From RRL to YLM Illness delays Black Sands
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 VOLUME 114, No.05 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50
Laying Sir Illness delays No $$$ for Child From RRL A special
Frederick to rest Black Sands Justice Act to YLM coffin maker
Pages 19-26 Page 3 Page 9 Page 31 Page 40
2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020. 3.
News 3
Aggregate
shortage, a
real issue
THE AVAILABILITY OF AGGREGATE Scotia or Georgia.
Incomplete villas at the Peter’s Hope Black
Sands Resort. (Facebook photo – Jan. 2020)
for use by the asphalt plat(s), is “But we have to import some
causing a serious setback to the
progress of the road works
programme in the country.
Further setback is anticipated,
aggregate in the meantime to kick
start this developmental
programme … all these hotels to
be built, all these roads to be
Minister gives
given the challenges surrounding
the location of an asphalt plane in
the Gibson Corner area, and the
repaired,” he told the House of
Assembly.
Two million dollars had been
account of NLA
delay occasioned by the process of
identifying an alternate location.
This was the scenario outlined
allocated in the 2020 budget to
facilitate this purchase, the
minister said, and explained to
gross revenue
PRIZES AND EXPENSES ACCOUNTED for 55
by Minister of Transport and the Members that aggregate for
Works, Senator Julian Francis as use in the mix with asphalt was Senator Julian Francis, Minister percent of the total gross earnings of the National
he addressed the House of different from that used in of Works, was at pains to explain Lotteries Authority (NLA) for the financial year
Assembly on January 22. construction. why the implementation of road August 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019. Total gross
Francis explained further that He said that government improvement programmes were earnings/sales of the NLA for the period amounted
there was a shortage of the needed to get involved in the being delayed. to EC$68,881,785.
commodity throughout the region, production of aggregate for All of this was disclosed by Minister of Finance
with Dominica and Grenada being asphalt, and that there were two spoken out against the latter. Camillo Gonsalves in response to a question by
among those similarly affected. plants to be set up, one in “We have everything else, but the Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday, at
Moves are afoot, Francis said, Richmond and other in it’s the aggregate,” he said. (DD) the January 22 sitting of the House of Parliament.
to import from suppliers in Nova Kingstown, but residents have Of this, Gonsalves said that 76 percent went
towards direct expenses, with
EC$37.9 million being paid out in
Illness causes delay at Black Sands Development, the
prizes and expenses, management
fees accounted for 10 percent or
EC$6.9 million; agents’ commission
— 8 percent or EC$5.5 million, and
company undertaking other direct expenses accounted for
the investment at EC$2 million, for a total of
Peter’s Hope, had EC$52,350,000.
purchased 36 acres of Gonsalves gave a breakdown of
land on the Peter’s the remaining EC$16.5 million,
Hope estate for EC$7 saying that approximately EC$4.8
million, for the million went toward administrative
purpose of developing expenses; EC$9 million went
a tourist-related toward the contribution and
project. support of numerous projects, with
The project, named the primary one being Carnival
Black Sands Resort, which he said accounted for EC$3.1
was originally million.
designed to include Other activities where the NLA
the construction of 40 made contributions include Inter-
villas (ten in the first School Sports, the National Sports
phase of the Council, and other sporting
construction), activities including cricket, netball,
followed by swimming, athletics, football,
construction of a 350- tennis, fishing, gymnastics, squash,
room hotel in two motor sports, cycling, basketball
phases. and other sporting activities,
At a ground- amounting to EC$907,000.
breaking ceremony in Funds were also allocated to
February 2017, the playing field expenses and
investors indicated educational and medical costs.
that the project A number of projects received
would be complete in funding from the NLA, including
24 to 30 months. the Union Island hard court
THE DELAY IN programme on Xtreme FM, that the person in command Given the delays rehabilitation project, the
CONSTRUCTION at the on Thursday 23. fell ill while in Canada, and what is already on the construction of the Choppins hard
Black Sands Resort in According to the Prime thereby delaying his return ground, it seems unlikely court complex, the London playing
Peter’s Hope was due mainly Minister, there was a break and recommencement of that the Resort will be ready field pavilion, the Villa tennis
to the fact that the person in in construction in mid- work at the Peter’s Hope to accommodate guest by facility, the Chili playing field and
charge of overseeing the December, and the principals site. year end, though the the Fairhall hard court, as well as
project fell ill. of the Company overseeing It was the Prime Minister of Tourism Cecil Mc the maintenance of existing
This was disclosed by the construction left for Minister’s anticipation that Kie is optimistic that some projects that are under the
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Canada on December 12/13. . work would recommence by degree of readiness will be supervision of the NLA, Gonsalves
Gonsalves while speaking on Dr. Gonsalves added that the last week of January. effected in five months, i.e. said. (DD)
the Wake-Up morning radio it was his understanding Canadian firm PACE July. (KH)
V
4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Court
First female DPP appointed
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS programme on WeFM morning the Eastern Caribbean local bar about ten years ago,
programme last Sunday, Supreme Court Janice Periera and worked in the DPP’s
THIS COUNTRY has got it first mentioned that Sejilla at the request of this country’s Office as Crown Counsel
female Director of Public McDowall was appointed DPP. Attorney General Jaundy before being appointed to act
Prosecutions (DPP). She had been acting in that Martin. as DPP in 2018.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph capacity since Colin Williams When contacted for a She is the daughter of
Gonsalves during a call-in retiredfrom the position in comment on Monday, she told former Assistant
2018, to take up duties as THE VINCENTIAN, “I Commissioner of Police and
Sejilla McDowall now High Court Judge in Belize. haven’t gathered my thoughts Head of the Criminal
enjoys a significant place McDowall’s position was as yet!” Investigation Department
in this country’s history. confirmed by Chief Justice of McDowall was called to the (CID), Ekron Lockhart.
Drug Squad veteran replaced. “Don’t pre-judge,”
ÂNothing unusualÊ, says CoP Judge warns
COMMISSIONER of Police Colin and acted as CID Chief for just John had told THE
John has denied that the removal over a year when then CID Chief JUSTICE Angelica
VINCENTIAN January 16, that Teelucksingh, a national
of Assistant Superintendent of Ruth Jacobs went on pre- the Richmond Vale raid was not of Trinidad and Tobago
Police (ASP) Foster Scott and retirement leave about two years authorized by the hierarchy of the who is here to assist
Corporal Lafleur Williams from ago. Police Force. with reducing the
the Narcotics Unit, commonly That Department is headed by He had assured that measures backlog of cases before
called the Drug Squad, had Superintendent Clouston Francis. would be taken to ensure that a the Assizes, has warned
anything to do with the recent Corporal Lafleur Williams has report would be submitted, as to jurors not to pre-judge
destruction of a marijuana farm been sent back to the Rapid why it was done, as there is a matters.
at Richmond Vale by the police. Response Unit (RRU) where she governmental policy of tolerance The Judge, who took
According to the Commissioner, had been attached prior to her up duties at the new
in place with regard to marijuana
there was nothing unusual about stint with the Narcotics Unit. Criminal Court inside
administrative changes and Scott and Williams’ cultivation, during this period, the Marcole Plaza,
transfers in the Police Force. reassignments have sparked when a marijuana amnesty is Kingstown, told the
ASP Scott was attached to the widespread public debate, and it soon to be triggered. Jurors, “Leave your
Narcotics Unit for approximately is speculated in some circles that This policy was discussed at a prejudices behind; leave
26 of his 27 years as a police the development was linked to the meeting of all senior police all sorts of emotions Justice Angelica
officer, and headed that Unit for January 14 police raid as officers, and should have been outside the court room. Teelucksingh laud
close to seven years. He has been referenced earlier. filtered down to all police officers. Come to a verdict on the down the ‘law’ as it
replaced by veteran detective ASP But the Commissioner told When asked on Tuesday basis of the evidence of applied jurors.
Hesran Ballantyne, effective as of THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, whether any report was the case.
last week Thursday. “From time to time, there would submitted, John said some reports “Don’t pre-judge the case on the basis of what
you read in the newspapers or what you hear
Scott is now second-in- be administrative changes and were submitted and the matter outside. You are here to deal with the evidence,
command of the Criminal transfers in the Police Force, and was being investigated. He, and that part of the evidence which you deem to
Investigation Department (CID), this is just one of those changes.” however, denied that Scott’s be true will constitute the facts in the case.”
the position Ballantyne held prior The top cop added that there replacement or any of the other Justice Teelucksingh stressed the significant
to his recent reassignment. were also other recent changes in changes were connected to the role jurors play in the development of their
Ballantyne had been attached other departments of the investigation. country.
to CID for more than 20 years, constabulary. The Judge pointed out that it is their
opportunity to decide, based on the evidence of the
Grenadian granted bail on cases, how they want their country to be run.
money laundering charge Jamaican pleads
A GRENADIAN national, who
appeared at the Serious Offences
Court on Wednesday on a money
saying, “but different territories.
We are all sovereign nations.”
The Prosecutor said his
would not happen. I am so glad
that the Governor General bury in
a breadfruit wood box. It would
guilty to ganja
laundering charge, was granted
bail despite objections from the
prosecution.
objection to bail was on the basis
that Joseph was considered a
flight risk.
help us to get rid of breadfruit
mentality.
“I must go to the funeral this
possession
Christopher Joseph, 46, is But Joseph’s lawyer Grant afternoon. One of the richest men A JAMAICAN national, who is facing charges of
charged with having in his Connell argued that former in St. Vincent and the Grenadines possession, trafficking and attempting to export
possession criminal property, to proprietor of the Buccament Bay bury in a breadfruit wood box.” marijuana from these shores, returns to the Serious
wit EC$10,880 and US$20 which Resort, David Ames owed the The prosecutor noted that a Offences Court today (Friday).
he knew or suspected, whole or in Government of St. Vincent and removal order was made for Novian Travis Vaught-Mullins is charged in
part, directly or indirectly, the Grenadines millions of dollars, Joseph when he initially appeared connection with the seizure of 30 pounds of
represent the proceeds of criminal but was not considered a flight before the Kingstown Magistrate’s
conduct. risk. Court. marijuana at the Argyle International Airport on
Joseph pleaded not guilty to Connell noted that his client But Connell argued that the July 28, 2019. He is accused of possession with
the charge before Chief had a girlfriend here, and had criminal charge was brought intent to supply, possession for the purpose of drug
Magistrate Rechanne Browne, come to buy fish. after, and the Financial trafficking, and attempting to export the drug.
and was granted $4,000 bail with “So, because he is Rasta, and Intelligence Unit (FIU) may have When the 29-year-old mechanic of Kingston,
one surety, on condition that he has $11,000 on him, he came to applied for the forfeiture of the Jamaica, returned to the Serious Offences Court on
report to the Calliaqua Police buy ganja. So what, that’s our money. Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to the charge of
Station every Monday and chief crop,” Connell queried. Connell said that if the possession, but maintained his innocence on the
Thursday. He will return to Court “Where is his girlfriend living?” defendant was removed from others.
March 5. the Magistrate asked, to which these shores, he would have to The matter was adjourned to today after Senior
In objecting to bail earlier, Connell replied, “Revierre.” seek permission to re-enter the Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court
Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Connell pointed out that, state to challenge the application. that he would have to discuss the way forward, in
Delpleche began with a line from “Grenada is right there, and you The Magistrate said she was relation to the case, with the Director of Public
a former local calypso monarch know we will send our police for mindful to grant bail, but the Prosecutions (DPP).
Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance’s him, just like how Grenada sends removal order would have to take The Jamaican, who is represented by Attorney
calypso, “One Caribbean nation”. their police. effect after the matter was Grant Connell, had initially pleaded not guilty to all
Delpleche added, his own lines, “If he was caucasian, this disposed of. three charges.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020. 5.
News
‘No suggestion
of negligence,’
Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER Ralph
Gonsalves said that he has not
seen any evidence of negligence
that could have resulted in the
death of a Pole Yard man while
he was a patient at the Milton
Cato Memorial Hospital.
He, however, announced that
a medical review would be
carried out in relation to the
death.
Arnott Hope, a fisherman
from Pole Yard, was shot in the
groin area at his home on
December 27, 2019. He was
taken to the Milton Cato
Memorial Hospital (MCMH)
where he underwent surgery.
He showed no adverse signs
after the surgery, his family
said, but he died a day later.
Hope’s family has since
retained the services of
Attorney Israel Bruce, since
there was some indication that
a pair of forceps (scissors-like
instrument) was left in the
man’s body, and that it may have Arnott Hope, deceased, remains at
played a role in his death. the centre of an ongoing inquiry into
Speaking at a press conference on a surgical procedure carried out at
Tuesday 21st at Cabinet Room, the the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
Prime Minister noted that there were negligence by those in the medical
some questions raised about the system here ….. but it is important,
management of a patient at the Milton given what was said to me, that I
Cato Memorial Hospital. However, asked for a full report …. I raised the
when he inquired, there was no question as to whether or not this
suggestion that there was any patient received the optimal care from
negligence in relation to the matter. the time the patient arrived to the
Notwithstanding that preliminary moment of his demise, and the
finding, he asked the Chief Medical answers to those queries can only
Officer, Dr Simone Keizer-Beache, to come through an independent review,”
discuss the matter with professionals said Gonsalves.
in the Ministry of Health. “I know we had a big launch of the
The service of a Professor of Patients’ Charter of Rights and
Surgery - Dr Vijay Naraynsingh from Responsibilities….. well if this is the
Trinidad - has been engaged to assist first case in which we are going to
with a full review. have a review, so be it,” he
“There is no suggestion of commented. (KH)
V
6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
Energy
Optimism surrounds
geothermal project
THE TESTED temperatures at the three according to Dr. Gonsalves, the
drilling sites of the Geothermal Project planned action is for continued
here are adequate for geothermal power. stimulation with increased pressure to
This assurance was given by Prime open fractures and increase flow
Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves during capacity.
the last session of Parliament, in And at the third site, SVG03, which
response to a question by was conducted between November
Parliamentary Representative for 2019 and January 15, 2020, similar
West Kingstown, Daniel Cummings. permeability challenges developed at
In his response, Gonsalves 2990 meteres — however the
explained that as of December 31, temperatures recorded measured 230 The Geothermal Project is all part of government’s thrust towards increased
2019, there were three wells - SVG01, degrees Celsius and were calculated to exploitation of renewal energy sources.
SVG02 and SVG03 - and the amount go as high as 250 degrees.
spent so far was US$32.94 million.
Drilling at SVG01, April to July
Going forward, Gonsalves said that
the rig will be relocated to SVG01 VINLEC advances its SOLAR projects
2019, went to a depth of 2700 metres, where work will be done to rectify the St. Vincent Electricity Services means that it is connected to
but the well was proved unstable at collapsed well by sidetracking. Limited (VINLEC) continues to VINLEC’s electrical network. He
1880 to 1890 metres and collapsed, the Given the success of stimulation at capitalise on opportunities to noted that it was commissioned on
PM reported. SVG01, it is expected that the rig will implement alternative energy Saturday, December 28th, 2019, and
The temperature results from this be moved to SVG03 where the solutions and efficient utilisation of as of January 20th, 2020 produced
site, though, reached 105 degrees procedure will be done again using the resources for electricity generation. 3806 units. The average daily
The latest initiative is a car park production up to January 20th, 2020
Celsius. packer, and further stimulation will canopy constructed at the Cane Hall was 163 units.
At the second site, SVG02, which commence following the work on Engineering Complex. The canopy, All designs, equipment
was worked on between August and SVG03 if that is deemed successful. which has solar panels installed at procurement and installation for the
October 2019, the same challenges as Following the well testing, which is the top of the structure, serves as a PV aspect of project were done in-
the first site developed at 2800 metres expected to be done in July this year, shaded area for vehicles, while house, in accordance with the
and it too collapsed. the well capacity will be known and simultaneously converting the sun’s Company’s mandate to build in-house
Temperatures of 220 degrees the economic analysis updated, energy into electricity. Solar panels capacity.
Celsius were recorded at this site and, Gonsalves said. (DD) were also installed on the roofs of the VINLEC’s initial solar energy
Transformer and Backup Generator project was launched in February
sheds on the compound. 2010 with the commissioning of the
According to Engineer in Training Cane Hall Engineering Complex solar
Mr Raheem Hall, a total of one power system. This project was
hundred and fourteen (114) solar expanded in 2013, with the
panels, each capable of producing 325 energising of a system on the Stores
watts, were installed - eighty-eight on Building at Cane Hall.
the carport and twenty-six on the The Company also has solar
adjacent generator and transformer systems at the Lowmans Bay and
building. The total (alternating Union Island Power Stations. Work
current) AC power output of the on the Mayreau Microgrid Solar
system is 30 kilowatts, with a peak of Project is in the final phase. Upon its
33 kilowatts. completion, the island will become
This addition of solar panels has the second Grenadine island to have
the capacity to produce 60,000 a solar/battery/diesel microgrid
kilowatt-hours (units) per year. It is system; Union Island was the first,
anticipated that this amount of power with the system there being
will reduce the use of fuel for the commissioned in 2019.
generation of electricity by VINLEC is planning to upgrade its
approximately 3,272 imperial gallons first experimental solar system at the
annually. This installed capacity of Cane Hall Engineering Complex to at
solar can supply an estimated thirty- least four times its present size.
five average-sized homes in St. Recently purchased equipment,
Vincent with electricity for twelve including a pyranometer and light
months. For reference, the average sensor logger, will facilitate on-going
monthly consumption for a domestic work to determine the best location
customer is approximately 141 units. for further PV development. (Source:
Mr Hall says the system is a grid- VINLEC)
tied solar system, which simply
The car port (foreground) and the Stores Building (background) at the
VINLEC Cane Hall operating base, showing roofs covered with solar panels.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020. 7.
V
8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 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
NLA pillars
rearranged
COULD SOMEONE PLEASE REMIND been lost by these community,
the Unity Labour Party about the village based social/charitable
original purposes for which the groups having recognized the
National Lottery was established? impact it has had on the psyche of
And while we are at it, could that the average Vincentian?
someone also please remind the The overwhelming purview
Board of Directors of what is now accorded the NLA by the
the National Lotteries Authority legislations on which it currently
(NLA) about these said pillars of sits, makes it an obvious first stop
foundation? by sport and cultural groups in
When we hear about how the this country — whether those be
NLA grossed near EC$70 million National Organisations or
for the period August 1, 2018 to community-based groups.
July 31, 2019, one is heartened The ‘nuisance’ of having to
since we expect that the greater respond to all and sundry, is a
percentage of the retained consequence of its own making as
earnings will go towards the it wields authority/influence over
advancement of sports and sporting facilities and cultural
culture; and that these festivals.
investments will rebound in favour And on the note of Festivals,
of the country as a whole and not isn’t it worrisome that, given the
to some partisan agenda. national thrust towards building a
It does not, given what the Festival Tourism niche— Carnival, Sir Frederick Ballantyne is third from right in the back row, while Dr. Kenneth John
Minister of Finance disclosed in Nine Mornings, Bequia Music is seated second from left in the front row.
parliament recently; that this is Fest, Easter Regatta, Blues fest —
so, or if it is, it is deliberately that so little — comparatively
Dr. Frederick Nathaniel
biased in terms of sports, which speaking - is accorded to this area?
offer the window of construction of According to the Minister of
infra-structural support (playing Finance, Carnival and carnival-
fields, etc.) which translate in related activities during the NLA
more favourable gain at the end of
the five-year run.
Culture, on the other hand, its
fiscal year July 2018 to August
2019, were accorded assistance to
the tune of $3 million.
Ballantyne has left us
value measured in less tangible A few days after this revelation, AS PRONOUNCED by ‘Lawd Hawk’,
but much moreso in aesthetic the Prime Minister alluded to Freddie Ballantyne pitched his camp in
terms, offers a perceived smaller having requested some EC$5 the “Slum”. Freddie went to the great
and less impacting return at the million from the NLA for the beyond sometime last week, not only a
end of the five-year run. construction phase of the hero but a very virtuous, quiet and gentle
There’s no disputing that the Diamonds Athletic Track. person, although in fact he was a
NLA is a behemoth supported and So, when they say “we have to Governor General with all sorts of
protected by legislation, which look for the money to do this and degrees and personal wealth and could, if a brilliant student from the Stephens
gives it total purview over all that,” remember that money he wanted to, throw his weight around. family in Ratho Mill, who suddenly died
games of chance - a polished way comes from the citizenry - it is our But in the words of saintly Monty Maule, in the prime of his life. We took Freddie’s
of saying gambling. money. who preached at his funeral, he died a bus, partly because the Stephens family
And in the circumstance, there Like the fact that carnival was saint. was close to the Balantyne family.
remains a fundamental question: to be a major recipient of the I have known Freddie for about 70 For some time, Freddie and I were
How much of the retained Lottery’s returns, followed closely years all together. I attended the associated in acting plays in school or in
earnings goes back directly to the by sports, with an amount also set Grammar School in 1948 and Freddie in our forms. ‘If Music is the Food of Life
small community groups — e.g. the aside for the Hospital. If Bertram 1947, a year before me and in age as well. Play On’ was one of them; another was ‘A
village cricket team, a social and ‘Molly’ Arthur were able of mind Somehow we gravitated towards each Mid Summer’s Night Dream’ where I
cultural group, a group of and body, he would attest to the other. In a few years time, he got his played a female. In fact, for some strange
environment activists - that have Lottery being originally driver’s licence so he drove his mother’s reason, I found myself acting as a female
been shoved out of the games of established to serve Carnival, bus ‘Lady Olivia’ to school, to take the in about 3 plays, including classic John
chance market? Sport and the Hospital in that pupils who had to go out on some Milton’s ‘Comus’ in which I had to say
No longer does the average order. Somewhere in time, those occasions, with me as the co-pliot sitting some powerful lines.
adult Vincentian, including low pillars seemed to have been next to him and no other. One such Our cultural activities at school were
income earners, give that loose rearranged. occasion was the funeral of ND then managed by a brilliant classical
$5.00 to a community or charitable It’s time to give culture McPherson Jack of Arnos Vale, who had master, AW Blackett. When rehearsing,
cause, save and except may be the (carnival moreso) its originally died suddenly of a heart attack. Perhaps a circle of students gathered along the
annual Salvation Army Kettle designed share of the NLA who knows, this was where Freddie’s hall. I learned to play Bridge and Skittles
Appeal. Would the Lottery think earnings. interest in cardiology began. Soon to
about offsetting what might have follow was the funeral of Vibert Stephens, Continued on Page 33.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020. 9.
Arts/Festivals
Bequia Musicfest 2020: On the go!
LAST WEDNESDAY, January 29 was opening night of headlined the Jazz and Candlelight Dinner and
much- anticipated and highly acclaimed Bequia Mount concert event, which opened the Festival on
Gay Musicfest 2020 – the Bequia Tourism Association’s Wednesday, January 29th. Soulful Jazz Vocalist
live five-day long annual entertainment Festival running Kellie Cadogan was also featured on opening night.
from January 29th to February 2nd. Musicfest 2020 showcased a large Vincentian
Some 130 musicians from SVG, Barbados, St. contingent this year with internationally acclaimed
Lucia, Antigua, Martinique, Trinidad & Tobago, St. violinist Darron Andrews and DaBand also playing
Marten, the UK, Canada and SVG were down to on opening night.
perform in six events in five days. Thursday night was a free event, but activities
Original and unique World Beat Soca vocalist were focused at the Frangipani Hotel with the 14-
Olatunji out of Trinidad, headlines the Saturday piece Elite Steel Orchestra, followed by DJ Addicted.
Fete Night at De Reef in Lower Bay, as well as Musicfest favourite Rodney Small and the RS
Barbados’ Hypasounds, and SVG’s Jamesy P and Band is set to light up tonight, Friday, at the
Chewalee backed by our own K-netik. Bequia Plantation Hotel.
Jazz great Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson out of St. Lucia Canada’s Shuffle Demons funk band also brought
their high-energy performance to the Friday Nite
Live at the Plantation, as well as popular Barbados Bequia Blues Band was among a cavalcade of
local and regional acts on
Kevan Sahai and the Crashers rock and roll band
Saturday at Plantation Hotel.
who headlined that night.
Saturday Afternoon’s “Live Music Under the
Palms” at the beautiful Plantation Hotel will feature Association Sabrina Mitchell
Martinique Creole band GBK, along with the anticipates an “awesome and
Bequia Blues Band, guitarist Joshu from Antigua, enjoyable week, showcasing the
UK Jazz singer Zeeteah Massiah, as well as SVG’s highest standard of hospitality
vocalist Sarah Mark. to our locals and visitors,
And some of Vincy’s best soca artistes were set to bringing music to suit all
rock De Reef on Soca Sunday, February 2. Among tastes.” (Source: Bequia
these: Fonando, Dymez and DaPixel, Lpank, Keith Musicfest)
Currency, Sita, Caspa G, Magikal and LPank.
International DJ “Outkast” from St. Marten Internationally renowned
making his Musicfest debut, is expected to bring guitarist Ronald ‘Boo’ Hickson
down the house for the Soca Sunday event! headlined the Jazz and
Bequia’s talented young pan side the Kids on Pan Candlelight Dinner and
will also perform on Soca Sunday. Concert, Musicfest’s opening
event.
GBK of Martinique was expected to bring their Festival Director and
special touch to Saturday’s ‘Live Music Under the Chairperson of the
Palms’. Bequia Tourism
ÂHanceÊ, ÂProblem ChildÊ
vying for Soca honours
VINCENTIAN Soca Corporation (CDC).
artistes Hance ‘Hance’ Others whose
John and Shertz names were
‘Problem Child’ James submitted by the
have been selected as CDC but who
semi-finalists in the failed to make the
Groovy and Power Soca semi-final cut
categories respectively, were Derron
of the 2020 International ‘Magikal’ Rouse,
Scoa Monarch staged in Villroy ‘Tuffa’ Jac,
Trinidad and Tobago.
Chewalee Johnson
That round of
competition is scheduled and Vasita ‘Sita
for tomorrow night, the Lyrical Diva’
Saturday 2nd February. Caine.
While ‘Problem Child’ In related news, Hance John is the
was selected on an the CDC has disclosed reigning Ragga Soca
independent entry, that it will be “ramping Monarch of SVG.
‘Hance’ was chosen from up our Vincy Mas Synergy’s programme
a list of entries promotions in Trinidad ‘Pon-de-Avenue.
submitted on behalf of a & Tobago.” The showcase is
list of artistes by the Towards this end, on expected to feature
Carnival Development Thursday 20th February, various aspects of Vincy
the CDC will do a live culture and festivals, and
showcase on interviews of CDC
Synergy TV from officials and Vincy
6.00 pm to 9.00 artistes.
pm, as part of The event will be
Shertz ‘Problem streamed live on
Child’ James is a SYNERGY TV and VC3
former Road TV.
March winner Other media
here and is establishments, the CDC
known to have said, would be covering
composed for the activities and news
many top artistes stories are expected to be
in Trinidad and published in Toronto,
Tobago. Miami and the UK.
V
10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN
News feature
No $$ For Child
Justice Act Financial support vital
of the current
estimates from
which she
Stephenson, in his discerned some The Child Justice Act found favour with both
3 new social sides of the House of Assembly and was
December debate,
acknowledged the financial worker passed in December 2019.
significance of implementing positions, 4
the Child Justice Act. “This child
bill would have some very protection officers and 5
serious implications for the maintenance workers were
Ministry of Finance, and I allotted to the Social
know that the Permanent Development Ministry “…that
Secretary and staff in the is what you say is your
Ministry of National projection? Are we for real? In
Mobilization have been the normal operation of
discussing personnel and staff business in St. Vincent and
to carry this bill forward, and the Grenadines, we needed
that the discussions are more social workers. So, I take
ongoing,” he said. this to mean that you
In the December 27th recognize that fact. I don’t see
Debate, Bacchus-Baptiste how this can bring the Child
Justice Act into operation. Minister of Finance Camillo
supported the precepts Gonsalves said government
enshrined in the then Bill, This is cosmetic… It is too
Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste said she is yet to find any little, too little,” Bacchuss- was committed to ‘improving
direct, substantial financial support for the Child Justice Act saying, “The most important the quality and quantity of
part of passing this Child Baptiste said.
in the 2020 Estimates. She concluded by disclosing persons in its employ’ and
Justice Act is to have a
national policy, a national a very recent case that this was taken to include
framework that would make required her legal services the adequate human resource for
Most notably, the new law previous Sunday. Senator the Child Justice Act.
increased the age of criminal the Act work.”
The West St. George MP- Bacchus-Baptiste told the
responsibility — the minimum House of a minor who was
age that an individual can be hopeful then looked at several the Child Justice Act.
incarcerated at a police station Minister Stephenson
charged, arrested or otherwise cost centres that must be holding cell “for the weekend” declined to offer further debate
held accountable for alleged financed in order to make the
in illustration of the dire on the issue.
offences — from eight (8) years Act effective in its entirety, seriousness of the
old up to twelve (12). As such, e.g. child friendly government’s failure to enact
a child under twelve years old detention/assessment centres, jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com
would not be prosecuted for additional social workers,
alleged offences. Additionally, trainings for police and other
the Act outlaws corporal professionals who may have to
punishment as well as life interact with alleged offending
sentences for minors. minors, as well as the
The Act also looks at compulsory provision of legal
alternative measures to aid to all alleged offending
address concerns relating to minors.
alleged offenders including
Frederick Stephenson, whose securing attendance of a child No financial support
portfolios include at an initial enquiry, and the
responsibility for the Family establishment of assessment Fast forward to January 22
(Children), gave early centres and residential and Finance Minister Camillo
indication that he recognised facilities “for the reception, Gonsalves’ presentation of the
that the Act was no use evaluation or rehabilitation of 2020 Estimates of Revenue
unless it was adequately a child,” Minister Frederick and Expenses; he is reported
supported financially. Stephenson explained in his to have told parliament, “The
December 27th parliamentary government will build on its
NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S debate. track record of improving the
Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste Minister Stephenson, whose quality and quantity of
has dismissed the government’s ministerial portfolio includes persons in its employ.” He
passage of the Child Justice Act Social Development, National then proceeded to list several
as merely a “PR stunt,” and Mobilisation et al, also new civil service positions
fingered the government for disclosed that a Child Justice approved by his Ministry, as
failing to properly finance the Committee is to be set up to part of the estimated $1.12
implementation of the Act, guide what would be the billion allocated for spending
which is awaiting proclamation. “informal” judicial process. in 2020.
Vincentian lawmakers This is in support of a In her response, Bacchus-
convened last December to principal tenet of the new law Baptiste said “I searched the
pass the Child Justice Act. dubbed Diversion. Estimates to see if there’s
This new Act is meant to not Under the Act, Diversion anything at all to support this
only bring the country into allows for the Child Justice serious implementation of the
compliance with United Committee (comprising of a Child Justice Act and I cannot
Nations conventions and magistrate, a religious find it.” The Senator then
OECS led commitments, but minister and two social reminded the House that both
more importantly, it workers) to remove alleged sides agreed, in the December
configured to manage the offending minors’ cases from debate, that it would cost a
“judicial process for children the formal courtroom notable sum to implement the
accused of committing proceedings to “minimize Child Justice Act. “But I note
offences.” The Act, therefore, children’s contact with the that there is no money at all
protects the rights of children, criminal justice system,” projected in the Estimates up
especially those that come into Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste to 2022 for this Child Justice
conflict with the law. further clarified in support of Act,” Bacchus-Baptiste
the Act’s passage. highlighted.
Some tenets of the New Act She was guided to page 239V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020. 11.
Letters
not 500 business persons
AIA canÊt take off
THE INCOMPETENCE of PM purchasing a Bentley, (car) connection to airlines, assessed
travelling to and from SVG
yearly.
Even if agriculture were
risen from the grave, export by
ships presents a more
Gonsalves and his regime as far when all he can truly afford is the potential of the AIA as affordable option for both
as finance and financial to travel by minibus daily. being a minus factor to the farmers and buyers.
management are concerned, is Over EC$1bn was spent on economy. It’s going to take more than a
clearly demonstrated at the AIA. the AIA construction, despite. In a nutshell, the current miracle for the AIA to generate
An Airport Financial It will take some time for it, if schedule of flights in and out ofa plus factor to the SVG
Management expert and at all it can, to deliver a plus the AIA cannot sustain it. economy.
Budget Analyst told this writer factor to SVG economy. Even worse is that airlines
that the construction of the AIA In conversation with this continue to arrive and depart Kadmiel McFee
is the equivalent of a poor man writer, two persons with high with empty seats, and there are Independent politician
Disappointed with Get off that fence
NB: Edited for purposes “…How long will you go the worship of the L-rd.
our journalism of length.
OVER the years, it is
limping between the two
sides? If Yahweh is
Elohim, follow him; but if
What will it take to
awaken you to get you
off that fence?
that the way is not easy,
he did not re-express his
commitment. Yahshua
‘IS THE NEWS too negative?’, the Messiah asks a
obvious that many Baal, then follow him…” In Luke 9: 57 — 62,
I might be old-timish, but I find that the media second person to follow
Christian groups are In this present age, Yahshua deals with
(newspaper, radio, TV, internet news) take pleasure using the name Yahweh Him, but the man begs
there are some people three individuals who
and look forward to reporting how many persons in their worship who from time to time do to be excused so that he
were killed or shot or something related to violence. typify so many modern- could bury his father.
interchangeably with L- not want to offend day people interested in
The media hardly ever take the time to highlighting rd and G-d. There are family, friends, or The third individual
the positive things that are happening in our religion. The first promises to follow the
many instances of a acquaintances, so they individual promises that
country. similar wavering maintain their old links Teacher, but he would
Sometimes I wonder why I continue to read and he will follow the rather first bid farewell
attitude recorded to the popular worship of Messiah wherever He
listen to the news. throughout the Sacred the L-rd. On one hand, to his family. (Will his
You would swear that SVG is the only country goes, but when Yahshua family coax him to
Scriptures. Ancient they seek to worship the
that has a crime problem. Our journalists are too Israel, not wishing to reminds him that taking remain at home?). We
True Elohim Yahweh,
lazy to investigate what’s happening in other offend either Yahweh or but on the other hand, on himself such an cannot look back in
islands, and present the news as balanced as Baal (Lord,) was their heartstrings obligation is not one of retrospect but must be
possible. challenged by Eliyah, remain tightly knotted to glamour or prestige, and
No way man… our journalists prefer to take the firm in our decision to
easy road out and report on the dirty politics and serve Yahweh. You have
the crime that we have here. And I suppose that is
what most Vincentians want.
All in all, I am disappointed with the style of
Family: The bedrock to burn the bridges
leading back to the past.
Have you placed the
Kingdom of Yahweh first
journalism.
I hope, Mr. Editor, that you will publish this THE FAMILY plays a friends — persons to any child. It is when in your life? Do you seek
letter. major role in the whom they can talk at they are searching and to emulate the
development of any any time on any subject. experimenting. This righteousness of Yahweh
Harry P nation. Many of the Many children have make it easier for them in your daily existence,
Kingstown social ills — crime, issues, but seldom are in a situation of a strong or have you concentrated
violence, suicides — arise they allowed to speak up relationship built on love simply upon the physical
from poor family and out. More often they and understanding. rather than the
Nip it in structure, e.g. single
parent homes.
For an effective and
strong family, the
are rebuked, condemned, May we have a spiritual? It is time to
even told to shut up. Do restoration of the family get down off that fence,
most parents know what this year so as to prevent to go to the right side, to
their children are facing all the social ill. May correct your life, and
the bud
IF IT IS AS attorney Grant Connell said, i.e. that
following must obtain:
Christ must be the
head of the home, i.e.
that Christ should be
and what are the issues God bless this nation’s
affecting them? Spending children and give us
time with them is of
utmost priority; listen to
stronger families.
bring it into harmony
with Yahweh’s Word.
Sheldon Govia -
the police are obsessed with marijuana and living in the hearts of them; sit and watch Kennard King Assemblies of Yahweh -
therefore they would find it hard to adjust to a parents. We, therefore, things together; let the Cedars
situation in which they now have to tolerate the must put Christ back children talk on any
growing, even smoking of the herb, can we not into the home; He is issue.
speculate that we might just see some more raids more important than And while we criticize
like the one in Richmond Vale? money and material our children, we should
I mean, think about it: An obsession (with things. also compliment them.
marijuana) coupled with a disregard for police There must be a good Never let a child feel
procedure and line of authority, what is to prevent relationship between that he/she can never
it? children and parents, as please mummy.
To avoid any repeat of police ‘taking the law can be seen in the case of And within it all,
into their own hands’, we must move swiftly to rid Abraham and Isaac there must be Charity
the police force of all those who think they are the (Genesis 22.) Far too (Love). Love is not just
law!!! often the emphasis is on ‘material things’, it is
I shudder to think what could happen having to
brand name clothes, about accepting the child
go into this already charged election year with a
police force that is either a law onto itself, or has a gadgets, cell phones, for who he/she is, and
definite bias for one of the main political parties. tablets and the being there for them.
In any one of these two cases, not to mention a television, and while Many children would say
combination of both, there lies nothing short of these things are good Mummy/Daddy loves
chaos ahead of us. and in some cases them; they (children) get
Mr. Editor, there are some things that we just necessary, they take what they want. As they
should not sweep under the carpet. The recent away the quality time grow older, they would
action by the police in Richmond is one such that should be spent wish that
incident, since it has serious repercussions for all with the children, Mummy/Daddy would
of us, especially in this time of uncertainty thereby affecting take the time out to try
regarding an amnesty for cultivators of marijuana. child/parent heart to to understand what they
heart conversations. are going through.
Marijuana Planter Children must see their Teenage years are the
parents as their best most confusing years ofV
12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
The 2020 Budget Exercise The 2020 Budget – A big fat lie
(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s presentation
Introduction on the debate of the 2020 Estimates)
BY THIS TIME next week,(the weekend
of the 7th February, 2020) the House of WE HAVE AN overall budget of almost
Assembly, having debated the 2020 $1.2 billion. In 2019, we also went over
Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, the billion-dollar mark at $1.067 billion. million domestically. So, the Minister
clearly needed and must be the order
would have passed the 2020 of the day, going forward. This will The budget in 2020 is significantly perhaps didn’t think we were
Appropriation Bill, amounting to EC$ involve discussions with the trade larger, 11% larger than that of 2019. In interested in that aspect of it. When
1,186,351,151.This is after the Minister unions, other persons within the trade 2019, it grew over 2018 and in 2020, it he rises again will tell us not just that
of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves, moved a union movement, and relevant grew even faster. It’s growing bigger and he budget the amount and he raised
resolution under section 20(1) of the members of the general public. faster. $160 million of it because it was
Financial Administration Act, chapter needed: but where did it come from.?
It is very clear to me and it would
25. Targeted strategic intervention be to most of the people of this Is it part of the IDA loan?
For ease of reference, we shall refer
to the budgeted figure as EC$1.18 country that the Minister of Finance How do we suddenly, from hardly
There are four functional areas of
billion dollars. The recurrent the economy which will receive and the government are responding to receiving any funds from this
expenditure of the budget, where targeted strategic intervention in the the fact that we are in an election category, collected $160 million? And
salaries and other costs are met, is 2020 budget. Tourism takes pride of year. This is an election budget. We what is the likelihood that this now
EC$875 million, while the government place given the spate of activity are now permanently a billion-dollar continues to be the happy
will allocate EC$310 million on its around the Argyle International budget. circumstance that every year at the
capital programme. The budget costs airport, and the cruise ship industry. beginning of the preparation of the
will be financed through EC$684 What does that mean to the people
The other areas are energy, of this country? Does it mean that the budget, the Minister will not be aware
million in current revenue, and agriculture and construction. In terms
capital receipts of EC$506 million Minister will spend or even intends to of the source of funding. Therefore,
of construction, this will reflect the everything else is lumped under
dollars. activities around the work being done spend $1.2 billion in 2020? Or is it
This year, the government will just to use the most charitable term Other Receipts to balance the budget;
on several hotel projects in the State,
create a number of new posts in the as well as projects related to roads, an unrealistic wish or a fantasy? Or in the hope that during the year,
Public Service, to deliver the plans coastal and environmental protection less generous term, perhaps more something will come up and fill that
and programmes of the ULP and back walls. accurate to say the budget continues category, because that is the only way
administration, in a more efficacious The government will continue the you can explain why you will have a
manner. Thirty-seven new positions the ‘Big Fat Lie’ that this government
process of transforming the has perpetrated on the people year category of revenue receipts that
will go to the Ministry of Finance, Vincentian economy, from one that
eight will go to the Internet Training after year, because what we see here doesn’t have a specific source.
Services Division, the ITSD. The was based on a mono crop export and is a continuation of the same pattern I think it was explained in the
Customs and Excise Department will low skilled labour, to a post-colonial that we have already come familiar House in a previous debate, that there
get eighteen more positions mainly to one that is diverse, modern, may be an expectation of getting some
competitive, and fully engaged with with in this House.
improve the services at the It is stated plainly here that they funding sometimes stronger than
international airport, and sixteen international commerce. This process
began last year, and will continue will spend $1.2 billion. They know others but not yet quite sure that it
positions to the Ministry of Transport, will materialize or even worse, that
for their role in the expanded capital with the 2020 budget. that they will not and cannot execute
that. They cannot achieve it; this is you don’t know where it is going to
works programme. come from and hence that category. In
In preparation for the role of the Leadership because they do not have the $1.2
State as the smallest country to billion to spend, and they know it, yet its purest sense, Other Receipt really
become a member of the UN Security The preparation, coordination, they put it in the budget. If the record is an accounting device to make the
Council, the Ministry of Foreign presentation and execution of a of the past years of this government is budget add up because the Minister
Affairs will get ten more positions, budget require careful planning and can’t present a budget. He doesn’t
leadership. A team of public servants to be relied upon, then it is a safe
mainly to assist with policy prediction to make that they don’t have the money to execute what he is
development and research. In are engaged in the preparation of the doing. Hence, is to leave it up to us
addition, there will be four new posts document itself, but the information have the money to do it. They will not
that is displayed must reflect the do it, and for what it’s worth, they and to others who may have a better
for the Audit Department, five for the understanding as to how these things
office of the Attorney General and ten vision, philosophy and strategies of never intended to do it.
for the Ministry of Education. the Unity Labour Party. Let’s look at where the Minister work.
This is where the leadership is says the money is coming from, Tax That category of Other Receipts
Salaries and Wages important. There must be a clear Revenue: $585.6 million; Non-Tax doesn’t mean the government has the
understanding of the process, a clear Revenue: $94.3million; Total Current money. That means they don’t know
In 2020, the government will spend understanding of how the Vincentian Revenue: $680,039,100. And the that they have the money. When they
in the region of EC$330 million on economy functions, the possibilities tell you; they are going to spend $1.2
and problems, and how these affect Capital Receipts: Grants: $60.6
wages and salaries, to meet the billion, don’t believe it because they
provision of services for the public, an real flesh and blood people called million; External Loans: $118.4
million; Local Loans: $72 million; don’t know where the money is
increase of 36 percent. Salaries will be Vincentians. There must be the
EC$269.7 million, wages EC$23.1 knowledge and the experience to Capital Revenue: $3 million and coming from. Because if they knew
million, allowances EC$24.8 million, clearly analyze all the factors which Budget Support Loan: $46.9 million. where it was coming from, it would be
and NIS contribution at EC$12.5 will impact the budget, and to design The Minister explained that the specified in the estimates.
million. a strategic pathway to ensure that the Budget Support Loan came from the Other Receipts is 40.5 % of the
The main contributor for the socio economic benefits accrue to all International Development Capital Receipts. Therefore, almost
increase in salaries and wages is the Vincentians. Association (IDA) which is affiliated half of the money that you have in
two percent salary increase to public This is a task for serious people, Capital Receipts comes from a
servants in 2020, and the filling of to the World Bank. It’s easy money,
who have been tried and tested, like category of financing that you don’t
several critical positions within the the leadership of the ULP, under long term to repay. And the Total
public service, to carry out the Capital Receipts along with Other know about. Ultimately, what we
Comrade Ralph. have characterized this as over the
functions of the Government. Take the case of the NDP and its Receipts of $205.3 million becomes
We must remember that public leader Godwin Friday. Faced with the $506. 3million. years effectively is really the deficit in
servants received an increase in pay clearly defined plans of the ULP, in But the problematic component of the budget that the government has
in 2019, a backdated one percent with the Estimates of Revenue and that as we have known over the years, presented. This year, Other Receipt is
an enhanced increase of one point five Expenditure, he could only lamely and I have said this many times, in $205 million, 40.5% of the Capital
percent enhancement as of the start of plead that there was nothing in the Receipts. The situation would have
2019, plus the additional two percent that $506 million, you have the
budget in an election year at that. capital receipts of over $205 million. been worse had it not been for the
from January this year. All told, Well, what can we expect from a
government workers are receiving a Last year, it went up to $198 million. borrowing under the IDA programme
political party that is not in of $46.9 million which is a new loan
four point five percent increase, over communion with the people of St. The history has been as the Minister
their 2018 salaries. pointed out; he will collect between 3- that has come on to the Estimates.
Vincent and the Grenadines? Why continue to inflate the budget if
The issue of pensions and other As a political party, the NDP has 4%, most of the time under 10 %. But
retirement benefits continues to grow failed, and continues to fail the people last year, the government claimed it you know you are $2 million short?
in the budget of the government. This of this beloved country. All they can received $160 million in Other In 2013, Other Receipts amounted
year, the government will spend offer is timidity, learned helplessness, to $113 million; in 2015, $154 million;
EC$72.6 million on pensions. This is receipts. He didn’t say exactly where
pessimism and non-achievement. The it came from. in 2018, $160 million, and last year,
the single fastest growing item of
recurrent expenditure in the budget. ULP offers boldness, courage, faith, In the document, Other Receipts is $198 million; this year $205 million,
It is clear to all and sundry that the hope, love, optimism, and the grace of listed under the domestic sources of $7 million more than last year’s. As
current situation as it applies to right reason which will lead to funding, but I find it difficult to the deficit gets bigger, the lie gets
pensions and other retirement progress and a better life. bigger.
imagine that you can raise $160
benefits is unsustainable. Reform isV
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020. 13.
Views
lessons from a Dog called Tiger Philanthropic Capitalism: The World has changed
(Editors’s Note: This piece was first that
“The true mark of maturity is when published October 26, 2016.)
someone hurts you and you try to
understand their situation instead of “PHILANTHROPIC CAPITALISM is the idea
trying to hurt them back.” Anonymous that capitalism is or can be charitable in
and of itself. The claim is that capitalist
MY MOTHER HAS ALWAYS HAD AN mechanisms are superior to all others individual consumption can change the
AFFINITY for dogs. There was a time calls for maturity. This demands a [especially the state] when it comes to not world. We are told to buy “green” and
when she was especially interested in disciplined life. only creating economic but also human save the planet, buy “red” and help
Many of us can be tempted to progress; that the market and market those with HIV/AIDS, wear pink and
getting a British Bulldog (a muscular, actors are or should be made the prime show solidarity with those suffering
hefty, medium-sized dog breed with a become very cynical, non-trusting,
and uncaring when individuals hurt creators of the good society; that from breast cancer. While these
wrinkled face and a pushed in nose). I capitalism is not the problem but the campaigns are useful, if they are not
could never understand or appreciate us. This is especially so when we
would have invested time and/or solution to all the major problems in the kept in perspective we can become
why she was attracted to such an ugly world; that the best thing to do is to duped and miss the main reason for
creature (no offence meant to dog money to support them physically, extend the market to hitherto private or suffering on this planet.
lovers or British Bulldog owners). financially, and/or emotionally. Many state processes; and, finally, that there is People are not suffering and dying of
She was once given a dog that had of this column’s readers may be in a no conflict between rich and poor, but that preventable diseases because the well to
black and grey stripes with a design position where they can identify with the rich is rather the poor’s best and do members of society has failed to
that was similar to a tiger’s bands. It such scenarios. They will therefore possibly only friend.” consume enough products. People are
was therefore quite understandable understand and appreciate the Danish Historian Mikkel Thorup, not hunger because of a shortage of
that we called him “Tiger”. We loved temptation to “get even” or to “exact “It’s all part of Capitalism: How food. They starve and die because of the
my pound of flesh”. However, such Philanthropy Perpetuates Inequality’. manner in which food is distributed.
him dearly and cared for him with Carnegie and Rockefeller formed Central to our understanding is how we
tenderness and love. He would have “animal reactions” debilitate our
emotions and strip us of our dignity Foundations. Today Google, Bill Gates, answer the following: Is the
known how much we treasured his Warren Buffet, Bill and Hillary Clinton, environment, and the climate, best
presence. While still relatively young, and purity. There is really no need
for us to sink to that level — to seek just to name a few, are into the served by ‘smarter’ consumption?” Or
Tiger opted to leave the fenced yard foundation business. They all claim they would the planet be in better shape if
via a gate that was accidentally left vengeance. Sometimes the better want to give away money, to do good we shopped less and conserved more?
ajar. Shortly after entering the option (and more lasting solution) is and make the lives of the poor better. We all get mesmerized by the
nearby road, he was unintentionally to seek to heal the hurt and not try to Like Carnegie and Rockefeller before ‘spectacle politics’. We are the world
run over by a passing vehicle. His hit back. them, they made moneys by using their type of advocacy of celebrities such as
legs were crushed but the remainder The story is told of two friends who social positions, exploiting workers, Bono, Angelina Jolie and music
of his body had been unhurt. Tiger were hiking through the bushy section doing enormous environmental damage, producer Bob Geld. But we have to be
cried. Tiger screeched. Tiger yelped. of a forest. They had been advised as is reflected in the poisoned air, cautious and skeptical, otherwise we
that some areas of the forest had been rivers, waterways, and most miss the reality of the world’s problems.
He was hurting badly. Being a prominently climate change. These celebs may criticize inequality
relatively small dog, it was rather populated by poisonous snakes.
However, they were confident that the In a world where an increasingly but are dependent upon it themselves.
easy for me to pull him from the road. small percentage of the population They may ally themselves with the poor
However, in his pain, the ungrateful cutlasses that they had in order to cut
away the bush along their paths controls a larger percentage of the in campaigns but their lives are spent
dog bit me as I sought to help him. world’s resources, income and wealth, rubbing shoulders with the rich and
Some readers would readily suggest would have been sufficient protection.
where the income of workers have mighty.
that I replace the word “ungrateful” They were so very wrong. The friend stagnated or reversed when checked We must keep our eyes on the prize.
with “hurting”. I agree. And therein who was positioned at the front of the against inflation, where increased The world’s richest 85 individuals earn
lies the lesson from this experience: line did not see the snake that was borrowing and debt is the only more than the bottom 50 percent of the
sometimes when we seek to help hidden among the branches along the explanation why some people survive, world’s people. Philanthropy is not
hurting persons they may lash out at trail. As he passed by, the snake bit the moneyed philanthropists tell us that poised to do anything about this
us, not necessarily because they are him on his forearm and immediately only their brand of benevolent obscenity. It is here that community
scampered through the grass ahead of capitalism can solve the problems facing organizers and organizations, as well as
ungrateful, but because they are in the world. government have a vital role to play.
pain. That pain could be physical, him. His friend shouted to him to
pursue the snake in an effort to kill it. They offer philanthropy as the cure With its power to tax the rich, rein in
spiritual, mental, or emotional. And for the world’s problems as they corporate abuse and support the
while we may not appreciate such However, instead of this he opted to
take his cutlass, make a slit the area encourage people to support the fire sale creation of necessary social and cultural
reactions it becomes easier for us to of the assets of the people. In some institutions, government can work for
cope with such behaviours if/when we where the snake’s fangs had pierced
countries schools, prisons, water as well the majority and enhance their lives.
can empathise with their situations. his forearm, placed his mouth over as the security systems are now in As it stands now, governments
At times like these, we are required to the wound that he had created, and private hands. Everything must be done across the world pander to corporations
be mature enough that when someone immediately commenced sucking the with a profit motive in mind. The state and the rich for money to build and
hurts us, we may find value in poisonous venom from his body. He must jettison its welfare policies and let maintain schools, endow museums and
seeking to understand their situation was confident that this action saved the titans of business do their magic. build housing for the poor. To bring or
instead of trying to hurt them back. his life. Therefore, when the Clinton keep jobs in their areas state officials
Later that day, his friend asked Foundation partners with us in our are forced to offer the parents of these
The ability to show empathy (and effort to exploit our geo-thermal
to forgive the unforgivable) must be why he had not pursued the snake philanthropic foundations millions in
when he had a chance to kill it. His resources, we are told to drop our guard tax relief and abatements.
considered a strength and not be because foundations sole intent is to do
viewed as a weakness. It takes comment was quite revealing. He Kim Klein, author of Fundraising for
noted that if he had hunted the good. When Bill Gates smiles his way to Social Change says it should n0t be this
strength of character to be hurt by more billions and impact negatively on
snake, the increased physical activity way, “We have become a patronage
others and not fall prey to seeking agriculture in Africa and Asia, we must society in which we depend on the
vengeance. Martin Luther King Jr. would have pumped the venom turn a blind eye because the Gates
throughout his body. This would have largesse and generosity of the super
(1929-1968) and Nelson Mandela Foundation says its mission is to
certainly resulted in his death. This wealthy for way too much. If we agree
(1918-2013), both advocated non- eradicate illness and disease in
is a useful reminder that we have to the poorest regions on earth. When in with Kim Klien the clear conclusion is
violent responses to the indiscretions for us to look anew about the role of
and the hurt-generating behaviours of be so very careful when we seek to 2014 the Indian Supreme Court raised
exact vengeance when persons hurt questions about Gates Foundation government, of taxes, of philanthropy, of
others. Both of them went through what should be funded privately, what
us. It is quite possible that the desire practice of using rural Indians as
extremely hurtful experiences at the ginnea pigs for drugs made by big should be funded publicly, and how the
hands of individuals whose spirits to hurt those who have hurt us could
pharma, we are told to disregard all people will benefit.
were poisoned by colour prejudice and result in our “poisoned spirit”. If the In conclusion, the objections to
truth be told, it is often not worth the such claims as anti rich bashing and
a false sense of superiority. The conspiracy. wealthy private corporations dedicated
treatment meted out to them could effort. Seeking revenge or trying to to doing good, as they see it, have
return a hurt can be self-destructive. Another fallacy that has gained
understandably beckon for violent ground in the last 40 years is that remained the same since the early
reactions. However, in both Reflection on the experiences government efforts to ameliorate twentieth century when the first mega-
instances, they advocated non-violent generated by a dog called Tiger, can poverty are bureaucratic, inefficient and foundations were created: they
reactions. They knew that evil must enable us to take a more mature look ineffective. The flip side of this is that intervene in public life, but are not
be driven out by good and darkness by at the sources of our various hurts … business, with its unwavering fixation accountable to the public. They are
light. Such approaches appear to go and our need to forgive. The true on the bottom line, is the opposite, and privately governed, but publicly
contrary to human nature since we mark of maturity is when someone that by applying market principles to subsidized by being tax exempt; and in
tend to want to hurt those who hurt hurts us and we try to understand social ills, society can be cured of what a world where money translates into
their situation instead of trying to ails it. Indeed, this idea is repeated with political power, they reinforce the
us. However, we all have the capacity such regularity that it is almost problem of moneyed class: the exercise
to develop the self-discipline (the hurt them back.
universally accepted throughout the of power derived from wealth.
restraint) to select an alternate Western Hemisphere.
response — to counter evil with good; Send comments, criticisms &
suggestions to As society adopts a more materialist Send comments, criticisms &
to fight darkness with light. This culture, there is the mistaken belief suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
julesferdinand@gmail.comYou can also read
