FRIDAY, JANUARY 14,
2022
VOLUME 116, No.02
No new taxes... Page 3
www.thevincentian.com
Too many guns... Page 4
EC$1.50
Kimon’s bridal lounge Page 12
SJCK is 75 years old Page 14
Leacock wants full House Page 24
HOUSE NUMBERS DEPLETED:
SITTING SUSPENDED
Minister of Housing Montgomery Daniel
Minister of Health St. Clair Prince
Budget, eight members of the Government side were absent. They had all tested positive for COVID19 and as the protocol demanded, were in isolation. As it was on Wednesday, Housing Minister Montgomery Daniel, Public Service Minister Frederick Stephenson, Health Minister St. Clair Prince and Parliamentary Secretary Senator Rochard Ballah joined Minister of Public Finance Minister Camillo Service Frederick Gonsalves, Urban Stephenson Development Minister Senator Julian Francis, WHEN THE HOUSE OF Agriculture Minister ASSEMBLY was called to Saboto Caesar and order on the morning of Education Minister Wednesday 12th January, Curtis King as COVID2021, the day set aside for 19 positive cases. the Opposition Leader’s Caesar and King had response to the 2022 tested positive prior to
Parliamentary Secretary Senator Rochard Ballah
Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves
Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar
Monday, the first day of the Sitting of the House, and Gonsalves and Francis had tested positive overnight on Monday. The surge of COVID19 cases among the government side of the House of Assembly came even as Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonslaves had confirmed that all members of the government side were vaccinated. And following the surge, new protocols greeted House members who turned up for Wednesday’s sitting. Among the new protocols was one that required unvaccinated House members who were present when the Finance Minister delivered the Budget
Address, to be barred from the House, and go into quarantine for five days, This affected Opposition Members Terrence Ollivierre — MP for the Southern Grenadines, Fitzgerald Bramble — MP for East Kingstown and Senator Shevorn John. The first hour or so of Wednesday’s Sitting was taken up with varying expressions as to how the Sitting should procced. Prime Minister Gonsalves saw no need for a suspension of the Sitting and with respect to ensuring that all members were involved in the vote on the Appropriation Bill, proposed for the House Speaker’s consideration that Members who were
in quarantine be allowed to vote virtually. Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday objected vehemently to the proposal of a virtual vote but Dr. Gonsalves responded by emphasizing the “urgency” of debating and passing the Budget. Dr. Friday, though, referenced that as recent as 2020 and last year the budgets were passed on Feb.04 and Feb.07. But the prime minister reminded the House that the operation of parliament did not allow for replacing elected members as would be the case in the private and public sectors, and insisted that far as the numbers required in Parliament for a vote on and the
Minister of Education Curtis King
Minister of Urban Development Senator Julian Francis Budget were concerned, that “we have to find a way in which we can be faithful to the law, … by saying that we can vote by some other means.” Continued on Page 3.
2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 3.
News 3 No new taxes in a deficit budget
SOMETIME BEFORE the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2022 were laid before the House of Assembly on December 13, 2021, Opposition leader Dr. Godwin Friday attempted to hold Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, to a promise that no new taxes would be introduced for Fiscal Year 2022. The Finance Minister made no such promise then, instead, he awaited an appropriate time to address the issue. And so, in delivering his 2022 Budget Address in the House of Assembly on Monday, 10th January, 2022, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves announced that ‘there will be no new taxes in 2022’. The budget, he prefaced, was a tax-free budget. That promise was contained in a presentation of an EC$1.33 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2022. This figure, according to Minister Gonsalves, represented a 9.6 increase over the approved budget for 2021,
with the increase accounted for by an increase of 4.1% in current expenditure; capital expenditure increasing by 25.2%; current revenue increasing by 4.7%, amortisation increasing by 4.4% and sinking fund contributions remaining flat. In the broad sweep of the brush, the EC1.33 billion budget was comprised of EC$727 million in current expenditure, amortisation and sinking fund contributions of EC$204.9 million and capital expenditure of EC$397.5 million. The expectation to which government will work towards achieving is that the budget will be financed in global figures by current revenue of EC$677.5 million and capital receipts totalling EC$651.8 million. “In summary, the outlays, including amortisation and sinking fund contributions were estimated to be:
compensation of employees – EC$354 million dollars; pensions – EC$60.3 million; other transfers – EC$134.7 million; interest payments –EC$74.1 million; goods and services – EC$103.9 million; amortisation of EC$182.9 million and sinking fund contributions of EC$22 million.” The allocation by functional classification, broad areas of expenditure, were computed to be: general public services –EC$22.6 million; public order and safety – EC$7.3 million; economic affairs – EC$177.3 million dollars; environmental protection– EC$71.3 million; housing and community amenities – EC$22.6 million; health – EC$24.4 million; recreation, culture and religion – EC$6.9 million dollars; education – EC$29.4 million; and social protection – EC$35.6 million. In finer detail, the Minister provided the following sources of financing for the budget as: domestic
Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves may have endeared himself to tax payers but whether or not he engendered confidence in government estimates and projections is another issue. receipts – EC$105.2 million, made up of capital revenue of a million dollars and loans of EC$104.2 million; external receipts of EC$546.7 million, made up of grants of EC$69.7 million, loans of EC$211.6 million and other receipts of EC$265.4 million. By his own admission, whether one took a glance or dug into its fine print, Budget 2022 had a current deficit of EC$49.5 million and an overall deficit of EC$376.3 million.”
Vehicle tax to be reviewed: Focus on Hybrids House numbers depleted: Sitting suspended WHILE THERE ARE NO NEW TAXEs in the 2022 Budget as laid before the House of Assembly on Monday 10th January 2022, Vincentians can expect some adjustment in the tax regime as it applies to motor vehicles. Undoubtedly one of government more assured channels of revenue, (see the monthly docking of the ‘car boat’ at Port Kingstown), Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, in laying the 2022 Budget of EC$1.33 billion before the House of Assembly, introduced Government’s intention to reform the vehicle tax. That tax has attracted widespread concern among the public as well as used and new car dealerships, regarding the rate of taxation levied on imported motor vehicles. That tax can run, in some cases, as high as 135% of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) of the vehicle, the Finance Minister acknowledged. Referencing that the
government had imposed a ban on the importation of vehicles, especially motor cars, that were older than 12 years, Minister Gonsalves recognized that the average car in St, Vincent and the Grenadines was 11 years old, and estimated the landed cost of such a vehicle at EC$27,000.00. The vehicle fleet currently on the road was old, Gonsalves implied, and posited that vehicles that were less than 3 years old represented a mere 3% of the total fleet. It was clear: those desirous of owning a vehicle were generally not moved or could not afford (not the words of the Minister) a new vehicle. All taken into consideration as per the expressions and views of consumers and retailers, Minister Gonsalves promised that during the ensuing fiscal year, “…. the taxation regime for motor vehicles will be reviewed with the following objectives in mind:
Towards hybrid vehicles in SVG: A used 2021 Hybrid Toyota Corolla – 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a permanent-magnet motor fed by a 600-volt battery, could run as high as (approx.) US$26,000 (CIF) . (Source: Be Forward)
* to incentivise the purchase of newer vehicles and to reduce the import taxes for hybrid (uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor) and electric vehicles; * to restructure the surtax regime for all motor vehicles, including the prohibition on vehicles older than 12 years old.” Minister Gonsalves posited that the result of these reforms “…will be to reduce taxation on all vehicles. But the greatest incentives will go to purchase newer vehicles and or cars with smaller,
more efficient engines.” And with the intention of changing the mindset that currently abounds here with respect to the type of vehicle the average consumer is likely to purchase, consumers can look forward, according to the Finance Minister, to the introduction of classification headings for hybrid and electric motor vehicles.” “… we hope to increase the purchase of hybrid vehicles in particular…,” Minister Gonsalves told his fellow parliamentarians last Monday evening.
Continued from Frontpage. He was adamant that if it came to it, he would call out his members who had tested positive for Covid-19, to endure that there was a clear majority vote in favour of the Budget. Dr. Friday proposed that the Sitting be suspended for five days so as to allow for the recovery and return of all members, and their involvement in the debate and vote on the Budget. The Prime Minister rejected this proposal and the Speaker ruled that Wednesday Sitting should continue, with the Leader of the Opposition making his response to the 2022 Budget. However, as the Sitting ensued into late Wednesday, it became necessary that the continuance of the Sitting should be reviewed. Upon consideration of the mitigating circumstances, not least being the number of Members who had now been ‘forced’ into absenteeism, the House was suspended until Friday 14th January, 2021.
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4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
Court
Farmer jailed for high-powered gun
Urhando Rock claim that the gun was not his but this did not weigh in his favour. Stories by HADYN HUGGINS A POLICE ACTION led by Corporal Lafleur Williams of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) last Sunday, resulted in one man being jailed, and a prohibited gun capable of wreaking
unimaginable havoc being taken off the streets. Urhando Rock, a 25-year-old farmer of Green Hill, was on Monday at the Serious Offences Court, sentenced to four years and three months for possession of a M92 Zastava AK pistol, a prohibited weapon, without the authorization of the Minister, contrary to Section 14 (4) (a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 386 of the revised edition of the laws of SVG, 2009. Rock was also sentenced to eight months for possession of two rounds of 7.62 prohibited ammunition, without the authorization of the Minister, contrary to the same section of the Firearms Act. The sentences will run
concurrently. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne handed down the penalties after Rock pleaded guilty to both charges. He was unrepresented. According to the facts presented earlier by Sergeant Atnel Ash, Corporal Williams, acting on information received, headed a patrol of officers comprised of members of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Rapid Response Unit and the Special Patrol Unit, that went to Rock’s home at Green Hill, around 5:50am last Sunday. On arrival Corporal Williams knocked on the front door and shouted, “Police, open the door.” She received no reply but heard movement coming from inside. She then kicked down the door and saw the defendant
and his girlfriend standing next to a bed. A suitcase was on the bed. After identifying themselves as police officers and reading the search warrant, Williams asked Rock if he had anything illegal to declare. He did not reply. The officers conducted a search of the suitcase which was found to contain clothing, two multicolored pillow cases and a metallic object resembling a firearm. Williams continued the search of the suitcase and found two rounds of 7.62 ammunition. When cautioned, Rock told the officers somebody, three days earlier, had given him the gun and ammunition for safekeeping. “Me call him for the gun, and he nah come,” Rock had told the officers. He was arrested, taken to the CID and
Teen jailed for gun, ammo JAHEIM BELGRAVE, an 18-year-old secondary school drop out of Rose Place, who was accompanied to the Central Police Station last week by his lawyer Michael Wyllie, after being sought by police in connection with a series of burglaries, was jailed on Monday for firearm and ammunition possession. Belgrave was sentenced to two years and eight months for possession of a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver, without license. The sentences are to run concurrently. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne handed down the penalties at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. Belgrave had pleaded not guilty to the charges when he first appeared in court, October 2021, and was granted bail, but changed his pleas to guilty on his return to court on Monday. In presenting the facts earlier, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the court that around 11:30pm on September 30, 2021, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was on duty at Rose Place, in connection with another report, when they saw
Belgrave running from a shop. He ran in the direction of an alley, and while running, something fell from him. It was retrieved by the police, but the officers failed to apprehend Belgrave that night. Belgrave, as referenced earlier in this article, went to CID on October 6, 2021 where he was informed of the report in respect of the firearm. He volunteered a statement, admitted that he ran during which the firearm fell from his waist. Wyllie in mitigation, told the court that the gun belonged to Belgrave’s brother who was shot and killed in 2020. Wyllie said Belgrave had seen where his brother hid the gun in the house and decided to keep it in the event that those who killed his brother came after him. Wyllie noted that to date there has been no arrest(s) in connection with that murder. “He (Belgrave) voluntarily went to the police station, and admitted that he had the gun. He is 18. I am asking that you be as lenient as possible so that he could have an opportunity to correct his mistakes, and get on with his life. He has no
money. He lives with his brother. This is a pro bono matter,” Wyllie pleaded. “God bless you,” the Magistrate responded. Wyllie then told the court that most of his practice here has been pro bono. He noted that Belgrave has dropped out of school in Form 2. In response to Wyllie’s mitigation, Prosecutor Cato, directing his comment to Belgrave, said, “The time of the incident was minutes to 12 in the night. What were you (Belgrave) doing in that shop that hour in the night with a .38 revolver fully loaded?” Cato asked to impose a sentence which will reflect the seriousness of the offence, and how the court view these types of offences. “This is a most unfortunate incident, given the age of defendant, and the seriousness of the offence,” the Magistrate said, but she pointed out that she had to follow the sentencing guidelines to arrive at her sentences. Browne noted that possession of firearms or ammunition without license carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison or $20,000 in the
Jaheim Belgrave pleaded guilty to a charge of gun possession. Magistrate’s Court, and a person could be fined and confined. She also explained that suspended sentences do not apply in cases of firearms or ammunition possession. In highlighting the aggravating factors, Browne said that Belgrave in keeping the firearm in his possession was motivated by revenge. She gave him credit for turning up at the CID voluntarily, and giving a statement. She also took his age into account and that he had no previous convictions. “Not everyone is going to be an academic. You fell out of school in Form 2. Cross the finish line. Even if you are not academically gifted, learn a skill, do something productive,” was her advice to Belgrave before handing down the penalties.
subsequently charged. Ballistics expert Sergeant Julian Cain confirmed that firearm, which was uncovered in the suitcase, was an M92 AK pistol made in Serbia, and was in good working condition. Sergeant Cain told the court on Monday that the gun could dispense 620 rounds of ammunition per minute. Asked by prosecutor Renrick Cato to point out the firing range of the weapon, Sergeant Cain explained that if it was fired from outside the court building at Paul’s Avenue, it could reach beyond the walls of the Windward Bus Terminal, located on Lower Bay
Street. “It is a prohibited weapon with a caliber of 7.62 ammunition. It can wreak havoc. This firearm is designed to kill,” Sergeant Cain explained. Rock told the court that the person who had given him the firearm to hold had just been released from prison. Prosecutor Cato, in making his recommendation for sentencing, said that when the police knocked on rock’s door several times he did not answer, and the officers had to resort to force to get the door open. Continued on Page 23.
Man charged with Lance’s murder THIRTY-FOUR YEAR OLD Cornelius Kennedy of Lowmans Leeward is behind bars awaiting a March 15 Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the death of Paul’s Avenue resident and handyman, Lance Wilson. (See front page story in the Friday 7th December, 2022 issue of THE VINCENTIAN.) Kennedy made a brief appearance at the Serious Offences Court Cornelius Kennedy is on Monday, after being alleged to have beaten charged with the Lance Wilson with a murder of Wilson, one piece of pipe. of three persons who were attacked and injured in Kingstown on December 2, at various locations. Wilson was reportedly struck in his head and died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on January 5, where he was warded for just over a month. Following the December 2 attacks which had also left Sedric Codougan of Kingstown seriously injured, Kennedy was detained and a police report stated that he would be sent to the Mental Health Centre for psychiatric evaluation. THE VINCENTIAN was unable to ascertain what happened in relation to the examination. Wilson and Codougan were warded at the MCMH, while the third victim had been treated and discharged earlier. THE VINCENTIAN understands that Codougan left the hospital, thereby eluding authorities. Murder is an indictable offence, and therefore, Kennedy was not required to plead when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on Monday. He was unrepresented. Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the court he was informed that, to date, there were about ten witnesses listed in relation to the matter. Bail was not an option, and Kennedy was remanded. THE VINCENTIAN understands that investigations are ongoing in relation to the attacks on the two other victims.
More stories on Page 23...
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 5.
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6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
We still “kicksin’ ANYONE ELSE THINKS that our Parliament is becoming more and more a ‘comedy corner’? Anyone else thinks that even though the members of parliament ‘sit’, is ‘de more dey kicks’? The most recent session of parliament that opened with the 2022 Budget Presentation threw up more than a fair share of: ‘What was that?’ ‘Did I hear correctly? ‘Nay.. they must be joking!’ To begin with, government presented another deficit budget whose projected expenditure is to be realized through another round of borrowing, against an already staggering national debt. The Minister of Finance was at pains to convince the populace that things were going to less burdensome in 2022… things could only get better. And there was hardly anything else other than the Minister’s appeal safe and except a ‘creative’ fiscal measure aimed at reviewing/reforming the tax regime that applies to motor vehicles — an import commodity that ‘lights up government coffers’. And to think that the measure was presented as one aimed at bringing down the cost of new vehicles - a slap if not a kick in the face of the small used car dealers, who have answered the call to be entrepreneurial. We got to be ‘kicksin’!! By the way, was any mention made about encouraging hybrid and electric vehicles as a measure to address the need to reduce our carbon footprint” Nothing about ‘saving the environment? All about ensuring sales and profits for new car dealerships? You must be kicksin’!! To digress: The Speaker rules that a minimum requirement/number to constitute a Sitting of the House must comprise a maximum of eleven members — six government lawmakers, the Attorney General and four on the opposition bench. Granted, this was before the surge in COVID-19 infections on the government side. But taken at that point, how
could the Prime Minister counter this by insisting that his ‘absentee members’ should be allowed to vote by phone? His six, if he had them, would have assured passage of the Budget. He must have had a slip in his ‘Maths bank’. Then again, maybe he was just ‘kicksin’… entertaining. Never in Zeus’s name was an auspicious body like a people’s Parliament been allowed to be so desecrated. Yet, the PM insisted, “I’m sure that the rules will permit such an eventuality, if necessary. It certainly would be desirable.” Stop the ‘kicksin’, man. Worse, when it became bare that up to eight members of the government side had become COVID-19 infected by Wednesday, the PM alluded to having these ‘infected’ members come physical to the House to cast a vote. The Prime Minister must have been ‘kicksin’ when, in his effort to impresses upon the Speaker to consider his proposal, he said these are “different and unprecedented time,”…. that we never before had to deal with a pandemic. And proceeded to suggest that the Speaker might just have to vacate the protocols that govern sitting of the House. Definitely we didn’t hear correctly. If we did, then this had to be ‘kicksin’ of the highest order. After all, a responsible man like our Prime Minister would not fly in the face of the national crusade, which he leads, to combat the spread the coronavirus. Come on, man. Are we serious about adhering to the protocols designed to combat the spread of this coronavirus or are we simply wanting to impose one thing for some elite group and another for the mass of people? If you have COVUD-19, stay home! Isolate! That is the advice of the experts. The PM of all persons must not appear to any degree to be encouraging a diversion from the protocols. Then again, it’s Parliament where immunity abounds and ‘kicksin’ is permissible in this chamber of comedy.
Where is the Justice? WHERE ARE THE NOISEMAKERS? The need for justice is still the burning issue of the day. Take, for example, the four-yearold kid molested by a grown man, planning with her mother to soon become her stepdad. The mockery of the situation is that the law of the land would have us believe that justice was served. The man was swiftly arrested, and following a guilty plea to some minor charges, he was sentenced to four years. Where is the justice in this case? I keep hoping to hear that additional charges are forthcoming. How could such an egregious act against a child be so casually disposed of? No disrespect, but the family court was not the place for this heinous crime. I am looking forward to the new charges, Mr. Commission of Police and Ms. DPP. How about possession of pornography material, distribution of pornography material, and child endangerment? My esteem friends, these are just a few other options available to you. Let’s shift our justice review to that of the displaced LIAT workers. Yes, those humble folks lost their jobs after years of service in a regional government cooperation after years of mismanagement. Our government, a significant shareholder, just walked away from our investment for $1.00. We left millions of dollars of hard-earned Vincentian money behind at the drop of a hat. We did not even secure payment for the accumulated vacation and sick pay for those Vincentians whose jobs were wiped away. Where is the justice for those workers? Where is the justice for those front-line workers who refuse to take the “Jab”? Some of you might say it was their choice, and you are correct. It was their choice. They exercised their option and were told they would be terminated if they did. Justice for these workers should not be forfeiting earned benefits. In my view, it should look something like this: All workers with less than twenty years of service should be paid a lump sum payment equal to at least one month’s pay for each year of service. Those workers with more than twenty years of service and older than fifty-five years should be given reduced (early retirement) benefits. All employees who have reached retirement eligibility should be paid their earned reward for services rendered.
Where is the justice for the farmers? I see too many imported carrots, potatoes, onions, and sometimes cabbages as I walk through the market. Sad by true, I saw imported carrots for sale in “country” a few weeks ago. Why are we still exporting livestock when we have butchers unable to find meat to sell? A quick chat with the vendors in the market over the Christmas week will tell you we have a vegetable glut in the market. Where is the marketing plan? We cannot ask our farmers to step up and feed the nation and continue to undermine them by importing the same thing they are planting. Where’s the justice? Where is the justice for Mr. Lance Wilson and his family? He died on January 5 after being injured by a mentally ill person on the streets of Kingstown in November 2021. How many more incidents like this do we have to endure before we once again begin to talk about the poor state of mental health care in this country. Where is Mr. Kennedy, the mentally ill man who attacked Mr. Wilson? Is he receiving the treatment he needs? How long will it be before he is back on the streets of Kingstown? I am ready for the convening of a working group to review the sentencing guidelines on sex crime. I am ready to make peace with the displaced workers who choose to exercise their freedom of choice. I am still looking for the government to do right by the LIAT workers. I am ready for marketing cooperation to organize and sell our farmers’ crops. I am ready for justice. Horatio
V Two health care systems
lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 7.
Views
MR. EDITOR, I was moved, to say the least, by the story about Lance Wilson that you carried on the front page of last week’s (Fri. 7th Dec.) issue of THE VINCENTIAN. I dare say, I could well understand why you would want to put this on your front page. Let me hope it awakens persons who might still be blinded by petty party allegiance, to see that there just might be two systems of health care in this country:
one for the rich and highprofiled in our society and the other for those who Jesus would refer to as the ‘salt of the earth’, the poor and needy. I am not going to say that Wilson did not receive the best care that could be had at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. I am going to assume that he did since all the doctors and nurses who attended to him and did not give of
their best, would know that they have something else to answer to. The thing is, they — the medical experts — might have concluded that there was nothing else they could do for the young man in the circumstances (facilities, etc.) and, as bad as it sounds, they left him in the hands of the Lord. The point is, had he been a member of the privileged class,
including one with the right political connections, and there was chance of further advance care not available here, that might have helped him. The state should have seen to it that he was flown overseas for that advanced attention. If he passed away after that, then we would have no reason to say that he did not receive the best care that he could get.
Crime- The Engine of Poverty WE WERE PROMISED AN ASSAULT on “Crime and the Causes of Crime”. Because the country is experiencing extreme poverty, there is also an increase in crime. Some argue that the opposite is true: the increase in crime is the cause for the increase in poverty. Some say that poverty itself is a crime, in so far as it is caused by policy makers. This article looks at the impact of one man on poverty and crime. He has been systematically using a bull cutter to destroy the chainlink fence at Badeau, Union Island, surrounding the childhood home of the Honourable Glenford Stewart, a Grammar School classmate of the Minister of National Security. Some crimes whether of omission or commission are motivated by inferiority complexes, envy, jealousy, spite, and vindictiveness. Failure of law enforcement to act in this case may be a crime of omission similar to the January 6th, 2021 assault on the Capitol in Washington D. C., USA, when much time elapsed during which those who should act did not. One estimate of the damage
caused to the fence quotes $15,000. The perpetrator, being apparently a man of straw, owns nothing and therefore a civil law suit would mean nothing to him. A simple arrest on criminal trespass and damage charge would have solved this crime. Instead, we have, apparently, inactivity by the Minister of Justice, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Union Island Police. Additionally, in this case that may warrant a mental health solution, the Minister of Health was apparently not helpful. With so many stray animals on the loose destroying the island’s vegetation, it is impossible to cultivate any edible crop successfully without erecting a fence. This is a colossal failure by the Minister of Agriculture. The erosion caused by overgrazing is visible in the top soil rich brown rain water run off entering our surrounding waters, where further damage is done to our coral reefs. This apparently implicates our Minister of Tourism as an accomplice to this crime of omission. What could create more poverty than animals
on the loose destroying crops and the environment? This growing season, cultivation of watermelon in a neighboring field at Badeau, Union Island, yielded an estimated profit of $3000. When proceeds of corn, cassava, and pigeon peas are added, the income could exceed the poor relief pittance that some say encourages laziness in able-bodied recipients. The problem is compounded by the absence of a Station Sergeant on the island, and the changing of the police personnel every week. Every effort should be made to have resident police on the island who can mingle with the local population and practice Community Policing. When a fearless criminal who claims to be a Muslim with 10 virgins waiting for him in the afterlife is on the rampage, from Constable to Criminal Justice Minister seem to be on the run. No wonder many shout, “God save the Queen,” and run to the Privy Council for Justice. Anthony Stewart, PhD
Mitchell versus Gonsalves
Sadly, that was not the case. The young man, it seems, because of who he was, stood no chance. The question for all of us is: How long are we going to put up with these double standards? We are all equal under the constitution and even more, we are all equal in the sight of God. “…Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25:40) Paul R Kingstown
Not paedophile but pervert REF. THE NEWS ITEM in your issue of the 31/12 regarding the molestation of the young girl. In this report you refer to the creature that did this as a paedophile. It is about time all forms of the media, print, radio and t.v. stop giving these depraved individuals a fancy name and called them what they really are - perverted child molesters. If one breaks down the word paedo phile it will be seen that the phrase paedo refers to child (as in paediatrics (child medicine) and phile as lover (as in bibliophile a lover of books). Thus a direct meaning is “child lover”. There is no way in this world that what these depraved creatures commit on children can be ever described as “child love”. It is about time all forms of media started to describe these odious beings as what they really are - “inhuman perverted degenerate child molesters”. In all cases such as this, I believe that the punishment should fit the crime. In that the perpetrator(s) should be made to share a cell 23 hours a day with a 6’6” psychopathic AIDS ridden homosexual (with apologies to homosexuals). Thus not only would they get the cr*p beaten out of them every single day of their prison sentence. When released that would die a slow lingering death and have a rectum the size of a manhole cover. A. W. Indupp
WE WANT TO TAKE 2022 to study the leadership of Sir James and Dr. Gonsalves, to get the political infusion of the past and present, so as to work to ‘Lift Hairouna Higher’. Sir James was a Democratic Socialist and Dr. Gonsalves a Communist/Capitalist, a skilled dancer to the music of the two drums. Mitchell nationalized most of the estates which provided land for the landless. Gonsalves replaced the land indirectly into the hands of former owners.
Under Sir James’ reign, food production was King and Queen while marijuana was Jack. When the foreign enemies came to destroy the ganja, the ‘hillsmen’ would get a hint. They (hillsmen) said when Gonsalves was an active lawyer they paid him to work for them, now he is king he will pursue then until they exist no more. Under the Democratic Socialist Mitchell, an ambitious farmer would approach the Taiwanese Agricultural Mission and get technical and other assistance. Under
Gonsalves, government decides who gets. Look at the rush by non-farmers for IDs. That resulted in the ‘crab in a barrel’ rush for a few dollars. Under Sir James’ reign, farmers would have welcomed the diaspora with a drink. Now the diaspora have to make the sacrifice and pack and send barrels. From independence to dependency ‘Ralphy’ style. Under Sir James we had the Marketing Board/Corporation and other agents shipping out local produce to the
UK, USA, Canada and the Caribbean. Today, we are importing millions of dollars of food, and with the ‘International Terrorism Injection Act’, rather than than the right diet, exercise and stress-free life, many people are out of employment. We will continue this conversation to the end of Gonsalves’ reign even as we anticipate his political ending and the beginning of a new journey. Christian Democrat
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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
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Confronting the New Year with hope Government continues to send and optismism wrong message about COVID- 19 Introduction MANY OF US were blessed to be able to usher in the new year, and no doubt did so thanking God for his mercies, albeit undeserved having spared our lives to see yet another year. As we looked forward, we simultaneously reflected on the year just passed and the many challenges thrown at us, and questioned how we were able to navigate beyond the impacts of those challenges to welcome a new year. The temptation to be ready to forget and move past the challenges of 2021 may be great, but we may be better served if we look at the way our country responded to those challenges and extract valuable lessons. These lessons would be filled with examples of determination, good neighbourliness, expressions of love for one another, innovation, creativity and a host of other positives that were exhibited by our people as we faced the challenges of 2021 head on. Surely, we can never be the same after the life altering experiences of a once in a lifetime pandemic and a volcanic eruption that spans a similar time period. As we enter 2022, one familiar challenge lingers and that is the ever evolving Covid-19 pandemic with its constantly mutating strains and a developing science that even with its limitations, remains the best information available. We became familiar with the phrase “the new norm” and it will no doubt define and determine our actions going forward, since most of what we knew as normal have been amended to fit the changing nature of our actions and interactions as demanded by the pandemic. As we bid farewell to 2021 and welcome 2022, we can do so with a certain level of confidence, based on the lessons we have learned and the excellent work of the government in addressing the challenges that we faced.
2022 - A Year of Excellent Possibilities The new year began with excellent news that some 61 students who excelled at the various Divisions of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College were rewarded with scholarships, exhibitions and bursaries based on their performances. It is worth noting that these 61 scholarships for the top performing students at the 2021 examinations, are additional to the over 600 tuition assistance awarded last September — 55 scholarships from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and 15 scholarships by the Republic of China (Taiwan). Through the expansion of the education revolution, more than 730 Vincentian students have been assisted by our government to further their education. This is excellent news with which we were able to welcome the new year, and based on information put forward by Comrade Ralph, many other initiatives through “shovel ready” project would provide even more opportunities in other sectors for Vincentians at all levels of training. There are many “shovel ready” projects that would begin by the start of the second quarter and many existing projects that would continue. The number of construction projects that will begin or continue in 2022, would require significant numbers of
(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement on 10th January) skilled or semi-skilled individuals, possibly more than what this country has available. The Tourism Sector would be in for a significant boost with new hotels being opened and the continued work on The Royal Mill and Mya Suites, and work being done on Beaches by Sandals, The Marriott and the Holiday Inn Express. Focused work in the Fisheries Sector will see the opening of Rainforest Seafoods and the initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, etc. to boost production in this sector through the offering of incentives and subsidies for local fisherfolk. Over the next few weeks, this column would focus on a number of the projects outlined in the 2022 Budget presentation by Minister of Finance Hon Camillo Gonsalves, that are a part of the government’s overall thrust to spur sustainable economic growth that would provide jobs and reduce incidences of poverty. It would be difficult to for any Vincentian to contain his/her excitement, when faced with the prospects for national development through economic growth that is expected to occur this year, 2022. Our ULP government, led by Comrade Ralph and supported by his competent team of ministers remain steadfast in its resolve to deliver on its promises to Vincentians to lift this country higher. The government delivered creative and innovative programs to keep this country working during the very challenging times presented in 2021 and it follows that if this government could deliver in such difficult times, surely, it would be able to deliver even more efficiently in 2022. The clearly articulated program of action outlined in budget 2022 gives a clear indication of the priorities of the government, and how it intends to achieve those set goals in a year immediately following one of this country’s most challenging periods in our history.
Conclusion The joy and expectation with which we entered 2022, will not be betrayed as this country is already on a path to full recovery from the challenges of 2021, even as we learn to live well with the ongoing challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. We continue to encourage all Vincentians who have not yet done so to get vaccinated and those who have taken both doses, to get the booster within the timeframe recommended. Even as the government does its part in implementing the right plans and policies intended to get this country through this post recovery period, we remain mindful that each citizen and resident had a role to play. The science is clear that vaccination is the best tool in the toolbox used to fight Covid19, and will aid us significantly in our efforts to defeat this deadly virus and be on the path to full activity as a nation. As we go forward into this new year, ready to face the challenges that may come, know that the ULP government remains committed to serve the people of this country and will continue to deliver on the policies and programs that would lift SVG higher. May all experience a productive and prosperous 2022!
THE PARLIAMENT was postponed because Ministers Camillo Gonsalves and Julian Francis tested positive for COVID- 19. I had received a call earlier in the morning just before 9:00 am from the Speaker to inform me that the Chief Medical Officer had directed that all members and other personnel in the House be rapid tested before parliament commenced. Parliament was scheduled to start at 9:00 am with my response as the Leader of the Opposition to the budget address that was delivered by the Minister of Finance. The Speaker told me in that telephone call that the parliament will be delayed to conduct tests which were to be done at the House of Assembly. I arrived at the House of Assembly just after 9 o’clock and was informed by one of my colleagues who had arrived before me and already tested that Camillo Gonsalves had tested positive and had left the building. Shortly, thereafter, I learned also that Senator Francis had tested positive. The Prime Minster was not present at that time nor was the Deputy Prime Minister. No one informed me officially about the developments but of course we learned of them. I spoke with the Speaker who was present throughout and eventually told her that the situation had become untenable and that myself and other members felt that it was not safe in the chamber. My colleagues and I left the chamber and gathered for a while in the court yard of the parliament building. We agreed that in the circumstances we would not return to the House today. Safety is my paramount concern; safety of everyone. But, I have also a responsibility, a special responsibility to my colleagues as the Leader of the Opposition, as their leader in the House, to take decisions to protect their interest and wellbeing. So, in consultation with them, we took a decision to leave the parliament building and not to return for the day at least; until the situation became clearer and until the Chief Medical Officer had considered and weighed in on the matter. COVID- 19 is serious and we must protect ourselves. I want my colleagues to be safe and to feel safe, when we show up for work at the parliament building to do the people’s business. We know its important business and I don’t think that in the circumstances, the risk of infection would override the need to have the parliament done today. This can be done at some other time. If you will recall that parliament was postponed previously from January 3rd to January 10th and that was because the Speaker of the House was exposed to someone who was tested positive. She told me that herself by telephone and she said she was directed by the Chief Medical Officer not to attend the parliament so the parliament was postponed from the 3rd January to the 10th January. Yesterday also, there was another
development in the parliament. Prior to the delivery of the Budget Address by the Minister of Finance, the Prime Minister rose in the House and was requesting that members of the Opposition agreed to have voting by telephone for those members who might be absent from the House when voting was taking place. I did not agree that this should be done. I felt that in the circumstances the rules did not permit for voting by telephone. Standing Orders 44 says that the voting is done my members who are present in the House. There are no standing orders permitting the voting by telephone so I indicated that we would not agree for voting by telephone. Then the Prime Minister said that he would do what he had to do and one of the things he had suggested was that, as the opposition did not agree to voting by phone, the members who tested positive might be allowed to vote in person in parliament. To me that is irresponsible talk. It sends a very bad message that there is one rule for everybody else and one for the government as it suits their circumstances. It cannot be permitted. This is a government that sends teachers and public servants home; refused them entry to their work places because they were unvaccinated, even though they were not tested positive for COVID-19 and the suggestion that because government had business it wanted to conclude that members who had tested positive and who would not be available to vote in person in the House might be able to attend to vote even though they are positive. That is a very damaging position to adopt. It sends the wrong message to the members of the public about how seriously the government takes the public health concerns of COVID into account. There are other employers who may have exigent circumstances, serious matters that they may want a specific employee to come in; if the employee is tested positive. You are going to say, you are going to be here for half an hour, come in and fix this thing for me because I want it done urgently. No, the protocol is that you stay in isolation until the medical officers tell you that you are cleared to end the isolation. It’s not just a matter of what is convenient or what is required by your own personal circumstances so that is something that unfortunately sends the wrong message to the people of this country and it has done considerable harm in my view to the perception as to how seriously this government takes the public health concerns of COVID and the risk of infection. I certainly will not be attending the parliament if any member who is tested positive is allowed to attend the chamber and none of the members of the opposition would attend and other members of staff who are in the chamber would have the right to refuse to be there.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 9.
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Seeds of equal or greater benefit
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” Oliver Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) – American self-help author OLIVER NAPOLEON HILL, commonly referred to as Napoleon Hill, was an accomplished American self-help author. He wrote extensively on how we can create and sustain winning attitudes; habits and behaviours that encourage individuals to maximise their potential. He is best known for his book Think and Grow Rich. Although published in 1937, it is still considered to be among the top ten best self-improvement books of all time. The quotation that was used to introduce this essay is pregnant with wisdom. Each of us will periodically experience life situations that appear to stop us in our tracks and/or suck the winds from our sails. Relationships can grow cold and/or sour. Accidents happen. Diseases invade our bodies or individuals dear to us. Financial plans can be derailed without notice. The list goes on. Sometimes when life’s varied challenges occur, we can become so distracted and depressed that we fail to see the “good” that may emerge from this “bad” situation. We can be encouraged by the thoughts Hill shares in his 15-word sentence appearing here, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries the seed of an equal or greater benefit”. We all encounter crisis situations at some point. This is a reality of life. However, sometimes we can become so mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually paralyzed by the experience that we fail (refuse) to see the good that these situations may bring. We neglect the fact that while the crisis may usher in some form of danger, they are often accompanied by opportunities. We are much stronger and more capable than we may otherwise think. And there are those times when the crisis situation reminds us that there are true friends who care for us and will be there for us. In addition, these situations often remind us that there is a God who cares for us (even as we cope with the challenges and disappointments) and can take us through the crisis situation if and when we trust Him to. Adversities can be blessings in disguise. Our reactions to crisis situations often determine how soon (if ever) we get to appreciate the life learning experience that we have been granted. How we react to these setbacks and detours often determine the extent and the duration of our anguish. We all have the gift, the ability, of choice. We determine whether we succumb to the “bad situation” or how well and how speedily we overcome them. We determine whether we will languish in self-pity or how speedily we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and prepare a winner’s approach to the setback. We are confident that, regardless of the situation, we can turn a bad situation around and extract valuable life experiences with God’s help. Adversities, failures, and heartaches have the potential to generate a tremendous amount of emotional pain. Depending on the severity of the situation, they can usher in bouts of depression and guilt.
Additionally, they can generate feelings of poor self-image and/or depleted self-worth. However, this need not be the case when we consider that we will all periodically experience such unfortunate and unwelcomed situations. In this sense, we can consider these to be “normal life occurrences”. As painful and debilitating as these situations may seem, our challenge is to look beyond such circumstances to the growth that they often bring. If we look long and carefully enough, we may readily discover that they possess the seeds of equal or greater benefits. Our task, our challenge, is often how best we programme ourselves to look beyond the danger of the crisis situation to see and unravel the opportunities that lie therein. Our focus, our attitude, may very well determine the value that is extracted from the “painful” situation. Deepak Chopra (born 1946), the Indian-American author and alternative medicine advocate, once related a story about his month-long experience in a Buddhist monastery in Thailand. He had not been accustomed to walking barefoot as his Buddhist monk instructors did. As a result of this, his feet hurt when he was walking. This was especially so when he stepped on small pebbles. Deepak shared his harrowing experience with his mentor who smiled, empathized with him, and provided the following valuable advice, “Focus on the foot that is in the air rather than on the foot that is touching the ground”. Deepak declares that he learned a valuable life lesson that day. Sometimes, as we go through life’s varied challenges, we focus so intently on the pain (i.e., the foot on the ground). In its own way, that focus may even intensify the suffering that we endure. We understand also that, depending on the extent of the trauma, we can be tempted to give up on the particular situation and not try at all. However, it is often when we make a conscious choice to focus on what we still have left (rather that what we have lost) that we can reenergize our hopes and dreams for improvement. There is wisdom in such an approach. This is as true for the unemployed and/or underemployed, as it is for the individual seeking to recover from a broken relationship. It is true for the individual who is seeking to cope with the devastating news of a serious illness as it is for the person who is traumatised by a failed financial investment. We remind ourselves that, regardless of how bad a situation may seem, we can often turn it into a good one. So much depends on our attitudes and our focus. There are numerous examples of individuals who turned negative situation into good ones. They persisted, even against great odds, and made the impossible possible. Their winning attitudes remind us that every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries the seed of an equal or greater benefit. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
COVID-19 Madness and Government’s Irrationality THE ANNOUNCEMENT that at least eight government parliamentarians tested positive for the coronavirus, and the frequency with which vaccinated Vincentians contracted the virus and infected others, exploded one sordid myth and confirmed an inconvenient truth. The COVID-19 epidemic is not a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Far from it, it is the pandemic of the vaccinated. These vaccines were touted as safe and effective. Developments here and worldwide are living proof that they are far from effective. Their safety is questionable at best. Too many people are suffering severe adverse events, including death. These most recent developments have demonstrated the immoral, unethical nature of the government’s vaccination mandate in a most crystal clear manner. They have laid bare the truth that the policies far from being driven by scientific facts are motivated by another agenda infused with fear and propaganda. It is now left for the court to strike the mandates as arbitrary, unreasonable, irrational, disproportionate, illegal and violative of our constitution. If you think these conclusions appear far-fetched, consider the following: On Monday, January 10, 2022, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment issued a press release that informed the public that all testing for unvaccinated and vaccinated persons was suspended until further notice. More sinister is the fact that the ‘Health and Wellness’ officials recommended that private-sector employers, whom it goaded into establishing some of the most stringent vaccination and testing regimes, must also halt their testing. The health and wellness ministry owed the Vincentian public an explanation for the drastic reversal, but alas, none was offered. What kind of science could have motivated this dramatic about-face? The simple reason was that there was such an explosion of COVID-19 infections among the vaccinated, that the government wanted to do away with testing altogether. Continued testing will further erode confidence in its flawed and draconian vaccination policy. Notice that none of these officials currently speak of science anymore. The truth is they never had science on their side. They were playing mind games with the people from the very beginning. The moment the injections became available, they doubled down on their fear-mongering. They shamed the unvaccinated, vilified and labelled them murders, nuisances and hindrances to progress. The unvaccinated were standing between our country’s return to normalcy, they screamed. They divided the nation between “vaxxed” and “unvaxxed”, split up families who were uninvited to family events. They offered the vaccinated a false sense of safety which they wore with smug assurance. Well, the proverbial shit has hit the fan. First, they said that the vaccines protected against infection. You could not get it, and you could not spread it. The vaccines, we were told, were safe and effective. That rationale quickly fell away as vaccinated people began to test positive in increasing numbers. In response, the American Centre for Disease Control said not to worry. The ‘rare’ cases of a breakthrough were a clear sign that the vaccines were working. Then the rare breakthroughs became a flood. To plug that hole, they said a booster was needed, and then there was a demand for a second booster. PM Gonsalves announced that he had already taken four shots and was prepared to take more. Unless all of these reckless policymakers publicly
display the COVID-19 cocktail being pumped into their arms, those who fell for the madness and took the jab should reconsider the Jim Jonian lure of booster after booster. Two announcements earlier this week offer sufficient proof of this view. Speaking at a J.P Morgan Healthcare conference, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said the current vaccines his company developed to combat the coronavirus offer ‘limited if any’ protection against contracting present variants of the disease. However, he did a sales pitch for boosters. In the other announcement, the European Medicines Agency warned that ‘frequent COVID-19 booster shots could adversely affect the immune response and may not be feasible.’ So Pfizer advocates for more boosters, and the European regulators warn against more booster shots. It’s your health, and the decisions are yours, but please protect yourself and your children. As we see in reports from nations such as Denmark, Israel, Iceland, Seychelles, Singapore and the United Kingdom and the USA, booster shots don’t tamp down the virus. The opposite is true. The virus flares up in countries where either the vaccines or boosters are given. There are increasing hospitalisation and death incidents among the vaccinated in the most vaccinated countries on earth. Vincentians were told that the vaccination was wrap-around protection against hospitalisation and death. But that lie has also been exposed for what it is. Two Vincentian women died from covid induced pneumonia after being ‘fully vaccinated.’ If the government had not been so callously pigheaded with its perfect vaccine gaze, many Vincentians who lost their lives could have been alive today. Government officials and their hanger-on disavowed treatment, laughing at those who talked up the importance of sunshine, vitamins A and D, zinc, Ivermectin and steaming. Moreover, Dr Shantara Chetty of South African has successfully treated more than 7000 covid patients. None died because he gauged the time of infection and estimated that the crucial turning point was day 8. If the patient has not shown signs of recovery, he uses steroids that help clear their throats and lungs, much like parents worldwide do when their children suffer a terrible bout of asthma. These matters are far too serious for politicians and their supporters to play politics. It was a shocking disclosure to learn that the relatively enlightened Camillo Gonsalves told opposition senator Israel Bruce he did not want to be sprayed by his “…unvaccinated spittle.” Camilo tested positive for COVID-19 the day after delivering the budget. Were those in the legislative chamber exposed to his unvaccinated infected spittle? Earlier in the pandemic, his father, in gleeful splendour, took to Star Radio and goaded God “to lick some of our citizens with the most dangerous diseases.” Ole people say when you are digging a grave for someone, dig one for yourself. One thing is clear: the government must drop the mandates, rehire all those it callously and vindictively dismissed, review its vaccines policies, and prepare our country for its return to normalcy. There are effective treatments for COVID-19. Bad government policies turned the infection into a death sentence for some. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
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10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
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SVG economy in a terrible mess
invest competent SVG Green incrementally in Party Government, to the infrastructure build a very strong and that our country sustainable economy. badly needs. A Green government LEADER OF SVG GREEN SVG needs new would modernise the the roads are falling exchange rate of US$1 to projects to modernise PARTY, Warrant Officer products and new SVG economy to be an infrastructure such as apart, poverty is high, EC$2.70 is also part of Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc markets and we urgently export-driven economy. unemployment is high, the problem, as it stifles hospitals, schools, (Hons), MSc, MBA, SVG can only increase factories and roads. This need factories. Our crime is high and the economic growth and strongly believes that economy needs revenue and create way, thousands of longArgyle Airport is a big causes poverty, gross SVG’s economy, under the white elephant - a misfit criminality, spiralling thousands of new jobs by term jobs are created and competent leadership highly incompetent and that can competently exporting new products to sound fiscal planning. high costs of living, high the economy is strong backward thinking ULP manage SVG’s finance. such as canned fish, bulk and sustainable. The ULP Regime is rates of unemployment Regime, is in a terrible tankers of fresh water, An SVG Green Party A Green Government constantly digging a hole and the jail being full of mess. The ULP Regime is and agro-products like to fill a hole - borrowing youths who cannot read. would invest wisely and government has the not educationally qualified very large sums of money This must change at the build projects that bring expertise to competently tea, juices and baby food. to competently run our economy to bring It is crucial that SVG continual returns. We to pay Public Debt. earliest opportunity. manage/operate SVG’s revenue into the country creates productive would create thousands Begging is no way to run Entrepreneurs and economy well enough, to economic sectors. and prosperity to the an economy and this small businesses in SVG of new, long-term jobs, create jobs and the people. Our country needs economic growth and policy has placed the have to compete in a sustainable fiscal SVG very urgently change to get out of this livelihoods and financial global market when they continual surplus surpluses needed to lift prolonged terrible future of Vincentians at try to export their goods revenue. Then, with the needs a change of our country into prosperity. risk. Government from the economic mess. and services. Being part continual surplus Agriculture is dead, highly incompetent ULP The artificially high of an artificially inflated revenue, a Green Regime to a very SVG Green Party currency is hurting SVG Government would businesses and reducing their opportunities to trade. SVG must withdraw from the Eastern Caribbean dollar in order to boost small businesses. It is small businesses that make HAVE WE MISSED THE GOLDEN getting the majority of votes matters, economies strong and OPPORTUNITY for change when in rather than first- past-the-post where SVG needs hundreds 2009 we voted NO to a proposed, new the winner is decided on the number more strong, small Constitution? As the days and years of seats won. businesses to boost roll on, we are seeing the effect of our There would have also been a set economic growth. choice not to adopt a new date/period on which general The safe and Constitution. elections would be held. A date for responsible way to In 2009 many voted NO because of general elections would not have been manage government political reasons. Very few voted at the pleasure of the Prime Minister resources is to invest in along non-political lines. The as it is now. projects that bring proposed New Constitution should In the proposed new constitution returns and then use the have been voted on based on its the powers of the Prime Minister returns from these contents, rather than political party would have been reduced and the persuasion. For the sake of time and Opposition Leader, who would then space, I would highlight just a few be referred to as ‘Minority Leader’, changes that would have occurred if would have had an increase in we had changed the constitution. Not powers. to do so then is now coming back to Of importance also was the fact bite us. that parliamentary representatives Today we would have been a could have been recalled by their republic and not merely an constituents. independent state that continued to More can be said. Suffice it to say, pay homage to the Queen. It would we Vincentians enjoy playing politics have meant, as a republic, that we with almost everything. In keeping would have replaced the Governor with this attitude, we voted NO to the General with a President. proposed constitution because of The death penalty, which in our case has traditionally meant hanging, party politics, rather than trying to understand what it was all about. is still on the books. However, it is We gave into propaganda and voted almost impossible to effect a death NO. Let’s bear in mind that the sentence due to the fact that those proposed constitution had nothing to who are sentenced to hang go to the Privy Council, where, more often than do with party politics. Maybe today we are living to not, their sentence is commuted to regret voting NO for a change in the life imprisonment. constitution. I pray that as In a related matter, had we Vincentians we would mature and changed the Constitution the put country before party. It is my Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) would have been our final Court of prayer that we would reach the stage Appeal rather than the Privy Council. in our development that we would If we had changed our look at things nationally and embrace Constitution, for sure the NDP would the good, regardless of who is the be in government today, since who Prime Minister. May God bless SVG? forms government would be decided Kennard King on the principle of proportional 4857324 representation in which the party
An opportunity for change missed
V Writers exchange books and more
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 11.
People
Dr. Cecil Cyrus (seated) and (standing from left) Mrs. Kathleen Cyrus, Ambassador Andrea Bowman and Ms. Peggy Carr. TWO VINCENTIAN LITERARY minds had an opportunity recently to exchange pleasantries, expressions of appreciation and copies of their latest publications. On December 29, Cultural Ambassador, Journalist and Poet Peggy Carr made an official visit to the home of retired Medical Doctor Dr. Sir Cecil Cyrus . The visit, at which she was also present, was facilitated by St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to Taiwan, Her Excellency Andrea Bowman, a family friend. Ambassador Bowman who has been family friends with Dr. Cyrus and Carr who— took the opportunity to share pleasantries and reminisced. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN, Carr, who in her teenage years served as a laboratory and X-ray technician Dr. Cyrus’ privately owned Botanic Hospital, said she viewed Dr. Cyrus as a father figure and mentor. She shared, with an expression of satisfaction, that some of her best years of learning discipline on the job, came under the tutelage of Dr. Cyrus and his wife Mrs. Katherine Cyrus, who is a nurse.
“My time with Dr. and Mrs. Cyrus was memorable and I appreciate them. A lot of the work ethics I have gained was during my period there. While working at the hospital, I was often inspired and so I was writing poetry and short stories that came into my imagination,” she added. Ambassador Carr admitted that she has “always been somewhat of a writer” and now with the publication of her first novel — ‘Shape Of A Warrior’ - it was a pleasure to share a copy with Dr. Cyrus and his wife — and in return, receive a copy of his latest and seventh literary offering - ‘A Hotchpotch, A Literary Amalgam’. Carr revealed that they also spoke about the intricacies of writing, publishing and the importance of reading. The Cultural Ambassador Carr, who has been living in Taiwan for just over 20 years — still works as a journalist. She admitted that she switched fields from laboratory and X-ray technician to journalism, as writing was her first love. She is currently an editor at Taiwan’s Central News Agency. (SH)
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12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
Feature
Kimysticclo opens bridal lounge Right: Kimon Baptiste-St. Rose, renowned Vincentian fashion designer and CEO of Kimysticclo.
Kimon recalled her initial Kimysticclo bridal collection which was completed in 2016/17, a collection of gowns that incorporated bold colours outside of the traditional white. A new direction was then taken where brides were free to “bring their ideas, and I would add my touch to it,” she said, noting that a wedding day is “…one of the most important days in a woman’s life.”
The Bridal Lounge Kimon was excited as she moved to tell the VINCENTIAN about her decision to open this space, which she called the Bridal Lounge. A bridal gown, Kimon’s creation, on display in the Bridal “I did it for a Lounge. number of reasons. Firstly, by GLORIAH… arena with a bridal lounge. COVID-19 In an exclusive interview changed the THESE DAYS, with changes in with THE VINCENTIAN, entire way that I Another bridal creation on display. the way life and business are do conducted globally, business. fitting, walk around and just it takes a chunk of We haven’t had be comfortable”, Kimron creativity to keep carnival for two years assured. what you have and so the pageant gown She is hopeful for growth in turn a corner with idea is gone, not just her enterprise as she looks it, so as to forge a in SVG. There towards investing in bridal new dimension haven’t been proms accessories like veils, tiaras, with the distinct either, a huge part of bridal change dresses, makeup possibility of taking our business. robes, and the like. off by leaps and “I made the bounds. decision because The Kimysticclo Advantage This is the people are still story of fashion getting married. Kimon was adamant that designer, Kimon Even without a huge when a bride comes to her, Baptiste-St. Rose, gathering somebody instead of trying to figure out CEO of still wants to have a style, pattern and everything Kimysticclo. beautiful gown…. to else on her own, her Known for her invest money in a advantage is the fit. pageant-winning lovely gown, (so) I “The thing is, it’s the fit — gowns and prom chose to invest in a that’s the advantage! They dresses here in St. space where they can actually have input in the Vincent and the come for their process from beginning to end. Grenadines and consultation: what To ensure this fit, we do a across the region the bride wants to (Barbados, St. look like, the concept, number of fittings to Lucia, Anguilla the fabric, and so on. guarantee that it is right on the day, and that they are and Tortola in It goes even further, particular), to the fittings as well. happy with all they wanted to Kimysticclo has In this space you can have accentuated. You know, we as women, we have body now embraced the come, bring your issues: there are things we bridal sector and Maid of Honour, a want to hide and things we’d officially launched Shadeisha George, Miss SVG 2014, in her couple of your want to highlight!” out into that winning Kimysticclo gown. bridesmaids, do a
She stressed that even when persons order dresses online that do not properly fit upon arrival, she accommodates alterations to ensure that ‘fit’. Science behind a bridal gown When questioned about the formula for the wide variety in gowns she produces, Kimon told THE VINCENTIAN: “The process is like this: we come up with a concept of what the client wants, then the most difficult thing is sourcing fabric. We send samples and guide them concerning which is best suited for the concept arrived at. The next step is construction and for me, construction is the easiest part. I treat it like a Science, like Math — putting puzzles together. I get excited — creating the pattern, laying it out then doing the fittings several times ensuring it fits the way it should; as it accentuates the areas the bride wants to have accentuated. After that, it’s just a piece of cake!”
Next steps Kimon accepts that the demand for making pageant gowns has all but slowed to a stop. She believes that she has not simply reinvented herself but unearthed another side of herself. She could not allow her creativity to go to sleep just because of Covid. She will continue to forge ahead. “We don’t know when it’s going to come back and just because of my passion for creating gowns, I wanted to invest that energy and creativity into something very similar,” she proffered. The Kimysticclo Bridal Lounge is now open to tickle the taste of eager and exultant brides-to-be. Consultations are easily arranged with a visit to the Lounge situated behind the Kimysticclo Boutique, upstairs the Y. De Lima Building with entrance on Egmont Street, Kingstown.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 13.
Regional
Barbados calls snap election
Polls were due to take place in 2023 and Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Barbados’ first female prime minister, said, inter alia, that the reason for calling early elections was because Barbados should not start the New Year “as a divided nation,” and that the incumbent Barbados Labour Party (BLP) was “willing to take the risk” of losing the election to ensure unity. Observers say, however, that it is on the basis of a mixed bag of sentiments for the BLP going into 2022, and the hope of ‘catching the main opposition with their pants down’, why the election was called that early. The Caribbean News Network reported that Verla De Peize, leader of the main opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) labelled Mottley as a “non-caring Prime Minister Mia Mottley says the Prime Minister”, for calling a elections was called early so as to give snap general election in the Barbadians a chance to heal the division midst of a pandemic, and urged going into 2022. (Credit: BarbadosToday) supporters to boot the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) BARBADOS WILL GO to the polls on out of office. January 19, 2021, in what will be that The BLP had a resounding country’s 15th general election since victory in 2018, emphatically defeating adult suffrage in 1951, and the first the DLP by 30 seats to 0 in a 30-seat since the island became a republic at race, the first time any party had won midnight on November 30.
in all the constituencies up for grabs. Verla de Peiza, leader of the One victorious main BLP, didn’t think it was candidate — Bishop a ‘caring’ decision to be Joseph Atherley having a general election eventually withdrew during a pandemic. (Credit: his support for the BarbadosToday) BLP and became the lone opposition voice candidates in the House of Representatives. led by Alex
This time around Some 108 candidates have been registered to contest the January 19 election, with 99 spread across 7 parties and 9 independents. Of those, a full slate of thirty candidates has been registered for each of the BLP and the main opposition party the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), led by Verla De Peiza, a lawyer. The other parties registered to contest are: Alliance Party for Progress (a merger of People’s Party for Democracy and Development and the United Progressive Party), 20 candidates led by Bishop Joseph; Solutions Barbados, 11 candidates led by Grenville Phillips II; New Barbados Kingdom Alliance, 2 candidates led by Apostle Lynroy Scantlebury; Bajan Free Party 4
Bishop Joseph Atherley who will lead Alliance Party for Progress, hopes that his party will raise questions about the traditional parties in Barbados’ political history. (Credit: BarbadosToday)
Mitchell; and Barbados Sovereignty Party, 2 candidates led by Michael Thompson. Nine independents have also entered the race.
Interesting tidbits The January election throws up some interesting firsts in the history of party politics in Barbados. It is the first election in which the two major parties are led by women — Mia Mottle for the incumbent BLP and Verla De Peiza for the DLP. Both are lawyers. It follows that whatever the outcome, it looks more than likely that Barbados will continue to be led by a female (prime minister). Of the 15 general elections since 1951, the BLP has won 8 and the DLP 7. (Partial Source: Caribbean News Network)
Gang kills two journalists in Haiti in the strongest terms this criminal and barbaric act,” and denounced the “serious attack on the rights to life” and on “journalists exercising their profession freely in this country.” One of those killed, Wesley, was employed by Radio Ecoute FM. As gangs in Haiti Amady John Wesley (left) and Wilguens Louissaint the extend their reach two journalists killed recently by members of a gang. and tussle over turf, the area of Laboule TWO JOURNALISTS IN HAITI were 12, where the three journalists were killed Thursday by a gang operating reporting on Thursday, is the subject on the outskirts of the capital Port-au- of intense fighting among several Prince, as the country endures an armed gangs, each seeking to exert ongoing security crisis six months their authority. after the assassination of its president. That particular area — Laboule 12 — Wilguens Louissaint and Amady provides the only alternative to reach John Wesley were killed in a shooting, the southern half of the country apart while reporting on the security from the main road, which has been situation in the Laboule 12, area. controlled since June by one of Haiti’s A third journalist, who was with most powerful gangs. them at the time, escaped, Radio Kidnapping and more killings Ecoute FM Radio told the AFP. Haiti recorded at least 950 In a statement posted late on kidnappings in 2021, according to the Thursday on the radio station’s Center for Analysis and Research in Facebook page, Director General Human Rights, based in Port-auFrancky Attis said Wesley was beaten Prince. and burned alive by “armed bandits” Underequipped and facing heavily in the Boule 12 neighbourhood. armed criminal groups, Haiti’s police The statement went on to “condemn
have not organized any large-scale operations against the gangs since March 2021. Notable among these was the October 16 abduction of a group of 17 missionaries and their children by a gang known as 400 Mawozo, After 12 were able to escape the gang freed the remaining hostages by December 21. There is no confirmation one way or the other whether a ransom was paid. Ransom for kidnapping is the preferred method the gangs use to finance their activities. As far as other journalists who have felt the wrath of the gangs: in June 2021; photojournalist Vladjimir Legagneur never returned from a March 2018 reporting trip to the poor neighborhood of Martissant which gangs control; two other journalists were killed in June and October 2019. And then there was the April 2000 assassination of Haitian journalist Jean Jimmy Cherizier, aka Barbecue, a former policeman who leads the G9 gang coalition, holds a weapon as he stands next to the coffin that contain the remains of Tonino Manino, one of his lieutenants. (Credit: AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
A G9 gang coalition member unpacks weapons that include American-made AK rifles with ammunition, in Port-auPrince, Haiti, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. (Credit: AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Dominique, the island nation’s most famous reporter at the time. His death like the majority of others, remains unsolved. The gangs’ impunity highlights the weaknesses of Haiti’s criminal justice system, in which investigations are rarely successful, a source told AFP. (Source: AFP)
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14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 07, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
Education
SJCK to mark 75th Anniversary
THE ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT, Kingstown is hosting a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary. Started on Monday January 2nd, 1947 as a private school for both boys and girls, it was established for the purpose of instructing children in the catholic faith and in secular subjects. Located in one of the rooms in the Sisters’ residence “The Palms”, the St. Joseph’s Preparatory as it was called at the time had an enrollment of four students, Patricia Dos Santos, Paul McLeish, Reginald DaSilva and Orrin Cotter, with Mother Ina as the first principal. By the end of the year the number increased to nineteen.
Today, the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown has become one of this country’s top educational institutions, instilling in the lives of our young girls Christian values and principles through the provision of holistic education. To celebrate this Diamond Jubilee, the St. Joseph’s Convent in collaboration with its past Students Association have planned a number of special activities and programs throughout the year with the theme, “Building stronger gems, past, present and future”. These events will highlight the history of the school and celebrate its many accomplishments. Bishop of the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Kingstown, Bishop Gerard County will be the main Celebrant at the Mass to mark the start of the activities at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Kingstown on Saturday January 15th commencing at 2:00 p.m. An anniversary choir of past and present St. Joseph Convent Kingstown students will be featured. Several other activities will be held including lectures, games evening, fundraising events, mentorship sessions and more. There will also be several publications, both print and online which will shine the spotlight on
The St. Joseph’s Convent (Kingstown) was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, a Roman Catholic religious institute founded in 1807. defining moments in the school’s history over the decades with photo galleries, notices of upcoming and special events, inclusive of profiles of past principals, students and personal stories of
students, past and present. A speciallycommissioned commemorative pin, poster and other commemorative anniversary memorabilia will also go on sale as part of the milestone
anniversary. The St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown remains committed to educating the nation’s young girls and to providing a safe haven for them to excel holistically. (Submitted by SJCK)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 15.
News
Second vaccinated COVID death
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has recorded its second fully-vaccinated COVID-19 death. A 68-year-old female, fully vaccinated, with pre-existing conditions, died at home on January 10th, 2022 after a respiratory illness with features typical of COVID-19, according to a release on Wednesday from the Health Services Subcommittee National Emergency Committee. A postmortem test for COVID-19 was positive, confirming that the cause of death was COVID-19 pneumonia. Her death brings the death toll from COVID-19 to eighty-five (85). She was the second fully vaccinated person to have died from COVID-19 in SVG according to health authorities. The first was a 67-year- old female who presented to the Accident and Emergency Department on January 5th, 2021, after a one-week illness. She died of COVID-19 pneumonia on January 6th, 2021. She was tested positive on admission and had
preexisting, non-communicable diseases. She was fully vaccinated during the period April to July, 2021.
Omicron cases Sequencing results received from CARPHA on January 10, 2022 and January 11, 2022, confirmed the presence of the Omicron variant of concern in two (2) samples taken on December 27, 2021, and one (1) sample taken on December 28, 2021 from persons with no travel history. The Omicron Delta, Mu and Gamma variants are now active in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As of Wednesday, there were nine hundred and fourteen (914) active cases of Covid-19 in SVG. Six thousand, five hundred and sixty-two (6562) cases of COVID-19 and five thousand and five hundred and sixty-three (5563) recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since March 2020.
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16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
Business
Republic Group wins Corporate Governance Award Nigel Baptiste President and Chief Executive Officer of RFHL- is obviously elated by the award and notes the performance basis on which RFHL has copped the award.
schools/children to facilitate online learning. The 2019 and 2021 awards won by the RFHL Subsequently, the Group. Group joined the Net Zero Banking Alliance FOR A SECOND YEAR, the to excellence, (NZBA), a global Republic Group has been accountability, fairness agreement in which named as the Best and transparency in all financial institutions Corporate Governance interactions with our commit to having zero ‘Financial Services’ stakeholders. It also net carbon emissions by Institution in the demonstrates the 2050. As part of the Caribbean by Ethical Group’s professionalism, NZBA, the Group has Boardroom. ethical behaviour and also pledged US$200 Republic Financial adherence to global best million to climate Holdings Limited practices and standards, financing initiatives. (RFHL) received this all of which can be In November 2021, award for the first time attributed to the Republic Group and in 2019, demonstrating management and staff New Energy hosted the that the Group continues collaboration.” first Caribbean ESG to set the tone of good This award comes on (Environmental, Social governance by adopting the heels of an and Governance) and measures that raise the outstanding year for the Climate Financing level of awareness and Group, which has been Summit with the aim of practices in the heavily involved in bringing together organization which drive climate financing while Caribbean borrowers, value creation and long- also being a driving force lenders and investors term growth. for a sustainable future and act as a catalyst in Ethical Boardroom, a in the region. The the creation of a new London-based magazine Republic Group signed financing ecosystem. and website, known for on to the Principles of The Republic Group is their critically acclaimed Responsible Banking honoured to be bestowed analysis of global (PRB) in 2020; the first with such a prestigious governance issues, signatory in the English- award and will continue published the award in speaking Caribbean. in all our efforts towards their December 2021 Notable projects that the a better tomorrow. magazine. This honour Group was involved in For further recognizes that RFHL is includes: the information kindly an industry leader in the Entrepreneurs Business contact Mr. Kelly adoption and execution Builder (EBB) Mitchell - Marketing of corporate governance Programme for Women, Specialist, Republic best practices. and partnering with the Bank ((EC) Limited, Commenting on the Ministry of Education Johnsons Commercial award, President and and Pennacool.com for Building, Unit #109 Chief Executive Officer the “Adopt-A-School” Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, of RFHL, Nigel Baptiste Programme where St. Lucia. Mobile # said: “This award tablets and laptops were 17584823831 | Email: recognizes our dedication distributed to kelly.mitchell@rfhl.com
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 07, 2022. 17.
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18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Surviving a break-up
Dear George, A FEMALE FRIEND invited me to a private house party. Only six people were invited and on arrival the men were blindfolded and taken to the basement, while the women remained upstairs where they were also blindfolded and told to remain naked until someone came to them. We were all instructed to meet in the living area at a certain time. I was unpleasantly surprised when I saw my wife coming out with a man. Shocked and embarrassed, I immediately walked out from there. My wife eventually followed and when she got home, she apologized in tears. I forgave her for, after all, I was also at fault. We made up and promised each other to turn over a new leaf. I have since discovered that the woman who planned the party did so to break us
up so she could be with my wife. I am so lucky things ended the way they did.
Thanking my Lucky Stars Dear Thanking my Lucky Stars, Good that it all ended in favour of you and your wife. Things could have ended much worse. I hope you learned much from this and do your best to rebuild your marriage. I still feel that both of you can benefit from some much needed marital counseling, to give you pointers on how to stay on course.
George
A secret request Dear George, A FRIEND OF MY GIRLFRIEND’S asked me to give her a partial body massage. My girlfriend was at home when it happened. As I was massaging her upper back and neck she started making these noises that closely sounded like someone who was being turned on. My girlfriend got upset and asked me to stop. I objected with the explanation that it was all innocent. I did stop the massage and her friend left but not before she slipped me a note, asking me to give her a full body massage when my girlfriend was not around. Do you think I should?
Thinking Dear Thinking, What do you think will or can happen should you agree to this request? The fact that she made this request secretly suggests she has an ulterior motive. Let her know that you are not comfortable granting her request. From all appearances it seems your ‘client’ wants more
than a massage. Only you can decide if it’s worth being of service to
her.
George
Covid excuse Dear George, MY BOYFRIEND would not sleep with me and is attributing this to the Covid protocol. He is not living with me and whenever he visits he keeps his mask on the whole time. I cannot even get a kiss from him. My suspicion has always been he is fed up with the relationship and is looking for an excuse to leave. I received word from a friend of his that he visits another girl’s house. My friend even photographed him hugging her at her door before leaving. How do I deal with this?
Very Hurt Dear Very Hurt, From all indication it would appear your boyfriend has lost interest and is using the Covid protocols to his advantage. The next time he comes to your house, do not let him in, and should he ask why, let him know that you are following the social distancing Covid protocol. It’s time to set him free so he can search out other interests.
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be cautious of making any residential changes this week. Difficulties at an emotional level may be likely. Don't be afraid to make additions to your house. Your philanthropic contributions will bring you praise. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Opportunities for financial gains through investments and games of chance are likely. Try to stay calm, and whatever you do, don't nag. Set your goals and stick to your guns. Go after your goals. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative. Take time to find out if anyone has a better suggestion before you make arrangements for the whole family. Romance and social activity will be a promising combination.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Take a different approach; make an offer they just can't refuse. Try to stay calm, and whatever you do, don't nag. You may be admired by colleagues and employers for your diplomatic way of handling your work and those you work with. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Hobbies will be good for your emotional well-being. Partnerships will be successful. Uncertain get rich quick schemes will not be as lucrative as you anticipate. There'll be difficulties if you spend too much. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence. This may not be your day if you are overly melodramatic and unnerving everyone around you.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Opportunities to expand your circle of friends will result in possible new romantic encounters. You can make new connections if you play your cards right. . Try to compromise rather than having an all-out battle.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Keep important information to yourself. Don't put all your cash in one place. Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations. Don't let your personal dilemmas interfere with your goals.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Short trips will be educational. You may find that doing odd jobs around the house will be successful and appreciated by loved ones. You could be disillusioned if you let relative in on your emotional thoughts.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Get into some activities that will help you in making new friends. Your ability to stand out in a crowd will bring you the recognition you desire. Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Put some energy into getting back into shape. Listen to reason. You should consider getting into selfimprovement endeavors. Don't make those you live with feel unloved or unworthy.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Lending and borrowing may be a problem. Someone may not be thinking of your best interests. Your talents might just be discovered. You will have a problem dealing with groups.
ACROSS 1. Night birds 5. Musical notes segment 8. Captain’s squad 12. “Oops!” 13. Pay dirt 14. ___ payment 15. Loud noise 16. Meshed fabric 17. Long ago 18. Precautions 21. Had a certain position 22. Roasters 25. A young child 29. Aspiration 31. Be in debt to 32. Grinder 34. Well-kept secret, for some 35. Goldfinger, to Bond 38. Asian language 41. Hustle 43. Word on a dollar bill 44. Expressed regrets 49. Put on 52. Animal’s doc 53. Fellow 54. Currency in France 55. Piercing locale 56. Amusing adventure 57. Waxed 58. Get data secretly 59. More DOWN 1. Yours and mine 2. “Slow down!” 3. Baker’s unit 4. Discerning 5. Job rewards 6. Department 7. 60s fashions, for
example 8. Last reliever called 9. Sought office 10. Roman abbreviation 11. Midget 19. Filly 20. Movie format 23. How Scotch may be served 24. Detailed account 25. Shoe part 26. Keeps 27. Kind of breath 28. Groove 30. 1997 Will Smith film “___ in Black” 33. Prejudice 36. Where sheep
graze 37. “You betcha” 39. Marsh 40. Good enough to eat 42. Hawks’ opposites 45. with frog 46. Gung-ho feeling
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 19.
47. Listening devices 48. Durham school 49. Table necessity 50. “Days of ___ Lives” 51. “You ___ here”
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20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
SVG welcomes USA U19 female cricketers
The Arnos Vale Playing Field is at the centre of Cricket History. Nadia Gruny - USA Cricket Board Member – says tour will present a fantastic opportunity for some of the young talent in the USA. ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES will be host to the historic inaugural international tour for the USA Women’s Under-19 cricket team later this month. The USA will take on the Windward Islands Under-19 Women’s team in four T20 matches scheduled for the Arnos Vale playing field from January 24th to the 28th with the 26th being a rest day.
The tour is described as part of a wider long-term strategic partnership that USA Cricket has with Cricket West Indies (CWI), our nearest Full Member Nation of the International Cricket Council (ICC). It is the culmination of a huge year for the Women and Girls’ game in the United States, with the newly launched domestic pathway, the Sistar Mortgage Women’s National Championships (Senior Women’s and Under 19) USA Cricket Board Member
and Women and Girls Committee Chair, Nadia Gruny said, “We are pleased to partner with the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB) and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association to create a T20 series that would be mutually beneficial to both our Under19 teams. In line with our recently launched plan to Shape the Future for Women & Girls in American Cricket to ‘Create increased competitive international match opportunities’, this tour will present a fantastic opportunity
for some of the young talent who have stood out on our new domestic pathway this year to get international exposure and a competitive level of cricket in the Caribbean.” USA Cricket Operations Director, Richard Done added, “… This tour will allow our next group of talented girls a chance to experience and learn more about travelling and playing internationally.” Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB) and Vice President of Cricket West Indies Inc. said, “This
Dr. Kishore Shallow, President WICB, anticipates a competitive series. exciting tour represents a shared vision of both USA Cricket and WICB to offer more development opportunities for female cricketers. We are grateful for the initiative and cooperation of USA Cricket to execute what I anticipate to be a fantastic series of competitive cricket.” (Source: usacricket.org) Compiled by I.B.A.ALLEN
Mercury satisfied with scouting process of matches in four different zones- Leeward Zone (Buccament Playing Field), Central Zone (Sion Hill Playing Field), and Marriaqua Zone (Arnos Vale Two Playing Field). From these matches, the players who satisfied the criteria were selected to represent the zones in the ongoing practice sessions, whilst maintaining the zones’ training schedules. From Mercury’s observations and analyses: “It is satisfactory… I have seen new talents… there On-field action between the Central and Leeward zones last Saturday at the will always be people Brighton Playing Field. who are around whom you would not have seen HEAD COACH of the St Given the absence of under Director of before… I am seeing Vincent and the the National Club Technical Matterstalents from different Grenadines Senior Men’s Championships in 2021, Theon Gordon, initiated areas.” Football team- Kendale the Technical a search for players to Data on prospective Mercury, has described Department of the St. suffice the Senior Men’s players are collected and the ongoing scouting Vincent and the team. assessed on an ongoing The recruitment process for new talent as Grenadines Football exercise involved a series basis. “satisfactory.” Federation (SVGFF)
According to the Vincy brand of Football, which is being philosophized by Gordon and company, players must be fearless; have a desire to be the protagonist; apply immediate pressure after losing control of the ball and a mid-block pressing zone defence; and counterattack. But while being generally contented with the process, Mercury identified some areas of concern. “What I would like to see is more intensity and more seriousness as to how players approach the game,” Mercury commented. “Consistency for some of them is a problem as you may see them in training but you may not see them in matches, and there are some players whom we know of that we are not seeing at all,
Kendale Mercury has been Head Coach, SVG Senior Men’s Football team since December 2018. which means that they are not going to the zones,” the Head Coach lamented. St Vincent and the Grenadines is stitching together a training squad for upcoming assignments in 2022, among them the Concacaf Nations League.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 21.
Sports
Swimming to be introduced at UISS
THE SPORT OF SWIMMING will soon be introduced to the students of the Union Island Secondary School (UISS). That is the word of Sports Officer assigned to the Southern GrenadinesRickydene Alexander. By way of introduction, an Open Water Swim event will form part of the Form Five students’ Schools’ Based Assessment, as per their Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) programme. “After we complete the Open Water Swim event, we will be launching the school’s programme,” Alexander said adding that the programme will begin with an after-school programme at the Campbell beach, located close to the school
Alexander said that the dates for the After-School Swim Programme have not been finalized as discussions are still ongoing with the institution’s Physical Education teacher. But Alexander disclosed: “We will be doing some classes during regular school hours as part of the lower forms’ Physical Education sessions.” Alexander reasoned that getting the students into formal Swimming techniques will add to their innate abilities as island people. The hope is that some of the students will be able to transition and show their skills in the pool. Alexander said apart from the UISS undertaking, the primary schools programme at the Mary Hutchinson Primary School and the
Matthews pleased with Rugby series THE SVG RUGBY UNION is basking in its successful completion of the series of rugby matches over the last few months dating back to September. Leonard Matthews, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union, expressed the sentiment at the conclusion of the final sets of matches Leonard Matthews, President of SVG Rugby at the Calliaqua Union, recognized the Playing Field two value of the series of weekend ago. tournaments that the “The tournament Rugby Union was able to went well. We were stage. able to achieve our main goal of giving the youngsters some motivation to learn more about the game in a competitive sense, and also give them a chance to develop their skills,” Matthews assessed. He added, “Since we started in September to date, I have seen a lot of improvement with the younger players and also some of the seasoned players as well.” Matthews also disclosed that another reason for staging the series of tournaments was to enable the Union to select Under-18 and Under-19 for tournaments in 2022. “We actually have a tournament in February which will be taking place in Mexico City on the weekend of the 11th to the 14th, so these tournaments did give us an opportunity to see the strengths and weaknesses of the players, so we can work on those areas before we leave,” Matthews said. I.B.A.ALLEN
Right: Rickydene Alexander is enthused about the introduction of formal swimming to secondary school aged students in Union Island. Stephanie Browne Primary School will resume soonest. “We still have the arrangement for the use of the pool facility at the Kings Landing Hotel, and we will be extending the programme for the primary schools, up to Grade Six,” the Sports Officer related. The primary schools’ activities were placed on hold following the discontinuation of face-to-face classes because of the coronavirus outbreak in January, 2021.
Vincentian coaches for NACAC Series VINCENTIAN TRACK AND FIELD coaches will have an opportunity to be part of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Athletics Coaching Series 2022. The series, to be delivered in both Spanish and English through the Zoom platform, commences 20th January. The Vincentians, though, will begin their English presentation on 22nd January, when NACAC’s Director of Coaches and Camps, Chester Morgan, looks at Athletic Abilities, Training Principles, and Methods of Training. Morgan, who is Vincentian, will lecture on Energy Systems and
Energy System Training on Saturday, 29th January. Both Saturday sessions run from 4pm to 6pm. The other English session will take place on Sunday, 6th February, from 3 to 5pm, when Peter Thompson of Great Britain will look at Periodization: Planning of Training. The sessions in Spanish are set for 20th January, 27th January, and 3rd February, from 6 to 8pm, and will be facilitated by Diego Vela Lu and Martin Palavicini. The idea for the series was conceptualised by Morgan and John LoFranco, the head of NACAC’s Coaching Working Group.
Chester Morgan, NACAC’s Director of Coaches and Camps, joined with John LoFranco in conceptualizing the coaching series.
John LoFranco, Head of NACAC’s Coaching Working Group, collaborated with Morgan in developing intended to target the coaching series. coaches and athletes’ commissions. According to “Coaches are essential correspondence from to the identification and NACAC, the series is training of athletes... geared at ensuring that This is the reason that the area remains a leader of our sport in the NACAC places so much emphasis on facilitating global environment. a continuous coaches The release also education programme,” informed that the NACAC noted. Coaching Series is
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22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022 . THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Covid: exposure for all FROM THE TIME COVID-19 appeared, the world has turned upside down. Fears overtook the population and decisions as to how to cope with the development occupied everyone’s attention. From the outset, it was clear there would be changes to the way things are done. Health authorities faced their greatest challenge, in recent time. The West Indies Cricket Board was not hesitant to adapt to the new requirements the conditions asked. Cancellations, delays, disruption and reprogramming have come as normal events. Some types of activities and staging of events have to undergo persistent changes, and the air of uncertainty has driven everyone to establish their own order of precedence. Long term planning has been left to chance, for no one knows to what extent and how the chips would falling. Sporting administrators have taken many a bold measure in still sticking to as normal an agenda as possible. Somehow, the beat is going on and despite some serious incursions here and there, the adjustment to new norms have been regular. There is that element spurred by the mischievousness nature of mankind. For it is known of their propensity to stray. And when that happens, there is always someone, or something to blame. Even if nothing happens, that will not stop the tendency of coming up with something. Like curious children, there are always answers to be found. And believe you, questions will flourish. Whether or not there is serious thought into the process, you are bound to be bombarded with analyses or explanations. So we have to look beyond Covid. Right? That will be a difficult task for it is; you will never know the next stage of anything. Given the flexibility of the human life cycle, and man’s outlook in today’s caustic environment, it is not surprising the problems regarding human health will escalate. There are aspects of present trend that has somehow opened up the avenues to something tantamount to “anything goes.” Even the most reliable outlets of virtue have been compromised by the ease with which deceit surfaces as an angel straight from heaven. So, one has to examine the package with which you may have stumbled upon, or which assume has been placed in genuine light. So sometimes. It might be better to remain in the dark, than gravitate where you think it is lit, because activities taking place are visible, so therefore attractive. On the other hand, if you stay around in the dark long enough, you might be surprised how quickly you adjust to the conditions, as dismal as it may appear. That will be sufficient for you to filter through the glare. That glare may be the light at the end of the tunnel, or at least give enough scope to give you an accurate perspective of the terrain around you. But it is not just the sights that matter. There are the sounds and aroma. And all combined will have an impact of how your vision spans.
Haynes is new CWI Lead Selector
The Most Hon. Dr. Desmond Haynes played 116 Test matches, four as captain, and 238 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies between 1978 and 1994. LEGENDARY FORMER West Indies opening batter - the Most Hon. Dr. Desmond Haynes, has been appointed the new men’s Chairman of Selectors i.e., Lead Selector, of the West Indies Senior Men’s Team. Haynes’ appointment was confirmed during a meeting of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Board of Directors held on January 6, 2022. His
appointment is viewed as the first major step in a CWI thrust towards overhauling its selection system, in the wake of last October’s Twenty20 World Cup fiasco. The former West Indies standout opening batsman who together with Sir Gordon Greenidge formed one the most formidable opening pairs in international cricket, replaces Roger Harper who was relieved of his duties as Lead Selector following an underwhelming World T20 performance by the Caribbean side. The WI had a solitary win from five outings in that prestigious Tournament. Haynes will lead the West Indies men’s
selection panel until June 30, 2024, a period that includes four ICC global events, two T20 World Cups (2022 & 2024), the Cricket World Cup (2023) and the World Test Championship final (2023). In making the announcement, CWI President, Ricky Skerritt, said: “I am delighted to confirm that the Most Hon. Dr. Desmond Haynes has agreed to re-join the CWI cricket system as the Lead Selector. His cricket knowledge and experience are second to none, and I am confident that Desmond is the right man for the right job, at the right time.” Haynes, in accepting the appointment said, “I would like to thank President Skerritt and the CWI Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to serve West Indies cricket once again. Being a selector is a thankless task but a critical role in our cricket system, and I am honoured to be appointed. I have always indicated that I would assist West Indies cricket in any way possible, and I see this as an opportunity to do just that. I pledge to carry out my duties in a fair and professional manner.” CWI Board of Directors also announced
Ramaresh Sarwan played 81 Tests, 181 ODIs and 18 T20Is for West Indies and served as captain in four Tests, five ODIs and two T20Is.
Roger Harper played 25 tests and 105 ODIs for the West Indies. His contract as Lead Selector of the WI Senior team was not renewed. last week that it had appointed former middle order West Indies batsman - Ramnaresh Sarwan as the new selector to the senior and youth selection panels, headed by Desmond Haynes and Robert Haynes respectively. I.B.A.ALLEN
Only vaccinated TT players for training ONLY THOSE PLAYERS who have had the COVID-19 vaccination will be selected by the SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA) for training and eventual selection to national squads. This is in keeping with what obtains as it relates to COVID-19 locally, regionally and internationally, said Sean Stanley, Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the SVGTTA. “The organization believes that it was left with no other choice,” Stanley said in relation to the decision, especially, he added, as the Association looks to move the
sport on in the prevailing situation. Stanley disclosed, however, that the same requirement will not be applied to local events. He noted it was easy to apply the health protocols during these events and cited that the game naturally lent itself to social distancing, for example. Training for the Caribbean Senior and Juniors Championships — respectively in March in Cuba and April in Dominican Republic — and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham England during July/August, began at the West
Sean Stanley, PRO/SVGTTA said the Association had no other choice given the current situation. St. George Secondary School last week, under the guidance of coaches/trainers Romano Spencer and Joseph (Husay) Carrington. I.B.A.ALLEN
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022. 23.
Classifieds
Kathel Ollivierre must be counting her lucky stars having survived an attack by a guntoting individual.
Bequia Sale Clerk shot POLICE SAID EARLIER this week that their investigations were continuing into a robbery that occurred on January 6, 2022 in Bequia, resulting in a woman being warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. The woman, Kathel Ollivierre of Bequia, was said to be in a stable condition over the weekend, but she was nursing two gunshot wounds to her right shoulder. A police report dated January 7, 2022, said that Ollivierre, a 42year-old Sales Clerk with Select Foods Grocery in
Port Elizabeth, Bequia, was on her way on January 6, 2022 to make a night deposit at a bank, when she was accosted by some unknown person who demanded money. In the melee that followed, she was shot twice in her right shoulder.
She was taken to the Port Elizabeth Hospital for initial medical attention and later transferred to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital via the SVG Coast Guard Service. The assailant is currently in police custody assisting with the investigations.
Too many guns,’ says Prosecutor by Hadyn Huggins
PROSECUTOR RENRICK CATO, attached to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), is concerned about the number of illegal firearms and firearm-related offences in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Cato, a police Sergeant, voiced his feeling while making recommendations for sentencing in the case of 18-year-old Jaheim Belgrave of Rose Place, who pleaded guilty to possession of an unlicensed firearm and five rounds of ammunition during an appearance She found no mitigating factors at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. in relation to the offence. “There are too many illegal However, in relation to the firearms in St. Vincent and the defendant, she took into Grenadines. It is only a matter of account his youthfulness, and time before Parliament revises the that he had no previous law again,” Cato commented. conviction. He also earned a Belgrave was one of two young one third reduction on his men who pleaded guilty to sentence for his early guilty possession of firearms and plea. ammunition. The Magistrate arrived at The other was 25-year-old the penalties after following the sentencing guidelines, weighing Urhando Rock who pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited gun, the aggravating and mitigating factors, and doing the necessary and two rounds of ammunition. Young men appear at the calculations. Serious Offences Court on an “What is painful is when I almost daily basis on gun-related see persons with no (criminal) charges, and Magistrates and record, foolishly throwing it lawyers have repeatedly away,” the Magistrate commented on the situation. contended.
Farmer jailed for highpowered gun Continued from Page 4. Cato noted that possession of a prohibited firearm carries a maximum penalty of teen years in prison. He said that the court had a duty to protect the society and asked that a sentence be imposed to send a strong message to persons who have these types of firearms in their possession, and to deter others who may want to do so. The Magistrate stressed the seriousness of the offence, and highlighted the fact that Rock tried to evade his arrest, when the police knocked on his door.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 14,
2022
VOLUME 116, No.02
www.thevincentian.com
LEACOCK WANTS GOVERNMENT MEMBERS PRESENT Right: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves eventually had to concede to a suspension of the House.
Wednesday as issues meandered in the Parliament. ST. CLAIR LEACOCK, the Extending on the absence of Opposition New Democratic more than half of the members Party’s Parliamentary of the government side from Representative (PR) for Central the 2022 Budget Debate in the Kingstown, will be happier if Parliament/House of Finance Minister Camillo Assembly, Leacock posited Gonsalves, and indeed, all of the that that it is “a matter of COVID-19 positive cabinet time” before all of us are Ministers are present in the affected. House, when he makes his Notwithstanding that contribution to the 2022 possibility, he made it clear Budget. that parliamentarians had a Leacock, the shadow duty to their constituents to be Minister of Trade, Industry in the House during the and Commerce, Private Sector Budget debate. Facilitation, Disaster And he took umbrage with Management and Labour, the Prime Minister alluding to made his views known last him using some of his allowed by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY
four hours of debate time, to represent the contributions of his absent colleagues. But Prime Minister Gonsalves assured the Central Kingstown parliamentarian that Cabinet was a “collective responsibility” and that he could answer on behalf of Ministers not present, and proceeded to underline the need to have the House in motion to “help people with money that is new. “We have to go with what we have and do the work,” Prime Minister Gonsalves quipped.
EC$1.50
St. Clair Leacock, PR for Central Kingstown, questioned what he perceived to be the Prime Minister’s intention to have the Budget Debate wrapped up with haste.
He thinks that there are matters that warrant conversations and expressed the concern that one family However, Leacock retorted with, “I would be disappointed has been in charge of the if I do not have the privilege of nation’s finances for the last 20 years. drawing him (Camillo “We can’t go from Gonsalves Gonsalves) out,” reiterated his to Gonsalves,” Leacock position that Ministers spurted. “should be here to give an Leacock insisted on a account.” week’s delay to the Budget Noting that it appeared Debate saying, “It won’t kill.” that the Prime Minister was The Sitting of the House veering towards a quick was adjourned on Wednesday conclusion to the Budget and suspended until Friday exercise, Leacock questioned, 12th January, 2022. “What’s the haste?”
WHALE BEACHES IN GEORGETOWN The Fisheries Division within the Ministry of Agriculture said that it is working with the Ministry of Health to properly dispose of the five-foot, seven-inch whale. A live video shared by soca artiste Slama London showed the dead whale on shore in the vicinity of the Georgetown sea defense in Part of the humpback whale that Brownstown. washed ashore at Brownstown, A number of persons could be seen Georgetown. using machetes to cut off chunks of meat from the whale while others by KENVILLE HORNE looked on. At one point London could be heard THE MEAT OF A DEAD HUMPBACK in the video shouting, “That (the WHALE that washed ashore in Georgetown sometime around 3pm on whale) smell real bad. Anybody who eat that mash up.” Sunday, should not be consumed Marks on the body of the whale, warned the Fisheries Division. according to some onlookers, appeared The whale was badly deteriorated to indicate that it was attacked by and had a very foul scent, but something or someone. residents were seen cutting up the A transport of police officers arrived meat for what was assumed to be for on the scene sometime after a number consumption.
of people had gathered to see the whale. The police dispersed the curious onlookers, but not before warning them to desist from using the meat from the dead whale. Humpback whaling as a commercial activity in SVG commenced in 1875. In the 1970s, the focus of the operation changed from extracting the whales’ oil for export to utilizing the meat and blubber for domestic consumption. Small scale artisanal hunting continued in Bequia despite the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) ban on hunting North Atlantic humpback whales. In 1987, the IWC accepted SVG’s assurances that the Bequia whaling operation would not outlast its last surviving harpooner and granted SVG an Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling (ASW) quota of four humpback whales a year for the next six years. Since then, the IWC has renewed SVG’s
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Resident of Georgetown turned out to have a firsthand view of the whale and for a photo opp. ‘temporary’ ASW quota six more times, including doubling it in 2002.
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