FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 VOLUME 107, No.14 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A DISCUSSIONFACILITATED by LIME, oneof this country’s twointernet service providers,has thrown up somerevealing information withrespect to internet usehere.

In keeping with itsintention to encourageproper and safe use ofthe internet, LIME helda discussion at NewAdelphi SecondarySchool, WednesdayMarch 27, with over sixtystudents from Form 1 to5.

The students weredescribed as being “openand enthusiastic,”especially in sharingabout their use of socialmedia.

LIME, in a releaseearlier this week,reported that almost100% of the studentsrevealed that “they lieabout their age and donot use their correctnames.”

The students admitted

that seductive names like‘bootylicious’,thug/gangster names like‘Killah’, photos for boysand girls, “are a must ifyou want to attract a lotof friends.”

And when asked why

those names and photos,the overwhelmingresponse from thestudents was, “becauseyou don’t want to attractboring people.”

One vibrant youngman proudly admitted

that he hadover 1500friends onFacebook, andit is allbecause of hisprofile nameand photo.

Continued on Page 3.

BICKLES, THE FAST FOOD OUTLET renownedfor its tasty Jamaican patties, among otherCaribbean culinary delights, is closing its GrenvilleStreet, downtown, branch.

In a release made available to the media onWednesday, Bickles notified that effective SaturdayApril 6th 2013, “Bickles Grenville Street will beclosed.. .”

The closure, according tothe release, was in keepingwith a decision by thelocally owned company to“consolidate our operations

Continued on Page 3.

LIMEMarketingManager,NikalaWilliams,engagingstudents in adiscussionthatuncoveredhonest butstartlingfindings.

INTERNETMISUSEABOUNDSAMONGSTUDENTS

Bickles closes downtown branch

The new look uptownBickles outlet that promisesto provide the highestquality in products, service

and value to customers.

A section of the students of the AdelphiSecondary School, who were involved in thediscussion.

FashionV 2. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

by KARISSA CLARKE

DESPITE THE RAIN THAT SHOWERED THE ARNOSVALE PLAYING FIELD LAST SUNDAY, MARCH 31, MijePersonal Development and Advertising Agency,steadfast and organized, saw its ‘Fashion Bliss -Caribbean Couture’ to a fitting climax.The fashionblitz featured the work of some 10 local and regionaldesigners, displayed by a cast of 80 models, all ofthis after, as promised, the children frolicked in themany side attractions organized specially for them.

The Designs

The designs on display were varied in style,colour and market focus. Kids Town, showcasingthe junior models, offered designs that werevibrant and full of colour. Managed and operatedby Jean Hinds, Kids Town teased with fashion forthe youngsters with cute and comfortable outfits.

Charity Gorman, originally of Nigeria,showcased her diverse background and heritagewith dresses that made impacting use of ethnicpatterns and feels throughout, while Pixie JDesigns by Vincentian Julesia Alexander featureddarker, vibrant colours and interesting dresssilhouettes.

Janay Raymond, on stage as ‘Feelo’ J, wooedthe crowd with both swimwear and multihueddresses, and Miracle Hands Designs of Guyana,highlighted the handiwork of Carol Fraser.KaiDesign and Production brought ‘fun and flirty’feels to the fashion on stage with bright funcolour combinations. Shari Ollivierre-Osborn ofWadada Beads, as though to complement theenticing clothing lines on show, offered up hand-

crafted beaded jewelry in an array ofcolours with a lighthearted feel.

The Andrew Harris Collection gave acontemporary twist to men’s wear with theuse of colour and prints in the tailoredgarments. Kimmystic Clo, one of thiscountry’s leading design houses, did notdisappoint. The sense of style portrayed ineach piece was fun, vibrant and oozedclass. The 80 models who graced the stagewere all creatively and appropriately madeup by Ellon Douglas-Cato, Amirh Dennieand Kimesha Llewellyn, with hair stylingprovided by Ubiquitous Ltd.

Mije rebrands

All together, the show evoked supportive andspontaneous support from the crowd who stayedthe course.

Jean Johnney-Findlay, Director of MijePersonal Development and Advertising Agencyand Executive producer of Fashion Bliss,expressed satisfaction and a sense ofaccomplished with the show.

“Mije is rebranding the show; we’re growingand evolving and we feel that Fashion Bliss is thedirection in which we want to go,” Johnney-Findlay said in reference to the Carnival Catwalkshows for which her Agency had becomerenowned. It was clear that the ExecutiveProducer was especially pleased with her team’sability to press on and make the show happen,despite the weather conditions. -

Fashion Bliss:Altogether impressive

(L-R) Designs by Feelo Je, Pixie J and Andrew Harris.

This model struts her stuff as the audience looks onattentively.

by KENVILLE HORNE

ST VINCENT AND THEGRENADINES (SVG)won gold for the ‘BestPublic Relations (PR)Strategic Campaign’labelled ‘Digital Detox’,at the CIMTIG TravelMarketing Awards 2013,held in London.

“Four bgb”, the publicrelations, marketing andadvertising company forthe SVG TourismAuthority (SVGTA),covering the UnitedKingdom and Europeanmarkets, designed acampaign labelling SVGas a laid-back alternativeto high-tech destinations.The initiative usedresearch to promote the32 islands and cays as aplace for people to switchoff and relax. De-techbecomes the new Detox.

St. Vincent and theGrenadines created the‘de-teching’ concept andcoined the term ‘DigitalDetox’ which has now

become a well-knownvacation style around theglobe. The campaign waslaunched in January2012 to create even morecompelling reasons fortravelers to journey toSt. Vincent and theGrenadines. The DigitalDetox holiday wasbranded as a holiday todeal with the modernday ‘addiction’ to gadgetsand technology, and hasresonated extremely wellwith a global audience,not just UK consumers.Consumer researchshowed that 77% of

people thought they’d benicer people and havebetter relationships ifthey used theirtechnology less.

Positioned as anescape from the modernday addiction to gadgetsand technology, thecampaign was packagedand sold by tour operatorpartners, leveragedacross all forms of media,generating over 85 piecesof print and onlinecoverage.

According toCaribbean News Now,Glen Beache, SVGTACEO, described the winas “a wonderful

achievement for StVincent and theGrenadines, furthercementing our appeal asan authentic Caribbeandestination where thenatural beauty, laid backvibe and friendly peopleoffer visitors the perfectbackdrop for switchingoff, slowing down andrecharging batteries.”

The Travel MarketingAwards is seen as theonly travel industryevent of its kind, whichrecognizes marketingexcellence in the travelindustry. (Source:Caribbean News Now)

V News 3THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 3.

Bickles closes downtown branchContinued from Page 1.

into a single outlet, to ensure we satisfy ourmandate to our invaluable customers into theforeseeable future.”

As such, therefore, Bickles will now operate oneoutlet in Kingstown, through its new look locationon the corner of Halifax and Egmont Streets.

Bickles, recognizing that the closure of itsdowntown branch means that some staff will bemade redundant, has assured that those displacedworkers seeking new, alternative employment cancount on the company for referrals. Indications arethat eight persons will be so affected.

In appreciation of the support Bickles downtownenjoyed, patrons visiting the branch between 9 amand 12 noon tomorrow, Saturday, can expect somegestures of appreciation.

Continued from Page 1.

Some students admitted that they use Facebookto get back at a schoolmate or to “reveal the truth”about them, and that there have been instanceswhen explicit photos of or demeaning statementshave been posted about another student.

This appalling fact registered profound concernwith the LIME team, headed by MarketingManager — Nikala Williams.

She made a passionate plea to the students to“Stop the internet bullying,” and cautioned themthat misuse of the internet and social sites is notonly illegal, but also unethical.

“The damage caused by this sort of slander cannever be erased,” advised Ms Williams.

“Ask yourself this question: Would you like foranyone to embarrass you in front of a large crowd ofpeople? If you are a victim or know of anyone whois a victim, speak to a trusting adult immediately, ”concluded Ms Williams.

In other data collected at the session, almost100% of the students admitted to having aFacebook account and 50% a Twitter account. Morethan 75% of the students log onto Facebook at leastonce per day, but sadly, only 10% of the studentsutilize the internet for educational purposes.

Further investigation will reveal whether therevelations of students at the Adelphi SecondarySchool are representative of what obtainsnationally.

Whatever the degree to which it is, LIME admitsthat this preliminary finding is a “cause forconcern,” and “must be paid attention to not only byteachers, but parents also.”

The winds of Argyleby BEN HARRISONInternational Correspondent

CRITICS OF THE LOCATION chosenfor the Argyle International Airport(and through the years there havebeen many), have included pilotsand amateur meteorologists, whohave condemned the location for itsunpredictable cross winds and the

negative impact on the safeoperation of aircraft.

When it comes to planning aproject as mammoth as aninternational airport, there is noroom for assumptions or secondguessing, especially when livesmay be at stake.

Scientific wind studies in anyairport development planning arefundamental considerations inlocation decision-making. TheArgyle International Airport wasno exception. As early as August,2005, Prime Minister Dr. RalphGonsalves, in a speech entitled‘The International Airport atArgyle’, given at the MethodistChurch Hall, addressed thatspecific concern, stating that earlystudies had concluded that crosswinds would have no effect on theoperation of large or medium sizejet aircraft, and that the Argylesite from an engineeringstandpoint was suitable for anInternational airport.

Dr. Gonsalves further statedthat even though the cross windfactor would pose no problem forlarge or medium jets, if furtherwind studies indicate cross windgusts in excess of 17-20 knots,that would reduce the usability ofthe runway for smaller aircraft,plans will quickly be developed toconstruct a shorter cross windrunway at minimal cost.

In order to obtain more precisewind data, the InternationalAirport Development Company(IADC) began collecting wind datain March 2006 from three wind

measurement stations at Argyle.They are located at the northernand southern ends and midpointof the runway.

Results from the analysis of thedata collected to date show thatthe predominant winds at Argyleare from the East-North-East andEast, with an average intensitythat does not exceed 15 knots. Thewind speed and directionrepresent an even smaller crosswind component that favours thetakeoff and landing of aircraft.

In conclusion, the analysis todate shows that there is nosignificant cross wind componentto necessitate the construction ofa cross wind runway. IADC hasstated however, that if at anytime ongoing wind analysisindicates the need for a runway toaccommodate the smallest planes,it will be built in line with thegovernment’s mandate for andcommitment to airport safety.

SVG wins gold

CIMTIG Travel Marketing Awards logo.

Left: Glen Beache, SVGTA CEO, described the winas a wonderful achievement. (Photo Credit:Nelson King, New York)

Internet misuse aboundsamong students

One of three wind monitoringstations at the ArgyleInternational Airport.

ENOCH GEORGE, 20, of Rockies and two 15-year-old boys were placed on a dusk to dawncurfew when they appeared at the SeriousOffences Court this week, charged with therobbery of a school teacher.

The trio is accused of robbing Shelly-AnnGreaves, a teacher at the Dorsetshire Hill PrimarySchool, on March 27.

They reportedly used a knife to force Greaves togive up one red and black Samsung cellular phonevalued EC$100, one red and black purse valuedEC$80, containing a sum of EC$785 in cash, and aquantity of documents.

The three are also charged with assaultingShelly-Ann Greaves, assaulting Shineka Gibson, a20-year-old secretary of Dorsetshire Hill, andassaulting Severne Gibson, a 30-year-old cook ofDorsetshire Hill. The offences are reported to haveoccurred at the Dorsetshire Hill Primary School.

The youngsters were not required to pleadwhen they faced Chief Magistrate Sonya Youngand were each granted bail in the sum of $5,000with one surety, with reporting conditions, andplaced on curfew from 6 pm. to 6 a.m.

They were also ordered not to go within 100yards of the Dorsetshire Hill Primary School and

not to contact the complainants. A PreliminaryInquiry is slated for August 5 and 6.

4. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

CourtsV

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

THE JOVIAL disposition andcaring attitude of the lateAuxillary Police Constable Alban‘Perkins’ Gabriel, will long beremembered by his family,friends and co-workers.

Gabriel, who had beenattached to the SeriousOffences Court, died suddenlylast Saturday after collapsingat the Bottle and Glass beachin his home town ofBarrouallie, just afterreturning from a fishingexpedition around 2 p.m.

He was taken to the MiltonCato Memorial Hospital wherehe was pronounced dead.

An autopsy conducted onWednesday showed that hedied from a heart attack.

Gabriel’s niece, DebraGabriel, who was on the beachwhen her 61-year-old unclereturned from open sea, toldTHE VINCENTIAN he pulledup his boat and washed itdown before collapsing.

“I rubbed him down withrubbing alcohol and heard himgasp twice. He wasspeechless,” Debra related.

She indicated that before heruncle was taken to the MiltonCato Memorial Hospital, shetook him to the Barrouallieclinic but that facility wasclosed.

Monica Williams, Gabriel’scommon-law wife of some 39years, described Gabriel as“more than a husband.”

“He was a nicefellow, caring, he didn’tleave his home alone,he took care ofeverybody. I feel sadbecause nothing didn’tdo him. He left homegood the same morning.He was in a jovialmood. He was alwaysjovial”, Williams said.

Leandra Berkley, thefourth of Gabriel’s sixchildren and theyoungest of his threedaughters, said hermost memorable andcherished experiencewith her father waswhen he walked herdown the aisle on herwedding day.

“He was a goodfather. He never left is

up and he loved hisgrandchildren. I will be sad fora very long time,” Leandrasighed.

Police officers attached tothe Serious Offences Courtwere shocked when they heardof Gabriel’s death, as he hadleft the processing office at the

Central Police Station forhome on March 28, in hisusual jovial mood.

Gabriel will be buried onSunday, April 14 atBarrouallie following a serviceat the Kingdom LifeMinistries at Keartons,Barrouallie.

JAE-PHAQUELEWIS, a 22-year-old tailor fromDiamond, will returnto the SeriousOffences Court May23, on charges offalsely misrepre-senting himself to bePrime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves, theperson responsiblefor signing theCaricom skillscertificates, andusing a copy of afalse instrument, towit — one Caricomskills certificate.

Reports are thatLewis signed thedocument,misrepresentinghimself to be theP.M, at his home inDiamond, and gaveit to his brother whoused it to leave thestate betweenDecember 1 and 31,2012. Investigationsled to Lewis’ arrest.

Lewis pleaded not guilty to both charges when hefaced Chief Magistrate Sonya Young at the SeriousOffences Court on Wednesday, and was granted bail inthe sum of $5,000 with one surety.

Attorney Grant Connell appeared on his behalf.Police are continuing their investigation.

Alban Gabriel will long beremembered for his caringattitude.

Serious Offencescourt loses stalwart

Some of Alban Gabriel’s family members (from left) Debra Gabriel, Monica Williams, LeandraBerkley and step-daughter Donna Lyscott.

A MAN charged with the attempted murder of awoman was denied bail when he appeared at theSerious Offences Court on Wednesday, afterprosecutor Inspector Adolphus Delplecheobjected, stating that the victim was stillhospitalized.

Ivan James Samuel, a 38-year-old labourer ofDiamonds/South Rivers, is charged with theattempted murder of Sherlene Hackshaw ofBelair.

Hackshaw was reportedly stabbed with an ice-pick during an incident at Bedford Street,Kingstown, March 30.

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young remandedSamuel until the next two weeks when the courtis expected to get a report on the victim’scondition and review Samuel’s bail. APreliminary Inquiry (PI) is slated for July 17.

Samuel had initially appeared at theKingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Hewas not required to plead and the matter wastransferred to the Serious Offences Court.

Labourer remandedon attempted murder charge

Youths charged with robbing teacher

Man charged withforging PM’s signature

Jae-Phaque Lewis is chargedwith misrepresenting himselfto be PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 5.

RegionalV

The Caribbean Court ofJustice (CCJ), hearing aclaim brought byJamaican ShaniqueMyrie against theBarbadian Government,wrapped up its sitting inBarbados, March 21,2013.

Myrie had claimedthat she wasdiscriminated against byimmigration officials,and subjected to anunwarranted cavitysearch, when she arrivedat the airport inBarbados on March14, 2011.

And just whenBarbadian authoritieswere beginning tobreathe a sigh of reliefand some commentatorssay, look to a CCJdecision with optimism,the country has sufferedanother damning

indictment.A Jamaican female

letter writer to theJamaica Gleanernewspaper Sunday,March 31, 2013, hasalleged that she wassubjected to unnecessaryharassment by aBarbadian policemanstationed at the GrantleyAdams InternationalAirport, when shearrived in that country,March 28, to spend theEaster weekend with herdaughter, who isstudying law at the CaveHill campus.

The letter writer alsoclaimed that she wasapproached by anotherman “wearing the poloshirt of their drug-enforcement authority.”

She allegedly resistedinstructions to enter aninterrogation room,

mindful, she wrote, aboutthe experience ofShanique Myrie.

What is startlingabout the claim by theletter writer is that shehas been a regularvisitor to Barbados,having visited thatcountry on at least sixoccasions in the recentpast.

According to her, “theonly profile criteria Icould fit to warrant thisharassment are that I’mJamaican, female andtravelling alone.”

There was noindication up to presstime about whether ornot the female involvedhad lodged or hadintentions to lodge, anofficial complaint with oragainst the Barbadosauthorities.

‘Barbados not safe’

And as if that was notenough for the Caribbeancountry to endure,British MP StephenMcPartland has called onhis country’s ForeignOffice to issue a travelerwarning for visitors toBarbados.

In his call made onMarch 26, 2013,McPartland called for theForeign Office to declarethat Barbados is “not asafe place” until the localpolice properlyinvestigate the rape oftwo British women.

The two womenconcerned are Dr RachelTurner and DianeDavies. They were rapedwithin days of each otherin 2010 and,interestingly, went on to

help free a man whopolice said was therapist, despite the lackof any supportingevidence.

In an interview withthe BBC, McPartland,Dr Turner’s MP, said:“I firmly believe thatBarbados is not a safeplace for Britishwomen to travel to asthere is a rapist on theloose. The police havefailed to reopen thecase and they have failedto get Rachel justice.

“The Foreign Officeshould update theirtravel advice and make itclear that Barbados isnot a safe place to traveland warn British touriststo stay away.

“Maybe then, theauthorities in Barbadoswill make the policereopen the case and findthis rapist.”

McPartland’s concernscome about a week aftera couple visiting fromBritain were shot inbroad daylight on astreet in the island’s

capital, Bridgetown,during a robbery.

Barbados, one of theCaribbean’s more‘developed’ economies, isreliant on tourism as itsprincipal foreignexchange earner.

Observers hope thatthe ‘bad press’ will nothurt an alreadyburdened economy.(Reference: Caribbean360 News, JamaicaGleaner)

THE RECENTLY electedNew National Party(NNP) government in themulti-island state ofGrenada, Carriacou andPetit Martinique, hasannounced its intentionto consider casinogambling on mainlandGrenada.

The Dr. KeithMitchell-led government

has cited the move asbeing a boost for theeconomy; helping in theprocess to create muchneeded employment.

Grenadians have beenawe-struck, not becausethere has not beenongoing debate on theissue, but because of howsoon after his election,Dr. Mitchell has madeknown his and hisparty’s position on theissue.

While former PrimeMinister TillmanThomas and his NationalDemocratic Congressgovernment had openlyand vehemently rejectedthe idea, Dr. Mitchell,while leader of theopposition, refused onmore than one occasionto state his position ofthe issue.

His and hisgovernment’s positioncomes but one monthsince their electionvictory.

The Prime Ministercould well have a fighton his hand, as inprevious national debateon the issue, the

Churches were steadfastin their opposition tocasino gambling, andcould be expected toreignite that challenge ifand when Dr. Mitchellmakes his move on theissue.

In another issue ofnational proportions inthat Caribbean state, thePrime Minister hasmoved to assureGrenadians that plansare in the making tohave wiretapping

legislation in placewithin a few months, toassist with the fightagainst crime.

“The legislation willprovide for wire tappingto only be done to assistin crimes related to drugtrafficking, terrorism andother forms of criminalactivities; it will never befor the use of monitoringpeople’s private life,” saidMitchell who is also theMinister of NationalSecurity.

FOUR CUBANrefugees,presently indetention in theTurks andCaicos Islands(TCI) have sewnup their mouthsand have hadphotographstaken andreleased to themedia.

They arerefusing foodand water.

All this is,according to reports, in an attempt to have the TCIauthorities release them.

The TCI Minister of Immigration, Don-HueGardiner, addressed this issue but did not shedany light on how the government was handling thehunger strikers, how they obtained needles andthread, and they had their photographs taken andreleased to the media.

The case of the four comes on the heels of amatter involving 16 Cuban refugees, who fled theTCI while on bail. It is believed that the 16escaped by speed boat to the USA, via TheBahamas.

The picturesque Chamberlain bridge in brigetwon, Barbados, oneof the attractions for the thousands of visitors to that countryevery year.

Cubans onhunger strike

The four Cuban refugees withtheir mouths sewn closed aspart of an ongoing hungerstrike.

British MP StephenMcPartland doesn’tthink Barbados is asafe place for women.

Barbadosfeelingsome strain

ÂCasino gambling forGrenada,Ê says PM

A previous move to introduce casino gambling inGrenada was opposed by the Churches.

Dr. Keith Mitchell, PrimeMinister, waited untilhis return togovernment to makeknown his support ofcasino gambling.

6. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

NewsV

by KENVILLE HORNE

Editor’s note: We had promised thispiece in our last issu,e but because ofcertain circumstances were unable todo so. We are pleased to carry it inthis issue.

THE NAME EBENEZER JOSHUA is ahousehold name in SVG. He isremembered as being the first ChiefMinister of SVG, and for his fight inadvancing the cause of the poor andmarginalized.

However, many persons are stillpuzzled about who or where areJoshua’s offspring. During aremembrance service for the lateleader, at the Kingstown Cemetery,Tuesday, March 19, two of ET Joshua’schildren were in attendance: hisdaughter La Fleur Johnson and son,Dr. Michael Joshua. THE

VINCENTIAN newspaper spokebriefly with Michael Joshua for aninsight into his father’s legacy.

Michael currently resides inVirginia, USA, having retired as aprofessor at the Virginia StateUniversity.

According to Michael, his father had5 children with his first wife, oneadopted daughter and 2 outside ofwedlock.

Michael’s mother was GaytherGeorge, a Vincentian of Grenadiandescent.

He described his father as a greatteacher, who kept him at home foralmost two years in order to teachhim, “because he didn’t like the schoolin the village. He would go out toteach in the day and in the evening, Ihad my lessons,” Michael revealed.

Joshua returned to St. Vincent in1951 after ten years living abroad,including in Trinidad where he becamea student of Uriah Buzz Butler, arenowned Trade Unionist.

He was first elected to this country’sassembly in 1951. In 1952 he foundedthe People’s Political Party (PPP),considered a socialist-oriented party,given its stance in favour of politicalindependence and agitation for theimprovement of working conditionsand wages. From 1957—1967 Joshuawas Chief Minister.

It was during this period thatMichael began losing touch with hisfather. He said one of his father’schallenges in Government wasworking with a weak civil service.Michael thought it was best to advancehimself to help his father. He traveledabroad in 1960 with the intention ofstudying economics, so that he couldreturn to help his father in matters ofnational governance, “but I got side-tracked and never returned and he

never encouraged me to,”confessed the youngerJoshua. He said his fatherwould, later in his life,apologize to him for thefracture in theirrelationship..

Joshua’s legacy

Michael said prior to hisfather’s time in government, itwas difficult for Vincentians. It was,according to Michael, a case ofgoverning on behalf of “one third of thepopulation, while two thirds of thepopulation was disinherited, and thatwas a problem that Joshua took up.

“The period that he lived in was onein which the people of St.Vincent hadno say in the government, and he atall turns, tried to put something on thetable that those who were governinghad to listen to. He pushed thefrontier to have a say in how we weregoverned,” Michael continued.

Michael recognized that peopleremember his father for enablingbetter education for all Vincentians, bybuilding schools.

“People have mentioned thequestion of Schools. Schools areimportant, he wanted people to beeducated, but basically theGovernment system is what he wasinterested in. He wanted to changethe system because it was arbitrary.Right now we have a chance, in thosedays we didn’t have a choice,” Michaelelucidated.

He said his father was willing tostick his neck out, despite his family’sefforts to talk him out of it. “He waswilling to stand alone in a time whenyou should protect yourself and yourfamily. He was willing to sacrificethose things,” acknowledged the youngJoshua.

Joshua a National hero?

In 1967, the PPP lost theirparliamentary majority and

Joshua was succeeded by Milton Cato,leader of the Saint Vincent and theGrenadines Labour Party (SVGLP).Joshua remained in parliament, butthe PPP began to decline as the NewDemocratic Party emerged as politicalcompetition.

In 1979, the PPP lost allparliamentary representation, and theparty was dissolved in 1984.

In 1980, Joshua became a memberof The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints. He died inKingstown, on 14th March, 1991.

The ET Joshua Airport at ArnosVale is named in his honour, and hisname is currently one of those on thelist of contenders for national herostatus.

On the question of his father beingelevated to national hero, Michaelsaid, “ I think the people of SVGshould be involved in selecting anational hero. They should select anumber of persons and say, these areour candidates, and vote on who theywant to enter the hall of heroes. Theperson with majority votes should beaccepted, but now is not the time tosay I want Joshua, or I wantMcIntosh. These guys have gonebeyond the call of duty. Joshua wasstanding on McIntosh’s shoulder;without Mc Intosh there might nothave been any Joshua.”

THE ROYAL ST.VINCENTand the Grenadines PoliceForce Coast Guard hasrecognized Commander TyroneJames, who has proceeded onpre-retirement leave, for hiscontribution to thedevelopment of theorganization.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2013,at a ceremony held at theCalliaqua Coast Guard Base,Acting Commander of theCoast Guard, Brenton Cain,presented Commander James,the Coast Guard’s secondVincentian commander, with aplaque and thanked him forserving St.Vincent and theGrenadines with distinction.

Ag. Commander Cainlauded Commander James andformer Coast Guard

Commander, David Robin, forlaying the foundation at theCoast Guard “that has madelife easier for those serving theorganization at the presentmoment.

“Commander James hasmade a tremendouscontribution to thedevelopment of the CoastGuard. He was responsible forputting most of the systems inplace that we are using,” saidAg.Commander Cain.

Commander James took thehelm of the Coast Guard inOctober 2005 until hissecondment to the RegionalSecurity System (RSS) in2007. He returned to the RoyalSt.Vincent and the GrenadinesPolice Force in January 2013,where he served as the

Director of Training untilMarch 31, 2013.

Commander James,delivering brief remarks,expressed thanks to the CoastGuard for remembering him.He also pointed out theimportance of recognizingpeople for the contributionthat they have made.

“I am hoping that otherpersons will be recognized….Ihope you all achieve yourwishes and your dreams,” saidCommander James.

He is credited withintroducing a number ofprogrammes, among them theYouth Development SummerProgramme in 1994, and theBasic Seamanship Course,2006, as part of the CoastGuard’s strategic approach.

Commander James is agraduate of the St. Martin’sSecondary School and waspart of a formidable team oftrack and field athletes fromthat institution in the 1970s.He was also a member of thetrack team of the Sion Hill

Sports and CulturalOrganization which dominateddistance running, both on thetrack and the road in the1970s and 1980s. (Source:RSVG Police Force PublicRelations.)

It is anticipated that Ebenezer T.Joshua will be elevated to nationalhero status, in time to come to come.(Photo credit: Keesemoore Moore)

Coast Guard recognizesCommander Tyrone James

Commander James accepts a plaque of appreciation fromActing Commander of the Coast Guard, Brenton Cain.

Left: Dr. Michael Joshuaspoke of his fathersacrificing attention for hisfamily so as to lead thestruggle on behalf of themajority of Vincentians.

A Joshua speaksabout E.T. Joshua

by HAYDN HUGGINS

SVG Players International Mas Band will join inthe heightening of the awareness about thestruggles and the impact of the Garifuna on theCaribbean civilization with its 2013 production, ‘TheGarijuna story’.

The production will be launched on Saturday atMahogany Square, Richmond Hill, at 6 p.m.

The band’s artistic director and designer, Julian‘Pelling’ Pollard, told THE VINCENTIAN, onWednesday, “This year’s production is abovewinning or losing. It is about the country’s nationalpride. We need to reconnect with the Garifunapeople.”

The veteran masman explained, “Chatoyer is thiscountry’s first national hero, but many people do notknow the magnitude of the importance of what

Chatoyer did, and are not aware that the Garifunapeople who were exiled from St. Vincent to Belizeand Honduras managed to survive and flourish, sonow you have Garifuna all along the CentralAmerican coast and in the Metropolitan countries.”

Pollard stressed that the Garifuna in St. Vincenthad kept the British at Bay for over 25 years.

The production features 12 sections includingArawaks and Calinagoes, Spirit of Ashanti, Birth ofa Nation (Garifuna), Cotton, Treaty of Parish, War,Exile, Sugar, Cassava, Garifuna Drummers, Puntarock, and the UNESCO award.

The band is catering for 800 masqueradersincluding 200 children.

SVG Players International won the Band of theYear title on four consecutive occasions (2006-2009)and placed second in 2011 and 2012.

The band intends to do a video documentary of

this year’s production so that it would be put onrecord, both from the costume and story standpoint.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of theBand of the Year Competition.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 7.

Carnival Heat VPlayers launches Garifuna story

War -ParamountChief (male)

Callinago(boys andgirls)

Cotton Buds(female)

THE GATHERING STORM stirred up byAdrian Fraser’s revelation of the case for McIntosh, by itself, is almost enough to see Mcthrough as a National Hero.

The resurrection of public celebration at thegrave-side of Joshua to mark 22 years since hisdeath, has raised hopes that Joshua, too, islikely to be politically sanctified.

Present at the ceremony were a governmentspokesman, René Baptiste, who heads thescreening committee on national heroism; NoelJackson, trade unionist and member of the ULPexecutive; Bishop Johnny Jones of the SpiritualBaptists, and Dr. Michael Joshua, son, and LaFleur Johnson, a daughter, of Joshua.

Strange how shop keeping these days. In2005, this author noted that the MarriaquaN.D.P election candidate had been a Catosupporter, even bearing two children for him.That piece of news was struck out for whateverreason. At Joshua’s memorial there was a boldfront page print out of Joshua’s son anddaughter bearing different surnames!

Dr. Parmenos Eustace is a doubtful starter,but we will wait and see how things pan out.Much depends on the advocacy of ParnelCampbell.

On the other hand, this columnist does notfancy the chances of Milton Cato to make thegrade. On any objective analysis, he is just notup to it. His curriculum vitae is found wanting.

In any event, we can make do with threeNational Heroes for the foreseeable futures.Others will naturally emerge over time.

Carl Glasgow

The passing of three friends was referred toin the In Memoriam section of THEVINCENTIAN two weeks ago.

It took the first anniversary of the death ofCarl Glasgow for one to realise what a pivotalrole he played behind the scenes in VinceyWorld.

Of course, that’s the name of the magazinehe had brought out to fill space created by theabsence of journals like Forum.

For years on end, Carl tried to make SVG abetter place, forming a new political party, thenby throwing his weight behind another.

Frustrated by his several attempts to workpositively through groups, he resorted to soloflights, as when he acted voluntarily for peoplewho lost their homes through the advent of theinternational airport.

But Carl’s best show was as a sportsmanfrom early School days: Victor ludorum; highjump record; a stylish left-hand batsman thatcommanded a position on the WindwardIslands team.

In his later days he took to radiocommentaries on cricket, to managing teams,and holding down top situations at the subregion level.

The dignified Carl left us as quietly as hehad lived. He was also a great raconteur, andcracked of jokes aplenty: “bulls don’t die, theyonly lose their balls” was a favourite.

Joshua, Son of Basil Williams

It is two years since the youthful JoshuaWilliams lost his life in a tragic circumstance inMontreal, Canada. In fact, I take thisopportunity to say something of Joshua’sfather, Dr. Basil Williams, whose life is slippingaway unnoticed at his home in New Montrose.

Basil and I became buddies in our mid-teens, and have remained close up to this day.

As they like tosay nowadays, hewas arguably one of the brightest students topass through B.G.S.

At 18, he won the Agricultural Scholarshipthat took him to St Augustine which he breezedthrough with flying colours that earned him aplace on the Research staff, specialising inpotato cultivation.

Here, he hit a snag that affected himthroughout his life. Some findings of his workwere discovered by a senior member whopublished them as his own work. Basil raisedcane and refused to back down, in the face ofthe highest tutorial and administrative staffwho counselled silence in an effort to shelve theissue and protect the University.

Finally, to rid themselves of Basil, he wasencouraged to take a scholarship to a USAuniversity where he achieved an MSc withmuch difficulty, owing to refusal of those backhome in St Augustine to send him samples andspecimens for his study.

The same thing happened with his Ph.D,actually causing his health to break in theprocess. But he was hugely successful all thesame.

He was employed by the U.N Agencies allover the place until “Son” Mitchell brought himhome as Chief Agriculture Officer in 1972 togive practical application to the slogan “Dig agood life”.

The Junta Government collapsed in 1974,and Basil skipped hither, thither and yon untilthe NDP formed Government in 1984 and Basilwas again sent for to execute the Rabacca-Farms Project.

By this time, Basil’s fires burned low and hegave up a very lucrative post in mid-stream. Hetried his hand at a few things. But the pastinjustices continued to haunt him, as did histwo failed marriages, and he settled down to amost sedentary life at home where his solecompanion is his ailing ninety-odd year mother.

When I look at Basil, I wonder what hasbecome of the most brilliant lad, full ofpromises untold, counting the moment for hisown departure. I will wake him up by his ownpungent wit. On hearing of my engagement,this Plant Breeder cabled: Kenneth, rememberdeep ploughing is not necessary to successfultillage!

Dr. Carlos Mulraine alias Bull Ram

Carlos Mulraine became my best friend atschool, taking the place of Basil who had goneto St Augustine.

In 1957, Carlos walked away with thebiennial scholarship, one schol every other year.I came in second and was not considered foranything. But I managed to pay my way,assisted of course, resuming close friendshipwith Carlos Mulraine who was in his third yearapproaching his second M.B.

The Vincey’s were a great group on campus.So close we were that Carlos became God-fatherof Andrea my first child, and Leroy, his brother,of my fourth.

Once we left UWI, I went back home, andCarlos operated outside in the Bahamas,Jamaica and the Leewards generally.

He came home once to act as Chief MedicalOfficer during a medical crisis in SVG about1973. Carlos was posted in Barbuda when hemet his untimely death fives year ago. At thetime, he had seriously been thinking of a tour of duty back home, which claimed him, indeath.

MINISTER OF TOURISM, Cecil Mc Kie, painted an optimistic picture forthe economic advancement of this country. (See page 17.) He made itsimple as far as the pillar on which this advancement was predicated.

In short, Minister Mc Kie threw his coins into the fountain of theinternational national airport, inferring that this undertaking wasthe basis of a “boost’ for the tourism sector which, given all theindicators from his government, is the panacea of development inthis small, multi-island state.

Now one cannot fault Minister Mc Kie for the optimism withwhich he spoke at a recent town hall meeting in New York, USA.The airport is much more than the basis of a “boost” for theeconomy; it is the single most important ‘pillar’ on which his partyis building its quest for another term in office.

Suffice it to say, therefore, the Minister, for more reasons thanone, has to sell the airport as a significant means to prosperous‘ends’.

No one in their right mind would want to wish bad on theairport. Far from it!!! Rather, given that we have reached a pointbeyond return, it is now the responsibility of every Vincentian toensure that it is complete, with the least possible burden on ourfledging economy and on future generations, as illusive as thatmight sound.

It is important that we don’t get lost in the euphoria surroundingthe Argyle undertaking, and lose sight of the real challenges to theeconomic health of our country. It is, if the truth be told, not assimple as the Minister made it out to be.

There are those who would say that, given what has become ofour agriculture — a declining economic significance due to bothnatural and man-made catastrophes — that ours is an economylimited as far as a resource base is concerned; that there are fewviable industries other than tourism on which we can depend forrevenue and employment of the local population.

Tourism, Mr. Minister, can be an economic catalyst for smallisland development. There is a school of thought that advancestourism as a tool for small islands to broaden their economies,therein overcoming the limitations of their smallness.

The theory is that, with a deliberate drive towards makingtourism the hub of the economy, competition within the local marketwill increase; new businesses will arise and prosper; the marketstructure will be democratized; rent-seeking behaviours andcorruption will be deterred; consumers will have greater and widerchoice; trade will be liberalized; and the quality of life for residentswill improve

But that is the theory, for to ensure that some or all of thesebenefits redound to the island economy, those who guide this thrustfor the tourist dollar must, in fulfillment of their duty to countryand not party, ensure that the revenue from tourism remains in theisland economy as much as possible. Policies of import substitution,especially as it relates to food (and we know the extent to which weare afflicted by high food import bills in this region) must be‘enforced’, so as to prevent economic leakages. ‘Buy local’ policiesmust become paramount to our duty to protect and encourage otherindustries, like agriculture and its derivatives in manufacturing.

If Minister Mc Kie’s government development strategiesencourage incoming wealth (direct foreign investment) to leavetenfold over in gain, then that type of tourism needs to beredesigned.

There needs to be a tax regime that speaks to a fair share ofrevenue for this island state economy.

And it will serve the Minister in good stead not to lose sight ofthe seasonality in island tourism. It is dangerous to cite increasesin visitor arrivals in the face of fluctuations in visitor arrivals thatabound throughout this highly competitive global tourism market.

We must move quickly to understand these fluctuations and notfool ourselves into believing that our product is ‘so unique’, thatvisitors will keep pouring in to fill increased hotel space.

Fluctuations in visitor arrivals, Mr. Minister, must be understoodand mitigated. One way to mitigate is through product and marketdiversification, but the reality is that we hardly differ from mostmarkets in our region and even beyond. We compete in the samemarket place with much of the same that others offer.

So you see, Mr. Minister, it is well and good to speak of a ‘boost’ for the tourism sector, but it’s another story when the realityof those who benefit from this ‘boost’ begin to stare you straight inthe eye.

8. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 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

The airport, tourismand the economy National Heroes

Editor’s note: Given the informationcontained within, we have printed thisletter in its entirety.

In the Plain Talk article ofThursday 28th March, 2013, Mr.Thomas states, “Pasterurized milk isnot recommended because once milk ispasteurized its physical structure ischanged…” One of the changes hementions is, “Important enzymes likelactose are destroyed, which causesmany people to not be able to digestmilk.”

Now, in the first place, lactose isNOT an enzyme. It is a sugar, as theending “ose” should have indicated toMr. Thomas (like glucose, sucrose,fructose, to name a few more commonsugars). Lactose cannot be absorbed byhumans until it is broken down intotwo other sugars, glucose andgelactose. It is broken into these twosugars by an enzyme called lactase(note that “lactase” is the enzyme;“lactose” is the sugar). Lactase isproduced by those little wavy things inour small intestines that we learned

about in biology class at school calledvilli; it is not in the cow’s milk that ispasteurized so it cannot be destroyedby that process. Some people lack thegene that enables the production oflactase, or the production maydecrease in adulthood if milk is not amajor part of the adult diet. It issuggested that this particular geneevolved in areas where milk has longbeen an important part of adult diet,which may be why so many people,who like us, originate from some partsof Africa, may not have it. It is theabsence of lactase which makes one“lactose intolerant” because the lactosecannot be not broken down unless wetake a supplement containing lactase.The undigested lactose is then used byother gas producing flora in the gut,and that causes bloating, discomfortand in extreme cases, diarrhoea. I amlactose intolerant and I assure Mr.Thomas that my affliction (as Iconsider it since I love milk withcookies) has nothing to do withdrinking pasteurized milk. I have had

it since I was an infant when our milkcame from a milk man/woman whocame around with large cans of milkand a pint measuring cup on a longhandle which she/he used to ladle outthe milk. My sister’s son is alsointolerant. Both my children seem tobe more fortunate, despite drinking agreat deal of pasteurized milk - themilk man having become extinct bythe time they were born, partly Isuspect, because by then we hadlearned that unpasteurized milk cantransfer tuberculosis bacteria, amongother bad micro-organisms, from cowsto humans, since the milk can getcontaminated in a number of ways andmilk at room temperature is an idealmedium for these organisms tomultiply rapidly.

Secondly, pasteurization does notnecessarily mean that the milk isheated to 220 degrees (I assume Mr.Thomas means Farenheit). Given thetemperature he cites, Mr. Thomasprobably means UHT, or Ultra HeatTreatment, when the milk is held at

280 degrees F for two seconds.Scalding fresh milk, which manypeople did before we bought milk incans or in foil lined cardboard cartons,is also a form of pasteurization in thatit will kill enough of the micro-organisms that can contaminate andmultiply in milk, which minimizes therisk of the milk making us ill. Themilk will not last as long as UHT milk,but it is pasteurized nevertheless -pasteurization being any heat processthat kills pathogens, even when theheating is to temperatures belowboiling (Boiling point at sea level, aswe learned at school, is 212 F. If youwere scalding milk, it would overflowthe pot long before it got to 220F,causing a nasty mess which, MrThomas, if you had a mother likemine, you would have to clean upyourself.

Pat Robinson CommissiongPatRob41@gmail.com

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5 , 2013. 9.

ViewsVPlain talk about pasteurization

The bravest battle that ever wasfought, Shall I tell you where and when?On the maps of the world you willfind it not;‘Twas fought by the mothers of men.

Nay, not with cannon, or battle-shot,With sword, or nobler pen;Nay, not with eloquent word orthought,From mouths of wonderful men.

But deep in a walled-up woman’sheart —Of woman that would not yield,But bravely, slightly bore her part- Lo ! there is that battle-field !

No marshaling troop, no bivouacsong;No banner to gleam and wave!But oh! These battles, they last solong-From babyhood to the grave!

Yet faithful still as a bridge of stars,She fights in her walled-up town-Fights on, and on, in the endlesswars,Then silent, unseen goes down!

Oh ! ye with banners and battle-shot,And soldier to shout and praise,I tell you the kingliest victoriesfought Are fought in these silent ways!

Oh! Spotless woman in a world ofshame,With splendid and silent scorn,Go back to God as white as youcame,The kingliest warrior born.

Joaquin Miller

The bravest battle that ever was fought THE RECENT charges

against three police officershave been bothering me. Ofcourse, I refer to the caseinvolving the shooting of apoliceman by his colleague(s)in ‘Bottom Town’, lastDecember.

The first thing thatbothered me was the lengthof time it took for charges tobe laid. I suppose this hadsomething to do with theinvestigation, and then youhad to allow time for the DPPto consider what action hewould recommend.

Also, I was a littlebothered by the fact that theCommissioner of Police didnot find it fit, before he tookoff, to act on what the DPPrecommended. I commendAg. Commissioner Charles forcleaning up the mess.

But the real thing ofbother is why the charges atall? Now I don’t mean that

any shooting should ever becovered up, but I view thiscase as being different fromthe one where anotherpoliceman shot and killed hiscolleague sometime ago.

You see, Mr. Editor, allthese charges againstpolicemen, who then have toanswer in open court, couldwell cause a breakdown inthe morale of the PoliceForce. I don’t think that anypolice officer likes layingcharges against one of hisown.

What has happened to thedisciplinary measures withinthe Police Force itself? Hasthis broken down? Is theCommissioner afraid todiscipline his own, andtherefore choose to pass thebuck to someone else?

I know of cases in the pastwhere policemen weredragged before a disciplinarycommittee or some body

within the police force, whenthey stepped out of line.

No one was killed in thisrecent case, and the shootinghappened while the officerswere on a ‘crime’ scene. Is itthat in laying charges againstthe policemen, that we aresaying somebody hadintention of inflicting harmagainst one of his own?

I am no lawyer, and I hopeI am not flying in the face ofthe law, and I mean nodisrespect to the DPP, butcouldn’t this matter havebeen handled internally?

We need to be careful that,while we want to weed outbad practices from our policeforce, that we don’t do so atthe expense of the morale ofthis very importantinstitution.

Observer

Guarding againstdestroying police morale

Mr. Editor, I must thank youfor your coverage of the caseinvolving Shanique Myrie,that Jamaica girl who hasaccused the Barbadosauthorities of discriminationand invasion of her privacy.I can only say that Iempathize with that lady.

Tell me, how many timeshave Vincentians gone toBarbados, or just used theirairport, and have beensubjected to some thoroughgoing over by the BarbadianImmigration and Customsofficials? I don’t want to biasthe court, but Barbadian

airport authorities have beenknown to be ‘not so nice’ to usVincies. If my memoryserves me correctly, evenPrime Minister Gonsalveshad to ‘open his mouth’ aboutthis occurrence.

This is truly a test for allthe effort towards regionalintegration, especially thequestion of freedom ofmovement within the region.I have always maintainedthat, while we will cometogether on economic issue,even political issue, when itcomes to freedom ofmovement and the right to

work in another man’scountry, those make up awhole different ball game.

And by the way, Mr.Editor, I must ‘big up’ Mr.Leroy Providence. Not onlycan the man write theQueen’s English, but hispieces on agriculture havebeen informative andthought-provoking. This is aman who sounds as thoughhe has a real passion foragriculture and what itmeans for all human beings.

Happy Easter to all.

Garnet, N.Y.

Barbados airport authorities

* Did a certainpublic corporationhere cease giving acertain person workbecause that personwas a candidate forthe NDP?

* Is this what‘Own yourgovernment’ means?

* When will theexecutive of theSVGFF hold itsAGM due sinceSeptember last year?

* Have theauditors not yetcompleted thenecessarystatements?

* What is the truestatus with theSVGFF’s GoalProject at theBrighton PlayingField?

Foreign policy

The New Democratic Party recognizesthat as a sovereign country limited insize and natural resources, we areunable to provide the best for our peoplewithout effective participation in theinternational community. Forgingalliances, which are of interest to thelivelihoods of our people, is critical.

We also recognize thatnotwithstanding our small sizegeographically and demographically, wecan still, through our human resources,make a meaningful contribution to thepeace and stability of the world, and byupholding and promoting participatorydemocracy and respect for humanrights.

Have we lost our way?

The New Democratic Partyrecognizes the right of St. Vincent andthe Grenadines as a sovereign nation tomaintain diplomatic relation with othersovereign nations of our choosing. Webelieve, however, that the ULPgovernment has fashioned its foreignpolicy approach to reflect a personal,overly strident support of non-democratic regimes like Cuba,Venezuela and Iran, while ignoring ourmore traditional allies like the UnitedStates, Canada and the UnitedKingdom, which are significant centresof the Vincentian Diaspora.

The Extent of Our Participation inthe International Community.

Towards this end, the NewDemocratic Party will: support regionaleconomic integration in Caricom, theOrganisation of Eastern CaribbeanStates and any other regional groupingthat preserves our traditionaldemocratic principles; implement ourforeign policy after parliamentarydebate and where appropriateconsultation with interest groups;ensure that our bilateral andmultilateral arrangements will besubject to parliamentary scrutiny,debate and authorisation; activelyparticipate in the Economic PartnershipAgreement with the European Union inorder to secure the benefits associatedwith the trade in goods and services;broaden and deepen diplomatic relationswith existing countries and seekdiplomatic ties with other countries onthe basis of respect for human rightsand the recognition of participatorydemocracy; support and encourage thepeaceful resolution of internationalconflicts, and diligently participate inthe fight against terrorism and moneylaundering; reform our country’smission abroad, consistent with nationalpolicy requirements, with special regardto deepen trade in goods and servicesand attracting foreign investment;continue to demonstrate respect forinternational law as a responsible state,and demand that other countries dolikewise; continue our obligation to allinternational conventions and treatiesto which we are committed, andexamine and sign others as they becomeavailable; remain steadfast to the idealsand principles of the RegionalIntegration Movement (CARRICOM);remain committed to the rules of law inInternational Relations and the UnitedNations (UN); continue the maintenanceof our strong historical ties withtraditional friends: United States ofAmerica, Canada, United Kingdom, theEuropean Union and the members ofthe Organisation of American States,and return to acceptable normalcy, ourtraditional cordial ties with Cuba andVenezuela; continue to value St. Vincent

andthe Grenadines external relationshipwith the Commonwealth Nations;maintain our relations with themembers of the ACP, Asia and theMiddle East especially India, Kuwait,Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.

The New Democratic Party remainscommitted to the involvement in wideranging hemispheric agreements withall democratic countries as a basis ofpolitical, economic and social co-operation for our fledging nation state.

The diaspora

The New Democratic Party will bringa new perspective to the significance ofthat large body of Vincentians whoreside abroad, i.e. the VincentianDiaspora. In pursuance of goodgovernance, it is imperative that agovernment works diligently to give, inpractical ways, a meaningful voice tothe Vincentian Diaspora in themanagement of the affairs of St. Vincentthe Grenadines, and remove theunnecessary divide or bias that nowexists between these two elements ofVincentian society.

The Role of the Diaspora in the NewKnowledge Based Economy.

There are a number of Vincentiansabroad who are qualified and lecture inInformation Technology, Medicine,Engineer, and other areas. Theirexpertise is welcomed by the NDP as weseek to create a knowledge basedeconomy.We look forward to theDiaspora playing a major role intraining, teaching and investing inInformation Technology and itsdevelopment as a sector. We welcomethe investment of the Diaspora in localbusiness which will improve the twoway trade between St. Vincent and theGrenadines and the Diaspora. We alsosee the Diaspora having an impact onhealth care and trade.

In an Effort to Amplify andUnderscore the Importance of theDiaspora to St. Vincent the Grenadines,the New Democratic Party will:Establish a permanent consultativebody comprising of representativesdrawn from the Diaspora (USA,Canada, the United Kingdom and othercentres as practicable) andrepresentatives from St. Vincent andthe Grenadines to receive suggestions,hear and resolve problems and bring tothe attention of the government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines issues thatmay be affecting them, with a view toconstantly enhancing relations betweenthose at home and those abroad. Thisbody will be ultimately responsible fordisseminating information on Diasporamatters across the Diaspora andtailoring how the Diaspora canpositively impact and contribute locally;

Establish a Department or Office ofDiaspora Affairs in St. Vincent and theGrenadines which will be part of theMinistry of Foreign Affairs and theDiaspora.

Our New York Mission, our HighCommissions in the United Kingdomand Canada, our Washington Embassyand the Ministry of Foreign Affairs willfacilitate communication betweenexternally based Diasporarepresentatives and the office of theDiaspora Affairs.

10. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

ViewsVForeign policy and the diasporaTwelve years of good governance by the ULP

The issue

Twelve years ago, on March 28th 2001,the people of St. Vincent and theGrenadines in their independent andcollective wisdom, determined that theyhad had enough of the New DemocraticParty, and that they wanted their countryto go in a different direction.

They, the voters, were tired of thefoolishness that the NDP calleddevelopment. They were tired of theOttley Hall fiasco; the level of poverty inthe country; the corruption in the NDPwith sweet heart mortgages at theformer NCB, and the purchase of cheapcrown lands by party sycophants. Thecountry was going nowhere, there wasno leadership, and St. Vincent and theGrenadines was on the “blacklist” ofseveral international agencies.The NDPwasted its 17 years in governance. It rana surplus on the current account, yet ourprimary school children had to endure ashift system that deprived them of a fullday’s tutoring. The state machinery wasin shambles, with facilities for policeofficers, nurses and students, being leftunattended, and allowed to fall into astate of disrepair. Generally, peoplewere not proud to regard themselves asVincentians. The country was in aterrible mess.

Enter the ULP and Comrade Ralph

There can be no doubt that theentrance of the ULP administration inMarch 2001, has resulted in a dramaticturnaround in the socio economicdevelopment of this country.

The major driving force has been theEducation Revolution, the flagshipprogramme of the ULP. ManyVincentians have forgotten about thesorry state of the education systemunder the NDP, where only 39 percentof our twelve-year-old students, were atsecondary school. This was untenable.Under the ULP, universal secondaryeducation arrived in 2005, and then by2011, there was universal access to earlychildhood education.

Under special programmes launchedby the ULP, adult literacy rose to over90 percent. More primary schoolteachers were being trained, with thenumber of graduate teachers in thissector rising past the 500 mark.Mostimportantly, more Vincentians werebeing trained at universities abroad.Currently, Vincentians have the highestenrollment among the non campusterritories of the University of the WestIndies. Significantly, these studentshave been performing, and Vincentianshave been graduating with top honours.Hundreds of Vincentians are taking uptraining opportunities in Cuba,Venezuela, Taiwan, Mexico, Malaysiaand Azerbaijan, and ULP officials arealways looking for additional scholarshipand training opportunities for ourpeople.

Managing the Economy

Vincentians have nothing but praiseand admiration for the work of the ULPadministration and Comrade Ralph, inthe management of country’s economy,in the fact of a continuing globalfinancial and economic crisis. Every day,the international media houses trumpetthe bad news about the internationalcrisis affecting the countries in Europe,and all Vincentians can compare theirsituation here, with that in countrieslike Spain, Greece and Cyprus. Even the

NDP spokespersons on radio are finallyadmitting that things are tough forCaribbean countries.

But they fail to tell their supporters,that under the ULP administration, theeconomy of St. Vincent and theGrenadines is performing better than allthe countries in the OECS, and eventhose in Caricom. They ignore theevidence from the CaribbeanDevelopment Bank, (the formeremployer of Arnhim Eustace), whichshows that this country was the only onein the ECCU, to record positive economicgrowth over the last two years.This is afact and cannot be disputed, as the NDPis now discovering. For manyVincentians, this means that ourcountry is not experiencing the economicand financial problems like ourneighbours.No public servants have beenlaid off, and salaries are paid on time,(including those of the OppositionMembers of Parliament). Over the lasttwelve years, the ULP administrationhas created significant wealth and manyjob opportunities. The Gross DomesticProduct of the country has moved fromEC$1.1 billion in 2001 to over EC$2billion in 2012, and over ten thousandjobs have been created. The governmenthas adopted a fiscally prudent policy tokeep expenditure under control, and toposition the country for economic takeoff, once the international economiccrisis has subsided.

What of the NDP

In the face of this stellar performanceby the ULP, the NDP has struggled overthe last twelve years. To be sure, theNDP is a party without any directionand philosophy. Their response to thework of the ULP administration, is to“bad talk” the country and allVincentians in the international arena.They talk about our country beinginsignificant, and that our citizens areso poor that they can only afford a “halfpound of chicken back”. They describeour major projects as “phantom” and“matchboxes”, and the list goes on. St.Vincent and the Grenadines isdeveloping faster than the NDP couldimagine, and the evidence is before theirvery eyes. Sadly, like the proverbialostrich, they prefer to bury their headsin the sand, so that they are blind to theevidence of the Rabacca Bridge, theHousing Revolution, the Buccama BayResort, the Canouan jet port, thedevelopment of the many tourism sites,the revival of the Banana industry andagriculture in general, the DiagnosticHealth facility in Georgetown and thecurrent construction of the internationalairport project at Argyle.By and large,the people of the St. Vincent and theGrenadines are happy with theperformance of the ULP administration.Let us not forget that in 2010, a UWIpoll showed that sixty-five percent ofthose interviewed said that thegovernment was doing a great job inmanaging the economy. Clearly, theULP is performing, but we are not yetout of the woods.

The supporters of the ULP have beenvigilant and steadfast in their resolve.They know that they have a great party,committed to the development of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and theywill stay the course.

St. Vincent and much of the developingworld are dependent on the developedcountries of the United States andEurope for aid and trade. Since 2008,the USA and Europe have been plaguedby serious financial problems.

Major thinkers and institutions,like the International Monetary Fund,as well as establishment politicians,have been prescribing austeritypolicies as a way to lift the worldeconomy on to a path of growth awayfrom depression. The most ludicrousof the IMF inspired ideas was to steal40 percent of deposits in personalaccounts in Cyprus.

The most frequently askedquestion these days is how muchsicker does the patient have to get,before the doctors stop prescribingpoison? A careful read of majornewspapers are revealing: New YorkTimes: ”Unemployment in Euro ZoneReaches a Record High”.

WSJ: “Sixth Quarter of ContractionLooms for Euro Zone”.

Der Spiegel: “Shredded SocialSafety Net: European AusterityCosting Lives”.

WSJ: “Spain Says Budget Gap IsWider Than Reported”.

New York Times: “European CarSales Point to Continuing Slump”.

WSJ: “Italy Unable to FormGovernment”.

New York Times: “Debt Rising inEurope”.

The Nobel laureate and New YorkTimes columnist, Paul Krugmanwrites: ‘This isn’t a recession. It’sEurope’s Second Depression, and it’son track to last even longer than thefirst one. Austerity economics hasbeen imposed across most of theEurozone, to a greater or lesserdegree, with devastating economicresults: This is Europe’s sixthconsecutive quarter of economiccontraction.’

Europe’s Austerity Recession (orDepression) has now lasted longerthan the one brought on by thefinancial crisis of 2008.

The first downturn was brought onby private greed and publicnegligence. This one’s been broughton by public insanity fueled by privateinterests.

And the austerity poison is literallydeadly: The Lancet, a respectedmedical journal, reports a sharpincrease in suicides and epidemics asthe result of European austeritymeasures.

European entertainers areincreasingly resorting to holdingconcerts in which they ask patrons tobring food instead of the ticket chargeso that the food can then bedistributed to families who cannotafford food.

It’s nice to know that somebody’sthinking about the victims ofausterity in Europe where people inSpain, Portugal, Italy, England,Cyprus and Russia have been forced.fed with one dose of austeritymedicine after another.

Meanwhile, manufacturing outputis plunging across the Eurozone.Spain saw the worst decline inemployment since 2009.Unemployment hasn’t been this highin the Eurozone since record-keepingbegan in 1995, said a kean Eurowatcher. And Europe’s infrastructureis competing with their Americancousins to see which will deterioratefastest.

“Europe’s carefully maintainedautobahns, high-speed TGV trainsand vast network of modern airportshave long been the envy of the world,”writes Reuters. “But thanks to

austerity budgets that are slashinginfrastructure spending …, that maynot be true for much longer.”

No wonder last month’s EuropeanUnion summit was marked byprotests, and Italy’s leaders still can’tform a government.

What can the rest of the world andwe in the Caribbean learn fromEurope’s misery? In the US, Europe’sproblems seem not to faze itsleadership. For our political leaders,the answer seems to be: Nothing. TheUS seems determined to follow inEurope’s footsteps. There havealready been a couple of rounds ofausterity, in the last deficit deal, andnow in the “sequester” cuts. ThePresident and the Republicans bothemploy pro-austerity rhetoric whichargues that deficits are the country’sbiggest problem. They just disagreeabout where and how it should beimposed. Once the big corporationsare satisfied, the Democratic andRepublican Leadership express hardlya concern.

In the Caribbean, we carry on intrue J’Ouvert fashion as thoughnothing bothers us. One gets thedistinct impression that many whohold top management andgovernment positions don’t have aclue as to how to reorder our societiesso that the most vulnerable among uscan claim a better and bigger stake inthe system.

The depth of cluelessness becomesmanifest when we read or listen toeditorialists, columnists and others ofinfluence say that too much is madeof the world economic crisis. Theyoffer not a single suggestion as to howwe can get onto the path ofsustainable growth.

Well, not quite true. Oppositionleader, Arnhim Eustace hasconfidently called to government totighten the spending belt. ‘There isnothing wrong with austerity,’ heproclaimed during the 2011budgetdebate. So there is a clear differencein position between the PM and thePM in waiting.

Gonsalves says that in difficulteconomic times, there is no way thatthe country’s economy will survive,much less grow unless thegovernment intervenes by borrowingand spending. Eustace says these aretimes for belt tightening.

How we tighten our belts when theprivate sector has limited capacity toinvest and create employment soundslike a recipe for real difficulties forthose most in need. But to say this isto gain the label anti-Eustace. Buttruth must be told. For if theausterity poison is creating hardshipin the more developed parts of theparts of the world, we can only guesswhat it will do here. Just look at theimpact of the IMF programme inJamaica.

We believe that our fortune iswrapped up with solutions to thecrisis in international capitalism.Unless there is a major realignmentof international financial, economicand trading relations, there is goingto be little or no people-centereddevelopment.

Everything else may aid thebureaucrats and elites, but will surelyharm the poor.

Send comments, criticisms &suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

“Many would have us believethat we live in a world inwhich everything is material,where power matters most, adog eat dog world where youought to get back at people,where lying is the right thingto do in a time of need, and anger issomehow a good thing.” —Anonymous

The prophet Isaiah spoke about thebirth and death of Jesus Christ ofNazereth several centuries before Hecame to this earth. We can readabout Isaiah’s prophecies in relationto Jesus Christ in Isaiah 9 (His birth)and Isaiah 53 (His death). How couldIsaiah have known that the Saviourwould come and would die formankind?

Some may seek to dismiss Jesus’miraculous birth and His painfuldeath as fallacies — stories. But Hecame, and this is history. Others mayseek to reduce our “God in the flesh”to be a mere human being — justanother “good man”. However, thereare many others who, like me, knowHim to be “God in the flesh”. JesusChrist of Nazereth: born of a VirginMary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried,and on the third day He triumphantlyrose again from the dead. And nowhe sits on the right hand of Godmaking intersession for us. And Hewill come again. We do not know theexact hour, but we know that He willkeep that appointment. That is whatI believe. And so, I join with fellowbelievers around this time of year tocommemorate His death andresurrection — Easter; the season ofrebirth. But we do not have to setaside one weekend in the year toreflect on this historic, life-taking,and life-changing event. The EasterHolidays for 2013 are now gone, butthere is nothing inherently wrong bytaking the reflections of Easterbeyond those days ... to today. Today,He says to you and to me, “All hail!”And these were the first words thatJesus Christ spoke after Hismiraculous resurrection some twothousand years ago (Matthew 28:9).

It is probably fitting that we walkback through history to capture someaspects of what happened during thelast few days of His life on earth.Jesus had a very busy weekimmediately prior to His death. Hewas busy teaching His disciples andpreparing them for what was ahead.It is quite understandable thatseveral of them appeared not tounderstand what was taking placeand what was yet in store for Himand for them. You and I, with accessto the bible, study materials, theInternet, and so on, have a deep

understanding and appreciation forthe events now “after the fact”. Andwhile we may accuse some of thedisciples of being low on faithbecause, after all, they had Jesuswith them in the flesh and shouldhave been more trusting of His words;they has seen him perform miraclesand they “sat at His feet”. But theywere human beings just like you andme. And because of that, theyoccasionally faltered and failed. Eventhe Apostle Peter who was describedas “the rock upon which the churchwill be built”, had his own moments ofshortcomings. But he did not staydefeated; once true repentancesurfaced, God used him mightily forHis purposes. This article, in its ownway, is beckoning to those individualswho once walked close with the Lord(but for some reason turned away) torekindle that relationship with Him.It is as though the voice of the Lord issaying, “All hail!” — inviting thewayward to return to the fold. Itreally does not matter what thecircumstances were that triggered theabandonment of church attendance,the rich and rewarding prayer life,the testimonies of how God workedthings out in our lives when thefellowship was rich, and so on. Whatis more important is the realisation ofthe need for reconciliation with Himand a positive response to Hisbeckoning for a reunion.

The “All hail!” in this article is alsoprobably being heard by those who,until now, have been focusing ongetting by in this world (and notthinking of the world hereafter);distracted by a world whereeverything is material, where powermatters most, and where the rat raceconsumes most of their time, effort,and energy. But they now pause toreflect on the wisdom that emerges intheir consciousness as they seem tohear Solomon, the wisest human thatever lived, say, “All of this is vanity”.At the end of the day, what does it allmatter? Does it really matter howmuch material gain is achieved? Doesit really matter how much power isaccumulated? Does it really matterhow many races we have run andwon? No, what matters most is howwe respond to the Master’s “All hail!”

Send comments, criticisms &

suggestions to

julesferdinand@gmail.com

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 11.

ViewsVAll hail! America and Europe are ablaze?

SVG is being raped by foreigners through obscenefinancial engineering. Our prime lands are being takeninto ownership by these foreigners under Gonsalves.Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, who was slain byforeign, white men while trying to protect thesovereignty and our lands in SVG, must be turning in hisgrave.

The situation is highly immoral and could lead toa social time-bomb in SVG, as the rape of our primelands by foreigners will leave no land for futuregenerations of Vincentian children. SVG’s lands arebeing sold to foreigners without consultation withthe people of SVG. Our children will be unable toafford to live in the country which is theirs, and thisis unjust.

On 23 March 2013, the ULP regime stated it hadsold a few acres of land in Canouan for $22 million.

The super-rich in Mustique and Canouancontinue to receive blanket tax and customs dutyexemptions, and at a time when the InternationalMonetary Fund has given a strong warning thathigh debt and low growth strangle Caribbean

economies, and it is time to change direction.We are spinning top in mud with this

unconstitutional blanket tax and customs dutyexemptions to Mustique and Canouan.

SVG Green Party is also calling for a change inthe economic direction of SVG. The sale of lands toforeigners negatively impacts our country in thelong run. We must abolish all tax and customs dutyexemptions, and drive the economy by an export-ledstrategy to create hundreds of new jobs and surplusrevenue, to reduce public debt and build a strongeconomy.

In Kenya last month, attacks by protesters killed19 people on election day over protests about landissues. Land in and around the coastal city ofMombasa is being taken from locals and sold toforeigners and rich Kenyans. Land is a contentiousissue.

Our country is short of revenue. It makes nosense for the ULP regime to maintain the immoralapartheid blanket tax and customs duty exemptionsto Taiwan and the super-rich in Mustique and

Canouan, and then sell our peoples’ land to raisemoney for an airport that will fail to get aninternational civil aviation licence.

Tax and customs duty exemptions to foreignersdeprive the SVG Treasury of hundreds of millions ofdollars annually. The loss to our people is massive.The hundreds of millions of dollars of tax should becollected and spent on Vincentians to create jobs,build hospitals and universities, and bring down theprice of electricity and water, so that everyhousehold can afford them both.

The obscene financial engineering allows thesuper-rich in Mustique, Canouan and Taiwan tomilk the indigenous resources of our country. Theraping of our country will damage the wellbeing offuture generations.

A Green government will fight this grossinjustice of Vincentians’ land being given toforeigners, and will take back our precious landsthat have been given or sold to foreigners. Ourcountry’s land should be for future generations ofVincentians.

SVG Green Partywww.svggreenparty.org

12. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion V

Did The Right Hon. Dr. RalphE. Gonsalves really refer toCaribbean people as lazy?

For fear of being drawn intothe obvious diversion from thestark economic abyss thatSaint Vincent and theGrenadines faces, I have beenreluctant to join the ensuingregional discussion. For myeventual coming out, I amgrateful to some of his ardentsupporters who thinkGonsalves’ labeling of blackpeople is mitigated by the goodhe does for them.

From various regionalnewspaper accounts,Gonsalves made thisstatement in a keynote speechat a Caribbean ExportDevelopment Agency’sExporters’ Conference thatwas held at Hilton Barbadoson Wednesday, March 20.Interestingly, and only a weekbefore — March 14 - he calledfor a Caribbean wide regionalreparations committee. Thiswas at the Saint Vincent andthe Grenadines NationalHeroes Day parade. Hepledged to spend the rest ofhis life seeking compensationfrom the British for land andgenocide against the Garifuna

and African slavery. Talkabout contradictions!

Deflection the real focus

One wonders whetherPrime Minister Gonsalves isaware of the level ofdistraction he is creating fromthe real issues of the day, atleast in Saint Vincent and theGrenadines. A few weeksago, Arnhim Eustace, theleader of the opposition NewDemocratic Party, used a‘chicken-back-juice’ story toillustrate the economicsituation of a people who arepredominantly of Africandescent, and for that, he wasnearly hung and quartered.The condition as described byEustace can be easily traced tothe total destruction of anindustry - agriculture - thatwas the source ofindependence and self-determination. In fact, therehas never been an officialrebuttal of Eustace’s repeatedclaim that in 2012, weexported EC$1.1 million inbananas, which was what wedid in one week under theprevious administration.There are other signs of grave

mismanagement of oureconomy, and I would hazarda guess that this could be duein part to the Prime Minister,who is also Minister ofFinance, spending more timehauling people before thecourt and writing 10 and morepages of letters all over theplace to defend his name .... gofigure!

Paying for the right tochoose

So after presiding over thedestruction of one of themainstays of our economy - ifnot the only one — he stillfinds it appropriate to ridiculethe victims for trying to keeptheir heads above water inthis calamitous situation.Noteworthy at this point, also,is a 2012 report by aCommission of theOrganisation of AmericanStates (OAS) that “persons ofAfrican descent face majorobstacles for the exercise andguarantee of their civil andpolitical, economic, social, andcultural rights.”

Why, then, should we thinkthat SVG is excluded fromsuch accounts of oppressive

governments and structures?In fact, the act of persecutionis borne out in the cases of theblack entrepreneur Leon‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel and threeNew Democratic Partyteachers. It was the sameGonsalves who stated publiclythat ‘Bigger Bigs’ has to decidewhether he wants to be apolitician or a business man...Not exact words of course, andI am also anticipating a callfor the context in which thiswas said. Gonsalves said thisafter the 2010 general electionand during which ‘Bigger Bigs’openly campaigned on theNDP platform. ‘Bigger Bigs’subsequently lost his licence tocarry on his multimillionexcavation business atRabacca on grounds that heviolated environmentprotection laws —this issomething for which almostevery government departmentcan be cited. In the case of theteachers, they relied on acontract between their unionand the government toparticipate in that sameelection without the risk oflosing their jobs ifunsuccessful at the polls.Much to their surprise and

that of many, Gonsalvesdeclared that that contractwas not binding because itwas “aspirational”.

Time for discussion

So, what moral authorityhas Prime Minister Gonsalvesto refer to Caribbean people,including Vincentians, as lazy?The same question applies tohis pledge to fight forreparations for the Garifunasand people of African descent,most of whom are lazy byGonsalves estimation.Further, for what are theselazy people beingcompensated?

We need a nationaldiscussion right here in SaintVincent and the Grenadineson the issue of what has madeCaribbean people, especiallyVincentians, lazy. We alsoneed a regional inquiry intothe many cases of politicalpersecution in Saint Vincentand Grenadines, especially,and with a view of awardingdamages (reparations).

Luzette KingHost of Global Highlightsglobalhighlights@gmail.com

„Laziness in the spotlight‰: A Diversion

Is Gonsalves creatinga time-bomb?

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 13.

ArtsV

The 2013 ‘Easter on Steel’concert of the C WPrescod Primary School(CWPPS) was well receivedand maintained the highstandard set in previousyears.

Staged on Tuesday26th March at theschool’s premises, theevent, which began in2008, was another highquality exposition oftalent by students, manyof whom were performingin front of an audience

for the very first time.Experiencing the

‘Easter on Steel’ for thefirst time was the school’s new principal, YvetteAntoine.

A lover of musicherself, Antoineexpressed pleasure inher new experience atthe institution, notingthat events such as the‘Easter on Steel’ help toprovide a variedapproach to the school’scurriculum.

Antoine has readilyembraced the diversity ofthe music programme atthe school which, inaddition to lessons insteel pan playing, alsoincludes mass singing,playing the recorder, theboom drum and the soonto be unveiled, themarching band.

The steel panprogramme iscompulsory for studentsfrom Grade 4 to 6.

Antoine praised music

teacher of the school,Kesslon ‘Taffa’ Wilson,for his untiring work inensuring that the 2013‘Easter on Steel’ was asuccessful undertaking.

Thrilled by what shewas hearing, Antoineendorsed the event bysinging along with thestudents as theyrendered their songs.

And, in keeping withthe occasion, all songsplayed were reflective ofthe Easter season.

Among those playedwere ‘Majesty’, ‘Lord Ilift up your name onHigh’, and a medley ofchoruses done byteachers of the school.

The Easter on Steelwas the second musicalevent staged by theschool in four days. Onthe previous Friday, themusic festival was hostedat the New TestamentChurch at Wilson Hill.

The CW PrescodPrimary School is theschools’ reigningpanorama champions, atitle the institutioncopped for the first timeat the 2012 nationalCarnival celebrations.

by KARISSA CLARKE

The South East SteelOrchestra promises thatthe second edition of its‘Hearts of Steel’production will notdisappoint.

To be produced underthe theme ‘ComeExplore…’ , ‘Hearts ofSteel 2013’ promises,according to the band co-ordinator and musical director,Marla Nanton, “to be educationalyet exciting; funny yet clean.”

Nanton described theproduction as “an embodiment ofthe creative arts,” adding that,“it’s a package of mainly music,theatre and dance in which music;more so steel pan music takesprecedence.”

She promises that the 2013edition will, “present the steel panwithin the context of the modernworld, demonstrate the versatility

of the instrument, emphasize theinfluence of music on emotionsand behaviour, and highlight thesocio-cultural significance of thesteel pan art form.”

The second edition of ‘Hearts ofSteel’ comes in a year of specialsignificance for South EastDevelopment Inc. (SEDI), theorganisation that gave birth tothe South East Steel Orchestra.This year marks the 5thanniversary of SEDI.

‘Hearts of Steel’ 2013 isscheduled for April 27th and 28th

at theAquatic Club,and willreceivesponsorshipfromScotiaBank,through itsBright FutureProgramme.

RESILIENCE is the message that emanates froman album of that same name. It was releasedearlier this year by Oscar James.

This latest creation is a continuation of James’musical journey whichstarted in the 1970s.He was a foundationmember of the bandAffetuosos, and songslike ‘People ah runfrom Babylon’, and‘Feeling and Emotion’,composed and sung byJames, stand out asmasterpieces from thatband and have becometreasures of Vincentianmusical archives.

James considers‘Resilience’ to be his“best work,” and he issatisfied with andinspired by the finalcut, which featuresFrankie McIntosh on

keyboards and Trinidadian saxophonist GeraldRampersaud, with additional keyboard work by hisson. In addition to playing bass on all the tracks,James sings all the songs and provided harmonyfor ‘background’ vocals.

The album has nine songs and two versions,including ‘You are the moon’, ‘Resilience’, ‘KingSolomon’, ‘In the hood’, ‘Jah Light’, ‘Ethiopia’ and‘Wilderness’.

Recordings were done at James’ MenelikEthiopian Studio in New York.

“It took me four years to do this recording,”James exulted. “I wanted to get it right,” he added.

He is appealing to radio personalities to “payattention to ‘Resilience’. Give it some airplay.”

The album is, according to James,unapologetically a collection of reggae songs,representative of the type of reggae made popularby the iconic reggae stars like Bob Marley, PeterTosh and Bunny Wailer.

It digs deep into the consciousness of thesinger/songwriter, Oscar James, and is lined withpositive messages in a world that is otherwisechallenging.

A listen though, is enlightening as it is easy onthe ear.

Oscar James continuesto add to the musicalrichness of SVG.

Oscar James: Filledwith ‘resilience’

Heartsof Steelreturns

The South East Steel orchestra has grown in a shortspace of time from being a junior, small band, to beingable to compete among the seniors.

Marla Nanton, Co-ordinator,promises that Hearts of Steelwill be educational and exciting.

Students executing their skills on pan at the 2013 CW Prescod Primary’sEaster on Steel.

Yvette Antoine,Principal of CWPPS,has embraced themusic programme inplace at the school.

ÂEaster on SteelÊthrills its audience

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 15.14. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 THE VINCENTIAN

THE BEQUIA SAILING CLUB’S 32nd Bequia Easter Regatta came in for universal acclaim last weekend, as a record-breaking total of 54 yachts together with 29 local double-enders registered to take part in Bequia’s world-famous sporting and tourism event. Conditions were blustery and challenging, but this could not dampen the spirits of the 83 boat fleet as they raced with superb skill throughout the four days of competition. The highest yacht turnout yet seen for Bequia’s regatta, coupled with unprecedented numbers of visitors and follow-ing boats coming to Bequia for the event, guaranteed a booming weekend for the island’s busi-nesses. This annual seasonal peak created by the regatta, continues to affirm the signifi-cance of Bequia’s signature event to the island’s economy and its contribution to building and enhancing the tourism product in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole. A large crowd of competitors from both the

local double-ender fleet and the yacht racing fleet were welcomed at the closing ceremony by Senator Elvis Charles, representing Minister of Tourism. Sport and Culture, the Hon. Cecil McKie. Senator Charles thanked the competi-tors and the sponsors, and reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to supporting the Bequia Sailing Club in their work in putting on the regatta each year.

Sir James Mitchell, founder of the Bequia Sailing Club, and Northern Grenadines MP Dr. The Hon. Godwin Friday, visitors, followers and fans all joined the competitors at the gardens of the Gingerbread Hotel for the Regatta Grand Prize-giving, to witness loud cheers ringing out for all the winners and runners-up. Many took time to generously salute the all-volunteer Bequia Sailing Club for yet another superbly run regatta, and to thank the people of Bequia for the warmth of their welcome.

Doubly good On the local boat side, excite-ment ran at fever pitch on Good Friday for the First Citizens Big

Boat Challenge, as the sleek new 28-footer ‘Fo’ True’ took part in its maiden race. Owned by Dylan Ferry from the Virgin Islands and built and skippered by master boat-builder Arnold Hazell, ‘Fo’ True’s’ glisten-ing varnished hull drew huge crowds of admirers. With

nine entrants overall, Friday’s First Citizens Big Boat Chal-lenge was won by Bequia’s own ‘Double Bluff’, skippered by Lachie King. The 29-boat local double-ender fleet that took part in the three race series over the Easter weekend (two Heineken Chal-lenges and a Mount Gay Chal-lenge) came mostly from Bequia, but also included three boats from Canouan, two from Mayreau and one from Carria-cou. Amongst the Bequia boats, there were no less than seven competing with talented and fearless young Bequia sailors as crew. There’s clearly a whole new generation of sailors ready to take on the challenge of Bequia Regatta for years to come!

Cranking it up With Monday’s Mount Gay Challenge race for the largest boats postponed because of the difficult and risky weather conditions, the overall winner of Bank of SVG Trophy in this hotly contested 28-foot Class 7 is yet to be decided. The other overall winners were ‘O Connie’ (Class I, Wag Service Station Trophy); ‘My Way’ (Class 2, RBTT Trophy); ‘Lightning’ from Mayreau (Class 4, Mountain Top Spring Water Trophy); ‘Nerissa’ J 2, (Class 5, Caribbean Woods Trophy);with 140-year-old ‘Iron Duke’ taking overall honours in Class 6 with The Bequia Sailing Club Trophy.

The yacht side of the regatta was officiated for the fourteenth year running by Principal Race Officer James Benoit from Grenada, working alongside the Bequia Sailing Club Race Committee. Two one-design Classes - one for the 25-foot French “Surprise” boats from Martinique, and the other for the popular J24 racing yachts, a Racing (spinnaker) Class and two Cruising Classes, divided up the 54-boat yacht fleet. Competition was fast and furious in the unexpectedly blustery winds, and nightly prize-givings and get-togethers hosted by the Bequia Sailing Club and sponsors Heineken and Mount Gay Rum kept spirits and camaraderie at an all-time high. No less than 14 French yachts

made the long over-night journey down from Martinique to compete in what was widely declared to be their favourite regatta of all. They were joined by boats from Barba-dos, Grenada, Carria-cou, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (with an impressive 5-boat entry), Antigua, Trinidad, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Cayman Islands and Canada, all eager to take part in the Bequia Heineken Easter Regatta 2013. Regatta Premier

Sponsors First Citizens awarded unique teak trophies to the winners of Friday’s First Citizens Yacht Races and Big Boat Challenge, whilst winners of Sunday’s 11-boat entry Heineken single-handed Yacht Race and Monday’s Heineken Yacht Races all received addi-tional prizes, courtesy of Heineken. Regatta sponsors United Insurance lent their name to the J24 three-race series on Satur-day, with the United Insurance Challenge Trophy going to the super-talented young crew from St. Lucia on ‘Bad Attitude’, skippered by Frederic Sweeney. The 9-entry J24 Class included boats from St. Vincent, Barba-dos, Grenada and St. Lucia, each competing fiercely throughout the regatta’s six specially designed races. When the final

results were tallied, it was ‘Bad Attitude’ that was the Overall Winner, thereby also taking the J24 Southern Caribbean’s Champion Trophy for 2013. St. Vincent’s own ‘Saltfish’, skip-pered by Philip Barnard, took a well-earned second overall, just pushing Charlie Gloumeau and his team from Barbados on ‘Fadeaway’ into overall third place on a points tie break. Overall winners in the other four equally closely contested classes were Racing Class: ‘Lost Horizon’ (James Dobbs, Anti-gua); Cruising I: ‘Frolic’ (Hans Lammers, Antigua); Cruising II: ‘Leonora’, (David Spieler, Barba-dos) and Surprise: GFA ‘Cara-ibes’ (Nicolas Gillet, Marti-nique).

Other activities But it wasn’t only competing boats that thronged the harbour in Admiralty Bay. Over 120 additional power and sailing yachts came to Bequia to see the legendary local boat races, follow the yacht races or simply enjoy being in Bequia at Easter. On Lay Day Sunday, regatta spon-sors Bequia Beach Hotel hosted the Karib Cable Sandcastle competition on the beach at Friendship Bay, followed by a delightful afternoon of live music and children’s entertainment in the hotel’s gardens by the beach. The Bequia Sailing Club would like to thank Title Spon-sor Heineken (Coreas Hazells), Premier Sponsor First Citizens and main sponsors Mount Gay Rum (Vintages, Bequia), United Insurance, Mountain Top Water, the Frangipani Hotel, Bequia Beach Hotel, De Reef, C. K.

Greaves and Karib Cable for their exception-ally gener-ous and loyal support of this presti-gious sporting and tourism event. Thanks also go to the SVG Tour-ism Author-ity, Customs and Immi-gration, the SVG Coast-guard, the Bequia Tourism Association, all business and private donors and all the volunteers within the Sailing Club who worked so hard to make Regatta 2013 the biggest and best Bequia Easter Regatta ever!

Smoking Dragon in the Karib Cable sandcastle competition at Bequia Beach Hotel.

Big crowds at the Frangipani Yacht Race Headquarters.

Overall J24 winner “Bad Attitude” from St. Lucia.

Right: Norlann Gabriel pres-ents the trophy to Double Bluff, winner of the First Citizens Big Boat Challenge.

Class 1 sets out for Monday’s Mount Gay challenge.

Cruising I fleet came from all over the region.

Top skills in Surprise Class.

First Citizens Big Boat Challenge.

Fourteen boats came from Martinique to race.

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JUSTLYN OLLIVIERRE MIGHTJUST HAVE TAKEN the firststep in a trail left by hersister, Casynella Olliverre,the 2005 Miss SVG and

Miss Carival winner. On the night of her

18th birthday, Justlyn, ofMayreau, took the 2013Miss Easterval title from a

field of seven othercontestants, and is bent onrepeating her sister’sfeats.

“… I was planning to

go to this pageant all mylife,” she said in aninterview after the show.

She won the BestTalent, Best Swimwear,and Most Photogeniccategories of the show,and emerged winneramidst a tough challengefrom Miss Barbados, HeidiBarrow, who was FirstRunner-up and adjudgedto have had the BestInterview.

St. Vincent’srepresentative, ShackellBobb, won the bestEvening Wear category tohelp her occupy theSecond Runner-upposition.

Miss Union Island,Laurel Ambrose, was theFacebook People’s Choice.

Wanting to have fun

Ollivierre used hertalent to highlight some ofthe realities of vending inMayreau.

The dramatization —‘The Vendor’ - depictedinteraction betweenvendors and visitors to theisland, where tourism isthe mainstay of theeconomy.

“… I wanted to keep itlocal, so I portrayed thevendors and the problemsthey had with the touristsand the problems that wecreate for the tourists aswell,” she said in aninterview after the show,which started two hourslate and had instances oferroneous English-Spanishtranslation.

She said she wasfeeling “really ecstatic,”but was “shocked” thatshe had won the pageant.

“…I never expectedthis. … I only came to

have fun,” the St. Joseph’sConvent Kingstowngraduate, who plans tostudy business inSeptember, said.

But before she returnsto school in September,Ollivierre is consideringentering a pageant inPetite Martinique nextmonth.

“This has given me theconfidence to go and enterand big up my little islandof Mayreau,” she said ofMiss Easterval, thepreparation for which was“hectic.”

“I lost a lot of weight,and I couldn’t believe Iwon,” she said.

The other contestantsin the pageant were: MissCarriacou, FrancelynTamara Lessey; MissTrinidad and Tobago,Victoria St. Louis; MissVenezuela, MariamBarbar; and MissMargarita, Tiffany PaolaDa Silva Escobar.(Contributed by KentonChance.)

16. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Festival/ArtsV

Miss Easterval2013: Looking torepeat sisterÊs feat

Justlyn Ollivierre, Miss Easterval 2013.

Below: Justlyn Ollivierre, Miss Mayreau, into thedramatization that topped the talent category.

Contestants in Miss Easterval 2013.

Shackell Bobb, Miss St. Vincent, displays herwinning Evening Wear.

Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net;nelsoking@msn.comUS CORRESPONDENT

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Tourism,Culture and Sports Minister, Cecil ‘Ces’Mc Kie, says the tourism sector, and thecountry as a whole, will get a significantboost on completion of the ArgyleInternational Airport.

Mc Kie, on a stop-over in New Yorkfrom Taiwan, over the Easterweekend, told THE VINCENTIAN, inan exclusive interview, that theministry anticipates between 190,000and 250,000 tourist arrivals by airannually, within the first two years ofthe airport’s completion.

Currently, the country gets, onaverage, 80,000 visitors annually viaair transportation, he said.

Despite US$80 million more needed,of which US$44 million have beenidentified, to complete the largestcapital project in the nation’s history,Mc Kie said construction is“progressing on schedule,” with theterminal building expected to becompleted by year’s end, and “the stripand other amenities will be completedearly next year the latest.

“I am very confident that will berealized,” said the tourism minister,referring to the US$80 million stillneeded.

He said nationals in the Diasporaare noticeably “more excited and morevocal than those at home”, about theinternational airport, primarilybecause “people outside are morefamiliar with the hassles of gettinghome.

“It’s difficult for them to understandwhy LIAT (regional airline) is more

expensive (the price of a ticket) fromBarbados to home, than from NewYork to Barbados,” he added.

Opposition support

As construction of the internationalairport progresses, McKie noted thateven opposition legislators nowsupport the project.

“We’re beginning to see a difference,whereas, the opposition was playingpolitics, there are clear and visiblesigns (of support),” he said.

“And in the last Parliament, allmembers of the opposition came outand showed support for the issue,” headded. “More and more doubtingThomases have become converts.”

In a town hall meeting in Brooklynlast month, Opposition Leader ArnhimEustace expressed concern aboutconstruction of the airport satisfyinginternational standards.

But Prime Minister Dr. RalphGonsalves has assured thatinternational standards are beingmaintained according to InternationalCivil Aviation Organization (ICAO)guidelines.

Mc Kie dismissed talks about theunprofitability of constructing theinternational airport, saying: “There’shardly an airport in the region that isprofitable, but the benefits faroutweigh the cost.”

Increase in hotel rooms expected

The tourism minister — who withother government officials on Sundayevening updated Vincentians ondevelopments at home in a town hallmeeting, at the Friends of CrownHeights Educational Center in

Brooklyn, New York — also expectshotels rooms to significantly increaseon completion of the internationalairport.

“We’re looking to increase hotelstock by 10 percent with the openingof the airport,” he told THEVINCENTIAN.

“We have about 2,000 capacity(hotel rooms), and we’re working withall hotel stakeholders to continue toupgrade,” he added.

Mc Kie said construction of newhotels in Canouan and Bequia in theGrenadines will also boost the sector,as well as the building of a world-classmarina in Canouan that wouldaccommodate about 110 luxury yachts.

He said it was in the nation’s “bestinterest” that issues surrounding theBuccament Bay Resort be resolvedexpeditiously, noting that the resortcurrently has close to 200 hotel rooms.

Last month, Eustace, a formerprime minister, told THEVINCENTIAN, in an exclusiveinterview in New York, that thenation’s economic situation could befurther exacerbated if investorseventually succeed in freezing theaccounts of Harlequin, the Britishcompany that owns the Buccama BayResort, warning that 400 nationalscould be put on the breadline.

He claimed that the company owes“several small contractors” in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and thatit is currently under investigation bythe British Financial ServicesAuthority.

“What annoys me in Buccament isthe inability to pay,” the oppositionleader charged. “It’s a very serioussituation. I’m very worried about thesituation.”

Finance sector and the economy

Eustace had also expressed deepconcern about the future of theBuilding and Loan Association (BLA),adding that shareholders and accountholders can ill-afford to face a “doublewhammy,” after having their“confidence shaken” by the BritishAmerican Insurance Company/Clicodebacle.

Eustace said the prospect is “verysmall” for investors, with over amillion dollars in British American, ingetting their investment back,“because the governments don’t havethat money.”

“Thefinancialsector is introuble,”Eustacewarned. “It’s amatter ofgiving backpeople someconfidence.”

In paintinga very bleakpicture of thecountry’s economy, Eustace allegedthat it is “mismanaged” by theGonsalves administration, chargingthat the nation faces “the worst”economic situation since it obtainedpolitical independence from GreatBritain in October 1979.

But Mc Kie said, “the World Bankand other financial authorities haveall concluded that St. Vincent and theGrenadines is the only OECS(Organization of Eastern CaribbeanStates) country to realize twoconsecutive years of positive growth,”pointing to 0.4 percent growth in 2011and 1.2 percent in 2012.

“You can’t dispute those figures,” hesaid. “We cannot escape the globaleconomic situation, but we continue tohold our head above water.”

The tourism minister said whereasa number of regional countries havehad to halt major projects, because ofthe global economic crisis, St. Vincentand the Grenadines was able toproceed with constructing theinternational airport, among otherthings.

“We’ve been able to pay salariesevery month, we’ve been able tomaintain jobs, and we continue toattract investment,” he said.

Mc Kie also urged nationals to“leave deposits in the BLA, adding: “Ihave confidence that things willsmooth out.”

Besides Mc Kie, speakers at thetown hall meeting, chaired by NewYork Consul General Selmon Walters,a former government minister,comprised former ministers Dr. JerrolThompson, advisor on energy andtechnology; and Glen Beache, chiefexecutive officer, Tourism Authority;Michelle Fife, West Kingstowncandidate and legal advisor, Ministryof Foreign Affairs; and UNAmbassador Camillo Gonsalves.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2012. 17.

DiasporaV

Section of the audience at the town hall meeting.

Mc Kie anticipates greatboost to tourism sector

Tourism Minister Cecil ‘Ces’ Mc Kie (left) and Dr.Jerrol Thompson at town hall meeting.Tourism Authority CEO Glen Beache (l), Michelle Fife and Selmon Walters.

Community activistMaxwell Haywood,chairman of the SVGDiaspora Committeeof New York, asking aquestion.

18. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Education V JOB OPPORTUNITIESCCA Limited, a construction company on Canouan is currently recruiting for the following positions:

Senior Plumber

Purpose of position: Under the supervision of the Plumbing Supervisor, to carry out the installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing and HVAC systems, in accordance with work schedules, project specifications, relevant codes and safety procedures.

Applicants must have:• A minimum of five (5) years technical experience in the plumbing field• A City and Guilds or equivalent qualification will be an asset• Familiarisation with PVC sch.40, 80, PVC dwv, copper, galvanized and black iron pipe work, water heater and boilers.

Duties include, but are not limited to:• Installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing used for HVAC systems, water distribution and waste water disposal.• Installing, maintaining, repairing or replacing plumbing pipes (CPVC, PVC, black iron, galvanize) and fixtures according to mechanical and structural blueprints and instructions from the Plumbing Supervisor• Installation, preventative maintenance and repairs of Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning units, in accordance with time, plumbing and Mechanical Engineering codes• Assist with installation of complex plumbing systems as required• Strictly follows safety standards at all times

Senior Mechanic

Purpose of position: Under the direct supervision of the Mechanic Supervisor, to carry out repairs, maintains and services all CRD vehicles and heavy equipment.

Applicants must have:• A minimum of five (5) years experience in the mechanical workshop field• A City and Guilds or equivalent qualification will be an asset

Duties include, but are not limited to:• Perform repairs, maintenance and servicing work on vehicles and heavy equipment using appropriate tools and equip- ment.• Determine nature and extent of malfunction or damage; operates a variety of testing devices.• Perform road and diagnostic tests to locate defects in operation or to verify repair work.• Clean vehicle after repair or maintenance service.• Keep work areas and tools tidy and complies with all safety rules and procedures.

Construction Site Supervisor

Purpose of position:Coordinates on-site activities by assigning daily tasks to field workers and setting work priorities based on instructions received by the Site Agent.

Applicants must have:• A technical certificate or diploma in construction• Required to have at least 5 years as a site supervisor• Must be able to work extended hours to complete tasks that have not been completed as per schedule outlined in order to maintain completion dates

Duties include, but are not limited to:• Ensure daily tasks on site are performed according to specifications received by the Site Agent.• Inform the Site Agent on a daily basis of material and equipment needs.• Organise and monitor the disbursement, use and return of tools to field workers and subcontractors and maintains relevant inventories.• Guarantee constant presence on site.• Communicate and interpret company and legal safety regulations to all workers. Monitor and take actions where neces- sary.• Ensure site is safe and clean at the end of every day.• Record daily activities on Site Book throughout the project.

Travel Coordinator

Purpose of position:To be the main point of contact for arrivals (new employees, consultants etc), assisting with pre-arrival requirements and queries; travel arrangements; ensuring that the necessary package (housing, cell phone, desk set up, vehicle etc) is arranged in good time, to create a smooth transition into Canouan and CCA. To coordinate the business travel requirements of all employees and the vacation travel for certain employees.

Applicants must have:• A minimum of three years experience scheduling international travel arrangements for management• Strong knowledge of MS Office Package including Word, Excel and Outlook.• A tertiary level education is required – Degree/Diploma in Travel and Tourism/ Business, or related field is preferred

Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:• Expert level written and verbal communication skills required as well as being able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure• Ability to speak a second language is beneficial.

Duties include, but are not limited to:• Responsible for coordinating the company’s international and regional travel needs• Create, maintain, and update hard copy trip files for all travel• Schedules flight, hotel and taxis as required and prepares necessary documentation such as visa and immigration clearance• Coordinate with accounting department to invoice travelers for travel costs

Housekeeper/Caregiver• A female between the ages of 30 to 40 years of age• Applicant must have housekeeping experience within a residential home setting.• Must provide clean, sanitary comfortable, orderly and satisfying surroundings for residents. • Minimum 5 years experience care giving for elderly person. • Must have the ability to effectively provide day to day care to elderly couple and maintain a healthy and clean environ- ment.• Must have the ability to work on a shift basis and on own initiative

All positions require a recently issued (within 6 months) clean police record

Please forward your CV to or go into:

CCA LimitedHowie Prince Building Hudson Tannis DriveArnos Vale Or E-mail: hr@ccalimited.com By: April 12, 2013

by GLORIAH…

THE GRACE CHILDRENHOME (GCH) is a non-profit, charitableorganization with aprimary aim ofestablishing an orphanagehere in St. Vincent and theGrenadines.The organization is alsosaid to “believe in equalityand understands diversityamongst communities,”and therefore, providesinnovative ‘After-School-Clubs’ in four communitieshere.

After School-Clubs

The focus of these‘After-School-Clubs’comes out of one ofGCH’s mottos: ‘Read foryour future and thefuture of your children’.The clubs, which arelocated at the SpringVillage Primary School,the Troumaca OntarioSecondary School, theBuccament PrimarySchool in conjunctionwith the HopeFoundation, and at RosePlace in conjunction withthe InivershallRastafarian Movement,assist children inreading, using phonicsand a number of tools tomake it easier for thechild to understand.

Peer reading isencouraged as childrenoften learn from eachother, and other simpleformats used have beendeemed effective so far.The clubs also assistchildren with theirhomework, and conductssessions in creative artor drama, where diverseissues are tackled.

Origin

In an interview withMs. Gracelyn Frederick,

Coordinator of the After-School-Clubs, THEVINCENTIAN learntthat the vision for theorganization was born in2009 and GCH wasregistered in 2011.

In 2012, withapproval from theMinistry of Educationand help from localbusiness houses, GCHsuccessfully piloted itsfirst club in the SpringVillage Primary Schoolfor a period of twenty-sixweeks. The activitiesproved to be veryrewarding for theparticipants.

Ms. Frederick believesthat continued progressin these programmeswill guarantee a betterfuture for theparticipants. “Take thestory teller for example,”she explained, “once youlearn how to read atyour attainment level,your vision might beable to take yourstorytelling to the nextlevel. You could writethem down or studyfurther to see how towork out a new venture.You could publish themor become a professionalstoryteller and earn thatway.”

Funding for the After-School-Clubs initiativewas received from theCanadian Fund for LocalInitiatives, for theJanuary to March, 2013period.

The clubs’ activitiesare facilitated byvolunteers who, alongwith Co-ordinatorFrederick, have alreadydecided that their nextundertaking is to helpmothers with basicMath, English andReading, so they canbetter assist theirchildren to read.

GCH Teachingat risk childrento read

Vincentian poets and would-bepoets have another opportunity toshowcase their work and berewarded in the process.

The opportunity comes with the staging of theannual Noel Prize for Poetry Contest.

This year, participants will convene on Saturday13th April, from 9 am to 1 pm, at the UWI School ofContinuing Studies Campus, Kingstown, wherethey will be required to write one poem on a giventopic.

The winner of this year’s contest, to beannounced on a later date, will pocket $500.00.There will also be prizes for second and thirdprizes.

Poetry prize upfor grabs

by GLORIAH…

A NUMBER OF PERSONSfrom differentorganizations here in St.Vincent and theGrenadines were given theopportunity, March 21stand 22nd, to learn therudiments of writing andpresenting a grantproposal for fundingagencies in the UnitedStates of America.

The workshop washosted by the Embassy ofthe United States toBarbados and theEastern Caribbean, andheld at the MarionHouse.

Facilitator

The facilitator of theworkshop was Mr.Michael V. Gershowitz,PhD, Assistant Professorand Director of FederalGrants at RutgersUniversity in Newark,New Jersey.

Dr. Gershowitz toldTHE VINCENTIAN thathe has been engaged inconducting similarworkshops all over theworld for over twenty

years. He believes that,because there is grantfunding that could beaccessed by Non-governmentalOrganisations, there is aneed for a clearerunderstanding of thebest methods for writingthe proposals, andultimately winning thegrant.

He quoted the famousphilanthropist, John D.Rockefeller to drive thispoint home: “Asking forfunding for a worthypurpose is noble. It isnot begging.”

Other resourcepersonnel from theEmbassy were Ms. MaryGreaves, Public AffairsAssistant, and Ms.Rachael Zaspel, DeputyPublic Affairs Officer.

Subject matter

Participants wereexposed to grant writingand what it is all about.They were shown how toidentify the fundingagencies that arerelevant to the needs ofNGO’s and the processes

to be followed towardsthe production of aproposal that has apotential to win a grant.

The workshop alsoengaged the participantsin practical writingsessions which werefollowed by reporting,enabling all to fullygrasp the concept of thedetails required tocomplete the variousaspects of the proposals.

Partnership

Ms. BarbaraMatthews, AssistantDirector of MarionHouse, explained thather institution hasplayed a pivotal role inhaving the workshopcome to St. Vincent andthe Grenadines. Shestated that the UnitedStates Embassy toBarbados and theEastern Caribbean hasbeen partnering with theMarion House for manyyears and has fundedseveral of its projects.

Ms. Matthews washappy for theopportunity to have

members of her staff andmembers of other NGO’strained, as she believesthat persons andorganisations will now bebetter equipped to assessfunding.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 19.

TrainingV

A GROUP OF NINETEEN EMPLOYEES at St.Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC)were involved in an intensive Report Writingtraining course on March 27th and 28th , with aview to improve their report writing skills so thatthey will be able to produce effective andmeaningful documents.

Ms. Beverley Dulcie, Human ResourcesManager at the St. Lucia Air and SeaportsAuthority, facilitated the programme.

Ms. Dulcie noted that it is important for theemployees to comprehend the significance ofcomprehensive report writing in the workplace.She said that communicating inappropriately in areport could affect how the business functions. Shestressed that proper report writing is integral forjob success and the importance of having trainingin this very important area.

The participants focused on topics inclusive ofthe Mechanics of Writing, Stages of ReportWriting, Business Reports.

Ms. Dulcie said they the participants interactedwell throughout the course and were engaging.

The participants said that they were satisfiedwith the outcome and noted that the training willenhance overall job performance.

VINLEC staff in ReportWriting course

US Embassy hostsgrant writingworkshop

Professor MichaelGershowitz, GrantWriting Workshopfacilitator.

Some of the participants in the Report Writingtraining session.

Suicide: Not thesolutionDear George,

MY FATHER thinks I am ahomosexual because ofthe friends I am hangingaround.  He is accusingme of stuff I am not doing,and it hurts me deeply.The friends he is referringto are not homosexuals,and they are annoyed thatmy father would judgethem like that.  My nameis branded about andtainted because of myfather. 

I have tried to talk tohim many times, but herefuses to listen to me.He even told me that Iam not his son. It hurtso much to hear myfather disown me likethat. I’m at the pointwhere I cannot live withthis burden. I love myfather very much, and ifhe refuses to love meanymore, then it makes

no sense living. I cannotlive like this. My fatherought to know betterbecause he goes tochurch and he is one ofthe leaders in hischurch.

The only way for meto end my misery is toend my life. I cannotbelieve that my familycould be treating me likethis, as if I am an alienor something.

Hurt

Dear Hurt,

It can be very painfulto hear your own fathersay he does not knowyou, or you are not hisson. However, ending

your life will not get himto find out the truthabout you. Find a familymember whom yourfather will listen to, andget them to sit him downto explain to him thelevel of your grief. Ifthat does not work, thenI strongly suggest you gosee a counsellorimmediately. Maybethat counselor can getyour father to join you ina session and therebygiving him a chance toexplain why he thinksyou are involved in sucha lifestyle.

Your father may verywell be allowing hishomophobia to get in theway of having arelationship with you,and that can bediscussed in the presenceof a counselor.Attending church wouldnot make him lesshomophobic, and you canvery well use thisexperience to help himnot to be so judgementalof others, especially hisown son.

George

AdviceV 20. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Dear George,

I WENT OUT on a date with this girl I have hadfeelings for since in high school, and we hit it offbig time. At the end of the night, she attempted tokiss me and I told her that I did not want to,seeing that it was our first date. She even beggedme to sleep with her that same night and of courseI refused again.

The next day, some of her friends approachedme and accusing me of forcing this girl to sleepwith me on the first date, and how I was upsetbecause she did not kiss me. I was so shocked thatI simply did not reply; I just walked away.

The next time I saw her, I asked her about whatshe had said about me, and she said the girls weremaking stuff up. She brushed the whole issueaside and, believe it not, she asked me to go outwith her again. I told her I would let her know.

George, I am so turned off that I do not feel anymotivation to go out with her again. I thought shehad more class than that.

Let Down

Dear Let Down,

This is one of those times when following yourgut feeling is the way to go. Her girlfriends couldnot have known about your date with her unlessshe told them, and you need to proceed cautiouslyfrom here.

A woman of class would appreciate a man whorefuses to kiss on the first date or going further,and would be proud to be associated with him. Ifyou are looking for a woman who has the class, youneed to keep looking.

George

No class

Dear George,

I AM IN ONE big mess and do notknow how to get out of it. I need yourhelp badly.

I am engaged to this girl. Ourwedding date is set for August of thisyear. Recently, I was told by a girl Iused to see, that she has a child forme, and the child is two years old.This was before I met my presentgirlfriend.

The thing is, my girlfriend alwayssaid that she does not want to marry aman who has children with anyoneelse but her. If I tell her about thischild, then I risk losing heraltogether. What should I do?

Mixed Blues

Dear Mixed Blues,

Entering marriage with secrets isnot the way to go, and you shouldlevel with your bride to be. For allyou know, this child may not even beyours! Get a DNA test done toascertain that you are the father ofthis child. If you are, and your fiancéetruly loves you, she just might goahead and marry you. Whateverhappens, she needs to know what sheis getting into, and to have anopportunity to make an informeddecision.

If you end up losing her as yourbride because the child turns out to beyours, then you get to have the honorof stepping up to the plate and be thebest father you can be to this child.

George

Should I tell her?

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 21.

LeisureVACROSS1. Athlete

Thorpe4. Pirouette8. Follower of

(suffix)11. Shuttle

launchers(abbr.)

12. NCO’s nickname

13. Signals consent

15. Some poems

16. Ponds17. Justice

Black18. Boil20. Pampered22. One billion

years23. Of the sun24. Creates

confetti27. Construct30. Greek letter31. Big rigs34. Is acquaint

-ed with36. Hard woods38.Revolutionary40. Siamese41. Put in office43. Internet

commu-nication(hyph.)

45. Moreover46. Small

combos48. Making

cow noises50. Enjoy a

cigar53. Pierre’s

refusal54. North

Americanmarsupials

57. Escarole61. Disney fish62. Archibald

and Thurmond of

the NBA64. “Oh, sure!”

(2 wds.)65. Waken66. Woman’s

garb67. Reference68. SAT org.69. Pace70. Grid coups(abbr.)

DOWN

1. Green jewel2. Psychic’s

phrase(2 wds.)

3. Get the hangof

4. __ Paulo (Brazilian

city)5. School

dances6. Ice house7. Candy bar

company8. Natural or

inborn9. See the

sights10. Outer rim11. Digits

(abbr.)12. Wallet

emptier14.Landscaper’

s stock19. Weeding

tools

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)Confronting a situation will only result inindignation and misunderstandings.Concentrate on work. Don't point yourfinger unjustly at others. Be careful not toget involved in other people's personalaffairs.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21)Property investments should payoff. Youwill encounter those who can help youfurther your goals if you attend functionsthat attract prominent people. Consider atrial separation if you and your mate justcan't come to terms. Help those inca-pable of taking care of their personalaffairs.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)You may want to take a look at the per-sonal papers of elders in your family. Tryto avoid any drastic/ decisions concern-ing personal legal matters. Do not reacttoo harshly when dealing with partners.Use some diplomacy to get your pointacross delicately.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)Someone you live with will get angry ifyou are neglecting your duties. You willbe able to talk about emotional problemswith your partner. It might be time tomake a fresh start. Concentrate onspending quality time with children and friends.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)You won't have to look for the action. Youmust use discretion when talking to oth-ers. Gambling should not be an option.Be considerate and avoid being overlyopinionated, or arguments will ensue.Things will be emotional with your mate.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)A second chance will result in goodwork. If your lover tries to curtail yourfreedom, it may lead to conflict. Youwon't be able to keep a secret. You arebest not to nag or criticize.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)Restrictions may be difficult for you to

live with. Older family members will makedemands on your time. You will want tocomplain about the in justice that is goingon, Your attitude is changing rapidly and your plate is over-loaded.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)Don't hesitate to voice your ideas andopinions. Cutbacks at work will be acause for worry. You will take on too muchif you aren't careful. Stick to basics. Your sensitive nature will allow others to readyou well.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)Arguments with relatives may lead to asplit in the family. You may be overreact-ing to personal problems. Uncertaintiesregarding relatives will make situationsuncomfortable if you attend a family func-tion. You will enjoy interacting with thosewho come from different backgrounds.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)Put your efforts into moneymaking ven-tures. Difficulties with female members ofyour family may result in estrangement's.You'd be wise to control your spending soyour debts don't get out of hand.Romantic opportunities are evident if you get involved in large groupsor organizations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)Your partner could make you angry if theysteal your thunder or embarrass you infront of others. Travel, although enticing,will cost more than you expect. Entertainthose who can provide you with valuableinformation and knowledge. Avoid anyover indulgences.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)You'll find it easy to talk about your feelingthis week. Don't hesitate to find out whatyour mate's intentions are. Don't prejudge.You may get drawn into a personal situa-tion that will not be to your liking. Take onpositions that offer on the job training orpay for courses related to the business.It's doubtful anyone will try to stand inyour way.

21. Listenattentively

25. Bible verb25. Nature

walker26. “Peter Pan”

pirate28. Songwriter

GeorgeM. __

29. Nasal intonation

30. “The Bells” poet

32. Computer co. inits.

33. Fabric juncture

35. Comic Caesar

37. Tailor’s tool39. Cub’s mom42. Male

turkeys44. Water bird

47. “The __ ofSilence”49. Charge for

mally51. Where to

buyMartha

Stewart sheets52. Perfumer

Lauder54. Switch

positions55. Baseball’s

Rose56. Bypass58. Footnote

abbr.59. Former GIs60. French

summer63. Psychic’s

letters

TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1992TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1992TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1992

PUBLIC

NOTICE

PUBLIC

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that an application has been

made to the Physical Planning and Development Board

by ANETHA BONADIE.

To carry out a sub-division on lands at Clare Valley.

A copy of the application and of the plans and other

documents submitted with it may be inspected at the

Offices of:

The Physical Planning Unit

Ministry of Housing

Informal Human Settlements

Lands and Surveys

Physical Planning

during the hours of 8 a.m. - 12 noon and 1:00 p.m - 4:15

p.m. Monday - Friday for a period of fourteen (14) days

following the date of the issue of the notice.

Any person wishing to make representation to the

Board in connection with this application should do so

in writing to the Secretary of the Board and within the

above-mentioned period.

TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1992TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1992TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1992

PUBLIC

NOTICE

PUBLIC

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to the Physical Planning and Development Board by VAL JONES.

To carry out a new commercial development (storage) at Fairbain Pasture.

A copy of the application and of the plans and other documents submitted with it may be inspected at the Offices of:

The Physical Planning UnitMinistry of Housing Informal Human SettlementsLands and Surveys Physical Planning

during the hours of 8 a.m. - 12 noon and 1:00 p.m - 4:15 p.m. Monday - Friday for a period of fourteen (14) days following the date of the issue of the notice.

Any person wishing to make representation to the Board in connection with this application should do so in writing to the Secretary of the Board and within the above-mentioned period.

LA

ST

WE

EK

’sS

OL

UT

ION

by JP SCHWMON

JUST A FEW DAYS AFTER THE EASTERWEEKEND PREMIER of its 2013production, JEMS Theatre is returning toPeace Memorial Hall, Kingstown, with itsbrand new hit play, ‘Truth Be Told’, onFriday April 5th beginning at 8 p.m.

The first run of ‘Truth be Told’,evoked rave reviews. Marslyn Lewisdeclared: “It evoked laughter, tearsand joy and was well-crafted andwritten… The cast was excellent! Hatsoff to Jerol, Lafayette, Sylvia andothers… great job, guys, you did itagain. Beautiful, a must see!”

Former Culture Minister ReneBaptiste who writes “…. a good playwith strong themes such as good and

evil, the secrets in a family, echoingthemes of tragedy, comedy and drama.The acting was very good, and timingwas fair with believable characters,…….. I wish we were heavier in thepocket to produce works like these fora monthly theatre weekend, to buildthis art form… .”

Internationally acclaimedplaywright and producer JerolHuggins Jackson is best known for hiscomedic work Tables Will Turn whichenjoyed quite a run since it opened atthe prestigious Paul Robeson Theatrein New York seven years ago. Now theTrinidadian born thespian has set hissights on new frontiers — a musicaldrama that tackles several taboosubjects that plague our Caribbean

civilisation. Inspired by true events

Truth Be Told is set in NewYork where the past, aspersonified by Sylvia Gould’sportrayal of Mother Browne,has traversed oceans and timeto ‘catch up’ with the story’sconflicted lead characterSandra Jones (LafayetteJohnson).

“It was based on the life ofone of my audience memberswho had come to see myprevious play. At the end, shewas so inspired, she walkedover to me and said ‘would you pleasewrite a play on my life?’ Of coursethere is some element of creativelicense at work in this piece too,” Jerolshared with the audience on openingnight.

As the tale unfolds, dark secretswhich play on a range of humanemotions and sensitive topics arebrought to the fore, forcing each of thefour characters to come to terms withtheir individual choices. The audienceis to be treated to more than the usualfare of slapstick comedy that haspervaded Caribbean Theatre fordecades as this tale of humantrafficking, greed, incest, sexuality andmurder is brought to life by thecollaborative efforts of some of SVG’sfinest. Award winning actressLafayette Johnson acknowledges thather character, Sandra, is buffeted withunresolved issues that harken back toher childhood “which is reflected inher adult life…she is unskilled andselfish, so what you’ll see is that shehas become dependent on others toprovide for her which in itself is thecrux of her problem.”

Sharing the stage with Johnson asher character’s husband, Raymond, ishome-grown Vincentian actor JPSchwmon. He brings to Truth Be Toldover a decade of onstage and televisionexperience. “…This role is definitely

pushing the envelope; you seeRaymond is a former attorney turndrag queen. He finds himselfregressing into a lifestyle that he’dshunned, just so he could provide thequality of life to which his wife hasgrown accustomed… It was testinggetting prepped but Raymond… .”

Sylvia Gould, whose versatiletalents have been featured in HairounTheatre Company’s productionslocally, regionally and internationallyover the past two decades, contributesmuch of the comic relief in her role asMother Browne. According to her “…the part is a challenging one in termsof the range of emotions involved —after all, here is a mother travellingfor miles trying to reach out to herdaughter in search of forgiveness thatshe never gets.”

Back onstage for a second JEMSTheatre production is StanleyJohnson. He is best known for hiswork with Urban Expression. “My roleis small but I’m just happy to be a partof the show… I’ve learnt that it’s notthe size of the role in a play thatmakes the actor but the power anactor can give to his role.”

Tickets would not be sold for thererun so patrons wishing to enjoy thisproduction must get to the PeaceMemorial Hall before opening curtainsto secure their seats.

22. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

TheatreVÂTruth Be ToldÊ backby popular demand

Jerrol Jackson, playwright; tackles sometaboo subjects in his latest stage production.

Lafayette Johnson (standing) and Sylvia Gould, two of the leading players inthe play, ‘Truth Be Told’.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 23.

SportsV

by GLENFORD PRESCOTT

WINDWARD ISLANDS COACH IAN ALLENIS POSITIVE and confident that his teamcan win the regional four-day tournamentthis year.Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN onWednesday on the opening day of theWindwards U15 tournament at the ArnosVale Playing Field, Allen said he washappy with the way the major playerswere performing said that once thiscontinued, the title was within reach.

He, however was concerned thatthere was a lack of consistency withthe team as a unit, and is hoping thatall players would chip in to makethose few good performances thatwould take it over the line.

Allen, who represented theWindwards for a number of yearsbefore being appointed coach twelveyears ago, said that it was the firsttime for a long time that the team hadbeen able to win four out of fivematches.

‘We are definitely on a run andplaying good cricket….we cannotthough become complacent going intothe semifinals….it would be no usedoing that well in what is thepreliminary stage and then play loosecricket and throw away the chance toplay in the final and win the

tournament,” Allen said, a continuoussmile lighting up his countenance.

The Windwards have recordedvictories against Trinidad, Guyana,CCC and Barbados. Their only defeathas come against five-time defendingchampions, Jamaica.

Allen, though happy with everyvictory, was doubly elated with thetrouncing of Barbados at theKensington Oval.

“A victory is always welcomed, butone against Barbados, especially intheir own backyard, is so muchsweeter, and I enjoyed it so much,” achuckling Allen said.

The Windwards defeated Barbadosby 216 runs on the third day of thefifth round match.

In that match, champion openerDevon Smith hit an unbeaten, 150 inthe second innings in his teams totalof 301-4, while Tyrone Theophile hit91. But while Allen was full of praisefor those innings, his special praisewas reserved for offspinner, ShaneShillingford.

Shillingford had match returns of 4-20 and 8-82, as he confused andmesmerised the hapless Bajanbatsmen. The coach lauded hiscontribution which also includedhitting a crucial 24 in the below parfirst innings score of 184.

Undoubtedly, it was the commitmentshown by the Dominican, which seemsto have left a lasting mark on coachAllen.

‘This guy played a test match(against Zimbabwe) and hours afterthat match (was) finished he was on aplane to Barbados to play in thatmatch……..it really lifted him up inmy eyes, and I personally told him ofmy appreciation,” he said in anearnest voice.

The Windwards and Jamaica aretied on 48 points and have bothqualified for the semi-finals of thetournament; but the latter has playedone match less.

The Windwards will meet eitherBarbados or Trinidad in the playoffsand with the right to host that matchin Dominica, Allen is hoping foranother match-winning performanceby Shillingford in front of his homecrowd.

Allen moved by ShillingfordÊsCommitment

OPENING BATSMAN DEVON SMITH AND OFFSPINNER Shane Shillingford topped the WindwardIslands batting and bowling respectively followingthe 6th round of matches in the 2013 West Indiesregional four-day cricket tournament.

Smith, who has not worn West Indies marooncolours for a few years now, was in cracking formfollowing a poor season last year. In five matches,the classy left hander stroked three centuries andone half century, to record an aggregate of 646 runsat an average of 92.28.

“I have always enjoyed representing theWindward Islands. This is my first and foremostgoal, and with my contribution this season, I thinkthe team has done well. My satisfaction will behelping the team win a title this year,” Smith toldTHE VINCENTIAN.

And with eyes set on a higher level, he added, “ Iam also aware that I haven’t been in the regional

team setup for some time now, but going into thisyear’s tournament, I have decided to continue myhard work and enjoy my cricket and let the selectorsdecide.”

Smith has the second most runs in the history ofregional cricket competition with 9071 runs, at anaverage of 37.17, with 22 centuries and 38 fiftiesfrom 143 matches. Hishighest individual innings is212. He stands behind formerWest Indies opening batsmanStuart Williams from theLeeward Islands, now analternate West Indiesselector. Williams finished hiscareer on 9517 runs at anaverage of 40.67, with 26centuries and 36 fifties from150 matches; his highestbeing 252 not out.

Meanwhile, after finishingas the leading wicket takerfor the West Indies in the justconcluded home series againstZimbabwe, Shane Shillingfordcontinued his rich form to bethe top wicket-taker for theWindward Islands.Shillingford captured 36wickets from three matches,with an average 13 and aneconomy rate of 2.24.

On the backs of Smith andShillingford, the Windwardshave pushed themselves tojoint top standing withJamaica, in the four-daytournament. The teams arelocked on 48 points.

That position accords the Windwards automaticqualification for the semifinals with one preliminaryremaining.

They will face the Leeward Islands in their finalmatch in Antigua starting on April 9th , at theVivian Richards Cricket Stadium.I.B.A.ALLEN

VINCENTIAN FAST BOWLER DAWNLEYGRANT has been called up to theWindward Islands Senior Super50 squad.

Grant, the son of former WindwardIslands captain Dawnley Joseph, has beenback to full fitness after a few yearsabsence. He spent the latter part of lastyear and early into this year at the HighPerformance Center (HPC) in Barbados.

Grant replaces Grenadian Nelon Pascalwho has not lived up to expectations in thisformat this season.

The full Super50 squad reads: LiamSebastien (Captain), Xavier Gabriel, DevonSmith, Mervin Wells, Andre Fletcher,Kenroy Peters, Garey Mathurin, DawnleyGrant, Dalton Polius, Alston Bobb, ShaneShillingford, Tyrone Theopille and Johnson Charles.

The four-day team has also been announced for the 7th round matchagainst the Leewards. Included are: Liam Sebastien (captain), LindonJames (vice captain), Johnson Charles, Keddy Lesporis, Andre Fletcher,Kenroy Peters, Garey Mathurin, Nelon Pascal, Dalton Polius, XavierGabriel, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith and Tyrone Theophille.

Left arm fast bowler Delorn Johnson, who left the team in Barbadoslast week due to a sour back, has been given time to recover and isexpected to rejoin the team for the semi-finals.I.B.A.ALLEN

Grant in WindwardsSuper50 squad

Smith, Shillingford top Windwards’ averages

Ian Allen, coach of the seniorWindwards cricket team, hasnothing but praise for off spinnerShane Shillingford.

Shane Shillingofrd has proved to be amatch winner for the Windwards andthe West Indies in recent times.

Dawnley Grant, fast bowler.

Devon Smith totaled 646runs from 5 matches with3 centuries.

Shane Shillingfordcaptured 36 wicketsfrom 3 matches.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ANTHONY

SUPPORTERS from theSandy Bay SecondarySchool were jubilantfollowing their school’sdramatic three-wicketvictory over Petit Bordel, in

the United InsuranceSecondary Schools Cricketfinal. They endured thetension and echoed shoutsof ‘fight till death’ whenthe climax came at theArnos Vale Sports Complexlast week Wednesday.

They even taunted

their North Leewardcounterparts with shoutsof ‘focus NorthWindward.’ That was atwist to the televisionprogramme dubbed‘Focus North Leeward’aired locally.

Sandy Bay Secondaryoverhauledthe target of149 set byPetit Bordelwho fell in the35th over ofthe 40 overshowdown.

There wasno doubtabout theMan of theMatch in thefinal.

DensonHoyte scoredan unbeaten

83. He came in atnumber four and steeredhis team to theiremphatic triumph.

At 96 for 6 in the 29thover, it was an even duel.But Hoyte found an ableally in the person ofSealron Williams.

That pair shared avaluable 45-run seventhwicket stand, to whichSealron contributed onerun. He was run out offthe final delivery of the39th over. His dismissalgave Hoyte the strike,and with nine runsneeded, the odds were inSandy Bay’s favour.

Hoyte refused a runfrom the first delivery,and the target mighthave appeared daunting.The batsmen scrambledtwo runs from the next

delivery, making it sevenfrom four balls. Thematch was effectivelyover in the next ballwhich Hoyte depositedover the boundary tobring the requirementdown to one run fromthree balls.

The next delivery

almostended ina run out,but thePetitBordelteamseemed tohavealreadyabandonedthe cause. The batsmensqueezed a single off thefifth delivery, to thedelight of the Sandy Baysupporters.

Sealron had createdan early impact in thegame when he picked up4 for 36, bowling off spin.That included a hattrick.

Earlier, OtisMatthews, 28, had givenPetit Bordel a start.They fell away from acomfortable 70 for 1,save and except for a lastwicket stand of 32 runs,with Alisko Samuel, 45,shepherding his team.

The Sandy BaySecondary Schoolreceived the UnitedInsurance SecondarySchoosl Cricket trophyalong with gold medalsand $500 cash.

This was the 29thyear of United Insurancesponsorship of thecompetition.

Sports V 24. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Local vollleyballers whowere part of the Red Bullbeach volleyball pairscompetition last Sundayat Lower Bay in Bequia,are relishing the

experience.The beach volleyball

competition, which waspart of the 2013 BequiaEaster shore activities,saw 12 pairs

participating,comprisedprimarily ofthe top maleand femaleplayers here,and membersof D — Acesvolleyball teamof Barbados,who werevisiting theisland.

Chairpersonof the BeachVolleyballCommission ofthe St Vincentand theGrenadinesVolleyballAssociation(BVCSVGVA),

Nikita Campbell,expressed hersatisfaction at theeventual outcome of thecompetition.

“It was a good outingfor all of us, especiallythose who were incompetition for the firsttime,” Campbell said.

Campbell, who hadsome experiencerepresenting St Vincentand the Grenadines onthe NORCECA circuit,believed that lastSunday’s competitionacted as an “eye opener”as to what is required ofthe sport.

She believed thatmany of the females whoplay the regular hardcourt volleyball willbecome attracted to thebeach version.

As far as promotingthe sport was concerned,Campbell disclosed that

an arrangement with theBuccama Bay resortsallows players to use theresort’s facilities onSaturdays.

This, she said , washelping to lift the profileof the sport here.

Noting that thefinancial returns frombeach volleyball on theregional circuit could berewarding, Campbell isurging more players tojoin the fray, to make thevying of places on themale and female teamsmore competitive.

And on the ‘beach’ ofplay last Sunday,Campbell and LadonnaWoodley put theirexperience gained overthe years to good usewhen they took thefemale pairs competition,defeating Bretisha Greggand Andeen King, 15-6,in the final.

The pair of KemaulLee and AtkinsQuestelles outplayedtheir opponents BrianBurke and CassiusFranklyn 15-12 in aclosely fought finals, totake the male pairs title.

Some 52 youngsters from thefour Windward Islandsterritories are locked in battlein the Windward IslandsUnder- 15 cricketchampionship, which openedhere last Wednesday.

The championship will rununtil April 10, and involvestwo rounds of 50 overmatches, at the Arnos Vale 1and 2 playing fields.

The SVG team is led byJeremy Layne and includesLesron Craigg, ErwinWilliams, Donroy Sampson,Jerremy Haywood, DelornDouglas, Kerwin Williams,Gregory Wyllie, Alex Samuel,Trevin Baptiste, KeronWilliams, Urnel Thomas andShane Roberts.

Four reserves have alsobeen named. They are TeronoSamuel, Kenroy Ollivierre,

Ethano Trimmingham andKarsam Hoyte.

Speaking with THEVINCENTIAN beforeWednesday’s opening, Laynesaid it was “an honor to leadthe national team for the firsttime,” and cited his hard workand dedication as beingresponsible for him beingcaptain.

Layne expressed confidencein his team, noting that “theteam this year is better thanthe one last year,” andexplained that, “this is basedon my experience where I feltthe boys were not dedicated,but this year I have seen morecommitment from the boys.”

The young man expects theteam “to go out and playpositive cricket while stickingto the basics.”

While he is not taking any

team lightly, he believes StLucia and defendingchampions Grenada couldprovide the toughestchallenges. However, “We willbe looking at using the homeadvantage by enjoying playingin front of their fans andfamilies,” the captain said,with a coy smile on his face.

As far as head coach of theteam, Uzzah Pope, isconcerned, his bowlers providethe strength of the team, buthis batters have been drilledto bat out the 50 overs.

“I am hopeful that theplayers will improve match bymatch, and I guarantee theSVG public can expect a goodeffort from the team. Theywon’t see test match standardcricket, but something for thefuture,” Pope assured.

All matches will be

officiated by local umpires andcommence at 9:30am each day.

I.B.A. Allen

Uzzah Pope, head coach ofthe SVG Under-15 team,wants his charges to makefull use of the allotted overs.

Jeremy Layne, captain ofSVG under-15 team, leadswhat he thinks is a morecommitted squad.

W’wards U-15 cricket opens here

Nikita Campbell,Chairperson of theBVCSVGVA, describedthe Red Bull sponsoredcompetition in Bequia,as an ‘eye opener’.

Male champs, Atkins Questelles(left) and Kemaul Lee.

Beach volleyballers relish Bequia experience

The victorious Sandy BaySecondary School.

The Petit Bordel Secondary School were graceful losers.

DensonHoyte, Manof the Finals.

Sandy Bay shifts the ‘focus’

Cameron and ‘friends’prey on Hunte

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2012. 25.

SportsV

It might yet be possible. But the reality is that theSt. Vincent and the Grenadines Under-15 squad isnot prepared for the Windward IslandsTournament. The local Cricket Association will getfull marks for their hosting of the tournament. Weknow how to be good hosts.

However, there must be concerns about the wayour youngsters are geared up for such tasks. Anational tournament is normally the route towardsensuring a cadre of players for selection to thesquad.

How the selectors arrived at their choices is amatter that the executive can explain. This is notthe time to be casting aspersions. An election washeld recently, and the affiliates made theirdecision in the most democratic fashion.

If only the face over youth cricket could be dealtwith, we will be on the way to maintaining a goodfoundation.

The interest in cricket is high and, with the fullbeam available to youngsters, there is nothing toinhibit their passion. Every encouragement mustbe given to youths here from throughout the stateto showcase their talent at the highest platformavailable.

The Association has a responsibility to unearththat talent. No one must usurp their duties,scramble a half baked outfit, and expect it toaccomplish the impossible.

Maybe it would have made no difference, butthere seemed to have been a lack of enthusiasmwith the staging of the tournament on home soil.

It is ideal to make the best grounds available toour youngsters. It might have been more expensiveto play the matches in rural communities.However, there a different atmosphere would havebeen assured.

Places like Sandy Bay, Keartons or Buccamentmight have been alternative venues. Other personswill suggest Stubbs, North Union, Calliaqua orChili.

When we have tournaments of this type, weought to make the extra effort to encourage thosefar flung areas to get involved. Why not play someof the matches in Bequia or even Union Island?

It would not be any strain on the youngsters. Infact, it will be an incentive. They will have thepleasure of mixing sport and pleasure.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to be moreinnovative in its use of our natural resources. Partof our underlying heritage is our cultural diversitywhich abounds in our multi-island base.

Our administrators have to harness thosestocks. The authorities have to collaborate in theinterest of the national development.

The time has passed for parochialism. The West Indies Cricket Board has concluded its

elections. It is a pity that Julian Hunte had torenege on his promise of bowing out.

Perhaps the love of power had gotten to hishead, and he relished the opportunity to be in thelimelight.

‘When you got to go, you gotta go.’ Vincentiancalypsonian Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance penned thatline in one of his songs.

There is a natural progression to everything.Hunte ought to have grasped that order.

One must wish all the best to the new executive.We have to ensure that the chain is strong. TheVincentian link must be a fortress not just forinternational and regional fixtures, but with theproduction of players with the appetite to move on.That is why it is important to fling the net over awide an expanse as possible.

Expecting a miracle

by E. GLENFORDPRESCOTT

Former West IndiesCricket Board president,Julian Hunte of St. Lucia,has not been heard fromsince March 27th March.That was the day he wasknocked off the perch heoccupied for six years(three terms), and he maystill be trying to overcomehis shock.

But even as Hunteseems locked in‘deafening silence’, theWindward IslandsCricket Board of Control(WICBC) which heheaded for two decades,has sent messages ofcongratulations to newlyelected West IndiesCricket Board President,Mr. Dave Cameron, andVice PresidentEmmanuel Nanthan.

“We view yourelection as a signalmoment in the history ofthe development of thegame in the region, andwe stand ready to workwith you, in thedevelopment of WestIndies cricket. We notethe tenets of yourmanifesto as it regardsyour future plans asPresident, and we pledgeas far as possible, oursupport for the work ofyour newadministration,” VicePresident of the WICBCElson Crick said in aletter to PresidentCameron.

Hunte was beaten byhis deputy, Jamaica’sDave Cameron, in abattle which appeared tohave left some badfeelings.

Indications are thatthe73-year-old Hunte is

still stung by the defeatto his younger opponent,and has failed to thispoint to make any publicstatement congratulatingthe Jamaican.

Change of heart hurts

Reports say that theearlier declaration byHunte that he would notbe seeking a fourth term,and his sudden aboutturn to run, had createda feeling of uneaseamong directors of theWICB, who had alreadythrown their supportbehind the 43-year-oldCameron.

One source told THEVINCENTIAN that, withthe imminent two-mancontest as against asimple handover, therewas the resurfacing ofthe big island/smallisland situation.

In the earlier publicannouncement,Barbados, WindwardIslands, Guyana andLeeward Islands had allindicated their supportfor Hunte, with Jamaicaas was expectedthrowing their supportbehind their native son,and Trinidad professingto be neutral but leaningCameron’s way.

Cameron wasnominated by Jamaicaand seconded byWindwards, with Huntebeing nominated byBarbados seconded byLeeward Islands.

With the Electionsdrawing near, Barbadosappeared uncertain, andthere were attempts togo to the courts to blockGuyana from voting.

On election day,Trinidad, as was

expected following ameeting with Cameron,went with him, so tooBarbados, while theLeewards split theirvotes against the wishesof their Board, making it7-5 to Cameron and notthe 8-4 in which Huntewas predicted to win.

Holding the sway

However, it appearsthat Cameron’s victorymight well have beendetermined by otherfactors. THEVINCENTIAN hasdiscovered, since theelection, a formerbusiness partner ofCameron was thedelegate for one of thecountries which switchedits pre-election stance,and that of anothercountry representative“his bosom buddy.”

The WindwardsCricket Board appearedto have put itself in anembarrassing positionwith its president,Emmanuel Nanthan,running on a Cameron

ticket, beating Barbados’Joel Garner for the vice-president position, 8-4.

Sources have indicatedthat the desire to chooseCameron is as a result ofthe falloff in sponsorshipfor the major regionalcompetitions, with thefour-day, Super50 andT20 all unable to attractfinancial support.Reports say one of thelead sponsors of the WestIndies Cricket team isalso contemplating theirfuture with the WICB.

Sources in the knowhave intimated that anumber of casualtiescould possibly resultfrom the change at thetop, with coach OtisGibson and captainDarren Sammy closest tothe guillotine and theplatter, a suggestionroundly dismissed byothers.

David Cameron, newWIBC president, hasWindward IslanderEmmanuel Nanthan ashis vice president.

Julian Hunte mighthave suffered defeatbecause of theuncertainty he createdover his earlierindication of notseeking re-election.

The drought of medals for Vincentiansparticipating in the Junior CariftaTrack and Field Championships(Games) continued for yet anotheryear.

None of the four athletes, ShaffiquaMaloney, Kerina Hooper, BrandonParris and Kasique Olliver, medalledat the 42nd edition of the Games,staged in Nassau, Bahamas, at theThomas Robinson Stadium.

The Vincentian athletes competedin four events: the under-17 female400m and the under-17 female 300mhurdles, along with the under-20 male400m and 800m.

Both Shaffiqua Maloney and KerinaHooper only made it to the first roundof the female under-400, clocking57.50 seconds and 1 minute 02.98seconds respectively.

The two were in search of StVincent and the Grenadines’ firstmedal in the event since KinekeAlexander gained bronze back in 2002,also in the Bahamas, when sherecorded a time of 56.23 seconds.

Maloney also competed in the 300Mhurdles, but did not finish in the final.

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ lonemedal in this event was achieved by

Sancho Lyttle in 1999, in Martinique.Lyttle got a bronze medal for hertiming of 44.02 seconds .

Among the males, Parris achieved aplace in the finals of the under-20male 400 and 800m.

He finished eighth of the eightfinalists in the 400m, with a time of48.89 seconds, but took consolation inbeing the first Vincentian sinceEsworth Coombs in 1991, to reach thefinal of this event at the Carifta level.Coombs’ time then was 52.31 seconds,which put him last in the race.

Both Vincentian males made it intothe final of the 800m, with Parrisfinishing fifth in a time of 1 minute55.02 seconds, and Olliver finishinglast in a time of 1 minute 57.12seconds.

Parris and Olliver were seeking tobreak the long standing Vincentianmedal starve in the 800m, which datesback to 1987, when Eversley Linleydid 1 minute 52 seconds, to gain abronze medal.

St Vincent and the Grenadines hasbeen without a Carifta medal since2009, when Delhonni Nicol — Samuelwon a silver medal in the 5000m maleunder-20 race, in St. Lucia.

Vincentians’ Carifta medal drought extended

26. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013. 27.

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

by HAYDN HUGGINS

While Queen’s Counsel Carlyle Dougan thinksAssistant Director of Public ProsecutionsColin John “went overboard,” by recentlysuggesting that he (Dougan) embark on arefresher course in law, he admires theAssistant DPP for “his enthusiasm.

“I think he has ability which is yet to befulfilled”, Dougan told THE VINCENTIANduring an interview on Tuesday.

The Queen’s Counsel of some 18 yearsdescribed John as “a young lawyer who ishighly enthusiastic, has some ability, buthas a false impression of his competence.”He added, “that (competence) or otherwisewill be proven with a fluxion of time. Iwish Mr. John all the best.”

Dougan has been a practising lawyer for43 years, during which time he served asDirector of Public Prosecutions (DPP),Attorney General, Crown Counsel andMagistrate.

He pointed out, “The good lawyer isalways refreshing his legal mind, otherwiseyou cannot succeed in this digital age.”

During the closing of the CriminalAssizes last week Tuesday, March 26, theAssistant DPP suggested that the veteranlawyer embark on a refresher course andpursue some continued professionaldevelopment. John was responding toremarks Dougan had made earlier.

The Q.C. had raised concerns that hisclient, Shawn Veira, has been awaitingtrial on a murder charge for the past threeAssizes, but up to the closing of the lastAssizes the matter was not heard.

The former AG argued that it waswrong, unjust and unconstitutional to havesomeone awaiting trial for so long.

Dougan also contended that the DPPhad no right to dictate to or threaten legalaction against the Commissioner of Policefor failing to carry out his directions.

The DPP had written to the

Commissioner on March 8 informingthat charges ought to be laid againstthree policemen in connection withthe December 5, 2012 shooting ofPolice Corporal Milford Edwards.

DPP Colin Williams had told THEVINCENTIAN on March 20 that thelaw provided for charges to be laidfor neglect of duties, against thosewho fail to act. But he made it clear,“that is an option. I am sure thatthings would be dealt with in theproper manner”.

Charges were laid against thethree officers on March 25, about 17days after the DPP had written tothe Commissioner, and they weretaken to court the same day.

The DPP was not at the closing ofthe Assizes last week Tuesday, butthe Assistant DPP told the court thatDougan was wrong in all the issuesthat he raised. He added that herespected the QC for his more than40 years of practice and his seniority,and suggested that he pursue arefresher course and some continuedprofessional development.

Dougan did not respond then toJohn’s remarks, but attorney GrantConnell expressed the view that thecomments were disrespectful anduncalled for, and asked the AssistantDPP to apologise to the Queen’sCounsel. John did not comply.

Presiding Judge Wesley James, indelivering closing remarks, said hewould not call on the Assistant DPPto apologise.

In relation to Dougan’s concernsabout the length of time his client isawaiting trial, Justice James saidthat, “in all jurisdictions, includingthe United States, there is a backlogof cases.”

Q.C: ASSISTANT DPPWENT OVERBOARD

Carlyle Dougan Q.C., counteredwith a reference to the Asst.DPP’s impressions of hiscompetence.

Colin John, Asst. DPP, had suggestedthat Carlyle Dougan do a refreshercourse.