalStudents Association (CaMSA).

Office Manager/Accountant,Ms. Julia Simmons of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines RedCross Society, one of theorganisations visited, praisedthe Trinity studentorganizations.

“For the Red Cross, this isgreat,” she said, “they arehumanitarians.” She added,“Whatever is brought here, nomatter what, it’s all used up.Some persons may collect their‘welfare monies’ and pay theirutilities without having muchleft to purchase anything else.

They thenhead straightto the RedCross to askfor clothing,food andother items.This,

therefore,willdisappearvery soon,especially asit is nearingthe end of themonth.”

She also disclosedthat items like waterwere given topreschools anddaycare centers, asher organizationstrives to fulfill itsmandate of servingthe most vulnerablefirst.

On Thursday atthe Mental HealthRehabilitation Center(MHRC) in Glen, thegroup was warmlywelcomed by Sr.Elizabeth Medford,AdministrationControl at thefacility.

Sr. Medfordexplained that theCentre serves malesand females, with ahigher population of males.“Male clothing is always indemand,” she told the donors.“We supply everything for them,once they get here, but maleclothes are just never enough.”She called the donation very

timely, especially as, includedamong the items, was areasonable quantity of men’sclothing.

Both President Khashchukand Vice President Coffeyintroduced the idea of a greatercollaboration between the two

entities, even as Trinity’sDirector of OperationsAmoy Munroe expandedon the exercises beingconducted.

“Trinity is verycommunity oriented,” sheaffirmed. “We make surethat we help persons.That is embedded in ourmission statement: toraise physicians whowould go out into thecommunities and helppersons. It’s very heart-warming that we couldassist. We welcome andencourage these studentinitiatives.”

Continuing on Thursday atthe Lewis Punnett Home,Departmental Manager, Sr.Marie Davis, was elated toreceive items like blood pressurecuffs, pulse oximeters and high-tech thermometers. About

the other items she assured,

“These supplies, especially thelinens, are very vital for makingthe residents comfortable. Theyhelp to ensure dry beds, whichgenerally is a means of makingthem happy.

“Also, when they see personslike the students come in, itmakes them feel that otherscare,” she stated.

Vice President Coffeyconfirmed the rationale behindthe exercises. “I think it’sfundamental to a physician todo things like these because weare involved in a lifelong career- not of self-service but

service to others. By ourvery nature, we’re devoting therest of our lives towards helpingpeople, whether it be toovercome illness or overcomepoverty and circumstances.”

Both organizations plan tocontinue the relationship whichthey have fostered with theseinstitutions.

ERIC PIERCE, medical student atTrinity School of Medicine, has beenawarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship atthat institution.

An elated Eric, who was born inThailand but moved to Utah at the ageof seventeen, expressed his hesitation atapplying for the achievement with, “Theopportunity was presented to me, and atthe beginning I felt that there was goingto be many other applicants that I mightnot make it. But I was encouraged totry out.”

Now, having received the award, herecalls being astounded. “I feelamazing!” I feel like there’s thisresponsibility and integrity associatedwith it, so I would like to live the best Ican to keep up to the standard ofTrinity, and bring a good name to theschool, for sure,” he asserted.

Trinity’s Chancellor, Dr. Douglas

Skelton, expressed his pleasure athaving the scholarship issued in hisname. ‘Of course, as Chancellor, I’mhonored that this was done in my name,”he admitted, “We’ve seen some reallyverifying medical students receive theChancellor’s scholarship and they’redoing quite well; and I’m sure this doctorof tomorrow standing next to me will doquite well also.”

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is anaward of merit, and prospectiveapplicants must have achieved a GPA

of 3.2 or higher. According to Chancellor Dr. Skelton,

applicants must submit a three-pagepaper, the topic of which would havebeen decided by the faculty reviewcommittee. After this paper is reviewed,a determination for the award of thescholarship is made by the committee.

Eric wrote on the topic,

‘Nonprescription Medicines: Benefits andRisks Associated with their Use’.

Eric Pierce has gained for himself,$50,000.00. The Chancellor was happythat this would alleviate many financialconcerns for him.

Eric is the fifth recipient of thisscholarship award, and to remaineligible for the benefits offered therein,he will be required to maintain a 3.2GPA and, to pass the United StatesMedical Licensing Examination(USMLE) Step 1 with a score of 210 andabove, on his first attempt.

Eric is not daunted. “I am up for thechallenge. I’m excited,” he said withassurance. “There are going to be upsand downs, but that’s how life is.”

Chancellor Dr. Skelton expects Eric tobe “a consistent, powerful, positive,ethical presence for medicine, forTrinity, and his family and friends.”

Eric Pierce (left), the 2017 recipientof Trinity School of MedicineChancellor’s Scholarship, seen herebeing congratulated by Chancellor Dr.Douglas Skelton, is ready to face thedemand of excellence expected ofhim.

Eric Pierce gains Trinity Chancellor’s Scholarship

CMDA and CAMSAdonate to institutionsin SVG

Office Manager of the Red Cross- Julia Simmons (left)confirms her gratitude with a handshake with AmoyMunroe, in the company of (from left) DanielKhashchuk, Brian Coffey and Leroy Jack - Red CrossField Officer.

VP Brian Coffey shows Sr. Marie Davis someof the equipment.

Some of the items, still in barrels, beingdelivered.

PERSONS HERE ARESHOWING more interest intheir culture, and on thatbasis, a nine-day festivalincorporating sporting,cultural, and business, isbeing staged to coincidewith this year’sIndependencecelebrations.

The venture, dubbed‘Everything Vincy’, kicksoff October 21 at the siteof the nowdecommissioned E.TJoshua Airport, ArnosVale.

Sanjay Jiandani,President of the VincyMotor Sports, andChairman of the SteeringCommittee organisingthe festival, outlined theprogramme during apress briefing lastTuesday, at the ArnosVale Sporting Complex.

Last year, Vincy MotorSports and theAssociation of MusicProfessionals (AMP)collaborated on a MotorSports/Cultureindependence package.

This year, according toJiandani, they aredigging deeper, and withthe expected influx ofdrivers and riders fromBarbados, St. Lucia,Grenada, and Trinidadand Tobago, he isconfident that the MotorSports Extravaganza,planned as part of theopening ceremony forOctober 21, will be animproved spectacle andan ideal setting will becreated a genuineVincentian presentation.Additionally, the

Garifuna have beeninvited to feature theircuisine, dance and music.

“We want this year tobe different,” Jiandanioutlined.

Monday 23 is forraising awareness ofnational colours, andemphasis will be the useof social media with thehashtag developing atrending topic.

A welcome party, alsoat the E.T. Joshua, isslated for Thursday 26,and after the parade onFriday 27, a three- dayexhibition, Expo 2017,hosted by Invest SVGwill swing into gear.

The Diamond racetrack will serve as thevenue for the MotorCross Rally on Saturday28 and Sunday 29.

With motor bikestunts in store, plusdrifting, testing andtuning, fans will be in fora treat, Jiandanipromised. TheInternational SoundClash in addition to theDrag Race will provideextra attraction.

President of theAssociation of MusicProfessionals, Orande‘Bomani’ Charlesexpressed pleasure withhaving “most of themajor bands on onestage.” He isoverwhelmed with theparticipation of theDepartment of Culture,and happy with theconsolidation by thebodies.

He outlined that AMPwill tailor music to fit

into the nine days of thefestival.

Tourism, Sports andCulture Minister CecilMc Kie complimented thesix entities whocombined for the event.He is satisfied that theevent bears “greattourism offerings.”

Mc Kie noted that,“We have conquered thechallenge in terms of

access by air,” andcontended that this yearis turning out to be oneof the better seasons asfar as Independencecelebrations is concerned.

Along with the MotorSports, musical display,and businessopportunities, McKiehighlighted anInternational MastersCricket competition

featuring 12 teamsincluding local outfits, toform part of theIndependence celebrationactivities.

Andrew Phillips fromInvest SVG stressed theneed for persons keen onexpanding theirproduction or serviceindustry to be part ofpre-Expo 2017 trainingprogramme that is

designed to expose themto social mediamarketing, branding,packaging, among otherrelated concerns. (WKA)

FestivalV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 17.

ÂEverything VincyÊ forIndependencecelebrations

‘Everything Vincy Festival’ is a nine-day series ofvaried activities that promises to ‘change’ the faceof independence celebrations here.

Minister of Culture/Tourism Cecil Mc Kie (2nd from left sitting) with somemembers of the The Steering Committee, headed by Sanjay Jiandani(standing 2nd from left), that is tasked with co-ordinating the Festival.

Minister Cecil Mc Kieviews the Festival asadded value to thetourism product of SVG.

Andrew Phillips ofInvest SVG, remindedinterested personsabout the pre-Expoworkshop.

18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

HugoChávezPLANT getsfirst filling CAPACITY at the HugoChávez Distribution andStorage Plant atLowmans Bay, has beenincreased.

This comes as theplant, on September 8,received 5,902 barrels ofRON95 premium gas, asa first step to asubstantial increase ofstorage capacity in St.Vincent and the

Grenadines.Local personnel joined

with experts fromPDVSA- the Venezuelanstate-owned oil andnatural gas company — infilling the tanks.

Local personnel alsobenefited from trainingin the operationalprocesses by the PDVSA

experts, in keeping withthe intention of havingthe relevanttechnological knowledgetransferred to workershere.

The Plant has a totalstorage capacity of37,000 barrels, cateringto Diesel, Gasolene, LPGand Jet A-1.

NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 19.

MONDAY 25THSEPTEMBER was a day ofoverwhelming outpouringof care from residents ofBequia.

Residents turned upthroughout the day tomake contributions to

a drive organized byRise Up Bequia Inc. inaid Dominica, recentlydevastated by HurricaneMaria,

Rise Up Bequiareported at the end ofthe day’s effort, that itsmembers and a team of volunteerswere able to load eleven large barrels,a pallet of bottled water and threelarge bundles of lumber onto the4:30pm ferry, to be delivered to thedisaster management team in St.Vincent.

In addition to water and lumber,the items donated included quantitiesof canned food items, medication andtoiletries.

And the effort in aid of hurricane-ravaged Dominica does not end withthis drive. According to a Rise Up

Bequia release, the group, inassociation with BREMOL in Miami,is also raising funds through a ‘go-fundme page’, with the intention ofpurchasing and delivering 1000 piecesof tarpaulins to Dominica.

Rise Up Bequia Inc. expressedthanks and appreciation to the manywho gave their time, donated orsupported in any way possible, theirrecent hurricane relief drive, andencourages those who want tocontribute to the tarpaulins drive, tovisit https://www.gofundme.com/1000tarpsfordominica/ to donate.

Storage capacity atthe Hugo ChavezDistribution andStorage Plant hasbeen increased.

Rise Up BequiaÂlifting othersÊ

Getting the barrels ready for loading on to the ferry.

The quantity of lumber already on the ferry.

AS PER THE HIPPOCRATICOath, which White Coatrecipients at the recentlyheld White Coat Ceremonyof the American Universityof St. Vincent School ofMedicine (AUS) recited,there is a social componentto medicine.

Healthcareprofessionals are expectedto adopt this social aspectand apply it towardsdelivering optimal care totheir patients.

In that spirit, AUS,without hesitation,grasped the opportunity tohelp the victims ofHurricane Irma.

On Thursday, 14thSeptember, 2017, thestudents and managementof AUS contributed severalcases of water, crackers,toilet paper, soap,pampers and other itemsto victims that wererecently affected byHurricane Irma.

Amidst the giving, themedical students presentat the handing over of theitems also had anopportunity to work ontheir communicationskills, which is vital inmedicine, as theyinteracted with otherpersons who were alsocontributing to thehurricane relief effort.

It was time well spent

away from the classroom,and a powerful as well asa memorable occasion forthese students. Indeed,acts of kindness of thissort will likely mouldthese medical studentsinto becoming betterphysicians.

First established in2012, the AmericanUniversity of St. Vincent

School of Medicine is amedical school, located atNew Montrose, St.Vincent. It is locallyregistered by the NationalAccreditation Board of St.Vincent and theGrenadines, and isrecognized by the WorldHealth Organization.(Submitted)

WINFRESH, the largest exporter ofagricultural produce from the WindwardIslands, has quickly responded to the plightof the people of hurricane-hit Dominica.Working in collaboration with the DominicaHigh Commission, the Company’s UKoperation at Stansted in the United Kingdom,this week, loaded four forty-foot containersbearing relief supplies for Dominica. Thesewere handled with great haste, byWINFRESH UK staff working overtime, toensure that they were ready for the firstvessel sailing from the UK, post-HurricaneMaria. This was generously facilitated by theGEEST LINE, an associated shippingcompany of WINFRESH, which also provideda freight-free service.

This follows an initiative launched in theUK, spearheaded by WINFRESH CEO, MrBernard Cornibert, working in collaborationwith the acting High Commissioner forDominica in London, Ms Janet Charles. Amass appeal was launched within 48hrs ofthe hurricane, resulting in an overwhelmingresponse from the Dominican diasporacommunity in the UK, other Caribbean

nationals and theBritish public.

Mr Cornibert said“I would like to thankall of those whocontributed to therelief efforts of ourfriends and familiesin Dominica. Thisinitial shipment ispart of a continuingcommitment ofWINFRESH andGEEST LINE to theDominica relief effort,with furtherinitiatives beinglaunched. GEESTLINE has graciouslyagreed not only toprovide freight-freeshipping of thesecontainers, but standsready to providesimilar support forsubsequent weekly

shipments to Dominica.”Mr. Cornibert continued, “Our

WINFRESH subsidiaries across theCaribbean have also been makingcontributions. Our premiumwater company in Saint Lucia,SUNFRESH, has shipped this weektwo containers of supplies includingthe company’s H2O bottled water.Our staff have also contributed on a

personal level with colleagues fromVINCYFRESH and WINFRESH (WI) givingto a relief fund for Dominica.”

The WINFRESH response underscores itscontinued commitment to the recovery of theWindward Islands that have been hit byhurricanes. In October 2015, WINFRESHand GEEST LINE made a joint donation ofEC$ 1 million to Dominica, following thedestruction by Tropical Storm Erica.(Submitted by WINFRESH)

20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

NewsVAUS contributes to HurricaneIrma relief effort

THE PRINCIPAL, staff and students ofSt. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua andKingstown, express profound sadness atthe destruction and loss of life sufferedby Dominica, which was hit by category5 hurricane - Maria.

As educational institutions, werecognize the sterling contributionsmade to the development of our schoolsand, by extension, the development ofthe educational landscape of St. Vincentand the Grenadines by nationals ofDominica.

We especially remember at this time,the contributions of Dominicans, SisterPatricia Ann Douglas of blessedmemory, who served faithfully asprincipal of St. Joseph’s ConventMarriaqua for 25 years; Sister SylviaToulon, former Principal of St. Joseph’sConvent Marriaqua also of blessedmemory; and Sister Martha Sebastien, apast student of St. Joseph’s Convent

Marriaqua who now serves as theDeputy Principal at St. Joseph’sConvent Kingstown.

It is against this backdrop that we, asschools, see it necessary to assist inwhatever way we can with the reliefeffort for our sister island Dominica.Towards this end, we appeal to personswho have benefited, in any way, fromour schools, to make monetarycontributions which will go towards thepurchasing of relief supplies to be sentto Dominica.

These contributions can be made tothe offices of St Joseph’s ConventKingstown and St Joseph’s ConventMarriaqua.

It is now our turn to give back to acountry that has given so much to us.Past students of both convent schoolsare especially invited to contribute andto do so generously. (Submitted bySJCM)

St. Joseph’s Convents express sadness

The response to the WINFRESH appeal was quick and plentiful.

Medical students and Management of AUS hand over donation to Minister ofTransport, Works, Urban Development and Local Government, Senator JulianFrancis (right).

WINFRESH comes to assistance of Dominica

THE SEVENTH-DAY AdventistChurch affirms the dignity andworth of each human being, anddecries all forms of crime,violence, gang warfare ormanifestation of tribalism thatdenigrate men and women.

We are alarmed at the relativeease with which guns areavailable in our communities andare often used to commit the mostheinous crimes. They illegallyshow up in homes, on the streetsor at public places, and are usedto terrorize, maim or destroylives. No civilized society canremain indifferent to such violent behavior or toleratesuch acts of terrorism. To condone this “new normal”is to perpetuate the evil and put ourselves andfamilies at risk of living in fear, under siege orbecoming victims of crimes.

Guns are made to kill people. They have nolegitimate recreational use. Guns of themselvescannot kill. It is people who use them as instrumentsof destruction and weapons of death. The problem liestherefore with the users, who outside of the “will andpurpose of God” are left to follow their depravedminds and carnal passions. The Church stronglycondemns all forms of crimes and violence, andencourages all offenders or would-be perpetrators todraw back the curtains, look at your life, considerhow valuable you are in the eyes of Christ and refrainfrom sliding down theslippery slope of “noreturn.”

Christ came into theworld to save lives, notto destroy them (Luke9:56). When Peter drewhis weapon, Jesus said tohim: “Put your swordback in its place. …Allwho take the sword willdie by the sword”(Matthew 26:52 TEV).Jesus did not engage inviolence as He modeledfor us humanity’s values,lifestyle and conduct. Wetherefore call uponeveryone to halt thespate of assault and stopthe spike of criminalityin our country. We urgeall to return to God andto civility, respect thesanctity of life anddignity of humanity,while we pursue peaceand live in communitywith one another. Evilcannot be effectively metwith evil, but must beovercome with good.

To all families whoare mourning the loss ofloved ones, we offer ourprayers, sympathy andcondolences, while weurge you to look to ourcompassionate Fatherwho understands yourgrief, knows your sorrow,feels your pain and canmeet your need.

Pastor Dermoth BaptistePresident, Seventh-dayAdventist Church,St. Vincent and theGrenadines Mission

NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 21.

THE NEW DEMOCRATICPARTY (NDP) is alarmedby the most recent spateof homicides in thecountry. It was reportedthat on Friday September22, 2017 that two menwere killed in separateincidents and thefollowing day, a womanwas killed by gunshot. OnSeptember 24th, theOttley Hall resident whowas shot on September21st succumb to hiswounds. These tragicdeaths bring the numberof homicides in thecountry to an alarming 29so far this year, only 10short of the new homiciderecord of 39 that was setlast year!

Commenting on thematter, Leader of theOpposition andPresident of the NDP,Dr. the HonourableGodwin Friday, said:

“This weekend was arather unsettling one forme. I cannot accept asituation in which thiscountry becomes a placethat has three and morehomicides in oneweekend. I thought ofthe families of thoseinvolved, and itsaddened me becauseevery death brings painand loss to familymembers and friends ofthose killed. The ULPadministration continuesto stifle the development

of our country, as theyhave failed in providingproper governance withrespect to the escalatingcrime situation in thecountry. As a people, wehave to think aboutaddressing crime andviolence by dealing withroot causes. We mustcreate jobs for ouryouths and provideproper training andworking conditions forour police. We must gointo the communitiesand implement socialand economic programsto better the lives of ourpeople. This, and more,the NDP under myleadership will do.However, the only way

we will succeed is to doit together as one people.We must come together!”

The New DemocraticParty urges anyone withinformation that mightassist the police in theirinvestigations to provideit to the police. We callon the police to redoubletheir efforts to bringperpetrators to justice.

Lavern King, PublicRelations Officer/NDP

Dr. Godwin Friday,President of the NDP.

Statement by the New Democratic Party

NDP alarmed by recent spate of homicides

Statement from the Seventh-dayAdventist Church

In light of recent spateof violent crimes

Pastor DermothBaptiste

Bases for legal systems

FOUR HERITAGES form thebases for the majority of thelegal systems of the world:1. Common law - derivedfrom English law and foundin England, the UnitedStates, Canada, and other

countries once underEnglish influence; 2. Civil orcode law - derived fromRoman law, and found inGermany, Japan, France,and in non-Islamic and non-Marxist countries; 3. Islamiclaw - derived from theinterpretation of the Koranand found in Pakistan, Iran,

Saudi Arabia, and otherIslamic states; and 4. Acommercial legal system inthe Marxist-socialist statesof Russia and the republicsof the former Soviet Union,Eastern Europe, China, andother Marxist-socialiststates whose legal systemcentred on the economic,

political, and moves towardsits own version of a free-market system and entersthe global market.

A commercial legal-system is also evolvingfrom those Marxist-socialist tenets. China hadannounced that it willadopt a constitution-based

socialist legal system withChinese characteristics.

The difference amongthese four systems are ofmore than theoreticalimportance, because dueprocess of law may varyconsiderably among andwithin these legalsystems. Even though acountry’s laws may bebased on the doctrine ofone of the four legalsystems, its individualinterpretation may varysignificantly — from afundamentalistinterpretation of Islamiclaw as found in Pakistan,to a combination of severallegal systems found in theUnited States where bothcommon and code law arereflect in the legal system.

Common law and Codelaw

The basis for commonlaw is tradition, pastpractices, and legalprecedents set by thecourts throughinterpretations of statutes,legal legislation, and pastrulings. Common lawseeks “interpretationthrough the past decisionsof higher courts whichinterpret the samestatutes or applyestablished and customaryprinciples of law to asimilar set of facts”. Codelaw, on the other hand, isbased on an all-inclusivesystem of written rules(Codes) of law. UnderCode law, the legal systemis generally divided intothree separate codes:commercial, civil, andcriminal.

Common law isrecognized as not beingall-inclusive, whereasCode law is consideredcomplete as a result ofcatch call provisions foundin most code-law systems.For example, under thecommercial code in aCode-law country, the lawgoverning contracts ismade inclusive with thestatement that “a personperforming a contractshall do so in conformitywith good faith asdetermined by custom andgood morals”. AlthoughCode law is considered all-inclusive, it is apparentfrom the foregoingstatement that some broadinterpretations arepossible in order toinclude everything underthe existing code.

Commercial clashes withCode and Common code

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

OpinionVCommon law versus code lawin business interactions

Laws governingintellectual property offerthe most strikingdifferences betweenCommon Law and CodeLaw systems. UnderCommon Law, ownershipis established by use;under Code Law, certainagreements may not beenforceable unlessproperly notarized orregistered in a CommonLaw country - the sameagreement may bebinding so long as proof ofthe agreement can beestablished.

Although every countryhas elements of bothCommon and Code Law,the differences ininterpretation betweenCommon and Code Lawsystems regardingcontracts, salesagreements, and otherlegal issues, aresignificant enough that aninternational marketerfamiliar with only onesystem, must enlist theaid of legal counsel for themost basic legalquestions.

Let us consider theseexamples. In the U.S, aCommon Law country,ownership of intellectualproperty rights isestablished by prior use -whoever can establishfirst use is typicallyconsidered the rightfulowner. In many Code Lawcountries, however,ownership is establishedby registration ratherthan prior use - the firstto register a trademark orother property right isconsidered the rightfulowner. For example, atrademark in Jordanbelongs to whoeverregisters it first inJordan. Thus, you canfind “McDonald’s”restaurants, “Microsoft”software, and “Safeway”groceries all legallybelonging to a Jordanian.After a lengthy courtbattle that went to theSpanish Supreme Court,Nike lost its right to usethe “Nike” brand name forsports apparel in Spain.Cidesport of Spain hadbeen using Nike for sportsapparel since 1932 andsued to block Nike (US)sportswear sales. SinceCidesport does not sellshoes under Nike label,Nike (US) will be able tocontinue selling its brandof sports shoes in Spain.

A company thatbelieves it can alwaysestablish ownership inanother country byproving it used thetrademark or brand namefirst is wrong, and risksthe loss of these assets.

Julian ‘Rockstar’ Williams

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 23.

24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

AdviceV

Dear George,

I WAS MARRIED for twoyears before we eventuallywent our separateways. During themarriage, I encouraged myhusband to get avasectomy, and hedid. After he got the

procedure done, I changedmy mind about not havingchildren and begged himto go and have it reversed.This was to no avail.

He remarried not toolong after we separated,and lo and behold, hisnew wife is pregnant forhim. I asked him aboutit one day and he simply

said to me that maybethe child she is carryingis not his, and went hismerry way. I’mwondering if he in factwent and reversed theprocedure for her, or ifthere was any truth inwhat he said to me aboutthe child not possiblybeing his.

What am I to believenow? Men!

Disappointed

Dear Disappointed,

It would do you nogood to be worryingabout your ex-husbandand the affairs of hispresent marriage. Youdo not know the factssurrounding thepregnancy of his presentwife, and frankly, it isnot your business toknow. He has moved onand so should you.

George

Reversal orsomething else?

Dear George,

MY BOYFRIEND and I have been going back andforth over this girl whom I am convinced he isseeing behind my back. He has denied anyinvolvement with her and would get very angryanytime I bring it up.

Things came to head between us when, oneday, he came home to let me know that thewoman in question may need blood, and she hasasked him to assist. She has this rare bloodgroup, according to him, and there is no one elseshe can think of to ask but him.

I told him that if he granted her that request Iam gone for good. After all, he did say that hehad nothing to do with her. I think he has alreadygiven her his heart and now she wants his blood.Not on my watch!

No push over

Dear No push over,

Under normal circumstances, it would bereasonable to hold your boyfriend to the promisehe made, not to have anything to do with theindividual in question.

Having said that, it would be mature andhonorable of you to allow him to do this kind actfor another human being. It may surprise you todiscover that an attempt to save a life may beranked higher than an attempt to save arelationship.

Your boyfriend may grow to love you even morefor taking the high road by stepping aside andallowing him to make the blood donation.

George

Dear George,

I CANNOT GET mygirlfriend to cut the vibesshe has for this othergirl. I dismissed theremarks she made aboutliking the way this girl ather office looks and howshe would like to get toknow her ‘better’.

To cut a long storyshort, she began goingout with this girl, and

word is that she and thisgirl are sexuallyinvolved. I asked herabout it and sheadmitted to having afling with her to cool hercuriosity, but admittedthat she just could notstop. She now wants meto allow her to keep thegirl while going out withme. I told her if shewants to remain withme, the girl would have

to go. She is still with the

girl and we are stillarguing about it.

Disgusted

Dear Disgusted,

It is clear that yourgirlfriend wants to haveher cake and eat ittoo. You need to standyour ground and let her

know she cannot haveboth. A three-wayrelationship can be quiteproblematic and is notrecommended.

If your girlfriend cannot detach herself fromthis other girl, then youneed to make thedecision easier forher. Wish her well andbe gone.

George

A kind actquestioned

Competition from the same sex

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 25.

LeisureVACROSS

1.Masticate 5. Stage plays11. Helper12. Roman

goddessof the dawn

13. Greek goddess of strife

14. Straighten out15. Net fabric17. Ocean18. Newt19. Fruit20. Sash23. Grieved24. Money25. Disposed26. Slender bar27. Spasmodic31. On fire33. Drug‐yielding

plant34. Victor35. Festive

occasion36. Bean37. Paradise

DOWN

1.City in NW France

2. Rent3. Prepare for

publication

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Be careful not tosign your time or your cash away. Children orfriends may try to talk you into lending themmoney. You may need the space, but you needthe extra cash more. You don't owe anyone anexplanation. Do your own thing, you need timeto yourself.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Don't count oncorrespondence to clear up major problems. Seta limit on the amount you're willing to spend,and be sure to stick to it. New romantic partnerswill evolve through group endeavors; however,the association may not be likely to last. Youshould be raising your self‐esteem and confi‐dence in order to promote your work.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Partners may try toargue with you; however, you must stand yourground. You may find that purchases or enter‐tainment could be expensive. Don't rely on oth‐ers to do your work. Your partner may push but‐tons that infuriate you.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Do somethingtogether and you'll be surprised how sweet adeal you can make. You could experience unusu‐al circumstances and meet eccentric individuals.Get busy putting your place in order. Emptypromises are evident; therefore, get it in writing,to be safe.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Put your efforts intobeing creative. Mingle with those who can helpyou get ahead. Visit those less fortunate thanyourself; be sure to help them with their per‐sonal problems. Use your innovative mind tosurprise youngsters.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Keep yourthoughts to yourself for the time being.Compromise if you have to, to avoid verbal bat‐tles. You may find that someone you reallycared for in the past has come back into yourlife. Don't sign up for too many extra activitiesor you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) You can raise yourstandard of living if you pick up some free‐lance work on the side. Remember that noone can walk through your door if there'ssomeone standing in the doorway. New hair,new outfit, new you. Make changes aroundyour house and plan to do some entertaining.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Try to staycalm, and whatever you do, don't nag.Limitations will set in if you haven't followedthe rules. Problems with your partner areapparent. You will be in the mood to socialize.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Your emo‐tional partner will push all the right buttonsthis week. Try not to lose your cool, and makeyour point known. Kick your shoes off andrelax. Your lover may be annoyed if you havebeen flirtatious or not attentive to theirneeds.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You will havesplendid suggestions for fund raising events.You will have no problem getting your pointacross to those in a position to help you. Taketime to catch up on gossip and make plans todo a little adventure travel. You can open upto your mate and let them know what youexpect out of this relationship.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Use yourquick wit to win points with friends. You canset your goals and make a beeline for yourtarget. Trips will be exciting. You need moretime to think this whole situation through.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Do not expectothers to do your work. Invite friends in for avisit. Don't get talked into get rich quickschemes. You may have the opportunity toget involved in some interesting conversa‐tions.

4. Situated in the west

5. Intimidate6. Ladder step7. Curve8. Animal that

catches mice9. Debt that

remainsunpaid

10. Payment forregular

work16. If and only if19. Thick soup20. Illegible

handwriting21. Chinese

laborer22. Assisting23. Mineral

spring25. Cave27. Eldest son of

Noah

28. Dressed29. Gap30. Bring forth

young32. Oxlike

Africanantelope

LA

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WE

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’sS

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ION

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

InternationalVOctober 2:GandhiJayanti andInternationalDay of Non-Violence GANDHI JAYANTI is anational festivalcelebrated in India tomark the occasion ofthe birthday, October 2,of MohandasKaramchand Gandhi,internationally referredto as Mahatma Gandhiand revered in India asthe Mahatma (Father),leader of the IndianIndependenceMovement and pioneerof the philosophy andstrategy of Non-Violence.

The United NationsGeneral Assembly on15 June 2007, adopteda resolution -A/RES/61/271 - whichdeclared that 2 October will be celebrated asthe International Day of Non-Violence. It iscelebrated every year as an occasion to“disseminate the message of Non-Violence througheducation and public awareness.”

The UN Resolution reaffirms “the universalrelevance of the principle of Non-Violence,” and thedesire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance,understanding and Non-Violence.”

Introducing the resolution in the GeneralAssembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s thenMinister of State for External Affairs, Mr. AnandSharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorshipof the resolution was a reflection of the universalrespect for the Mahatma, and the enduringrelevance of his philosophy.

Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said:“Non-Violence is the greatest force at the disposalof mankind. It is mightier than the mightiestweapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity ofman.”

Presented by Elmore Gaymes

Mohandas Gandhi, inwhose recognition theInternational Day of Non-Violence is celebrated.

The sculpture Non-Violence byCarl Fredrik Reuterswärd, infront of UN headquarters atNew York City.

V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 27.

Goals galore as Inter-Community FootballLeague opens SIXTEEN GOALS ushered in the2017 Inter- Community FootballLeague, organised by the StVincent and the GrenadinesFootball Federation, whichopened last Sunday at theVictoria Park.

First to feast on the goalswas Central Kingstown, whohanded East Kingstown a 10-0drubbing.

Responsible for CentralKingstown heavy scoring were

Deomaji Samuel and CurlonJoseph, who both netted hat-tricks.

Samuel’s goals came in the24th, 56th and 78th minutes,while Joseph found the back ofthe nest in the 33rd, 67th and71st minutes.

Adding to the woes of EastKingstown were single strikesby Damal Francis, in the 4thminute, along with DonaldFerdinand in the 26th, a

penalty each fromErel Hector in the80th minute andKewon Clarkethree minuteslater.

More goals wereto follow whendefendingchampions Layouand arch-rivalsBarrouallie facedoff in the second

match of thedouble- headeron the night.

Layou,littered withnational players, wasstunned by the fast pacedBarrouallie unit.

Barrouallie ran out 5-1winners, as national player-Chavel Cunningham landeda beaver—trick, scoring in the11th, 34th, 78th and 83rdminutes. Ishan Adams addedBarrouallie’s fifth in the 90thminute.

Layou’s lone goal wasscored by another seniornational player- MyronSamuel, when he converted apenalty.

Nineteen teams, lodged in

four zones are contesting forhonours.

Making up Zone A areDiamonds, Greiggs,Marriaqua, North East andNorth Windward, with Zone Bcomprising Arnos Vale,Belfongo, Calliaqua, SouthEast and Sion Hill.

Bequia, Central Kingstown,West Kingstown and EastKingstown are in Zone C, withBarrouallie, Layou, NorthLeeward, Buccament andSouth Leeward comprisingZone D.

Apart from the VictoriaPark, matches during the

preliminary round arescheduled for the Brighton,Chili (Georgetown),Campden Park and Layouplaying fields, as well as the

Clive Tannis Playing Field inBequia.

At stake for the winningteam is $10 000.

In addition to the SeniorMen’s division, there will becompetition in the Under-11sopen, Under-14 Females,Under-16 Males, Under-18Males and Senior Women’sDivisions.

This is the second time forthe year, the Inter-CommunityLeague FootballChampionship is taking place,as the 2016 edition was stagedin 2017.

Rising Stars Swim team staying buoyant THE RISING STARSSwim, previously namedthe Bequia United SwimClub and Baracudas as acompeting team, isdetermined to see thatthe sport of Swimming iskept afloat on theGrenadine island ofBequia.

Formed in 2015following a swim clinicheld the previous year,and in response to theneed for a structuredapproach to the sport,the Rising Stars haveramped up amembership of over 40swimmers, and havecontested local swimmeets put on by the StVincent and theGrenadines SwimmingFederation.

Club Presdient,Tauran Ollivierre, saidthat overtime, the clubhas grown in all aspects.

He referred to theregular selection ofTavonte Forde, TyrellRagguette and SamariRagguette to the StVincent and theGrenadines team to theOrganisation of EasternCaribbean SwimChampionships andother regional meets,among the majoraccomplishments thusfar.

Ollivierre said that the“support of the parents”,along with assistancefrom the GrenadinesPartnership Fund, theMustique CharitableTrust, privateindividuals andbusinesses on the island,have contributedimmensely to moving theClub from being apredominantly openwater team, to becompetitive in the pool.

Not having regularaccess to a swimmingpool, Ollivierre said thatlimitation iscompensated for throughthe use of the ‘readilyavailable’ sea.

“We mimic by usingweights and practise overdistances to make theadjustments for whenthey go into the pool forcompetition, as it iseasier to float in the seathan in the pool,”Ollivierre explained.

And training sessionsare scheduled six times aweek.

“ We do training in theGingerbread area onTuesdays and Thursdaysfrom 3:30 pm and onSundays from 10:30am…Dry land training isdone at Paget Farm ,Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays from430pm,” Ollivierre

disclosed.In addition to

Ollivierre who serves ashead coach, trainingsessions are also directedby the beginners’ coaches

Martine Boitard andRanalda Ollivierre, andJonelson Compton, asthe other competitivecoach.

The long term aim of

the Rising Stars SwimTeam, which is a sub setof the Rising StarsSports Club, is to get aswimming pool of itsown.

Rising Stars Swim Team participants at the FLOW Invitational Swim Meet lastmonth at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre. Head coach and president- TauranOllivierre is at left.

Right: Chavel Cunninghamhit a beaver trick for formerchampions- Barrouallie.

Deomaji Samuel (left) and Curlon Joseph(right) both had hat-tricks in CentralKingstown’s 10-nil rout of East Kingstown.

East Kingstown’s Nikita Roberts makes a kick up field, asCentral Kingstown’s Geroni Peters, Dwayne Dennie and DamalFrancis are in close attendance.

28. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

SportsV

VINCENTIAN Tyesha James wasnamed the National JuniorCollegiate Athletic Association(NJCAA) Division three Athlete ofthe Week, by the United StatesTrack and Field Cross CountryAssociation (USTFCCA), for herperformance at theQueensborough CommunityCollege Cross Country

Invitational 5k, her first evercross-country race.

A freshman of theKingsborough CommunityCollege, James completed thedistance in a time of 21minutes 06.01 seconds, to besixth overall, but was the topfinisher for the NJCAA,among the 205 participants.

Seventeen-year-old James,with roots in Roseau, SionHill, competed againstathletes from Division two aswell, thus underlining herperformance in her debutouting.

James is one of fourVincentian athletes enrolled atKCC this semester.

Director of Athletics atKCC- Damani Thomas saidthat the performance of Jamesis encouraging, granted herinexperience.

In addition to James, otherVincentians enrolled at KCCare track and field athletesKailon Kirby, Rogike Thorpeand Shantal Rouse, and

basketballerConsoloEdwards.

Kirby,Thorpe andEdwardsjoined KCCin January 2016, while Rousestarted September of thatsame year.

ANDREW MAPP, one ofthe top junior athleteshere, is into a trainingregimen which he hopeswould lead to improvedresults in next year’sInter Schools Athletics(Track and Field)Championship.

The second form 12-year-old St Martin’sSecondary Schoolstudent copped twosilvers (100 and 200meters) and two golds(4x100 and 4x200 metersrelays) for his school inthe 2017 Inter-SchoolsChampionship.

In June 2017, Mappfinished first in the 60meters in his age group,when he competedagainst the best at theNorth America CentralAmerica and theCaribbean (NACAC)

Championship inTrinidad.

“I will compete in thejunior category nextyear, and I am workingtowards breaking the100, 200 and 400 metersrecord; but in order forme to achieve this, I willhave to continue to bededicated towardstraining, which is goingwell with my coachPamenos Ballantyne,”Mapp told THEVINCENTIAN this week.

Mapp is also expectedto compete in the longjump.

The young man,though, is alreadyresolved to workingtowards acquiring anoverseas scholarship.

“I am also workingtoward acquiring ascholarship which is

definitely part of mygoal, but this will dependon me keeping my gradesup, and once I do well, Ibelieve it will make animpact in my school andthe country, and I hope itwill serve as a role modelin this regard,” he said,

Mapp is grateful to hismother and coach forhaving guided him inboth his athletic andacademic progress todate.

Coach Ballantynerecognizes Mapp as anexceptional talent.

“Once I continue towork on his basic

training and histechnique, I have nodoubt he will improve…As he matures, I believehe will continue todominate his category.”

Ballantyne is alsopleased that, “Mapp isalso doing well in hisacademics,” and citesthis as a plus as heworks towards being arounded individual.

I.B.A.ALLEN

VINCENTIAN MikalQuashie is still the bestworld ranked CaribbeanMale Under-19 Squashplayer.

Quashie was in 20thposition with 32.33 points,when the World SquashFederation latest rankingswere declared.

His latest position is aslippage from his previous12th place.

Meanwhile, anotherVincentian, Kai Bentick, is inthe top 50 in the most recentrankings. Bentick is at 40th, the same placing asBarbadian — Josiah Griffith.

Victor Crouin of France holds down thenumber one spot on 113.3 points.

Among the females, Jada Ross is the bestranked Vincentian at number 82.

The highest ranked Female Caribbean Under-19 player is Barbadian Jada Smith-Padmore atposition 35.

Egypt’s Rowan Reda Araby is the world’snumber one ranked Female player.

THE ST VINCENTand the GrenadinesGymnastics Associationhas announced the firstever NationalGymnastics Team torepresent this country atregional andinternationalcompetitions for the2017-2018 season.

Those selected to thenational team areAbigail Deshong, SaskiaTruchot, Teya Garraway,Chiamaka Jackson,

Dakia Child, JasmineMcLawrence and MiracleDoyle. Alternates for theNational Team areCiara Jeffers, ArielFraser and Lau Browne.

The Association alsoannounced a JuniorDevelopmental NationalTeam comprised ofTrinity Brown, NiaForde, KallaiOuterbridge, SamaraHaynes, LydiaSutherland, ElizabethRalph and the lone male,

Zach McLawrence.These athletes are thosewho have been identifiedfor future places on thenational team.

The National Team isunder the direction ofLaPrise Williams, formerhead coach of Baylor’s(USA) intercollegiateathletics programme -acrobatics & tumbling.

Tyesha James

Vincentian cops NJCAAAthlete of the Week award

Andrew Mapp is bent ondominating his agegroup at next year’sInter-SecondarySchools AthleticsChampionship.

Pamenos Ballantyne,Mapp’s coach, isencouraged by hiscare’s attention to hisacademics.

Mapp looks for improvedperformance

Quashie: Stillthe bestranked

Mikal Quashie

NationalGymnastics team announced

Members of the first ever NationalGymnastics and NationalGymnastics Development teams.

Rain affects GreiggsSoftball Cricket

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 29.

SportsV

WEST INDIES lost to England in the fourth OneDay International via the Duckworth-Lewismethod. The stalemate brought out a revival thatthe team needed.

At 33 for 3, English fans envisioned a walkover. Even at 150 for 4 when Jason Mohamed fellfor 46, another familiar collapse was on thecharts. But there was Evin Lewis who went on torecord his highest score in One DayInternationals, and were it not for an injury, hewould have passed the 200 mark with ease.

The record breaking fifth wicket partnershipwith Jason Holder was spectacular.

Holder hit 77, and ended the innings withRovman Powell at 356 for 5.

England acted positively and enforced deeperreaction to pull the requirements in their favour.West Indies might have been less conscious of theweather and were perhaps anticipating the fulldistance.

There will not be widespread condemnation asis usually the case. There were moments ofblissful reflection. Lewis’ performance, wassupported by Alzarri Joseph with a five-wickethaul.

The West Indies produced a display ofextremes, but there are signs of a focused unit.Coach Stuart Law has a task on his hands. Andhe is not being aided by former West Indiesplayers. They delight in belittling theircompatriots in their quest for vengeance againstthe administration.

The feud between past players and the Boardhas been fuelled in recent years, and there is evera match handy. Reconciliation with the big nameplayers is not stopping the pull towardsantagonism. It extended to the political arenauntil leaders with more pressing agenda items tocontend with, reduced their agitation. It pays nopolitician to get embroiled in the administration ofsports.

Their role is to ensure economic progress. Andsport is a viable platform. Thereafter, they willhave the avenues to exert their influence. In anyevent, West Indies stands out as a symbol ofunity.

Until the leaders link the chains and maintainan economic base on which the region can beassured of genuine progress, manipulation will notbring stability.

Steps must be taken to harness the resources ofour region, including catering for the newgeneration. It can’t be hit and miss in our effortsto keep up with the requirements.

When the next World Cup is held, West Indieswill be in the mix. It will not matter how the pathis achieved. There is a version that fixtures mighthave been arranged to facilitate a directqualification for the West Indies. The next nearstruggler would have been Sri Lanka. But theemphasis was more on providing a target practicefor England in preparation for the Ashes.

The die has been cast. West Indies have to gofor it.

Evin highestDESPITE NOT enjoying thebest weather and playingconditions, four teamsmade the best of what wason offer to register wins inthe St Vincent Brewery/FLOW/ Sea Operations NarFren Dem Greiggs SoftballCricket Competition, atthe Greiggs CentralPlaying Field.

The slate of weekendmatches, though, got offto a bad start, as HardHitters and Gairy’sConstruction SimpleBoyz had their intendedmatch reset, as rainprevented any play.

But the showersstayed away to allowOperations Nar FrenDem to make 140/ for 5in their 17 overs againstWarriors CC. CeonPhillips top scored with45 and Kenford Collinscontributed 43 runs notout. Danroy Currencytook 2/26.

In reply, Warriors CC- 94 runs all out in 12.1overs, Shammon Hooper,led with 55, while. Keno

Matthews snared 3/13.Nar Fren Dem won by 46runs.

In Sunday’s firstmatch, Log EnterpriseSupreme Strikers battedfirst and were dismissedfor 82 in 17.1 overs;Darren John struck 31.Kenron Williams took3/17.

At their turn, CountryMeet Town-Outa Troublerushed to 83/4 in 9.4overs. Hitting the topscore of 41 was AsifHooper. Raffique Brownewas Supreme Strikers’best bowler, taking 2/12.

Also trumping wasStreet Fighters, who hadan 84-run win over FullyLoaded.

Led by 91 from the batof Lenroy Dalzell, StreetFighters powered theirway to 175/7 from themaximum 17 oversallotted because of a latestart.

Javil Harry picked off3/18, bowling for FullyLoaded, whose responsewas 91 all out in 12.3

overs. Javil Harry’s 37,was their best effort withthe bat, as Dalzell alsostarred with the ball,taking 3/14.

And, in another matchaffected by the adverseweather conditions,RSVG Police had time todismantle ExtremeStrikers by six wickets,in a 15 over affair.

Extreme Strikers were

hemmed in at 76/6 fromtheir 15 overs, withKevin Johnson striking34.Kenroy Martin wasRSVG Police’s mostsuccessful bowler, taking3/6.

RSVG Police took justeight overs to reach 77/4.Desron Maloney hit 50not out, while DariusThomas had 2/18,bowling for ExtremeStrikers.

RSVG POLICEMASTERS beatComputec Belfongo by 43runs to stretch theirunbeaten record in thisyear’s Masters 20/20Cricket Competition.

In one of the roundthree matches playedlast weekend, RSVGPolice Masters posted166 for 6 off 20 overs -Parnel Browne 42,Joseph Bascombe 30,Elgin Richards 26. FelixGreaves 2 for 23, DenisByam 2 for 42. ComputecBelfongo Masters repliedwith 123 for 9 off 20overs - Felix Greaves44, Sylvannus Morgan26. Elmore Alexander 5for 26.

In other results,Bequia CricketAssociation Mastersdefeated Marriaqua Masters by 6 wickets. Scores:Marriaqua Masters 112for 4 off 16 overs (oversreduced to 16 because ofrain) -Leroy Nanton 38,Ricky King 23 not out,Rohan Blake 2 for 10and Victor Williams 2 for17; Bequia CricketAssociation Masters 116

for 4 off 15 overs -Ronnie Gregg 41 not out,Leroy Nanton 2 for 16,Wendell Parris 2 for21.

Pastures Mastersdefeated Rudy’sElectrical BarrouallieMasters by 5 wickets.Scores: Rudy’s ElectricalBarrouallie Masters 66for 6 off 16 overs (oversreduced to 16 due to

rain) - Aaron Bentick 31,Rohan Ash 2 for 6,Lennox Samuel 2 for 8;Pastures Masters 68for 5 off 14.3 overs -Robbie Hackshaw 34,Rohan Ash 23, SamuelByam 2 for 7, AaronBentick 2 for 8.

Mustique CompanyMasters won from SionHill Masters by default.

The following games

were abandoned due torain: A R & G TruckingP’tani Mastersvs Stanley Browne’sStubbs Masters;Teachers Credit UnionNorth Masters vs KirkDaSilva’s LaCroixMasters; MustiqueCompanyMasters vs NorthLeeward Masters.

I.B.A.ALLEN

JUST FOR FUN and All Starsrecorded contrasting wins, butpersistent rain affected most of thescheduled matches in the NationalLotteries Authority TBPO 20/20Cricket Competition, last weekend.

Just for Fun beat Gomea Bombersby 4 runs. Just for Fun batted firstand made 76 all out in 13 overs.Julius London made 20. Bowling forGomea Bombers, Alwayne Quashietook 3 for 6. In reply, Gomea Bombersreached 72 in 16 overs. KesonWilliams made 20. Bowling for Justfor Fun, Julius London took 3 for 20and Roger Francois 4 for 20.

In the only other game played lastweekend, BOSVG All Stars defeated

Smart Snipers by 170 runs. All Starsmade 227 for 8 in 20 overs. RonAdams made 58, Godwin John 39,Kelly Murray and Glenroy Dasent 26each. Bowling for Smart Snipers,Oneil Sayers took 3 for 33 and EzrealBaptiste 2 for 39. Smart Snipersreached 57 in 17.1 overs in theirreply. Bowling for All Stars, DwayneWilliams took 3 for 18, Ron Adams 2for 7 and Kelly Murray 2 for 15.

The games, which were affected byrain were Computec Older Boys vs.Out Ah Trouble; Challengers vs. TopiFresh Top Shotters; and Nice RadioClinchers vs. Dipcon Road Warriors.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Asif Hooper hit 41,batting for CountryMeet Town OutaTrouble.

Shammon Hooper made55 for Warriors CC, in alosing cause.

RSVG Police maintainunbeaten record

TBPO results rained out

30. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIANV

INVITE PARTICIPATION IN TWO CONTESTS

1. NO TO THE BLOCKADE AGAINST CUBA

Participation: Children up to 16 years andAdults

Genres: Narrative, Poetry in English and/orSpanish, and Drawing

Text: Maximum of 2 pages (Format A-4)Drawings: Any technique and dimensionDeadline for Submissions: October 2, 2017

(May be extended)

2. IN REMEMBRANCE OF FIDEL

Participation: Children up to 16 years andAdults

Genres: Narrative, Poetry in English and/orSpanish, and Drawing

Text: Maximum 2 pages (Format 4-4)Deadline for Submissions: November 10, 2017

Submissions should be sent to the Embassy ofCuba at embajador@embacuba.cu) or to thePresident of the Association of Cuban Residents atcaridad904@gmail.com.

Originals of submissions are to be delivered tothe Embassy of Cuba or to the President of theAssociation of Cuban residents, Ariana Taylor-Israel.

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA TOST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

And

THE ASSOCIATION OF CUBAN RESIDENTSIN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 31.

ClassifiedsV

CASSANDRA ROBERTS

New Testament Church of God

Clare ValleySaturday 23rd

September, 2017

2:00 p.m.

AMELIA MALINA FERGUS

Light of Truth Church of God

7th DayMt. Greenan

Sunday September 24th, 2017

p.m.

VALARIE RICHARDS

Church Of Christ

BrightonSunday 24th September,

20172:00 p.m.

MAYTRAID BOYEA

Enhams Church of the

NazareneSaturday 23rd

September, 2017

2:00 p.m.

LENN HAMLETT LATHAM

Anglican Church

Mt. GrenanSaturday 23rd

September, 2017

3:00 p.m.

JESTINA THERESA LOUISA

SIMON

St. Matthias Anglican Church

at EveshamSeptember 25th, 20173:00 p.m.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 VOLUME 111, No.39 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

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

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byKENVILLE HORNE

THE ROYAL SVG PoliceForce is expected tointensify its crime fightingmeasures, following arecent upsurge in murdersand other violent crimeshere.

Word of this has comefrom Superintendent ofPolice Ruth Jacobs, Headof both the CriminalInvestigationDepartment (CID) andthe Anti-trafficking inPersons Unit.

Acknowledging thatthe recent spate ofmurders is of great

concern to thepolice as well as tothe citizens of St.Vincent and theGrenadines, SopJacobs told THEVINCENTIAN onMonday, “As aresult, we aremaking every effortto ensure that allthe systems wehave in place are upand running. Weare intensifying ourstrategies, ourintelligence, our

patrols and our tools ofdetection, to ensure thatwe have the situationunder control”.

SOP Jacobs,recognizing that crime isa social issue andtherefroe the policecannot “fight it alone”,appealed for all hands tocome on deck.

“We are calling thechurches to continue topray for the nation, weare asking members ofdifferent communities toprotect your communitiesand not to be aperpetrator of crime toyour own community,”she implored, adding acall to community groupsand Non-GovernmentalOrganizations (NGOs)tojoin with the police tohold discussions, andhelp persons to deal withmatters in a better way.

“We are willing towork hand in hand withdifferent organizations in

the communities tosensitize persons andeducate them as to howto resolve conflicts andthe causes of conflicts,”said Jacobs.

So far for the year,police have recorded 31

homicides, with thelatest victim beingVermont residentWendell ‘Grindy’ O’Neil,who was shot in broadday light just outside theLeeward Bus Terminal.

SOP Jacobs said that

presently they have notconsidered the death ofAndrew Roberts as ahomicide, but assuredthat as soon asinvestigations areconcluded in the matter,they will make a

pronouncement.Roberts was shot and

killed by Dale Lyttle,around 11 p.m. lastFriday in Casson Hill,during a hijackingattempt of Lyttle’s car.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

AS FAR AS IT relates tothe marijuana issue,Deputy Commissioner ofPolice Colin John sayscommonsense must beapplied in enforcing thelaw, and is appealing topolice officers tocontinue in this regard.

John made thecomment and appealwhile speaking withTHE VINCENTIAN lastweek Tuesday.

The DeputyCommissioner said hehad no fixed position onthe decriminalization ofmarijuana, adding, “Iam here to enforce thelaw, but while enforcingthe law, we have toapply commonsense andmake adequate use ofthe resources at ourdisposal.”

John made it clearthat marijuana relatedissues — use, possession,trafficking - were still

illegal as prescribed bythe Drug Prevention andMisuse Act, but for moreefficient use of policeresources, the Royal St.Vincent and theGrenadines Police Force(RSVGPF) have beendiverting its resourcestowards the solving ofmore serious crimes,including possession oflarge amounts ofmarijuana and harderdrugs.

The DeputyCommissioner explainedthat this is not a writtenpolicy of the PoliceForce, but is pursued forthe expedient buteffective use ofresources. He noted thatif a person is found inpossession of a verysmall amount ofmarijuana such as fivegrams and under, thepolice do not normallymake an arrest.

“This does not meanthat if someone is seen

smoking a cannabiscigarette, the policewould not make anarrest if he/she showsdisrespect or disregardto the police or lawfulauthority,” John said.

Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves is alsoon record as saying thatpersons are no longerarrested for possessionof very small amounts ofmarijuana, once thosepersons do notdisrespect lawfulauthority while inpossession of the herb.

A more soberapproach to themarijuana issue has alsobeen taken from aprosecutorial standpointin recent years.

Senior prosecutorAdolphus Delpleche, ona number of occasions,has withdrawn chargesfrom persons whopleaded not guilty topossession of very smallamounts of marijuana.

Defence lawyer GrantConnell, a staunchadvocate for thedecriminalization ofmarijuana, hasrepeatedly called for thedrug laws to beamended to allowpersons to have certainamounts of marijuana intheir possession. He hasalso called for aticketing system forpersons caught withsmall amounts ofmarijuana.

POLICE TO INTENSIFYCRIME FIGHTING MEASURES

Deputy COP: We have to apply common sense

Deputy Commissionerof Police Colin Johnreiterated, in the faceof some relaxation bythe police, thatmarijuana was still aprohibited drug.

SOP Ruth Jacobs, Headof the CriminalInvestigationDepartment (CID), haspromised anintensification of thePolice Force’s crimefighting measure inresponse to the recentspate of violent crimeshere.