CUMMINGS NOT CONVINCED
Below: Piling, which has come in for major criticism, began on the project site about November 2024.
by DAYLE DA SILVA
DANIEL CUMMINGS,New Democratic Party (NDP) Parliamentary Representative for West Kingstown, is not at all convinced by the information provided by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves as it relates to the corrective work to be done at the Port Modernization Project.
While speaking at a rally on April 14 at Rockies, Cummings said that the governing Unity Labour Party (ULP) government did not care whether the project failed or if it made money.
“They only care how it looks for them,” the West Kingstown Representative said.
Glenford Stewart, an engineer by profession and a Minister in a past NDP administration, alongside Cummings during a media
briefing of April 2, shared a view as to why the reported declutching occurred at the Port Project, was because the port’s design was flawed.
They pointed to the lack of material, for example boulders, to absorb the energy associated with wave action.
Additionally, Stewart stated that the piles were not driven far enough into the sea floor.
Dr. Gonsalves, during an April 11 press conference, outlined the corrective work to be done at the Port.
But Cummings seemed not the bit convinced by the information provided by Lensky Douglas, Port Project Manager (Ag), to which Dr. Gonsalves referred.
“Our concern is how it (the port modernization project) is going to impact the people in this country,” Cummings said, adding that it was said that
the project was going to have the best engineering design.
“However, sand was just dumped into the water. That is what you do, you bring sand and dump it in the water,” the West Kingstown MP said with a degree of sarcasm.
A piling problem
Cummings went on to explain that the piles were driven on the same sand and then structures were now being built on top of that, and after it was realised that there was too much sand and dredging was required because the piles were not driven in far enough, there was movement from within the piles and the declutching occurred.
“They did not put the piles into the existing floor of the sea; the piles were only punched into the sand that they dumped into the water,” Cummings contended.
Daniel Cummings, himself an engineer, expressed concern about what he said were flaws in the actual design of the new port in Kingstown.
YAF Hosts Successful Volcano Festival
(Photos courtesy Youlou Arts)
THE FIRST EVER VOLCANO FESTIVAL was a successfully celebratory event.
The festival, a Youlou Arts and Vincy Writers collaboration, funded by a Commonwealth Foundation creative grant, took place on Saturday April 5 at The UWI Global Campus, Kingstown. Creatives commemorated La Soufrière through paintings, craft, readings, film, food and
music.
The UWI Lecture Hall was the focal point of the festival. It was transformed into an exhibition hall featuring fantastic paintings depicting the 2021 eruption; some showed La Soufrière in full eruption, while others captured the aftermath.
The exhibited artists were: Lennox ‘Dinks’ Johnson, Peter Providence, Maxanne Rock, Marc Erdrich, Zenn Punnett, Sean Roache, Camille Musser, Tash Johnson, Clyornique Durrant and Nzimbu Browne.
This art exhibition complemented craft displays from Alomma Abea, Adanno, Youlou Arts, Vaness Francis, and Shennika Simmons.
The Master of Ceremonies, Mr Ronnie Daniel, kept the programme running smoothly, with segments including:
* A report from Sean Roache, briefing the audience on a ten-part, ‘Power-of-a-Volcano’ workshop series preceding the festival;
* Reading of Shake Keane’s poem Soufriere (79);
* A 4-part film selection of ‘Eruptions and Resilience’, curated by Award-Winning Vincentian film maker, Akley Olton;
* A workshop and discussion session hosted by Vincentian Geologist, Prof. Richard ‘Richie’ Robertson;
* Jaykel Mars’ dramatic presentation of Ralycia Andrews’ winning ‘Volcano Poem’;
* Drumming by the New Dynamic Rhythm Arts and Creative Dance Organization;
* Readings from Maralyn Ballantyne, Natasha Marks and Tammy Toney.
Gaymes bookstore was on hand with books by Vincentian writers, some highlighting La Soufrière. A variety of volcano themed foods were also available at the memorable event; spicy callaloo soup, hot and spicy roti, lava patties, sweet potato pudding, lava tea, lava
lava stones and bottled lava chow.
In her closing remarks, Camille Musser, founder of the Youlou Arts Foundation,
shared that she was amazed and inspired by the public support of the festival. (Source: Youlou Arts)
tarts,
Vincentian Geologist, Prof. Richard ‘Richie’ Robertson facilitated a workshop at the festival.
Jaykel Mars performing Ralycia Andrews’ winning poem, “Soufriere Obeah.”
Below: The Youlou Arts team (Sean Roache, Camille Musser and Vaness Francis) with Prof. Robertson.
Tonye Ogolo, winner of the La Soufrière Logo competition, received his prize from Camille Musser.
Colin Peters of the Hub Collective wrapped up the performances with ‘Vincy Power’, a soulful tribute for the people of SVG after Soufrière’s 2021 eruption.
Drummers from the New Dynamic Rhythm Arts and Creative Dance Organization in action at the Volcano Festival.
V News 3
NO CBI for SVG:
Chinese spending money
THIS COUNTRY, under a Unity Labour Party (ULP) government, will never see a Citizenship by Investment programme.
Prime Minister of the sitting ULP Government, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, reiterated this position in very emphatic terms during a press conference, April 15, 2025.
In his reiteration of the position, Dr. Gonsalves made it clear that he was opposed to the “selling of passports,” which has been his way of describing in simple terms what a CBI programme was all about.
He did give more substantial ground for his opposition, citing, for
example, a question about its practicality and sustainability.
And to carry his argument further, Dr. Gonsalves referenced the concern that the USA, Canada and the European Union have about the programme, with the UDA President Trump saying that the programme has to end or else.
And Dr. Gonsalves was not done. He connected those involved in selling passports on behalf of countries with CBI programmes to ties with the opposition New Democratic Party, which has declared it support for Citizenship by Investment.
These ties.. support,
between “passport sellers and the NDP” date back to 1998 and with general elections on the horizon here, that support has heightened, according to the Prime Minister.
Those selling passports on behalf of countries with CBI programmes, and who have ties to the NDP, were primarily out of Europe but it now extends to China, which the Prime Minister hinted as making real sense, given the NDP’s
To put it simply, “The St. Vincent and the Grenadines passport is not for sale.”
stance in favour of establishing diplomatic relations with The People’s Republic of China (mainland China) over the Republic of China (Taiwan). Support through Chinese companies,
Invest SVG in UK Outreach
Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU), the Bank of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, National Properties Limited, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, as well as the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Camillo Gonsalves, who served as the conference’s keynote speaker.
forward by Invest SVG, an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs broke news that approval was granted for the SVG High Commission in the UK to provide notarial services for investment related documents, completely free of charge.
CBI programme.
include the printing of tshirts for the NDP, paying people to comment on radio, actually paying a radio station and online publications, Dr. Gonsalves said.
All in all, though, Dr. Gonsalves stopped short of identifying any of the media entities and any media persons ‘on the take’, but did say that he knew “who getting pay.”
Saying that he is obligated to “tell the nation” what is going on, the Prime Minister
warned that “…these people are so desperate …. they are a danger to the democracy in this country…. they want to subvert it our democracy… they want to buy it.”
The records show that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the only major OECS country that does not operate a CBI programme. Those countries who operate programmes are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.
Cummings not convinced
Continued from Frontpage.
HAVING RETURNED from the United Kingdom last week, Invest SVG and its partners have been receiving nothing but great feedback from the Vincentian Diaspora who attended their inaugural Outreach and Investment programme on April 5th.
“It was truly a great experience to learn about the investment opportunities available to us here in the U.K,” said Vincentian attendee Ann-Marie Brooks in a short post-event interview. “We want to invest in SVG.”
With over one hundred and twenty (120) registrants and attendees, the first event of the series was nothing short of a success. On the delegation were members of Invest SVG, the
The event, made possible through collaboration with the SVG High Commission in London, was held at the Holiday Inn Brentford Lock hotel and executed as a presentation-based forum where representatives from each organization briefed attendees about their offerings and potential opportunities. After robust and extremely informative presentations were completed, the floor was opened for members of the diaspora to ask questions and hear directly from key figures at the event.
Further strengthening and complementing the efforts put
And exactly one week after the successful Diaspora Outreach and Investment session, the Invest SVG delegation had the privilege of attending a Trade and Investment Forum, held at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.
The Forum united over 45 foreign investors and representatives across varying sectors. The SVG Invest delegation was able to exchange meaningful dialogue related to investing in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Some of these sectors include, but were not limited to real estate investments, construction, airport management, tourism, logistics, healthcare and climate change resilience. (Source: Invest SVG)
And he highlighted the potential danger of wave action especially when there was no buffer placed to absorb the impact of the wave action.
He compared the most recent piece of reclaimed area to the previous one saying that boulders were placed there.
“That is not to uglify the city, it is a very important component of the design of the port.”
And the sudden movement of water, according to him, had the potential of exhibiting tremendous force which was why a buffer was required.
Ignoring advice
Cummings further contended that the ULP government was advised to use a design like the one of the existing port, but they did not listen because they did not care.
“It is the most painful thing, because as an engineer I know, the way that port is designed, when you get a hurricane like left hand Lenny, that port will not survive because there is nothing to ease the impact of the wave during a storm,” Cummings warned.
The NDP, Cummings said, was calling for an independent and professional analysis of the problems at the Port Modernization Project and to ensure that the proper corrective methods were used.
“It is more than fixing the piles, it is about looking carefully at that stupid design and making sure that a port for which we are spending hundreds of millions of dollars can work and will work,” he said.
The USD $250 million Kingstown Port Modernisation Project, the country’s second-largest capital project, is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will never involve this country in any form or shape of a
Some members of the Vincentian Diaspora, UK, in attendance at the Invest SVG Outreach/Investment programme.
Connell: Not wise to legalise ganja
Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS
ATTORNEYGrant Connell, one of this country’s staunch advocates for the decriminalisation of marijuana, thinks that moving from decriminalisation to legalisation at this point could be dangerous.
Connell, who over the years, has represented hundreds of persons on ganja charges, was responding to comments made by opposition leader and president of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Dr. Godwin Friday, at the opening of the NDP’s North Leeward constituency office on April 4.
Friday said, “I am not afraid to say that I support the legalization of marijuana in this country and to have an Industry that can be done to create wealth and opportunity for our people”.
He went on to say, “This is what the Caricom Commission had recommended, and so we are working along with that to see to what extent we can get it done now, and how we can do with it in the future”.
But Connell told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday that there are those who hold the view that marijuana has, over the years, carried the underground economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and it has made a significant contribution to North Leeward and this may be true, but this is because it is illegal.
“If it is legalised, the laws of economics will apply. “Easy access and use of it by the underdeveloped brain will have significant implications. You will have to restructure the entire legal framework”, Connell said.
“Can you imagine a man having 100 pounds of marijuana in the market for sale”, he quipped.
Connell made it clear, “I am all for the decriminalisation of marijuana, making it quasi criminal, so that we don’t fill our jails with those found in possession of it. That is a quick fix, just amend the laws, including the establishment of a ticketing system for anyone found in possession of five pounds and under”.
But the lawyer stressed that, “To make a quantum leap from decriminalisation to legalisation could be dangerous”.
He pointed out that, “The industry that some people speak of has to operate within the ambit of the law, and the international market which you want to
attract must also operate within the ambit of the law to entertain the product you want to export to them.
“We live in a land of laws, and we are surrounded by neighbouring countries, some of which are not even at the first level of decriminalisation. We are ahead of them. Let us give them a chance to catch up, and the next generation can chart the way forward”.
He explained that the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Industry here has created somewhat of an umbrella to ease some of the pressure off the traditional farmers, once that process is followed.
“On the face of it, many have been spared the court procedure, or possible custodial sentences, because of recent amendments to the laws, and the
Charge laid for a 2021 murder
granting of the relevant licenses to possess and produce medical marijuana”, Connell explained.
The lawyer suggested, “We have to take small steps. We have come a long way. Years ago, having one ganja seed in your possession attracted significant fines, but this is now a thing of the past”.
Attorney Grant Connell has cautioned about moving willy-nilly from a state of decriminlaisation to legalization.
“We can make some of the offenses related to possession of marijuana quasi criminal by establishing a ticketing system or allowing persons to have a tree or two in their backyard, but it would not be wise to legalise”.
ÂTempestÊ reports being robbed and beaten
ORMANDO
‘Heads’ Mofford, a 30-year-old labourer of Glen, is behind bars, awaiting a Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) in connection with a murder which occurred the same day of the last La Soufriere volcanic eruption, April 9, 2021.
Mofford has been charged with the murder of Dale ‘Micey’ Hooper, a 19-year-old conductor of Glen. Hooper died on the scene after being shot multiple times around 7 p.m. on the fore —mentioned, at Glen.
Mofford was taken before the Serious Offense Court on Monday, seven days after being apprehended in Grenada by the Royal Grenada Police Force and subsequently handed over to the authorities here.
He was not required to plead when he stood before Chief Magistrate Colin John.
Attorney Grant Connell, who appeared on his behalf, told the Court that there was no release from the police, or anything on any social media platform, that Mofford was wanted. He said that based on his instructions, Mofford had contacted the local police from Grenada and inquired if he was wanted, and they said no.
“So I don’t know what they (local police) told the Grenada police. He is now charged with murder from 2021. I appreciate
the efforts by the police to resurrect some cold cases, but I trust the file is ready for paper committal or Preliminary Inquiry (P.I). These days, paper committal takes just as long as a Preliminary Inquiry”, he added.
In response, Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre said the Prosecution was not ready. He said that based on information from the investigator, there could be about 20 witnesses. In that light, the prosecution was seeking about two months, so that the police could collect all their statements.
Sat this juncture, Connell reiterated his position on the danger of denying bail on murder charges, as the denial could be used to keep the accused in custody for several months, without trial.
“This is a case where a person is wanted, and then charged with murder in 2021, and the Prosecution is asking for two months. You are not even ready with one of these witnesses”, Connell contended.
The Chief Magistrate, after listening to both sides, adjourned the matter to May 15.
Mofford was remanded. Persons are not usually granted bail on charges of murder.
Mofford had created headlines on December 2, 2022, when he was granted a reduced prison sentence after he handed over an SLR (self-loaded rifle) and two 9 mm pistols to the authorities. He had appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on November 29, 2022, and pleaded guilty to
possession of a Smith and Wesson 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and ten rounds of ammunition, without license, but his attorney Grant Connell had raised the possibility of other firearms being handed over to the authorities, and indicated that Mofford could assist in this regard.
Prosecutor at that timeRenrick Cato agreed to an amnesty, adding that if more than three firearms were handed over, he would ask the Court to grant a six-month reduction on whatever sentence was imposed on the initial charges.
The matter was adjourned to December 2, 2022, and when Mofford returned to Court on that date, the three additional firearms were produced.
No additional charges were brought against Mofford, and Prosecutor Cato asked the Court to grant Mofford a six-month reduction in sentence.
On the original charges, then Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne reduced the sentence to one year and two months for the firearm, eight months for the ammunition, and six months for possession of an offensive weapon (scissors), all to run concurrently.
According to The News Today, Grenada, Mofford was employed with a block making plant in Carriacou, Grenada, for two months before being discovered.
He appeared before Grenada’s Acting Chief Magistrate Francine Foster, and pleaded guilty to entering the state illegally. He was ordered to be removed forthwith from the state.
ABOUT ONE WEEK after former national football Ivan ‘Tempest’ Dupont told THE VINCENTIAN that he needed help to procure basic requirements for treating a prostate problem, he made a report to the police that he had been relieved of his belongings and struck on his head.
Ivan ‘Tempest’ Dupont – victim of a recent robbery.
Up to press time Thursday, THE VINCENTIAN was unable to reach Dupont, but a source close to him told THE VINCENTIAN on Thursday morning that the 62-year-old man had complained of being beaten and robbed at Block 2000 on Monday night. He was reportedly relieved of his a portable sound system, cellular phone and backpack. He reported receiving injuries during an ensuing scuffle.
When THE VINCENTIAN contacted Deputy Commissioner of Police Frankie Joseph on Thursday, he told THE VINCENTIAN that based on the information he received from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Dupont came to the CID on Monday night saying that somebody pulled away his bag and struck him with an object in his head. As a result, the police wrote up medical forms and gave them to him to take to a doctor, but Dupont left and never returned.
On April 9, Dupont was ordered to pay compensation of $13.50 forthwith after pleading guilty, at the Kingstown Magistrate Court, to stealing a quart of strong rum from Massy Stores, Kingstown.
Attorney Grant Connell, who represented him pro bono, told the Court that Dupont suffered from a prostate problem and consumes strong rum to numb the pain.
Connell suggested that perhaps the football fraternity could help him. He said Dupont takes his medication when he can afford it.
Dupont, speaking with THE VINCENTIAN at his Lodge Village home the following day, said he was diagnosed with a prostate problem in 2010, which has grown worse in recent years, and things were hard with him.
He complained of not being able to purchase medication and Pampers because of financial restraints, and made an appeal for help.
Ormando Mofford –murder accused was apprehended in Carriacou.
V
Stop telling Dominicans to go home
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTERof Antigua and Barbuda, Paul Chet Greene, has called for an end to intolerant attitudes toward Dominicans and Jamaicans living in the country, and lingering prejudices across the Caribbean.
Speaking on the radio station, Pointe FM, last weekend he said Antiguans should stop telling people from other islands that they should go home.
“We have to stop telling Jamaicans and Dominicans to go home,” he remarked. “That is not the solution, could never be the solution.”
He pointed out that presently people from the Caribbean, including Antigua, are being kicked out of the United States.
“The same Dominicans and Jamaicans being told to go home are being expelled from the United States just like Antiguans are,” he said.
“We’re all in the same boat.”
He stated that there should be unity among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as they face new trends in trade and economics.
“Trade requires market,” Greene said. “If we want regional manufacturing and food security, we need to embrace Caribbean civilization– not just as an idea but as a practical strategy for survival.”
He called on his fellow Antiguans to see other people from the Caribbean as part of the solution, not the problem.
“The status quo is no more,” he remarked. “Whether we like it or not, the way the world works is changing, and we have to change with it–together.”
Though it is often quipped that there are more Dominicans living in Antigua than Antiguans, an official count of the Dominican
Paul Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda Foreign Affairs Minister, wants Antiguan and Barbudans to do away with their “separatist’ attitude to Caricom nationals living in that twin-island country.
population on the island remains unknown.
Anecdotally-speaking many Dominicans know of a friend, relative, or community member living in Antigua, so it is surmised that the number is great. Vincentians have not escaped the same attitude leveled against the Dominicans.
(Source: Dominica News Online)
Orville Andrew Pernell will answer to charges for being an alien in possession of a weapon and after, he will be extradited to St. Lucia where he will stand trial for murder. (Source: ice.gov)
ACCORDINGto ice.gov, “US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the capture of a fugitive wanted for murder who escaped custody twice in the Caribbean.
Orville Andrew Pernell, a 32-year-old Jamaican citizen, was apprehended by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HIS) and the Bureau of
ICE captures Jamaican fugitive
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) special agents in Savannah, Georgia following an extensive investigation and multinational manhunt April 4.
Pernell, is accused of committing a brutal murder in St. Lucia in 2020 and had been a fugitive for several years. He escaped from custody in St. Lucia during his murder trial and fled to Jamaica. In 2021, he was arrested in Jamaica and escaped from custody there as well. US Border Patrol agents encountered Pernell on December 7, 2022, near San Ysidro, California, after he attempted to enter the United States using a fake identity. He was paroled into the country and given a notice to appear.”
Pernell is wanted by Saint Lucian police for the murder of Cleus Alfred of Ravine Macock at Trouya in St. Lucia on August 25, 2020.
Alfred’s body was discovered in a pool of blood on the road at Trouya after residents reported hearing the
sound of gunshots.
He was arrested and was in police custody at the Babonneau Police Station in St. Lucia when he reportedly used a sharp instrument to cut through steel bars and made his escape from a cell, which he shared with three other detainees in October 2020.
The ICE statement continued, “In July of 2023, Pernell was arrested by the Clayton County Sheriff in Clayton County, Georgia for the possession of a stolen motorcycle and attempting to evade arrest. During the arrest, police discovered a stolen 9mm handgun.
Pernell faces charges for being an alien in possession of a weapon and after he is extradited back to St, Lucia he will stand trial for murder.
ICE HSI Caribbean, Bridgetown and Kingston provided significant contributions to the investigation and were instrumental in the success of the operation.
(Sources: ice.gov, Loop News)
He is Risen! He is Risen
Indeed!
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES CHRISTIAN COUNCIL
LUKE 24:12“But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.” Brothers and Sisters, greetings in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord! At this joyous Easter, having a personal experience of Jesus Christ is essential to meaningfully celebrate his Resurrection and victory over death and
the grave. St. Augustine said, “The joyful news that He is Risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline and make the sacrifice.” Indeed, each able-bodied person must work, be disciplined and make the sacrifice. God has made each of us unique, with a special purpose for living that finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Peer pressure is experienced in all walks of life and may even have the
negative effect of stifling our individuality and making us mere clones of others. Intended and desirable is for each of us to be so grounded in Christ, that we can be a part of the group and yet retain our uniqueness. That uniqueness ought to be driven by godliness, rather than arrogance, rudeness, disrespect or lewdness. In living committedly to Jesus, we may have to resist peer pressure and if necessary, journey alone. In this regard, Luke’s gospel presents an interesting Easter narrative.
The women’s group consisting of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and others, went to the tomb on the morning after their
Jewish Sabbath, to carry out the last acts of love to their dearly departed, and at the same time use the spices to embalm the dead body of Jesus. To their surprise, they saw that the large stone at the entrance of the tomb had already been rolled away, and on entering, no body of Jesus was found. Afterwards, two unknown persons told them that Jesus was not there but had risen; and they reminded the women of what Jesus had previously told them about himself. The women returned from the tomb and told Jesus’ eleven disciples, “but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.”
From all indications, amid peer pressure, the group of disciples stayed put and ignored the women’s story about the most important event in history and one which Jesus previously explained would have occurred. But wait a minute! Someone has left the group and is journeying alone to the tomb. Yes, it is Peter who three times denied Jesus before his crucifixion and then wept bitterly. Yes, Peter is running to the tomb, for indeed he believed the women and took a stand. Luke 24:12 records his experience thus, “But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.”
Furthermore, in Luke 24:34 we read this about the group of disciples by the end of that day“They were saying, the Lord has risen indeed,
and he has appeared to Simon!”
The conviction of Simon Peter to withstand the pressure of his peers and journey alone when it was required, afforded him the tremendous honour of being an eyewitness to the empty tomb that indicated Jesus was risen from the dead. Even though others would have known that he denied Jesus, Peter demonstrated the moral courage to face those who knew his shame, and certainly Jesus knew. Journeying alone in Christ takes conviction and courage, and today, faithful Christians are those with conviction and courage, who if necessary are prepared to journey alone.
But what about this journeying alone? In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded by so many situations; and must stoutly resist doubts of the truth about Jesus, turning our backs on living morally upright, or believing that material gains are all that matter in life. In Christ we are freed from the bondage and penalty of sin, and him being raised from the dead guarantees our resurrection if we commit our lives to him. As such, if necessary, we must journey alone on the road of righteousness; of justice, love and respect towards all persons; of committed discipleship, worship, and service; of facing up to our shame; and of remaining on the road to full redemption.
Fellow citizens and residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Easter 2025 is occurring
against the background of the Church’s leadership in promoting righteous living; our Police Force gallantly fighting to stem the scourge of crime and violence; preparation for General Elections; the advancing of Government projects; and the steadfastness of educating our children. Yet, we continue to be very concerned about the prevailing social ills and must unite to address poverty, unemployment, unhealthy consumption practices, and political divisiveness. Let God be glorified.
So, brothers and sisters, in this season of new life, let us strive for love, hospitality, generosity, compassion, and embracing community life to intensify goodwill, harmony and good over evil. May we be motivated to commit to living faithfully and wholesomely, and may our present and future reflect the power of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
A Very Happy and Holy Easter to everyoneman, woman, boy and girl!
Bishop Gerard County, Roman Catholic Church, and President of the SVG Christian Council,
Bishop C. Leopold Friday, Anglican Church,
Rev’d Philbert S. Deelaney, Methodist Church, Captain Wilkings Buissereth, Salvation Army.
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
What is before us
WITHOUT DOUBT,we are heading into the heart of the silly season when outlandish political, even frivolous promises will be made by the parties vying for the seat of government in SVG.
What can we expect? Expect the incumbent (party) will go out of its way to make known what it has done in the last 21 years and, if the truth be told, much has been done in what they will say is to the benefit of the citizens and country.
Expect the opposition party to pile promise upon promise, i.e. what it will do differently and much more to the benefit of the people, if they were given the opportunity to control the reins of government.
As for the incumbent, while they will have the advantage of referring to things physical in support of their ‘accomplishments’, they must be mindful about the extent to which they have been accountable, transparent as far as monies received and spent are concerned.
The opposition, somehow, will have to explain away the accusation that it had failed to do much of what it had promised when it had the opportunity so to do, and convince the electorate that it can deliver on its ‘new’ promises which, they will say, are not vacuous.
And least we find ourselves denying it, let us admit that the silly season will throw up one dirty trick after another. Recent history has shown this to be more forthcoming from one party, but that is not to say that there is not a reciprocity that finds itself into our politics.
The question is laid bare: How is the electorate gong to determine the value of what each side has to offer?
It may not be far-fetched to say that many voters are dissatisfied with the parties on parade. The thing is, though, the diehards will continue to vote for their party. And remember, our reality is not on of having ‘ambitious’ smaller third and fourth parties to split the vote.
It’s simple: We either vote or don’t vote. The end result could
well be determined by who can convince the ‘fence sitters’ to vote for them.
And if the current mood of the country is interpreted correctly, the apathy that has set in regarding which party to vote for, could well translate into a situation where voters simply ‘close their eyes’ and vote for their party or not vote at all. After all the silliness, it could be as simple a ‘solution’ as this.
But the parties will be mindful that the more people they convince to ‘come out to vote’, the better the chance of them being victorious. This is made to bear more significantly on the outcome given that both parties will field a full slate of candidates. The choice of one or the other should make it easier for the average voter.
But, if history is anything to go by, regardless of the candidates chosen for the various constituencies, voters will vote for the leader. The average voter gravitates first to a leader and then, if at all, to the party.
It is therefore vital, and in a meaningful effort to advance our sense of democracy, if each party presents a viable plan to move the country forward, and not simply project a leader who while blessed with charm if not guile, could be their undoing.
Advertising what has been done and what to expect are of no value to the wary voter, who is called upon to decide whether the promised benefits will be worth the expected use of their taxes or take the country in further debt. The ‘fence sitters’ will not be convinced if there is a protracted period during which they have to consider this question.
But when all is said and done, isn’t advising what will be done to benefit SVG simply wishful thinking when closer scrutiny is done?
Will the new government improve the lives of the people, or will it use (our) resources and put SVG in further debt, thereby making lives worse?
Is all of this crying wolf on the current state of SVG? Silly times are not for the wanting!!!
Easter: A Call to Action!
GROWING UP in the vibrant late 70s and 80s atmosphere, I was swept away by a whirlwind of passion for liberation movements. Black liberation, (free South African) women’s rights, the fight for a free Palestine, and the general struggle against capitalism and colonialism were not just buzzwords–they were my social and political lifeblood! Everyone around me was energized, ready to break free from something or rally behind a cause. To me, “liberation” meant so much more than just gaining equal rights; it was a dramatic shift towards freedom–freedom from the shackles of oppression and the constricting limits placed on our thoughts and actions.
During this explosive era, I became deeply connected to my faith. Christianity was more than belonging to a church. It was an opportunity to live the faith and help those in greater need than yourself. It was a relief that someone added a label to how I felt about living a Christian life. The “Liberation Theology” concept resonated with my sense of justice, tying together the sharp lines of right and wrong or good and evil.
But as the years went by, I watched in dismay as churches veered away from this empowering doctrine and focused more on being peacekeepers rather than peacemakers. Being a peacemaker sometimes requires us to speak the uncomfortable truth about the injustices plaguing our world. I cannot help but think that someone must have told my church leaders, “Stay in your lane,” and leave being a change agent to others. Needless to say, I no longer attend my church’s weekly gatherings. However, I still support outreach programmes like the food bank, clothes donations, etc. It feels like many are standing idly by as our nation descends into turmoil while the lives of our youth hang in the balance. The police have adopted a more aggressive stance in our communities, cracking down on illegal license plates. It’s genuinely disheartening! Aside from a few courageous souls who’ve stayed true to their mission, we’ve fallen short in the quest for unfettered freedom–freedom from excessive prosecution, oppression, genocide, and the systemic mistreatment of the vulnerable. Yes, whether local or international, speaking out on the side of the oppressed should be standard.
Today, I am reminded of a problem in our criminal justice system. About twenty years ago, a young man was sentenced to twenty years in prison for murder. He was described as “criminally insane” by some and required to undergo psychiatric treatment while in prison. Now he is eligible for release, he will be transferred to the mental asylum because it is felt that he is not ready for reintegration into society. My question today is, why was he tried and sentenced to prison in the first place if he was insane then and, after twenty years of forced treatment, still is? We cannot be a society that is ok with this kind of treatment of others. My understanding is that we are now building a special place for him in our home for the mentally ill. How will his life change in this new environment? Would he be a better person today if he had been appropriately treated in the right environment over the last twenty years?
So, what does this Easter ignite in me now? It’s a moment of reckoning! I’m determined to rise above the dark cloud of despair cast by our world leaders and carve out new boundaries for my actions and responses. The relentless assaults on our planet’s most vulnerable populations are staggering. We MUST rally together and ignite a justice movement, pushing for political change and standing shoulder to shoulder with the disenfranchised instead of the wealthy elite. It’s time to stop straddling the fence and boldly champion the cause of those living in poverty and oppression. We must amplify the soft-spoken and often unheard voices and refuse to look the other way! We must do more than speak out against the injustice inflicted on the people in Gaza. We must voice a full-throated condemnation of the nation of Israel. Stop the nonsense spouted in some of our churches that the people of Israel are the chosen people and, therefore, irreproachable or entitled. We must hold our elected representatives accountable for their actions. We must do better.
This Easter, let us keep the fire that Jesus brought with his life on earth burning as we rekindle our passion for liberation into action and inspire change together!
Horatio.
Reflecting on the next election
THE ELECTIONis creeping up on us and both parties have moved into another gear, though it would be safe to say that the incumbent ULP has not yet got into its high gear. One of the reasons for this delay is that it is yet to name a few candidates, not least being one for the South Windward constituency.
If the NDP candidate for South Windward is on top of his game, he should know that he should be ‘heating it up’ during this period of ULP uncertainty. I am aware that Frederick Stephenson ensured that this seat was somewhat of an assured seat for the ULP. But in his absence and during this period when there is a
ULP void, it should work in favour of the NDP candidate. I take it that he has the team and machinery to make use of this ‘advantage’.
If I may stick my neck out, I would say that the Prime Minister will not take the election into 2026. Yes, one might say that he might stretch it out so that he can “open this and open that” project to entice the electorate. Will this be enough to maintain if not increase the ULP’s majority in the House? There might also be a view that he would want to go into the next election with “an election budget”, which will give support to those projects that have been ‘opened’ and
those in the pipeline. However, I think he is aware that the NDP is poised to go into this election as a much stronger and focused party, and it would be to his advantage to put them to the test as soon as possible. He, himself, is no longer a spring chicken with the energy to run around ‘winning’ seats for his candidates. How many ‘victorious’ ULP candidates can say that they won their seats because of their own efforts and not because of a significant, in-person input by their leader. It, therefore, stands to reason that he would want to ensure that he can optimize the time and energy he
has left to his party’s advantage. This, after all, will be his last run at the polls whether as leader or not. The last election, the NDP failed to turn a one seat minority into a one seat majority. They, in fact, literally allowed a seat (North Leeward) to slip away from them. The question this time around is: Can they turn a twoseat disadvantage in their favour? That is their challenge, and they will know that that they will be up against a tried and tested party machinery that has done them in at every election since 2021.
Thomas
Recognise our Police Officers Looking in on our carnival
THE FIRST MISTAKEthe CDC made was shortening the street parties - 9pm to 1am. They tried to fix that too late.
The second mistake was to charge the people to enter a launch of their own carnival.
The third mistake was to limit the number of people having street bars and charging people for spots that the people can’t afford… just for being on the empty streets with their ice box tied down with no sale whatsoever.
Carnival belongs to the people, and you can’t charge them for trying to make the best out of it.
The fourth mistake was allowing way too many rural carnivals (with) no queen show, no mas, no calypso, just a soca monarch and jump-up.
And speaking of jump-ups, the one from Vermont to Campden Park needs to be halted until you find a better alternative route for traffic and emergencies.
Now I’m hearing of a high-powered carnival launch at the old E. T. Joshua airport tarmac (subject to correction). What happened to the place called Carnival City? I hope you not thinking about charging an entrance fee. That would be a sin!!! They stole my idea of getting back transportation to and from the city with proper police protection for bus operators. Is this most likely police who own buses or an armed police on the bus?
Then we have Board Members who’s asking me who is Mr. Ossie Gurley from Calliaqua, the musical genius behind Nigel and Marvin’s “Moving to the right…moving to ..”, Ronnie McIntosh’s “ENT”, “How it go look” and the monster hit “Who let the dogs out?”; and not to forget his (Gurley) contribution to Winston Soso’s album, “Badder than ever”, and his soca monarch winning track, “In me head”.
We also launched our carnival in Trinidad and to my amazement, we launched it with costumes designed and made in Trinidad .... huge disrespect to our local and traditional mas men. We like to believe in this one-man favorite as the savior for the festival.
First it was Ricky until they called him the same ole khaki pants, now Rodney might save everything.
I’ll rock back, watch and see. Good luck to Mr. Rodney Small!
Jude Shepherd
I WRITE TO HIGHLIGHTa matter of great concern that continues to undermine the morale and dedication of our nation’s public officers. While medals and honours for long service, outstanding achievements, and meritorious conduct are standard practices in professional and paramilitary organisations, members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force remain largely unrecognised and unrewarded for their invaluable contributions. Promotion, often viewed as the primary incentive, is constrained by structural limitations. Vacancies arise only by promotions, resignations, retirements or new requirements. This reality leaves many officers feeling disillusioned, as an alternative form of
acknowledgement, such as medals or rewards is glaringly absent.
Worse yet, some departments and organisations resort to arranging award ceremonies by soliciting assistance from the corporate community to fund these activities. While the intent may be commendable, this practice reflects poorly on the nation’s priorities and lack of a formal state-sponsored system to honour its public officers. Such dependence on external support is both unacceptable and unsustainable. It undermines the value of the awards and the dignity of the officers receiving them.
Adding to the disparity is the image of the Hon. Prime Minister, who is the Minister of National Security, collecting national
awards abroad, while officers at home are left wearing fake medals obtained during overseas training programmes. This glaring inequity not only demotivates those who serve but also tarnishes the credibility of our national security framework. It is imperative that the Ministry of National Security take immediate steps to address this issue. Establishing a robust and meaningful system to honour police officers and public servants is not merely a symbolic act, it is a practical measure to uplift their spirits, improve their morale and reinforce their commitment to service.
As citizens, we must rally behind the men and women who protect our nation and demand better. Let us urge our leadership to prioritise recognition for public
service and implement a system of national honours that reflects the value of their contributions. Only then can we truly honour the sacrifices and dedication of our police officers and other public servants.
Yours faithfully, Eric Samuel
Dual citizenship & Green Cards
IHAVE a few questions for all those contesting or thinking about contesting the next general elections. I know that we don’t have any law that requires what I ask for, and that we never got the Integrity Legislation a certain Knight (deceased) promised us within the first 100 days of ULP taking power, but I will still pose the questions and hope that if what I ask applies to any one or more of the persons concerned, that they will do what is honourable and say that they do or do not.
My questions: Are there any candidates or would-be candidates who
hold dual citizenship, and I don’t mean just with the USA? Are any of the candidates or would-be candidates holders of USA Green Cards?
I know for example, Mr. Editor, that it is not illegal to hold a ‘Green Card’ but if a person who is either already a member of our parliament, or thinking about returning as one, or becoming one for the first time is the holder of dual citizenship or a US Green Card, I think they are very dishonest and do not really have this country and the people at heart. If they have dual citizenship or a Green Card that tells me
that if they loose, what is to stop them from taking up residence where they have citizenship or in the USA?
PEOPLE ARE ASKING:
* Is there a minimum age for entrance to these soca fetes? If so, why are there so many school aged girls/boys in attendance at these fetes?
* Has Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves conceded defeat in his effort to have Dr. Kishore Shallow removed as President of Cricket West Indies Inc.?
* Will Rodney Small, the new Chief Executive officer of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), resign as President of the Youlou Pan Movement YPM? Isn’t it a conflict if interest for him to continue in President of the YPM?
* How much assistance, if any, does the Ministry of Sport give to the schools who participate in the Penn Relays?
Just something I was thinking about. Charles, Edinboro
Messenger of Chatoyer
COMRADE RALPH: THE MESSENGER
ON MARCH 14, 2025,Comrade Ralph Gonsalves, the longest serving Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the region, and countries globally which boast competitive, popular elections, was named a “Messenger of Chatoyer” by the Garifuna International Council. This was a signal honour for Comrade Ralph who for decades, has been consistently advancing the cause of the Callinago, the Garifuna, all indigenous peoples, oppressed persons globally, and those who have been marginalised or disadvantaged, historically and in the contemporary times.
Throughout nearly 57 years of political activism in SVG, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Africa, and the USA, Comrade Ralph has battled against monopoly capitalism, colonialism, imperialism, racism, misogyny, and patriarchy and for democracy, justice, freedom, human rights, socialism and socialist orientation, equality, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable development.
The accolade, “a Messenger of Chatoyer” was in specific reference to his unstinting work for reparations for native genocide and the enslavement of African bodies in the Caribbean, and for the upliftment of the indigenous Callinago and Garifuna of Yuremein (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). The award of “Messenger of Chatoyer” was in the wake of Comrade Ralph’s leadership in his ULP government’s acquisition of the island of Balliceaux as a fitting memorial for the ancestral Callinago and Garifuna who died there at the cruel, wicked hands of British Colonialism in 1797, consequent upon the defeat of the colonial resistance led by the indomitable Joseph Chatoyer, Paramount Chief of the Garifuna, and the first and only National Hero of SVG.
The Comrade’s status of “a Messenger of Chatoyer” was bolstered by his official visit to Honduras and his engagement with the Garifuna communities in Cucuna and the capital city of Tegucigalpa, in Honduras, home to the largest number of Garifuna worldwide. At ceremonies in Cucuna and Tegucigalpa, Comrade Ralph was especially honoured as a defender of the Garifuna and a fighter for their upliftment.
THE RECORD: A BRIEF SUMMARY OF NATIONAL RECLAMATIONS
Comrade Ralph and his ULP government have been in the forefront of spearheading the quest for the building of our national identity, the reclamation of our people’s memory and independence through the prism of our own eyes, for the further advancement) ennoblement of our Caribbean civilisation and its identifiable ethnic and cultural elements within the organic whole of an integrated society.
A summary of all this includes:
The passage of the Order of National Hero Act under which
provisions the Right Excellent Joseph Chatoyer was proclaimed as a National Hero – the first one thus far.
The formal, juridical declaration of March 14th as National Heroes Day.
The legislative proclamation of Indian Arrival Day, recognising officially the arrival of Indian indentured labourers to SVG between 1861 to 1881, following upon the arrival of indentured labourers from Madeira (1845 — 1850).
The passage of the Spiritual Baptists Recognition Day legislation, observing May 21st as the “freedom of religion” day for Spiritual Baptists. This was followed by the making of May 21st a public holiday; this will be celebrated for the first time on May 21st 2025. Lots of our indigenous people are Spiritual Baptists.
The passage of legislation protecting our National Flag and National Anthem.
The refusal to sell-out our patrimony in respect of the selling of our passports and citizenship; we are unique in the OECS in not selling our highest office (citizenship) or the outward sign of the inward grace of citizenship, our passport.
The acquisition of Balliceaux for the purpose of establishing a memorial to the Callinago and Garifuna who died on that baren island after being banished there by the British colonialists.
Comrade Ralph’s leadership in putting the issue of reparations for native genocide and the enslavement of African bodies on the CARICOM and national agenda. Our Parliament formally recognised his work in this regard.
The establishment of a National Reparations Commission in SVG, and membership of the Regional Reparations Commission.
The commissioning of a panel of four esteemed historians to write a detailed history of SVG through our own sense and sensibility.
The pursuance of comprehensive root-and-branch constitutional reform which among other things sought to jettison the British sovereign as Head of State, and to terminate final appeals to the Privy Council, to be replaced by the Caribbean Court of Justice. This effort failed because of the NDP’s backwardness.
The promotion of an all-round national culture through festivals (including food fairs) and all-round programmes in an effort to build a national conscience and to strengthen our national patrimony, dignity, and consciousness.
The publication of numerous books authored by Comrade Ralph which research and analyse our nation’s history, political economy, culture, and a bundle of uplifting ideas of our society.
Uplifting the lives, livelihoods, and production in Callinago/ Garifuna communities in SVG through the following, among other initiatives:
Continued on Page 18.
Combating Praedial Larceny and empowering farmers
(Excerpts of Senator Israel Bruce’s Presentation at a Public Meeting in Diamonds, South Central Windward)
I WANT TO TALK TO YOU about the significant challenges we face in this community, more importantly Diamonds, and the path forward. A path that you and I can walk together. Let me start by addressing the pressing issues that have plagued our agricultural community.
The Diamonds you and I know has always been a thriving agricultural community. I am alive of the issues that are affecting you, the farmers and agricultural producers right here in Diamonds. I am too much aware that the theft of your produce and your livestock is a problem recurring, recurring and recurring. Many of you have experienced heartbreak of having your hard-earned crops and livestock stolen. This is not just an economic loss to you. It is a personal violation of your rights. It is a blow to your livelihood.
And no farmer should have to endure this problem. I know the problem. But knowing the problem is near not enough. And so, as a member of Team NDP, I come to you tonight not only to identify the problems, but to speak to the prospective solutions to those problems.
When I entered the parliament of St Vincent and the Grenadines as a Senator, this government decided that they were going to get rid of the Rural Constables Programme. I suggested to the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister that they were going to make a wrong move. I said the farmers of Diamonds and South Central Windward and St. Vincent and the Grenadines rely on the rule of constables working in tandem with the regular police to help to fight livestock and crops crime. They did not listen to me.
You, the farmers, know that too often you leave your animals sometimes in the field and you are hoping to meet them the next day. I was in ‘Mozambique’ not too long ago, a few days ago, and I spoke to a constituent who said to me, “Senator Bruce, I had a goat and I had some men coming to work for me, to help to put on an addition to my house. And the plan was to kill the goat so I could cook something whilst they’re helping me. I got up the morning and Senator, that goat was gone and the one that was even pregnant, that too was gone. They’ve thief everything.”
The problem is that the planters and the rearers are few but the thieves are many. And I am telling you, I am sending a clear message tonight. This is a message for the farmers. That Israel Bruce and the new Democratic Party are here to the rescue. We will develop and deliver a robust plan to combat praedial larceny, as Alan Cruickshank called it ‘thie’.
So here is where we go. In the
Parliament of St Vincent and the Grenadines, I will pilot a Bill that will make the penalties harsher for those people who are stealing your crops and your animals. I will ensure that we review the farmers ID programme so that persons who are not farmers but have farmers ID and they are using the farmers ID to sell stolen goods, I am going to attack that, I’m going to cut it out and I’m going to give farmers a true chance.
Farmers have said, Bruce, even when the police come, it is taking us too long to have a resolution of our problems. We don’t get our justice fast enough. And we have to go and find money to replant. But hear what? Help is coming. Bruce is coming to the rescue. Because we will put in place a Night Court where it will sit to take on matters of praedial larceny so the thieves will come to justice swiftly. Farmers, we’re coming to your rescue. We will use information technology, using the skilled people in our team to ensure that we can track your animals, but we can also track the thieves. Farmers, I want you to know that help is on the way.
I also know that farmers plant but ‘you are catching your nenen’ to find good markets for the things that you plant. I have said to my colleagues on day number two, because the (first) one might be for the celebrations, we don’t plan to celebrate for long, we plan to work. So I get to work on day number two. And the people in the Ministry of Trade will be called to duty. We will immediately explore markets in the region and outside of the region.
I talk this all the time. I travel to and from Tortola, Virgin Islands. When I go to a Rite Way Supermarket, when I go to One Mart Supermarket and the others, I see all kind of agricultural produce on the shelves … hardly any from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are two hours away.
A representative that has the people of Diamonds at heart will get up off his bottom or her bottom will and go there and look for markets for you the farmers. I am telling you that I am committed from day two my people, to go there and look for market for the farmers of Diamonds and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Bruce to the rescue!!!.
I come through Diamonds as often as I can. And I see the number of young men and women, more men than women, on the several blocks in Diamonds. It’s not because Diamonds people are lazy. I know Diamonds people are not lazy people. The young men in Diamonds are willing to work. And we, we in the New Democratic Party are prepared to seek out quality jobs for you, the young people of Diamonds.
Do you believe in Easter?
First published in the April 5, 2012 issue of The Vincentian newspaper.
“The great Easter truth is not that we are to live newly after death — that is not the great thing — but that we are to be new here and now by the power of the resurrection; not so much that we are to live forever as that we are to, and may, live nobly now because we are to live forever.” - Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) US Episcopal minister, sermon at Lincoln’s funeral, wrote the Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
IT IS TRULY AMAZINGhow quickly technology is advancing and how these progressions, in turn, influence our lives. I was reading the Daily Bread Devotional several months ago when I came across a most interesting story that was written by David C. McCasland. He described two brothers who, in the 1980s, were experimenting with a computer programme and discovered some unique ways in manipulating images. Many computer software companies thought that these youngsters, John and Thomas Knoll, were crazy since, until this time, photographers were unaware of the possibility of using computers to edit photographic images; John and Thomas were “pioneering beyond the known photography world”. The brothers initially called their programme “Display”. Over time, the name evolved to “Imaginator”. They eventually settled for the name that we now know as “Photoshop®”. This software is presently used around the world as amateurs at home and professionals in business seek to enhance the outcome of their “photographic expeditions”. Through this technology it is possible to correct almost every imaginable flaw that is made by “photo-takers”. However, it should be noted that many of the early users of the software considered the invention “too good to be true” when they heard that the software had the capability of correcting the multitude of photographic errors.
The New Testament describes the scene on that first Easter morning as the women who carried spices to anoint Jesus’ body found the tomb empty (see Matthew 28). The angels who met them there stated, “He is not here: for he is risen as he said.” (Matthew 28:6). This historic moment is also captured in the New Testament book of Luke 24. And in Luke 24:11 we read that when the women told this to the disciples, “Their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them”. Although our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had foretold His faithful followers that He will be raised on the third day (see Matthew 16:21, 17:2223, 20:17-19), when it actually happened their initial response appeared to be saying “too good to be true”.
Today, two thousand years later, there are still some who question whether the evidence could have been
manipulated. Is it possible that His followers could have rolled away the stone while the soldiers who were guarding the tomb were asleep? Could they have paid the soldiers to lie? What do you truly believe? No, this is not the time to put this question on a back burner “for a more convenient season”. This Easter Season is as good a time as any to examine what you truly believe about this all-important aspect of history. This is truly a question to answer. As you ponder, let me share a story about an eleven-year-old boy named Philip, a Down’s syndrome child who was in a Sunday School class with eight other children:
Easter Sunday the teacher brought an empty plastic egg for each child. They were instructed to go out of the church building onto the grounds and put into the egg something that would remind them of the meaning of Easter. All returned joyfully. As each egg was opened there were exclamations of delight at a butterfly, a piece of stick, a flower, a blade of grass. Then the last egg was opened. It was Philip’s, and it was empty! Some of the children made fun of Philip. “But, teacher,” he said, “teacher, the tomb was empty.” A newspaper article announcing Philip’s death a few months later noted that at the conclusion of the funeral eight children marched forward and put a large empty egg on the small casket. On it was a banner that said, “The tomb was empty.”
And while I do not subscribe to Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, and the like, the preceding story is shared to introduce my belief in that first Easter (even as you continue to ponder yours). Like Philip in the story, I am convinced that Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, died for my sins (and the rest of the world) and that He arose “with a mighty victory over His foes”. I believe that His resurrection is a fact of history; not a myth. I am convinced that Jesus conquered death and that, because I believe that He lives, “I will see tomorrow”. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, the great Easter truth, enables sinful beings like me to have a life-changing experience that allows for a “newness of life” on this side of the grave and the privilege of spending eternity with Him; His resurrection enables us to live nobly now (even though we will slip up from time to time) and to live forever in His presence; through faith in Jesus Christ and His resurrection we can have this hope in the now and the here-after. What do you believe? What does Easter mean to you?
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Here’s the Science on Obesity
THE GROWING WAISTLINEand bulging stomachs of an increasing number of Vincentians are a serious cause for concern. An increasing number of scientists are calling on health officials to label obesity as an incurable illness. A growing body of research shows that overeating may be more addictive than cocaine.
A study in Britain revealed that of people who use crack cocaine, 10 to 20 percent become addicted to it. A study of obese people indicates that 98 percent of the men and 97.8 percent of the women failed to return to a healthy weight. Once extreme overeating begins, it appears to be almost impossible to stop.
There is little evidence that people who overeat become dependent on a single ingredient; instead, they seek out a range of highly palatable, energy-dense foods, such as those we are now surrounded by.
Consequently, there is a need for a public health rethink because research suggests people who believe they are overweight comfort-eat, leading to further weight gain. The activation of reward systems in the brain and the loss of impulse control are similar to those involved in dependency on drugs. But eating addiction appears to be more powerful.
Once you become obese, your biological changes lock you into that condition. If you try to lose weight, the body perceives it is being starved, and powerful adaptations try to bounce you back to your previous state. Against incredible odds, people who manage to return to a normal weight must consume 300 fewer calories per day than those who have never been obese, if they are not to put the weight back on.
Once obesity is established, body weight seems to become biologically stamped in. The more weight you lose, the stronger the biological pressure to return to your former excessive size. The evidence points to high-fat, highsugar foods that overwhelm the impulse control of children and young adults.
This statement will be unwelcome, but the science shows that obesity may be deemed an incurable disease. Therefore, fat-shaming is worse than useless. Researchers found that the more weight-conscious people are, the more likely they are to overeat: the stress it induces is a trigger for comfort eating. For the obese, temporary reductions in weight will almost inevitably be reversed.
People who are merely overweight, rather than obese, appear to suffer from the same biochemical adaptations. For them, changes in diet and exercise are likely to be effective. But urging obese people to buck up may produce nothing but misery.
The crucial task is to reach children before they succumb to this addiction. As well as help and advice for parents, this requires a significant change in what scientists call ‘the obesogenic environment’ (high-energy food and drinks and the advertising and packaging that reinforce their attraction). Unless children are steered away from overeating from the beginning, they are likely to be trapped for life.
Scientists say reversing the tide of obesity won’t be easy, but it can be done. A different approach is needed. The key is to create health-promoting environments. This knowledge ought
to lead to acceptance and empathy that end stigmatisation. Before understanding the science and consequences of overeating and obesity, I was very hard on overweight people. I have not gone soft, but I am much more caring and understanding.
The available science points to the inability to treat obesity except through surgery. The verdict is now in that dieting is more fad than proof as an effective tool for weight reduction. So, health officials may be ill-advised to propose a useless or punitive dietary regime for the obese person.
We must look deeper at the problem and answer a few basic yet important questions. Why do we have an obesity epidemic? Has the composition of the human species changed? Have we suffered a general collapse in willpower? No. The evidence points to high-fat, high-sugar foods that overwhelm the impulse control of children and young adults, packaged and promoted to create the impression that they are fun, cool, and lifeenhancing.
This illness will continue to ravage the population and slowly overwhelm the health service until these circumstances change. Policy makers have a fundamental responsibility to make hard decisions regarding what our children and young adults are allowed to eat, particularly in public spaces. Have we stopped to consider the tremendous damage fast food joints and sugary drinks do to our health? Unless there are greater controls, we are on a road of no return to poor health, the consequences of which we have not yet fathomed. We need to develop a new consciousness to inform people about the likely impact of what they eat. Most consumers are ignorant of the nutritional content of the foods they consume.
The food distributors will resist the obvious solutions until they can no longer be resisted. Eventually, the change will have to happen, with similar restrictions on advertising, sponsorship, display, and accessibility to those imposed on the tobacco peddlers. One day, though not before many thousands have needlessly died, it will become illegal to advertise any food or drink that is clearly harmful to people’s health. They will be sold only with health warnings, on high shelves out of the reach of children.
Does this seem draconian to you? If so, remember that obesity affects a growing percentage of the adult population. Diabetes and high blood pressure afflict even more. Everyone agrees that this situation is unacceptable?
Our choice is clear: to recognise that the only humane and effective means of addressing the obesity epidemic is to prevent more people from being hooked, by restricting the pushers of bad food. There’s an alternative: to continue a programme of fat-shaming and bullying whose only likely outcome is unhappiness.
This piece with minor changes first appeared in the Vincentian on September 16, 2015. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions
Female crimes of passion
by ANTHONY G. STEWART, PhD
SO, SHE SEDUCEDhim with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. (Prov 7:21-26).
Is there an epidemic of prostitution and child molestation in our country? If so, who is responsible? Men have apparently been identified as the main perpetrators. In most cases they are older, some are married, and some occupy prestigious positions of authority. The power positions are not only organizational and financial but could simply mean a van conductor or driver transporting victims to and from houses or places of ill repute especially after hours. While it may be difficult to prove that the crime of rape occurred because the victims refuse to turn in the perpetrators because of financial inducement,
Teachers and educators can help combat human (child) trafficking by creating safe and supportive school communities, and being on the lookout for the most vulnerable students and working to identify and respond to the signs of exploitation.
and our laws apparently favor the rapists, the crime of human trafficking may be easier to prove.
Human trafficking
Human trafficking, according to google means: the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments. When a 13-year-old goes missing and is found 2 or 3 days later, it is a clear case of human trafficking. Good investigation techniques may reveal the names of the persons doing the recruiting, the vehicle that does the transportation transferring the victim from one place to another, especially after hours. The persons keeping missing children without any reasonable effort made to contact the parents or police is guilty of harbouring minors. Those who receive missing children without any effort to contact the parents or police are also guilty of an offense. Because minors cannot give consent, some level of abduction, deception and fraud are involved. When children receive payment or other valuable goods for services rendered, this is confirmation of
the crime of human trafficking.
Like in many other cases of crime, if we follow the money trail when we see unemployed children spending unusually large sums of money or sporting expensive cell phones or garments, we must question the source. The authority position of the perpetrator bears much weight. Even though the children say, “informer ha fo dead,” much information is available in our small society where everybody knows everyone else’s business. “Loose lips sink ships,” and with underage children drinking so much alcohol, they would talk if not when they are sober, then when they are drunk and would certainly sink the ship of prostitution and molestation perpetrated on our children.
The failure of many victims of child rape and molestation to cooperate in jailing the rapist begs the questions:
1. When would our laws change to allow prosecution with forensic and other supporting evidence without the need of the testimony of the victim?
2. At what age do we hold the victims responsible for their role in the crime? Can they be accomplices?
King Charles 111 is still our King and according to British law, human trafficking is the transporting of humans with or without their consent from one place to another with the intent to exploit them. There is no requirement that borders must be crossed. God Save The King!
Women Police chart path
Photos Courtesy ESVGPF
FROM THE FRONTLINESto
administrative leadership, the women of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) continue to make remarkable contributions to public safety, discipline, and service. They lead with strength, serve with distinction, and inspire with unwavering resolve. Their presence does not simply complement the Force; it elevates it.
In that spirit, the Women Police Association (WPA) hosted its annual conference on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the RSVGPF Police Band Auditorium in Old Montrose, under the theme “Let Us Work Together to Achieve Our Goals.”
Right:Sub Lieutenant Ceilia Charles/Coast Guard Service – President of the WPA.
The event brought together female officers from various departments, units, and divisions across the Force, highlighting the WPA’s renewed focus on building unity, advancing professional growth, and encouraging meaningful contributions among its members.
President of the WPA, Sub Lieutenant Ceilia Charles of the SVG Coast Guard Service, presented the Association’s forward-looking agenda. The initiatives emphasized the importance of wellness, mentorship, community outreach, and collaboration. Among the core goals shared were the revitalization of the
WPA Fitness Club to promote health among officers and the revival of the Fundraising Committee to support sustainable in-house programming.
Among the list of WPA initiatives are plans to: launch a mentorship programme for younger officers; adopt an institution that supports vulnerable young women; pursue membership in the International Women Police Association; strengthen ties with regional and global counterparts.
The Association
also intends to collaborate with (local) programmes such as DARE and the Sexual Offences Unit to conduct outreach in schools, inspiring young minds through positive engagement.
Commissioner of Police (Ag) Mr. Enville Williams was in attendance at the conference
and expressed strong support for the initiatives presented. He commended the WPA for its progressive outlook and encouraged the members to remain focused, united, and dedicated to high standards as they continue to build momentum across the organisation. The Commissioner also reminded officers of the importance of maintaining professional standards in both appearance and conduct as a reflection of the values upheld by the Force.
Etaul Jackson-Prescod, the first women police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, would have been proud of the number of women who have joined the Police Force and the contributions they have made and are making.
The RSVGPF commends the WPA for its proactive vision and dedication to empowering women within the Force and remains committed to supporting its initiatives. (Source: RSVPF)
Women Police deliberated under the theme, “Let Us Work Together to Achieve Our Goals.”
Commissioner of Police (Ag) Mr. Enville Williams expressed strong support for the WPA and its initiatives.
300 Pre-Fab. houses for SVG
TO FURTHERenhance its effort aimed at rebuilding and/or providing new housing stock in the aftermath of destruction wrought by Hurricane Beryl, July 01, 2024, and the the government will take possession of approximately 300 Prefabricated houses from Trinidad.
In advance of taking possession, a team from the company from which the units are being sourced, will arrive here on April 25.
The team will conduct their own assessment and train builders and contractors.
“Those houses when they start arriving, they are coming in batches of fifty (50) …and we have signed a contract for three hundred of those houses, coming six (6) batches of fifty
each,” Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves said on Radio on Monday,
The Minister added that these houses can be erected in a matter of days and will be distributed throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines where people have been impacted.
According to the Minister, over the last three months, some EC$14 million have been spent on building new houses, repairing and providing materials to those who can help themselves, as part of the relief
effort following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
All of this is in keeping Government’s commitment to
World Bank Loan for 2026 projects
THE GOVERNMENTof
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is currently negotiating with the World Bank, which has signaled its agreement through the International Development Association (IDA), for approximately us$63 million to fund development projects starting in 2026.
This was announced by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during a news conference on Tuesday.
He noted that, although general elections are due later this year, he is planning with the confidence that his administration
Confident that the ULP will be returned to government in what is expected to be a 2025 general election, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has already sought assistance from the World Bank for fiscal year 2026.
will secure a sixth term in office, and as such, is already preparing programme for next year and beyond.
Dr. Gonsalves also revealed that some of the upcoming projects expected to be financed under the World Bank
agreement will be outlined in the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) election manifesto. (Source: API)
build/repair 1,000 houses for families affected by Hurricane Beryl and the eruption of La Soufrière
get tools Mountain View wins inaugural Robotics Competition
THE MOUNTAIN View Adventist Academy, Richland Park, was adjudged winner of the inaugural Robotics Competition organized by the National Centre of Technological Innovation (NCIT).
Fifteen Secondary schools and 27 teams, represented by 82 students, participated in the event, which saw the Bethel High School placing second and third place going to the Buccament Bay Secondary School.
this field.
He commended the students for their participation.
Speaking at a Prize-giving ceremony held on April 15 at the Methodist Church Hall, Chief Executive Officer of the NCTI, Petrus Gumbs, highlighted that the NCTI has conducted training at various schools, and students have expressed a keen interest in
Also addressing the ceremony was Minister of Finance, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, who commended the NCTI for providing a means by which students can gain critical problem-solving skills as well as innovation and team building skills.
“It is very important in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to develop people who have the capacity to think critically, the people who have the capacity to innovate, the people who have the capacity to dream, to conceptualise …those are the skills you will carry with you well beyond this competition,” Minister Gonsalves said. (Source: API)
DISTRIBUTIONSto livestock farmers under the UBEC CERC SVG Food Insecurity Project continued at the Wallilabou Agricultural Station on Wednesday 16th April.
Farmers received essential tools and equipment aimed at strengthening their livestock production and enhancing the overall efficiency of their operations.
Farmers expressed gratitude for the support. They also highlighted that the tools and resources would significantly contribute to increased productivity and sustainability of their livestock production.
The SVG Food Insecurity Project seeks to enhance food and nutrition security by increasing the production and productivity of chosen commodities, particularly among businessoriented small farmers and fishers.
The project is being implemented by the Economic Planning Division of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, and Information Technology with technical support and coordination by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour. It is being financed through a loan from the World Bank. (Source: Ministry of Agriculture)
In one fell swoop, Hurricane Beryl destroyed 90% of the housing stick in Union Island.
One of the livestock farmers shows off the tools/equipment he received under the ‘Food Security Project’.
Livestock farmers
The winning Mountain View Adventist Academy Robotics Team.
What legacy will Ralph Gonsalves leave us?
I CONSIDER IT PITIABLE that our Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, even as he is approaching the very end of his tenure as the leader of government in this beautiful land, is still seemingly indifferent to factors which are negatively impacting the wellbeing of the people whose interests he had sincerely pledged to defend.
Here I am at two o’clock in the morning, not able to sleep because of the disturbing, loud amplified music which has been going on since yesterday evening here in Arnos Vale. Over the last several years, this has been the pattern. When we call the police, we are advised that the organisers of these events have had the authority of the Commissioner of Police. But even if the Commissioner has given the permission can it not be arranged, so that the interests of the persons who reside in the area could be protected, so that they are not prevented from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, so that they are
fit to function at their various tasks the next day? How can it be reasonable for persons who have to work the next day, be exposed to that negative behaviour by persons who do not have to work?
Are we not still a democracy? It is now 2:45 a.m. and I am hearing someone inviting the gathering to ‘make some noise’.
The Prime Minister should no doubt be aware of this crippling behaviour. Yesterday, there was a funeral service at the Methodist Church in Arnos Vale for one of our young, vibrant citizens, and it is believed that this allnight long, loud, boisterous amplified music, has been a factor in the deaths we have had recently.
The Prime Minister, who is the prominent player in our national security should act decisively on this issue. We are in a situation where we need to have our level of productivity boosted. We need to act decisively to create the favourable atmosphere for
effecting that boost. Nocturnal idleness will not help our cause!
It can hardly be disputed that a lot of the agony with which our nation is now plague, has origin in the egotistical ethos which flavours his pursuits. So that every element of his intellectual development is narrowly focused on the enhancing of self image. His declaration that he is now the “WORLD BOSS” tells it all and he is now the friend of several leaders of the world. Indeed so heavy has been his global commitments that he has not found the time to address the ‘small matter of the repairs to the feeder roads as was promised to the farmers in 2001’.
What a beautiful opportunity he has so flagrantly squandered
to have made a strong contribution to the development of the people he had been given the honour to serve at so critical a time of their history and circumstances. What a great pity that one of such intellectual acumen and distinct scholarship has, because of his egotism, fashioned for himself a legacy of untrustworthiness.
His family was certainly well qualified to give him the necessary support to have allowed him to set a path of development for us, in which the needs of the people could have been satisfactorily addressed. The skill and competencies of the Francis
family could have impacted positively the quality of the roads and public infrastructure such as drains and retaining walls.
The shoddiness of the work evidenced today on the Arnos Vale Playing Field on which we had spent in recent years over seventy million dollars, distinctly exhibits a lack of maturity and pride. We could do better than that!
It should by now be quite clear to our prominent intellectuals, that they need to get involved in the necessary discussions which we ought to be having over the next several months, so that we may arrive at the construct of a plan of action, the pursuit of which offers the reasonable chance for our nation to prosper economically in ‘Peace and Justice’.
by LeRoy Providence
The crowds at functions at the tarmac of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport are known to gather from 10:00pm and stay around moving to loud and boisterous music until 7am the next morning.
Right: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves – the WORLD BOSS – pictured with European Union Council members during the third EU-CELAC Summit, Brussels, Belgium, July 17, 2023.
Dr. Gonsalves, pictured being sworn as Prime Minister in 2020, was, according to the writer, handed a golden opportunity unite the country and lead it to greater prosperity for all the people.
Dr. Gonsalves dared the Opposition Leader, Dr. Godwin Friday to block the roads as he, Dr. Gonsalves, had done in 2000.
Vincy NYPD officer passes suddenly
by NELSON A. KING
US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net
MONICA SHOY, the mother of Vincentianborn New York Police Department (NYPD) Officer Deryck Shoy, says her son died suddenly on Mar. 19, 2025. He was 45. Mrs. Shoy, also a Vincentian native, told THE VINCENTIAN on Friday, April 11, 2025, that Officer Shoy, who had resided in Jamaica, Queens, New York, died at Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica, Queens, where he was taken to after feeling ill.
“Deryck’s passion for law enforcement led him to join the NYPD,” said Mrs. Shoy, stating that her son served with the NYPD for eight years, spending five years in a civilian capacity before becoming a police officer for the last three years, “where his commitment to justice and community service shone brightly.
“As a member of the NYPD, Deryck was a beacon of light in the community he served,” she added. “He was always willing to lend a helping hand, offering words of motivation and comfort to those he encountered,” she added.
He was a beloved officer among his colleagues and those he protected.
“Throughout his life, Deryck’s kindness, resilience and willingness to serve others stood as a testament to his character,” continued Mrs. Shoy, who hails from Rose Bank in North Leeward. “He was more than an officer; he was a cherished son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend, who made a difference in the lives of everyone he met.
“His legacy of service, integrity and selflessness will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him,” she said, expressing deep sadness over “the sudden and unexpected loss.”
Mrs. Shoy recalled that, in their last conversation, Deryck told her, “I love you, Mommy.”
“Deryck was a loving and caring son,” she said, adding that she was “endlessly proud of the generous, compassionate man he had become.
“His kindness extended far beyond his family,” continued Mrs. Shoy, recalling that when she went to the bank, Deryck would ask her to get 10 $5 bills and 50 $1 bills for him — “money he would apportion weekly to offer anyone in need of a warm meal.”
After his passing, Mrs. Shoy said she “found the change neatly folded in his wallet, a quiet reminder of how he lived, always ready to give and always looking out for others.”
“In recognition of his service, he was honored by hundreds of his fellow officers,” Mrs. Shoy said. “His funeral service and interment included a solemn procession, the sound of traditional bagpipes, and a final salute. He was laid to rest in full
uniform.”
The funeral service took place on Sunday, Mar. 30, at Christ Pentecostal Temple in Jamaica, Queens. Interment took place the next day at Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.
Officer Shoy’s younger brother, Deighton Shoy, a sergeant in the NYPD, said he was “saddened” about his brother’s sudden passing.
“I not only lost a brother in blood but a brother in blue,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. “We won’t be conversing anymore about topics related to police work; we won’t give each other police related equipment. I will miss those little things, and many more moments shared together.”
Mrs. Shoy said Deryck Bernard Shoy was born to her and her late husband Saville Shoy in Cane Garden,
Kingstown, and raised in Richmond Vale, just outside the town of Chateaubelair in North Leeward.
Saville, who hailed from the small village of Dark View, around the corner from Rose Bank, was a manager at the Richmond Hydro Power Plant in North Leeward.
Deryck attended the Petit Bordel Secondary School in North Leeward, and migrated to New York in 1996, with his brothers— Antonio, Chris, Dwight and Deighton, when Deryck was 16 years old.
He later graduated with an Associate Degree in civil engineering from New York City College of Technology, Mrs. Shoy said.
Officer Shoy is survived by his immediate family: mother, Monica, and brothers Antonio, Christopher, Dwight and Deighton.
Deryck Shoy (1960 – 2025) (Photo credit: NYPD/Shoy Family)
Police Officer Deryck Shoy, right, with mom Monica Shoy and brothers, NYPD Sergeant Deighton Shoy, left, and Dwight Shoy. (Photo credit: Verginia Artunian)
Messenger of Chatoyer
Continued from Page 10.
Building out in massive, transformative ways the physical infrastructure: Roads, bridges galore including the iconic Rabacca Bridge, sea and river defences; currently we are saving Sandy Bay from the ravages of the sea with a mighty sea defence.
The rolling out of the Education Revolution, including the building of a secondary school in Sandy Bay for the first time. We are about to start the construction of a modern secondary school at Orange Hill.
The effecting of a Housing
Revolution: Repairing and rebuilding thousands of homes; allocating, and according titles to, housing lots to thousands of persons.
The provision of electricity, water, telephones, internet facilities to practically every household in Callinago/ Garifuna communities.
The roll-out of the Health and Wellness Revolution, including clinics and hospitals (Modern Medical and Georgetown Hospital), ambulances, and so forth.
Keeping the arrowroot industry alive
Creating huge numbers of jobs, strengthening social security and
social welfare, enhancing wealth and reducing poverty significantly for the Callinago, Garifuna and others.
Rebuilding efficaciously after 12 national adverse weather events, 21 volcanic eruptions in April 2021, the Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020-2021, the upending of our economy after the global economic depression of 20082010, global turmoil, and periodic droughts.
Building playing fields and hardcourts like never before.
Paying workers at the Orange Hill Estates (mainly indigenous folks) their severance payments which had been owed them for 17 years by the former NDP government.
RESPECT FOR CALLINAGO AND GARIFUNA WOMEN
Colonialism and the inheritors of colonialism, including the urban bourgeoise and petit bourgeoisie, peddled the notion for years that Callinago and Garifuna women were of easy virtue, and denigrated them. It is Comrade Ralph, comrades in YULIMO, Movement for National Unity, and the ULP who have repeatedly hailed these women as virtuous, hard-working, and the bedrock of their families and communities. Similarly, it is Comrade Ralph and the other progressive comrades who have repeatedly emphasised the heroic labours of our indigenous men in the building of SVG as distinct from the colonialist designation of them as lazy drunkards. Yet, the opportunists and coloniallyminded urban and Grenadines-based leaders in the opposition NDP who had been repeatedly belittling, over the years, the Callinago and Garifuna men, are now proclaiming otherwise as Johhny-come-latelys. Hypocrites!
Over the past 24 years, the ULP has ensured the abundant growing respect for the Callinago and Garifuna people to the extent that even some persons who are not of indigenous blood now proudly claim indigenous origins. No longer, too, are the earlier derogatory words of “Yellow Caribs” and “Black Caribs” of the colonially-minded heard in public discourse. The former colonial talk of “Carib country” has given way proudly to OTR (Over-theRiver) or Callinago/Garifuna territory.
It is to be noted that prior to 2001, there were four persons Over-theRiver (OTR) who were university graduates, two of whom were medical doctors. After 24 years of the ULP government almost every house, OTR, has a university graduate. Of course, college graduates, OTR, are in abundance since 2001.
Please note, too, that Callinago/Garifuna occupy, under the ULP, top positions in government and the state administration. The first Deputy Prime Minister from OTR is Montgomery Daniel; the first Honorary Counsel of SVG overseas who is a Garifuna is Dr. Gill in California; and the first Callinago/Garifuna Hospital Administrator is Dr. Grace Walters; and the first Callinago/Garifuna Sporting Ambassador is Pamenos Ballantyne. And so forth! Respect to them all!
BONDING BETWEEN CALLINAGOGARIFUNA IN SVG AND ABROAD
The ULP government has made it a matter of high public policy to ensure the bonding of the Callinago and
Garifuna at home with their brothers and sisters overseas, particularly in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the USA. The recent visit by Comrade Ralph and his delegation (including the exceptional Callinago/Garifuna women Dr. Grace Walters and Zoannie Nero) to Honduras (including the Garifuna communities in Cucuna and the capital city) is one example; there were several such visits before to Central America and the USA under the ULP.
We recall that as early as 2002 when Belize was ravaged by hurricane and Garifuna communities were devastated, it is the ULP government which raised money for relief effort locally among students and by way of a grant from our government; Comrade Ralph took the cheque of some US$20,000 and delivered it to Prime Minister Musa in Belize. Our government, through the NIS, also loaned US $10 million to the government of Belize. Further, after the visit by Comrades Ralph, Eloise, and Montgomery Daniel to Nicaragua (including to the rural Garifuna community of Orinoco and the Caribbean enclave of Blue Fields) our ULP government donated US$40,000 to complete a community facility in Orinoco. Comrade Ralph was awarded two honorary doctorates by the two universities in Blue Fields; and the Comrade was also awarded the highest honour by Nicaragua, the Order of Sandino, named after the heroic revolutionary Augusto Cesar Sandino. The wholly opportunistic proposal by the NDP under Arnhim Eustace (at the urging of the Garifuna maverick Wellington Ramos) to grant citizenship (amended thereafter to Honorary citizenship) to all Garifuna overseas would have been, if ever implemented, a completely disastrous initiative for entirely practical reasons. And Comrade Ralph exposed this folly, which the NDP ran away from as the 2015 general elections approached. Such a proposal to an uncertainlydefined group of persons with illdefined attendant rights portends a rupture of bonds between those at home and abroad which demand careful nurturing, not opportunistic gimmicks. For example, do the NDP and fellow-travellers realise that in Honduras itself the category “Garifuna” includes those who are descendants-by-blood and a much larger group of African descendants who accept the Garifuna designation or who define themselves culturally as Garifuna? In Honduras alone, 800,000 persons are identified as Garifuna but these include descendants, for example, of former enslaved Africans in Jamaica who were recruited at slavery’s end to work in Honduras on plantations.
Currently, all citizens of Honduras, Belize, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and the USA (including Garifuna) are entitled to enter SVG without visas for the usual temporary visitors’ stay. They can also work and reside in SVG if granted work permits (having obtained jobs) and residence permits in the normal way like everyone else who come to SVG for those purposes; they can also own property if granted an alien’s landholding licence in the legally-prescribed manner.
Vincentians who travel overseas have similar opportunities in many, if not most, countries.
Let us continue to build the bonds sensibly and maturely for now and the future.
Dating a co-worker
Dear George,
IAM DATINGthis guy at my office, a guy with whom a co-worker had broken up before I started working there six week ago. He never mentioned this co-worker to me.
The issue is that same coworker is able to tell me about my personal business and is even spreading it among the other workers.
My boyfriend tells me he is not the one feeding her with information but who else could it be seeing I have not discussed it with anyone else except him.
I believe he could be still involved with this individual but he denies it. Did I make a mistake dating him?
Afraid To Get Hurt.
Dear Afraid To Get Hurt,
Dating someone at your office has its downsides but it is a chance some are willing to take.
In your case there are definitely red flags and you should not ignore them. It is wise to put a pause on things and use that opportunity to reevaluate. Your gut feeling is probably right and it can’t hurt to follow it.
If you find there are too many doubts, then maybe you should just check yourself out. When you make another go at a relationship, make certain that your date belongs to you and you only.
George
Boyfriend “disowns” me
Dear George,
MY BOYFRIENDlives in Washington and I wanted to surprise him by visiting him during the week of his birthday.
I took time off to spend a week with him and when I arrived, I called him from the airport so he could could pick me up. He argued with me, telling me he never expected me and it was not convenient for him to accommodate me, even though he lives in a two-bedroom house.
He told me to take a taxi to a hotel. I did as he suggested but never told him the hotel where I was staying. I returned to St. Vincent at the end of the week and up to this day he has not contacted me.
I do not know how to interpret all or any of this.
Confused and Angry.
Dear Confused and Angry,
You are asking for an
interpretation to something that has been written in bold letters for you. His actions spoke volumes and the message to you could not have been any clearer.
Now that you know where you stand in the relationship, I hope you are able to cut your losses and regroup. Do not allow this incident to cause you to lose faith in finding someone who sees you for your true value.
George
A man named ÂRoxanneÊ
Dear George,
A CERTAIN MANhas been responsible for finding my wife a job and says he is on the verge of getting me a better paying job. I have reasons to believe he is intimately involved with my wife but I do not know how to handle it.
She has his name saved in her phone as ‘Roxanne’ and excuses herself whenever she receives a call so she can talk privately.
One time I decided to prank her by telling her ‘Roxanne’ had called and I took the call. George, you should have seen how nervous she became!
I told her when she was ready to talk to me about ‘Roxanne’ I am all ears. She has not been herself since. How should I proceed from
this point? There is so much at stake.
Cautious
Dear Cautious,
This is no time to play games at all. If you have doubts, then you need to grab the bull by the horn. Ask her who is this Roxanne and if you must, ask her to allow
you to call her just to clear up the doubts and suspicion you have.
The discussion with your wife should be as transparent as possible. The outcome of that talk with your wife should give you an indication as to the status of your relationship. Let’s hope that this is something you both can get past.
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Be cautious when dealing with foreigners. Don't hesitate to voice your ideas and opinions. You can beautify your surroundings by renovating or redecorating. Look into intellectual and physical games that will test your abilities.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
Look into projects that you feel would con tribute something to your appearance. Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. This may not be your day if you are overly melodramatic and unnerving everyone around you. Be extra careful with your valuables; loss and theft are evident this week.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Uncertainties regarding relatives will make situations uncomfortable if you attend a family function. Nothing can be resolved if you don't want to talk about it. Friends and relatives can give you good advice. You should regain some of your self-esteem if you get involved in organizational functions.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
You will be looking for creative ways to make a little extra cash. Try to avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. Avoid any hassles.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
Your trendy style and unique way of doing things will entice new acquaintances. New hair, new outfit, new you. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. Risks will not be profitable.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Your ability to charm others will bring added popularity. Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident.
You're in need of love. Use your creative flair.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Enjoy some socializing this week. Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you. Let your lover know what your personal intentions are. Don't forget that you've only heard one side of the story.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Stop telling others about your problems. Try to include friends and relatives in your activities. You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents. Direct your energy into physical exertion. Residential moves will be favorable.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Don't bend to the pressure. You will find that money could slip through your fingers. You can ask for favors but don't take them for granted. Business trips will be more productive than trying to fight the red tape facing you.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
You must take care of health problems that have been lingering. You can come up with future trends in creative fields. There's a good chance that they won't come back. Your knowledge and good sense will help more than you think.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)
Try to understand both sides of the issue before taking sides. Uncertainties are still prevailing. Join humanitarian groups and let your leadership ability take over. Visit friends or relatives you rarely see.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Try to understand their point of view. Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy. Daydreaming will be your downfall. People who try to persuade you to do things their way will annoy you.
ACROSS
1.He became pres. on 1 1/22/63
4. Mauna __
7. Agitate
11. Onassis, informally
12. Track star Lewis
13. State emphatically
14. Dash
15. Page for viewpoints (hyph.)
16. Ocean floors
17. Chums, in Chihuahua
19. Decline
21. Orangutan, e.g.
22. Easily fooled
25. List shortener (2 wds.)
28. Modern bank teller (abbr.)
29. Do the wrong thing
31. Motown’s genre
32. “So long!”
33. Pet bird’s home
34. Tippler
35. __ detector
36. Conspire
37. Yellow gem
39. “I __ Rock” (2 wds.)
41. “__ Loser” (2 wds.)
42. Untidy conditions
46. Certain song
49. Fishing equipment
51. Antlered animal
52. Branch of the Armed Services (abbr.)
53. Watermelon skin
54. Lincoln, for short
55. Deep cut
56. To the bitter
57. Uncooked
DOWN
1.Volcanic fluid
2. Fedora’s edge
3. Hendrix of music
4. __ in judgment
5. Metallic rock
6. Pasta specification (2 wds.)
7. Synagogue leader
8. “__ got it!”
9. Held first place
10. Hesitation sounds
12. Type of apartment (hyph.)
18. Boldness 20. Hammering sound
23. Cutlet meat
24. Therefore, to Caesar
25. Curvy letter
26. Beep
27. Car 28. “Yes” vote
30. No longer working (abbr.)
32. Weird
33.Accountants’ initials
35. Run away quickly
38. Sales __
39. Correct 40. Canasta term
43. Cook quickly
44. Napoleon’s isle
45. Distort from a true
value
Burrowed 47. Made in the
48. Dorothy’s aunt and others
Munich “one”
SVG names Carifta Team: Davis out
TEAM ATHLETICS SVGhas named the SVG squad to the 2025 Carifta Games, but it does not include Keo Davis.
This means that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be without one of its medal hopefuls, for the April 19 to 21 event, set for the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago.
Davis, a selectee for his final year of Carifta participation, was declared unfit after picking up a hamstring injury at the Carifta Trials at the Diamond Track Facility, March 2, 2025.
A double medallist at the 2022 Carifta Games in Jamaica - silver in the 200m and bronze in the 100m - when he competed at the Under17 age group.
When the Games were hosted by Grenada in 2024, Davis was just outside the podium, finishing fourth in the Under-20 Men’s 200m.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines will field thirteen athletes, six in the Under-20 and seven in the Under-17 age category.
Returning to the Carifta Games are Under-20 selectees AJ Delpesche, Tedre O’ Neil, J’ Mar Saunders and J’avair Cato, with Delron Delpesche and Shaquania Jacobs as debutants.
AJ Delpesche is listed to compete in the 200m and the 4 x 400m Mixed; O’ Neil- Pole Vault; Saunders- the 100m; Cato— the Long and Triple Jump.
Delron Delpesche is listed in the 100m and
Jacobs the 200m, 400m and the Mixed Relay. Meanwhile, in the Under-17 category, Kesiann John is set to run in the 1500, 3000m and mixed relay, and Leemore Ollivierre the 200m and Mixed Relay. Both athletes will be making their second Carifta Games outing.
Under-17 newbies are: Antigua and Barbuda based Romario Mc Dowall who runs in the 100m and 200m; Kenneth Gurley - the 1500 and 3000m; Kenesha Richards100m and 200m; Rishaun Phillips - the Triple Jump; and Tashanique
Francis - the Shot Putt. The management team includes: Jacintha Ballantyne- Manager; Coaches- Chester Morgan and Michael Williams, along with Delcia Stay-Layne, the caregiver.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines last medalled
Familiar names cop Junior Squash titles
FAMILIAR NAMESwere in the winners’ frame when the 2025 Tus-T Water SVG Junior National Squash Championships that began April 9, concluded, April 12, at the National Squash Centre, Paul’s Avenue.
Among the winners was Chole Samuel who won both the Girls Under-11 and Under13 titles.
In the Under-11 category, the nine-year-old Samuel beat Lisa Martinez 9-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-5.
In the higher age group, in a round robin format, Samuel saw off Shanice John: 11-6, 811, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6; defeated Caeli Samuel: 11-7, 13-11, 117, and Roshonte Pompey: 11-9, 9-11, 11-3, 11-4. Apart from her pair of
titles, Samuel was judged the Most Disciplined Player.
Like Samuel, Savante Padmore, bossed both the Boys Under-11 and Under- 13.
In the square off with Zavin Garrick for the Under-11 title, Padmore had an 11-1, 16-14, 11-8 triumph, and beat Ethan Webster: 11-6, 11-8, 11-4, to claim the Under-13s.
Taking the Girls Under-15 title was Caeli George, who beat Maria Chapman, 11-1, 11-5, 11-7. She added the Under-17 category to her winnings by getting past Zoe Martin: 11-9, 11-0, 11-7.
Meanwhile, Jayden George claimed his first Under-19 title, when he went all the way with Jaydon Williams, with scores in his favour: 5-11, 11-5, 15-17, 11-1, 115, as the two slugged it out for 43 minutes.
Jayden’s Under-19 title followed his domination of the Under-17 in which he
at the Carifta Games in 2023, in the Bahamas, when Amal Glasgow took bronze in the Under-20 Men’s 400m.
defeated Aiden De Freitas, Deron Lewis and J’Quan Stephens, by 3-0 margins. And Ciara George defeated Zoe Martin: 11-2, 11-6, 11-2, to take the Girls Under-19. Martin though copped the Most Improved Player award, and Maria Chapman was named the player showing the Best Sportsmanship.
Delron Delpesche - U20 debutant
Kenesha Richards - U17 debutant
Kenneth Gurley - U17 debutant
Tashanique Francis –U17 debutant
Shaquania Jacobs - U20 debutant
Chole Samuel - Double age champion and Most Disciplined Player.
Savante Padmore – Double age champion.
Right: Zoe Martin was judged the Most Improved Player.
(From left): Jayden George – double age champion; Ciara George –U19 champion; Caeli George – U15 champion.
National Juvenile champions emerge
THE TOP PERFORMERSin the 2025 National Juvenile Championships emerged after
Team Athletics SVG staged a two-day championship, Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Diamond Track Facility.
Topping the Under-13 Female segment was Naailah Stevenson of the IT DAT Academy, who accumulated 1939 points. X- Cel Track Club’s Skai Cain, 1863 points; and Teanna Scott, 1858 points, finished second and third respectively.
In the Boys Under-13, Christian Duncan of High Performance tallied 2580 points to finish first. Second was Dorian Louie of Mustangs with 2535 points, and third was Tyler Hercules of Biomechanics- 2462 points.
The Under-13s, in fact 11-
to-12-year-olds, did five events referred to as a Pentathlon, over the two-day period. Among the events for the girls were the 60m, 1000m, Long Jump, High Jump and Ball Throw, while the Boys did a 1000m run, instead of the 800m.
Meanwhile, the Under-15 Heptathlon consisting of seven events, saw the girls competing in the 80m, 1000m, 60m Hurdles, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Putt and Ball Throw. In the case of the Boys, their events were the 80m, 1200m, 80m Hurdles, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Putt and Ball Throw.
Topping the Girls’ Heptathlon was Ariel Stephens of High
Performance- 3078 points, ahead of Onesia Moore of X- Cel Track Club- 2916 points and third was J-Nae Farrell of IT-DAT Academy with 2802 points.
And, Kingroy Hepburn of High Performance, led the points among the boys, with 4727. Rohan Lett of X-Cel Track Club was second- 4071 points and third was Ethan Kent4087 points.
The National Juvenile Championships was the basis for selection of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team to the 2025 NACAC Age Group Championships, set for Nicaragua, June 11-13, 2025.
The two top finishers in
each age group will be St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ representatives.
Swimmers bag 44 medals at RHAC
VINCENTIAN SWIMMERS,
seven from Blue Marlins and three from Black Sands Swim Squad, tallied 41 medals at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC) Swimming Championships held in St. Lucia April 10 to 13, 2025.
Tayeah St. Hillaire of Blue Marlins, competing in the Girls 13 to 14 age group, gained nine medals - 4 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze.
Blue Marlins’ Frencille Davis, swimming in the Boys 15-17, pouched six medals - 2
gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze. Also representing Blue Marlins was Zoey May who bagged 3 bronze medals, and Saige Jobe who won a solitary silver.
Meanwhile, Eltonique Leonard in the Girls 13-14, led Black Sands medal tally, copping nine medals - 4 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze. Leonard was crowned the Girls 13-14 Sprint Challenge winner contested over 50 and 25 meters.
Black Sands’ other
Hope lands Masters Football Title
ON TRAC HOPE INTERNATIONALwas last Sunday evening, April 13, 2025, crowned inaugural champions of the Pros Tools & Services FC Sweaterz Over-40s Invitational Football
Competition, played at the Calliaqua Playing Field.
A second half free kick from the boot of Randolph Williams earned Hope International the title over South Leeward Unified.
representatives, Abigail De Shong and Mya De Freitas, secured nine and seven medals, respectively.
De Shong secured 4 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze, while De Freitas returned with 2 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze.
The other Vincentian swimmers at RHAC were the Blue Marlins trio of Jayce Thomas, who achieved five new personal best times; Taj Henry, four new personal best times and Raya Adams established three new
personal best times.
Tayeah St. Hillaire led the Blue Marlins tally with nine medals.
Hope International pocketed $2000, while South Leeward Unified took home $1000.
Third place went to Largo Height, who beat Richmond Hill one-nil via a Cleus Codougan strike.
Taking the Plate Final was Vintage Gold on penalties, after a 1-1 draw with Layou.
Vintage Gold earned $300 and was also voted the Most Disciplined Team, taking away an additional $200.
Meanwhile, Largo Height pocketed the On Trac Maxwell Bennett award for being the top team in the preliminary round.
The MVP of the finalRandolph Williams got
Most goals and Best Striker awardee - Shandel Samuel.
$200, with $150 going to the oldest player- Michael “Mercy” Ollivierre.
Vintage Gold’s Lorson Byam was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper; South Leeward Unified’s Kelvin Yorke - Best Defender; with Emerald George, also of South Leeward Unified, the Best Midfielder.
Shandel Samuel of Layou was voted the Best Striker and joined the others in receiving $150.
Samuel though, pocketed a further $200 for scoring the Most Goals - 10, and was the recipient of a pair of football shoes.
Ten teams participated in the inaugural competition.
Naailah Stevenson - Under-13 Girls champion.
Kingroy HepburnUnder-15 male champion.
Christian Duncan - Boys Under-13 champion.
Eltonique Leonard, Black Sands, copped nine medals and the Sprint Challenge, Girls 13-14.
Champions- On Trac Hope International.
Player of the Final - Randolph Williams.
Fletcher “spices up” the VPL
GRENADIANAndre
Fletcher, affectionately known across the cricketing world as ‘The Spiceman’, carved an irreplaceable niche in the annals of the Vincy Premier League when he recorded the League’s first ever century.
And to prove this was not a fluke, he followed it up with another century in his very next outing, to become the first player to score consecutive centuries in the VPL.
Fletcher ignited the field with a recordsetting 106 runs off 30 balls, featuring 13 sixes and 5 fours, to help propel defending
Guyana takes 8th 4-Day Cricket title
GUYANAHarpy Eagles clinched their eighth and third straight West Indies Four-Day Championship in ten years, and not even the fines levelled on three of its players dampened the spirit of the celebration, reports indicated.
In the ‘deciding match’ against Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Red Force, played in Trinidad, Guyana jumped out to a 223-run lead after the first innings: Guyana 463 (K Paul 93, Raymond Perez 82, V Permaul 52 not out, K Pierre 4/119); T&T 240 (Jyd Goolie 58, Cephas Cooper 50, Khary Pierre
38; Nial Smith 4/49, Keemo Paul 3/45). Sent back in, T&T declared at 370/9 (Jason Mohammed 125, Joshua Da Silva 77, Amir Jangoo 50; Ashmead Nedd 4/105, Veerasammy Permaul 3/138); Guyana 33 without loss when play was called. Guyana ended the campaign with 126.6 points, with the Red Force finishing with 111. The Championship continued into the final round with four centuries.
In addition to Mohammed, Shaqkere Parris hit 112 for Combined Campuses and
Colleges(CCC) against the Jamaica Scorpions and John Campbell hit 104 for Jamaica, in a match which CCC won by 5 wickets. Justin Greaves stroked 124 for Leeward Islands Hurricanes against Barbados Pride who defeated the Hurricanes by 3 wickets. In the other match in the final round, West Indies Academy beat the Windward Islands Volcanoes by 10 wickets.
Players fined
As for the earlier reference to players being fines, a Cricket
champions Botanic Gardens Rangers to a 9wicket victory over Salt Pond Breakers. Scores: Breakers 153 for 5 from 10 overs (Sunil Ambris 45, Daniel McDonald 45); Rangers 157 for 1 from 8 overs (Fletcher 106 not out).
Fletcher hit his second consecutive century when he struck 104 from 39 balls, including 7 sixes and 10 fours, to help Rangers beat Fort Charlotte Strikers by 21 runs. Scores: Rangers 132 for 2 from 10 overs (Andre Fletcher 104); Strikers 111 for 7 from 10 overs. (Cosmus Hackshaw 39 not out.
Kyle Jordan 35).
In the other match, as at press time, Grenadines Divers defeated La Soufriere Hikers by 8 wickets. Scores: Hikers 95 for 7 from 10 overs. (Dillon Douglas 28); Divers 96 for 2 from 7 overs (Salvan Browne 41, Ryshon Williams 27).
Meanwhile, Salvan Browne, the Grenadines Divers opener, carved his name into the record books by becoming the second player to exceed 1,000 runs, across the six editions of the VPL. He reached his milestone when he hit his first half century, 69, against Salt
Pond Breakers. Dillon Douglas of La Soufriere Hikers leads the pack with 1,211 runs. As it stands, after the halfway stage (six matches for each franchise) the Grenadines Divers and La Soufriere Hikers, 10 points each, (5 wins) lead the points standing. Botanical Gardens Rangers and Dark View Explorers follow on 6 points each (three wins each) from 6 matches with Salt pond Breakers and Fort Charlotte Strikes trailing on 2 points each, with 1 win each.
West Indies (CWI) release, on April 12, said Guyana Harpy Eagles players Veerasammy Permaul, Kevlon Anderson, and Ronaldo Alimohamed were found guilty of breaching the CWI’s Code of Conduct, during the Guyana-T&T match.
Left arm spinner
Permaul was fined 75 per cent of his match fee for a Level 2 breach during the first day of the match, i.e. “changing the condition of the ball” — ball tampering.
Batsman Kevlon Anderson was fined 90 per cent of his match fee for a similar offence on Day 3.
Medium pacer Alimohamed was fined 65 per cent of his match fee also for a Level 2 breach, to wit: “Throw the ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near player or official in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner.”
Dominica champs Windwards U19 cricket
DOMINICAis the 2025 Champions of WINLOTT Windward Islands Under19 50 Overs Cricket.
In the process, the Dominicans dethroned defending champions, Grenada.
Each of the four teams played six matches. Dominica amassed 10 points from 5 wins and 1 loss, and scored a total of 1,274 runs with 1,182 scored against them.
Second placed Grenada finished on 6 points from 3 wins and 3 losses. They scored a total of 1,054 runs with 955 scored against them, St. Lucia, third place finishers, had two wins and four losses and finished on 4 points. They scored a total of 1215 runs and had 1,139 scored against them.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines finished in the cellar position having to concede the third position to St. Lucia who had a better run rate. The
Vincentians finished on 4 points from two wins and four losses, scored a total of 901 runs with 1,168 runs scored against them.
In the final round of matches, Dominica narrowly defeated St. Lucia by 6 runs. Scores: Dominica 317, St. Lucia 311 for 7.
Grenada closed their outing with a commanding 8-wicket defeat of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
Scores: SVG 180 all out in 49.1. overs, Grenada 181 for 2 in 30.3 overs.
Meanwhile, three Vincentians have been included in a provisional 20member Under-19 squad, in preparation for participation in the CWI Under-19 Cricket Championship scheduled for later this year.
The three Vincentians are Kodi Grant - right arm seamer, Devonte McDonald - all-rounder and Elron Glasgow - left arm seamer.
Other members of the provisional
squad are: Stephan Pascal, Theo Edwards, Darrin Toussaint, Lluvio Charles, Jonathan Daniel, Earsinho Fontaine, Joel Durant, Cleavon Bartholomew, Kurt Murray, Cody Fontenelle, Isaiah Jones, Darvin
Edmund Morancie, Kester Lestrade, Kirsten Murray, Khan Elcock and Jermain Thomas.
Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN
Forde,
Andre Fletcher has carved an irreplaceable place for himself in the annals of the VPL.
Guyana Harpy Eagles’ skipper Tevin Imlach (right) receives the West Indies Four-Day Championship winning cheque from Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president and Cricket West Indies vice-president Azim Bassarath. (Photo Credit: Roneil Walcott).
Marijuana legalisation: A negative impact on growers
From Backpage
Using the Medical Cannabis Industry as a guide, the CRC head noted, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados and other Caribbean countries have either legalized medical marijuana or are in the process of doing so. And while this is not full legalisation, as the NDP
is recommending, it is having a negative impact on the pockets of the traditional cultivators.”
According to Cottle, who has been in the marijuana business for decades, “Because of the relaxation of the laws in these neighbouring countries, which have traditionally been our markets for ‘weed’, growers are no longer making the money they
used to make, because of the reduction in demand for Vincy ‘weed’.”
As head of the CRC, he related, “Right here at home, the superiority of the medical weed, in terms of the THC content, which is higher, and its attractiveness, which the consumer prefers, is posing a serious challenge to our traditional growers, as far as competition is concerned, so we have lost a big slice of the domestic market.”
Towards legalization
But Cottle made it clear, “This is not to say that legalisation is bad. It is something that we want to ultimately happen, but given the potential sanctions from the international market we have to trod with care. We have to carefully weigh the surrounding circumstances, or we would cause more suffering to our people
and country.”
And he referenced that it was under the NDP government led by Sir James Mitchell, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines became signatories to certain international treaties to which we remained compliant.
The CRC chief added, “Within the medical cannabis space, we need to be on a good financial footing, and that’s why traditional cultivators are facing the biggest challenges.”
He suggested that one of the ways to overcome this is by building partnerships with private entities, as well as government support.
And citing that with the correct strategy it can work, he recognised, “We must take steps to ensure that our traditional cultivators are first properly placed.”
He said that while he is not telling traditional growers how to vote, he is urging them to go to the polls and exercise their constitutional rights, but to do it in the best interest of the country and people. (See related story on page 4.)
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whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com
MARIJUANA LEGALISATION: A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON GROWERS
by HAYDN HUGGINS
THE LEGALISATIONof marijuana will have a negative impact on traditional growers.
That’s according to Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC) and Liaison Officer with the Medical Cannabis Authority (MCA).
Cottle was responding to comments made by Opposition Leader and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) - Dr. Godwin Friday. During an address at the opening of his party’s North Leeward constituency office, April 4, he hinted at his support for the legalisation of marijuana.
Cottle told THE VINCENTIAN, “Politicians must know their place and stop hoodwinking the traditional cultivators, and I am talking to both the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) and the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP). They don’t know the life of a traditional cultivator, and how
BOOK ON RIVER FISH LAUNCHED
THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES ENVIRONMENT
FUND (SVGEF) is proud to share the findings of the first-ever inventory of freshwater and brackish water fish and decapod crustaceans (crayfish and crabs) in St. Vincent.
Until now, no comprehensive record of these vital species existed.
they make their money.”
Challenges for the cultivator
Cottle continued, “Generally, if you ask the traditional cultivator if they want marijuana to be legalised, they will tell you no, but if you ask the consumer they will say yes.”
He explained that while the traditional cultivator is interested in taking care of their livelihood, the consumer is only interested in using the herb.
“If we allow every Vincentian to plant ‘weed’ in the same way we allow them to plant other agricultural crops, it will be an intrusion
on our money space. We don’t have to be rocket scientists to know that when there is overproduction the price drops,” Cottle reasoned.
Continued on Page 27.
According to research studies, the Caribbean is the ideal location to grow marijuana in terms of water usage, waste management, and the light needed to provide the energy the plant would normally obtain from the sun.
Over 14 rivers were surveyed by a team led by SVGEF grantee John Renton, supported by the Forestry Department. The result is the unearthing of a A rich biodiversity, with 18 fish and 13 decapod species identified, three of which are new records in the literature for St. Vincent
This groundbreaking report includes:
* Species descriptions: habitat, diet, reproduction, and conservation status.
• Insights from traditional fisherfolk: local names, fishing methods, and observations.
• Analysis of threats: pollution, climate change, invasive species, and more.
The SVGEF noted that our rivers have long been valued for human needs, yet their biodiversity and fisheries have been overlooked in conservation planning, and profers that this report is a critical first step toward protecting these vulnerable ecosystems and the livelihoods they sustain.
“My intention in writing this book
was to provide, for the first time, a complete list of the freshwater fish and decapod crustaceans for St. Vincent. Before this publication, the lack of a formal description of our freshwater biodiversity made these species “invisible” to policy makers. It is hoped that this book marks an
important step towards greater appreciation and preservation of our freshwater biodiversity,” Renton said. Physical copies of the book are available on Amazon for purchase. Each copy sold will go towards the conservation of freshwater species as spearheaded by the SVGEF.
L-R: Her Excellency Dame Susan Dougan, Louise Mitchell SVGEF cofounder, John Renton (book author), Hon. Saboto Caesar Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry & Labour, and Stephan Hornsey SVGEF Executive Director, at the launch.
The parent of the Tri Tri, known locally as Macack, photographed in the Colonaire River of St.Vincent.
(Photo Credit: Stephan Hornsey)
Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC), shared a perspective that placed the traditional cultivator (of marijuana) at the centre of any move to legalise marijuana.