A FAMILY ADVENTURE FROM FRANCE TO ST. VINCENT

Ben Harrison-International Correspondent

In July of 2003 an adventurous young couple Laure Chiquillo and her partner Gildas Courrier, along with their two year old daughter Lola, left the Brittany Region of France in a 32 foot sloop called ‘Obock’, They were setting off on a nine month adventure that was to take them to the island of Martinique, where they lived for two years while Laure taught primary school and gave birth to their second daughter Enore.

In September of 2007, Laure was recruited by Alliance Française in St. Vincent to be its Executive Director. Again the good sloop ‘Obcock’ carried the family to St. Vincent where they now live.

Three weeks ago, the family sailed to Union Island in the Grenadines where they met Laure’s parents from France, plus friends from Martinique and Union Island. On April 5, anchored in picturesque Saline Bay off the island of Mayreau, Fr. Andrew from Union Island united the couple in marriage.

The Alliance Française of St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened its doors in 1969. It is a not-for-profit organization, part of a world-wide network of 1085 Alliances. Under the directorship of Laure, it coordinates artistic and cultural shows, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, films, lectures and a music festival. It provides French language lessons to upwards of 200 students each year. With its many activities it has significantly added to the cultural profile of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

We are fortunate to have Alliance Française located in St. Vincent. We congratulate Laure and her husband Gildas on their marriage and warmly welcome the two of them along with their daughters as members of our island community.

THE POWER OF ONE

Ben Harrison-International Correspondent

What is the colour of green? Through the years, ‘green’ has been referred to as money, jealousy, a seasick person looking green, or perhaps it is just our favourite colour. More recently however, green has become an icon of responsibility; an attitude towards creating and sustaining an eco-friendly planet. Governments, institutions, schools, corporations, and individuals are focusing on ‘green’ especially during April when we celebrate Earth Day.

April 22, 2008 has been officially designated as Earth Day with numerous special activities planned. The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Ministry of Health, in association with Cable and Wireless, authored the theme: Think Globally, Act Locally and held National Earth Fest ’08. It included a street parade and school rally at Victoria Park, a family fun day, special foods and featured musical and dance artistes.

Under this year’s theme: Plant a Tree today, feed a child tomorrow. Let’s keep SVG clean, green and serene, Karib Cable the television cable/internet service provider has donated fruit trees to schools for students to plant and maintain.

We applaud these and many other initiatives, especially those that extend beyond the official Earth Day focus. Our concern and caring for planet earth must be a continuous and sustained effort to change generations of patterns and habits that have created the environmental crises that threatens the very survival of the world as we know it today.

The Vincentian has discovered at least one company in St. Vincent & the Grenadines that is taking positive steps to encourage environmental protection, not just on an officially designated Earth Day, but year round.

Mary Barnard Owner/Manager and Phillip Barnard Director of Operations Barefoot Yacht Charters

Earlier this year, Barefoot Yacht Charters made a corporate decision to set an example by taking a leadership initiative towards sustainable, environmentally-friendly yacht chartering. At its full-service marina facility on Blue Lagoon it is currently installing a state-of-the-art sewage treatment system as well as capturing rain water and recycled grey water for watering its gardens. It also uses only biodegradable products in its laundry.During any given year, Barefoot welcomes upwards of 2000 charter guests from around the world. It presents them with a small potted Casuarinas or a Coconut plant at the start of their charter. Guests are encouraged to help off-set the carbon emissions resulting from their air travel by planting a tree in the Grenadines , which will help compensate the depletion of vegetation by livestock grazing and weather systems.

Georgia Gravel-University Business Student, Executive Assistant

Barefoot has developed a “Green Pledge” for all charter skippers to sign before setting sale. It states:
“I pledge to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired to improve and sustain the natural world and resources around me. Furthermore, I pledge to minimize the impact of my ecological footprint and promise to take action to fulfill this commitment”.

Key issues attached to the Pledge include:
· Reduction, Reuse and Recycling of plastics
Over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are consumed in America each year. A large number end up in the oceans where they kill countless birds, cetaceans, seals and turtles which mistake them for food. Plastic does not biodegrade, it photo-degrades, breaking down into smaller toxic pieces and enter the food chain to be ingested by animals.
· Promotion of the Awareness of Ocean Acidification
We hear much about global warming, but very little about ocean acidification which is the name given to the ongoing decrease in the pH levels of the oceans. Over time this will diminish the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide
· Nothing that is non-biodegradable is to be placed overboard
Zero tolerance is the only policy. Plastic bags take from 400 to 1000 years to break down. Barefoot encourages `charter guests to use only biodegradable soaps, shampoos, detergents and cleaning agents.

· Thoughtful disposal of organic waste
Its charter yachts use harbor facilities wherever possible, otherwise dispose of waste as far from shore as possible. Near shore organic waste leads to excess nutrient supply and the disruption of local ecosystems.
· Anchoring Harmlessly
Use moorings wherever possible. Avoid anchoring in sea grass or near coral.
· Respect for all marine life
This request is self-explanatory.
Finally, Barefoot is marketing special “Green” T-Shirts, from which a portion of sales revenue will be invested in local environmental efforts.

Barefoot Yacht Charters is one small company doing its part to contribute to the survival of our fragile planet. Just think if every other company and individual were to do their part: To paraphrase the famous Louis Armstrong lyric, “What a wonderful world this could be”.

ARE WE READY???????????????????

Ben Harrison - International Correspondent

In several articles during the past three months, The Vincentian included observations, suggestions and constructive criticism about places, people and destinations related to tourism in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Our Ministry of Tourism has been promoting St. Vincent & the Grenadines as a tourist destination; a recent radio program featured a phone in program focusing on the question, “Is St. Vincent & the Grenadines ready for Tourism?” With major hotel development taking place and the International Airport under way many people are asking the same question.

This past week The Vincentian visited the Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club on Canouan Island to learn its secret in attracting visitors from around the world, especially Europe, the United Kingdom and the USA. We interviewed management about the challenges, obstacles and successes they have experienced; we interviewed staff about their training, growth and personal development, as well as their satisfaction with their chosen career and employer; and we interviewed guests who are global travelers, about their experiences and perceptions of the readiness of St. Vincent & the Grenadines for an expanded tourism industry.

The results were encouraging:
Management interviews included General Manager Cinzia Occioni and Rooms Division Manager Valeria Crabuzza. Both were very cooperative in sharing their management practices. They hold the view that cooperation in the tourism and hospitality industry is essential. Competitors are welcome to follow Tamarind’s example in any area that will improve operations and help identify all of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, as a destination that not only is ready for, but welcomes tourism.

Occioni explained that the Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club was purchased and redeveloped 11 years ago by owners experienced in the hotel and hospitality industry: Owners who knew and understood the changing needs of travelers, many of whom were born between 1946 and 1964 and are referred to as the baby boomer generation. In the United States alone, there were 76 million children born during those 18 years. Today, they are between 44 and 52 years of age. Similar statistics appear in Canada, England, Europe and Australia.

Baby boomers are in their peak earning years, and the oldest of them have reached the prime age for travel. They want to have fun, and are willing to pay for luxury and convenience. They tend to travel no matter how scarce their time or money. They are demanding consumers: Whether they go budget or luxury, they want the best available facilities and service. They like toll free 800 numbers and an internet presence with websites offering convenience and interactivity. They look for a good first impression, which includes a friendly knowledgeable voice or email response to any communication.

When baby boomers travel, they still look for a bargain, but a bargain to them means good value for a good price.

The Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club geared up for this marketing window of opportunity as well as other traditional markets by completely redeveloping and refurbishing the hotel with further major renovations completed in 2005. Each year the hotel closes for a month during September and October for repair, re-decorating, and replacement of any deteriorating furniture and equipment, including the attractive Palapa roofing covering the common office and dining room areas.

Front Office Staff who only have one opportunity to make a good first impression.

The Vincentian next interviewed a number of individual staff members all of whom were very helpful:
While a number were resident on Canouan when hired, many moved to the island from St. Vincent. Some were experienced, others new to the hospitality industry. We asked them to comment on how they enjoyed working for Tamarind Beach; if they felt the experience and training they were receiving was helping them to grow and develop professionally.



In searching for the best available staff, all of whom are hired following a lengthy multi-interview process, management looks for ability, character and personality. When recruiting for a specific position, they are quick to recognize potential in applicants for other openings they may have or will have in the future. Staff when hired, agree that initial training is just the beginning of on-going daily on-the-job training, plus weekly training meetings, as well as cross-training to develop staff in other areas of hotel administration. The hotel has a very high retention ratio of staff with 20 % having been employed for over 10 years, all of whom management rewards with a very generous cash bonus.

The hotel has a website which is currently being redeveloped to be even more attractive and user friendly. On departure, every guest is asked to complete a specific two page form rating their Tamarind experience. Questions cover everything from the guests initial reservations contact, their welcoming arrival at reception, accommodation and room service, restaurant service plus day to day interaction with all staff. The responses are reviewed daily by management and where appropriate, staff involved are complimented or constructively informed of their shortcomings.

Wine Steward Merrick Harry

Wine Steward Merrick Harry said that in his nine months with Tamarind he had learned more about wine and service than in his entire career.

Rosita Ashton

Rosita Ashton who has been with the hotel for 11 years confirmed with a smile that she had indeed received the 10 year bonus and enjoyed being a member of staff.

Cazelia Peters

Cazelia Peters, a four year employee appreciated that if a guest had a special request or concern, that she was empowered to “Do all I can to resolve the problem herself, or if in doubt, to discuss a solution with management”.

Whenever we met staff from the receptionist, to dining room/bar, housekeeping or beach staff, we never failed to receive a good morning smile or an inquiry as to how we were enjoying our stay, along with an offer of assistance or service.

Finally The Vincentian interviewed several guests, including a family of six from England and a Medical doctor and his wife from the USA.

Andrew Barker and Family from Kent England

Mr. Andrew Barker and his wife Sue from Kent England were guests with their two young adult children and their partners. These people are world travelers and have been to numerous islands in the Caribbean. Without qualification they rated Canouan Island and Tamarind Beach as their favourite location.

Dr. Steve Sperring, M.D and Mrs. Heather Sperring

Dr. Steve Sperring, M.D., a prominent anesthesiologist from America and his wife Heather are also experienced world travelers who also felt Canouan was one of their most enjoyable vacation experiences.

In summary, do our observations answer the question “Is St. Vincent & the Grenadines ready for Tourism?” Probably not: But it does indicate that efforts to prepare St. Vincent & the Grenadines for an unprecedented increase in this sector are well under way. The US dollar may be currently under pressure, but the Euro is strong. Our world is a global village with news that travels as fast as light and when that news is good, tourists and investment entrepreneurs are not far behind. Their options are many with world destinations just a few hours away. Every Vincentian can be a tourist ambassador; every hotel and tourist travel facilitator and every employee in the hospitality industry can create positive experiences for visitors to our shores: Experiences that they will share with friends and family in their home country.
Now is the time to jump on the tourism bandwagon with a commitment to make our country one of the finest vacation destinations in the world.

SELL OUT CROWD AT GRAND TEA PARTY

Ben Harrison

On Saturday March 29, 2008, the Directors of the Governor General’s Children’s Welfare Fund put the FUN into FUNd Raising as they held their annual Grand Tea Party at Government House. Over 200 guests attending the sold out event enjoyed a fun filled afternoon of tea, sandwiches, sweet cakes and interesting entertainment.

The program included a dance recital by Rebecca Hadaway, a pan number by Kenny Isles, son of the well known Vincentian pan musician Ken Isles, a magic show by Villa Lodge’s Tom Hootsbra, a Chinese auction conducted by Kenny Durant and a fantastic fashion show of Spring hats created by Jean Johnney-Findlay Managing Director of Mije´ Personal Development and Advertising Agency.

The ages of the 15 attractive, sophisticated young women modeling the hats were six to ten years: They were all students of Mije´ Models of St. Vincent and were trained by Jean Johnney-Findlay and Jodine Jackson (who is a former Mije´ Models student.

Lady Ballantyne, wife of His Excellency, Sir Frederick Ballantyne Governor General of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, told the Vincentian that she was very pleased with the success of this year’s event and while receipts had not been tallied, the revenue would go a long way towards meeting the Governor General’s Children’s Welfare Fund’s $20,000 goal for 2008.

TOURISM INFORMATION GAPS

Ben Harrison, International Correspondent

Last week, The Vincentian responded to a call from a couple from England, who were vacationing for two weeks in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Prior to leaving their home in England, Dr. Falkner (Rao) and her husband Brian did considerable research to prepare for their first visit to our island. They had a copy of our Ministry of Tourism map and a long list of places they wanted to visit. Because both are enthusiastic home gardeners, they were looking forward to visiting Montreal Gardens.

Arriving at ET Joshua Airport in Arnosvale, they noted telephone numbers, listed for Tourist Information Services. During the week, anxious to find out directions and information about several destinations, including Montreal Gardens, Dr. Faulkner repeatedly called the listed numbers repeatedly during the day, but the telephone was never answered.

She then called the number listed in the Cable & Wireless directory for the Ministry of Tourism and when she eventually talked to some one, she was given a telephone number for a Parks Department , which she called. The person at the Parks Department said that Montreal gardens was a private garden , with which they had nothing to do and were unable to supply any information. They told her to call Tourism Information Services.

Not wanting to go full circle once again, she found a telephone number for Montreal Gardens in the directory; called the number listed and spoke to owner Timothy Vaughan, who promptly arranged a visit and provided directions.

The Faulkners were staying with friends on the Leeward side and arranged with a taxi to take them to the Gardens from Kingstown at a negotiated fee of $150.00 which was increased by an additional $30.00 demand for a tip on their return to Kingstown.
It is unfortunate that what otherwise was a very positive experience for the Faulkners, was compromised by the difficulty they experienced in getting information about the Gardens and the unacceptable taxi fee, plus the less than professional attitude of the driver.

The Vincentian made several attempts to call the advertised tourism information numbers at various times throughout the week making one last attempt on Tuesday morning. The airport number did not answer, there was no answer from the Tourist Information number listed at the Cruise Ship Terminal, and although a very helpful operator at the Ministry of Tourism attempted to connect us with two different lines in their offices. Neither line was answered. The best the operator could suggest was to call later.

It would be presumptuous to second guess the professionals in our Ministry of Tourism, whose business is to disseminate information about St. Vincent & the Grenadines around the world. But one wonders if their global perspective is not overshadowing the importance of little details in our own backyard that are so important to facilitating the enjoyment of visitors to our shores.

It has been said that “You only have one opportunity to make a good first impression.” Not everyone travels in organized groups. Like the Faulkners, they do their homework over the internet in their home country and arrange their own exploration to the sites that interest them the most. How many people have given up in disappointment and frustration when confronted with communication obstacles similar to those experienced by the Faulkners?

On a final note: The Faulkners did say that their visit to St. Vincent was “Love at first sight.” They liked the friendly people they met, enjoyed many other tourist destinations and were amazed at the unparalleled beauty and creativity of Montreal Gardens, in spite of their difficulty in getting there.

SKY HIGH - 2008

Nearly everyone has dreamt of flying high in the sky, following the birds as they ride thermals of air and ocean breezes? Nearly everyone at some time has wanted to build and fly a kite to help follow their dream?

Kite flying has no age parameters: Last Sunday hundreds of boys and girls, as young as two years and men and women in their 70’s and 80’s, followed their dreams at Argyle Beach participating in one of the largest kite flying exhibitions and competitions in the Eastern Caribbean.

Like a life metaphor, some would be flyers stood on the sidelines and watched as many creations flew high, a few tangled with their neighbours and crashed while others never quite got off the ground.

Again this year St. Vincent & the Grenadines great Kite Flying Competition 2008 was very generously sponsored by Karib Cable. Karib Cable President Janke Glass was at Argyle beach on Sunday supporting her hard working staff and greeting Karib friends and customers. She told The Vincentian that helping to keep old traditions alive by sponsoring the Kite Flying Competition was one of their ways of saying “Thank you” for the support they have received from the people of St. Vincent through the years.

“Thank you” Karib Cable and a big “Thank you” to all the kite building and kite flying participants.

It’s not important whether you won or lost, what is important is that you followed your dreams into another year of gravity defying creativity at Kite Flying 2008.

This year Category winners include:
Youngest Flyer – Kyla Gibson, age 2
Oldest Flyer – Kingsley Davies
Best Female Flyer – Lauren Dalzine
Smallest flying kite – Mowat Cruickshank
Largest flying kite – Vic Dalzize
Most patriotic kite – Ed Smith
Most original kite – ed Smith
King of the Park – Conrad Viera

DEAR GRANNY

Ben Harrison & Dr. Sheila Pennington

Reflecting on a lifetime of meaningful memories with her grandmother, a twenty something young woman from St. Vincent has been thinking of the many feelings she wished she had expressed when her Granny was alive.

She is not alone. Many of us have had parents, grandparents, teachers and friends who have been important catalysts in actually changing the direction of our lives. Many of us have regretted avoiding quality time with our elderly and/or ill relatives and special people during their last few years, months or even days before death.

Perhaps when we think about visiting family or friends confined to hospitals or home we feel uncomfortable, wondering what to say or not say, or what actions would be appropriate. Your presence or the touch of your hand is so reassuring. Rather than analyzing how we should visit or communicate; just “Do it!” And if the person has already passed on, it is still not too late to express those feelings that were left unspoken.

On the anniversary of her Grandmother’s death, the above mentioned granddaughter felt disappointed in herself by her own lack of participation in her Granny’s funeral; and discouraged by the lack of respect and gratitude she witnessed from certain family members and friends on this first year anniversary of her Granny’s death. She remembered fondly the love they had shared, and the heart-felt meaning of all that had happened during their times together. She decided to take action and express those feelings. She wrote her a letter to her Granny and she has given The Vincentian permission to share that letter with our readers.

Dear Granny:
So much has changed since you left. I always knew that you were the glue that was keeping this family together. But now we are all strangers. I still think that this is all a bad dream, that sometime soon I’ll wake up and we’ll all be around your dining room table, eating and talking, laughing about the past and making plans for the future. Maybe we’d come to your house for lunch all sitting and hoping against hope that an hour would last forever.

Life is complicated. I feel bad Granny because I know that your children loved you but they never knew how to show you. I feel bad because you couldn’t live forever and that’s something that I have to accept. That’s the way things are, I can’t change them. I hate that I can’t.

I know that you had a good life and that it was well lived. I see you alive in nature, I know how much you loved it, how much you cherished every blade of grass and every smell and organism that the earth produced. I miss you. Everybody and everything has changed.
I’m ready to leave this stiff, ugly part of my life and move on. Some days are better than others, just like the attitudes and words of some people.

I wish you were still here. I wish I’d spent more time with you. I hope that you know that I love you and I wouldn’t give up the memories that I have of you for anything. I’m glad that I knew you, that I loved you and even though it hurts when I think that I’ll never hear that voice or walk into your house and smell your delicious cooking or help you comb your hair. I know that I once did all of those things and more than that even though I may cry I’m glad that you influenced my life positively and that you loved me.

I’m happy and fortunate that I knew and loved Angela Dalrymple

Signed: Magpie

As we celebrate Easter weekend, what better time than now to follow “Magpie’s” example; relive the memory of those persons who have been special in our lives. Find a quiet space and say or write those things you wish you had shared with them when they were alive. You cannot mail or send your thoughts and feelings through the internet, but metaphorically, through your memories, they will find the place they need to rest, and you will feel closer to the one(s) you miss and love.

The result will bring closure and renewal, an Easter gift to yourself and to their memory.

MORE ENTHUSIASTIC VISITORS TO ST. VINCENT

On March 4th, four Canadians who live in Calgary Alberta docked their 60 foot yacht at Cumberland Bay. The home port of the French build yacht is Vancouver, British Columbia (on Canada’s Pacific coast). Owners Don and Fiona Horton, who live in Calgary Alberta where the winter temperature routinely falls to the sub zero range have been cruising the Caribbean from January to May for the past seven years. On this occasion, two friends from Calgary were vacationing with them.

Only one of the travelers had been to St. Vincent and the Grenadines previously. Surprised that we had no docking facilities on our Windward coast, they sailed into Cumberland Bay where they lunched at Beni’s Bar. Over lunch, They shared with The Vincentian their enthusiasm for our island, its beauty and its friendly people.

After anchoring they went for a long walk stopping at a local school. The principal welcomed them into the school and introduced them to the students. These young Vincentians talked openly and asked, as well as answered many questions. They left with wonderful feelings and a photograph of themselves and the class to share with friends back in Canada and to remind them of fond memories in the years ahead. They also promised to send copies of the picture back to the students.

This is just one more example of how the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are giving great support to our Ministry of Tourism. No tourist wants to go where they feel unwanted or unsafe. In St. Vincent they feel both welcomed and very safe.

SIGNS OF TRAGEDY

It’s a tragedy when fatal motor vehicle accidents occur. It’s a tragedy when people are injured and sometimes permanently disabled in an accident. It’s even a tragedy when a motor vehicle, often obtained at great cost, is damaged or totally destroyed.

When driving almost anywhere on the island these days, it is rare to not see strange markings on the road; geometrical shapes drawn in chalk that could resemble ancient symbols or at least some form of graffiti message. These markings are police markings; “Signs of Tragedy” identifying the location and point of impact of a recent motor vehicle accident.

When the police are called to an accident scene, they mark the position of the wheels of the vehicle(s) and the point of impact, so the road can be cleared as quickly as possible allowing the flow of traffic to resume.

What happens after an accident makes sense; what happens in the moments leading up to a crash does not. When we as defensive drivers see a car overtaking or approaching at a high rate of speed, especially on a hill or a curve, we react defensively thinking, “There is an accident looking for a place to happen.” The reality is: most accidents are avoidable.

The cost of a motor vehicle accident is huge, to the owners of the motor vehicles, to anyone killed or injured and to society. The good news about our tremendously improved highways is the pleasure we all enjoy not having to navigate crumbling roads and pot holes. The bad news is that portions of these roads have become speedways, with many drivers accelerating far beyond their capacity. Higher priced, more powerful automobiles create higher cost accidents which in turn will drive insurance rates beyond the reach of many drivers.

The Vincentian recently interviewed several police officers, including an inspector. All agreed that a large percentage of their duty time was spent either attending accident scenes or in writing up lengthy reports for subsequent court proceedings and insurance company needs. There was general agreement that they are seeing more accidents and the severity of these accidents is increasing.

It makes sense then, that rather than hand writing traffic reports, police officers could be focusing their efforts on our national crime prevention. Rather than going through the hassle and inconvenience of an accident investigation, increased insurance rates and the embarrassment of spoiling a perfect driving record, we could all better use our time becoming responsible, defensive drivers reducing the police drawn signs of tragedy on our roads.

ACCESS DENIED – RAWACOU SALT POND

For generations we have marveled at the beauty of Rawacou; its picturesque point and the surf crashing on its sand covered beaches. We have also grieved over the number of tragic drownings that have occurred at the Rawacou beach through the years.

Our government has posted signs on Rawacou grounds, warning of the dangers of unpredictable currents and undertow. The government should also be commended for developing a rock reef, creating a huge, safe soaking area for all to use with relative safety: All who are physically fit that is.

Unfortunately, access to the pool for the elderly and/or handicapped is all but denied. The approach to the pool is a reasonably easy walk, however balance , agility and water shoes are required to actually enter and exit the water. The addition of a simple hand rail and several steps cut from the level ground to the water’s edge at a relatively modest cost, would greatly facilitate access to and enjoyment of the pool.

We recently watched a man with a handicapped child on his back carefully entering the water. At the same time an elderly couple turned back in fear of slipping.

Our Ministry of Tourism is doing an excellent job of identifying and funding the development of locations of interest to tourists, such as the Owia Salt Pond, Dark Falls and until the most recent rock falls and high wind/water dock destruction, the Falls of Baleine. This is commendable and necessary as we develop our tourism infrastructure, but let us not overlook the interest of our seniors and less mobile and/or less affluent citizens who deserve courtesies at least equal to our visitors.

OUR CHILDREN AND THE ARTS

Mike, Maggie and Kerry Potter trainee with students

If you search Google for literature on “children and the arts”, you will get almost 20 million hits from every corner of the world. During a brief spot check of this enormous data base, we were unable to find one negative comment on the subject. Most echoed the words of Elliot W. Eisner Professor of Education and Art, Stanford University,

” The arts are fundamental resources through which the world is viewed, meaning is created, and the mind developed. To neglect the contribution of the arts in education, either through inadequate time, resources, or poorly trained teachers is to deny children access to one of the most stunning aspects of their culture and one of the most potent means for developing their minds.”

Education programs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines include numerous examples of efforts being made to introduce our students to various forms of art, including music, dance, drawing and painting. With the cooperation of local artists, performers and businesses, many students have taken advantage of creative art education initiatives.

Recently The Vincentian visited Spring Studios Pottery and Art Gallery on Bequia. It is a working pottery within the ruins of a picturesque old sugar factory at Spring. We interviewed internationally known Mike Goddard and Maggie Mitchell to learn that for the past two years they have been sponsoring at their own expense, a very popular program with children from Lower Bay.

The students who attend local schools are learning about the Arawak pottery tradition dating back 1500 years on the island. They are taught the fundamentals of the craft and experience hands-on pottery-making on a potter’s wheel in the workshop. The enthusiastic young students have been working closely with Vincentian trainee potter Kerry Timm, who, among other things, makes large decorative garden pots.

The Spring Studios Pottery and Art Gallery is located on the Spring Resort property in Bequia. It has attracted visitors from every corner of the world and will accept commission assignments and ship its products virtually anywhere. For almost a decade it has had an excellent relationship with the owners of the Spring Resort. Spring Resort has recently been acquired by Firefly Mustique Hotel and renamed Firefly Hotel Bequia. While formal arrangements have yet to be concluded with the principals of Firefly Hotels, Mike and Maggie are hopeful that similar arrangements will allow the studio to continue its operations, and respond positively to numerous inquiries from local schools as well as teachers and schools on St. Vincent.

Hillary Clinton said to the International Children’s Arts Foundation,

“I encourage you to continue to support programs that help children to discover their talents and believe in themselves “

We in St. Vincent & the Grenadines should do no less.

TOURISM ATTRACTIONS: ARE WE OVERLOOKING THE OBVIOUS?

Anyone who says that something can’t be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

Who would have dreamed that a white woman and an Afro-American male would be leading candidates for President of the United States? America’s Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama did, proving that if you have it in you to hope and to dream, you have it in you to succeed.

Who would have dreamed that a world-class tropical garden could be carved out of a remote Mespotamia mountainside in St. Vincent? Douglas Brisbane did and his work has been further developed by the indefatigable Timothy Vaughan. Today, Montreal Gardens has the potential to be a major tourist attraction. Last year we questioned the apparent oversight of our Government and Ministry of Tourism in not providing funding for access and media support to Montreal Gardens .

Who would have dreamed that St. Vincent & the Grenadines in 2002/03 would be the birthplace of a world-class media success that has become one of the greatest movies of all time. Disney did and supported by our Ministry of Culture, Pirates of the Caribbean – The Curse of the Black Pearl, filmed at Wallilabou, (which used many Vincentians as ‘Extras’ in the cast), was the first of a trilogy of movies that has been released around the world grossing almost $3 Billion US dollars during the past four years.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines association with Pirates of the Caribbean has become a Mecca for tourists. Any country would pay dearly to be able to market and capitalize on this association as part of its tourism attractions. Dr. Karl Eklund, who lives in St. Vincent eight months each year, has developed an outstanding website/blog on the history of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, as well as several thousand pictures of the many beautiful and interesting sites on the island. He told the Vincentian that the most frequently visited pictures are those of the Pirates film set.
Our Ministry of Tourism is doing an excellent job of marketing St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Over 200,000 cruise ship passengers visited our shores last year. The tourism television channel is an attractive and interesting travelogue of our country. The Ministry attends tourism and travel venues in Europe and North America and has an excellent opportunity to focus on these two national tourist sites.

Most will agree that the original Wallilabou movie site itself was worthy of a theme park. To be sure the structures were designed to be temporary, but they could have very easily been made permanent. The docks were ideally situated to accommodate visiting yachts and local tour boats. The restaurant was/is adequate to feed hundreds of visitors. The opportunities for the sale of local crafts are numerous.

Today, this location which has become known around the world, is a dilapidated, falling down shambles; a bare memory of the scenes familiar to so many people. It is a dangerous embarrassment to recommend as a tourist attraction.

The Wallilabou property is privately owned. It appears the current owners are either unaware of its potential as a tourist attraction or are unwilling to invest any money in refurbishing the site. Would it not make good economic sense for our government to support the designation of the site as a National Tourist Attraction, perhaps leasing the rights to repair the docking facilities and restore the actual ‘location’ to what it was three years ago. Partial cost recovery of funds could be realized by charging an admission fee, similar to other major attractions and theme parks around the world.

It should also be noted that the entrepreneurial Buccament Bay Resort project has plans to capitalize on the global popularity of the movie(s) and construct a replica hand-built solid wood ‘Black Pearl’ pirate ship to be moored offshore as a floating restaurant.

We should not let opportunities which have been virtually handed to us, slip away into fading memories of what might have been.

RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO VISIT ST. VINCENT

To paraphrase an old expression, retired teachers never die, they just keep on learning. They travel world-wide and this past week, a group of Canadian teacher retirees from the Kingston, Ontario Region have been visiting and learning about St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Ontario has the largest population of all Canadian provinces. It is proud of its education system and through the years has had a close connection with St. Vincent & the Grenadines. There are currently 155,000 school teachers in Ontario and 55,000 retired teachers as well as many thousands of Vincentian immigrants whose children have benefitted from Ontario’s education system.

Retired Teachers of Ontario, Margaret and Meikle Turner

The Vincentian interviewed the Chair of the Travel Committee, Meikle Turner and his wife Margaret at the Paradise Beach Hotel. When asked why they chose St. Vincent & the Grenadines, they explained that they custom design their travel itineraries to meet the needs of their members. Influenced by positive recommendations and many years of visits by the Elder Hostel Association, they selected St. Vincent as a destination that would meet the safety, adventure, intellectual and post retirement needs of their members. Their visit has been an outstanding success.

The group arrived on Sunday January 20 and returned to their homes two weeks later, February 3. The group’s itinerary, with some modifications, was similar to the Elder Hostel Group tours. It was arranged by Joanne Gotsis of Odyssey Tours in Kingston, Ontario and Kim Halbich of Fantasea Tours in St. Vincent. There was lots of free sun, swim and personal time, plus opportunities to attend and participate in lectures on the history of St. Vincent. They enjoyed a tour of the Island of Bequia, trips to both the Windward and Leeward coasts of St. Vincent and a visit to Darkview Falls. They toured Erica’s pepper factory, attended an evening church folk service, had a flight to Union Island and a day sail to the Tobago keys; and back at the hotel, the Paradise Beach Hotel chef, Rhonda Arthur gave lessons in Vincentian cooking. This past Friday, when winter storm warnings with up to 30 cm of blowing snow, ice pellets and freezing rain were broadcast across Southern Ontario, they enjoyed the welcoming warmth and beauty of Montreal Gardens and on Saturday, they topped off their visit with a farewell barbecue at the hotel, complete with local entertainment.

Retired Teachers Never Die; They Just Keep on Learning
Stella Stefan, Rose Schultz, Chef Rhonda Arthur, Carol Williams

The Vincentian asked the Turners what impressions they thought the group would be taking home following their visit. Without hesitation they responded that apart from the beauty and interesting features and history of our island state, they were most impressed with, “The wonderful, friendly, helpful attitude of all the people they met on the island”.

They did say however, that they hoped our planned international airport would not change the unique culture and the natural beauty of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. They voiced concern that unless we took steps to preserve what we have, we run the risk of becoming just another “Cookie-cutter, North American Holiday Inn tourist destination.”

We must listen to the caveats left by visitors to our shore. This is the first visit for this group to St. Vincent and it received a very positive first impression. It will take back excellent recommendations to not only their friends and neighbours, but to a collective population of colleagues both active and retired that is more than double our own population. Our Ministry of Tourism can spend tens of thousands of dollars in promoting St. Vincent & the Grenadines, but nothing is as cost-effective or can compare to the personal recommendations of visitors who have had a positive vacation experience in our country.

SVG'S YOUNGEST AUTHOR LAUNCHES BOOK

ST. VINCENT’S YOUNGEST AUTHOR LAUNCHES FIRST BOOK
Ben Harrison

The new Paradise Beach Hotel in Villa celebrated its grand opening on Saturday evening, February 3, 2008. It was also the venue of an historic event; the launching of a book written and illustrated by St. Vincent & the Grenadine’s youngest author, and perhaps its youngest citizen ever to have an original work published.

My Homeland, was written by Storm Halbich, elder son of Kim and Earl Halbich. He is a grade 5 student at the Windsor Primary School. His artistic talent was evident when he was two years old and was constantly drawing and colouring pictures. He has been the winner of numerous creative competitions including, at age four, a poster competition sponsored by the St. Vincent Hotel & Tourism Association, a special award by the Florida/Caribbean Foods Association; and two years ago, the Venezuelan Embassy’s Christmas card design competition.

Through the years his interests have been influenced by his eco-conscious parents as well as his participation in the innovative “Floating Classroom” that is part of the Windsor Primary School’s curriculum.

The Saturday evening book launch was MC’d. by Chester Connell. The program began with a blessing by Pastor Smith. Kim Halbich gave welcoming remarks, a brief summary of her hotel renovation adventures, and her appreciation to the sizeable crowd who attended both the book launch and the opening of the hotel. She shared a brief history of the writing and publishing journey leading to the evening’s book launch. Two years ago when Storm’s drawings and notes were in their beginning stage, his mother suggested, “Let’s do a book. It will help tourists and visitors as well as our own people learn about our country and the environment”.

With a little persuasion and help, Storm agreed and the rest is history.

Through a sponsorship contribution towards publishing costs, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has made possible the distribution of copies of the book to all schools in St. Vincent. The book will be on sale locally for $15.00 EC.

Storm Halbich signing and dedicating copies of his book.

Canadian psychotherapist Dr. Sheila Pennington, herself an early childhood education specialist, author of two highly acclaimed books, and a member of IFAW, read her review of “My Homeland”:

MY HOMELAND

“Peace and love” is a greeting heard throughout the Caribbean. Storm Halbich has captured the essence of this phrase in his stunning portrayal of MY HOMELAND. His love, respect and understanding for the wisdom and beauty of nature is apparent on every colourful page.

He treasures wild life and marine mammals; he draws the whales showing their grace and joy in being alive. His colouring of the coral reefs, brilliant fish and endangered turtles make you long to join him snorkeling.

He has developed a surprising social conscience for his 9 years, and it shines throughout the book as he describes the friendly people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, their culture, and his concern about litter and possible damage to reefs.

Storm has been creating pictures and drawings ever since he could hold a crayon. And now through his awareness and an amazing communication talent he is sending out a most important message for the world to hear:

“PROTECT AND CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT”

PARADISE BEACH HOTEL

PARADISE BEACH HOTEL
Ben Harrison

Somewhere prior to the middle of the last century, a fire in Villa destroyed one of its century old waterfront homes. The burned out property, which was owned by E. Rodrigues,(Miss Jo to many), was eventually purchased by Luther Robinson, and like a ‘Phoenix rising from the ashes’, a new hotel, The Mermaid was built on the original foundation. In 1990, following further renovations, it was renamed The Paradise Inn.

Fifteen years ago, the entrepreneurial Kim and Earl Halbich had a fantasy that a developing tourism trade in St. Vincent & the Grenadines would both support and demand a water based tourism facility. That fantasy became a reality with the start of Fantasea Tours, and today its four tour boats are a familiar sight alongside visiting yachts, as passengers set out on diving and/or snorkeling expeditions or chartered day cruises to learn about the history, culture and interesting sights of the beautiful island of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Fast forward to today and we find Kim and Earl Halbich continuing to fulfill their dreams with the redevelopment of The Paradise Beach Hotel.

How are Fantasea Tours and The Paradise Beach Hotel related?
Fantasea Tours is located adjacent to the Paradise Beach Hotel and Kim Halbich is the granddaughter of Luther Robinson. Following the death of her grandfather, an opportunity evolved for Kim and her husband Earl to take over management of the property. They began redeveloping the Paradise Inn into a first class hotel facility, a project which was started in late 2007 and miraculously completed in time for a grand opening last Saturday, February 3, under its new name, The Paradise Beach Hotel.

All rooms have been renovated, many with new furnishings. Air Conditioning has been upgraded. The front desk and lobby has been completely remodeled and relocated to the main building with internet services and a modern conference room complete with meeting facilities.
The entire beach front is overlooked by an attractively decorated outdoor dining room and magnificent bar. The patio overlooking the beach is perfect for mingling and dancing. It is just possible that the Paradise Beach Hotel, now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner is going to be the “in” place in St. Vincent for residents and tourists alike.

A large crowd of invited guests celebrated the grand opening of the hotel and the beginning of an excellent addition to the Villa waterfront: one more response to the increasing urgency to satisfy the increasing tourism demands of St. Vincent & the Grenadines today and the coming decades.

COUNTRY RELATIVES LAUNCH DEBUT CD

Last year, at the 4th annual Bequia Music festival, a phenomenal group from Bequia, The Country Relatives, performed to a sold out crowd and were rewarded with a recording contract by CRS Music in Barbados. Last Saturday afternoon prior to their evening performance at the Bequia Music Festival, their debut CD “Made in Bequia” was released at a great new Lower Bay restaurant with the unlikely name of “Can’t Remember The Name"*

Avondale “Avie” Leslie, Lead Guitar and Vocals

The band laid its initial 18 tracks in Sky Studios in St. Vincent and the mixing and mastering was done in Nashville Tennessee, the world centre for country music. True country music is an expression of a people and their culture. You will hear tracks such as “Harpoon Saloon”, St.Vincent, My Homeland”and “Back in Bequia”. Tour arrangements are in the planning stage and the CD is being promoted world-wide by CRS Music. It is available locally and soon, world-wide.

*(Started by Jorg “Stanley” Dormieden”. The ambiance, food and service at “Can’t Remember the Name” are all great and prices are `reasonable, but if you are planning to meet someone there, be very sure that they know it is the name of the restaurant, not an admission of your failing memory).

BEQUIA ROCKS: FEB. 1, 2008

BEQUIA 2008 BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL

Last Friday and Saturday evenings, Jan. 25 & 26, close to 2000 people danced the weekend away at De Reef and Dawn’s Beach Café at Lower Bay, the venue for the 2008 Bequia Music Festival. The rebuilt stage area at De Reef was supplemented by a live, closed circuit big-screened video, bringing the entire performance to the outdoor diners and dancers. Residents and visitors alike all agreed that this year’s program of Blues, Jazz and Country music was just about as good as it gets.

Giving the Festival a distinctively local flavor, St. Vincent’s own 13-piece Elite Steel Pan Orchestra kicked off the weekend of music on Thursday January 24th at the Frangipani Hotel and from all reports they were better than ever.

Thanks to Basil Charles for once again bringing the Mustique Blues Festival to Bequia and to Sylvester Simmons of De Reef for hosting the event and of course to the indefatigable Wilbert and Nichola whose attention and professional organization and management of thousands of details made this huge event such a success.

Friday’s Blues program opened with Dana Gillespie and her London Blues Band with Julien Brunetaud, Dino Baptiste, Jake Zaitz, Jeff Walker, Mike Paice, Darby Todd, and Enrico Morena, proving that world-class entertainment has a home in the Eastern Caribbean. Additional artists from the world of Blues included Zach Prather, Ronnie Jones, Carvin Jones and London-based guitarists Papa George and Steve Simpson.

A word or two about Dana Gillespie who has become a legend in her own time: Ten years ago,

Dana and Mustique’s Basil Charles, founded and organised a free charity blues festival on Mustique. All funds collected through the sale of the Mustique Blues Festival CDs are used to pay for scholarships for children's schooling in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Few people know that her many talents include not only being a world-class musician with 42 albums to her credit, but numerous radio, theatre, film, television and sports credits as well. She toured with Bob Dylan, played the part of Mary Magdalene in the West End London first run of Jesus Christ Super Star and for four years she was the reigning British junior water-ski champion!

Today, her music has evolved from a folk genre in the 60s to Rock in the 70s to the incredible interpretation of the blues she performed Friday night.

Saturday and Sunday the show carried on: Toby Armstrong and the Mount Gay Blues Band from Barbados performed their unique brand of rock and blues. Another highlight was the international "All-Star" band, including the great blues pianist David Maxwell, Trinidadian bass player Michael Boothman, drummer James Lovell from Barbados and New York trumpeter Jim Coleman.

Attendees also heard a guest appearance by 2006 Digicel Rising Star Winner Kyron Baptiste, reggae and soca from Colin Peters and Friends, a debut performance by singer Amanda Gooding from Bequia and traditional Bequia string music from "The Kings of Strings".
The wrap up was held Sunday afternoon, again at De Reef in Lower Bay and free to all. Entertainers included ­The Attic Jazz Band from St. Vincent, Scottish fiddlers Sandra and Trevor Buck, The Honky Tonics and friends, the Bequia Blues Band and a Party sponsored by main event sponsor Mount Gay Rum.

If you weren’t there, you missed another world-class entertainment event.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

January 25, 2008 - Ben Harrison, International Correspondent


Earlier this month, THE VINCENTIAN recommended that all drivers adopt better safe driving habits as one of their New Year’s resolutions. Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for traffic, weather and road conditions is unsafe at any time.

The roads of St. Vincent have been undergoing major infrastructure improvements, from our costal highways to streets in Kingstown. Unfortunately many drivers become off-track racers, using these newly paved roads as their own private speedways.

Our police do not have the radar and other technology devices to enforce speed limits and safe driving. Those charged with a traffic offense, usually following an accident, often ignore the charge or hire a lawyer to defend them on a technicality and go on to offend again. Is there a solution?

Following its rebuilding and new pavement, Paul’s Avenue was in danger of becoming Kingstown’s newest high speed artery. It has a great deal of van and commercial traffic, a constant flow of pedestrian traffic including school children. Exacerbating the dangerous conditions, parking is allowed on the east side of the street.

A solution is the recent installation of “Speed Bumps” or what are known as “Traffic Calmers”. While the ‘bumps’ may calm traffic, they anger drivers and are the subject of much heated debate and criticism.

Speed bumps are not new: The idea originated when the ancient Romans used stepping stones to slow chariots at pedestrian crossings. They were introduced in traffic calming street designs in numerous pre-war U.S. and European cities. On June 7, 1906, The New York Times reported on speed bumps being installed in Chatham, New Jersey. Research has proven that speed bumps are very effective in reducing speeds on streets, contributing to greater quality of life and fewer crashes.

Critics argue that speed bumps slow down emergency vehicles and may cause physical discomfort, even pain, for disabled persons or persons with physical ailments. Being jolted or jostled by speed bumps and humps can be painful for persons with injuries or painful illnesses. Surely the overall safety of everyone is more important.

Our streets are valuable public spaces and should be shared equally by all users. Street designs and traffic rules could slow and reduce traffic while encouraging walkers and cyclists to share the street.

Vans, buses, emergency vehicles, garbage trucks and people in a hurry, will become more aware of where traffic calming measures are installed and either take a different route or change their driving habits. While drivers can often ignore traffic laws and good driving practices, they cannot ignore traffic calming speed bumps. They either slow down or suffer an immediate penalty of a damaged vehicle or at the very least shaken up passengers or cargo.

While The Vincentian applauds any measures designed to improve traffic safety, we do recommend that our road and traffic engineers consider eliminating parking on the first two blocks of north of Paul’s Avenue, making the speed bumps more visible by painting them white or yellow and erecting signs advising drivers to slow down.

If you live anywhere near Paul’s Avenue and hear things going “Bump” in the night, it’s probably just another driver ignoring the speed bumps.

AFTERNOON AT THE BEACH-A TRAGIC LOSS

January 25, 2008: Ben Harrison – International Correspondent

Nineteen year old Preston Browne, a graduate of the SVG Community College, was a well-liked, artistic, creative and musical person who was a Member of the Youth Fellowship at Brighton Methodist Church.

Last Saturday, he was celebrating his first weekend off his job as an Airport Cadet at E.T. Joshua Airport. Along with his best friend Timon Warren he had looked forward to an afternoon of fun in the sand and surf at Brighton Beach. The winds and surf were high and although Preston was a non-swimmer, the boys did not go beyond their depth, as they enjoyed the surf and riding the waves into shore. Without warning: Tragedy struck.




















Young Hero: Timon Warren (Best friend)

Timon Warren remembers seeing a large wave crash over the head of his friend Preston, knocking him down. He became aware that he had lost his footing in the shifting sands and the undertow was pulling him out to sea. He was obviously in difficulty.

Timon is a good swimmer: Risking his own life, he rushed into the surf where he had last seen Preston. He managed to grab hold of him and attempted to pull him into shore. This was no easy task as Preston weighed over 200 pounds and at times Timon was underneath Preston, trying to hold his head above water.

Timon’s calls for help were heard by one of the Bequia Beach Club’s attendants, John Rayham who ran into the sea with an inflated tube and assisted Timon in bringing Preston, who still had signs of life and a pulse, up onto the beach.




















John Rayham-Bequia Beach Club

Timon, who had taken Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training, applied pressure and rolled him on his side: He coughed up a considerable amount of water. An off duty police officer witness continued emergency resuscitation efforts while Timon attracted the attention of another person on the beach, Maxwell Sayers.

Sayers told THE VINCENTIAN that he had seen the boys playing in the surf but did not realize until that moment that there was a problem. He called 911, an ambulance and the police for assistance, but was told to put the victim in his car and drive to the hospital. He was further advised that the ambulance would meet him on the way. Despite providing his vehicle description and plate number, plus honking his horn, the ambulance passed him in the Villa area. Preston may have actually died on the way to the hospital.

THE VINCENTIAN interviewed George and Grace Warren, friends of the Browne family and parents of Timon. They belonged to the same church community, Brighton Methodist, and knew Preston as a fine young man who had “Accepted Christ” and was a leader in the youth fellowship. George Warren said he was like a son to them.
Former Head Mistress of his primary school, Mrs. Lewis remembered him to be a thoughtful, intelligent and artistic student who asked interesting questions and was very serious about being a Christian.
















Sylvester, Princeton and Joy Ann Browne

THE VINCENTIAN also interviewed Sylvester and Joy Ann Browne, parents of Preston. Mrs. Browne, an active church worker was a Sunday school leader and at the time of her son’s drowning was attending a funeral of a church member. Through their grief, they spoke with love and pride of their son Preston. They also have another son, Princeton, age 7.

When a family or community loses one of its senior members, in its sadness it celebrates the memory of that person’s long and full life and accepts death as a continuing journey. When the loss is a child or young adult, the loss is also for a life that might have been and was not allowed to develop to its full potential.

The communities of Brighton and Diamond and Brighton Methodist Church are all grieving the loss of one of their promising young men, and asking “Why?”.

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death among children and young adults and is one of the leading causes of death for visitors in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the Caribbean in General. Our beaches do not have lifeguards and extreme caution is necessary swimming in unfamiliar waters.

Another observation is the absence of the availability of oxygen for emergencies. Our police detachments, most hotels, beaches and even local medical clinics do not have Oxygen available for emergencies. Would the availability of oxygen have helped prevent the death of Preston Browne? Not until the results of the autopsy are known, and even then, we may never know.

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN - VINCENTIAN ARTICLE JAN. 18, 2008

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

PERFORMING MIRACLES ONE CHILD AT A TIME

Ben Harrison & Dr. Sheila Pennington

Last week in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, The Vincentian Newspaper had the privilege of meeting and interviewing several medical and support team members of a not-for-profit organization whose vision is, “Every child, regardless of geography, will have access to life saving critical care.”

IHC or the International Hospital for Children is a humanitarian organization based in Richmond Virginia USA. Its mandate includes linking worldwide pediatric surgical, diagnostic and preventative resources to heal critically ill children in developing countries. It helps build indigenous health care capacity by bringing the finest medical minds together to save lives now, while training local pediatric professionals to save lives tomorrow. Local medical professionals are eager to learn specialized pediatric procedures firsthand from IHC’s surgical and diagnostic teams preparing for the day they won’t have to be dependent on outsiders to treat our children.
IHC provides hope, health and healing where previously there may have been little or none.

St. Vincent & the Genadines is not alone in its needs. Ninety percent of the world has access to only 10% of the world’s medical resources. The absence of pediatric critical care expertise, especially surgical care, leaves children suffering and dying from conditions routinely treated in the United States. Where a baby is born is often THE deciding factor between life and death.
We are blessed in St. Vincent to have the leadership and encouragement of our government, leading citizens and organizations and international organizations such as the International Hospital for Children, committed to the welfare of children, the advancement of health care and development of local expertise and facilities.

His Excellency, Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne and Lady Ballantyne have sponsored the Governor General’s Children’s Fund; St. Vincent & the Grenadines Ministry of Health under its current Minister, Hon. Douglas W. Slater has provided Government support and cooperation to IHC and the South St. Vincent Rotary Club has provided much needed funding. Residents of the Island of Mustique have also been very generous in supporting the fund raising initiatives of IHC.

IHC President Susan Rickman said that since its beginning in 2001, through its international network of medical partners, IHC is providing an organizational foundation, financial resources and essential critical skills. She explained that IHC’s goal is to teach, mentor and work with doctors and nurses to raise the level of local pediatric critical care capacity in St. Vincent and other partner countries. IHC is like a hospital without walls, moving with speed and efficiency, healing as many as 50 children in one visit.

Since 2002, several times each year, IHC has been sending pediatric surgical and diagnostic teams to St. Vincent. This week it treated its 200th St. Vincent & the Grenadines baby. During this time, IHC has even arranged for complex cases to be sent for treatment to a growing network of its US and international partner hospitals.

Critical care is an everyday experience
Critical care is an everyday experience for IHC volunteers. During the past week, the team performed three rare and difficult surgical procedures on infants brought to them:
One baby was born with Gastroschisis, an abdominal wall defect in which the intestines were developing outside the abdomen through an opening in the abdominal wall. Another was born with a Mesoblastic Nephroma Tumor of the Kidney, requiring a delicate kidney excision and a third baby was born with a rare genetic disorder known as Jejunal Artresia, a complicated twisting of the small intestine caused by the partial absence of the fold of the stomach membrane. These infants now have the potential of growing and living normal, healthy lives.
Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease RF/RHD

Many children suffer from Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease which can lead to permanent heart damage. It accounts for 60% of all cardiovascular disease in children and young adults. A recent study determined that the rate of infection is 200 times greater in the eastern Caribbean than in the USA, yet with aggressive treatment it can be dramatically reduced.
IHC has partnered with Rockefeller University to design a public health prevention program. Rockefeller University, along with the St. Vincent Ministry of Health, will implement a program to develop awareness, manage current patients with rheumatic fever and heart disease, and prevent future cases from occurring.

The long-term goal is to establish St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a hub for advanced pediatric services for the whole Eastern Caribbean. Currently, no pediatric critical care exists for our region. With state of the art facilities concentrated in St. Vincent, we can become a centre for surgery and diagnostic teams to care for children throughout the entire Eastern Caribbean. This facility will also attract talented pediatric specialists to stay or move to the region.
Susan Rickman concluded that each child IHC has touched over the years has in turn, touched them. They have come to us with great need and little hope. But with the help of doctors, volunteers, and donors their stories have had happy endings.

At the farewell cocktail reception, one felt a heart-beat of hope and a hope-beat of heart. From our first meeting with the indefatigable Susan Rickman, Drs. Bea Dadda, St. Vincent Pediatric Specialist, David Lanning, IHC Pediatric Surgeon and Dr. Mike Estes, IHC Pediatric Anesthesiologist, all the other doctors and interested attendees including a large contingent of committed donors from Mustique, plus the warm and heartfelt words of His Excellency Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, there was a spirit of love, understanding and co-operation.

Katy Martling, IHC nurse USA; Lauren Corbett, IHC staff coordinator USA; Kathy Stein, IHC Anesthesiologist support staff USA; Dr. David Lanning Pediatric Surgeon USA; Dr. Mike Estes , Pediatric Anesthesiologist, USA; Dr. Bea Datta, Pediatrician, St. Vincent; Excellency, Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Governor General, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Susan Rickman, President IHC, USA; Hon. Douglass Slater Minister of Health, St. Vincent & the Grenadines;

Jackie Browne-King , IHC staff resident in St. Vincent.

Joan Carlisle-Irving, Canada & Mustique; Dr. Sheila Pennington, Canada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Dr. Mike Estes Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Virginia, USA; Christina Scwindt, Assistant Clinical Professor, Pediatrics, Allergy & Immunization, California