LIAT: SVG/ Bim out Mother wants - The Vincentian
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FRIDAY JULY 24, 2020 VOLUME 114, No.30 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50
Pastor gets CPEA Results Sandals is LIAT: SVG/ Mother wants
30 years Pages here Bim out answers
Page 4 21-29 Page 15 Page 17 Page 20
L-R: Ajani Neverson, Matthew Wilson and Kai Francis.
V
2. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Community
Mala Village resident
not fearful
DESPITE HAVING JUST home, I saw some people scary, but we are
ABOUT FOUR TO FIVE in my porch and someone still some way
FEET between his house told me to look down from the bank,” a
and a precipice, Mala there (pointing to the confident Thomas
Village, Sion Hill resident area), then I realised stated.
and home owner- Irvin that something looked Thomas said
Thomas, is not fearful of strange,” Thomas that his
any danger befalling his recalled. confidence is
family and their property. He noted that he predicated on the
Concerns about the immediately had fact that his house
safety of Thomas and his summed up what had is standing on
family were heightened happened. “solid stone.”
last Saturday morning, “I (am) living over He related:
when just after 9, a loud here for so many years, “The stone below
crashing sound was and I know it is just the is not like a stone
followed by a land loose mold that got away that you can take
slippage that exposed a and the tree that was a pick and dig it
large rock and a section holding it up… It is not out… It is a stone Irvin Thomas, looks relaxed
of his house, located in anything from under the that runs from with one foot (hidden) on part
Point, an area of Mala house, that is why I am down Roseau of the small solid area
Village. not scared,” Thomas come right up… between his house and the
Thomas, who has been commented. That ain’t moving precipice.
living at that spot for the He believed that part from dey”.
past forty-six years, said of the agitation from Thomas disclosed that However, amidst his
he was not home at the others was as a result of some years ago there lack of fear, Thomas
time of the incident. the view they got from was a slippage not too wants the authorities to
“I was out the road Roseau. far from his residence, provide him with some
Saturday morning and “If you look at it from but like now, he was not six-inch blocks to “build A view from below of the land slippage at Mala
when I was heading down Roseau, it will look flustered. up” the broken section Village, Sion Hill, just below the Thomas property
near the precipice. (left).
V
lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020. 3.
News 3
Ajani Neverson: Being
your own person
“AJANI (NEVERSON) really But even in a year There was input by include the piano, steel
pulled out the stops. His when it seemed that both parents, mom pan and taekwondo — but
Dad may have been his COVID-19 would have Felicia and dad Fidel, Ajani says that he wants
inspiration, but he was his had an adverse impact but the credit all goes to to become a professional
own person and he really on life as we know it, 11-year-old Ajani. footballer.
did it.” very little changed in the “The credit goes to And being selected to
That’s how Felicia Neverson household. him for being so the football team is one
Neverson, Ajani’s mom, Ajani said that persistent and so willing; of the challenges that he
described her son’s following the closure of when I would say go do has set for himself as he
disposition that resulted schools, he kept himself this, he would be enters the St Vincent
in him being one of three busy doing practice tests, willing,” mom Felicia Grammar School.
boys who tied as top being inquisitive, and he said. He said that he
performer in this year’s remains confident and is
and his mom developed a And like any boy,
Caribbean Primary Exit not so much worried
Assessment (CPEA) strategy to retain Ajani is an avid football
information — typing. fan. His favourite about what to expect as
examination. he embarks on the next
Ajani of the Windsor According to his mom, footballer, unlike many
by typing the notes, he his age, is not journey of his life. (DD)
Primary School had an
overall average of 97.8 was able to enhance his Argentina/Barcelona’s
typing skills as well as Lionel Messi, but he
Matthew: Keeps
percent.
He, along with former by having to read the admires Kylian Mbappe
schoolmate Isabella Sam information to type, he (France/Paris Saint-
top scored for Language was better able to retain Germain).
with 98.67 percent. the information. His other interests
Kai Francis: Already it in the family by GLORIAH…
programmed
KAI FRANCIS said that he
WHEN LUKE WILSON of the St.
Mary’s Roman Catholic School
placed 1st for boys and 1st
overall in the 2016 Caribbean
Primary Exit Assessment
has a fear of heights, but (CPEA), he never thought his
there were no signs of fear or younger brother, Matthew
doubt when he heard that he Wilson, who was a Grade 2
shared the highest/top student then, was going to
performer’s position in the repeat that feat.
2020 CPEA examination. Eleven-year-old Matthew
In fact, the Kingstown placed 1st for boys and 1st
Preparatory School student, overall at the June 2020
who was the Valedictorian sitting of the CPEA, and
at his school’s Graduation shared top honours with Kai
Ceremony last Thursday’s, Francis of the Kingstown
was “ecstatic” about his Preparatory School and
accomplishment, and Ajani Neverson of the
regarded it as reward for Windsor Primary School.
his hard work. He totalled 489 out of 500
And when Kai enters marks and also gained a
secondary school August perfect 100% score for
31, he intends to hit the Science.
road running on a path When questioned if he had
towards expanding his intentionally worked to
interest in Computer achieve those positions, to
challenge his brother, he told THE will be great.”
Software Programming. Coronavirus or not, Matthew had
In addition to thanking VINCENTIAN, “I had really set out
to do better than my brother!” expected to be among the top three
God for his blessings, his performers.
parents, Karl Francis and As far as Matthew is concerned, “I
am an excellent student. I grasp He would like other students to
Samantha Campbell, came strive to set records for themselves,
concepts quickly; I don’t study that
in for high praise for their but warns them that they will have
much, but I achieve.”
guidance and Like all other Grade 6 students, to, “work hard!”
encouragement throughout said without hesitation, “I want to Matthew took classes online as Matthew will attend the St.
his primary school years, and learn more about technology, science mandated by the Ministry of Vincent Grammar School where he
especially during the challenging and biology.” Education as a COVID-19 promises to be a good student. “I’ll
period of preparing for the CPEA And he is not waiting around precautionary measure. Unlike many behave, study and be attentive in
exams when online classes replaced hoping that his ‘website’ would be students, though, Matthew loved class,” he said, “I want to set a record
classroom, fact-to-face teaching. automatically broadened. He intends distance learning, “…. because I get there of gaining high percentages for
Teachers did not escape his to travel around St. Vincent and the to be home! I like to be home!” all my subjects. I also want to be a
appreciation, and he named Suzette Grenadines with his parents before He recalled: “My experience with good cricketer.”
Holder, Chantel Primus/Griffith, school starts, and take in as much as online learning was great; the With his two favourite subjects
Yolande Penniston and Paul Joslyn teachers were great and it was good. being Math and Science, and a
he can, with a special focus on nature
among those who contributed to his I actually prefer online learning and fascination with aircrafts, he will like
which, by the way, should also help to be a pilot and fly huge cargo
foundation. his designs for t-shirts. (WKA) if it happens in secondary school, that
As for the future, the young man aircrafts.
V
4. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Courts
Assistant Pastor Lawyer
challenges
jailed for 30 years molesters and would be child 2016, and was slapped with one
sampling
molesters on Thursday with count for each year.
Assistant Pastor Delroy Frazer
being jailed for 30 years on
charges of unlawful sexual
intercourse.
Frazer was sentenced to 22 years
on the first count, five years on the
second count, and three years on the
third count. The sentences are to
process
ATTORNEY Grant Connell thinks that the
While Justice Brian Cottle is run consecutively.
of the view that the man of the Frazer had spent 25 days on current procedure regarding the sampling of
cloth could be rehabilitated, he remand which was taken into controlled drugs is highly prejudicial to the
thinks that removing him from account in relation to first count. He defendant, and ought to be changed.
society for a long period will had no previous convictions. Connell challenged the procedure at the
reduce the possibility of him Frazer, 43, who was an Assistant Serious Offences Court this week while
committing similar acts. Pastor at a Church in Canouan had representing Javed Chetram of Grenada
On July 13, at the Criminal developed a very close friendship and Kezroy Edwards of Rose Bank, St.
L-R: Lawyer Israel Bruce represented Assizes, a 9-member mixed jury with the victim’s family, but abused Vincent and the Grenadines.
Assistant Pastor Delroy Frazer. found Frazer guilty on three that trust by repeatedly having sex The men were charged with possession of
counts of unlawful sexual with the minor in the sea, at a
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS 183,416 grams of marijuana with intent to
intercourse with a girl under the beach in Canouan, and he did so in
age of 13. He committed the offences the presence of his little daughter. supply, possession for the purpose of drug
A STRONG MESSAGE was sent to child during the course of 2014, 2015 and The victim was 5 years old at the trafficking, attempting to export and
time of the first ordeal. She is conspiracy.
now 11. During his closing arguments, Connell
Justice Cottle said that pointed out that the drug sampling
instead of playing a father’s procedure is not transparent, since it is
role in the girl’s life, Frazer done in the absence of the defendant or his
abused her. attorney. He underscored that those
“This is a grievous wrong samples are tested at the lab to verify
that can never be righted”, the whether the substance with which the
Judge lamented.
defendant was allegedly found, is a
“It is horrible for any child to
have to endure this”, he added. controlled drug, in accordance with the
Justice Cottle noted that the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act.
matter went through a full “We must be certain that the samples
trial, and the child had to taken from the packages the prosecution
endure the painful experience alleges were in possession of the defendant
of recounting the events. are the same.” Connell argued.
Reading from a victim When contacted later, he told THE
impact statement, the Judge VINCENTIAN, “When taking samples from
outlined that the child controlled drugs, there is always the
underwent dramatic possibility of the police taking samples from
flashbacks, nightmares, and sources other than the packages taken from
lost confidence in all men.
the defendant, since the defendant has no
As a major aggravating
means to verify what was done in his
factor, Cottle highlighted the
fact that Frazer committed the absence.”
offence in the presence of his Connell said that the packages with the
little daughter, and even substance are kept in the exhibit room,
though she was small, and was along with packages (other) cases of a
left on the shore, she would similar nature.
have sensed that something The lawyer added that sometimes police
strange was happening. officers return about three months after,
In mitigation earlier, and in the absence of the defendant or his
Frazer’s lawyer Israel Bruce lawyer, take samples, and send them to the
described his client as a family Lab to be tested.
man, a husband, a father, and According to Connell, the only time the
stepfather, who had spent defendant sees any sample is when he turns
considerable part of his life up in Court for the hearing of his matter.
with the undertakings of the “Envelopes are then presented in Court,
Church, but found himself in and the Court is informed that the samples
the tunnel of temptation.
came from the packages the prosecution is
Bruce hopes that his client,
alleging that the defendant had in his
in receiving whatever sentence
the Court imposes, would have possession,” Connell contended.
the opportunity to engage in “The existing procedure is dangerous,
the process of reconciliation and must be changed, because if breadfruit
with God, “So he would be able bush or soap powder is sent to the Lab,
to say Lord forgive me”. that’s the end of the case,” Connell said.
Bruce begged the Court to “How would the defendant know what is
temper justice with mercy. sent? Trust the police?” he questioned.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020. 5.
News
‘Share info on voters
list,’ SOE urges According to the SOE, every time a
quarterly list was published, that was
an opportunity for it to be vetted.
Politicians and those in government
officers are the ones submitting the
most queries, she said.
The New Democratic Party, for
example, had submitted names of
deceased persons whose names
remained on the list, James said.
“They watch the list and they make
observations and if there are any
queries, they send them,” James said.
“Very few times we may have
someone calling to say someone’s
name is on the list that should not be
there,” she noted, adding, “And so, we
appreciate that and we continue to say
that if you have information, share.”
James held aloft at the meeting, a
Dora James, Supervisor of Elections, document which clearly carried the
holds aloft a document which caption ‘Death List’, as evidence of her
records the names of deceased Office’s work aimed at cleaning up the
persons whose names have been voters’ list.
removed from the voters’ list. If there were more names to be
taken off, it was not difficult to do so,
PERSONS who find evidence of any she assured.
irregularities and have any resulting In 2015, the Representation of the
queries with the voters’ list, should People Act was amended so as to
submit same to the Office of the mandate the cleaning up of voters’ list
Supervisor of Elections (SOE). by removing the names of dead
This advice was given by Dora persons and individuals who have
James, Supervisor of Elections (SOE) remained overseas for more than five
during a Meeting of Registering years. (DD) (Related news on Page 6)
Officers held last Tuesday, July 21.
E-Bus Security System
Centre opened
COMMISSIONER of
Police Colin John sees
the Intelligent Bus
Management and
Monitoring System
Project as an additional
safety measure, and “an
important piece of tool
that can prevent
crime.”
He was speaking last
Tuesday afternoon at
the opening ceremony
of the E-Bus and
Security Operation
Centre, located at the (L-R): Commissioner of Police Colin John,
Questelles Police Station. Ambassador Calvin Ho and Prime Minister Dr.
Through the use of Ralph Gonsalves at last Tuesday’s opening of
strategically placed CCTV the E-Bus and Security Operation Centre.
cameras, John is satisfied that
the Police will be able to identify areas “expanding the Police reach.”
of heightened activity and deploy Taiwan’s resident Ambassador to
resources accordingly. St. Vincent and the Grenadines H.E.
He is excited about the project Calvin Ho, noted the safer
because of the “cogent evidence” it can environment engendered by the
provide, and described the project as operation, and pointed to the shorter
“a quantum leap in fighting crime.” waiting time passengers will have
The Operation Centre is part of a because they will be able to track the
project funded by the Government and vehicle with which they are desirous of
People of Taiwan that saw the travelling.
installation of cameras in Kingstown Ambassador Ho pledged his
and parts of the Leeward in the first country’s continued collaboration with
phase. More cameras are to be the government of St. Vincent and the
installed in due course. Grenadines.
Camillo Gonsalves, the country’s Prime Minister Dr Ralph
Finance Minister, sees the exercise as Gonsalves, in welcoming the system
symbolic of the cooperation in the with its budgeted cost of $2.4 million,
battle against crime and as described it as “essential to life, liberty
and justice.” (WKA)
V
6. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
Elections
Voter registration:
Need to maintain privacy stakeholders last Tuesday. Baptiste queried.
James told the gathering that she “I do not have a law to prevent it,
had visited a registering centre where but you spoke about morally — and I
she met observers. think it is not moral to do so,” James
“There are people who are present responded.
because they have special interests. But Bacchus-Baptiste retorted by
And that is something that we saying that the SOE was wrong.
welcome…,” James observed. “The whole reason of this is
She continued with a declaration transparency,” the opposition senator
that the observation of the registration said.
process was an exercise that her office She added that it was going to be an
welcomed, and it did not matter who issue because they were making up
was allowed to come as an observer. rules to make it difficult for members
This, James said, will assist in of the public to participate in the
verifying if individuals belong to the registration process as observers.
constituency in which they are seeking “And unless you can show in law
to become registered. why these rules are necessary, it is
But what the SOE said was going to be a problem.”
discovered was that some people Bacchus-Baptiste went on to say
(observers) were positioned within that recently she was informed by a
earshot of the registering officer and registering officer that he was acting
registrant, and that observers wanted on the SOE’s instructions, when he
to take the names of persons when placed the table at the entrance of the
they went to have their photograph building/room used for registration.
taken. James explained it had been agreed
On July 8, registering in Barrouallie registration would be done at a
was brought to a premature end when location within the centre that would
Dora James, Supervisor of Elections, Benjamin Exeter, the NDP Central have allowed all present to observe Opposition Senator Kay Bacchus-
maintained that there must be a level Leeward candidate in the 2015 general what was going on. Baptist insisted that rules were being
of privacy about the registration elections, refused to leave the But Bacchus-Baptiste followed on made up to prevent the public from
process. registering area when asked to do so. by saying that it made no sense when observing the registration process.
In response to this, James asserted, there were centres where the rooms
“We need to protect that space — we were large enough to accommodate the entrance and exit of the room
WHILE THERE is no objection to persons are not saying that you cannot observers. used, was done to prevent observers
observing the registration of persons to observe… but there must be some She remained adamant that the from entering. (DD)
the voters’ list, some privacy must be form of privacy that must be given to table being placed in close proximity to
maintained during the process. the persons who are registering.”
And while there was no legislation But Opposition Senator Kay
making it illegal for observers to write Bacchus-Baptiste questioned what was
down the names of registrants, to do wrong with someone writing the name
so raises the issue of ethics and of an individual who was about to be
morality. photographed.
Supervisor of Elections Dora James “What is wrong in law? What is
made the comments when she wrong morally? What is wrong as it
addressed the issue of observers of the pertains to transparency because I do
registration process, during a meeting not see anything wrong,” Bacchus-
with registering officers and other
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020. 7.
Business
First draw in Digicel’s
‘Ease the Squeeze’
TRAVIS DEROCHE and ambassadors the and MORE. element of practicality in
Andrew Walkin were the opportunity to win prizes Digicel´s “Ease the every prize. (Source:
lucky winners in the first throughout the Squeeze” campaign is a Digicel)
draw of ‘Ease the promotion. Andrew consumer-focused, life-
Squeeze’, Digicel’s Walkin, a Digicel reseller made-easy promotion, Travis Deroche receives
summer promotion. of Buccament Bay, was geared primarily towards prize from Marketing
Travis, a 36-year-old rewarded with $200 rewarding users of the Executive at Digicel, Ms.
resident of Frenches, credit for resale, which is brand by offering an Caricia Taylor.
paid his postpaid bill and essentially considered as
was automatically $200 cash.
entered in this week´s To be eligible to win
draw. He will receive prizes weekly, customers
$200 cash per month for are encouraged to Top
the next three months, to Up, pay their postpaid
be used for a utility bill bill, activate a plan, sign
payment of his choice. up for home internet, or
Travis´ number was simply join the Digicel
randomly generated from network. Resellers
a pool of hundreds of become eligible to win
entries via an online when they meet a basic
application, and sales target weekly.
conducted live on The ‘Ease the Squeeze’
XTREME FM´s ‘Wake promotion by Digicel
Up Call ‘ morning show rewards customers and
on Wednesday, July 22. resellers weekly until
The ‘Ease the Squeeze’ September 30. Prizes in
promotion also extends this promotion include
across the Digicel utility bill payments,
resellers´ fraternity, cash, groceries, fuel,
giving these school uniforms, books
Winning reseller, Andrew Walkin receives his prize
from Retail Manager (The Cell) Lystra McBurnie.
OOOPS!!!!
ONE WORD can make a lot of difference.
The omission of one word led to a
misrepresentation of a point made by our
Columnist Jomo Thomas, in his article ’Sledging
the poor, defending the powerful’ as carried in the
printed version of THE VINCENTIAN OF Friday
17th July, 2020.
We printed: ”…. “….” Finally, and worse, when
sked about the female officer’s allegation that she
had sex with a high-ranking officer she would not
be facing punishment… .”
It should have been: “…Finally, and worse,
when asked about the female officer’s allegation
that had she had sex with a high-ranking officer
she would not be facing punishment…. .”
We apologise for the mishap and assure Mr.
Thomas that there was no ill-intent on our part.
V
8. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards
Editor: Cyprian Neehall
Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
Website: www.thevincentian.com
Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com
Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd.,
P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
COVID-19 and
elections on the side Fun in the Sun
CONTRARY TO WHAT SOME FOLKS etc., how prepared are we for a
overseas believe, this country was rapid rise in COVID-19 cases over 2020 no Carnival, all we could do is
never on COVID-19 lockdown. a constricted period? And how reminisce. This article starred in the
Prime Minister Gonsalves, in prepared and equipped are we to SVG Carnival Magazine 1987)
the face of overwhelming appeals monitor those who would have
to do so, rationalized again and been ordered into mandatory “IT IS NOW NEARLY 41 YEARS since
again that it was going to be to quarantine and those in self- we have stopped celebrating Carnival on
detrimental in the long run, if quarantine? the Pre-Lenten Shrove Tuesday and
there was a lockdown. Need we say that ‘the mice will shifted to a ten-day period of fun and been the highly acclaimed “Carival Queen
Yet, too many who remained play while the cat is away’? No one frolic spanning the last and first weeks of Show” which embraces the entire
confined to their homes, having too watching me so I going out June and July. The time has flown by Caribbean Basin and would long be
dispense with their pastime tonight!!! like nobody’s business. identified with the electrifying
activities, hobbies and nefarious That is the challenge. The decision to make the change over personality of our own Donna Young who
deeds, it seemed very much like It is only when we are assured was chiefly motivated by economic
the country was in lock down. took the title on its premiere occasion; as
that we have the capacity to considerations. From a commercial
They said: vehicular traffic monitor those in quarantine and well as the “All Stars” night featuring
standpoint, we could not cope with the overseas-based Vincentian Calypsonians
came to a near standstill after those who will go into quarantine stiff competition coming from the
8:00pm; supermarkets and banks if flights are allowed, that we can and other guest artistes from abroad.
Trinidad extravaganza. A suitable date More than a fringe benefit from the
adjusted their opening hours to feel safe welcoming flights was then fixed that hinged together the
suit themselves not their especially from the USA, where switch of dates has been the great leap
two halves of the year, climaxing with forward in calypso spearheaded by the
customers; churches asked COVID-19 rages under the watch
forgiveness for suspending twin public holidays that took in Caricom dynamic “Man CP” and the consistent
of an uncaring President.
weekend and weekday services; Monday. “Scakes”. In times past, we depended on
schools went on early vacation Election time It was a nice calculation. We had to the Trinidad calypsos. With the time lag,
notwithstanding the delayed dodge the June rains and duck the
fans could not readily digest stale
introduction of online classes; And all of this unfolds in a year Antigua Carnival in August. True, we
Trinidad calypsos warmed over for our
government continued to wallow of a general election. ran into the Barbados Crop Over, but
festival. In the circumstances, we fell
though decreased recurrent The ‘bell ringer’ has given that poses little problem, save the
back on a plentiful reservoir of virgin
revenue but was bolstered by indication that he will ring the bell irritations suffered yearly by our in-
sources and tapped a rather rich native
grants and concessionary before year end. That is enough to transit passengers at the Grantley Adams
Airport. Perhaps the only disadvantage vein in the process. Indeed, our cup
assistance to soften the ‘blow’ of kick start the ‘carelessness’ (some
the coronavirus. say craziness) that has come to to talk about concerns the fact that the runneth over. The songs have been
And moreover, they said: some characterize our election festivities fall smack into the end-of-year cascading down from the tents which
ports of entry were officially closed campaigning. session of school examinations. generate the correct atmosphere and
and the three international Even though campaigning and Change comes hard in these hide- create the right soil for the real
airlines and LIAT that provide electioneering have had to adapt to bound societies, and Bertram Arthur and bacchanal. Here, raw talent, naked
scheduled passenger service, the restrictions enforced by the the Labour Government of the day ribaldry and sheer genius weave a mosaic
ceased flights from North America COVID-19, i.e. heightened use of deserve a round of applause for pushing that captures the essence of Carnival. It
and regional embarkation points. social media, virtual meetings, live the idea and displaying the courage of is the birthplace of folk-heroes, from
Yet, all in all, the period of streamed interviews, crafted press their vision. How vividly does one recall “Professor” to “Ga-O.”
‘unforced lockdown’, proved to be a conferences, there has been little Such an appealing product over-all,
that first signal break with the past: De
‘blessing in disguise’ as the halt to to convince that the culture is allied to an aggressive marketing
the inflow of overseas-based changing. Man Age leading a new generation of
Kaisomen with their stirring messages; strategy and a positive tourism drive,
nationals and visitors helped to The incumbent, with its hands have caused thousands of people to
keep the number of COVID-19 on the state machinery, has left the band “Climax” producing what turned
out to be an anthem for the new Carnival descend on this little spot in mid-year.
cases within manageable much physical works for the
— “Mas in July”; the great outpouring of Leading the motley crew are, of course,
proportions. homestretch. Nothing new!!
Not until we facilitated, and Would this and its record over talent by gifted masmen led by Roy returning Vincentians spellbound by the
rightfully so, the return of our the last 19 years be enough to Ralph, Sheggy John and Fuzzy Knights — mystique of the rock. Next in line come
seafarers from cruise ships far and convince the electorate that they making much of the six month reprieve the Trinidadians who would not be left
wide, did we see a spike in the are deserving of ‘five in ah row’? that now follows the spending-spree of out of fun anywhere. The Vincies and the
number of positive COVID-19 The opposition, especially in our the Christmas -New Year holidays. Trinies of late, walk with their own
cases. case, must lift its game beyond An attractive package had to be competing bands.
And then the international offering a new leader. That it still concocted to hold interest at “Carnival Then follow hordes of North American
flights resumed. Two flights from has to fix uncertainties about City” for the 240 hours of gay abandon. and European visitors come to let down
Miami — the epicenter of COVID- simple things like candidates, flesh At base, a cultural evening was their hair, their inhibitions and hang-ups,
19 in the US - accounted for the out its ‘promises’ in practical and introduced to fertilize the roots and and participate in the original group
largest single spike in COVID-19 ‘ready-to happen terms’, emit a nurture the growing national festival; therapy in its natural setting. The Arnos
cases here. real sense of non-fracture, speak to Vale airstrip plays big International
and efforts have been made to keep alive
The question: While we seemed an effort to unseat the incumbent Airport during the Carnival season.
to be prepared from a health the pulsating rhythms of our native pan
as still in need of vigor and Charter flights turn night into day.
response standpoint, i.e. testing, spirited presentation. music, reinforcing the new development
with steel, as it were. Crowning it have (To be continued)
V
lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020. 9.
Letters
Stop right there,
Mr. Thomas
CBI - An
THE EDITOR, I waited a few weeks before I
submitted this ‘small piece’, in expectation that
you, Mr. Clarke of THE NEWS Newspaper or the
St. Vincent and the Grenadines East Indian
Foundation would have ‘picked up’ Mr. Jomo
Thomas on what I describe as an inaccurate
alternative
historical deduction he made in his article entitled
‘Race and Class in SVG’ carried in THE
VINCENTIAN of June 26, 2020.
In the article he wrote, among other things,
“Persons of Indian extraction and whites who
arrived after the abolition of slavery were given
viewpoint
IN THE ISSUE of 17/07, make the third party drug dealing, tax evasion
preferential treatment. Many became overseers or per a competitor, there who issued the passport and money laundering.
got other privileges which helped them to gain a was a long, tedious and an accomplice to any In particular, this
stake in Vincentian society”. wearisome letter from nefarious actions by applies to both Malta CBI for a passport. In
I am here concerned with his reference to Mr. Green extolling the aiding and abetting any and Cyprus showing
persons of Indian (to mean East Indian) that, under these
“virtues” of the Citizen illegal travel that the proven links to the circumstances, anyone
extraction. By Investment (CBI) possessor may try to Russian Mafia.
I must ask: What history did Mr. Thomas read? desperate enough to
programme, in which he undertake? With particular regard to apply would also have
What facts does he hold in his safety deposit book castigated the If Mr. Green had made a SVG, given the various
of information on which he based such a already made ablibi or
Government for not more thorough check on visa inhibitions placed on excuse as too why they
deduction? The bigger question should be: Has
the learned gentleman ever taken time out to implementing such a the international status their use, I wonder why need one. Who is to say
acquaint himself with the history of persons of programme, blaming this of those countries issuing anyone would wish one - that those applying
East Indian descent in St. Vincent? on their Marxist views. CBI passports, he would other for than would not be in the same
Perhaps he can elaborate on what he means by However, as in all discover that almost 90% circumstances cited in mould as Alan Stanford,
“preferential treatment”. circumstances, there are of those countries are on my first comment. Bernie Madorf, David
Just a cursory reading of our true history would both positives and some sort of financial Likewise, I have grave Ames and others!!
have told him that to group the whites negatives to every and political watch list reservations that any
(Portuguese) and East Indians together is a situation. Having as the users of their CBI due diligence would be A. W. Indupp.
misrepresentation of the real deal. vouched for such a passports have been suitable to “weed out”
Is he aware of the number of East Indians in programme, I would ask involved in terrorism, anyone applying under
this country who would have suffered Mr. Green to explain
discrimination at the hands of the ruling politic —
dominated by persons of African descent?
Is he at all aware, or is he failing to admit, that
what privileges East Indians might enjoy today is
how he would overcome
some (but not all) of the
negatives attributed to
this programme.
Big Up to the West Indies
because of hard work and sacrifice of THE EDITOR, no one humbled the English match played during the
Firstly, I cannot has to remind me that men on their home soil, COVID-19 pandemic
unimaginable extents by their fore parents. understand why a
Mr. Thomas is a ‘town man’ who, for all intents when the West Indies in the first of a three-test which, by the way, seems
national of one country cricket teams do badly, series. to be sticking around a
and purposes would have had, if he chose to at all, would need to apply and
miniscule interaction with persons of East Indian more time atrociously, I The world, even lot longer than we
travel on a passport am one of the first to though there were no would have thought.
descent, since they were an extremely issued by a third party,
insignificant percent of the Kingstown population. beat up on them. spectators at the game, All kudos first to
unless, of course, he was But, after a long time, would have been focused skipper Jason Holder
And I don’t recall Mr. Thomas spending any time forbidden either by legal
among persons of East Indians extractions say in I can now put all the on their televisions who marshalled his
or political constraints tamarind whips aside screens and ears cocked forces, and though he
Calder, Richland Park, Rose Bank, even Argyle. from travelling on his on
What a shame that Mr. Thomas might just be, and say BIG UP to the to their radios, since this failed to brighten the
not unlike so many others, blinded by his own nation’s passport. If this West Indies Test was the first match with his batting,
Afro-centricity, and has, therefore, misrepresented is the case, does this cricketers who just international cricket certainly made up for it
a part of our history. with his bowling.
Garth of East Indian Extraction
Police and the public And Shannon Gabriel,
who in the past looked
like one of those fast
bowlers who was going
Tan Tan’s ‘Love Box’ THE MOVE to install (CCTV) cameras
in and around Kingstown is indeed a
move in the right direction. Those
turns into the other lane in order to
save time. The driver realizes he is
wrong, begs to be pardoned in the
to blow himself out,
instead showed that he
is a not just menacing
THE WORRIED mom affectionately called Tan Tan responsible for the idea must be circumstances (re sick person), the but can also take
was concerned about her wayward overseas son she complimented. These cameras, we police officer turns a deaf ear and wickets. Kudos to him!
knew that he had a problem with women, having hope, would help in monitoring illegal issued a ticket. In this case, a warning The batting is still a
multiple marriages, and his liaisons with women activities - including criminal activity could have been sufficient and even little brittle, but when it
were notorious. She thought that threesome meant and traffic infringements, to name a help to get the vehicle back into the
that he had three wives. News carriers told her combines like it did
few. lane and on it was to the hospital, we
that he is reputed to have said that women can be throughout the first test,
I recognize this move will attract assume.
had at three for ten, and this broke her heart. and not depend on one or
some discussion. There would be Police officers would not always be
She raised him up in the Church and had all two batsmen, they can
negative and positive comments and officers, thus it is important that good
expectations of him being a good boy. But what she give the opposition
those who would find ways to beat the public relations be exercised. When
was hearing about him was not good at all. He was something to worry
system. However, I appeal to all there are reports of police brutality,
even going after married folks. He did not have to about.
citizens to give full support to this we are quick ‘to beat’ up on them, but
take after his father. As I write this, it’s
move and trust that it will help in when the officers are attacked,
She prayed for him and longed to get a Day Four of the Second
discouraging criminal activities. brutalised and/or abused, civilians,
registered letter, a postcard, a telephone call, even Test, and the English
I have observed that there is an most of us are quiet.
a telegram. She might not have heard from him men have just bowled us
increase in police presence in terms of Police officers are providing an out in our first innings.
these past 4 1/2 years. As a shopkeeper, she was monitoring vehicles and the traffic. essential service, and with few
not a needy case, yet she yearned to know that her And if the Editor carries
While we commend them for doing exceptions, are doing a wonderful job. this in his edition of
son cared. that, discretion must be exercised Let us build a good relationship
Knowing that Tan Tan suffered from ‘Worries’, Friday 25tth July, we
when issuing tickets. There are some between civilians and police. Let us would have known the
the shop attendants cooked up a plan to help her instances when a simple warning or work together so that we can
feel better about her son. They took some goods outcome of the match
rebuke, or some other means of encourage the officers to do their job which I expect to be one
from the shop, packed a box and had it delivered to dealing with the situation could be well, using discretion and be fair and
Tan Tan, telling her that that box came from her in our favour.
employed rather than ticket. honest. BIG UP to the W.I.
son with love. Tan Tan was so happy with this Let us take for example, where a
‘Love Box’ and was thus consoled. vehicle may stop to pick up someone Kennard King Charles - Edinboro
Anthony Stewart, PhD who is sick, and it is raining, and then
V
10. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
CPEA 2020: Solid evidence of successes in the GonsalvesÊ leadership has failed
Education Revolution LIAT and SVG
Introduction THE CURRENT state of LIAT is due to
mismanagement of and political
THE RESULTS of the recently conducted interference in its operation. Dr. Ralph his government failed to implement
Caribbean Primary Exit Examination magnificence of these percentages is Gonsalves, probably the worst chairman effective policies to manage the
(CPEA) is an excellent indication of the further appreciated when taken in the of LIAT shareholders group, tried his disease. Dr. Godwin Friday, president
significant improvement this country has context of what pertained pre-2001 best to give us the impression over the of the New Democratic Party (NDP)
made in education, specifically primary under the NDP, when the pass rate years that under his watch, business
bordered around 38%-40%. and Leader of Opposition, wrote to Dr.
education and the resulting universal with LIAT had improved. What we have Gonsalves expressing his concerns
access to secondary education, under Beyond the numbers and presently is an airline in liquidation and
percentages presented in the about the situation and made a
this ULP administration. What makes a situation in which Gonsalves has number of recommendations to the
the results even more remarkable is the preceding paragraph are the numbers offered to sell his government’s shares
that show the spread of the results, a government.
fact that these exams were conducted in LIAT to Antigua. His recommendations included:
during a Covid-19 pandemic that rocked testament to the success of the Under Dr. Gonsalves’ leadership,
education revolution that has seen stricter social distancing controls and
the world in ways never before seen, so LIAT has failed to implement a guidelines (that) must be advocated
much so that other countries in this quality education going beyond number of critical decisions which the
Kingstown deep into rural SVG. There publicly and enforced as best we can;
region opted to forego this year’s CPEA. experts believe would have aided its all public gatherings should be
There were many challenges leading up were 31 primary schools that gained survival. For instance, a few years
more than 90% passes among the discouraged and reduced to only what
to this point including the sudden ago, Dr. Gonsalves announced that are necessary to maintain essential
closure of schools that disrupted the students who wrote the exams, with the airline was considering moving
18 of those schools having 100% public services and promote public
teaching/learning process, causing the into the jet age and consideration health; urgently enable testing for the
Ministry of Education to come up with passes among students. The 30 would have been given to flying to
schools with more than 90% pass rate coronavirus in SVG and begin
creative ways to continue the process Miami and Panama. In typical widespread testing; priority should be
online in the interim until a more are spread from Sandy Bay, Park Hill fashion, all of this turned out to be
in the North East, and Chateaubelair given to those who come into contact
practicable solution could be found. empty Gonsalves rhetoric. Dr. with persons who have tested positive
After consultation with all the and Rose Hall in the North West to Gonsalves also reported in 2015 that
Mayreau in the South. As a matter of for the coronavirus or are suspected of
stakeholders in education and there was LIAT’s base would be relocated from being infected with it - waiting for
eventual return to school by primary and fact, only 5 schools of the 31 schools Antigua to Barbados; that never
that gained more than 90% are symptoms to show before testing is a
secondary school students preparing for materialized. risky approach that may create more
their external examinations, providing located in Kingstown. Schools all The management and organization
across the country are seeing harm.
weeks of face to face instruction that of the changeover of LIAT’s fleet Dr. Friday advocated for the
was critical for their preparation. This increased successes in the number of (aircraft) was disastrous. At the time,
passes every year, and it’s due to a country’s borders to be closed for a
decision by the ministry was met by we thought that things could not get short period, but he made it
blistering criticism by some who referred combination of the hard-work, any worse, but what we ended up
discipline and determination of our abundantly clear that our nationals
to the decision as “madness” and “being with was the worst. Surprisingly, should be allowed to return home.
reckless”, accusing the government and students and the dedication of the LIAT purchased a fleet of aircraft that
teachers. One thing is undeniable, After a couple months of dormancy,
specifically PM Gonsalves of “not caring was new, but not improved. The international flights resumed at the
about peoples’ children”. Today, there continues to be major successes question most people asked then:
in the education revolution that can Argyle International Airport in early
however, parents, even those who were Who approved that decision to July. The first flight originated out of
apprehensive in the beginning, are be seen in the improvement in the purchase the aircraft for LIAT?
results our students achieve in schools Miami, the hotspot for the COVID- 19
excited about their children’s We also recall when one of LIAT’s pandemic in the USA, but it appeared
performances and prospects going across the country. No longer is there planes was taken off its scheduled
a feeling among parents, that their that the government did not have an
forward, but also are grateful in route, to take part in a political effective plan to deal with the persons
hindsight that Dr. Gonsalves provided primary school children must attend campaign stunt just before the
the leadership required on this specific “town school” to have a chance of who came into the country. As a
performing well at the primary exit general elections of December 2015 in result of that flight and a subsequent
issue. St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A
exam. one, the number of COVID-19 cases
LIAT aircraft, flown by an all- has increased rapidly and has caused
CPEA 2020 Vincentian crew, brought Dr. Ralph
In the lead up to the CPEA 2020, Conclusion Gonsalves and some of his family and
some panic among the public.
the Ministry of Education took the Now, the government, in its usual
It is pleasing to hear some of the his Unity Labour Party (ULP) reactive style, has to rethink its
bold decision to allow for face to face biggest critics of the ULP supporters, to an unfinished,
instruction in the classroom for Grade position and has implemented new
government’s decision to have face to uncertified, uninsured airstrip at protocols for flights which are
6 students. To facilitate this, the face instructions for our students Argyle. Scheduled flights for
Ministry of Education in collaboration expected to follow. Most people
under the strictest protocols outlined passengers were disrupted as a result believe that these protocols should
with the Ministry of Transport and by the Ministry of Health, Wellness of that stunt.
Works along with BRAGSA, installed have been in place from the first
and the Environment, to admit upon Notwithstanding the airline’s flight. Dr. Gonsalves has also hinted
sanitising stations at all schools to reflection, that the Government was burgeoning debt, the ULP government
ensure that pupils and teachers would that there may be a suspension of
right! The insistence of PM Gonsalves continuously pumped millions of
be able to properly sanitize before that, decisions like these that impact flights from the United States. This
dollars into LIAT, to the shows a lack of vision on the part of
entering the classrooms. In the the lives of Vincentians be made in dissatisfaction of the Vincentian
classroom, seating was arranged to consultation with the experts, using Dr. Gonsalves and his government,
taxpayers. Vincentians were told and amounts to a total failure in the
ensure physical distancing, and face the science and against a bedrock of about the importance of LIAT to this
masks were also worn as an right reason was definitely the way to way the government has managed the
country as the justification even as COVID-19 pandemic.
additional measure to protect teacher go. Imagine for a second, had the some Vincentians were calling for an
and students. The Ministry of knee-jerk advice of Friday and the Undoubtedly, we have seen the
NDP to close school for the rest of the open sky policy, something that Dr. incompetence of Dr. Gonsalves’
Education ensured that all protocols Gonsalves did not entertain for
put in place with the guidance of the year been taken, what would have leadership as chairman of the
been the methodology used to assign discussion. shareholders of LIAT and leader of
Ministry of Health were strictly The last set of money that was
adhered to ensure the safety of pupils to spaces in secondary schools? this country in the time of the
The days when only 800 spaces allotted to LIAT was $2.7 million from COVID-19 pandemic. It is an
everyone. It is generally accepted that needed to be found for pupils (about the government’s COVID-19 stimulus
this additional 6 weeks of face to face embarrassment for a chairman of any
38% of students who wrote the exam) package. The question is: Did anyone business venture for that business to
instructions for students of Grade 6 are over, and this year, more than know that LIAT was on the verge of
went a long way in adequately collapse under his watch. Dr.
1900 eligible students. Yes, the collapse before the COVID-19 Gonsalves has failed as chairman of
preparing the students for this year’s education revolution in SVG that pandemic? Now, LIAT is in
CPEA. ensures universal access to secondary the shareholders of LIAT and still
liquidation and owes its Vincentian does not have the vision to manage
This year’s overall CPEA results education is strong and continues to staff close to $2 million. We hope that
saw 1650 of 1915 pupils gaining a grow and improve. We are yet to hear the COVID-19 pandemic.
the workers are compensated as soon But Dr. Gonsalves’ failure to
passing grade, this represents an Dr. Friday speak to the success of this as possible. However, it is ironic to see
86.16% pass rate, a 1% decrease year’s CPEA, the correctness of the effectively manage, should be no
the mad rush by Dr. Gonsalves to get surprise. He has mismanaged the
compared to last year’s results. decision and congratulate our
Broken down by gender, females students. Maybe he is reflecting as he out of LIAT by offering to sell his country’s economy for nineteen years.
performed better, with 870 females did when this country became the government’s shares in LIAT to We have the worst economy in the
(91%) gaining a passing grade smallest ever to be elected to the Antigua. OECS and an overall unemployment
compared to 780 males (81%) passing United Nations Security Council. But rate of 25% before COVD-19 which,
the CPEA. By any standard, an 86% we await! We in the ULP, like most of COVID-19 according to the Minister of Finance,
pass, would be considered an excellent SVG are happy that we have a wise has increased by 10% since the
performance and as such, we here in PM who leads a creative and capable Dr. Gonsalves continues to pandemic. It’s time for the ULP to go.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are team that understands the gravity of demonstrate poor leadership during The NDP will make SVG work for all
no less excited and proud about the the responsibility entrusted in them. COVID- 19 pandemic. We saw at the Vincentians.
Long live the education revolution! initial stage of the pandemic where
performance of our students. TheV
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020. 11.
Views
Growing curiosity The proof of the pudding is in the eating
First published in the September 23, ‘Revolutions constantly criticize
2016 issue of The Vincentian themselves, constantly interrupt
newspaper. Repeated on 24th July themselves in their own course, return
2020. hunger for newness, and determination to the apparently accomplished, in
that children appear to be born with. order to begin anew; they deride with
“My favourite words are possibilities, As they age it is imperative that they cruel thoroughness the half-measures,
retain that inquisitive state of mind. weaknesses, and paltriness of their Casino Resort in Bahamas. All these
opportunities and curiosity. I think if developments experienced hitches in
you are curious, you create That is how new ideas emerge. That is first attempts.’ Karl Marx
opportunities, and then if you open the how innovation occurs. That is how construction and operations. The story
doors, you create possibilities.” - Mario inventions happen. EVERY ANNOUNCEMENT by the is the same across the region, from
Testino, Peruvian fashion and portrait Dr. Jonathan Wai, writing in 2014, government that it has lured another Dominican Republic and Jamaica in the
photographer. provided us with seven ways to inspire north to Tobago and Barbados in the
investor to our shores is good news if only
curiosity and wonder. He encourages us these proposed hotels or other South. We are all vying for the same
MANY BUSINESSES are looking for to read widely and follow our interests, investments come to fruition. There is notourism dollar.
employees who are prepared to engage in polish our minds with the minds of one in this country or beyond who will We compete among ourselves to
activities that encourage innovation. others, visit a physical bookstore or sneer a developer and in doing so offer
want to see the failure of such projects. At
However, such traits are not automatically library and browse the shelves, be enormous concessions. Sometimes we
the most basic level they will offer jobs as
developed. By nature, individuals tend to willing to ask dumb questions, put a lot gardeners, cleaners, servers, maids, give away ourselves to gain a big-name
have an aversion to taking risk; it seems of ideas and facts in our heads (and not brand. They are given long tax-free
security and other such like all the way up
better and less vulnerable to play it safe rely on Google), be an expert who is to low and middle level supervisors and holidays, concessions to bring in
and simply maintain the status quo. interested in everything, and advises us managers. everything including fruits and
Parents, teachers, and concerned adults to not just focus on puzzles but on And there are the spill offs that comevegetables so the spill off we hope for
play an important role in influencing mysteries. Each of these seven pointers from these kinds of businesses. Taxi don’t often come.
whether or not the children in their care demand an essay of their own. drivers, supermarket owners, farmers We did this review of our most recent
are socialised to grow or not grow their However, readers can extract a wealth and others may benefit. The National attempts at tourism development to
curiosity. of wisdom from simply exploring the Insurance Service will collect as these return to the lead quote from Marx.
Education, in its truest sense, thoughts that emerge even as these businesses pay in their share of Writing 161 years ago Marx said,
prepares citizens for life and for living. seven “pearls of wisdom” are mentioned. benefits. Vinlec and Central Water ‘Revolutions constantly criticize
While it is true that the We can pursue each of these topics and themselves.’ We don’t. ‘Constantly
discover priceless “jewels of knowledge” Authority also stand to benefit as well
parents/guardians have a major role to as these hotels and other businesses interrupt themselves in their own
play in this process, teachers and school as we broaden our horizons and nurture course.’ We are too cocksure to every
similar experiences in those around us. consume a huge amount of water and
administrators are also considered to be electricity. interrupt ourselves. ‘Return to the
major contributors to shaping/moulding It will be observed that several of apparently accomplished in order to
these pointers revolve around reading. We vividly recall when Donald
these young minds. It is therefore Trump splashed into Canouan and begin anew.’ We return alright but only
imperative that teachers make every Reading widely is one sure way of to beat our chest. The education and
growing curiosity. While Internet announced that he was to build a
effort to encourage curiosity and critical billion-dollar development with glitzy health and housing revolutions are
thinking in the wards that have been searches have their value, we need to flawless. They can never be improved
encourage our children to explore the hotels, bars and gold course. Then Plain
intrusted to them. This is just as true Talk simply response was ‘All that on. Not now or in the future. ‘They
for the kindergarten teacher as it is for knowledge and insights gleaned from deride with cruel thoroughness the half-
physical books; drawing attention to the glitters is not Trump.’ We were
those who interact with participants at prepared to let Trump Raffles us to measures, weaknesses, and paltriness of
the tertiary institutions. Curiosity can fact that accessing knowledge via the their first attempts.’ No one dare to
stimulate innovation in products, traditional books aid in the development prosperity.
Later we were feasted on the image express the slightest difference in
services, operational systems, and so of long-term memories. Sir Ken opinion with any pronouncements or
many other aspects of life. Many facets Robinson says it so well when he of David Ames who came pregnant with
money and plans to transform the attainments of the mighty lords.
of society improve when citizens are explains that, “We romanticize the Truth be told, there is no better time
encouraged to use their imagination and curiosity of children because we love Vermont Valley. Our expectant citizens
their innocence. But creativity doesn’t were promised jobs and prosperity than now to remind ourselves that if we
are proactively seeking to push the are to be successful at what we do, only
boundaries of science, the arts, and so happen in a void. Successful innovators galore. This was never completed and
and artists amass vast stores of was forced to close 4 years as creditors the boldest constructive criticism will
on. help us to chart a course that allows us
Our children have a natural tendency knowledge which they can then draw on and law enforcement closed in on the
unthinkingly. Having mastered the crook David Ames. Rather than to avoid past errors and emerging
to be curious. They enjoy investigating pitfalls.
their surroundings. This curiosity, if rules of their domain, they can assisting this country, Ames designed a
concentrate on rewriting them. They Ponzi scheme and feasted on us. When We have to put in place structures
properly harnessed, can lead to many and measures to ensure that we do not
useful inventions. For example, it was mix and remix ideas and themes, the authorities allowed him to skip
the harnessed curiosity of young Grace making new analogies and spotting court thus providing the time for him to over invest in the David Ames’ of this
Brewster Murray Hopper (1906-1992), unusual patterns, until a creative slip out of the country, he owed the world, that we don’t allow for the
née Grace Brewster Murray, as she breakthrough is achieved.” He Vinlec an estimated $1 million dollars emergence of racist enclaves in our
dismantled and reassembled the alarm continues by stressing that, “Anyone in unpaid electricity bills, CWSA country particularly in this
clocks in the house (at age 7) that who stops learning facts for himself $500,000 and the NIS $5 million. consciousness raising era in the wake of
provided her with the confidence to because he can Google them later is We still recall General Secretary the international emergence of the
pursue studies in the sciences. She literally making himself stupid. Julian Francis telling his Star radio Black Lives Matter movement.
specialised in Mathematics and Physics Children who aren’t encouraged by audience that Bucama Resort is the Every announcement by the
at Vassar College before obtaining her adults to commit information to their quintessential ULP project, and the government that it has lured another
Ph.D. in Mathematics at Yale long-term memories are having their party and government stand firmly investor to our shores is good news if
University. Grace was later part of the potential damaged and their desire to behind Ames and Bucama. Workers only these proposed hotels or other
team that invented the Common learn stymied.” were encouraged to see party officials investments come to fruition. There is
Business-Oriented Language (COBOL) It must be stressed that this writer is especially Francis and PM Gonsalves in no one in this country or beyond who
in the early 1960s - the first user- not advocating the discontinuation of the event of troubles. The scheme will want to see the failure of such
friendly business software programme. searching for knowledge via the crashed and workers were left without projects. At the most basic level, they
Such an outstanding example Internet. Certainly not. The take-away salaries and severance pay. Neither the will offer jobs as gardeners, cleaners,
encourages us to invite children to lesson from the foregoing paragraph is ULP nor government stood with them to servers, maids, security and other such
explore and invent — to grow curiosity. that while a vast amount of knowledge ensure that Ames either pay or go to like all the way up to low and middle-
It is most unfortunate that adults can be gleaned from the Internet via our jail for his crimes.
computers, androids, and cell phones, level supervisors and managers. The
(especially parents and teachers) Then there was the grand same tourism dollar.
periodically unwittingly discourage this should not occur at the expense of announcement of the Black Sands
the traditional books. Books still play a We should insist and ensure that
curiosity. This is often as a result of our Resort at Peter’s Hope. Government developers do not import fruits and
not wanting to have children exposed to major role in transferring knowledge turned over to the developers 26 acres
and growing curiosity. Both modes of vegetables that are locally grown. Most
physical and/or emotional dangers. This of land at the fire sale price of EC$6 importantly, these developers should be
is quite understandable (in relation to accessing the information/knowledge
highway are important. They both million. Prime sea front land for made to pay their bills. The poor are
their safety). Sometimes we are peanuts. When ground was broken in
impatient to have them discover various provide opportunities for us to develop disconnected if they miss one or two
depth and breadth of knowledge; they 2017, the Canadian developer promised payments with our utility companies.
aspects of life and knowledge for to take 24 months to build the 400-room
themselves. In our hurry for them to ignite curiosity; and curiosity becomes a Under no conditions should Beaches
useful and priceless conduit to hotel. It is now more than 42 months Sandals or another developer be allowed
gain the knowledge and insights, we since ground was broken and all we
provide them with the answers. There innovation. Curiosity creates to owe millions and refuse to pay
opportunities and those opportunities have is a few concrete shells. workers benefits into the National
may be a host of other reasons why we The proposed hotels at Mt Wynn and
gravitate to providing solutions rather can blossom out to generate rich, noble, Insurance Service.
possibilities. As we seek to improve Diamond have not yet started, while the Only time will tell if the touted
than have them explore — to discover resort planned for the property formerly
the “pearls of wisdom” with limited living conditions for all of our citizens benefits from these developmental
guidance. However, we must avoid we have a responsibility and privilege to owned by Ken Boyea is making some projects will be realized. As the elders
going so far overboard that we stifle grow curiosity. progress. say, ‘the proof of the pudding is in the
their natural inquisitiveness. Across the region governments are eating.’
We have a responsibility to encourage Send comments, criticisms & pinning their hotels and dreams on
curiosity in our wards. Curiosity suggestions to Hotel development. In Grenada, there is
the Kawana Bay Resort, Singulari
Send comments, criticisms &
embraces the quest for intelligence, a julesferdinand@gmail.com suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
Resort in Antigua, and Baha MarYou can also read
