Argyle International Airport Picture

The SVGIADC ( Saint Vincent and the Grenadines International Airport Development Company) launched its new website today.  The ceremony was held via a press conference and chaired by the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the honarable Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

The SVGIADC website consist both of static and dynamic pages.  Visitors can browse through the website and learn much more about the Argyle International Airport Develoment Company and it’s progress and building of the airport.

There are many pictures to browse through, there are also reports on the wind studies that were done and a report of the envirinmental impact study.

 SVGIADC website comes complete with PayPal where persons can donate and make a direct contribution to the Arglye International Airport Development Company, you can use your regular credit card or paypal.

Also if you are have a business or a product that you would to advertise, there are provisions for that too on the website.  As time goes by this site will be drawing a lot of traffic and who knows what this exposure can do for your business over time

All in all I found the site very attractive and easy to navigate and this was long overdue, I hope they keep the site fresh and up to date regurlaly

Now I want to suggest that they instal a still camera or a time lapse camera somewhere on the Airport site on the ground somewhere, this camera(s) or all time-lapse photography is, really, is shooting a bunch of photos of the same thing, spread out over a period of time, and smushing them together into one video that plays back in a shorter amount of time.  So at the completion of the airport persons can appreciate how the place was transformed over time.  Thats just my 2 cents.

It seems as that almost everyone to whom I have spoken to and who have emailed me is predicting a negative outcome for the 2009 referendum/constitution/elcection results.  I literally had to shout over the  phone in order to calm down friend who was on her way to get panic attack for her fair that this constitution bill will not pass.  She eventually calm down when I told her that the majority of people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines are God fearing and whatever the results of the referendum it is the will of almighty God.

Only a few hours to go before the results of the SVG Constitution 2009 results are known.

Persons have been voting online on this website for or against the SVG Constitution Bill 2009 and results have been very close thus far.  So if you have not taken the referendum poll click on the link below and vote YES or NO.

As of 3:30 today 46% YES – 54% NO. What would the real world results be?  80 minutes to go before the polls close here in SVG.  By midnight tonight the preliminary results will be known.  In the mean time, participate in the poll below.

http://www.svgconstitution.com/svg-referendum-question/

The Results are in
Yes 43.13%
No 55.64%

The SVG Constitution 2009 has been rejected by the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The day has finally arrived.  Today Vincentians in St.Vincent and the Grenadines will be voting on the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Bill 2009.  In order for this new Constitution to become effective, 67% of persons casting their votes must vote YES, if just 34% of persons successfully cast their ballots  and vote NO to the new referendum, Vincentians will have to do good with the old 1979 SVG Constitution and wait until a few years from now to pursue this task again.

From all reports, up to midday today, the various polling stations have had no serious incidents.  The voters are orderly and patient.   Even though rain has been pouring continuosly around the island, the turnout appears to be in the big numbers.

History is in the making, no matter how the results will eventually be.  It is now a fact that more than 70% of  persons living in St.Vincent and the Grenadines are now even more aware of the Constitution and that it exists to protect their rights and govern them.

I must say that the sad part of the process was that it was tarnised by politics, especially in the past month.  There were accusations between both parties, threats on raliegh podiums to ordinary citizens, lies, deception, deceit, irrelavant debates and rants and scare mongering tactis and I can go on and on on some of the negatives, which mostly came from the opponents of the bill.

In the end, it will be the Vincentians who go to the polls that decides if the 1979 Constitution is kept or if the 2009 Constitution passes the test.  Sixty Seven percent (67%) is a tall order to achieve and if that is accomplised fairly, it will be the grudge of the modern civilisation and history.

Will the St Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Bill 2009 be successful?  Lets wait and see.

What is this new information?

Basically the press conference was a call out to the leader of the opposition, the honorable  Arnhim Eustace of the New Democratic Party, the prime minister wants Mr Eustace to disclose how is the NDP ”Vote No Campaign” being funded.  He has brought to the attention of the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that there is a possibility that a company, Strategic Communication Laboratories (http://www.scl.cc)  , a company from UK is somewhat behind the no campaigns in St.Vincent and the Grenadines for the NDP and he just want the opposition leader to deny or confirm this information.

He also disclosed that Arnhim Euastace hurriedly made a trip to St.Kitts over the weekend.  Why?,  is the question asked by the PM.

Also, the prime minister stated that if the referendum is passed successfully on Wednesday 25th, there will be bank holiday on Monday 30th November 2009.

Below are just some of the reasons to vote yes for the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution 2009.

1. The preamble begins with the words “Whereas the Peoples of the Islands of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, who are known as Vincentians have affirmed their Nation is founded on the belief in the supremacy of God and the Freedom and dignity of man”

2.  A new chapter spelling out the “Guidelines of State Policy” which emphasis, among other things, that “the people” (not the Queen) are sovereign and elevate a host of progessive consideration to constitutional status, in the people’s interest.

3.  The new constitution does not take away or subtract one single fundamental right and freedom which we enjoy today.  In fact it adds to the bundle of rights and freedoms, including: the right to effectively restoring the death penalty; the right to private property; the right to collective bargaining; and the explicit right to freedom of the press.

4.  The new Constitution establishes a home-grown non-executive President (to replace the Governor General) with consitutional safeguards

5.  The establishment of an Independent Human Rights Commission (to address abuses of citizens human rights); an Independent Integrity Commission (to oversee “the integrity of parliamentarians, senior public/police officers); an Independent Ombudsman (to address the administrative abuses of peoples’ rights); an Independent Parliamentary Commission (to exercise the Perogative of Mercy and other functions); an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and an Independent Chief Electoral Officer; an effective system of Local Government with special provisions of Grenadines.

6.  The strengthening of the Judiciary by replacing the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice and providing for a security of tenure for Magistrates and thus for their Independence.

7.  Deepening and widening Parliamentary democracy and representative government by: A mixed electoral system of constituency elections and proportional representation nationally; participation by civil society in parliamentary debates; compulsory reportage by elected representatives; extraordinary oversight powers over government spending by the opposition dominated Public Accounts Committee; increasing the size of the parliament from 21 top 27 members; limiting the size of cabinet to 12 members plus the prime minister; setting a more or less fixed date for general elctions after the expiration of 4 years 9 months of the 5 year term; outlawing “crossing the floor” in the House;  making the Prime Ministed removable after a vote of  no-confidence in the House and before the general elections following; permitting ministers of religion to contest elections;  and allowing Vincentians with dual or multiple citizenships to run for elections.

8.  Reducing the powers of the Prime Minister and increasing the powers of the Minority Leader (Leader of the Opposition).

9.  Makig the appointments to the Public Service Commissions less political and more transparent.

10.  Establishing the Teaching Service Commission.

11.  Denying citizenship for foreigners based on “marriages of convenience” between them and nationals.

12.  Making access to the High Court on constitutional matters much easier.

13.  Facilating deeper regional integration.

14.  Protecting the range of public offices from political appointment or supervision

15.  Building mechanisms for more extensive consultation and consensus-making in and between several public authorities.

16.  The new constitution is a Women’s Charter, a Youth Charter, a Workers Charter, a poor People’s Charter, a Believer’s Charter, a Charter for the Elderly, a Children’s Charter, a Property-Owner’s Charter, a Charter for Justice and Freedom, a Charter for Democracy and Good Governance.

Vincentians are marking off their calender days as November 25th draws closer.  On this day Vincentians will vote to accept or reject the new constitution.  It almost feels like a general election here in SVG.  If this is prelude of what is to come in the general elections , which are dued next year(2010), then we are in for a political treat.

I was listening the news on a radio station and I understand that there is a vote no committe comprising of members like Frank DaSilva and some concerned citizens.  From what I have heard I believe their argument is that they are challenging the $4 Million dollars given to the Yes Vote campaign committee and the vote no committee says they some of the money too to fund their camopaign, and they may go all the way to the courts to get this done.

Now, this vote no committee is not associated with the vote no campaign started by the New Democratic Party (NDP) early this year.

The question I am asking is, why are these persons and groups waiting for the last minute to bring their ideas, oppositions and various views to the Vincentian community.  These consultations were taking place throughout SVG since 2001.

It is too late to change anything that is in the constitution, all is left now is for Vincentians educate themselves on the changes in the constitution and vote their conscience.

That was the topic of the National Annual Secondary Schools Public Speaking Finals in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.  This competition happens every year around Independence time.  There were six students from various secondary schools around the island.

The students were Vatalie Caesar of the Girls’ High School, Omolera Francois of the Thomas Saunders Secondary, Stephanie Browne of the Georgetown Secondary, Marleya Adams – Union Island Secondary, Ronald Connor – Petit Bordel Secondary and Adriel Francois of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

The participants spoke for 10 minutes on the main topic, they also spoke for 5 minutes on a topic of their choice and the part that is the most anticipated of the competition, the 2 minute impromptu speech.

The main topic of debate,  I believe all the students were against the wire-tapping, which to me was easy route, someone could of stood out.  After listening the first 2 students, you basically heard the same arguments repeating with the others.  No surprise at all.

 The students prepared speech was more interesting, each student spoke for 5 minutes on a topic of their own.

Vatalie Caesar from the St.Vincent Girls high school was out first and her topic was  ”What Does It Mean to be Young in a Free Society”.

The second person speaker was from the Thomas Saunders Secondary school, she was Omolera Francois , her topic was “Minivans, a service or a nuisance” she spoke about the perils of tarvelling in passenger vans.

Stephanie Browne of the Georgetown Secondary, her  topic was “Point 5″..,.I was really trying to understand where she was coming from.

Marleya Adams of the Union Island Secondary was next and her prepared topic was “Empowering the Youths to Enlighten the Future”..

Ronald Connor from the Petit Bordel Secondary topic was “Voices from the Classroom”

 The final participant was Adriel Francois of the St. Vincent Grammar School, his topic was “Is the Modern Music Trend Responsible for the Behavioural Problerms of our Youths”.

 The final section was the impromptu speech. Each particpant pick a random topic from a envelope to speak on, they then have one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak whatever topic chosen.

Vatalie Caesar of the Girls’ High School was up first her topic was” A job I would Love to have” ..she wants to be psychiatrist

Omolera Francois of the Thomas Saunders Secondary was next and her impromptu topic was “Stolen Goods”

Stephanie Browne of the Georgetown Secondary was up next and her topic was “The thing I hate most” ..she also said that she would hate if she did not win the public speaking competition…..she did not win..she came third.

Marleya Adams from the Union Island Secondary chose “Oh Boy Test Again”

Ronald Connor Petit Bordel Secondary was the next speaker of the impromptu competition “Your Worst Experience”….this was probably the poorest presentation, he spent 36 seconds out of 2 minutes and all he said was that he cried after making his first presentation

 Adriel Francois of the St. Vincent Grammar School topic was “Remote Control”

After about 40 minutes the resuls were ready and the CEO of LIME Saint Vincent  and the Grenadines Angus Steele presented all the finalist with netbooks. Lion EB John also presented all the finalists with plaques.

The results of the Lions Club South/LIME National Secondary Public School Competition were as follows:

The Best Main Topic – Stephanie Browne of the Georgetown Secondary School

The  Best Student Prapared Speech – Adriel Francois of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Best Impromptu Speech – Adriel Francois of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

The 2009 Lions Club South /LIME Secondary School Public Champion is  Adriel Francois of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

2nd Position – Vatalie Caesar of the Girls’ High School

3rd Position – Stephanie Browne of the Georgetown Secondary School

St Vincent and the Grenadines National Flag

On Tuesday October 2009 the nation of St.Vincent and the Grenadines will be celebtrating 30 years of independence from England.  This year the celebrations are expected to more special.  For example on night of Monday 26th October there is cultural package planned.

It is also very evident when you drive around St.Vincent and the Grenadines,  you can see the lamp poles and telephone poles draped in banners of the colours of the flag, most government buildings are also decorated very attractively and some private businesses have also decorated their buildings.

Amidst the debates and arguments about the SVG Constitution that seems to be occupying everybody conversation these days  it is indeed a great atmosphere in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines right now.

I must confess that most Vincentians are more patriotic now when compared to 10 years ago.  Most of the local radio stations are playing plenty of local patriotic Vincentian music around this time of the year, except for one radio station.  My favourite Vincentian song of all time is “St.Vincent I Love You” by Alston Becket Cyrus, every time I hear that song I get a good feelng in my belly, not that I am hungry or anything, but that song gives me a nice feeling in my gut….

Also I am seeing more vehicles draped in the national flag on their bonnets more persons are wearing clothes of the national colours. 

There are lots of activities planned for the celebrations, I may attend a few of them and take some photographs.  I have had some persons emailing me saying that they need to see some pictures on the website, especially Vincentians living overseas…so I will put up some pictutures soon.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE  SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES.

I have had many requests from visitors to this website who want to download the SVG Constitution from this website, but this website is designed with the read online only format where persons can just read the SVG Constitution online without downloading it.  

Now in order to download the 2009 SVG Constitution on your pc or laptop you need to visit the official website of the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,http://www.gov.vc or click on the link below to download the constitution on your computer, remember you will need Adobe PDF Reader to view the document.

Download SVG Constitution at GOV.VC website  

Download Adobe Reader

Yes Campaign Building St.Vincent

The VoteYes campaign was launched today for the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution 2009.  The main headquarters for the campaign is situated in the heart of the entrance of Kingstown which is known by Vincentians as the ‘Ju-C Building’.

This building will be the Operation Headquarters for the  Vote YES campaign for St. Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution 2009.  The Government said that they have already trained 300 persons  to go house to house and door to door throughout the length and breathe of  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to educate and inform all Vincentians about the contents of the constitution of SVG.

The official website for the YES campaign is http://www.voteyessvg.com .  At the Voteyessvg.com website you can get all the information you need to educate yourself more about the SVG Constitution.  It is a very informative and interactive website with video presentations and you can follow them on the various social media websites like  facebook, youtube, twitter and tagged, just to name a few.

Once again the website is VoteYesSVG.com