THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 17-12-21 - Part 1

FRIDAY, DECEMBER

17, 2021

VOLUME 115, No.50

www.thevincentian.com

Christmas messages Throughout

Jarvis to get trial date Page 4

More protests Page 8

Dr. Godwin Friday, leader of the Opposition, assessed that the space that this country had for borrowing was narrowing at a fast rate.

PUBLIC DEBT OVER $2B $128. million; National Insurance Services (NIS) - $41.3 million; AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 this Insurances - $66.2 million; country’s public debt amounted to Organisation of Eastern EC$2,083,671,265. Caribbean States - $188.5 And according to Minister of million; Others - $75.6 million. Finance, Camillo Gonsalves, who The external debt, however, delivered the 2022 Estimates of which now stood at EC$1.56 Revenue and expenditure in billion, had increased by 19.2 Parliament on Monday, Dec, 13, percent. this figure was representative of a According to the Finance 13.1 percent increase over the Minister, the main changes to the total amount disbursed for the domestic debt over the period was comparative period in 2020. the balance outstanding on He said that the total domestic overdrafts owed by the public debt amounted to EC$525.4 sector, which had increased by million, which showed a 1.6 EC$800,000. percent decrease, i.e. EC$8.7 The main drivers to the million, over the same period in national debt were attributed to 2020. the supplemental financing of the second reform and resilience Entities owned and driving portfolio credit of EC$135 million; forces the second fiscal reform and resilience policy credit, which was Among the entities owed and referred to as the Catastrophe the amounts owed were: Eastern Draw Down Deferred Option Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) - (CATDDO) of $EC54 million; the $29.5 million; Bank of St. Vincent Caribbean Regional Digital and the Grenadines (BoSVG) Transformation Programme — Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

EC$1.50

EC$3.9 million; the OECS medium and small enterprises guarantee facility project — EC$2.7 million; the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction project — EC$27.3 million and the Human Development Service Delivery project — EC$5.9 million. Notwithstanding the above, Gonsalves said that payments were recorded on a number of external loans. He explained that some of the more significant loans repaid included EC$1.3 million on a number of European Investment Bank (EIB) loans; EC$6.8 million repaid on loans from Taiwan; EC$1.9 million repaid on loans owed to the ALBA Bank; EC$1.6 million repaid on loans from the CARICOM Development Fund and EC$11.6 million paid to bond holders. Total debt service for 2021 was estimated at EC$271.9 million or 41.9 percent of the current revenue he said. Continued on Page 3.

$$ for farmers, etc. Page 20

Teachers’ Union worried Page 46

Camillo Gonsalves, Finance Minister, said the Estimates were presented in the context of the time (COVID-19) and they would come to naught if people continued to refuse to be vaccinated.

EC$1.3B BUDGET FOR 2022

THE ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE for the 2022 fiscal year amount to EC$1,329,349,860 which, according to Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, represents a 9.6 percent increase over the approved budget for 2021. Minister Gonsalves in laying the Estimates before the Parliament on Monday 13th December, 2021, highlighted Recurrent Expenditure, inclusive of amortization and sinking fund contributions, as amounting to EC$931,876,660, and Capital expenditure to EC$397,463,860. Financing of the 2022 Estimates is expected to come from Current Revenue amounting to EC$677,586,000 and Capital Receipts totaling EC$651,832,860. The situation , though, was that there was a deficit of EC$49.5 in the Current Estimates columns, created by the 2022 Current Expenditure (exclusive of Amortization and Sinking Fund Contributions) of ($727,017,441), as against the Current Revenue is estimated at $677,508,000. Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Message from the Governor General

Peace and love to all this Christmas

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM HER EXCELLENCY DAME SUSAN D. DOUGAN, GCMG, OBE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES GOD GRANT YOU THE LIGHT in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ.” The aforementioned is an excerpt from the works of Wilda English. Fellow Vincentians, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and God’s immeasurable gift to the world. Christmas is, therefore, a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundation of the Christian faith. Today, while we welcome and acknowledge with immense gratitude, the demonstration of God’s love and the birth of our Saviour, the message of faith, peace, love, hope and unity should resonate with us as Christians.

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The last twelve months are a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are as human beings and point to the necessity of developing coping skills as a nation, which can be enhanced if we place our faith in the message of Jesus Christ. The pandemic continues to bring much sadness with widespread pain and suffering, the tremendous strain on the health sector, the loss of loved ones and the many sacrifices we all have to endure. The entire nation has been faced with many hardships, frustration and in some cases, a rift in relationships where there are differences of opinion on how hurdles presented by the pandemic can be overcome. The volcanic eruptions have certainly compounded many of these problems but have at the same time highlighted extraordinary acts of kindness extended by fellow Vincentians at home and in the diaspora. Through it all, we recognise that God’s grace has provided us with strength and fortitude to overcome the many obstacles and allowed the nation to persevere against the odds.

The efforts of the government must be applauded, particularly for taking a pragmatic approach in the face of what could easily have been a chaotic year. The Prime Minister showed remarkable leadership and courage in pursuing what he thought was best for the wellbeing of citizens. We must also show appreciation for the contribution made by the opposition in this national effort. We must recognise the invaluable service provided by community leaders, NGOs, development partners, CARICOM neighbours, the admirable efforts of the health sector and those public servants and scientists who have risen magnificently to the many challenges faced throughout the year. The difficulties we face as a nation are not unique, since other nations throughout the world have faced similar difficulties which have caused untold and catastrophic destruction to humanity. What is important is how as a nation we unite to tackle the problems head-on. For those who are grieving, I express my deepest

sympathy and hope that the Spirit of God gives you peace and comfort during this difficult period. I also extend sincere condolences to the family of the late Sir James Fitz-Allen Mitchell, Former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and acknowledge his invaluable contribution to this nation. Fellow Vincentians, as we reflect today, we are mindful that Jesus, our Lord, taught us to love one another. His Law is love and His Gospel is peace. When our hearts long for peace, kindness and goodwill among people, we look to Christ whose light shines in darkness. During this Christmas season, let us be more tolerant and compassionate. Let us care for family and spend quality time in service to the lonely, elderly and needy. Let us share our resources with the poor. This sharing is the true meaning of Christmas. To the students who have experienced serious disruptions in their education this year, be optimistic; I am hopeful that the situation will

improve. I also hope that as we usher in the New Year, we can all listen to and understand the voice of reason, truth, love and unity. My family and I wish you a joyous and wonderful Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 . 3.

News 3 Government inflating other receipts

Below: The Parliament will reconvene on January 03, 2022 for presentation of the Throne Speech and the 2020 Budget.

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION DR GODWIN FRIDAY has again accused the government of inflating the category other receipts in order to balance the budget. In presenting the 2022 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Minister of Finance indicated that under the capital budget which amounted to EC$651.8 million that external receipts were expected to generate EC$546.7 million. And of this amount, grants were expected to contribute EC$69.7 million, loans — EC$211.6 million and other receipts EC$265.4 million. “The budget has to balance, no selfrespecting minister of finance can come in here and say that we are going to spend $10 but we only have $5,” Friday said in his response to the presentation of the Estimates in Parliament on December 13. “So, it has to balance, and what they do is

essentially to inflate the category other receipts,” he continued. According to Friday, in presenting the funding government presented the amount EC$265 million to come from other receipts and so there was a situation where there was a large chunk of the budget where funding could not be accounted for. In recent times, the amount attributed to other receipts was between EC$30 and $40 million, Friday said but now it was EC$265 million. And every time the opposition raised the issue, it has been dismissed Friday said. “Either you can raise the money or someone will have to do without and I want the minister to explain how he is going to raise the money,” the leader of the opposition said. The question therefore was, according to Friday, how was the budget being financed? All the line items have

to be met and all the borrowings are accounted for, so other receipts cannot be made up of those the leader of the opposition said. He further added that there was little room for borrowing and the money cannot be raised by taxation because according to Friday, the people could not afford anymore taxes. “So, what it suggests

to me is that the estimates as presented as the architecture of the government’s economic thrust for the next year does not point to anything that is positive, transformative or suggests that there is going to be some serious movement to move the economy forward,” the opposition leader said. But the situation was

EC$1.3b budget for 2022 Continued from Front Page.

Financing the Estimates/ Recurrent Expenditure Tax revenue is expected to increase in the coming year according to the minister of finance and is expected to contribute EC$582.5 million to the consolidated fund in 2022, with non-tax revenue expecting to gross EC$95 million. Taxes on income and profits are estimated to grow by EC$1.2 million; taxes on goods and services by EC$4.2 million and taxes on international trade and transactions by EC$6.7 million. Gonsalves indicated that what government estimated to spend on recurrent expenditure in 2022 amounts to EC$931.9 million which is an increase occasioned by an increase of EC$8.2 million in compensation to employees and a 2 percent increase in the budget for wages and salaries.

Capital Side

On the capital side, the capital estimates amount to EC$397.5 million, marking a 25.2 percent increase over the approved figure for 2021. According to Gonsalves, the capital budget was concentrated around five ministries which together accounted for 89.9 percent or EC$357.1 million of the total amount. The ministries were the Ministry of Transport and Works — EC$94.8 million; the Ministry of Urban Development — EC$76.3 million; the Ministry of Finance — EC$138.3 million; the Ministry of Education — EC$26.7 million and the Ministry of Agriculture — EC$21 million. Capital Revenue of EC$651.8 million and is to be served by domestic receipts of EC$105.2 million; capital revenue of EC$1 million; loans amounting to EC$104.2 million; and external receipts amounting to EC$546.7 million — which is made up of grants (EC$69.7 million), loans (EC$211.6 million), and other

receipts of EC$265.4 million. In other transfers, transfer payments to local, regional and international agents and individuals are estimated at EC$134.7 million in 2022.

Pensions Minister Gonsalves highlighted pensions as continuing to be one of the more significant items under the recurrent expenditure column. Budgetary contributions for pensions have grown significantly within recent times, the Minister of Finance said. Some EC$60.3 million have been budget to pay pensions in 2022. “The allocation towards pension is difficult and fiscally unsustainable as our system of non-contributory pension is being financed by our current revenue,” Gonsalves warned. “We will need to ensure that adequate funds are being set aside to meet the future liabilities,” he suggested.

“getting out of whack” he said, and the number was increasing every year. Only in the projections were the numbers going down, as had been indicated in the projections for 2023 and 2024. But according to Friday, that did not happen in reality and

was in fact an admission that it needed to be phased out, or that they intended to find the money elsewhere. “But we are not going to get any further until we admit that this is a problem and the minister comes and tells people what he intends to do with the budget,” Friday said. (DD)

Public debt over $2b Continued from Front page.

Opposition response - Debt to GDP rising Speaking in response to Minister Gonsalves’ presentation in the Parliament on Monday, Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday, interpreted the debt situation to mean that the space that the government has for borrowing is extremely limited. According to Dr. Friday, the reality of the fiscal status of the country was that it was now spending 42 cents of every dollar earned in current revenue, to service the national debt. The Opposition Leader further reasoned that as it stood as of September 30, 2021, the debt to GDP ratio had climbed from 85% last year to 98.1% in 2021. In his words, “The debt is pretty much the size of the economy.” And as he reiterated his caution that borrowing space and opportunities were being rapidly constricting, he warned that the people couldn’t afford to bear the burden of any new taxes nor increases on existing ones. What the country needed, he suggested, was real investment to encourage business start-ups, growth in existing businesses that would result in increased employment.

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Wounded Trini still in custody

him receiving expert medical attention to avoid the loss of a limb, or even life. DESMOND ‘Cat’ Pavy, a Trinidadian Pavy had pleaded not guilty to all national, also called ‘Son’, well-known to four charges when he initially the Courts and prison here, was fined a appeared at the Kingstown total of $1,500, Friday, December 10, for Magistrate’s Court on December 8. He entering the state illegally, two weeks was denied bail, and the matter was ago. adjourned to December 10 for trial. Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett On Pavy’s appearance on December handed known the penalties at the 8, Connell had drawn the Court’s Kingstown Magistrate’s Court after attention to the injury his client Pavy pleaded guilty to, that on received on his left hand, which the November 30, 2021, at Chateaubelair, lawyer described as extremely severe. he being a prohibited immigrant, did He said that Pavy was a diabetic, and enter the state by boat, without a could lose his limb, or life as a result of passport. He also pleaded guilty to, that would, if he was not returned to that on the same date, did enter the Trinidad as soon as possible. state other than at a port of entry. Connell said that Pavy was warded Pavy had also been charged with, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, that on the same date, at and had to return to the hospital, Chateubelair, did knowingly allow following his Court appearance on himself to be landed as a prohibited, December 8. and being the master of a vessel, did As a result of Pavy’s decision to knowingly allow a prohibited change his pleas to guilty on two of the immigrant who arrived in such vessel charges, and the Prosecution’s decision to be landed. to withdraw the other two charges, on Pavy pleaded not guilty to those his return to Court on December 10, charges and they were withdrawn by there was no trial. the prosecution. Instead, Prosecutor Curlene Samuel As it was, he was fined $750 read the facts. forthwith or two months in prison on The Prosecutor told the Court that each charge. If he fails to pay the on November 30, 2021, the local coast fines, the sentences will run guard, along with officers from the concurrently. Rapid Response Unit acting on The Senior Magistrate also made an information received, went on sea order for Pavy to be removed from the patrol, along the Leeward coast, and state after the fines are paid, or on while in the Chateaubelair waters, completion of the prison sentences. sighted a boat in the opposite direction However, Pavy’s attorney Grant heading South. The officers made Connell confirmed to THE attempts to intercept the vessel, but VINCENTIAN this week that Pavy the boat increased its speed, and paid the fines, but up to press time proceeded to make circles in the water. Wednesday, he was still in police Warning shots were fired, but the custody awaiting his removal from the boat continued to make circles. The state. coast guard was able to get close to it, Pavy had suffered a gunshot wound and three men were met on board. One to his left hand while the local coast of them appeared to be shot. He was guard, along with members of the taken to the Chateaubelair Health Rapid Response Unit (RRU) were Centre, and then to the Milton Cato trying to intercept him and two other Memorial Hospital. Investigations Trinidadians aboard a go fast vessel, revealed that he had entered the state off the coast of Chateaubelair, illegally. That man was identified to be November 30, 2021. Pavy, no stranger to St. Vincent and Connell told THE VINCENTIAN, the Grenadines. Pavy’s return to his homeland is key to Samuel said that in 2012, Pavy was Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

convicted here, and sentenced to nine years in prison for possession of illegal drugs. He escaped from the Belle Isle Correctional Facility on February 22, 2014. He was held in Trinidad and Tobago on May 13, 2015, four months after a Trinidad Court committed him to be extradited. He appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on May 14, 2015, pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, and was sentenced to two years in prison, by then Magistrate Carla James, to run consecutively to the 9-year sentence he was serving for possession of illegal drugs. He completed his sentences in 2017. Samuel, added that she received information at Pavy is on bail in Trinidad and Tobago for a drug-related offence, allegedly committed in 2020, and that he was also wanted by the police in that country. The Prosecutor also revealed that Pavy was held here in 2011 on an immigration charge for which he as fined and deported. But Connell, in response, said that the facts did not say if any siren was sounded, or it the police officers identified themselves, while trying to intercept the vessel. According to him, Pavy thought it was some level of piracy. The lawyer said that Pavy was the captain of the boat, and when the coast guard, which was unmarked, approached, he was on his way to turn off his vessel, and the officers shot him. “He sustained extreme shattering of the bones and lost of feeling in his left hand. Nurses are trying their best with what they have. He has been having excruciating pain. He is diabetic, and the injury is still oozing”, Connell said. Connell added that, according to his instructions, Pavy was supposed to be discharged from the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on December 10, the same day he had returned to Court. Connell asked that he vessel, which is impounded at the Coast Guard Base

in Calliaqua, be returned to Pavy to effect his return to Trinidad, and reiterated that Pavy’s return to the Twin Island Republic was important to having his medical situation urgently addressed. Connell suggested that the local coast guard escort Pavy, aboard his vessel, to Carriacou, then to Desmond ‘Cat’ Grenada Coast Pavy will be Guard take it half deported to his the journey to native Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad, and the Trinidad Coast Guard take it from there. Connell said that Pavy was not wanted in Trinidad, he is on bail, and it does not mean that because he left Trinidad while on bail, bail will not be still open to him when he returns. Connell’s suggestion was not considered by the Court. In fact the Senior Magistrate said that he had already done his job by imposing the fines and issuing the removal order. The other two met on the go fast boat when it was intercepted, Ricardo Esponoza, and Mitchell Murry, both of Trinidad and Tobago had previously appeared at the Serious Offences Court in connection with the matter. Espinoza was fined $900 forthwith or nine weeks for entering the state by boat other than at a port of entry. While Murry was fined $300 forthwith for the same offence. They had both pleaded guilty. Connell said that like Pavy, Espinoza and Murry who were represented by him, were still in police custody, up to press time Wednesday, awaiting their removal from the state. The boat is still impounded at the Coast Guard base, and according to Connell, Pavy’s had continues to deteriorate. The lawyer expressed concern that Pavy may lose his hand.

Date to be fixed for JarvisÊ trial AFTER SEVERAL adjournments and case management hearings, a date will be finally set for the trial of murder accused journalist Junior Jarvis. At a case management hearing on Friday, December 10, Justice Brian Cottle adjourned the matter to January 2022, to have a date set for trial. The December 10 case management hearing had followed a case management hearing on November 15, the deadline given by Justice Brian Cottle for the police to hand over Jarvis two cellular

phones, iPad, , keys and key ring to his lawyer, Kay Bacchus-Baptiste. These items were taken from Jarvis following his arrest in February 2017 and Bacchus-Baptiste had requested the items so that she could properly prepare her case. The police had said they needed time to have the items forensically examined. At the hearing on November 15, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sejilla Mcdowall assured that the items will be handed over that day.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, December 13, BacchusBaptiste confirmed that Jarvis’ two cellular phones, and iPad were handed over to her, and the police assured that she would get the keys. Bacchus-Baptiste said she got into one of the phones, but the WhatsApp on the other seemed not be working, and she would have to get an expert to check them. The lawyer said that according to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the items were forensically examined but the report was not ready.

Junuior Jarvis, pictured here making a presentation in a Public Speaking Competition held for inmates of prison facilities here, is nearing a date for his trial to commence. (Photo Credit: SVG TV)

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN on October 19, Bacchus-Baptiste said she had written to the DPP several times requesting the items. “At first the DPP said the police could not locate them, were not forensically but when we insisted they examined, and they needed said they have the cellular phones and iPad, but they Continued on Page

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. 5.

Court

Conductor to stand trial for manslaughter

LAUNDERS resident bus conductor Timmy Williams, also known as Alex Williams or ‘Bambi’, was on Wednesday committed to stand trial for unlawfully causing the death of his younger brother, Divy Williams, also known as Larry, during an incident at Lowmans Windward, May 26, 2021. At the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Williams to stand trial for manslaughter, the offence with which he was charged. The PI started at the Serious Offences Court on October and was adjourned on a number of occasions. Several witnesses testified for the prosecutions including Eva Williams, the 94-year-old mother of the brothers, Cren Shallow and a school teacher who lived next to the brothers. The accused was unrepresented. The younger brother reportedly received a chop wound to his head around 10 pm, May 26, and died the following day. The elder brother was 38 at the time of the incident, while the younger, a farmer and labourer, was 36. The accused was out on $20,000 bail with one surety.

Former security guard jailed

training? Was that not part of your training as you have not worked, you a security guard?” thief?” Burnett asked Nelson Martin then told the who replied in the Court that sometimes he affirmative. was not paid for months Burnett said that whenever he worked. based on his assessment, “So when your Nelson seemed to show employers don’t pay you, little or no remorse. He you go and steal from was given credit for his somebody else?” the guilty plea, and that he Magistrate questioned had no previous rhetorically. convictions at the time “Were you not taught this offence was to be honest in your committed.

led to Nelson’s arrest. Nelson told the Court he used to be a security A FORMER security guard guard and was once who blamed his dire attached to Kentucky economic situation for Fried Chicken (KFC). having turned him into a When Senior thief, was sentenced to six Magistrate Rickie months in prison last Burnett asked Nelson Friday. why he stole the Appearing at the woman’s belongings, he Kingstown Magistrate’s replied, “No work.” Court last Friday, Burnett then asked Martin Nelson, 50, of the defendant, “Because Redemption Sharpes, pleaded guilty to entering a business place around 7:25am October 5, and stealing a handbag containing $400 Continued from Page 4. in cash and a quantity of items, belonging to an time to have them examined. You employee there. have these items for three and a half Nelson seized the years, and they were not examined, opportunity to steal the and you are asking for time to have woman’s belongings them forensically examined?” which she had left in a Jarvis is awaiting trial for the front room, while she murder of 39-year-old Bank of St. went to another room to Vincent and the Grenadines speak to her employer. employee, Randy Lawrence who was She made a report to the reportedly shot several times around police and investigations 7 a.m., February 14, 2017 (Valentines Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Date to be fixed for Jarvis’ trial Day) at Arnos Vale. He is also awaiting trial for the February 14, 2017 attempted murder of Josette Smith of Arnos Vale, using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence, entering Smith’s apartment as a trespasser, and at the time had with him a weapon of offence, to wit, a gun, using force to compel Arisha Pompey from her home at Arnos Vale, and assaulting her, causing bodily harm.

6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

V Be a good Neighbor

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. 7.

Christmas Message from the Prime Minister

This idea of practical good neighbourliness is to be embraced and elevated in this season of peace and goodwill to all men and women, as we celebrate HE MANY-SIDED the birth of our Lord and CHALLENGES which Saviour, Jesus Christ. St. Vincent and the The command of God Grenadines currently to “love your neighbour faces, inclusive of the as yourself” has central COVID pandemic and the resonance in the world’s socio-economic travails major religions, consequent on the especially Christianity. volcanic eruptions of April It was one of the 2021, demand more than commandments delivered ever a high level of by God to Moses. In the selflessness and caring for New Testament, good Be our neighbours. And in St. a good Vincent and the neighborneighbourliness Grenadines, everyone is is everywhere extolled. each other’s neighbour. This matter of loving

by DR. THE HON. RALPH E. GONSALVES Prime Minister St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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one’s neighbour begins with each of us, but it does not end there; the command is not to love yourself alone; it is to love your neighbour as yourself. Loving one’s neighbour is the antithesis of selfishness. Each of us owes a duty of care to his/her neighbour, and we are enjoined not to breach that duty of care; invariably, breaching that duty causes harm to our neighbour and it boomerangs on the person who commits the breach of that requisite of good-neighbourliness. For example, in the Book of Luke [Chapter 10, verses 25-37] this issue is well-ventilated and explained in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Each of us must be a Good Samaritan to those who are poor, vulnerable, and marginalised. Each of us has a duty to ensure, for example, that he/she does not act irresponsibly or selfishly to transmit an infectious or contagious disease to another. Specifically, at this time of the COVID pandemic, none of us ought to act indifferently, negligently, knowingly, or recklessly to transmit the COVID virus to another. In the context of a pandemic and the availability of the vaccine against COVID (the best tool in the tool box against COVID), it is the duty of each of us to take the vaccine except where there is a compelling medical condition which compels to you not to take it. The vacuous

mantra of “My Body, My Choice” is plainly wrong on the grounds of science and public morality. Last year, during the Christmas — New Year season, too many of us were reckless, indifferent, or negligent in our interactions with others. We had a terrible spike in COVID infections. Let us avoid a repeat of that this year, particularly given the Delta and Gamma variants, and the looming Omicron. The government and other public authorities in concert with the people as a whole have been working steadfastly to save lives and livelihoods, but a recalcitrant, selfish group of persons have been seeking to undermine the worthy efforts of the government and the bulk of our citizenry. I urge all to take the vaccine now. It is good for you, your

neighbour, and our nation. The vaccine is not the enemy; it is the coronavirus in all its mutations! Meanwhile, it is necessary and desirable for all of us to put our shoulders to the wheel to assist in developing our country sustainably. We have been holding things together and making much progress; the future is bright. We must not do anything to undermine the mighty efforts at nationbuilding. Please forget vanities and selfish, personal agendas. As Prime Minister I affirm that the Estimates and the Budget for 2022 will contribute to making life much better for our people. But each of us must play his or her part to the fullest extent possible. At this time of the year, please remember

those who are less fortunate than you. Many persons are experiencing difficulties, hardships, and anxieties. Let us help those who are truly in need. That is a simple way to commemorate Christmas. You may not be able to help everyone, but you can help someone. Be a good neighbour: Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God! Happy Christmas, SVG! Prosperous New Year, SVG!

V Protests continue 8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Teachers, who were only recently classified as frontline workers and therefore were expected to comply with an S R & O that required them to take the Covid19 vaccination by November 19, 2021, had taken the lead in making known their objection to mandatory vaccination. A section of the protestors that lined both sides of the street And even though a grace last Friday. period of 10 days was allowed shifting the required deadline TEACHERS HERE WERE OUT portion of Back Street that date to December 03, AGAIN in a street protest in separates the Kingstown resistance to the mandatory capital Kingstown, last Monday, Market from the Parliament albeit in far less numbers than Building/Court House, armed vaccination continued. The Amendment to the the one they mounted last week with placards, musical Friday. Public health Act and its instruments and a bullhorn. The protest was called for attendant S R & O allows for A number of other public Monday to coincide with a the granting of exemptions servants, police officers sitting of the House of from vaccination on medical included, and Opposition Assembly at which The and religious grounds, but it Members of the House of Estimates of Revenue and also allows government to Assembly, including Expenditure for 2022 were Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin dismiss dissenting public down to be presented. officers. Friday, joined the protest on The protestors took up THE VINCENTIAN has Monday. positions on either side of that been reliably informed that to Dismissals

date some 18 Customs officers, at least 8 police officers and up to 90 teachers have been deemed to have vacated their posts and have been dismissed. Government has already moved to employ replacement teachers to fill the places of those teachers deemed to have ‘walked off the job.” Exemptions — who qualifies? On Wednesday, December 8, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said close to 200 hundred teachers had applied for exemptions on medical or religious exemptions. The majority of the applications, 150, was made on religious grounds and Dr. Gonslaves disclosed that 17 had been successful. According to the Prime Minister there are four denominations (churches) which have as a matter of doctrine, a [principle against vaccination]. These are: Life By Faith Ministries, Nyahbinghi Order, The Thusia

Just one of the many placards that expressed the ire of the protesting teachers. Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Assemblies of Yahweh. As of December 13, and according to information released by the Ministry of health, 50, 584 person had received the COVID-19 vaccine, with 33,161 having one dose and 25,224 two doses. As of December 13, the country had recorded 77 deaths attributed to the COVID-19. (More on Page 46)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. 9.

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

Standing up... Speaking out... IT IS MARKEDLY CLEAR that more and more Vincentians home and abroad, and from all walks of life and political persuasions, are letting their concerns known. It is obvious that the more information they get, the more the people feel enlightened and fortified enough to voice their our concerns publicly and loudly; the more they are prepared to stand up to make known their objections and to defend their rights. People are no longer prepared to sit quietly and swallow all the spin, promises and regurgitation; they are ready to take to the streets… to be counted. The interesting thing about our current situation is that it is not unlike our modern political history in that it is the public servant, - teacher, civil servant, police - the government employed worker who has now be classified as a frontline worker who has taken the concerns to the streets. Public servants have taken the lead in a struggle against the government for its perceived blatant disregard of their rights; none moreso than the right as it applies to taking or not taking a COVID-19 vaccine. The actions of the day speak to a government that has not taken kindly to what it sees as open defiance of its authority and what it purports to be its responsibility to safeguard the national good. Not only has government sought to justify its actions on the basis of legislation but, sadly, it has resorted to heavy-handed means to quiet the open expression of the people. Regrettably, people have been physically hurt in the process — the Prime Minister included — and some have been arrested and paraded before the court to answer charges brought against them by the state, only to have those charges dismissed. And in keeping with its authority vested in the amended Public Health Act and related S R & 0, the government has moved to ‘dismiss’ those frontline workers who have resisted taking

the vaccine. Not only has the government acted swiftly to bring the ax down on dissenting frontline officers, but it has moved with equal speed to fill the vacancies created by dismissals as referenced. Yes, faithful, conscientious public servants have been set asunder into the darkness of unemployment, and uncertainty: not knowing if their credit unions would come to their rescue; not knowing how they will fend before their mortgagers; not knowing how they will care generally for themselves and family; not knowing if they’ll be able to Christmas something about which they should rejoice. In the circumstances it would serve the government in good stead if it would recognize that these dissenters are not going anywhere any time soon, and that they deserve the respect like all citizens, of their right to decide whether they will subject themselves to a still highly debatably measure to protect themselves and the state, against the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Column has stated before that there has got to be a sense of morality — what is simply being just and humane - that can be brought to bear on the current situation. It cannot be that a country would allow a law as draconian as the one being waved over the heads of frontline workers here, to continue for an indefinite period and with a sense of vengeance against law-abiding, tax-paying citizens who live in a free, open, , Christian society. We have had numerous National Days of Prayer centred on a range of social ills. Perhaps we need one to address the current impasse between government and workers. Then again may be all we need is for Cabinet to go into a Retreat of sorts to reflect on the unfairness that pervades the society, and what it can do to give some redress to those who will not have a happy Christmas.

Building A healthy community (Pt 3) I SPENT THE LAST two weeks discussing the 20year Physical Planning update. Continuing in that vein, I will add a few more random comments. I wanted a more aggressive alternative solar energy plan. While I did not get that, we got a workable framework. The document lays the groundwork to encourage the exploration of a variety of alternative energy sources. I’m afraid I have to disagree with the idea of using the Wallilabou and Buccament rivers to harness more hydroelectricity. The document could have been more forceful regarding incorporating solar energy into building standards. I like that they identified the need for us to address parking deficiencies in Kingstown. Where is the proposed solution? I liked the idea that the Plan encourages the Government to look at sea transportation. The use of this as an alternate mode of transportation to move goods and people between districts like Chateaubelair, Layou, Barroualie and Kingstown is commendable. Implementing sea transportation on the windward side will be challenging. I would have liked to see a specific listing of acceptable uses in the different agriculture districts. These districts need an erosion mitigation component. This element should include the types of crops encouraged in each area. Should livestock be allowed in some or all zones and, if so, under what circumstances? How could we forget the number of homes destroyed

under the weight of the volcano ash earlier this year? How soon we forget. During the height of the eruption, the professionals said that some houses that were destroyed should not be rebuilt on their original sites. This Plan should designate these no-build zones. No, I do not suggest removing people from their homes. I am saying not to allow new construction or rebuilding in this area. Another gap in the Plan is the absence of a sitespecific plan for Kingstown and E.T Joshua Centre. A few months ago, I outlined some ideas for the Joshua Centre. Today, some bold ideas for Kingstown. 1. First, Kingstown should be divided into three sections (East Kingstown everything east of South River Road’ Central Kingstown - from South River to Melville Street; West Kingstown everything West of Melville Street. 2. We must decouple the Windward and Leeward bus terminals in Central Kingstown. The Leeward bus terminal should be incorporated into a new Business Centre in West Kingstown. To make this happen, the Government should acquire all the property West and North of Victoria Park, combine it with the current hospital site, and construct a West Kingstown Business/Commercial Centre. The planning of this center should incorporate the use of Victoria Park as the International Soccer pitch. It should also include the four churches currently in the “zone.” This development plan would

allow us to solve the parking problems for these users simultaneously. 3. Now Central Kingstown should be returned to the pedestrian. The unique cobblestone Middle Street is a keeper. All sidewalk vendors should be relocated to one of the many previously discussed sites. 4. Building height in this area should be the highest allowable structure in Kingstown. My suggestion is no higher than 100 feet by right and up to 150 feet with an approved variance. Back Street and Bay Street buildings should all maintain the unique Arcadia architecture in this section. Heritage Square should be designed as a food court and art and craft centre. 5. East Kingstown, by default, is the education corridor. The Ministry of Agriculture building and the triangle tennis court should be the location of the Windward bus terminal. 6. The renovation of the Boys Grammar School and Girls High school should include the removal of the dilapidated radio 705 building, and a tennis complex should be incorporated into that compound. 7. A second berth should be added if we are serious about attracting cruise ships. I am pleased to see we regularly review the current Physical (General) Plan. The consultants could have done a better job of ensuring more community participation in this process, and the comment period was much too short. Horatio

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10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Letters

COVID-19 related questions CORRECT me if I am wrong, but I haven’t heard a word from our Ministry of Health on the latest variant (Omicron) of the coronavirus. If this is correct, I must ask if all the persons with authority to speak have gone on leave at the same time. I mean, there was a time back then when the Ministry of Health was up in our face every day, twice a day sometimes, with something about this Covid business. And while we are on the subject of Covid, I must ask: * Are those cruise line visitors who disembark at Kingstown fully vaccinated against and/or tested for Covid-19? I noticed some of them walking through Kingstown recently. Why is this so when in Bequia, as I understand it, they are confined to a “bubble” — Princess Margaret Beach? * What is the basis for an exemption from the Covid-19 vaccine on religious grounds? Is it that you have to provide evidence that the religion/church to which you belong has a clear position or teaching against vaccination? What if I have no religion but the philosophy that guides my life and my relation with my God includes opposition to vaccinations across the board? Would that qualify me for an exemption or is it that I must belong to a ‘registered’ religion in order to make an application for exemption on religious grounds? * And as we make the vaccine mandatory for public sector workers and private sector enterprises enforce their own ‘rules and regulations’, would someone in authority please tell us what is the percentage of the population (adult population?) that must be vaccination for us to achieve ‘herd immunity’ and therefore declare ourselves ‘back to normal’? This percentage seems to have undergone some changes as time progressed.

No sympathy for thieves MR. EDITOR, whether it is because of their own skills or because they got some really good tipoffs, I must thank the police for their recent action against persons who feel the crops and livestock of others belong to them. Can you imagine a man caught with over 100lbs of beef and not an ounce is from a cow he raised? He must be a magician!! Land him in jail I say, and if possible throw away the key. Those who think they can roll through life on the sweat of honest, hard-working men and

women must be taught a strong lesson. Things are already hard for farmers and persons who keep livestock. Recovery is slow after the Soufriere erupted. How on earth could anybody be so wicked as to dig a man’s field of dasheen, for example, or take his goat and kiddies and sell the dasheen and goats to another person. And if that person buys the goods knowing fully well that they are stolen goods, lock him or her up too. The law provides for this and is high time the

court look sternly on those thieves and those who encourage them by buying from them. Maybe we should think of reintroducing the cane and when we find these culprits guilty, we should whack them before and during their sentence, and whack them real hard so that it leaves a mark. I am sorry if anybody thinks I have no heart but that is exactly who I am. I have no heart for thieves, period. I pray I

don’t find one of these in my field. Thanks you, Mr. Editor, for allowing me to air my views Farmer - A victim

Environ-Friendly All ah we is jailbird garbage receptacle IF YUH didn’t know, we does live in prisons; yes, we does live in jails. We is ah hole set ah jailbird. And if yuh tink ah lie, check dis out. We does lock we gate wen we leff home; lock all de door and windoe in de house; and some ah we ha high, high fence wid barb wire. An doh talk dese days ‘bout SeeSee-TV camera — dat got de hole yard onda cover. An dat not all, we ha alarm system da connec to every windoe and door

and not to menshun de ‘mount of rort iron bars da lockin we in tight, tight when nite come and even during de dey. An yuh know pon top ah all dat, we got a few big dog in de yard. If we get an emergency, crapoe smoke Thomas we pipe… we cyar get out. If fire break out, Editor’s Note: This letter was submitted for lard, we go get roast. publication in our Dec.10, 2021 issue but space did And yuh know why we not allow its inclusion. Some of the concerns raised livin so? Is ‘cause all ah might have been addressed since it was penned but de crime we ha in dis li’l we thought it to be still instructive and worthy of place we call SVG. If we being published.to publish it. didn’t ha so much crime we wooda leff we gate.. we wooda leff we door and windoe open. We wooda ha no cameras, no alarm, no iron bars. De trute is we is all victims PREMIER from 1972-74… Prime scholarship during Sir James’ reign. of crime since it mek we Minister between 1984-2000…. Not only that, many teachers and into prisoners in we own departed the political wicket with his police went into agricultural home. Once is dark, we bat on his shoulder, not out. production where they made a lot of air goin no way, jus like Between 1972-74 Sir James dollars. the prisoners who lock Mitchell drove the “Back to the Land” The International Airport was the dung by 3 o’clock. philosophy. It was he who ensured the brain child of the Mitchell reign, as And when yuh go in Lauders Estate was out of the hands were the Cruise Ship Berth, the Coast de market or de supaof the Hadleys and into the hands of Guard Base at Calliaqua, the Ottley mar-ket and yuh mek the estate workers. Most of those Hall Marina and Shipyard project, and noise how de prices dem workers were living in squalor — in many more projects, including the so high, member dat is mud and wooden houses. The lives of Financial Complex. de crime cause dat. those people have improved greatly, The financial clock was working. Every business gat fuh because of the land revolution under Businesses at Little Tokyo were night cater fuh de day dem Sir James. Other estates like the and day. Returnees from the diaspora might geh rob. Some ah Orange Hill, Diamond and in North used to be greeted with a gift (a drink, dem ha-foe put a li’l mark-up fuh cater fuh Leeward were placed in the hands of etc.). the Sir James-led government. Sir James was forced out of office by dat. An member dat de farmer does plant and Under Sir James, progress deception and the so-called ‘Greedy other people does reap. continued in education once the Bill’, a version of which was De farmer gat fuh charge domain of the Catholics, Anglicans and implemented under the ULP regime. a li’l extra fuh mek back Methodists. In addition to building We will study Mitchell and primary and secondary schools, he Gonsalves, including looking carefully up fuh wah dem tiefing from he. built the A’ Level College at Villa. at that Grand Beach Accord, in order Talk half and nah Because of the Land Reform to understand how to chart the way laugh at jailbird when Programme, many children of rural forward, yuh living in prison. families went to school and with a Christian Democrat balanced diet. Even our current Charles, Edinboro agriculture minister got an agriculture

The reign of Sir James

EVERY YEAR, the I Squared or I Code competitions generate excellent ideas mainly through the schools. Here is one, developed at Union Island Secondary School, that is worthy and easily implemented by many ordinary persons. The idea is to make a garbage receptacle for the home, classroom or office at little or no cost that is also environmentally friendly. A pair of scissors, tape, and a cardboard box are the materials that are needed. 1. Obtain a cardboard box. 2. Cut off two of the covering flaps and tape them together. This is placed inside the box to aid in the complete emptying of the garbage when the box is full. 3. Cut out two holes near the top of opposite ends of the box to be used as handles for the box. 4. Strengthen the edges and corners of the box by covering with tape. 5. When the box becomes worn, dispose in a compost and make a new one. 6. More than one receptacle can be made to categorize the garbage as needed, for example, into biodegradable and non-biodegradable. 7. Students can decorate and label the boxes to create added interest in this project. As we strive to keep our environment clean, each of should do our part. Anthony Stewart, PhD

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. 11.

Tributes

Chastanet pays tribute to Sir James

have offered condolences on the death of former Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Sir James Mitchell. “The Sir James Mitchell and Sir John Government and Compton enjoyed a special bond. the People of (Photo courtesy Rick Wayne) Saint Lucia mourn with the BOTH PRIME MINISTER People of St. Vincent and Philip J. Pierre and the Grenadines on the opposition leader Allen passing of Former Prime Chastanet of St. Lucia

Sir James: A word from Guyana

During a break in a CARICOM meeting in Jamaica 1992 (L-R): Hon. Mr Rashleigh Jackson, PM Sir James Mitchell, Min. Carl B. Greenidge, Min. Winston Murray and Ambassador Noel Sinclair. (Photo provided by Mr. Carl Greenidge) CARL BARRINGTON GREENIDGE, a Guyanese Economist who served as Guyana’s Finance Minister from 1983-1992 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from May 2015 to April 2019, writing in the Kaieteur News of Nov. 31, 2021, said that Sir James, “…stands out among the crowd even in this special region,” and that “Sir James ‘Son’ Mitchell’ is undoubtedly one of the remarkable characters of the English Caribbean.” Greenidge said that the former Prime Minister of St,. Vincent and the Grenadines was noted for “…his success as a national politician, as a regional leader with extra-regional influence and for the energy he demonstrated in the pursuit of his and his region’s goals.” Like many Caribbean leaders, Greenidge said Sir James was charismatic but had the added vein of humour which was partly attributable to a range of experiences — agronomist, school-teacher, researcher, etc. This, Greenidge said, “..fed his story-telling penchant. All of this meant that he was very entertaining — around a table on the podium or at the hustings.” All in all though, the former Guyanese Minister of Government recalled Sir James as candid, which on some occasions overflowed into being undiplomatic, and that he was not easily overawed or intimidated. “He maintained a very strong interest in Guyana and the well-being of its citizens and, as far as can be determined that interest was very genuine,” Greenidge wrote.

Minister Sir James Mitchell. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, and ask that we keep them in our prayers. May he rest in peace,” Prime Minister Continued on Page 12.

Right: In former times when democracy was precious and zealously defended (L-R): PM’s James Mitchell (partially hidden), Sir John Compton, Pierre Trudeau (father of current Canadian PM Justin Trudeau) and Errol Barrow enjoy some downtime in St. Lucia.

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12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Tributes

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell and CARICOM chairman (right) meeting with St Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas at the Prime Minister’s Office, Government Headquarters, Basseterre, St Kitts in 1996.

Dr Denzil Douglas remembers Sir James “ALTHOUGH THE DEMISE of this son of the region closes the chapter on the contribution of those who pioneered the move towards independence for his beloved country, his legacy extends beyond the borders of his native country given his commitment to regionalism.” So said Dr. Denzil Douglas, former Prime Minister of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, in a Facebook posting as he paid tribute to Sir james Mitchell, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In the said posting, Dr Douglas recalled his encounters and

engagements during the early years of his tenure as Prime Minister and Sir James’ keen perspectives on regional development issues, including the possibilities of the agricultural sector as an expert in the field of agronomy. “St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the member states of the of Eastern Caribbean States [OECS] and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will remember his laudable service during his 16-year tenure at the helm of Government in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Douglas.

Bermuda Premier pays tribute to Sir James DAVID BURT, the Premier, has paid tribute to former Prime Minister of St Vincent and The Grenadines- Sir James Mitchell. Mr. Burt described Sir James as “a giant of the Caribbean region” who was also a proud Vincentian. “His lifetime of public service is remembered fondly by the people of St Vincent and The Grenadines who surely

Right: David Burt Bermuda’s youngest ever premier, having taken office at the age of 38 – was moved to pay tribute to an elder statesman of the Caribbean. will now keenly feel his loss,” Mr Burt said. “On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and

the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Chastanet pays tribute Continued from Page 11. Pierre wrote on his official Facebook page. Allen Chastanet, Leader of the opposition in St. Lucias, has lent his voice to the hundreds of tributes to Sir James Mitchell, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In a statement, Chastanet said, “Saint Lucia, in particular, has lost a much esteemed, irreplaceable friend. He and our own Sir John Compton were close friends for all their lives. They shared many passions, especially their great love of boats and all things related to the sea.” He said Sir James would forever be remembered as one of the Caribbean’s most formidable and respected

politicians. Chastanet also noted that Sir James’ life-long bond with the United Workers Party never weakened. “His eulogy at the passing of our political leader Sir John Compton in 2007, although peppered with anecdotes about their “boy days,” nevertheless brought tears all around the packed Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries,” Chastanet noted. He also described Sir James as a dedicated strong advocate of regional integration. According to the Saint Lucia opposition leader, Sir James fought assiduously to unify our region under one flag with similar policies for the more significant part of his political life. (Source: St. Lucia Star)

V SVG- from a land of the blessed, to immense poverty and hardship

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. 13.

Christmas Message from the SVG Green Party

Christmas message from WARRANT OFFICER IVAN O’NEAL Leader of SVG Green Party

OR MANY YEARS NOW, life has been extremely tough for our people, especially the very poor. The ULP regime is

F

too economically incompetent to create sustainable revenue streams for our country, and so unemployment and poverty are very high in SVG. On top of the usual hardships, our people have had to deal with Covid-19 for almost two years. To ensure that our children and grandchildren can have happiness at Christmas in years to come, we must have a change of leadership at the top. Our country needs a government that can bring prosperity to our people and create a strong economy. It is only with a strong economy that we can create sustainable incomes for our people and a high standard of living.

A generation of Vincentians has grown up under this government and they have been failed. It is very sad to see so many young people who are without work and denied the opportunity to get a university education. Their futures have been negatively impacted by this travesty. Also, revenue this government should have been receiving that would have improved the lives of all Vincentian children, has been withheld. The tax and customs duty exemptions given to the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, and Taiwan are damaging our country. All around us, much important infrastructure is falling apart

and into a state of disrepair, and the gap between the rich and poor widens. A Green government would bridge the divide between the rich and the poor by abolishing all tax and customs duty exemptions to the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, and take back our lucrative deepsea tuna fishing licence from Taiwan. Our society has to become united and equal for all our people to enjoy Christmas. A Green government would achieve this by abolishing the apartheid tax laws that favour the super-rich and Taiwan. Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal Merry Christmas and may BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA God bless us all. SVG Green Party

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14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Vincy appointed to NYC Mayoral Transition Team

Adams on education issues, when he takes office on Jan. 1. As mayor, Adams will lead the nation’s largest school system, and Vaughn Toney brings a members of the tenure of service and education panel will be experiences that will expected to work well serve the transition beyond his inauguration team in good stead. to delineate a comprehensive policy by NELSON A. KING covering all aspects of naking@verizon.net education in the city. US CORRESPONDENT Other team members include an impressive VAUGHN TONEY, the array of career educators Calliaqua-born president and advocates, current and chief executive officer and former elected (CEO) of The Friends of Crown Heights Educational officials, and notable innovators from the Centers, Inc., (FOCH) in business and non-profit New York, has been appointed a member of the sectors. “This unprecedented Mayoral Transition Team collection of great minds that will advise New York and hard-working New City Mayor-elect Eric

Yorkers will prepare my administration for success, because they represent the many backgrounds and views of our great city, and they are committed to working together toward its bright future,” said Adams, the incumbent Brooklyn Borough President, in a statement. “If we are going to tackle the many challenges in front of us as a city, the advocacy, nonprofit and business worlds must all be at the same table, working in collaboration,” he added. “And that is exactly what this transition is doing.” Toney has described his appointment to the Mayor’s Education

Committee as “a once-ina-lifetime privilege and opportunity to help shape the destiny of our city. “I look forward to working collaboratively with this distinguished panel of experts in equipping all of our children with the tools they will need to successfully navigate a future of lifelong learning and accomplishment,” he told THE VINCENTIAN.

of related experience in public service, together with a lifelong commitment to child-care advocacy and highquality, universal early childhood education. After several years on the staff of the New York State Education Committee, under former Senator Leonard Stavisky, Toney traded Albany, the state’s capital, for City Hall in New York City, where he served as chief-of-staff to the trailblazing former New York City Council Toney – ready and Member Dr. Una Clarke, qualified the Jamaican-born, first Toney’s contribution to ever Caribbean-born the work of the mayoral woman to be elected to the City Council. committee will be Toney subsequently informed by more than served in the same three-and-a-half decades capacity to Belizean-

born, former New York City Councilman the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Henry. Under his leadership as FOCH’s president and CEO, the organization has grown to become the premier not-for-profit provider of subsidized child care and Early Childhood Education in the City of New York, with 20 daycare centers, primarily in Brooklyn, throughout the city. Toney also currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Day Care Council of New York, a membership organization of 93 sponsoring boards that operate more than 200 publicly-funded childcare centers and family child care programs in New York City.

V ...Maybe this Christmas...

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021. 15.

Opinion

The protest may not have been a numerical success, and it was not so much the numbers present that mattered, but the quality of STANDING ON THE PROTEST the message that was sent to LINE with teachers and others let the powers that be realize last Friday, I sensed the agony that Teachers (are) not and emotional distress by just sticking for any nonsense; that looking at the eyes of the they are committed to see the protestors. Albeit, most of them withdrawal of the act wearing masks, but the mandating EXPERIMENTAL expression from the eyes alone vaccines. should have been seen by the What is even more government officials of this nauseating is the fact that the country … . I wonder if Winston government has no faith in its Soso’s hope that “Maybe this own, having to employ the Christmas, might be the best services of who school children Christmas of all”, will ring true describe as the stench of the this year. Caribbean bar, in an effort to EDITOR’S NOTE: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

nullify our own Constitution which guarantees each human being the right to make choices. How can teachers and other sensible people allow that? My heart also goes out to our nurses who have been blindsided by a government that was once on a progressive track, now derailed by a pandemic that can be easily averted, through means other than what the government, media and big pharma are trying to ‘ram down our throat’ and eventually into your arms. Despite the efforts of mainstream media to cover up their dirty and misleading

agenda, more people who are fully vaccinated are dying in greater numbers than the unvaccinated. More infections are being spread by the ‘vaccinated’. The figures are there to prove it. The Police was also dumped on the ice without their boots on, so there will be teachers, nurses, police, civil servants and workers from the private sector who are out of a job for their refusal to be pricked with an experimental vaccine, thereby nullifying their religious, medical and other civil rights…. all orchestrated by this government….. maybe this might be the Best

Christmas of all. And finally, Christ in Christmas has been replaced by a vaccine pass, segregating a Christian festival, so only if you have a vaccine pass you can attend 9 Nights of Lights at the Gardens. Christ was born and died for all sinners, of whom I am chief. So why should the government determine who can and who cannot attend 9 Mornings activities which has Christian origins. Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas might be the “Best Christmas of all”!! Don De Riggs December 12, 2021

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16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 . THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Books make ideal Christmas gifts

The rich and powerful always escape justice Guest column by Chris Hedges

“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with all the finest men of past centuries” – Rene Descartes (1596-1650) French Philosopher & Scientist EDUCATORS THE WORLD over have shown the significant positive relationship between reading and academic excellence. Reading forms the foundation of all other subjects taught in schools. It is therefore not surprising to observe that the children who embrace reading skills early in their academic pursuits appear to excel throughout their sojourn at school. The American Science Fiction writer Ray Bradbury draws attention to the importance that reading plays in the development and sustaining of a culture. Reading broadens our horizons and assists us in developing thoughts. Good books motivate us to positive action and very good books encourage us to focus on improving self. The American writer Cliff Fadiman advocates that good classics, in particular, help us to see more of ourselves. Regrettably, many of our people appear to have developed a culture where there is an aversion to books. There appears to be few adults who frequent the public libraries and documentation centres throughout the Caribbean region. Some may argue that they now engage in reading online publications. It is quite possible that those who do spend significantly less time reading than if they had ventured to read a traditional book. However, it is not too late for us to change this. We can influence the culture of reading if we take the assignment seriously. The French Writer Francois FeNeleon (1651-1615) was so in love with books and reading that he once stated that “If the riches of the Indies, or the crowns of all the kingdoms of Europe, were laid at my feet in exchange for my love of reading, I would spurn them all”. The British Historian, Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), expressed similar views when he stated that, “My early and invincible love for reading I would not exchange for all the riches of India”. Benjamin Franklyn (17061790), the American scientist, publisher and diplomat, stressed the value of reading when he indicated that “Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man”. As a people we need to develop and sustain a culture of reading, meditating on what we read, and sharing the knowledge gained through regular discourse. Such practices would expand the mental capacity of our people. We need to encourage a culture of reading. I treasure the hard cover copy of Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” that was presented to me in 1964 in recognition for my being considered a “most helpful student” at the Kingstown Preparatory School. I often return to reading sections of it and recapture the positive feelings that emerged when I received it as a gift over four decades ago. That book encouraged me to kindle a love for reading at a time when I unwisely considered reading “undesirable” and “unimportant”. That gift helped me to refocus and gain some sense. With Christmas just around the corner and we consider gifts for our friends, associates and loved ones, books should be at the top of the list of possibilities. We may never be able to measure the significant positive impact such gifts will have on the readers. As good as we may consider ourselves to be, we all have areas of our lives that need improvement. Books can be useful instruments in assisting us to make these incremental steps that would improve our lives and impact positively on our relationships with others. Many good self-help books are available via

online providers and at good bookstores throughout the region. Several of the Christian Bookstores carry a wide range of self-improvement, positive thinking and motivation books. These often make very good gifts and could be viewed as a source of encouragement and support when we are faced with difficult, challenging times. Such books also assist in building character and could therefore play a significant role in strengthening individuals, families and communities. Novels and other “entertainment books” should not be overlooked or underestimated. They also have a major role to play in assisting us to appreciate the other cultures. They may also assist us in appreciating differences as we read about the lives of others and the challenges that they faced. Many “fiction” books and novels revolve around real life situations and could provide learning opportunities for readers. In addition, they often provide vivid descriptions of places that we may never visit but have a good appreciation of based on the writers’ ability to describe them to us through his or her words. It would be remiss of me if I omitted to present a word of caution — all books are not necessarily “good books”. We should therefore be very selective in the ones that we purchase. England’s only Jewish Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), was also a popular statesman, novelist, and brilliant debator. He advanced the view that some books are considered fatal. He noted that some printed material had the potential of poisoning the minds of readers and luring the innocent and unsuspecting to pursue habits and activities that were damaging to the reader and their communities. We must therefore be very discriminating when selecting books to present to such vulnerable age groups as the young adolescent. I identify this age group specifically due to the fact that they are often in a period of “instability” and could be influenced by craftily written books that encourage, for example, disrespect, sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, violence, and drug use. Engaging in such undesirable activities erode our moral fibres and destroy the core that strengthen and support communities and cultures. A number of local and regional writers have published works during recent years. These are likely to be especially appreciated by our Caribbean citizens who live overseas. Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating that those of us who reside within CARICOM will not appreciate receiving these as gifts. Many will. I merely highlight the fact that such publications appear to be especially appreciated by our nationals who live in the diaspora since it appears to give them “a piece of home” and an appreciation for the talents and abilities of our nationals. Margaret Fuller (1810-1850), the American writer and lecturer, once asserted that no house is a home unless it contains good books; food and fuel for the mind. If we embrace this as factual then it behooves us to seriously consider presenting books as gifts this Christmas. We could make many homes and lives richer by providing useful food and fuel for the mind. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

THE TRIAL OF GHISLAINE MAXWELL which began this week in Manhattan will not hold to account the powerful and wealthy men who are also complicit in the sexual assaults of girls as young as twelve, Maxwell allegedly procured for billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. The powerful politicians, financiers, bankers, high rolling lawyers, real estate moguls and many others who were at least present and most likely participated in Epstein’s perpetual Bacchanalia, are not in court. The law firms, federal and state prosecutors, private investigators, publicists, and numerous other procurers, sometimes women, who made Epstein’s crimes possible are not being investigated. Those in the media, the political arena and the entertainment industry who aggressively and often viciously shut down and discredited the few voices who sought to shine a light on the crimes committed by Epstein and his circle of accomplices are not on trial. The videos that Epstein apparently collected of his guests engaged in their sexual escapades with teenage and underage girls from the cameras he had installed in his opulent residences and on his private island have mysteriously disappeared along with other crucial evidence. Epstein’s death in a New York jail cell, while officially ruled a suicide, is in the eyes of many credible investigators a murder. With Epstein dead, and Maxwell sacrificed, the ruling oligarchs will once again escape justice. The Epstein case is important because however much is being covered up, it is a window into the scourge of male violence that explodes in decayed cultures. Women, traditionally burdened with the care of children, the elderly and the sick, stripped of control over their own bodies in states that seek to deny reproductive rights, are cornered, unable to make a living and secure legal protection. This is always the goal of patriarchy. And in this degraded world girls and women are easy prey for pimps, pedophiles, and rapists such as Epstein and his accomplices. These men look at their victims not as children or young women in distress but as human trash, no more worthy of consideration than a slave, which in fact many of these girls and women become. The ability of the powerful to ignore the law raises important and different questions for girls and women about the role of government, police and the law. Women need legal protection and need police that function as police, as a sanction with severe consequences against male violence. They need social support. They need robust institutions, including the courts, which prevent them from being blackmailed, bullied, and abused. To challenge sexual violence, to challenge objectification, to challenge the cultural hypersexualization of women, is to be subject to vicious character assassination, threatened, including the threat of rape, and at times killed. The struggle for liberation and justice by women is central to the struggle for liberation and justice for everyone. We will not resist the radical evil before us without women, if we are denied access to the ideas and leadership of women, and in particular women of color. So, while we must decry violence and exploitation against all of the oppressed, we must also recognize that male violence against women–including prostitution and its promoter, pornography–is an especially insidious form of violence. It is a tool of corporate domination and capitalism. It is engrained in the racism and exploitation of imperialism and colonialism. But it also exists outside the structures of capitalism, imperialism, and colonialism. Predatory male power infects the left as well as the right, the anti-capitalists

as well as the capitalists, the antiimperialists as well as the imperialists and the anti-racists as well as the racists. It is its own evil. And if it is not defeated there will be no justice for women or for anyone else. The predators know that desperation forces girls and women, with no alternatives left, to trade sex for the most basic staples of life, including food and shelter. The scourge of male violence is growing, not decreasing. George Bernard Shaw got it right. Poverty is: “[T]he worst of crimes. All the other crimes are virtues beside it; all the other dishonors are chivalry itself by comparison. Poverty blights whole cities, spreads horrible pestilences, strikes dead the very souls of all who come within sight, sound, or smell of it. What you call crime is nothing: a murder here and a theft there, a blow now and a curse then. What do they matter? They are only the accidents and illnesses of life; there are not fifty genuine professional criminals in London. But there are millions of poor people, abject people, dirty people, illfed, ill-clothed people. They poison us morally and physically; they kill the happiness of society; they force us to do away with our own liberties and to organize unnatural cruelties for fear they should rise against us and drag us down into their abyss. Only fools fear crime; we all fear poverty.” The crime of poverty is a communal crime. Our failure to provide safe and healthy communities, good housing and education and enough to eat is a communal crime. If we do not work to eliminate the causes of poverty, the greatest of all crimes, the institutional structures that keep the poor poor, then we are responsible. There are issues of personal morality, and they are important, but they mean nothing without a commitment to social morality. Sexual sadism is fed by the entitlement of the powerful and a pornography industry that eroticizes images of girls and women being physically abused. Abusers are not segregated by the left or the right, Republicans or Democrats. The common denominator was not politics or ideology, but that they were powerful and wealthy men. As the feminist Andrea Dworkin said, ‘Capitalism is not wicked or cruel when the commodity is the whore; profit is not wicked or cruel when the alienated worker is a female piece of meat; racism is not wicked or cruel when the black, yellow, red, Hispanic or Jewish legs are splayed for any man’s pleasure; poverty is not wicked or cruel when it is the poverty of dispossessed women who have only themselves to sell; violence by the powerful against the powerless is not wicked or cruel when it is called sex; slavery is not wicked or cruel when it is sexual slavery; torture is not wicked or cruel when the tormented are women.’ The Earth, and all forms of life on this planet, must be revered, and protected if we are to endure as a species. This means building a world where domination and ceaseless exploitation, in all its forms, are condemned, where empathy, especially for the weak and for the vulnerable is held up as the highest virtue. It means that girls and women must be empowered to control their own fates. Once we stand up for this ethic of life, once we include all people as an integral part of this ethic, we can build a successful resistance movement that can challenge the radical evil before us. But we can’t do it unless half of the human population, girls and women, are at our side. Their fight is our fight. Their justice is our justice. Once they are free, we can all be free. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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Christmas Message from the Christian Council

„The word became flesh; He lived among us‰. (Jn. 1:14)

Christmas Message 2021 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council Y DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS in Jesus Christ, At Christmas, we celebrate the Incarnation of the Word of God in the human nature of Jesus. The infant Jesus is thus central to our Christmas celebration. God becomes one of us and experiences our human emotions, frailties, and challenges. The Incarnation reveals to us that Jesus is fully God and fully human. It is precisely through the Incarnation that God brings about the salvation of the human race. In this moving Christmas story, God chose to be born as a

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defenceless baby, putting himself in the care of human beings. This historic event reminds us that God chose to be born into the milieu of our lives; rather than remaining aloof and outside of our reality. He pitched his tent and dwelt amongst us as one of us. This radical embracing of our human nature and identity should be a source of contemplation and consolation for us. The Christmas narrative ought to remind us of Jesus’ humble birth in a manger in the town of Bethlehem. The conditions of Jesus’ birth speak to us about His presence on the periphery and His loving care for those who exist on the margins of society. Paradoxically, our preparations for Christmas can easily blind or distract us from the significance of the birth of the child Jesus. Our overemphasis on the material and external preparations leads to consumerism which hinders a profound contemplation and appreciation of the Incarnation. The Advent Season with its corresponding scriptural readings, hymns, symbols and images, is

the time for our reflection and preparation for the coming of Jesus. Advent invites us to be sober in our preparation that strikes a balance between the spiritual and material, the internal and external. These dualities complement each other to bring about a harmonious and integral relationship with God, ourselves and our neighbour. That the Word became flesh and lived amongst us brings about a renewed consciousness that recognizes the presence of the living God in each other and creation. Through the Incarnation, we can acknowledge the dignity of each human person and all creation made in God’s image and likeness. Respect for each other and nature is integral to our discipleship. Also, this implies a personal and collective responsibility as a people and Nation. As we celebrate this Christmas season 2021, we look back and reflect on the year coming to an end. This has been a challenging one, particularly COVID-19, the eruption of La Soufriere in April, and

tensions that have arisen more recently. We are thankful to Almighty God that lives were not lost with the volcano’s eruption and the tremendous solidarity of our people during that time of crisis. We are also grateful for the support from the Caribbean Region, other countries and our brothers and sisters in the diaspora. This year has undoubtedly tested our resilience as a Nation, but our faith has seen us through. We continue to grapple with the pandemic and the way

forward. We have seen the plurality of thinking on this issue during the last few weeks. This is not particular to our Nation. This divergence of opinions creates divisions in our society and throughout the World. There are now groups of people who are either vaccinated or unvaccinated; provaccine and anti-vaccine. Safe zones are becoming a prerequisite for events and socializing. This situation has brought to the fore an intolerance and even a demonizing of people of different opinions. As a Nation

guided by Christian principles, may the commandment of ‘love of God and neighbour’ shine forth. So dear brothers and sisters, in his season of peace and goodwill we continue to appeal for dialogue. The Incarnation of our God is a sign of God’s commitment to dialogue with humanity, and His embrace imprints His image and likeness on us. May our lives and work reflect His presence amongst us individually and collectively. A Happy and Holy Christmas to all.

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News

Support for the displaced continues

THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is committed to spend close to $10 million to support farmers, small business, vendors and vulnerable persons here. A release dated Dec. 09, 2021 from the Office of Prime Minister said that a portion of the allocation will include payment of a cash transfer of $800 per household to 3,247 World Food Programme (WFP) household beneficiaries, as a transition from the existing WFP programme to the Soufriere Transitioning Grant for December 2021. This one-time cash payment, to be administered through the Ministry of Social Development, covers payments for November and December 2021 in amounts of $400 per month per household, and will include payment to 171 households in the red and orange zones, those who were unreachable during the registration and assessment process of the WFP programme. Two hundred and twenty-one (221) small business owners in the red and orange zones can look forward to a cash receipt of $1,200 ($400 for each of

Agriculture was hit hard especially by the ash that the La Soufriere spewed from its crater. Left: Housing took a toll+96 to the extent that families will have to be relocated permanently.

the months of October to December 2021) - $800.00 to be paid before Christmas and $400 by the end of January 2022. Ninety-one (91) Tourism Site Vendors who were affected by the drastic downturn in tourists arrivals, will each receive a cash transfer of $900 ($300 for each month of October to December 2021), with $600.00 promised before Christmas and $300 in January 2022. An estimated 490 School Vendors

will each received $600.00 $400.00 to be paid before Christmas and $200.00 in January 2022. In total, the cost of support for small business operators and tourism site vendors amounts to $3,375,500 million and is expected to benefit some 4,220 families. Farmers from Belle Isle to Richmond on the Leerward and from Mt. Grenan to Fancy on the Windward, are expected to received $1000.00 each, $500. 00 each for

November and December. According to a computation as per the release from the Prime Minister’s Office, a total of $3,689,000.00 will be paid as follows: 637 farmers from the Chateaubelair District will receive a total $ 637,000.00; 888 farmers from the Troumaca District $888,000.00; and EC$2,164,000.00 will be paid to 2,164 farmes from Georgetown and North of the Rabacca River. In addition to the referenced payments, BRAGSA has already mounted its Nationwide Christmas Road Cleaning Programme, which is estimated to cost $2.5 million.

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Tribute

King Frank-I calls it a day Caribbean Commentator Tony Cozier deferred to him for ‘ball-by-ball’ commentary as local star Viv Richards was approaching a century, and BBC journalists Don Mosey and Paddy Feeny asked for his comments on Viv’s century for the famous Sports Round-Up on the BBC World Service.” Such was the measure of the man.

Tributes poured in “He was revered for his immense knowledge of the game, his Franklyn ‘King Frank-I’ Francis addressing the first (ever) regional marijuana consultation held in insightful and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in June 2016. informative commentary and analysis on local, RENOWNED REGIONAL cricket or any other sport regional and BROADCASTER and and/or issue for that international matches for commentator Franklyn matter over four decades,” a ‘King Frank-I’ Not only was he was fellow commentator Francis passed away on he renowned as a wrote in tribute. Monday 6th December, commentator of no mean Enoch Lewis, 2021, the Sir Lester Bird “word and exactness”, he President of Leeward Medical Centre in Antigua was also highly regarded Islands Cricket Board and Barbuda. as a cricket historian, and Director of Cricket In paying tribute to broadcaster of wide West Indies Inc., in the man who carried his range, a journalist of paying his tribute said, Rastafarian locks with craft and class and an inter alia, “… Today, pride and dignity unwavering social cricket in the West throughout the many activist. Indies is poorer for the regional and A citation passing of King Frank-I, internationals halls of accompanying Frank I’s a man who had energy, influence in one National Sports Award passion, and fire for West discipline or the other, as bestowed by the Indies cricket, who lived his peers remembered Ministry of Sports in and breathed the game him as hardworking, 2020, recalled a story and offered support at all dedicated and articulate associated with the first levels.” in his commentary, test match played in A statement from the whether on his favourite Antigua, “when veteran Office of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, read in part,..”Ambassador King Frank-I was a treasured son of the soil. His passing has left a void in the leadership of the twin-island state, and in the Rastafarian community.” That statement also recalled Prime Minister Browne’s friendship with King Frank I during his youth. Browne said he ran errands and cleaned utensils in a restaurant owned by Frank-I and his business partner Lumba, where he received sauce and “dread bread” in payment for his chores.

Frank I did not escape the interest of international sports broadcasters and commentators. Here he stops for a photo by an ESPN photographer at his beloved Antigua Recreation Park, St. John’s, Antigua. (Credit: ESPN)

Frank I and Prime Minister Gaston Browne were close friends dating back to Browne’s boyhood. Here they share a photo after the announcement that the Antiguan Government was prepared to apologise for decades of discrimination against the Rastafarian. (Credit: antiguanewsroom)

to speak at an Organisation of Americas (OAS) Council Meeting, 2018. Moreover, King FrankI was a leader, advocate, and champion of the rights, recognition, and well-being of the Rastafarian community in Antigua and Barbuda, and by extension, the Caribbean. For this he endured countless threats and discrimination but he Franklyn Frank I Francis at the radio controls. remained stoic Tributes poured in from far and wide on the in his determination to passing of this Caribbean icon. (Credit: find broad acceptance of nationwideradiojm) the Rastafarian faithful. Understandably, he Francis (Antigua and served as an became an Elder in the academic in Antigua and Agricultural Officer) and Rastafarian faith Ena Kirby-Francis (St. Jamaica. respected equally among Vincent and the Frank I was born on his brethren in Antigua March 05, 1949 in St. Grenadines.) (Sources: and Barbuda as he was Vincent and the Antigua Observer, ANR, among the Rastafari Grenadines to Henry Facebook.) throughout the Caribbean. His role in the vanguard of the struggle for acceptance of the Rastafarian faith and the faith’s use of marijuana catapulted him as a leading of the Antigua and Barbuda Marijuana Decriminalisation Committee and a member of the Regional Commission on Marijuana, the commission that was tasked with conducting More than a an inquiry into the broadcaster social, economic, health and legal issues In addition to his surrounding marijuana broadcasting and use in the Caribbean. journalistic exploits, Elder King Frank-I Frank-I was Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to was a graduate of the University of the West Ethiopia, and was the Elder King Frank I was revered by Rastafarians Indies and the first member of the across the Caribbean for his vanguard role on their University of Glasgow Rastafarian community behalf. (Credit: newsbeezer)

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News

Allan Leach answers his calling

Allan Leach can boast of a wide and varied journey before recognizing and accepting his call to the teaching profession.

by GLORIAH...

ALLAN LEACH is from Hamilton, Bequia. He is now into his first-year as a student teacher at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. As excited as Allan is, his journey of work and career did not involve dispensing education. After graduating

high school in 2004 with six CXC subjects, Allan had intended to re-sit subjects through the Bequia SDA Secondary School. He was turned down and college appeared to be a good prospect but the means to attend were unavailable. A VARIETY OF POSITIONS In August 2004, he

successfully gained employment as an office assistant. He told THE VINCENTIAN, “I quickly improved on my skills and became a junior accountant/bookkeeper and a custom licensed broker for that company until 2016, when it was bought out by an investor. After that, I did some

freelancing with another custom broker for about a year.” He then moved on to work with the Bequia Beach Hotel as Purchasing Manager and Storeroom Keeper until September 2018. From November 2018 to August 2019 he did two short stints with Chameleon Cafe and Caribbean Schooner as a Bookkeeper/Junior Accountant.

direction with both hands, he worked assiduously to learn the system; how to use it to teach and receive student information. He became the leading resource teacher for his The teacher switch entire school as, “I, with an assistant, was Then, on August 14, training all the 2019, Allan Leach’s teachers on how to Online Teaching: most welcomed manoeuvre the online Really? transition took place. platform.” He recalled He became a classroom Proficiency in online his school forging teacher at the private interactions is one “ahead of the Ministry Lower Bay School Inc. thing, but going online of Education (MOE) He had never worked in as a brand-new teacher with Microsoft Teams.” the classroom before! and having to The Lower Bay School He explained, “It was manipulate practices of Inc. had become “the not a quantum leap for distance teaching and only school throughout me. While I was never learning is another/ SVG that was using in the classroom, I was Allan, however, loved Microsoft Teams for and am a teacher at the (online) learning online teaching, and heart.” platform and the had started four weeks How did he cope with possibilities it brought before the MOE the challenges he with it for delivery of officially opened school encountered? education. In online.” “My challenges, retrospect, he surmised, This writer could however, were learning “It was almost as if I affirm Allan’s the skills of delivery in was called ‘for such a proficiency with his the classroom; reading time as this’.” the students’ faces to Grasping this new Continued on Page 42. ascertain if learning was taking place; and understanding the role which differentiation plays in the classroom. Nonetheless, as time passed, I slid into those as if they were there all my life. My greatest treasure of resource was the teachers that surrounded me,” he shared. He told THE VINCENTIAN: “Today, as a teacher I will never look in another direction. I love what I do! I enjoy the art of teaching and learning from my students. Nothing brings you more joy than when you Teacher Allan Leach and some of his students take a break from a recent face-to-face class. see your students exemplifying what you have taught them; when you can hear parents and students alike say, ‘Oh, well now I understand this’, or, ‘I never liked Math, but the way you teach, I can understand clearly’.”

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