THE VINCENTIAN PDF-03-10-25

VICTORIA PARK TO BE RENAMED

IF ALL GOES ACCORDING to the Prime Minister’s plan, Victoria Park will be renamed for the 46th anniversary of independence, October 27, 2025.

In his address at the PrizeGiving Ceremony of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) held last Sunday evening, September 28, 2025, at Victoria Park, the Prime Minister proposed that that Victoria Park, the main venue for many national and cultural events, be renamed ahead of Independence Day on October 27, 2025.

Dr. Gonsalves said, “Victoria Park is a space of national importance and that it’s time that the name reflects Vincentian identity and cultural heritage rather than colonial history.“

Continued on Page 3.

Victoria Park, long before it was fenced and the main pavilion constructed.

Victoria Park today is a transformation both physically and in terms of its use and availability.

ECGC Foundation awards Bursaries

EIGHT STUDENTSfrom the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE), are the latest recipients of bursaries from the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC)

Foundation Inc.

The financial contribution, totaling $12,000.00, will support the students in meeting expenses related to their studies at the SVGCC.

At a special ceremony held on Thursday, September 25, 2025,

ECGC’s Human Resource Manager, Mrs. Phyllis James, presented the bursaries and encouraged the awardees to make the most of this investment.

Front row (left to right) - Mrs. Phyllis James (HR Manager, ECGC), Afe Lucas (Business Studies – Sales and Marketing), Acadia Charles (Business Studies – Accounting), Dr. Laferne Browne (Lecturer, DTVE), Kailey Blake (Business Studies – Sales and Marketing), Juniqueka Quashie (Business Studies –Accounting), Veronica John-Luke (Deputy Director, SVGCC), and Taneille Davis-Murphy (Vice Dean, DTVE).

Deputy Director of the SVGCC, Mrs. Veronica John-Luke, also addressed the students, urging them to capitaliseon every opportunity.

She also extended heartfelt thanks to ECGC for its generosity.

The SVGCC expresses sincere appreciation to the ECGC Foundation for its ongoing support and looks forward to strengthening this valued partnership in the future.

Back row (left to right) - Dr. Joseph Bobb (Head of the Engineering Department, DTVE), Winston Creese (Electrical Engineering Technology), Ezra Browne (Digital Media and Marketing), Jordan Turtin (Business Studies – Sales and Marketing), and Shaqkia Dick (Business Studies –Sales and Marketing).

Headmaster of Union island Secondary School Daryl Williams with a representative from GECCU, and Kai Marks-Dasent.

Marks-Dasent makes good on promise

THIS MAY, KAI MARKS-DASENT From the Vincy Sailing Club undertook an incredible 42-nauticalmile sail from St. Vincent to Union Island. His mission was to raise funds in support of both his sailing club and the students of Union Island Secondary School (UISS) preparing to sit their CSEC exams this year.

Thanks to generous sponsorship and community spirit, Kai’s sail was a success. Contributions came from La Bougie, Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG), Island Sipz, Blue Destination Services, Paradise Hotel, Fantasea Tours and a host of supportive friends and family.

Inspired by Kai’s efforts and the cause, GECCU has stepped up by donating an additional $1,500 to cover half the cost of a CSEC examination fee for each Union Island Secondary School student writing the exams this year. GECCU’s contribution reflects its commitment to supporting the students and community of Union Island.

When Kai made the presentation of the return on his effort, the Union Island Secondary School students, staff, and families extended heartfelt thanks to him, the sponsors and all supporters for investing in the future of education on the island. (Contributed)

V News 3

Making investment more affordable

investment for government bonds has been reduced from EC$5,000 to $500.

The announcement was made at the launch of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s (ECCB) Financial Information Month (FIM) Festival on September 30.

The two-year retain bond programme, as it is termed, offers investors a 4.25 percent interest rate and will be officially launched on October 31. It will be available to residents across the ECCU until November 21 on a first-come, firstserved basis, with interest rates being paid twice yearly.

“…Citizens and residents across the ECCU have strengthened their financial knowledge and gained the confidence to make informed choices for stronger, more secure futures,” Henry said.

She added that the ECCB remained committed to ensuring the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of all ECCU member states and doubling the wealth of its citizens alike within a 10-year period.

“It is a very ambitious campaign, but it can be done, and this is why FIM Festival is so critical,” Henry explained.

$20 billion.

However, individual investors only accounted for 1.5 percent of that total, with the remaining 98.5 percent from institutional investors, and that, insisted henry, has to change.

“Without financial independence, there is no real independence,” she proffered.

IT HAS BECOME MORE AFFORDABLEfor residents across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) to invest in the regional securities market with the announcement that the minimum

According to Dr. Valida Henry, Deputy Governor of the ECCB, since the designation of the month of October as Financial Literacy Month, the regional campaign has flourished into a dynamic platform for building financial resilience.

The regional securities market has been in existence for the past 23 years, however only 600 individuals across all ECCU states have invested.

Henry shared that over period the regional security market raised over

Victoria Park to be renamed

Continued from Frontpage.

He made no suggestion as to whose name should replace that of Queen Victoria but towards this end, he promised that public consultation will be held and expressed the hope “that consensus could be reached in time for the 46th anniversary of independence,” a little less than a month of the date of his proposal.

He noted that the name ‘Victoria’, a relic of colonial times, no longer holds much meaning for us, and that “it is time that there be a name that truly represents the people and culture of the nation.”

About Victoria Park in brief

As per an AI overview:

“Victoria Park in St. Vincent was created to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and was dedicated on June 22, 1887. It transformed from a military parade ground and cricket pitch into a public park named in her honour, with plans to level, turf, and

plant trees to create a recreational ground.

Today, it serves as a multiuse stadium and vibrant community space, hosting local events, concerts, and sports matches, making it a central hub for Kingstown’s local culture.”

In fact, Victoria Park was for many decades, dating back to the 1950s, the only playing field open to the residents of Rose Place, Edinboro, Lodge Village, Redemption Sharpes, Largo Height, Old and New Montrose. Today, many of these communities boast their

own playing Fields.

It is no longer as frequented as it was, given that it is now under the management of the National Lotteries Authority, into whose hand it was entrusted after periods of management originally by the Administrator’s Office, then the Kingstown Town Board and the National Sports Council.

Interestingly, the name Victoria had long been removed by those who frequented Victoria Park dating back to the 1950s. The area became known among the

She encouraged residents across the ECCU member states to participate in the initiative saying that it was expected to open doors for thousands of households to participate in building wealth, and ensuring that they truly moved from just being savers to investors.

It is anticipated that the ECCB will negotiate reduced broker fees for smaller investors.

The local broker is the Bank of SVG. (DD)

Left: Cricket, introduced by the colonials, was the first sport to be played at Victoria Park.

surrounding communities as simply ‘De Park’. It was not a question of “Are you going to Victoria Park to watch the match?” but, “Yo goin ‘Park’ to watch the match?”

The Prime Minister’s proposal has already provoked some response. One reader wanted to know why the promise of consultations now when none was held before the Track and Field Facility at Diamond was named. That reader, though,

advanced the name Paul Boucher to replace Victoria. He was the curator of “De Park” from the late 1950s and ensured, without fair or favour, that it was available for its many uses, even as he worked with meagre resources which had to be augmented, far too often, by the generosity of small businesses and private individuals, and the volunteer labour of those who used De Park, including students.

Dr. Valida Henry, Deputy Governor of the ECCB, urged that all effort be made to encourage savers to become investors.

Yes, netball was played at Victoria Park. Here is a team –Red Socks – at the March Past of teams in 1964 or there about.

2 KoolÊs case: Aggression or self-defense?

Stories by: HAYDN HUGGINS

POPULAR DJ AND RADIO PERSONALITY

Christopher ‘2Kool Chris’ Jones was walking with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand, on the night the man he is accused of shooting was shot three times.

That’s according to a written statement by Police Constable 983 Jashem Lynch, the last witness to give evidence at the trial in which Jones has been charged with wounding Kevin Patterson, 32-year-old fisherman of Lodge Village.

The charge stemmed from an incident in the vicinity of the Financial Complex, Kingstown, around 8:30 p.m. on July 4, 2024, during which Patterson was shot in his left hip, right leg and right hand.

PC Lynch, who is stationed at the Central Police Station and attached to beat and patrol, was called as a defense witness on Monday, by Jones’ lawyer Grant Connell, and was cross-examined by Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre, also a police officer, but seconded to the DPP’s Office.

The police officer of eight years’ experience, told the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday that he had given two statements, one on August 18, 2024, at the request of the investigator Constable 927 Ozias Patrick, and the other on August 19, 2024 at the request of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Both statements were tendered and read in evidence at Connell’s request.

First Statement

In the first statement, Lynch state that, “On July 4, 2024, about 8:30 p.m., I was in the vicinity of Courts, St. Vincent Ltd., when I saw Christopher Jones, also known as ‘2 Kool Chris’, walking coming down the road with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand, and an unknown guy (later identified as Patterson), walking behind him, cursing and saying, “I will kill you tonight.” About five minutes later, I saw ‘2 Kool Chris’ turn around facing the guy and I heard three gun shots go off. I then saw the unknown guy staggering away from a jeep that was parked in the vicinity, and he fell down in the taxi stand area. I then heard ‘2 Kool Chris’ say, “You think I fraid you, I ain’t fraid you guy.” The guy then said, “You shoot me just so, you shoot me.”

Lynch also said in the statement that a crowd gathered around, police arrived on the scene, and the firearm was taken away from Jones, who was taken to the Central Police Station by Corporal 350 Humphrey.

Lynch further said in the statement that when police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) subsequently arrived on the scene, the wounded man attempted to get up, but fell and when the police attempted

to assist him, he said, “Officer me good, me good.” He tried again to stand and succeeded. He was then put in the back of the police transport and taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Second Statement

In the second statement, Lynch said, “When I heard the death threats issued, I did not pay attention seriously, because it was the Carnival season and persons would normally act out of character at the time. However, I remained at the location in the event that some misunderstanding was to take place.”

Lynch also said in that statement, “The unknown guy appeared to be fiddling with a knapsack that he had when Mr. Jones turned around and was facing him. I did not get to see if the unknown guy had anything in his hand or pulled anything from the bag, because everything happened so fast.”

Interestingly, he had said nothing about a knapsack in the first statement.

Cross examination

Under cross-examination by Prosecutor Pierre, Lynch said he gave the second statement because the DPP’s Office wanted to verify whether the man was behind or in front of Jones when he got shot, and whether he saw the man pull anything from the knapsack, and he verified those questions.

‘2 Kool’ is a Police Officer?” Pierre asked Lynch, who replied, “No please.”

“Is it normal for persons to be walking around with a firearm in the public road?” the Prosecutor further asked the witness, who again replied, “No please.”

When asked whether he inquired of Jones why he had the firearm in his hand, Lynch said he did not inquire because he knew Jones to be a licensed firearm holder, having seen him going to renew his firearm license at the Central Police Station.

“You think it is normal for a licensed firearm holder to be walking around with a firearm in his hand?” the Prosecutor asked the witness, who responded, “No please.”

When asked when

was the last time he saw Jones going to renew his firearm license, Lynch said he could not recall.

“So you cannot say whether it was the same firearm he (Jones) had in his hand that night?” Pierre further asked, to which Lynch replied, “No”.

Lynch said he monitored the situation for about five minutes, but did nothing because, “It was Carnival time and I took it for nothing.”

The shooting

Still under cross-examination, the witness said the shots went “bang, bang, bang,” and each bang was about two seconds apart. He said that after the second shot, the unknown man staggered a bit, and after the third, he staggered and fell in the nearby taxi stand.

“Did you hear the words, “Sit down, a million people see you pelt me down with bottle?” the Prosecutor asked the officer, who replied, “No.”

Lynch also denied that Jones was standing over the wounded man, holding the gun, and said that Corporal Humphrey had to ask him twice to hand over the gun.

Self-defence

Jones had told the court earlier in the trial, that he acted in self-defense after Patterson attacked him that night.

The Prosecution’s case is that after Jones shot Patterson the first time, Patterson ran and Jones chased him and shot him two more times.

Patterson was also charged with striking Jones with a glass bottle, causing him bodily harm, but that charge was dismissed at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court following a trial earlier this year. The case was dismissed on the basis that there were no independent witnesses.

Magistrate John Ballah presided over that matter.

Following Lynch’s testimony on Monday, the Court heard closing submissions from the Prosecution and the defence, following which Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie adjourned the matter to December 10, when she would hand down her decision on Jones’ fate.

Dennie to be retried

A RETRIAL HAS BEEN ORDERED FOR Ozari Dennie, son of former lawyer and Magistrate Olin Dennie (deceased), after his convictions for firearm and ammunition possession were quashed at the Serious Offences Court yesterday (Thursday).

On September 23, 2025, at the Serious Offences Court, Chief Magistrate Colin John found the 40-year-old Prospect man guilty of having a black 9mm pistol, and four rounds of 9mm ammunition without licenses, and adjourned sentencing to the following day.

Prosecutor Renrick Cato requested a prison sentence of 59 months, stressing that firearmrelated offences were too prevalent in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a strong message must be sent to those who saw it fit to have them in their possession.

Dennie was represented by attorney Michael Wyllie who maintained that Dennie was innocent, and asked the Court to dismiss him without a sentence.

However, President of the Bar Association Shirlan Barnwell and attorney Grant Connell, intervened on his behalf, and requested a further adjournment to yesterday, so that certain documentation on Dennie could be presented before sentencing.

The lawyers did not give details on the nature of the documentation, but the Chief Magistrate grated the adjournment to yesterday, and ordered that such documentation be presented to the Court by September 29.

Dennie was remanded in the interim.

However, when Dennie returned to the

Serious Offences Court yesterday, he was represented by Richie Maitland, a former Prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), now attached to the Law Firm of Fredericks Attorneys.

Maitland made an application to the Court for Dennie’s convictions to be quashed and that he be granted bail pending an appearance before another Court.

The Chief Magistrate granted the application, ordered a retrial to be heard at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court, and granted bail to the defendant.

Maitland’s application was made in open Court, but followed a private meeting in the Magistrate’ Chambers and therefore, Maitland did not give the Court reasons for his application.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN later, he declined to comment on the application, saying it followed a private meeting in the Magistrate’s Chambers, and the matter was sensitive.

Dennie was arrested around 10:15 p.m. on November 29, 2024 at Arnos Vale, in the vicinity of KFC and the St. James School of Medicine. A Search of his person revealed the loaded gun in his waist.

Christopher ‘2 Kool’ Jones (left) in conversation with his lawyer, Grant Connell, outside the Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Ozari Dennie

More $$ for a US Visa

AS OF OCTOBER 01, 2025, Vincentian began paying an additional US$250.00referred to as an integrity fee - for nonimmigrant United States of America visa applications.

The fee, introduced by the President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed into law on July 4, 2025, is added to the existing visa application fees and, according to the preface of the Bill and the new fee therein, is intended to address visa overstays.

Before October 01, 2025, Vincentians paid US$185.00 for a tourist visa. With the additional charge, that figure has now increased to US$435.00

And there is additional heartache built in to the visa application conditions as thrown up by the refund process.

This includes a visa holder having to leave the USA within five days of the visa expiration, in order to “qualify” to apply for a refund, and then having to face a number of further bureaucratic encumbrances, making the process a protracted and

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among countries worldwide hit by a USA visa fee increase as that country tightens its entry rules.

frustrating one.

One reaction to the new charge by a caller went something like this: “Not me. I’m not planning on visiting the USA once that pink-faced man (Trump) is President. The US$400 plus is a lot of money. And even if he loses next time, going to the States doesn’t excite like before.”

It might be safe to conclude that the US could well be losing out on tourist dollars from the Caribbean. And while that might be small in the larger scheme of things, any little hurts.

New Grenadines port on the agenda

GOVERNMENT IS SAID TO ALREADY be in discussion with external lending agencies for the development of a modern Grenadines passenger and cargo port.

According to Senator Benarva Browne, Minister of Urban Development, Seaports and Energy as she addressed Parliament on Monday, assessments done on berth Number 5 at the existing Grenadines wharf in Kingstown suggested that it be demolished, after it sustained extensive damage during the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.

The repair work on the damaged section of the jetty got underway in June 2025 and was expected to be completed in November.

This, after it was advanced in December 2024, and anticipating an earlier commencement to the repairs, that the repair work was expected to be completed approximately 53 days after the construction work began. No date for the commencement of the

The Grenadines Wharf and that general area are included in the development plans of a future ULP government.

repair work was given then.

It was later learned that initial assessments underestimated the damage, requiring a reevaluation of the work scope, including redesigning the structural support. While basic repairs were completed by November 2024, the extensive damage necessitated a more thorough engineering assessment to guide the structural redesign and repair of the concrete slabs.

Minister Browne went on to say that the Port Authority had taken a

number of steps to manage the situation in the interim.

Among the steps were: confining the loading of large trucks in the vicinity of Massey Supermarket; passenger drop off being restricted; only vehicles off loading cargo permitted on to the wharf; and temporary parking spaces made available for persons dropping off passengers.

“These interventions have reduced the congestion and improved the safety while remedial works have been advancing,” she said. (DD)

Views V

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

The Soft Power of Culture

(This was the editorial of THE VINCENTIAN of Friday, April 28, 2017. It has been abridged to fit the space allowed in this week’s edition.)

THE TERM SOFT POWERmay be a relatively new one to the lexicon of Caribbean peoples.

The term is accepted as having been coined by Joseph Samuel Nye, an American political scientist, the co-founder of the international relations theory of neoliberalism.

Simply put, Soft Power is ‘the power of countries beyond traditional hard-core powers such as political, defence and economic might, by which they can influence other countries or attract attention to themselves’.

For example:

The USA has the largest GDP and defence machinery/industry in the world. However, it is its Soft Power, such as Hollywood movies, that influences the globe. It is said that over half the world’s population watches movies made in Hollywood.

The English Language belongs to the United Kingdom with a population of 60 million, yet nearly 25% of the world speaks the language.

India’s food flexes its own Soft Power. The country’s Chicken Tikka sells like hot bread across the globe.

Closer home, whenever Venezuela is mentioned in cultural circles, the first thing that comes to mind is Miss Universe and Miss World, for that country has provided many winners in those coveted pageants.

Nye proffered that some resources that can produce Soft Power are culture, values and policy.

These three resources can be and are used to make other states do and like what another country does and likes. This may be done through literature, music and film.

That is why we don’t necessarily have to spend hard-earned resources to ‘pampaset’ in search of a seat on the Security Council of the United Nations, in order to wield influence. Wielding influence in the world

Conduct

during the Election

can come from the Soft Power of attraction. And one of the ways (of concern to this piece) that a country can gain Soft Power is through its culture. China did it through promotion of its green tea; we can do it through our music, our dance, our festivals, our art, our cuisine and even our ganja.

If we accept that Soft Power can be defined in terms of the resources that are thought to generate attraction on the part of others, then we can focus on culture, for St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a wealth of such assets.

This country, undoubtedly, has a rich heritage and cultural legacy. And in a world where, experts say, capital and labour are increasingly mobile, choice of location for business ventures and leisure can and is influenced by cultural policies. Culture can be a major magnet for economic activity, as attractive as tolerance, freedom and political stability.

So, instead of ‘punching above our weight class’ in arenas in which we just might be spinning top in mud, why are we not seriously addressing the need to develop and institutionalise our cultural industries?

Why is St. Vincent and the Grenadines not the choice location for music and video recordings, film making, dance seminars, heritage trails and the likes?

The one thing by which we can be assured of if we choose to make culture a tool for creating Soft Power, is the fact that culture is people based, and we have much of that resource.

Yet, we spend hours proselytizing in chambers reserved for the economic and military power houses of the world, with the wishful thinking that we will, like Joshua, be able to lead a chant that dismantles the walls of Jericho.

The value of culture and the arts can affect our international standing far moreso than any political grandstanding. The Soft Power that culture brings and its role in driving the creation of a booming cultural industry, cannot be downplayed.

TRADITIONALLY, the St. Vincent Christian Council played a leading role in trying to establish a sense of civility among our citizenry during the election period. With the election just around the proverbial corner, I ask, “What are we waiting for?”

It feels like everyone, except the St. Vincent Christian Council, is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming elections. Just a few weeks ago, I was on my way to meet with the Prime Minister when, to my surprise, I found myself side lined by a visit from a member of the Christian Council. While it was disappointing to miss my meeting, I was thrilled to see them engaging with him. I hope they were “making the rounds” and will soon connect with the opposition. Or maybe have already and were getting ready to make a statement about the standards of behavior expected in the upcoming election.

With the election season heating up, I can’t help but anticipate a bold statement from the Christian Council on the principles of civil discourse. How can we express our disagreements constructively? How should political players navigate the challenges that lie ahead?

A part of me is genuinely excited to receive a reminder from them that, regardless of the election outcome, we will still need to share this community. The surge of partisan politics fever doesn’t just fade away after the election; it’s not a fleeting fever that can be broken with a cold shower or a cup of fevergrass tea. Some may think I am being overly dramatic but look at the recent election events in the USA–once seen as the cradle of modern democracy. We need someone with more authority than me to remind us that a victory in the election polls doesn’t silence dissent, nor should it lead to chaos or violence. We must begin discussing an action plan for the morning after now.

Let’s keep the energy high as we embark on this electoral journey, reminding ourselves that civility and understanding must prevail, no matter the outcome.

In recent months, I have seized the moment to share my vision and expectations with aspiring leaders as they aim for higher office and the profound responsibility of serving our vibrant community. Now, I would like to invite the local clergy to step up and

provide us with moral guidance during these difficult days ahead. You see, I firmly believe that we should always step aside and let those trained for the task do their job. And moral guidance is best left to our wise clergy, who are trained and equipped to navigate our moral compass.

I am asking our religious leaders to take bold, proactive measures. It’s time to review and revamp the code of conduct that will guide the campaign trail towards integrity and respect. We cannot afford to wait for a significant breach in the trust and confidence in our system to rally a response. Thoughts and praise after a disastrous event are not good enough. We need a group today to begin immediately, monitoring candidates’ activities and behaviors during this crucial campaign period. Our voters–and our entire nation–deserve unwavering integrity at every turn.

We need a dynamic coalition of strong, credible leaders ready to establish a shared and honorable code of conduct governing all political parties, candidates, and supporters. We must create a transparent mechanism for reporting and addressing violations of this vital code, ensuring that every voice is heard.

Moreover, we must maintain a comprehensive, accessible record of all complaints. Each complaint must be investigated without delay. The body should keep the public informed with weekly updates on its discussions and findings, fostering a culture of transparency. Most importantly, the council must be vigilant in conducting thorough investigations into campaign financing, promptly reporting any irregularities or breaches of our democratic principles directly to the public. Together, we can ensure the integrity of our electoral process and build a future we can all be proud of.

Lastly, while I have nothing against those international election observers, they do nothing to instill confidence in the process or the outcome. So let them in if we must, but the actual work to protect our democracy begins now with us.

Horatio.

Return the Encyclopedias to School

ACCORDING TO GOOGLE, an encyclopedia is an organized set of books giving information on many subjects. Appearing on the political platform near to Small School in Ashton, Union Island, were the apparent representations of two encyclopedias: Ralph Gonsalves, PhD and Lennox Charles of the Union Island Revolution fame.

Dr. Gonsalves is known to be a repository of vast knowledge

because of his voracious reading habits. Additionally, he is a writer, speaker, researcher and charismatic leader. He led his country for about a quarter of a century. With his background as a criminal defense lawyer, his objectives of dealing with crime and the causes of crime had apparently not materialized. So too, the promise to pursue criminals until they existed no more did not

bring about the desired effect.

This failure as minister of National Security, Legal Affairs and Tertiary Education does not however, hinder his prowess as an academician and consequently he should in his remaining years be allowed to function in an area where he is guaranteed success and likely to create a legacy. The school is his natural place to be. He would be able to work at his own pace. Requiring a man in his eightieth year to work daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm is

The West Indies again!!!

I WAS TAKING A REST from the paper but my favourite people, the West Indies cricket team, woke me up, as usual.

As I write this on Monday, the West Indies have lost the second of three T20s they are scheduled to play against Nepal. It seems we were not satisfied handing Nepal their first win over the West Indies in a T20 international match, and their firstever triumph over a Test-playing nation. So, we decided to give Nepal a whole set of further ranks by losing against them in the second T20 and worse, scoring a measly 83 runs in 17.1 overs.

If I remember very well, the West Indies lowest score in T20 history is 45, which they made against England in 2019, at Warner Park, St. Kitts. For those who would say, “Well at least we didn’t score less than 45”, that is not the issue. The point is that we couldn’t even score 100 against lowly ranked Nepal, in a T20. Mind you, I know that team in Sharjah where the 3-match T20 series against Nepal is being played, has five uncapped players in a 15-

man squad. Several of the mainstay players have been rested or refused selection. But the arithmetic will show that there are ten players with T20 experience, including highly experienced new captain Akeal Hosein and former Test captain Jason Holder. So, there should be no excuse about the Nepal players having so much experience over us. May be our poor performance against Nepal had something to do with us playing in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates. That would be a very lame excuse. We were beaten and beaten convincingly especially in the second T20. The only thing we can do to take some shame from us is to win the last T20.

We hope that the Test Series in India doesn’t end up with another set of shame all over our faces. We love the West Indies and will go down with them, but the players must give us something for us to cheer.

Charles, Edinboro

(Editor’s Note: West Indies won the referred third T20, played on Tuesday, by 10 wickets.)

unreasonable. The Education Revolution with its noble objectives, did not achieve its goals because of lack of meritocracy and political interference in its implementation. Additionally, Dr. Gonsalves in the quarter century was unable to produce a credible deputy to continue his work.

Lennox Charles is credited with introducing basketball to Union Island, but his lack of visible productive employment had a negative effect on the population. While basketball coaches overseas are among the most highly paid, our country does not value such skills. This is true of the workers in the steel bands also. Some are of the opinion that he

should ensure that the encyclopedia checked out of the library of the Union Island Secondary school some years ago, be returned.

Rodwell ‘Radix’ Stewart who was influenced somewhat by the Encyclopedias, is a successful graduate of the Union Island Secondary school. He studied Agriculture successfully at the St. Vincent Technical College. He should fancy his future chances better with the New Democratic Party where Agriculture is being promoted as one of the pillars of our economy, than with the Unity Labor Party that is credited for thinking that Agriculture is a thing of the past.

Appearing on the platform of the ULP at the meeting near Small

Police Brutality

I ASKED A LAWYER RECENTLY to explain the term ‘police brutality’. Among his response was that this includes many human rights issues, such as beatings, torture, and indiscriminate use of riot control measures at protests. The lawyer pointed out that at its worst, police brutality can result in loss of life.

The reason I approached the lawyer is that I was moved by the number of incidents of open, public displays of police brutality on persons that they might have sought to apprehend. These incidents, the police must realize by now, are captured and shared live on social media platforms, for local and overseas-based Vincentians to view. It could be that the internet and its platforms have provided coverage of these incidents that have always been there, but were not shared, made public, in the manner they are at present.

The recent story about the tattoo artiste has caused hairs to raise where they don’t even exist. And the thing is this is just one of many incidents.

The questions I have

include: Have we, the civilians lost respect for the Police? Do we resist the authority of the police even before inquiring of them why they would be approaching us? Are the police aggressive in their approaches to civilians? Are they “trained” to arrest even before asking questions? Are the police, in exerting physical force, resisting the violent behaviour of those they are trying to apprehend? Are the police exerting undue physical abuse on those they attempt to apprehend? Is it still a

case of we against them where the “we’ and the ‘they’ are flipped between civilian and police?

And while I will never condone any aggressive behavior towards and disrespect for our police, I am also aware that the attitude by the police that they can wield unchecked authority over the civilian population will continue to exacerbate if the police’s systemic lack of accountability that fails to punish misconduct continues unabated. Thomas.

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* WHICH INDIVIDUAL IN OUR COUNTRY likes to hear himself the most? Is it the PM, Bing Joseph, Dr. Friday, Sehon Marshall, Luke Boyea, Fitzgerald Bramble?

* It is true that we have a new money transfer agent in SVG?

* Why does it look like Government is not spending money in opposition constituencies? Why it looks like Hurricane Beryl only did damage in government ministers’ constituencies?

* Why are the red and yellow political meetings looking like carnival fetes?

* How come the parties waited until election is ‘round the corner to open constituency offices? Shouldn’t each party have a presence in each constituency all year round?

* How come is only since he performed an act of bravery that Saboto Caesar recognized that Gabriel Smart, one of his constituents needed a job?

School in Ashton Union Island may not have been in his best interest.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD.

The Comrade exposes nefarious agents in speech at UN

THE ISSUE

ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2025, at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves delivered a speech which has been widelyacclaimed as compelling in content and delivery. In fact, several objective commentators, globally, have assessed it as among the best statements made to UNGA in 2025.

In his address Comrade Ralph stated, among other things, the following:

“My government and my people have another challenge from the nefarious activities of the agents of a rising, or risen, hegemon from another hemisphere, and from some greedy, unprincipled non-state operators in Europe, acting in concert, seeking to pollute, and interfere in, our democracy, our free and fair elections which are scheduled to be held later this year. Their conduct is unacceptable and hugely injurious to our people.”

THE EVIDENCE

For several months now, Comrade Ralph has been drawing this serious matter to the attention of Vincentians and the people of the Caribbean. The evidence includes:

In the diplomatic mission of a foreign country (a rising or risen hegemon from the Far East), located in a nearby country, there is a unit that is assisting the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in their pre-election campaign. This assistance takes the form of financial support and coordination with political forces in SVG opposed to the ULP and Comrade Ralph. The Comrade has drawn this matter directly to the attention of some CARICOM Prime Ministers.

This pro-NDP, anti-ULP, unit in league with Chinese-based companies and operators in Europe (wannabe sellers of our passports and citizenship) are paying an anti-Ralph, anti-ULP law firm consisting of a male-female partnership to do the following, among other things: (a) Prepare and broadcast pro-NDP and anti-ULP messages and commentaries on two radio stations; (b) solicit and pay other anti-Ralph, antiULP personalities to do such messages and commentaries; and (c) pay the radio stations to do the broadcasts. Every month, like clockwork, the law firm is paid for its work; and on the same day the radio station is also paid. Payment is made in US dollars directly to the respective accounts. The shortman in the law firm is sick in his head; he apparently sees himself as some sort of Napoleon; completely delusional.

The same conspirators pay online publications to run stories against Ralph and the ULP; they have organised a social media campaign of lies, slander, and bile against the ULP and Ralph.

The Chinese-based companies and the European operators (wannabe sellers of our passports and citizenship) have hired for the NDP a well-known election-consultancy firm in England to

advise, plan, and conduct the NDP election campaign, to do the NDP’s dirty work. The Chinese-based companies and the European operators have refused to hire the usual election consultants of 2001 to 2020 for the NDP; they have cast aside the failed off-shoots of Strategic Communications Laboratories (SCL), the precursor to Cambridge Analytica which was disbanded after the US Presidential elections in 2016. The new consultancy firm in England also dispenses money to the NDP on behalf of their principals.

PURPOSE FOR THE NEFARIOUS ACTIVITIES

The purposes for these nefarious activities in polluting our democracy and interfering in our elections, in their quest to remove the ULP from government and elect the NDP, are threefold: (i) To get the sole contract to sell our passports and citizenship to foreigners, including disreputable ones, and to do so swiftly before the European-American-Canadian-British ban is firmly in place; (ii) To secure the breaking by SVG of diplomatic ties with Taiwan and to establish relations with mainland China (PRC); and (iii) To get the political scalp of Comrade Ralph; Ralph and the ULP have defeated them so many times (2001 — 2020) that it is now a personal matter for them; this is especially so for the so-called “King of Passports” who resides in Switzerland and is pulling the strings for the NDP.

THE UK FIRM

The ULP knows the name of the English-based firm which has been hired for the NDP campaign. It is owned, mainly, by two persons: An Australian-born professional who has been knighted for “political services” in helping the Conservative Party in the UK to win elections; and another “election expert”. This firm works only for right-wing, conservative political parties; it has done so, for example, in the UK, Australia, and Sri Lanka.

This firm (we will reveal the name later) boasts of specialties in the following: (i) “Dark Arts” campaigning based on demonising opponents, and negativism; so expect plenty more vicious negative stuff about the ULP and Ralph; expect lies and falsehoods galore; (ii) Using “focus groups” and polling to target their campaign against their political opponents; the firm has already been in SVG doing “focus groups” and polling; the polls show that NDP is losing and the people do not want Friday as Leader of SVG; the ULP has infiltrated these focus groups for relevant information; we know the hotel, owned by a European, that is the centre for the “focus groups”; Continued on Page 17.

NDP offers a brighter future

(Excerpts of Political Leader of the NDP, Dr Godwin Friday’s Presentation at a Public Meeting in East Kingstown)

OUR PLAN that we have put forward is a plan that is realistic. We have said that we are going to rebuild the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Right now, we do not have a functioning economy. The agricultural sector, they have allowed it to die. Tourism is limping along. They opened one major hotel in twenty-Five (25) years. You go to the other countries in the region and you see that they have moved way faster than we have done. That is why wages are higher, because there is a greater demand for the talent that is there. And that is why our young people look to other countries in the OECS and they see greener pastures. And we say, well, why not St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

In fact, what they have done; when there are major projects, they bring workers from overseas. It’s the same with the port. It happened with Sandals when they came. It is happening now with the hospital out at Arnos Vale. When we have people here, who are desperate to find work. And their excuse is that they don’t have the skills. Well, why in God’s name, after twenty-five (25) years in office, you’re telling me you can’t teach people how to bend wire, you can’t teach people how to lay bricks and blocks, you can’t teach people how to drive heavy machinery, you can’t find plumbers and electricians, you can’t even find labourers to work on a project. They can’t be serious.

They have brought this country to a situation now where we are being left behind in the region. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is falling behind the rest of the region. The reason for that is because of the government we have in place. It is not because of some special characteristic of the people of this country. We are hardworking. We are as talented and gifted as anybody else in the region. We want progress. We want prosperity for our people. We want a brighter future for our young people. We want them to use their talents and gifts here to develop St. Vincent and the Grenadines; because of the government in office, that has not materialized.

We cannot risk another five years of that because what will happen, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will become a failed state. And you will have those who are standing up and bragging and self-congratulating and always talking about the promises rather than what they have delivered. We have to change that.

What you want is a government that listens to the people, who puts the interests of the people first and foremost, who look at the farmers. And say, we understand that you have been left behind. The roads that were built to get you to your farms have not been cleaned; they have not been repaired in twentyfive (25) years. There is no

marketing mechanism to help you to market your plantains.

You have a situation where the fisher folk cannot find markets and they cannot produce in a way that makes them more prosperous and that has been twenty-five (25) years of this ULP government. We have to do better than that. I want to say to the people of this country, we have a plan in place to bring the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines truly into the 21st century. You heard Dr. Shallow talked about the youth economy or what we call the new economy to build those areas of the economy that we have never focused on before to create more opportunities.

For the people in the fishing industry, I say to you, we value your contribution. We believe in the productive benefit of the work that you do, we will put the measures in place to make you succeed. Come with us in the New Democratic Party. Let us build a more thriving fishing industry and a more prosperous country. I want to say to the farmers, similarly, we understand the plight that you have, the challenges that you are meeting now, the deaf ears of the present Minister of Agriculture and the lack of interest from the present government because they don’t see value in what you do. They look at the farmers as though they are the least of the least. I see you as the mighty of the mightiest. You can build St. Vincent and the Grenadines and I want to work with you to do so.

We see in the young people of this country the true potential for the future of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Lavern talked earlier about the youth guarantee pledge that we made to our young people. What we have said is to the young people of this country, we understand that you feel you are locked out of the economy. You leave Community College four or five years and you can’t even find a parttime job. Those who have dropped out of school for whatever reason, you cannot find work. And nobody in the government seems to give a ‘damn’.

So we have said this, we will work to build an economy to create more opportunities. So hopefully you will find work. If it’s a situation where you don’t have the training, the skills in order, to find the jobs here, we will create a training system in this country with Technical and Vocational Education at a higher level so that you can have the training necessary to take those jobs. We will create an agency that helps to match your training with the jobs that are available so that the young people are not left alone to fend for themselves, to listen to somebody telling them along the grapevine that they must go and talk to somebody in an office to try to find a job.

Some characters of Kingstown from the 1970s

“All these precious moments that we carved in stone, are only memories after all.” - Shawn Mendes (born 1998) –Canadian singer and songwriter.

IT IS OFTEN QUITE AMAZINGto reflect on characters who provided unique experiences in and around Kingstown in the 1970s. Individuals like Pipperi, Mother Bakes, Larwood, Gatty Boogaloo, Lester, Keizer, Roach, and Paddy readily come to mind. Some of these names arose during a recent exchange of WhatsApp messages with a dear friend. The conversation emerged after she had shared a photograph taken on her birthday and commented that she looked like Pipperi. Pipperi is the name given to a local bird that always appeared to have ruffled feathers. Unfortunately, this writer does not know the bird’s scientific name and therefore cannot direct the reader to researching its species.

During the 1970s (and probably into the 1980s) there was a relatively short female vagrant in Kingstown who regularly adorned multiple layers of clothing and was fondly called Pipperi. We never knew her real name or discovered where she slept. It was rumoured that she never got sick and that she had built strong resistance to diseases that would normally floor other citizens.

We never discovered how the five-foot tall male from the countryside got the name Mother Bakes. He had a distinct hoarse voice and sometimes appeared inaudible when he talked. There was no way to understand his accent to obtain a clue in relation to which district he came from. On one occasion he had fractured one of his legs (broken in the area of his shin) but refused to have it attended to by the professionals at the medical hospital. As a result, the bones fused in such a manner that resulted in him walking with a limp. He was never known to be violent but periodically dispelled “harsh words” when teased.

Larwood was a most interesting character. He frequented the area in Paul’s Avenue that now houses Gaymes’ Book Store (then Paddy’s Store). He had a gift with words and enjoyed discourses that were considered quite philosophical. He was always quite engaging whenever involved in conversations but tended to be quite dismissive if/when confronted with discourses that he may have concluded that he was not being understood or that the other individual was having the upper hand.

Gatty Boogaloo could frequently be found in the area beside Paddy’s Store and the Hind’s Shop in Paul’s Avenue. We never knew why she constantly had one hand holding her forehead as she slowly walked with a slightly humped back. Her few metal cooking utensils were stored in a large crevice that was evident in the breadfruit tree that grew beside the gutter that flowed down the western side of the property that now houses the main offices of St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC). Most of her utensils were made by the tinsmith who worked beside Alleyne’s Photo Studio on Back Street (now occupied by George’s Plaza). Gatty was considered a quiet, easy-going individual whose personality evolved to be verbally aggressive once teased.

Lester was considered a nocturnal worker. This quiet, tall, clear-skin gentleman appeared to seldom speak as

he went about collecting “night soil” from the Paul’s Avenue residents during the wee hours of the morning. These were in the days before indoor toilets were installed. While sheltered by the dark he would walk the fifty yards to Bay Street and empty his five-gallon buckets in the location of the sea-front beyond the abattoir located directly in front the P.H. Veira’s Shop. This was before the government of the day had invested in reclaiming lands along the seafront in that area.

Keizer conducted similar early morning duties to those described for Lester. However, his clientele resided in the Bottom Town area (close to the Kingstown Hospital and in the vicinity of Nine Steps). Like Lester, Keizer made several trips to and from the homes in that area. However, he emptied his buckets beyond the rocky western end of the Bottom Town bay front. Both made every effort to complete their tasks before sunlight. We were (and are) grateful for their service and remember them with dignity.

Roache and Paddy are described jointly here. They were good friends. Roache owned and operated a shop in the vicinity of the building on Back Street that now houses St. Vincent Insurance Services Limited (VINSURE). He was a relatively tall, muscular gentleman who was married to a much shorter lady. They lived on the upper floor of the building. In addition to the groceries sold, Roache’s Shop attracted individuals who needed to get coconut water while in Kingstown. On one occasion when he had increased the price of the coconut and a customer was heard complaining about the increased price, Roache was heard saying, “Okay, I will leave the old price in place but you now have to pay extra for the coconut shell.”

As indicated earlier, Paddy owned and operated a shop in the building that now accommodates Gayme’s Bookstore. Paddy was known for telling “tall tales” but he did so in a very convincing manner. As youngsters, we were often fascinated by his vivid imagination and his skills as a story-teller. On occasions when we challenged the accuracy and authenticity of his stories, he would respond by saying, “If you don’t believe me, go and ask Roache.” Invariably Roache will concur with the details that his friend Paddy had provided. We often referred to this duo by saying, “If Roache says kill, Paddy will say bury.” They both enjoyed conversing with the younger generation and proved to be quite entertaining.

The stories shared here are intended to provide some opportunities for those of us who lived in and around Kingstown in the 1970s to reminisce. Those from more recent generations can also gain some insights in relation to some of the characters who abided in and around Kingstown in those “good old days”.

Gonsalves joins Trump, attacks China

IN HIS MOST BACKWARD DISPLAY of global politics yet, Gonsalves, known for his relatively progressive positions on international issues, took the mic at United nations last week to launch a cowardly and opportunistic attack on the People’s Republic of China. His diplomatic assault on Beijing placed him squarely on the side of president Donald Trump and the section of the American ruling circles, who have long called for the isolation of and aggression against the world’s second largest economic power.

In a thinly veiled attack on the People’s Republic, Gonsalves told the world body his government, alone in our Caribbean faced a challenge from ‘nefarious activities of the agents of a rising, or risen, hegemon from another hemisphere, and from some greedy, unprincipled non-state operators in Europe, acting in concert, seeking to pollute, and interfere in, our democracy, our free and fair elections which are scheduled to be held later this year.’

In recent years Gonsalves has repeatedly claimed, without a shred of evidence, that citizens of our country, particularly some in the local media are paid agents of the Chinese government, who freely and openly recruit anti- government individuals, as well as sponsor and pay for their appearances in the media to attack his Unity Labour Party government.

Previously, the true intent of Gonsalves’ dastardly lie that defames independent minded Vincentians was to toady up to his pay masters in Taiwan, who desperately needs diplomatic cover as 180 of the world’s 193 nations sever relations with it, and recognise the industrial workhorse of the modern world.

Who would ever forget Gonsalves’ April 5, 2023, boast at the signing of a $120 million loan that his borrowing policy, which at that point showed us owning Taiwan upwards of $600 million, was a ‘hook in the gill’ of our nation. Currently, our nation’s debt to Taiwan is close to $1 billion.

Gonsalves’ statement at the UN last week was akin to an undignified ‘blowhard’ joining the reactionary regime of Donald Trump, who is labelling China as a threat to the world and more precisely a danger to our democracy.

He noted that his government and population have another challenge from the ‘hegemon from another hemisphere whose conduct is ‘unacceptable and hugely injurious to our people.’ He told the delegates at the United Nations that ‘as a free and independent people, we have the right to pursue our quest for shared prosperity peacefully and securely, without domination, interference, or intervention from any of our neighbours or from any power that comes from afar.’

A few things need to be placed in context. Of the 14 countries in CARICOM, nine maintain decadeslong relations with the People’s Republic of China. Belize, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines are among the 13 countries that cling to Taiwan’s coattail. None of these countries, save and except St.

Vincent and the Grenadines, claims that Beijing is a threat to their democracy or way of life. What makes St Vincent and the Grenadines special? Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana and the other five CARICOM all have cordial relations with China. None of the parties there speaks of China’s inappropriate involvement in their political affairs. Why are we a target of the Chinese? The answer lies in the crabbed imaginings of Gonsalves, who, in a desperate attempt to hold on to power and continue his misrule of our country, sees enemies at every turn.

The genesis of this silly talk can be traced back to 2016, when the opposition declared that upon assuming power, it would sever ties with Taiwan and establish relations with the People’s Republic.

The real question, though, is this: why go to the other side of the earth in search of enemies when a far more aggressive hegemon claims our entire hemisphere as its backyard? Moreover, the United States, as is reflected in its regime change threat to Venezuela and its criminal economic blockage and sabotage of Cuba and Nicaragua, seems to give the ‘progressive’ Gonsalves a pass. Gonsalves has governed with the thinnest of parliamentary margins since the 2010 elections. His party, for the first time since 1998, failed to win the support of the majority of voters in the 2020 elections. In addition to pressure against Venezuela and Cuba, the American hegemon joined with the British overlords to remove Chedi Jagan from power in Guyana (1953), overthrew and killed President Allende of Chile in 1973, destabilised Jamaica (1972 to 1980) and eventually chased Manley out of power in preference to the reactionary Edward Seaga, and hounded the People Revolutionary Government of Maurice Bishop’s New Jewel until it imploded in 1983. It’s a little more than passing strange that the enigmatic Gonsalves has never pointed a finger at the hegemon in Washington as one of his detractors. Previously his tirades about foreign ‘mind benders’’ were directed at the Strategic Communications Laboratories, a British behavioural research and strategic communications company. Never once a word or accusation against the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a sworn enemy of all truly progressive governments. We can’t say Washington and Gonsalves are strange bedfellows. They are more like peas in a pod.

As our elders fondly say, ‘damn fool ah tark but nah damn fool ah listen.’ In Sulle’s poetic voice, ‘nah mek ULP tek yo mind this time.’

In this crucial election cycle, we have a unique chance to get this proverbial monkey off our back.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

Joye Browne: A precious rose has left us

I AM HERE TODAY representing the Providence family, as we gather with the Browne family to say farewell to their precious daughter Joye.

Her father Udley Browne and my father Leonard Providence were colleagues, head teachers in the Primary Schools department in the 1930s to the 19850s. They both went on to make significant contributions in the area of Agriculture. They were both prominent players in the St. Vincent Banana Growers Association, the largest farmers’ organization in our land.

Joye followed in her father’s footsteps and has made a distinctly valuable contribution to the development of the ladies in our society. The bereaved family can take comfort in that fact. Jehovah will give them the strength to cope. We cannot all be the candle on the societal

lamp stand, but each one of us can be a part of the surface of the Box upon which the match used to kindle tomorrow’s flame is scratched.

Therefore, in the pursuit of our ideals, let us be not un-mindful of the travail of others, for though we are all straws, straws in the wind of time, we could be towers of strength to our brothers and sisters in need.

I have been reflecting on the fact that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, over several decades there have been individuals and families like Joye Browne and her family, who have demonstrated their passionate pursuit of a desire to positively contribute to the development of their societies. They had spontaneously asserted themselves and energetically endeavoured to address circumstances which they themselves had identified as requiring corrective intervention.

Considering the numbers of persons who have over the decades exhibited those positive societal development traits, our beautiful land/nation should not have been so distinctly poor from the standpoint of societal development.

From the mound on which I sit, it seems to me that we have distinctly drifted away from the path of national development which we had seemed to have had our hearts set on in 1951. I am blaming those who had been given the responsibility to manage our affairs. Because of their seemingly intellectual elevation, they were believed to be best suited to lead, and respect and support for them was enhanced by their erudition and persona. However, by 1975, it was distinctly evident that there was not present in them, the maturity which was needed for the task to which they had been assigned. It seems reasonable to say now that what attracted them was the control of

the power which the British administration had enjoyed.

That was clearly exhibited in 1975 when teachers engaging in a peaceful demonstration were treated like hostile criminals. That modus operandi still is evident today, and even with the distinct evidence of societal degradation, those in leadership are emboldened to declare that life in this land was never so good. They do so even though they have not addressed the promises they had made twenty-four years ago when they impressed the people that the NDP under James Mitchell had become indifferent to the people’s wellbeing.

Look at the condition of the roads, the schools and the health services, the condition of the Central Police Station!

We here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will soon be going to the polls to elect representatives who can manage our affairs in our best interest. Considering the agony which has burdened us in the past decades, it is imperative that all patriotic citizens will participants in the discussions which we should be having over the next several weeks, so that we may soberly construct a plan for the platform which offers the reasonable hope for us to prosper in an atmosphere of Peace and Justice.

Contributions from people of the caliber of Joye Browne and her family will be valuable! May Joye Browne our precious rose rest in peace.

LeRoy Providence

News V Vincy wins CCAC Scholarship

FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, an international student from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, living and studying in Toronto, has earned a full-tuition scholarship to pursue postsecondary studies at a Toronto college.

Tiffani Sardine, who began her Bachelor of Commerce program at George Brown College in 2024, was first awarded a $1,000 bursary from the St. Vincent and Grenadines Association of Toronto Inc. to support her educational journey. Building on that foundation, she has now received the Council of Caribbean AssociationsCanada (CCAC) full tuition-paid scholarship–sponsored by George Brown College–which will fund the remainder of her three-year program up to $6,000.00 per year.

This milestone marks the third successive year that a student of Vincentian heritage has earned the CCAC’s most prestigious academic award:

* In 2023, Lenron Doyle became the first-ever recipient of the CCAC scholarship through Seneca Polytechnic.

* In 2024, his brother, Donalan Doyle, followed in his footsteps by also earning the Seneca scholarship.

* Now in 2025, Tiffani Sardine continues the legacy at George Brown College.

The CCAC is an umbrella organization comprising the national associations of 13 Caribbean countries represented in the Greater Toronto Area. Each year, it awards bursaries and scholarships to students of Caribbean descent residing and studying in Ontario–including international students–based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership potential.

“It’s amazing to see such a consistent stream of talented international students from St. Vincent and the Grenadines achieving recognition and financial support for their education in Canada.

Tiffani’s story is especially inspiring, building on the path set by Lenron and Donalan Doyle.”

The scholarships and bursaries offered by the CCAC are a vital resource for Caribbean students, many of whom face

Tiffani Sardine – Third Vincentian to win the CCAC Award

financial barriers to postsecondary education. These awards reflect the power of community-based support systems to uplift and empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Tiffani’s win, and the Doyle brothers’ accomplishments, should serve as powerful motivation for other students from St. Vincent and the Grenadines–and the wider Caribbean region–to pursue their dreams, both at home and abroad.

The 2025 CCAC Presentation of Awards will take place virtually on Sunday, October 5, 7:00 — 8:00 p.m. (ET). Visit: www.caribbeancouncilcan ada.org for more details. (Contributed)

(L-R): The UWI Global Campus Head of Site, Dr. Resa Noel-McBarnett & GECCU Marketing and Communication Manager Danny-Lee Francis seated on the benches

GECCU donates to Open Campus

A PARTNERSHIPbetween The University of the West Indies Global Campus St. Vincent and the Grenadines (UWI GC SVG) and the General Employees’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited (GECCU), has ensured that the green space on the campus is more comfortable.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, GECCU Marketing and Communication Manager Mrs. Danny-Lee Francis, officially presented four (4) wooden benches and three (3) tables with attached benches, which were branded with both GECCU and UWI Global

Campus messaging.

She stated that GECCU saw the need to replace the existing benches and so demonstrate its social responsibility.

The branding on the benches and tables would remind persons that financing is available for their university studies and other initiatives, Francis suggested.

The UWI Global Campus Head of Site, Dr. Resa Noel-McBarnett expressed gratitude for the donation, “We are grateful to GECCU for choosing to make a difference through its donation to our institution and helping us make a positive impact on the community including our students which we serve.” (Source: UWI Open Campus)

CDC caps Vincymas 2025

OVER EC$700,000 was paid to winners of competitions of Vincymas 2025, at the muchanticipated Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) Prize-Giving Ceremony held on Sunday 28th, September, at Victoria Park, bringing to an official close another Carnival.

The setting for the event deviated from past prize giving ceremony.

CDC Chairman, Ricardo Adams, during his presentation, said that the office wanted to move away from the traditional Vincy Mas prize-giving ceremony and do something different.

The evening was for all intents and purposes a red carpet event with one patron saying it’s “definitely was a high fashion affair. It featured performances as well as speeches by Government officials.

According to thechairman, this year’s ceremony was a production in celebration of the winners of Vincy Mas.

“A lot of people said, you know, you can’t come to Victoria Park and have a nice, elegant event. And the office kept saying, we can, because we’ve done it before. We know how to do it, and we will continue to do it,” Adams said.

money.

Adams expressed thanks to the National Lottery’s authority for providing finance for the festival.

Confirming that EC$700,000.00 was set to be paid out at the ceremony, Adams explained that “….when we add to what we’ve already given out in terms of the semifinals, appearance fees, etc., we’re going to be getting close to $800,000.”

He recalled that the CDC had approached the government ahead of Vincymas 2025 for an increase in financial support, so as to address the increasing expenses incurred by the components. That increase was forthcoming, making it the second consecutive year that components had seen some degree of increase in their prize

“Thanks again to the National Lottery, we’re going to have a celebration of finances this evening,” the Chairman stated.

And while Adams celebrated the accomplishments of Vincy Mas 2025, he emphasized the need to maintain the energy and momentum moving forward.

And he called for the development of a comprehensive data system to better track visitor arrivals and spending patterns during the festival. He said that quantifying the economic impact of Vincy Mas is essential for national planning and cultural investment.

Also addressing the prize-giving ceremony was Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Carlos James, who reaffirmed the government’s

commitment to constructing a permanent home for mas bands.

He also noted that a cultural hub will be established at the cruise ship berth, which will serve as a space for artistes and cultural activities, enhancing year-round cultural engagement.

In his address, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has proposed that Victoria Park, the main venue for many national and cultural events, be renamed ahead of Independence Day on October 27, 2025. (See separate story on the Front Page.)

The Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) is already making plans for Vincy Mas 2026, with renewed focus on addressing longstanding challenges while building on the success of this year’s festival. (KH)

Ricardo Adams, Chairman of the CDC, spoke of the need to quantify the economic impact of Vincymas.

The storyline that was highlighted at the Prize-Giving Ceremony highlighted some of the traditions of the Festival.

The fashions on show were in keeping with the red carper status of the ceremony.

Ottley Hall counts another killing

IF THE INFORMATION RECEIVEDfrom a police source is correct, this country has recorded its 29th homicide for the year.

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) confirmed that on September 29, 2025, that it was investigating a fatal shooting incident that occurred in Middle Road, Ottley Hall, on September 28, 2025, at approximately 11:50 p.m.

The shooting claimed the life of Enrique Codougan, a 25-year-old labourer of Richmond Hill.

Police responded promptly to reports of the incident and upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered Codougan with multiple gunshot wounds about his body. The District Medical Officer (DMO) was summoned and

subsequently pronounced the victim dead on the spot.

The RSVGPF has appealed to anyone with information that could assist in this investigation to come forward.

After a number of fatal shootings in Ottley Hall, it was declared a ‘crime hot spot” and a mobile police unit was stationed in that community in January 2012.

There were also additional patrols by officers not stationed in the Unit.

Sometime after, a decision was taken to remove the mobile unit and police officers were moved into a privately owned building, which for all intents and purposes became a police station.

The ‘talk about town’ is that Ottley

Minibus conductor granted bail

by Haydn Huggins

A MINIBUS CONDUCTOR WHOwas denied bail on September 22 on a wounding with intent charge, was granted bail on his return to Court on September 25.

Ray Roberts, a resident of Redemption Sharpes, has been charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Largo Height resident Raphael Fergusson with intent, in connection with a stabbing incident at Redemption Sharpes on September 19.

When Roberts initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on September 22, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that the victim was still hospitalized with stab wounds to his neck and chest, and asked that Roberts

be remanded, pending an update on his condition.

Chief Magistrate Colin John grated the Prosecutor’s request and remanded Roberts until September 25.

However, on Roberts return to Court,

hall is the smallest community in St. Vincent and the grenadines with a police station as such.

However, residents told THE VINCENTIAN that except for a few patrols by young officers stationed there, the station remains a “distant” entity from the community in more ways than one.

the Prosecutor waived his objection on the grounds that the victim was discharged from the hospital. Roberts was granted $25,000 bail with one surety and will return to Court at a later date.

Teacher Charged with Wounding

POLICE HERE SAY THEY HAVE arrested and charged Hannah Felix, a 27year-old female teacher of Diamond, with the offence of wounding and damage to property.

The information as per a police report is that Felix unlawfully and maliciously wounded a 41-year-old Security Guard of Barrouallie by biting her on the left middle finger. She was also charged with damaging one (1) white Guardsman S.V.G T-shirt valued at $100.00 ECC by ripping the T-shirt with her hands; the property of Guardsman SVG Ltd.

The offences were committed in Kingstown on September 26, 2025. Felix appeared before the Kingstown Magistrate Court on September 29, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the offences. She was granted composite bail in the sum of $2,950.00 ECC with one (1) surety and was ordered not to have any contact with the complainant.

Additionally, he is not allowed to leave the state without permission from the court.

The matters were adjourned for trial on May 5, 2026.

The building (right) in Ottley Hall that has been converted into a police station.

The Comrade exposes nefarious agents in speech at UN

Continued from Page 8.

(iii) Emphasis on marginal constituencies and critically-targeted ones in order to defeat their political opponents, the ULP; thus, the NDP is relying on spending plenty money in North Windward, North Leeward, East St. George, South Windward, West St. George, and South Central Windward; (iv) Attempting to create confusion among supporters of the ULP so as to deter them from voting at all; and (v) Using local issues and local people on the political platforms and social media to help the NDP’s cause; thus the NDP’s use of Ras John, a dotish ex-policeman from Park Hill; and a retired primary school principal from Fitz Hughes; but these persons are such rubbish that they are making it worse for the NDP; none of them has any influence whatsoever.

THEY WILL BE DEFEATED

The NDP is offering no credible policies and plans for SVG. The NDP’s leader is lazy, weak, indecisive, and a fake. The NDP candidates are a waste of time, full of anger and bile; they are empty of any substance; some of them are saying “crazy” things. Meanwhile, the ULP has an excellent record, magnificent ongoing plans, quality leadership, and quality candidates. The people have affirmed that SVG is on the right track; there is no mood for a change of government.

The NDP’s high-priced consultancy firm will fail. They do not know or truly understand SVG and our people. We have defeated the likes of these in 2001, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020! This firm is destined to suffer reputational damage in SVG, the land of Chatoyer, Duvallé, and the “warrior queens”.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Empty promises will cause confusion. Don't allow personal problems to conflict with professional duties. Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future. Self-deception regarding your own worth may lead you down the wrong path.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Don't lament to a friend about any grievance regarding your mate, or it may be hard to rectify your relationship. You will be able to contribute a great deal to organizations that you join. It's a favorable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful. You need to spend some time with individuals who have more experience than you.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

You have a lot to offer. Emotional partnerships may develop through projects you initiate. Don't let peers distract you or push their work your way. Your family may be feeling neglected and unloved.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

You can make professional changes and direct your energy into making all the right moves. Go after your goals. However, you should be concerned about what they want in return. You may want to take a serious look at your goals and objectives. This day was meant for love. Make creative changes to your residence.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Your partner's a little jumpy. Your partner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel. Make sure that new mates live up to your high standards. Romance can develop; however, it will most probably be short-lived.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

You should be able to tie up loose ends this week. Unexpected events may upset your routine. A day at the beach may satisfy the whole family. Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Offer love and affection instead of conflict and rejection. Verbal abuse may lead to walkouts; don't make any rash statements you may regret later. You can dazzle members of the opposite sex with your quick wit and aggressive charm. Investments will not be as they appear this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Travel will promote romantic connections. Avoid getting involved with married individuals. Hidden assets can be doubled if you play your cards correctly. You can expect your mate to get fed up and make the choices for you or back off completely.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance. Your tendency to vacillate will drive everyone crazy. Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quit trivial after all.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Opportunities for travel and socializing are evident. You may want to put everyone to work on a project that will keep them all too busy to complain. Be prepared to make changes to your personal documents. Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Don't let the cat out of the bag. You can come up with future trends in creative fields. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. You should get out and meet some of those clients that you only speak to on the phone.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

You can't win and they won't listen. Concentrate on spending quality time with children and friends. Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. Those you work with may have little consideration for the underdog.

ACROSS

1. “Gomer Pyle, __” 5. Switch settings

8. Goose formation

11. Dappled 12. Sacred image

13. Biblical vessel 14. Galaxy member

15. Julie of “Afterglow” 17. Parkay product

19. Work tables 20. Of the universe 23. Animation unit

24. “By Jove”!

25. Swashbuckler’s fight, often

27. Unaccompanied

31. Cherry stones

33. “__ dear!” (2 wds.)

34. Dirt

35. Luxurious

36. Actress Martinelli

38. NYC summer setting

39. Relieved sounds

41. River of song

43. Actress Maureen

46. Good for what __ you

47. Horror movie character

49. Mary’s little companion

53. Permit 54. “__ Bell” (Stephen Foster song)

55. Cambodia’s continent

56. Sneaky

57. Fourth-yr. students 58. Buzz Aldrin’s gp. DOWN

1. Delivery letters

2. Make a lap

3. “Oh, give __ home…” (2 wds.)

4. Computer game format (hyph.) 5. Eight, to Eduardo 6. Neither’s partner

7. Insulting

8. Large vessels

9. Estrada of “CHiPs” 10. __ out a living 12. Bartender’s

“rocks” (2 wds.) 16. Trades for money 18. Top 20. Cartoonist Al 21. Cincinnati’s state 22. Collegeentrance tests (abbr.) 23. Sort 26. Snakelike fish 28. Foretoken 29. Uncovered 30. Ending for major 32. One’s portion 37. Leather puncher

40. Birds of prey

42. Lion of Narnia

43. Night birds

44. Foot part

45. Creative

46. Elevations

(abbr.)

48. Rower’s need

50. Happy __ lark (2 wds.)

51. Behave or print preceder

52. Lamb’s cry

Road Relay kicks off season

TEAM ATHLETICS SVGhosted its 2025 edition of the four-leg Round D Town Road Relay in capital, Kingstown, last Sunday, September 28, in a blaze of sunshine.

Ran in three categories, Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Open, teams emerging from the leeward side of the mainland showed some prominence at the finish line.

The Chateaubelair Methodist School took both the Female title, in a time of 32:28.46; and the Male title, in a time of 29:22.69, in the Primary category.

DAT Academy’ s winner team in the female

Bank of SVG on Halifax Street.

The primary school athletes headed up to the old Ju-C building on James Street, took a right turn down to KFC, continued along Bay Street to the old Kingstown Anglican School, turned right along Higginson Street then onto Back Street and back to end at the start line.

The Barrouallie Secondary trumped the female category among secondary schools, doing so in 42:36.44, while Georgetown easily took the males in 31:08.42.

category, with Team Mustangs taking the win among the males in a time of 30:47.52.

And in the Open Category, IT DAT Academy with Olympian- Shafiqua Maloney in their lineup, clocked a time of 38:32.43 to cop the female

Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams in each of the categories.

Each of the four legs of the race began and ended outside

In the case of the Secondary Schools and Open Categories, runners started on Halifax Street, proceeded to Sharpe Street and onto Bay Street. From there, they made a right turn on Linley Street onto Back Street where they took a right turn and headed for the finishing line.

Sunday’s Round D Town Road Relay commenced the 2025 Road Races Season.

REGARDING THE STORY

HEADLINED“System 3: SEDI football champs”, we can now provide the prize money for the first three positions in the 2025 SEDI Football League: 1st: System 3 Sports AcademyEC$2,500.00; 2nd: One Experience — EC$1,500.00; 3rd: Awesome FCEC$1,000.00.

Georgetown Secondary took the male secondary schools’ title. Left: Barrouallie Secondary females took

Chateaubelair Methodist Primary: Male and Female Champions.

Open class.

Mustangs champed the Open Male category.

National Karate champs crowned

Liam Bollers dominated the Kata categories in the U12 and U14 categories.

AMIYAH BASCOMBE AND CHRISTIAN Joseph, both of the Sheishin Karate Club, were the female and male standouts respectively, when the Hairouna Karate Federation hosted its 2025 National Championships last Saturday, September 27, at the auditorium of the West St. George Secondary

School.

Bascombe champed the Under-14 Kata, as well as the Cadet category of the Kata and Under-14 Kumite.

In the case of Joseph, he copped gold in the Junior Kata and Junior Kumite, along with the Senior Kata category.

Meanwhile, Liam Bollers, also of Sheishin Karate Club, won the Boys Under12 and Under-14 Kata titles. Jaeden Guy of Dragon Ryu won the Boys Under-14 Kumite.

Sheishin’s Cahya Bascombe took the Girls Under-12 Kata, and Adiana Morgan of Dragon Ryu pouched the Girls Under-12 Kumite.

Darius Humphrey who represented the Sheishin Karate Club was installed as the Cadet Male Kata winner, while Malik Mc Kie of Dragon Ryu won that category’s Kumite title.

Welcoming Cuba –

Netball: X- Ceed leads Semi-Pro League

X- Ceed Sports Club and Mitres in action –Mitres shooting.

FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION of the preliminary round of the inaugural SemiProfessional Netball Competition, X- Ceed Sports Club is perfect with 16 points from their four matches.

A 51-40 triumph over Mitres, along with a 70-47 defeat on Sion Hill, a 76-43 win over Maple Netball Club and a 49-40 trumping of Netters, detailed X- Ceed’s journey thus far. Their dominance shows X- Ceed scoring 246 goals, whilst conceding 170, a goal

VINCY HEAT, THIS COUNTRY’S SENIORmale football team, will engage Cuba’s national team in two international friendlies on October 5th and 8th, and Vincy Heat’s Head Coach - Ezra Hendrickson, has described the fixture as a “historic one.”

differential of 76.

Finishing second in the preliminaries was Mitres on 12 points, having won three matches and losing one. Mitres has a goal difference of 69.

Third was Netters on 8 points; fourth — Maple on 4 points and Sion Hill- no points.

Teams will now go into the next phase where they will be matched up in accordance with the placings in the preliminary round, with the two top teams, X- Ceed and Mitres set for the grand finale.

The final is carded for the Kingstown Netball Centre, October 15, 2025. Preceding the X- Ceed versus Mitres match up, Netters and Maple will showcase their wares.

The inaugural Semi-Pro Netball league, which is funded by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, sees the winning unit collecting $20 000, second place- $15 000 and third place- $10 000.

Additionally, each of the participating clubs gets an appearance fee, whilst players are assured of $200 per match.

These go along with $1000 to the Most Valuable Player and stipends to coaches and match officials.

For Hendrickson, these matches are more than just fixtures, they’re a benchmark. “Every time we take the field, we want to give a good showing of ourselves,” he said. “Playing a team with a higher FIFA ranking gives us a chance to see how we measure up against the better teams in the region.”

With an extensive coaching background and experience as a former player, he draws on lessons from top coaches to prepare the team. “I’ve learned from very good coaches throughout the years. This gives me a framework to draw ideas from when facing teams like Cuba,” he explained.

Fans can expect a tactical style built around progressive possession.

“Since I arrived a

And J’Don Matthews of Dragon Ryu easily won the Senior Female Kata as she had no challenger. Rishaud Roache also of Dragon Ryu was the Senior Male Kumite champion.

Looking Beyond

up’ to teams in the

year ago, we’ve showcased a style where we try to keep the ball and move it into the opponent’s half. We feel that when we control the game in the opponent’s half, we can dictate the flow of play,” Hendrickson shared.

Looking beyond these friendlies, the plan is part of a long-term vision to restore Vincy Heat’s relevance regionally and internationally. “We’ve made progress, but there’s a long way to go. We aim for sustainable success through a proper developmental structure. While the immediate focus is the Senior Men’s team, we also have plans for the continued growth of younger age groups, both male and female.” These matches are more than warm-ups–they’re a statement of intent for Vincy Heat and a step toward building lasting regional competitiveness. (Source: SVGFF)

I.B.A. ALLEN

Amiyah Bascombe – undisputed female U14 and Cadet Kata, and U14 Kumite champion.

Christian Joseph – champed the Junior Kata and Kumite and Senior Kata categories.

Ezra Hendrickson, Head Coach of Vincy Heat welcomes the visit by the Cubans as another opportunity to see how his team ‘measures

region.

Frying pan to fire

THE FIRST DAY’S PLAY IN THE TEST between India and the West saw 12 dismissals and total of 283 runs. West Indies folded for 162 in 44.1 overs, and India cruised to 121 for 2 by the close.

West Indies have lots to prove, considering the near whitewash against Nepal earlier this week in a T/20 series. Perhaps it was a case of jet-lag, or adjusting to conditions.

That the men in maroon rebounded to stave off humiliation is relief, even if it meant closing the stable after the horse bolted.

Captain of the Test team-Roston Chase, admits that the India two-test series is a date with destiny. They will have to silence the crowd and the only way is by winning. They have to know what it is.

Given the exploits of the first day, it will take a huge recovery effort to salvage pride from this encounter, without having to resort to the second Test which starts Friday October 10.

The West Indies head to Bangladesh for One Day Internationals: October 18 to 23, and a similar trio of T/20 games October 27 to November Friday 31.

The agenda intensifies with five T/20, three ODI’s and two Tests in New Zealand in December. While these tours/series give cricket fans live action, Vincentians and other enthusiasts have Masters cricket at their disposal.

A second round of local Masters matches is fixed for this weekend, creating a build up to the Independence Cricket Festival which adds regional and international attraction.

The Caribbean Premier League continues in 2026, situation welcomed by cricket fans. Cooperation is needed at all levels if the League is to justify its investment.

The influx of international players adds to the tournament’s intrigue. There are lessons from the interaction but it is as much a platform, ideal for youngsters to hone their skills and benefit from the experience of senior West Indies cricketers.

The Caribbean Premier League is seen as the gateway for regional youths, and serves as the fountain for the future crop.

Perhaps the time has come for a Caribbean Youth League, with youngsters exposed as early as fifteen. Coaches will be gratified with having serious work to perform which serves the purpose of enhancing their reputation.

The West Indies resources have to be replenished. Franchises have a duty to deepen efforts towards ensuring the tank is full. Once things are arranged, results will follow.

Keartons takes Buccament football title

KEARTONS UNITED KICKEDtheir way to the top of the 2025 Buccament Football League with victory over Vermont United in the final played last Sunday at the Hope Playing Field.

The match ended 2-2 at the end of regulation and extra time, and the deciding penalty kicks ended 5-3 in Kearton’s favour.

Kamal Griffith of Keartons United - the MVP of the Tournament.

Rillan Hill took the third-place spot as Buccament Bay Warriors failed to show.

Among those taking the individual awards were: Kamal Griffith of Keartons United - MVP of the Tournament; Kennijah Barbour of Buccament Bay Warriors - Best Midfielder and Top Scorer (11 goals); Olrick Francois of Vermont United — Best Forward; Kishorn Browne of Vermont United — Best Goalkeeper; Kerwin McDowall of Buccament Bay Warriors — Best Defender.

Keartons United - champions of the 2025 Buccament Football League.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Buccament Bay Warriors – 2nd place in the 2025 Buaccmant Football League.

SVG Masters Cricket bowls off

MCLEON WILLIAMS STOLE the spotlight in the opening round of matches in this year’s Masters Cricket Tournament, played at various venues across St. Vincent.

In declaring the 2025 league a success, the organizing committee recognized the following for their kind assistance: Keith Ollivierre, Stanley Isaacs, Lionel Cumberbatch, Jaron Adams. Executive of the SVGFF, the National Sports Council, participating teams, and the Buccament community.

Williams recorded the 2025 Tournament’s first century when he cracked an unbeaten 136 in SVG Police’s mammoth total of 273 for 3 in their 20 overs, recorded against Pastures, who literally crumbled for 78 for 5 in their reply, handing Police a convincing 193-run victory.

In other matches, Mustique Company

“Reds” Perreira chides CWI

FORMER WEST INDIEScricket

commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira has criticised Cricket West Indies (CWI) for missing what he described as a golden opportunity to develop young talent on the recent tour of Nepal.

The veteran broadcaster, who spent over four decades covering the regional game, said he had hoped the selectors would use the short bilateral series to blood emerging players rather than rely on established names.

“When I first saw Akeal Hosein appointed captain, I believed this was the start of a development squad,” Perreira explained. “But then I noticed Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Obed McCoy were included, along with young leg-spinner Zishan Motara. This was not

bowled off their season with impressive back-toback victories against Sion Hill and North Leerward. First, they beat Sion Hill by bowling out their opponents for 52 in 17 overs to which they replied with 53 for 2 in 5.2 overs. Second, they beat North Leeward by 5 wickets. North Leeward was bowled out for 109 in 18.2 overs and Mustique sealed victory, scoring 112 for 5 wickets in 14.1. overs, Shem Browne getting 53.

In the final first round weekend match, North East Masters had a ball scoring 246 for 3 off 20

an ICC-sanctioned series, so there were no points at stake. It was an ideal chance to expose our next generation.”

Perreira offered his own developmental lineup, which included youngsters such as Akeem Auguste, Nivan Bidaisse, Micah McKenzie, and Windwards pacer Keon Gaston.

He argued that the tour should have been geared toward preparing players for future West Indies programmes but observed, “The selectors seemed more focused on winning than building for the future. (Source Facebook)

Retired West Indies cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira has called out the CWI for missing an opportunity to blood emerging players, i.e. not getting their priorities correct.

overs; Renwick Williams 92 not out, against a hapless East Caribbean Metals Glamorgan Masters who conceded victory after getting to 61 for 9 off 14.2 overs.

I.B.A. ALLEN

McLeon Williams stroked 136 not out for Police.

Classifieds/News

More plans in store

improved significantly since the ULP first assumed office in 2001.

THE INCUMBENT UNITY LABOUR PARTY

administration (ULP) has more plans in store to drive national development and uplift communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

And with that in mind, the party is anticipating a wider margin of victory at the next general elections, expected here before the end of the year.

The ULP currently holds nine elected seats in the 15-seat parliament.

Speaking at a ULP event in the North Leeward community of Troumaca last weekend, Prime Minister and Political Leader of the

ULP stated that several new development projects are in the pipeline, all geared toward enhancing the country’s economic and social transformation. He further noted that the initiatives will focus on community empowerment and delivering long term benefits for the Vincentian people.

Dr. Gonsalves also reflected on the ULP’s track record in office, noting that the party’s leadership has brought stability and steady progress to the nation, while boosting that both the standard of living for citizens and the country’s global profile have

“We have had nearly 25 years of tremendous progress. We have had political stability, we have taken this country from the depths of despair, and we have put us on a path of tremendous development. We see the development all around us, not only in the physical infrastructure with the airports and seaports and the light. We see it in education, in health and wellness. We see it in housing and sports and culture, electricity, water, telecommunications, everything. All aspects of development,” declared Dr. Gonsalves.

Despite the positive, Dr. Gonsalves acknowledged there have been issues. “Even though you have a lot of satisfaction, you will also have dissatisfaction.... Whatever dissatisfaction exists, we are the ones who will bring satisfaction out of those dissatisfactions, and once we are human beings, there are things all ways

we will have to do.

“That’s why we pray and ask God not to let us leave behind any unfinished task. We have a lot of things to do still in every single area, but you know that your life is better now than it was when we first took office,” said Gonsalves.

He used his speech to addressed those calling for political change, noting that now is not the time to switch direction. The political leader argued that the country is in a critical phase of development that requires continuity in leadership.

Pointing out that there is too much at stake, the Prime Minister said now is the time for unity and continued support of the ULP’s agenda for transformation.

“There’s no mood in the country for any change of government. On the other hand, people are saying that they’re going to re-elect the government and re-elect it by a bigger majority than the last time,” Gonsalves told his supporters.

While the date for general elections has not

been announced as yet, the Prime Minister

revealed that only two people know the date. “God and Ralph, but we are building it well. And I like the energy, I like the spirit. Let’s keep it up. let us be organized make sure you register,” He further told the audience. (Partial Source: SVG TV)

On the backs of prayers from its leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and government’s track record, the ULP anticipates another victory at the polls.

AI REAL ESTATE

byDAYLE DA SILVA

WITH LIMITED PARKING IN KINGSTOWN compounded by the large volumes of vehicles imported, parking along McCoy, Melville and Higginson Streets will be discontinued when the port is opened later this month.

Benarva Browne, Minister of Urbane Development, Energy, Seaports etc made the announced in Parliament on September 29.

This was in response to a question from Dr Godwin Friday, Opposition Leader and Parliamentary Representative for the Northern Grenadines who asked about the impact of the traffic to and from the modern port when it becomes operational.

In her response, Browne said that the port was expected to become operational on October 25, the day after it was officially handed over to the government.

MORE NO PARKING ZONES TO COME CANOUAN ATTRACTS CANADIAN EYES

However, with the operationalisation of the new facility, motorists in downtown Kingstown will have to brace for some new changes to the flow of traffic in the area.

According to Browne, the existing flow of traffic will be revised in order to optimise the movement between the projected volumes and turning radii required for 40-foot containers.

She said that within the scope of the work, the contractor was expected to undertake minor road improvements at the following junctions including Melville and Bay Street, McCoy and Bay Street, Higginson and Bay Street and Higginson Street and Grenville Street.

“The works will also include service

pavements, repairs, manhole upgrades and drainage repairs,” Browne told members of Parliament.

There will not be any adjustments made to any of the existing corners in the said areas, she added, as the current turning radii was deemed adequate.

“However, to facilitate large truck movement, roadside parking along certain streets must be discontinued,” she explained.

During her presentation, Browne said that a traffic volume assessment study for Kingstown was commissioned during the commencement stage of the port project which projected traffic patterns following the completion of the port and the anticipated traffic increase over the next 30 years.

The operationalization of the New Port will occasion certain adjustments in the traffic flow in its immediate vicinity, that will necessitate the cessation of parking along certain streets in the capital. (Photo Source: API SVG)

“Findings are currently under review and implementation measures will be undertaken in close collaboration with the police and other relevant stakeholders,” she said. (DD)

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Government’s recent announcement that it intended to reclaim underutilized lands in Canouan from inactive developers, has attracted intention from a foreign investor even, so to speak, before the full-stop was put to end the statement on the reclamation.

This involves, according to the Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, 650 acres originally leased to a developer for a mere $16,000, and which” has remained largely stagnant for over a decade.”

Now, correspondence dated Oct. 01, 2025 from Jessica Antonacci, Senior Account and Development Manager of Vive Social + PR, a Canada-based, full service social media and public relations agency, has introduced Longridge Partners as potential investors in Canouan.

In fact, Mack Crawford, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Longridge Partners, had issued a statement on

saying inter alia, “Longridge Partners is excited to learn that the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is pursuing a new development plan for Canouan. Our shared goal is to unlock the island’s longterm potential in a way that delivers meaningful benefits - from job creation for local residents to sustainable economic growth.”

Longridge Partners is listed as a firm that “manages high-quality real estate assets on behalf of institutional and highnet-worth investors, with expertise spanning golf, luxury hospitality, and experiential real estate.”

It’s reach in this regard has already extended into Canouan where it has had stewardship of signature assets on the island, including Il Sogno, a luxury accommodation on Canouan Island.

It is known to have been instrumental in providing relief resources to support Canouan residents impacted by Hurricane

Beryl.

Interestingly, John Clarke, Chairman and Co-founder of Longridge, according to the correspondence as referenced earlier, was one of the original investors in Mustique, one of the Caribbean’s most renowned destinations, making the attraction to Canouan understandable.

Oct.01,

Canouan has had its own share of promises of development as mainland St. Vincent, viz. Black Sand Resort.