THE GOVERNMENT of St. Vincent and the Grenadines officially opened the Union Island Ferry Terminal and Market on Friday, October 11th, 2025, a project made possible through a publicprivate partnership, with the Gumbolimbo Group.
Delivering marks at the opening ceremony, Minister of Urban Development, Energy, Seaports, Grenadines Affairs, and Local Government, Benarva Browne, described the event as more than just a ceremony, calling it a celebration of renewal, resilience, and community
pride noting that after the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl on July 1st last year, many residents wondered how quickly life could return to normal.
"But as we see today, the spirit of union has been proven unbreakable. Together, we have turned recovery into
opportunity, hardship into hope. On behalf of the government and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I express profound gratitude to our partners, the Gumbolimbo team and Ian Wace.”
Continued on Page 3.
investing a substantial amount to rebuild Southern Grenadines following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Below: The Union Island Ferry Terminal and Market was opened on Friday October 11, 2025.
CEO of Gumbolimbo Group, Ian Wace is credited for
Ambassador of Ireland presents credentials to SVG
THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESextend a warm welcome to Her Excellency
Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland, who presented her Letters of Credence to Her
Excellency Dame Susan Dougan, GCMG, OBE, Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on Friday, October 10, 2025.
During her official visit, Ambassador Byrne Nason held courtesy meetings with Dr. the
Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition; and Mr. Glen Beache, Chief Executive Officer of Invest SVG.
The exchanges underscored the cordial and cooperative relations shared between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Ireland. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to advancing dialogue and deepening collaboration in areas of shared priority, including education, sustainable development, and economic partnership.
The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines values the enduring friendship between the two nations and looks forward to continued engagement with the Government of Ireland in pursuit of a dynamic partnership that contributes to the prosperity, resilience, and well-being of both peoples. (API)
Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland, presenting her Letters of Credence to Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Her Excellency Dame Susan Dougan, GCMG, OBE.
Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland with Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves during one of her courtesy calls.
V News 3
Students vie for Michael De Freitas Trophy
THE FINALISTS OF THIS YEAR’SSecondary
Schools’ Public Speaking competition are getting ready for the showdown scheduled for the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall, Thursday October 30.
The winner takes the Michael De Freitas Challenge Trophy along
Continued from Frontpage.
“Your support went far beyond emergency relief. You stood with us in faith and in friendship to help us to rebuild this essential community hub and many others," said Browne about the investors.
She said that the partnership demonstrated what can happen when compassion meets collaboration.
"Today, we stand before a facility that reflects our shared belief in the Grenadine resilience, dignity and progress. This facility, both a market and a ferry terminal, is the beating heart of Union Island's economic and social life. Our vendors will trade their goods in a clean, organized and
The Finalists in the Lions Club South Public Speaking Competition 2025.
with other prizes. Those selected are: Sophia DeRiggs from the St. Joseph Convent Kingstown; Joshua Samuel: Mountain View Adventist Academy; J’Quan Edwards: Thomas Saunders Secondary School; Serenity Joseph, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines
Girls High School; Isaiah Toney: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Boys Grammar School, and Braxton Lewis: North Union Secondary School. They progressed after preliminary rounds which wound up last week Friday.
This Public Speaking platform serves as a
valuable learning tool and participants have progressed up their professional scale as a result.
Students received their topics and other instructions for the clash when they met with Lions’ coordinator Michael John earlier this week.
This competition has
Union Island gets Ferry Terminal and Market
hurricane resistant environment. Visitors and travelers will pass through a modern terminal that reflects the warm and welcoming spirit of this island," the minister noted.
"This project represents our government's commitment to build back better with improved design standards, inclusive spaces that serve both locals and visitors alike.
It provides relief intended to give every vendor time to recover, set up their stalls properly and reinvest in their small businesses without financial strain. We want you to focus on rebuilding your lives and restocking thrive. This is how we ensure that development remains people-centered and compassionate," said Browne.
She further thanked the people of Union Island for their patience, perseverance and pride.
"This facility belongs to you. Cherish it, use it, let it be a place of growth and connections for generations to come. And so, as we cut this ribbon today, let it remind us that even the fiercest storm cannot break the Vincentian spirit which
continues to rise".
Hurricane Beryl, a powerful category 4 system, left a trail of damage across Union Island, and other Southern Grenadines islands, severely impacting infrastructure, homes, and the local economy.
In a show of support for local livelihoods, Minister Browne announced that vendors operating in the new facility will not be required to pay rent until January 2026.
CEO of Gumbolimbo Group, Ian Wace, was also present at the ceremony and expressed pride in being part of the island’s rebuilding journey. Wace is credited for investing a substantial amount to rebuild Southern Grenadines following the passage of Hurricane Beryl. He said that the task was endless but it was the right thing to do.
"It was endless, but the point is that I came here because ultimately, I realized it was the right thing to do. It was the right thing to come and do something for everybody here, to provide a resource, to provide a team, to really help you. And I ask for nothing, nothing in
return. This is a gift. It's a gift to all of you at a time when you really needed that gift. But if you give me the gift, it is the gift to use these places, to use them well and to respect yourselves," said Wace about his objective for his investment.
"Obviously, I want to thank the Romanian team that came with me, and John and Jessica, who came with me. The Romanian team came on the 17th of July last year, and they've worked incessantly since then. And John and Jessica, I think, came on the beginning of September that year as well. And again, they have been tireless in pursuit of the opportunities around and about," said the billionaire investor, adding that the facility took 50 days to build.
"From 6:30 in the morning until 7 o'clock at night, 7 days a week for you, together, and that's love," said Wace as he thanked the Prime Minister for inviting him to Union Island.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was also on hand to deliver remarks. He used the occasion to expressed thanks to all those involved in the project.
been taking place before political independence on October 27, 1979. It is sponsored by the telecommunications company Flow, and endorsed by the Ministry
5 deaths from leptospirosis
ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE dated 15 October, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment advised the public to take all necessary precautionary measures to safeguard themselves and their families against leptospirosis across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Ministry of Health reported an increase in the total number of confirmed leptospirosis cases between January and September 2025. For the period from January 2024 to 10 October 2024, nine cases were recorded.
The transmission cycle of Leptospirosis.
During the same period in 2025, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded 21cases and five deaths from confirmed leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals, including rats, dogs, pigs, and iguanas, among others. The bacteria are primarily spread through the urine of infected animals, which can contaminate food, water, and soil. They can survive for weeks to months in moist environments.
Infection can occur through contact with contaminated water, food, or soil exposed to the urine or body fluids of infected animals. Other routes of infection include direct contact with the body fluids of infected animals, consuming unwashed fruits or vegetables, or drinking water contaminated with urine from infected animals
Symptoms of leptospirosis may include fever, headache, chills, muscle or body aches, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Anyone experiencing these symptoms is strongly encouraged to seek medical attention immediately.
of Education. Students make three appearances for an Assigned Topic, a Prepared delivery and an Impromptu presentation. (WKA)
Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves thanked everyone involved in Union Island Ferry Terminal and Market project.
Pharmacist in shooting incident gets bail
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
A 35 YEAR OLD
PHARMACISTwho was denied bail on an attempted murder charge on Monday, was granted bail on his return to the Serious Offences Court yesterday (Thursday).
Esworth Lewis, the proprietor of Roy’s Pharmacy, Arnos Vale, has been charged with the attempted murder of Omario Pereira, 1 l8 year old Butler of Biabou, and using a firearm with intent to commit and offence, to wit, murder.
The charges stemmed from an incident at Calder on October 10, 2025, during which Pereira sustained gunshot wounds to the
left side of his body.
When Lewis initially appeared in Court on Monday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato objected to bail on the grounds that the victim was still warded at the Intensive care Unit (ICU) of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
The investigator Corporal 386 Kevron Jack of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), attached to the Calliaqua Police Station, told the Court then, that Pereira was warded at the ICU and he was hooked up to a machine which was facilitating his breathing.
As a result, Chief Magistrate Colin John denied bail at that point
and remanded Lewis until yesterday, pending an update on the victim’s condition.
The Court had refused an application for bail from Lewis’ lawyer Grant Connell, who outlined that Lewis was not a flight risk, had sufficient ties to this jurisdiction, could provide a suitable surety and could comply with whatever condition the Court imposed. The lawyer stressed that it is an offence for which bail is permissible, and the objective is to ensure that Lewis turns up for his trial.
On Lewis’ return to the Court yesterday, Connell said he was renewing his bail application, adding that Lewis needs to address
the injuries he (Lewis) sustained during the incident.
An expert medical report on Pereira was not yet before the Court yesterday, but the investigator was asked to take the stand to address the Court on the victim’s condition.
The investigator said that he visited Pereira up to yesterday, and while he was still warded at the ICU, he was no longer hooked up to the machine and was responding. In fact, he was able to have a conversation with him.
Based on the evidence of the investigator, Prosecutor Cato told the Court that he was no longer objecting to bail, but requested suitable
Taxi man freed of gun charges
The Prosecution’s case was that during a stop and search exercise on May 9, 2024, police stopped Francois’ Noah taxi, which was travelling from Chateaubelair to Kingstown. The search revealed a bag containing the guns and ammunition in the back of the vehicle.
When cautioned, Francois told the police someone gave him the bag to transport to another person, but he had no knowledge of what was inside the bag. Several witnesses testified for the prosecution, all of whom were police officers.
his lawyer’s hand in appreciation for a successful defence.
Francois vowed in the presence of his lawyer, that he would never again make the mistake of not ensuring that he knew what was in people’s bags before transporting them.
surety and conditions.
The Chief Magistrate then granted bail in the sum of $30,000 with one surety on condition that Lewis surrender his travel documents, report to the Calliaqua Police Station three times a week, and not have any contact with the victim, whether directly or indirectly.
Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and the matter was adjourned to October 30, 2025.
Pharmacist Esworth Lewis leaving the Serious Offences Court yesterday after being granted bail.
Labourer granted bail on gun, ammo charges
A 23 YEAR OLD LABOURER of Rose Place was granted bail when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court Monday, on firearm and ammunition charges.
Rayshawn Llewellyn has been charged with possession of a 9mm pistol, without license; 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition; 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition; one round of 12 gauge ammunition and two rounds of .38 ammunition, without licenses issued under the Firearms Act.
AFTER AWAITING A TRIALwith several adjournments, on charges of firearm and ammunition possession, taxi operator Rogen Francois walked free from the Serious Offences Court on Monday. Francois was charged with possession of an AR15 rifle and 23 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, without the authorization of the Minister, as well as having a 12 gauge firearm, and ten rounds of 12 gauge ammunition, with licenses issued
under the Firearms Act. However, following a trial on Monday, Chief Magistrate Colin John found Francois not guilty of all four charges.
The Magistrate ruled that the Prosecution failed to prove all the elements of possession.
To establish a case of possession, the elements of knowledge, custody/control, must be proven. However, in this case, while Francois was in custody of the guns and ammunition, there was no evidence to prove the element of knowledge.
In his evidence, Francois told the Court that it was the norm for persons to give him bags every day to transport to others, and it was not his practice to search people’s belongings. As a result, he has no knowledge of what the bag contained.
On exiting the Serious Offences Court following the not guilty verdict, Francois was hugged by family members, including his mother, as well as his spiritual ‘mother’ in the Spiritual Baptist faith, who were all reduced to tears. He hugged and shook
Connell told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, that the police erred in their handling of the matter. Adding that is the matter had been dealt with by police officers such as Superintendent Nolan ‘Grandpa’ Dalaway, or Sergeant Lafleur Williams, there would have been a controlled delivery of the intercepted firearms and ammunition.
The police in this case, instead of doing a sting operation, opted to use their transport, instead of Francois’ taxi, to make the delivery to the person, said to be the recipient of the bag, allowing the person to evade the police.
“That rebuts common sense, but my job is to dissect the Prosecution’s case, and they could do a post mortem of their case after to identify where they erred,” Connell added.
Llewellyn pleaded not guilty to all five charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He was represented by attorney Grant Connell. The charges stem from a police action taken at Rose Place on October 12, 2025.
Prosecutor Renrick Cato did not object to bail, but requested suitable surety and condition.
The Chief Magistrate then set bail in the sum of $15,000, with one surety, on condition that he report to the Central Police Station every Monday. He will return to court on October 30, 2025.
Chateau man charged in ganja haul
A CHATEAUBELAIR/UNION ISLAND man was taken before the Serious Offences Court on Monday, after being charged in connection with a marijuana seizure at Barrouallie last Sunday.
Delroy Warren has been charged with possession of 228 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply, and possession for the purpose of drug trafficking. Warner who was represented by Attorney Grant Connell, pleaded not guilty to the charges when he stood before Chief Magistrate Colin John, and was granted $10,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he report to the Union Island Police Station on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The matter was adjourned to November 17.
Taxi operator, Rogen Francois (left), shakes his lawyer Grant Connell’s hand outside the Serious Offences Court on Monday following a successful defence.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Director: Desiree Richards
Editor: Cyprian Neehall
Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
Website: www.thevincentian.com
Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com
Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Our Democracy
DEMOCRACY is a concept that speaks to a system of government that is “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” to quote Abraham Lincoln. To give substantive meaning to the concept, one can say that Democracy means “rule by the people,’’ giving rise to a system of government in which people vote their elected representatives into parliament. But there is more than an election of a parliament that forms the basis upon which a country can be declared democratic.
Scholars maintain that five institutions are central to a country’s designation as democratic. First, ELECTIONS for a government and legislature forms the first and most important pillar. Second, COMPETITION which allows individuals the right to vote. Countries where incumbents make it difficult for the opposition to organize, are not considered democracies. Third, AUTONOMY which requires government to be free of any outside forces or influence, whether those be so called non-aligned blocs or powerful single countries with resources to dangle. Fourth, CIVIL LIBERTIES are critical to a democracy because they enable both citizens and independent branches of government to ensure that civil and human rights are not trampled upon or compromised. Fifth, EXECUTIVE CHECKS, not least being an independent mass media, that enables critical public opinion. The fifth pillar is what prevents a head of government from declaring, “I am the State” or ‘The state is me.” And when/if that happens, crapaud smoke the people’s pipe, if they still have one by then. Are we checking so far to see where we are on the barometer that measures Democracy?
Stick a pin; the fore-mentioned is not all to what we expect from our democratic state. There is the issue of accountability, i.e. accountability between the elected government and the people/electorate, and accountability between the executive (Cabinet, Prime Minister) and independent institutions like the Auditor Generals, the courts and the legislature, that constrain an elected executive from compromising or trampling on civil rights.
And yet, after all is said and done, there are two very important points that morph out of these pillars of democracy. The first is that the definition of democracy has not stood
still through time. So much so, as authoritarian leaders learn to reinterpret and adopt the windowdressing of democracy by stifling and railroading the institutions crucial to its functioning, watchdogs have wisely adapted by seeking to better assess whether government institutions embody accountability and whether rights exist not just in law but in practice. Of course, the work of these watchdogs is better served by access and protection accorded by Freedom of Information Legislation. SVG???
There is no longer overt pressure on governments to ‘step down’ (a la 1998 — 2001). Instead, those who today might force and win elections before a legitimate term of office is complete, present themselves as defenders of democracy — whose democracy? In such circumstances even in a lopsided legislature makeup in favour of the elected executive, these executives weaken checks on executive power, introducing institutional and legislative changes that hamper the power of opposition forces to challenge executive preferences/decisions.
And the election-day fraud that we speak of so widely, is replaced by preelection strategies that, for all intents and purposes, can do nothing but tilt the electoral playing field in favor of the incumbents.
When these things happen, do we not feel the urge to question whether or not (our) democracy is in decline.
And the clearest signs that democracy is in decline is when the elected leaders question the legitimacy of all opposition, and use every available legal tool, overt and covert, to undermine it.
Can we not agree that strategies aimed at retarding opposition, in the broadest sense of the word, are key factors in encouraging the decline of democracy? Can we not argue that in a climate of opposition intolerance, political opponents in particular are treated like enemies and not simply as political rivals perhaps working toward the same end for the country?
Scholars tell us that democracies die when opposition is no longer tolerated, and when governments (elected politicians) use the full might of the law to quash rather than compromise with political opposition. With another general election set to be held sooner than later, it appears, are we up to an honest appraisal of where and how our democracy stands?
Don’t forget our Senior Citizens
I JUST REALIZEDI missed this opportunity to pay my respects to our elder residents of SVG. It is challenging to keep up with the new tradition of designating a special day for everything; the United Nations designated August 21st as Senior Citizens Day. Please allow me to say happy belated Senior Citizens Day. My bad.
In honor of this day, I want our government to make a meaningful gesture to all our senior citizens and call on the National Insurance Service (NIS) Board of Directors to consider implementing annual Cost-of-Living (CPI) adjustments to all pension recipients. This will show our nation’s commitment to strengthening and protecting the welfare of older Vincentians. As a nation, we must emphasize that we value the contributions of our elders every chance we get. Let us not forget as we move along with the challenges of our daily lives, those who paved the way to make it all possible.
Ok, I know that as a government, you might not want to discuss the CPI annually, so I have a suggestion: the NIS pension board should review the pension payment annually and adjust it by the annual change in CPI or 3% whichever is less.
Ironically, October is the month when we celebrate the birth of our nation; therefore, asking us to take a moment to recognize and honor our elders is not too far-fetched. Let us not forget them in the annual “Independence Day Goody Bag.” The challenges we face today, like the effects of climate change on our economy and infrastructure, are also affecting them. Tenfold, I’ll say. Most importantly, if we are blessed with a long life, seniority will come to each of us.
This year, the UN theme was “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights,” highlighting the importance of placing older people at the forefront of policy and planning. I am calling for us to take concrete steps this Independence Day to ensure our elders are not overlooked.
Listening to the seniors I interacted with over the summer, from Chateaubelair to Sandy Bay, I cannot help but think they spend most of
their days trying to figure out how to stretch their limited pension to meet their monthly needs. With no hope of an inflationary adjustment, the pressure is real, and their daily needs are now being segmented into “have to do, need to do, and must do.” I heard both political parties are trying to outdo each other on the Public Assistance Program. While this is politically expedient, it could move those receiving Public Assistance ahead of those at the bottom of the pension pool. Therefore, I am specifically asking to address those not eligible for Public Assistance because they receive a National Insurance Service pension. I need to remind those seeking political office of the sad fact that some of our seniors must decide to forgo food to buy the medication they need. That is why I am asking for consideration of an annual cost-ofliving adjustment on their pension.
Another sad and uncomfortable truth that must be confronted is the mistreatment of older people. Elder abuse, whether physical, financial, or emotional, does exist in our country, and it is never acceptable. The older members of our community deserve respect, dignity, and protection. Our homes, institutions, and policies must reflect this.
Caregiving is a sacred responsibility that should be shared by family, community, and the nation alike. Many live alone, so the government must act decisively to improve infrastructure and establish stronger safeguards, ensuring no senior is left stranded or at risk during a crisis. As we mark this Independence Day, let us resolve to do better for our elders. Let us ensure their pensions allow them to live with dignity. Let us build stronger protections against abuse and neglect. And let us honor them not only with words but with action.
Ultimately, how we treat our older persons speaks volumes about our society and the kind of society we aspire to be. We must intentionally create an SVG for all Vincentians, including our elders.
Horatio.
Fatherless of the Nation
OUR NATIONis made up of neighborhoods of families that should be headed by fathers. But many children are left fatherless due to no fault of their own. For a strong nation, we need strong families. Strong families need the influence of the father in the home. He is the
provider, protector, priest and professor with responsibility for the education of his own pupils (children). To be on target, a father needs to be faithful to his wife, his work and his God. There are several categories of fatherless children. Some are the
products of incest. In such cases, mothers do not register the father’s name at birth. Underage teenage mothers do not register the father because it means turning in the rapist. Some children have fathers who are high officials in public and private sectors, who fear the breakup of their families. Some are children of prostitution where it is a challenge to identify the father from a large group
We need a Broadcast Commission
THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS of SVG hosted an event that culminated after more than 10 years, in an effort to create a broadcast policy that would address fairness in the use of music. More must be done. What must follow is the creation of a Broadcast Commission.
This is what the AI replied....That’s interesting. Establishing a Broadcast Commission would be a significant step in regulating the industry and ensuring fairness in music usage.
The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards’ efforts in creating a broadcast policy are commendable.
A Broadcast Commission could build upon this momentum, addressing issues like:
- Regulation: Developing guidelines for content, advertising, and licensing
- Licensing: Overseeing music royalties and usage rights
- Accountability: Ensuring broadcasters adhere to standards and regulations
- Industry Support: Fostering growth and development in the broadcasting sector
Some potential responsibilities of the Broadcast Commission could include:
- Monitoring Compliance: Ensuring broadcasters comply with regulations and standards
- License Issuance: Granting licenses to broadcasters and managing renewals
- Complaint Resolution: Investigating and resolving complaints about broadcasts
- Industry Research: Conducting research to inform policy decisions and support industry growth
By establishing a Broadcast Commission, SVG can promote a fair and thriving broadcasting industry that benefits both creators and audiences.
Lance Chapman
PEOPLE ARE ASKING:
ARE THE SANDALS EXECUTIVE timing their investment announcements to fit the government elections agenda?
Are these investments signed with the Prime Minister personally, or between the government of S.V.G and Sandals?
How many more beaches must we lose before we lose all the beaches on the Leeward to investors?
If there is a change of government, will the outgoing government take all state assets and revenue with them to ensure the incoming regime had nothing to start with?
Can the opposition, should they form a government, add to the Public Assistance list, all those hard working public servants, teachers, etc. who were non-pensionable and have retired a long time ago?
What has happened to the persons who were arrested for the robbery of the credit union in South Rivers some months ago?
Is any one of the accused related to anyone in high office?
of clientele. Some children are given fathers who the mother thinks will provide better financial support. This leaves the real fathers disadvantaged despite their noble intentions.
All fatherless children are in a special group that may have been neglected by the nation and need to be compensated so that they can become equal contributing citizens. Preschools provide head starts that help to create a strong foundation. Excellent elementary
schools provide basic reading, writing and reasoning skills. Adequate secondary schools provide skills for life and livelihood, sound academic foundation and a platform for a successful future. While schools cannot replace the role of fathers, they are good at compensating to place our children on a successful track. All our children must be taught, but special effort must be made to save our fatherless children. They deserve our focus this independence.
Anthony G. Stewart, PhD
ULP on the move for a 6th term
Campaign is ramping up
ON SATURDAY NIGHT,October 11, 2025, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) held a massive rally at the Layou Playing Field under the theme “We Wuking”, reflecting one of our larger 2025 campaign rubric: “Labour is Working For All”. The excellent speeches of Comrades Saboto Caesar, Grace Walters, Grenville Williams, Carlos James, Orando Brewster, and Comrade Ralph not only provided chapter and verse about the uplifting outcomes for the people of SVG from the works of Labour, they also mapped the plans related to the other over-arching campaign frame: “Own The Future”.
As a consequence of the ULP’s focused presentations, the huge crowd stayed in rapt attention for the nearly five hours of speeches, interspersed with musical performances from local artistes. It was a serious political party engaging a serious, enlightened people who are determined to own their future with the ULP. It was a most remarkable engagement of the people’s vanguard, the ULP, with the people. A sixth consecutive term beckons for the ULP.
The ULP has candidates and spokespersons of the highest quality but every election campaign produces STARS who are overwhelmingly embraced by the people. On Saturday night, the people crowned as STARS FOR 2025, Dr. Grace Walters and Dr. Orando Brewster; others on the ULP ticket will also emerge in the campaign. Look out for Keisal Melissa Peters, Chevonne Stewart, Marvin Fraser, Grenville Williams, Rodan John, and Carlos Williams who are shining brightly. The ULP is on a fantastic roll to victory, but we must not, and cannot be, complacent. The tried, tested, and talented heads and hands (Saboto, Jimmy, Curtis, Camillo, Carlos James, and Luke) are the formidable warriors of Labour. In leadership is the incomparable Comrade Ralph, destined to be the “Six Star General”.
Another fantastic week (October 11th to 17th)
Following upon the magnificent earlier week, there has been a fantastic week for the ULP in government and politics. Let us present some highlights:
1. On Saturday October 11th at midday, the “first world” Ferry Terminal at Clifton, Union Island, was opened. Union Island has substantially been built back better and stronger since Hurricane Beryl. Ian Wace, Benarva Browne, Chevonne Stewart, and Comrade Ralph were featured in addition to amazing cultural performances by talented Unionites.
2. On Sunday evening October 12th, the Ignite Grand Finale of the cultural competition staged by the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth, was held at the Calliaqua Playing Field.
On the same evening, the Central Kingstown Football Competition organised by Marvin Fraser concluded in grand style at the Sharpes Playing Field.
3. On Monday October 13th, a fulllength Press Briefing occurred at the site of the Modern Port about the finalization of arrangements in preparation for the formal opening of the Port on October 25th. Benarva Browne, Carl James (CEO of the Modern Port), and Comrade Ralph made presentations.
4. On Thursday October 16th, at Peace Memorial Hall the launch of two books took place: Caribbean Regional Integration authored by Ralph Gonsalves; and Labour is Working for All (written mainly by Ralph).
In between, an event reflecting government’s public policy took place: On Wednesday evening, October 15th, the Closing Ceremony of the SemiProfessional Netball League took place.
Events ahead
Two events are highlighted for the weekend (Saturday, October 18th and Sunday, October 19th): (i) On October 18th, the Youth Awards Ceremony sponsored by the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth takes place at the SVG Community College; and (ii) On October 19th, at 7:00 p.m., the ULP holds a rally at Calliaqua.
Significance of October 16th
October 16th has immense significance for the ULP, SVG, and the Caribbean, for two reasons:
(i) On October 16th, 1968, Comrade Ralph as a 22-year old and President of the Students’ Guild at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, led a massive protest in Kingston, Jamaica, of several thousand students and working people, against the arbitrary and unjustified ban on Dr. Walter Rodney, a Guyanese lecturer at UWI from returning to Jamaica to his job and family, on the spurious ground that he was a security risk due to his teachings and activities on behalf of black and poor people. The Comrade and others were beaten and tear-gassed by the Jamaican police and army, and were put under police surveillance. It is at this protest that the Comrade cut his political eye-teeth. Since then, his commitment against injustice on behalf of the poor, the working people, and our Caribbean has been steadfast and unbreakable. It is now 57 years since the Comrade has been in political struggle; hardly anyone in our CARICOM region has been so moulded through political battle over such a long period of time in as many vital roles in the changing scenes of his people’s life, living, and production. He is legendary; his eyes have seen a lot! At this 57th anniversary, in his 79th year of life, he is still at his people’s service. Amazing! Extraordinary! The warrior is not weary yet!
Exciting times ahead for young people under an NDP Government
ON SATURDAY, October 11th 2025, Political Leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, unveiled his party’s Pledge to the young people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Young Democrats vibrant DJ Sound Clash event. This initiative underscores the NDP’s commitment to empowering our young people.
Dr. Friday outlined four key measures his party will implement when it forms the next government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These include:
1. Establish the Youth Guarantee Pledge
2.Initiate a National Athlete Program
3. Cut the rate of student loans
4. Develop the National Development Bank and the Innovation Hub
4. Implement E- Commerce payment gateways
These initiatives are aimed at creating opportunities for the young people. The Youth Guarantee Pledge affirms that by the end of the NDP’s first term in government, every young person will have the opportunity of a job, placed in a training or education programme or an internship. To complement the Youth Guarantee Pledge, the NDP has outlined a series of strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic development and economic growth. One such initiative is the establishment of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre of Excellence, designed to equip young people with practical skills and enhance their employability. In addition, an NDP government will launch an extensive jobs expansion program, focused on increasing employment opportunities. This initiative will be anchored on the four economic pillars: agriculture, the blue economy, tourism, and the new economy.
To better prepare young people for the future, it is essential to equip them with the education, skills, and training necessary for successful careers. In line with this goal, we will expand the existing scholarship program to provide a broader range of opportunities for youth to pursue higher education. This expansion will enable access to reputable, accredited universities and colleges worldwide, including programs in non-traditional fields such as music, sports, and the arts. By fostering diverse disciplines and innovative pathways, we aim to empower the next generation to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global economy.
The National Athlete Program will ensure that elite athletes, established and emerging athletes have financial support to reach their goals, with the knowledge that they are able to train, compete and have their best chances to win. These hard-working sportsmen and sportswomen deserve our support to achieve their goals, which ultimately brings joy to us all and glory for our country.
We recognize that excelling in sports requires athletes to make significant sacrifices, often with limited resources. The current ad hoc approach has proven insufficient in supporting our sportsmen and sportswomen, which highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and strategic solution. The proposed National Athlete Program aims to address these challenges by providing structured support, training, and resources to nurture our sporting talent. Many other countries, including OECS nations have successfully implemented similar programs to achieve sporting excellence and national pride.
We will also pay special attention to the development of sport facilities, and will implement a framework for upgrading and management of sports facilities at constituency and community level. An NDP government will implement a Service, Opportunity and Support framework, which will ensure that sporting facilities are upgraded to accommodate their respective sporting disciplines. Community Sport Councils will be developed and sustained eagerly taking ownership of the maintenance of the established facilities and supporting the programs for physical activity and sport in their respective communities. We will also develop at least one playing field in each constituency to the extent that it can accommodate regionally organized sports. These facilities will be fully lit and will have stands and changing facilities. And, we will develop projects to convert the surfaces of playing fields into artificial surfaces, particularly in areas where grass does not grow properly.
The sport of swimming should be at a much higher level at the competitive arena. As a result, the NDP will construct a National Aquatic Centre to attract national, regional and international competitions and to grow the sport locally. Other areas of development that the NDP will focus on include the construction of a national indoor sports complex, floored with special sport flooring materials, to accommodate sports such as basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis and squash.
We are committed to establishing the Innovation Hub, and a National Development Bank dedicated to addressing the credit challenges faced by local entrepreneurs, especially the youth. The National Development Bank will make financing more accessible and affordable, with a special focus on supporting small businesses that form the backbone of our economy. By doing so, we aim to empower our youth and foster job creation.
Continued on Page 17.
Teachers: Making a positive difference
“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instil a love of learning.” – Brad Henry (born 1963) –American politician and Lawyer
WE SOMETIMES UNDERESTIMATEthe significant positive contribution that teachers make to society. Their influence extends beyond the classroom. Teachers should never be considered as merely being conduits of knowledge. The teacher’s role goes far beyond delivering academic content; they are considered to be the heart and soul of the educational system. Their influence is not limited to “book knowledge”; their lives impact the wards that they are privileged to encounter. They shape the lives of their students by the words of wisdom that they share and the attitudes displayed; they teach when they are not teaching and influence the emotional, social, and moral development of their wards. Robert John Meehan reminds us that “Exemplary teachers will always care more about the people their students will become than the scores on the tests they take”. The focus must never be limited to “book knowledge”. Their school experiences should adequately prepare students for life and living.
While the school curricula and the various educational programmes are considered critical to preparing our young citizens for the world of work and life in general, it is often the teacher’s ability to inspire the students that will make the difference in relation to how well they absorb and retain the knowledge shared. Many successful citizens in business, government, and society credit their teachers for their accomplishments. They can testify of instances where teachers may have recognized their potential even when they, the students, had not seen it in themselves. Such teachers possess the unique ability to ignite passion and persistence as they intercepted with intent and encouraged students to strengthen their resolve to overcome obstacles and failures along the path to success.
Teachers teach when they are not teaching; their influence is not limited to subject matter or to their working hours. Teachers play a major role as role models, mentors, and counsellors. They teach about best practices and acceptable behaviours. Gifted and committed teachers make a concerted effort to share important life skills such as respecting differences, problemsolving, critical thinking, effective communication, compassion, empathy, kindness, fairness, and so on. These become valuable tools in enabling young citizens to be adequately prepared for the ever-increasing challenges that emerge in a fast-paced and often unpredictable world. Such contributions are considered especially valuable to those children whose homes may be deficient in providing such valuable insights and support.
Robert John Meehan, the American educator, author, and poet reminds us that, “Teachers who love teaching teach children to love learning.” As our wards search for wisdom and knowledge, we commend those teachers who engage them in activities that encourage them to embrace critical thinking and innovation. We are forever encouraged by the wisdom shared by Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) who reminds us that, “The function of education is to
teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” Effective teachers therefore empower students to believe in their dreams and to pursue them with passion, all the while learning to be kind, compassionate, gentle, caring, thoughtful, and respectful citizens of the world. History records that the renowned philosopher Aristotle (384 BC — 322 BC) taught young Prince Alexander of Macedon (356 BC — 323 BC) who later became Alexander the Great. In addition to sharing knowledge, Aristotle taught the young prince about best behaviours, and made every effort to make sure that his life reflected what he was teaching the young prince. Alexander is known to express his gratitude to Aristotle for teaching him how to live; to believe in himself and his ability to win even against great odds.
Based on the foregoing, we could agree that teaching is a most noble profession. While some members of the teaching profession are considered to be “in transit” (i.e., they take a temporary teaching job while they await alternate employment that may be more suited to their passion) it is imperative that they recognize that teaching must never be considered as a standard job; it is about shaping young minds and making a lasting impact. It is a great privilege and an awesome responsibility.
Throughout the Caribbean it has been observed that several teachers have ventured beyond their classrooms and school environments to make positive contributions within the political arena. This is not surprising. Teachers are often among those responsible citizens who will observe that something is not working within the society. They often become advocates for positive change as they seek to influence improvements in the society at large. Many would have honed their oratory skills in their respective classrooms having developed techniques for sharing their thoughts with clarity. Their parliamentary debates can therefore be considered lucid and easily understood.
Many teachers understand and appreciate that they will never be paid what they are truly worth. However, many dedicated teachers are content knowing that it is not what they get from teaching but what they become by teaching. This does not imply that considerations should not be given to improving their benefits. After all, they also suffer from the impact of rising cost of living. With dedication, patience, and a genuine love for what they do, many teachers recognize that their mission was not to become rich from teaching but to enrich others. They know that teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions. They resign to the fact that they inspire, empower, and transform lives for the better. To many, teaching is not just a profession; it is a calling, a mission to make the world a better place, one student at a time. Teachers make a positive difference!
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The Second Killing of Cjea Weekes
‘LORD! With all that Evidence, that’s a Wicked Verdict.’
The death by misadventure verdict delivered last Wednesday amounts to the second killing of Cjae Weekes, the 17-year-old boy who was chased to his death by police officers in February 2022. The inquest confirmed my long-held view that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Justice has two faces. The verdict, which means that the police officers who chased Cjae to his death bear no criminal responsibility, is a travesty of justice.
The Coroner’s inquest was not a search for facts, truth or justice. It was a trial of the actions of Cjae Weekes rather than how or why he died. It represented a monumental cover-up that began with the tampering of the potential crime scene by the officers who chased Cjae, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, up to and including the Prime Minister’s office.
After Coroner Kaywana Jacobs, a junior and inexperienced magistrate, ruled that I would not be allowed to ask any questions of the witnesses, a foreboding, confirmed by the verdict, gripped my being. I was denied an opportunity to ask questions at a Coroner’s Inquest before.
The most explosive evidence came from Andeen Douglas and her Uncle Shillingford Douglas. Andeen Douglas testified that she was summoned to PM Gonsalves office where she gave a statement. She testified that on arrival at the scene, she took photographs and video of the area, including Cjae. She was asked to turn over her phone, which she did to a member of PM Gonsalves’ security detail. She said that after the phone was returned to her, it never worked again, even after she sent it to New York to get it checked out.
Andeen Douglas told the Coroner that among the pictures she took was one which appeared to her to be tyre impressions on the white T-shirt Cjae was wearing on the day police chased him to his death. Incidentally, this evidence supports the statement Cjae gave to his mother before he passed away, that the police vehicle was on top of him after both vehicles flew over the incline.
The immediate question is, why would the PM’s office get so intimately involved with a potentially criminal investigation? More importantly, why was the phone disabled? The answer to the question was revealed at the inquest. Inspector Nero, the chief investigator, presented the pictures taken from Andeen’s phone to the inquest. However, there were no pictures of Cjae, which made it difficult to confirm Andeen Douglas’s testimony or Cjae’s statement to his mom.
Amazingly, neither the Coroner nor the prosecutor, Curlene Samuel, asked Nero for the video footage or photos of the image that Andeen described. I know prosecutor Samuel. I have faced off against her numerous times. Her forensic skills in search of the truth were woefully absent during the inquest. She clearly had a skin in the game-a case of police protecting police.
Andeen and her uncle were the first civilians to arrive at the crime scene. She saw the chase and told the Coroner that no more than a foot
separated the police vehicle from the dirt bike, on which Cjae was desperately trying to evade the officers. She testified that she heard a sound which, to her mind, was like something running into or hitting an object.
Andeen’s estimate of the distance which separated the police vehicle from Cjae’s bike was confirmed by her uncle, Shillingford Douglas, who also saw the chase and rushed to the scene. Shillingford’s testimony was that when he heard the sound of impact, he said, ‘like somebody dead over dey’ jumped into his vehicle and rushed to the scene. It was Shillingford who took Cjae to the hospital. He testified that while there, he noticed the police were leaving and inquired of them. He said the police officers told him why stay when ‘the boy dey in dey ah dead.’
The police officers presented what was clearly false evidence: that the police vehicle remained at least 30 feet from Cjae’s bike throughout the chase. This evidence is belied by the fact that both the bike and the police vehicle went flying down the hill when they came to a break in the road. If the police were as far behind as they claimed to the Coroner, they would have been able to stop their vehicle before it followed Cjae over the unpaved road.
The Coroner seemed unsure as to how to treat the evidence of Cjae’s mother, which was what Cjae told her. In law, this is called hearsay evidence, and there are restrictions on how this evidence is to be used. But this is an inquest, which is a search for the truth. But the Coroner ruled that Cjae’s mom’s statement was hearsay, and no one made an application to get it into evidence. It was her inquest. Whose task was it to marshal all of the evidence? She could have ruled Cjae’s statement to his mom as a ‘dying declaration’, which is an exception to the hearsay rule. Alternatively, she could have invoked the res gestae rule, which allows for the inclusion of utterances that capture the immediacy and emotional intensity of an occurrence without reflection or fabrication.
Unanswered questions abound: Why did the police tamper with the potential crime scene? Why did they move the police vehicle back onto the road? Why did they move Cjae and place him into the police vehicle when they knew one of the vehicle’s wheels had broken off? Why such a short statement from the female police officer, who, from the video that was in the public domain, was clearly in evident distress? Why did the police tamper with Cjae’s bike at the police garage at Arnos Vale? Why were there no questions of Dr. Child on whether there were internal injuries that may have caused Cjae’s death?
Until police officers are made to account for their wrongdoing, the brutality against the poor and vulnerable will continue.
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Will many unfinished tasks be left behind?
“ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES,” this nation, is preparing to celebrate the forty-sixth year of its independence from Great Britain, on the 27th of October, and in view of the socio-economic pressures, it is reasonable and prudent, that an assessment be done to determine whether the approaches that had been taken were well thought through and that the decision made had been in the best interest of the society.
In view of the fact that for twenty-five of those forty-six years, the government of this state has been under the authority of the Unity Labour Party led by Ralph Gonsalves, then examination of their success in the discharge of the sacred responsibility they had undertaken, to provide for the wellbeing of all the citizens of our state,
should be energetically pursued by all those citizens who are qualified to do so.
For several decades now, there has been a distinct decline in the quality of living among our citizens. And while some politicians have been blaming all our agonies on the unjust treatment by the former British colonizers it is irrefutable, that in quite a few areas, the British administration who oversaw the everyday management of this colony were more responsive to the populace, when they expressed dissatisfaction on any issues which had negatively affected them. In the 1940s and the 1950s the local government system was very useful in addressing some of those areas of concern to the villagers in a timely manner. In this endeavour to stir the
energy of the society, to give momentum for the pursuing of Reparations for the enslavement of Africans by the Europeans, Mr. Gonsalves has been blaming our present agonies almost entirely, on the period of enslavement and the absence of compensation. At one time, he seemed to have his sights set on being the agent who would receive these trillions of dollars of the Reparatory Settlement money.
But an examination of the history of this country of ours since 1951, distinctly shows, that our people after the abolition of slavery, despite not having material wealth and very good houses, were to a significant degree fairly well-fed. The British administrations had been keen in relation to the maintenance of the roads
and there was a food supply of fresh fish almost every day. Who would have thought that today seventy years later, we would not be able to get to our farm lands? This is where we are under the “feet” of our own administrators, who were born and bred here and educated with our resources.
To better appreciate the rascality with which the citizens of this beautiful land have been treated, let us go back to the last decade of the twentieth century.
In that period the management of the country was in the hands of the New Democratic Party headed by James Mitchell. He had been the Prime Minister since 1984 and it seemed that the people had generally been impressed, that he had been making a good effort at addressing their welfare. When however,
we began to have the problems relating the loss of the duty free concessions which we had enjoyed with respect to our trade in bananas with the United Kingdom, our economy was significantly negatively impacted.
On reflection, I am of the opinion that Mr. Mitchell and his team accepted defeat too early and probably missed the opportunity, to initiate the export of other commodities which we had the potential to produce successfully. Those Banana boat could have been valuable!
So as it turned out, when the trade in bananas diminished, the whole agriculture sector suffered significantly.
Mr. Mitchell and his team then turned their attention to tourism. They declared that we in St. Vincent and the Grenadines could not depend on Agriculture for our socio-economic development. To effect the “Tourism” thrust they offered expatriates access to our people’s land at exceptionally generous terms and these expatriates were to build hotels and employ Vincentians to work in them. That is what they, NDP, called “development”.
That approach exposed them to the machinations of several expatriates who came to our shores pretending to be honourable businessmen, but who have turned out to be rogues and drifters. They hood-winked our immature and gullible politicians and then left our shores, some of them in the dead of night, leaving our country, owing us millions of dollars.
That was the parameter defining the circumstance which were impacting the welfare of SVG towards the end of the twentieth century. The seeming arrogance and disdain reflected in the attitude of the administrators prompted resistance from the Unions and the other bodies in the society. So much so, that the opposition ULP was
emboldened to lead demonstrations, calling for the resignation of the NDP government led by James Mitchell. Bloodshed was averted when Mitchell agreed to step down a few years before the end of his team. The historians tells us that the two men came up with a peaceful solution, as they walked “ hand in hand” on the Grand Anse beach in Grenada, away from the polluting atmosphere which then prevailed in St. Vincent, and far away from the other members of the two political units who had travelled to Grenada for the consultation.
In the robust political pre-election campaign that commenced soon afterwards, Mr. Gonsalves made some seemingly sincere promises. Two of them have haunted my recollection over the last three hundred months. 1. He was going to revitalize the agriculture sector. 2. They were going to repair all the Feeder Roads. 3. They were going to pay serious attention to the Banana industry so that we could resume exports. Those promises attracted the strong support of the farming community.
After almost twentyfive years, Mr. Gonsalves has not been seen to have attempted to honour those promises. Instead he has neutralized the Banana Growers Assoc., the largest farmers organization in our land and so has contributed to the “Ruination” of the socio-economic spirit of the this agriculturebased society.
If as it seems evident now, that Ralph Gonsalves’ stint as leader of this beautiful country will come to an end after the next general elections which will be held in a few weeks’ time, he will in fact be leaving behind “Many Unfinished Tasks”. What pathetic squandering of a great opportunity to have contributed significantly to the development of his homeland!
LeRoy Providence
Modern city, tunnel still on the table
PLANS ARE AFOOT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT of the modern city at Arnos Vale, should the governing Unity Labour Party (ULP) government be re-elected.
According to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, two conceptual designs had been merged,
and government was going ahead to have some detailed work done.
“The idea is there is to put in the infrastructure, and we lease lands, and we say well you put this there, you can put this here and so forth,” Gonsalves said during a press briefing on October 13.
He explained that there was a proposal for the construction of some town houses in the Fenton area.
But with that
proposed development meant that there would be excess run-off below at the site of the modern city. Therefore, rivers would have to be reinforced, and other basic infrastructure installed to deal with this
Three sites identified to relocate Pole Yard residents
PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES has admitted that the government is finding it difficult to find an area to accommodate all the residents of ‘Pole Yard’.
Instead, the prime minister said that the residents will be relocated to three different sites. He was at the time speaking of the proposed modern city at Arnos Vale during a press briefing on October 13.
This latest announcement however comes after Curtis King, Minister of Education and
Parliamentary Representative for East St. George, of which the Arnos Vale community is part of, said that a piece of land had been identified to facilitate the relocation of the residents of ‘Pole Yard’ after government announced that the informal settlement would have to be relocated to facilitate the construction of the Acute Hospital.
King was at the time speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Acute Hospital on October 26, 2024. He said then
that it had taken the government some time to identify an appropriate piece of land to facilitate the relocation.
King followed up then by saying that government was in advanced stages of preparation.
“In fact, we are looking now at having in place the infrastructure so that we can facilitate the relocation of our residents from that community,” King said then.
Neither King nor Gonsalves disclosed where the ‘Pole Yard’ residents would be relocated to. (DD)
excess run-off he explained.
In addition to the modern city, Dr. Gonsalves said that plans to construct a tunnel at Cane Garden Point was still on the table.
“That tunnel, I don’t understand people, you driving every single day under the tunnel at Byrea built in 1813 by some English people and enslaved African bodies with dynamite and pick axe and shovel and wheelbarrow,” he said.
And according to Gonsalves, the distance of the proposed tunnel was about three times that of the one at Byrea.
And if the Byrea tunnel was built in 1813, over 200 years of technology had now passed however, there were some who still thought that it could not be done. (DD)
Two arrested and charged after break-in
POLICE ON OCTOBER 14, 2025, arrested and charged Lenron George, a 40-year-old Resident of Overland and Quincy Boyde, a 27-year-old Resident of Rillan Hill, with the offences of Criminal Trespass and Theft.
According to investigation, the accused men entered the dwelling house of a resident of Arnos Vale/USA as trespassers and stole a quantity of household items valued at $4,631.00USD. They also stole $800.00 USD and $1,500.00ECC in cash- the property of same.
They were also charged with stealing one (1) black Glock 19 pistol valued at $550.00 USD and thirteen (13) rounds of ammunition valued at $13.00.
The offences were committed in Arnos Vale on October 10, 2025. George and Boyde appeared before the Serious Offences Court on October 15, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
They were remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to October 22, 2025, for bail review.
Video images share on social media, showed two men with their face covered, breaking into a house, using an object and kicking on the door.
An artist rendition of the proposed New City at Arnos Vale.
Pole Yard residents will be relocate to three different sites as there is no location large enough to fit them all.
Little Tokyo clean up delayed
THE DELAYED CLEAN UP OF THE bus terminal in Kingstown, commonly referred to as ‘Little Tokyo’ has been blamed on internal bickering among civil servants.
Camillo Gonsalves, Finance Minister, had announced back in 2023 plans for the compensation of vendors who occupy the present facility to allow for the demolition of the structures within the bus terminal.
Gonsalves said then that the estimated cost for the project was EC$3.1 million.
In addition, Benarva Browne — Minister of Urban Development, Seaports etc said that design plans were underway for the development of the bus terminal.
However, on October 13, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves told members of the press that he had regretted that his government had not moved “faster” on the ‘Little Tokyo’ project.
According to the prime minister, there were two sets of people who
came up with their own design.
But deciding on whose design was better proved problematic with both sides bickering between themselves about whose design was the better option.
“And they were arguing for months and months on end whose one is this...until finally they have come to
some conclusion,” Gonsalves said. He added however that he did not really want to begin the clean up of the bus terminal project just yet saying that there was already so much going on.
January 2026, granted that his government got the validation at the polls, was the proposed start date for
the project, Gonsalves told members of the media.
There was already some funding available, he said, for the implementation of the project with funding coming from the ALBA Bank. (DD)
Prime Minster Dr. Ralph Gonsalves expressed regret that his government had not moved faster on the “Little Tokyo’ project.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins
SANDALS RESORTS AND BEACHES
RESORTShave been honoured with 16 awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas, underscoring their continued leadership across the hospitality landscape.
The Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, honoured the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the travel and tourism industry. The evening united government leaders and hospitality professionals for a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration.
* Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grenada
* Jamaica’s Leading Adult-Only AllInclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Negril
General Managers from Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate 16 wins, including the coveted title of Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand, at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony, held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Among celebratory toasts, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 32nd year in a row. Beaches Turks and Caicos also celebrated its 18th win as the Caribbean’s Leading AllInclusive Family Resort, a recognition that comes ahead of the debut of its Treasure Beach Village, the resort’s $150 million expansion set to open spring 2026.
Other key wins include Sandals Dunn’s River, recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury AllInclusive Resort for the third year in a row after opening its doors in 2023 and Sandals South Coast, awarded the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort.
The 16 awards won under Sandals’ portfolio are:
* Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025: Sandals Resorts International
* Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Turks & Caicos
* Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
* Caribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
* Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
* Caribbean’s Leading Luxury AllInclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
* Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2025: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
* Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Bahamian
* Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
* Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Negril
* Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay
* Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Caribbean
* Saint Lucia’s Leading AllInclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
* Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Surrounded by the beauty of GrosIslet, St. Lucia, the peninsula location of Sandals Grande St. Lucian created the perfect backdrop for World Travel Awards’™ guests to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and breathtaking island views.
“At the heart of every Sandals and Beaches vacation is pure, inviting Caribbean soul, paired with worldclass hospitality experiences for all our guests. The recognitions bestowed to our brands tonight are truly meaningful. They serve as a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our talented team members,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “It is yet another reminder of why we will never stop evolving, listening to our customers and refining our experiences year after year.”
For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com. For more information on the World Travel Awards™, please visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.
(Submitted)
V International Credit Union Week & ICU Day Message
by MIRIAM ROACHE
President, St. Vincent & the Grenadines Co-operative League (October 2025)
FELLOW CO-OPERATORS, I am Miriam Roache, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Co-operative League.
I bring you warm greetings on behalf of the Board of Directors, Affiliates, Management and Staff of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Co-operative League, as we join with millions around the globe to celebrate International Credit Union Week and the highpoint of International Credit Union Day 2025.
This year’s celebration holds even deeper significance as it coincides with the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025), a global recognition of the vital role cooperatives play in building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. Our theme, “Cooperation for a Prosperous World”, captures the essence of our movement: the belief that by working together, we can lift communities, reduce inequality, and shape a brighter, more secure future for all.
Since 1948, the third Thursday of October has marked International Credit Union Day, a time to reflect on the history and global achievements of our movement.
For over seven decades, credit unions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have exemplified the power of collective action, prioritizing people over profit and ensuring that financial services are accessible not only to the privileged few, but to all.
Today, we stand proud of our own journey. From humble beginnings in the 1950s, our Vincentian credit unions have evolved into a pillar of our national economy and social foundation.
With over 82,000 members served by four League-affiliated credit unions operating across 18 branches, the sector now holds more than EC$698 million in savings and EC$846 million in total assets. These achievements
reflect meaningful progress in the lives of thousands of Vincentians, from students and farmers to small business owners and families, whose livelihoods have been supported by the credit union movement.
As we look around the world today, with challenges that include climate threats, technological disruption, and widening economic gaps, the cooperative model has never been more relevant.
Co-operative finance offers sharedwellbeing and is a proven pathway to socioeconomic growth. Credit unions give ordinary Vincentians the tools to achieve their financial goals while building stronger, more united communities. And importantly, the money that members save and borrow does not leave the country - it circulates right here, strengthening communities, creating jobs, and building resilience. In this way, credit unions are not just financial institutions; they are key partners in national progress, ensuring that development is people-centered and inclusive.
In this digital era, credit unions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are embracing innovation to remain responsive to our members’ evolving needs. Through national and regional partnerships, we are modernizing services, investing in digital solutions, and exploring shared platforms to strengthen our reach and capacity. This is the spirit of cooperation in action, leveraging collective strength for the common good.
As we celebrate International Credit Union Week, we honour the thousands of volunteers, board members, staff, and supporters who have made our progress possible. Your commitment to the co-operative principles of self-help, solidarity, and democratic control continues to power our movement forward.
We also take this moment to express national pride. As St. Vincent and the Grenadines prepares to observe our 46th Anniversary of
Credit Union Week 2025
Activities begin
CREDIT UNIONS across St. Vincent and the Grenadines are joining millions of members worldwide to celebrate International Credit Union (ICU) Week, which runs from October 12 to 18, 2025, under the global theme “Co-operation for a Prosperous World ”. This year’s observance is of special significance as it coincides with the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025), declared by the United Nations to highlight the vital role co-operatives play in building inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies.
Throughout the week, the SVG Co-
operative League and its affiliates will host a variety of activities showcasing the strength and community spirit of the co-operative movement. The celebrations began on Sunday, October 12, with religious observances held in churches across the country.
Commemorations will continue with a series of media features celebrating co-operative impact. Members, staff, and volunteers will share their stories across radio, television, and social media,
Continued on Page 17.
Independence, we recognize that the resilience and unity shown by our credit union movement reflects the very spirit of our nation. We recommit ourselves to building a better future for our people - one that is inclusive, prosperous, and grounded in the values that make us who we are.
In closing, I encourage everyone to participate in the events and activities hosted across the country this week. Let us celebrate our achievements, deepen our understanding of the cooperative model, and recommit to its values.
Together, through co-operation, we can indeed build a prosperous worldone member, one community, one nation at a time.
May God continue to bless us all with good health, purpose, and peace.
Thank you.
Miriam Roache, President, St. Vincent & the Grenadines Co-operative League.
Vincies in US begin Independence celebrations
and
NELSON A. KING US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net
VINCENTIANS IN THE UNITED STATES on Sunday, Oct. 19, begin their 46th Anniversary of political independence from Great Britain with an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church on Farragut Road in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, New York.
Crispin Friday, president of the Brooklyn-based umbrella Vincentian organizations in the US, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations USA, Inc. (COSAGO), told THE VINCENTIAN that the service, at which several members of the Vincentian clergy will officiate, starts at 3:00 p.m.
Friday, who is also chairperson of the Church Service Committee, said the service will be held in conjunction with the New York-based Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the USA.
The Rector of St. Albans Episcopal Church is Belizean-born the Rev. Canon George L. Bonner. The church is located at 9408 Farragut Road, Brooklyn, NY 11236.
Friday said the COSAGO-organized Gala Independence Anniversary Scholarship Awards Luncheon, held under the auspices of the Consulate General to the United States, will take place the following Sunday, Oct. 26, starting at 12:30 pm, at Russo’s on the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, Queens, New York 11414.
“There will be two scholarships awarded, and they are in memory of two esteemed founding members of COSAGO — Mr. Dollis Forbes and Dr. Errol G. King,” Friday said. “Their legacy continues to inspire COSAGO’s mission, vision and values in the community.
“Giving this award, COSAGO reaffirms its commitment to uplifting the next generation and preserving its foundation values,” he added.
Celia Bramble, chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, a retired Registered Nurse and colonel in the US Army Reserve, also told THE VINCENTIAN that, although Dr. King, a former COSAGO president, and Forbes, have passed on, their legacies continue to inspire COSAGO’s “mission, vision, values and sense of community.”
“The scholarship is designed to financially assist qualified applicants in obtaining a degree from an accredited academic institution of higher learning,” said Bramble, a former director of training and education at the sprawling Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn.
“It will be awarded to outstanding college-bound students of Vincentian heritage, who exemplify academic dedication, leadership, community involvement, and a strong sense of cultural identity,” she added.
“The scholarship will serve, not only as a tribute to the visionary leadership and selfless service of our late founders, but also as an investment in the future of young students of Vincentian heritage, who are striving to make a meaningful difference through education,” Bramble continued.
She said recipients will be selected through a competitive process that evaluates academic achievement, personal integrity, resilience, individual need, and service to others.
“Through this award, COSAGO reaffirms its commitment to uplifting the next generation, and preserving the values on which the organization was built,” said Bramble, disclosing that the scholarship award is US $1,500.00.
She said the criteria for the COSAGO Scholarship Award are: College-bound student of Vincentian heritage; graduate (or candidate for graduation) from an accredited high school; proof of a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (official transcripts required); and proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university.
Other criteria are: A type-written essay of 300-350 words; evidence of financial need; proof of extracurricular activities at school or in the community; and two letters of recommendation — one from the school, and the other from a member of the community (church or community leader).
Bramble said the letter from the community member should address “the integrity, character and uniqueness of the student.”
On Monday, Oct. 27, the Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United States will host the annual Flag-Raising Ceremony, at 11:00 a.m., at Bowling Green Square, Lower ManhattanBroadway and Whitehall Street.
Church Service Anniversary Chair and COSAGO President Crispin Friday addresses congregation in October 2024, during the St. Vincent and the Grenadines 45th Independence Anniversary Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on Beverley Road and Ocean Avenue in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York.
Later that day, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Massachusetts, Inc. will host St. Vincent & the Grenadines Independence Celebration at Boston
Story
photo by
City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Sq., Boston, Massachusetts.
ULP on the move for a 6th term
Continued from Page 8.
(ii) On October 16th 1994, the SVG Labour Party (SVGLP) founded in 1955, by the Father of our Independence, Robert Milton Cato, and the Movement for National Unity (MNU) established under Comrade Ralph’s leadership in October 1982, merged as the Unity Labour Party (ULP) with the inestimable Vincent Beache as Political Leader and Comrade Ralph as the Deputy Political Leader. “Labour” has been the natural party of governance in SVG and the overall architect of the valued developments in our country since 1967 (including from internal selfgovernment in October 1969) 58 years ago. During these 58 years “Labour” has been in office for roughly 40 years: (a) 1967 — 1972; 1974 — 1984 under Milton Cato for these 15 years; (b) 2001 — 2025, almost fifteen years,
under Comrade Ralph. In other words, “Labour” has led SVG for some 70 percent of the time since 1967. The people have confidence in “Labour” because of its magnificent works and love for the people. Labour works for SVG as we own the future Labour has been, and is, extraordinary for SVG and our Caribbean. It has been a force for good.
In celebration and commemoration of the twin anniversaries on October 16th, 2025, there are two events as indicated above: (i) The launch of the two books by the Comrade on Caribbean Regional Integration and Labour is Working for All on Thursday October 16th; and (ii) the planned massive ULP rally for Calliaqua on Sunday October 18th at 7:00 p.m. Let us “Own the Future” with Labour.
Six-in-a-Row!
Exciting times ahead for young people under an NDP Government
Continued from Page 8.
In addition to providing financial services, the bank will offer essential training and technical assistance across sectors that young people are interested in, such as agriculture, new economy, tourism, fisheries, and small business development. It will also play a vital role in human resource development, ensuring that our young people have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive economy.
The evidence is clear. The Unity Labour Party government has failed our young people. Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high at 41%, and the migration rate has soared, making it one of the highest in the Eastern Caribbean. Poverty continues to plague too many young individuals, hindering their prospects and potential. With over a third of our population, approximately 36% being 29 years or younger, it is disheartening to see that
these challenges have only worsened since the ULP assumed office. This sad situation underscores the urgent need for effective policies that support our youth. This can only come about under an NDP government. The NDP remains steadfast to empowering the youth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We will work assiduously to ensure that our young people have every reason to stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and succeed.
Credit Union Week 2025 Activities begin
Continued from Page 14.
highlighting how co-operatives have touched lives and strengthened communities.
On Thursday, October 16, International Credit Union Day will be celebrated by each credit union in its own unique way, recognizing milestones, honoring pioneers, and expressing appreciation to members for their continued trust and support.
The celebrations will culminate on Friday, October 17, with the National Credit Union and Co-operative Exhibition at the Kingstown Post Office Car Park. This event will showcase the products and services of the nation’s credit unions and cooperatives, demonstrating their vital role in promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community development across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
For over seventy years, credit unions and co-operatives have been a cornerstone of national development, promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and social upliftment. With a combined
membership exceeding 82,000 Vincentians and savings of more than EC $680 million, the credit union movement continues to demonstrate the power of “people helping people”.
The SVG Co-operative League extends warm appreciation to all members, volunteers, and supporters, and invites the public to participate in the week’s activities as we celebrate unity, resilience, and shared prosperity through co-operation.
V Once upon a time girlfriend
Dear George,
MY GIRLFRIEND went to Toronto just to see what life was like there, with the plan to send for me if things were better than it is here in Vincy. Later, she informed me she was getting married just to get her papers straightened out and updated me on a regular basis on her progress. She intended to send for me once everything was fixed. It has been over a year now and no progress.
I decided to visit her as a surprise but I ended up getting the biggest surprise. She was living with the man as husband and wife although she said they were living apart. Apparently, she told him I was her cousin and because it was a one room apartment I had to sleep in the living room.
George, I only
managed to stay there for one night. That night I could not sleep. I had to listen to her sexual groans throughout the night and got no proper explanation the next morning. She told me that he made her have sex with him by threatening her to stop the process if she didn’t. I did not know whether to believe her or not but all I ended up doing was finding myself back in St. Vincent. I don’t quite know what to make of what I just experienced, which is why I am reaching out to you.
Feeling Used.
Dear Feeling used,
Since you depended on regular updates from
your girlfriend on her immigration progress, what you saw at that apartment should not have been. She lied to you by telling you that she and the man who married her were living apart. She lied to him by telling him you were her cousin. What you saw at that apartment was a married couple sharing the same room and bed. You were simply their guest that night. To conclude otherwise would be nothing short of foolish. It’s time to move on with your life, as your once upon a time girlfriend has done exactly that.
George.
No apology needed
Dear George,
MY BOYFRIENDcommunicated to me that the country was hard, and as a result I have been supporting him with groceries and rent for the past six months.
However, a good friend of mine recently told me that he has a girl living in the house with him and they are both enjoying the fruits of my labour. I want to just stop paying the rent without saying anything to him, but my friend is telling me that will be too harsh. How is that too harsh? I cannot believe he can be this wicked!
Your boyfriend seized the opportunity to exploit your good nature, while at the same time betraying the trust that the relationship was built on. He has shown his true colours and for that you can be thankful it’s done sooner than much later. Once you ascertain the truth, there should be no guilt in withdrawing your support, be it financial or otherwise. No apologies or explanation is needed.
George.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself
Dear George,
AFTER 30 YEARSof marriage my wife is looking her best. I on the other hand cannot say the same. Everyone keeps complimenting my wife on how young she looks but never would say a good word to me. My wife took out a membership at the gym without even telling me or inviting me to join with her. I am beginning
to think she is all about herself. I think she is being carried away with the compliments men are giving her and she is keeping in shape to attract them. What do you think I should do to get her to start considering me at all?
Sneaking Suspicion.
Dear Sneaking Suspicion,
Stop feeling sorry for
yourself and start looking after yourself. Your wife does not need to invite you to the gym. Take some initiative and pay some more attention to your health. Be happy that she is as health conscious as she is and use her enthusiasm to motivate you to get off the couch and into action. She will love you all the more for it.
George.
Hopping Mad.
Dear Hopping Mad,
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
You can make career moves that will be prosperous. Moneymaking ventures may just turn your life around. Don't let co-workers interfere with your objectives. You are going through a period of questioning.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
You need to do more things that you enjoy. Think hard before going into business with friends or family. Social activity should be on your agenda. Don't let children or elders put demands on your time.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Your charm will be captivating. Residential moves will be favorable, and larger quarters the most probable direction. Try not to argue about trivial matters. Don't hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Abrupt action will cause difficulties with relatives. You are best to keep your cash in a safe place. This may not be the time to lend or borrow. If you have treated them equitably, you might be able to count on their loyalty.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
You will have a childlike approach this week, big hearted and full of spunk. Your ability to talk circles around your colleagues will help you forge ahead in the workforce. Be ready to explain your actions. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you get out and mingle.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
For now just do the best you can. Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries. If you're feeling uncertain, spend some time alone and re-evaluate your motives as well as your needs. Do things with your children and avoid situations that make you feel as if you've neglected the ones you love.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Sudden trips may take you by surprise; try to include your mate, mixing
business with pleasure. Lowered vitality could affect your work. You may want to talk to your boss about your future goals. You can easily impress others with your generous nature.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Opportunities for advancement at work are apparent. You may divulge private information without realizing it this week. Your tendency to overreact could get you into trouble. You may have taken on a little too much, but you will enjoy every minute of it.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Don't overspend on children or on large purchases. Don't turn down an invitation or a challenge that could enhance your chances of meeting someone special. Real estate investments could be prosperous. Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Not everyone will be pleased with your plans. Don't let relatives stand in the way of your personal plans. You will do your best work on your own. You don't owe anyone an explanation. Do your own thing, you need time to yourself.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)
Be sure to question any detail that you feel could leave you in a precarious position at a later date. Get out and rub shoulders with people in high positions if possible. You are able to make changes in your home that will be favorable to all involved. Good friends will give you honest answers.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Be aware that minor accidents or injury may prevail if you are preoccupied. Stick to your work and avoid emotional confrontations. Social events should be the highlight of your day. Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on. You can win points with children if you take the time to show interest in their accomplishments.
ACROSS
1. No, to Yuri 5. Fade
8. Agent Scully (“The X-Files”)
12. Geste or Brummel
13. Self-esteem
14. Arden et al.
15. Senior citizens’ org.
16. Deteriorate
17. “__ Las Vegas”
18. Recede 20. “__ Paris” (2 wds.)
22. “Gosh!” 24. Three strikes
25. “The Jetsons” son
26. Riled up 30. Family __ room
31. Treasury dept. bureau
32. __Claire, Wisconsin
33. Usher’s chore
36. Store for future use
38. Not present (abbr.)
43. Author John Dickson __ 44. Company exec (abbr.)
27. __ admiral 28. “Piece of cake!” 29. Teen’s retort
31. Beetles, e.g. 34. Surfaced a road 35. Computer co. inits. 36. Use a straw
Mexican
Having height
Tooth covering
Shoe width
47. Holiday party drink 48. “You’re it!” game 49. “Honest __” (2 wds.)
Peto FC North Leeward Football Champion
PETO FC EMERGED AS THE 2025 Champions, defeating Keartons FC 3-1 in an entertaining final that showcased the best of community football when the Rudy’s Electrical / Hairoun Beer Leeward Football tournament concluded last Sunday October 12, at the Golden Grove playing field.
Both teams looked unstoppable, confident, composed, and hungry for glory, but the breakthrough came early in the 7th minute, when Ajay Delpesche of Peto FC fired home the opening goal. Just minutes later, Kirtney Franklin doubled the lead in the 13th minute to put Peto firmly in command. But Keartons weren’t going down without a fight. Keartons FC’s, Chadis Fraser, gave them hope with a well-placed goal in the 48th minute, cutting the lead to 2—1, but it was Kirtney Franklin who made sure the title was secured with a 59th minute strike for a 3-1 lead which stayed that
way until the final whistle.
During the presentation, several players were awarded for their performances: Wasbert Perri of Kertons FC was the Best Goalkeeper, Channis Frazer of Keartons FC was
the Best Defender, Shamon Hooper Peto FC was the Best Midfielder. Kirtney Franklin Peto FC was the Top Goal Scorer with 13 and he was also adjudged MVP of the finals and the tournament.
The organizers of the tournament were grateful to the all players, fans, officials, and sponsors who made the 2025 edition a success. Special thanks
and appreciation were extended to all valued sponsors and supporters including: Rudy’s Electrical, Hairoun Beer, Sammy Ice Provider, Bay Hill News Network, Rochell John, Kylvert Brown, and Jimmy Allen; and to all participating teams for their commitment, sportsmanship, and passion throughout the competition.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Ezra Hendrickson renews Head Coach contract
EZRA
HENDRICKSON WILL
CONTINUE ASHead Coach of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s National Football team, commonly known as Vincy Heat.
Hendrickson, a former St. Vincent and the Grenadines defender and Captain, who began his tenure in August 2024, has had his contract renewed by the Executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation.
He will thus guide Vincy Heat for the next 18 months, with the team’s immediate assignments in the Dominican Republic next month.
There, Vincy Heat will meet the host as well as St. Lucia in a Concacaf series, specially organized for the teams that did not make it to the final round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Since taking charge of Vincy Heat, Hendrickson has had a good track record.
In Concacaf Nations League, Vincy Heat earned wins versus Montserrat, 2-0, and 2-1; El Salvador 2-1, as well as 3-1 over Bonaire.
Other Nations League results saw Vincy Heat drawing 1-1 with Bonaire and losing to El Salvador 2-3.
Meanwhile, in the Gold Cup playoffs, Vincy Heat drew 1-1 with Jamaica, but was beaten 3-0 in the return leg.
Hendrickson also has overseen Vincy Heat’s remaining two matches in World Cup Qualifiers, as the Vincentians beat Anguilla 6-0, but went under to Puerto Rico 1-2.
Also in the last 13 months, Vincy Heat has been involved in several friendlies. Among them were two 1-1 draws with Grenada, as well as a 1-1 draw with the British Virgin Islands.
But Vincy Heat blanked St. Kitts and Nevis 3-0 in both international friendlies and registered 7-0 and 1-0 wins over Cuba in the most recent friendlies.
These encouraging results for Hendrickson are the product of his many years of experience as a player and Coach in the USA’s Major League Soccer.
Hendrickson, 53, captained Vincy Heat for most of his tenure as a senior national player, doing so between 1997 and 2008. Following this, he had a brief stint as Assistant Coach of Vincy Heat in 2015.
His MLS’ sojourn saw Hendrickson
representing the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars, LA Galaxy, Dallas Burn, Charlestown Battery, DC United, Chivas USA and Columbus Crew.
In the US set up, Hendrickson served as coach of the Seattle Sounders Reserve Team and as Assistant Coach of the LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew and as Head Coach of the Chicago Fire.
Peto FC North Leeward Football Champion
Kirtney Franklin scored the most goals and was the MVP (Finals) and the tournament.
Keartons FC runners up
EH: Vincy Heat Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson.
Two Vincentians appointed to FIFA committees
A RELEASE FROM THE SAINT VINCENTand the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) revealed that two Vincentians have been appointed to key positions within the FIFA Committee structure.
Otashie Spring, president of the SVGFF, has been appointed by the FIFA Committee to serve on the Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee, a significant role that
underscores his leadership and commitment to advancing football development across all levels.
marketing innovation, sponsorship and enhanced fan engagement worldwide.
In his capacity, Spring will lend his expertise in shaping initiatives that enhance
Lady Warriors, Gladiators Win Inter School Cross Country
THE
LADY WARRIORS OF THE Central Leeward Secondary School and the Georgetown Secondary Gladiators were champions in the female and males’ categories respectfully, when the 2026 NLA Inter Secondary Schools Athletics Championship took place last Thursday, October 9th at the E.T. Joshua Tarmac in Arnos Vale.
The first event of the 2026 NLA Inter Secondary Schools Athletics Championship was the ISSAC Cross Country Race, which began at the E.T. Joshua Tarmac, through the National Sports Council Complex over a 2 Kilometer circuit, with the girls running 4K and the boys running 6K.
Additionally, Ms. Alicia Providence of Sharpes FC, has been appointed to the Legal Committee, further highlighting the expertise and professionalism that St. Vincent and the Grenadines continue to contribute to global football governance.
Providence will assist the Legal Committee in their overseeing of compliance, fair
play policies and the legal framework that governs world football.
These appointments not only reflect individual excellence, but also represent a proud moment for the SVGFF and the nation.
The Federation extended its heartfelt congratulations to Spring and Providence and wish them continued success as they serve in these prestigious international capacities.
I.B.A. ALLEN
The Lady Warriors of the Central Leeward Secondary School defended their title once again, beating the St. Vincent Girls High School into 2nd place, and the Troumaca Ontario Lady Mustangs into 3rd.
In the boy’s race, the Georgetown Secondary Gladiators exercised their dominance by capturing 1st place. 2nd went to the Central Leeward Secondary Warriors, and the Saints of St. Martin’s placed 3rd.
The next event sees the school taking to the highway for the annual Road Relay, set for October 30th, from Peruvian Vale to Arnos Vale.
Alicia Providence appointed to the Legal Committee.
Female Champions: Lady Warriors of the Central Leeward Secondary School.
Male Champions: Georgetown Secondary Gladiators.
Otashie Spring, appointed on the Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee.
Laying it bare
THERE HAS TO BE A REVIVAL IN West Indies Cricket, so that we don’t have to rely on players who don’t have what it takes to be successful at the international level. That’s what captain Roston Chase injected after the two series loss to India.
Chase praised John Campbell and Shai Hope for their centuries, which Chase sees as a sign that players are gaining confidence. The West Indies captain cited the early stage at which Caribbean players are thrust into the international arena with as few as 15 first class games.
He considers that the team is having to “manufacture success without the essential ingredient.” Chase wants players to play more matches so that they “adjust and adapt.”
West Indies struggled to 280 in the first innings, responding to India’s 518 for 5. India enforced the follow on. Faced with that 270 deficit, West Indies crawled to 390, after threatening to put on a substantial lead.
It is in this context that Chase extracts the positive from the team’s performance. He is right in the sense that Campbell notched up his first Test century, and Shai Hope put his name in the century book.
The target of 121 would never be a challenge and India reached it losing three wickets.
Once a team loses a Test match, extracting the positives is the natural salvaging operation. The positive action must be a winning result.
One must admire Chase’s diplomacy but polishing it off as ongoing trends in disaster management is not solving the problem.
Drastic steps have to be taken to improve our cricket. For cricket enthusiasts the world over, West Indies has to be part of the menu. They have too much flair and flamboyance for them to have plunged so spectacularly.
Calls echo from those fans and players who grew up on the dominance of the West Indies cricket factory.
Players put their hearts on the line. No one fears adjusting and adapting. Those are needed in today’s complex and evolving scenario.
But how can we expect to cast lambs to the lions? They form a veritable feeding ground. I don’t think people genuinely wish for the West Indies to do well. I am sure they are pleased with the consistent failure. After all it comes as revenge.
Given the shade of issues mostly off the field, some persons will wish that the West Indies return to prominence if only for symbolic reasons. With the absence of genuine heroes in the cricket circles belonging to a neutrally tinged outfit, it will always look like an apartheid driven sporting experiment.
Things are not always what they seem, and with the current trend of ill-discipline and disregard found in many within our society, including that for human rights, one wonders what life is worth.
SVGSA commemorates World Squash Day
Players giving homage to the observance of World Squash Day.
LAST SATURDAY, OCTOBER10, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association (SVGSA) played its part in observing World Squash Day, 2025, one day before the official commemoration.
Hence, the National Squash Centre, Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, was abuzz with activities, as the association used the occasion to put the sport in the spotlight.
The day was consumed with players of all age groups engaged in Squash events, namely Doubles play, and the overwhelming turn out necessitated the staging of other activities, including Dominoes, Twisters and Table Tennis.
Reflecting on her association’s input in realizing the World Squash Day, President of the SVGSA- Amber Glasgow was aglow with satisfaction. “It was a day well spent. We were amazed with the turnout of the regular Squash players, parents, and those players who brough along their friends. Indeed, it shows that Squash here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to grow and take pride of place”, Glasgow assessed.
Underscoring the need to have greater space to operate its programme, Glasgow highlighted the fact that the two courts were inadequate for the activities.
“On a normal training day, the space is inadequate, and with us celebrating World Squash Day, that demand for space became more visible with the wider Squash fraternity showing up,” Glasgow said.
Despite the challenges for space, Glasgow prefers to have a demand rather than having to seek out players.
A game of Twister was part of the day’s activities.
“We are growing. I am happy that more and more youngsters are showing interest in Squash and that augurs well for the posterity of the sport,” Glasgow highlighted.
World Squash Day was founded on September 11, 2001, with Alan
Thatcher the leader play in recognizing the day.
The day was observed as a memorial to honour Squash players who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack in the USA.
Smashers is the First Division Champion
SMASHERS WERE CROWNED THE National Lotteries Authority (NLA) First Division 50 overs Champions, when they defeated Vee Jays North Windward by 3 wickets in the finals at the Sion Hill playing field last weekend.
Scores: Vee Jays North Windward made 203 from 35 overs, Veno Dasouza 59, Javan Richardson 20, Drumo Toney 42, Nurlon Williams 3 for 46, Javid Harry 3 for 35 and Kezworth Joyett 2 for 25. Smashers in reply reached 204 for 7 from 30 overs with
Smashers secured yet another First Division title
Imran Samuel 49, Kezworth 43, Renrick Williams 48 and Denson Hoyte 4 for 34.
I.B.A. ALLEN
MPOC Established
Continued from Backpage.
“On September 29, we went to Parliament and passed the port restructuring Bill, which seek to establish MPOC which would oversee the daily operations, I would like to stress that this is a 100 percent government owned company,” Browne said. She gave some insight into the future plans of the port project which is expected to include the relocation of the Grenadines wharf and the schooner facilities.
“Which will make way for an urban renaissance where we can then make way for the development of hotels, cultural centres, shopping, eateries for both locals and visitors alike,” Browne said. She added that there is the proposed expansion of the cruise ship terminal, which presently has its challenges and inefficiencies.
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A NEW ENTITY, the Modern Port Operating Company (MPOC) will oversee the day-to-day operations of the modern port facility when it becomes operational.
The new entity was officially established on October 13 following the passing of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority (Restructuring) Bill which was debated in Parliament on September 29.
This means that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority (SVGPA) will now become a regulatory body for all the ports across the country.
According to Carl James, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SVGPA, the Port Authority which has overseen both the regulation and operation of the ports is now shifting into the position as the independent
According to Carl James, CEO of SVG Port Authority, The Modern Port Operating Company (MPOC) will be responsible for the operations of the Modern Port (shown above) when it becomes operational.
Right: Senator Benarva Browne, Minister of Urban Development, Energy, Seaports etc.
port regulator and will be responsible for the oversight and implementation of policies.
He explained the reason for the change saying that having a clear separation between the regulator and operator introduces clearer accountability.
And it was a best practice and a model that is employed around the world.
“Today we are entering into a new era defined by technology, efficiency and global competitiveness,” James said during a press briefing.
He added that this latest development marked the start of a major transformation in how trade, logistics and maritime services are managed in the country.
James said that the transition was ongoing.
“And we will be working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a
smooth, coordinated process that maintains safety, continuity and service reliability,” he continued.
As part of the mandate, MPOC will manage the cargo terminal and the other operations at the modern port facility which es expected to become operational on October 25.
The new company will also oversee the schooner operations at the existing port, the cruise ship facility, the ferry terminal, the commercial parking facility and all the other smaller ports throughout the entire country.
Regarding current employees, James said that they will be transferred to the new operating company with their full accrued rights, benefits and entitlements intact, inclusive of seniority and pension.
“They have undergone a lot of training and upskilling,” the CEO said.
Senator Benarva Browne, Minister of Urban Development, Energy, Seaports etc. said that the opening of the modern port and the establishment of MPOC represented one of the most transformative milestones in the country’s maritime history.
