THE VINCENTIAN PDF-21-08-26

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026

VOLUME 120, No. 34

“Buju” moves up Page 2

Ex-Constable cleared Page 4

Below: The area of Middle Street that was the scene of two shooting incidents – Aug. 14 and 15.

CCJ President responds Page 10

The area that is home to the unoccupied China Town General Merchandise Store (pictured) and Cinerama has become a haven for drug users and homeless people.

EC$1.50

Taiwan $$ for Bank Page 18

The disclosure by the police said that several persons were inside an establishment on Middle Street, Kingstown, when a man entered the premises and allegedly opened fire on the patrons. A 25-year-old woman of Gunman receives blows Lowmans Leeward sustained a gunshot injury to her left Police reported that arm. She was treated at the investigations are ongoing into Milton Cato Memorial a shooting incident that Hospital and discharged. occurred at approximately According to the police 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August statement, the patrons tackled 14, 2026. the gunman and wrestled the THERE IS NEVER A DULL MOMENT in the life of a committed police officer, and the five-day period of Friday, August 14 to Tuesday, August 16, 2020 can easily attest to this.

Police officers taking charge of the area in Middle Street, the scene of two shooting incidents.

www.thevincentian.com

Tackling debt, crime Page 28

firearm away from him. He did not go unattended, it appeared, because before the police took charge of the crime scene, the assailant had received several impacting blows about his body. He was taken to the hospital where up to Monday he was still a patient at the MCMH, under police guard. A .38 revolver was handed over to the police. Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN

News

Movement in the RSVGPF: „Buju‰ moves up Trevor ‘Buju” Bailey takes up an acting appointment as CoP during what citizens are saying is an upsurge in crime. Right: Junior Simmons, who has had increased exposure in recent times, begins an acting appointment as Deputy CoP.

WHEN MR. TREVOR “BUJU” BAILey was appointed to act as Deputy Commissioner of Police on May 13, 2026, there was much speculation that this was just a period of “lying in wait”

before his elevation to Commissioner of Police (CoP). So said so done. Mr. Trevor Bailey has transitioned to acting Commissioner of Police effective August 17, 2026, taking over from

Brenton Smith will act as Assistant Commissioner of Police on his return to the Force after a period of selfimposed removal. Commissioner Enville Williams who has proceeded on seven months leave. Deputy CoP Frankie Joseph has also proceeded on pre-retirement leave. Williams was first appointed as Acting Commissioner of Police effective October 1, 2023, and was subsequently confirmed in the substantive post of Commissioner of Police around October 2, 2025. Another announcement made at his time said that Mr. Junior Simmons has been appointed to act as Deputy Commissioner of Police. Also effective August 17, 2026, Mr. Brenton Smith will act in the capacity of Assistant Commissioner of Police. According to a release from the RSVG Police Force, “These appointments form part of the arrangements being implemented to ensure continuity in the leadership, administration and operations of the RSVGPF during this period. Further administrative arrangements, including promotions, are expected to be implemented across the organisation and will be communicated at the appropriate time, the release said. The RSVGPF also confirmed at this time that a number of promotions within its various branches and services have been approved, with effect from June 22, 2026. The promotions involve personnel within General Administration, the Fire Department, the SVG Auxiliary Police and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service.

In total, the approved promotions comprise: • 19 personnel promoted to the rank of Sergeant; • 34 personnel promoted to the rank of Corporal; • 3 personnel promoted to the rank

of Petty Officer; • 3 personnel promoted to the rank of Leading Seaman. This represents 59 personnel across the respective branches and services of the organisation.

Since 2001, those filling the position of Commissioner of Police have been: * William Harry: Served from June 1, 2001, to January 12, 2006, after taking over following the retirement of Osborne Quow; * Keith Miller: Appointed in October 2006, serving a full term until retirement; * Michael Charles: Succeeded Keith Miller after reaching retirement age. * Renold Hadaway: Took over the leadership role following Michael Charles. * Colin John: Appointed acting in 2017/2018 and confirmed in December 2018, serving until late 2023/2024. * Enville Williams: Assumed leadership of the force (with recent acting adjustments under Trevor “Buju” Bailey proceeding into 2026.

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News 3

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. 3.

Busy five days for the Police Gunfire is reported to have disturbed the quiet early morning hours of Sunday, August 16, at Targets had a lucky the Grenadines Wharf. night A police release said that a firearm was The Royal Saint discharged at Vincent and the approximately 2:30 a.m. Grenadines Police Force at a motor vehicle as (RSVGPF) has confirmed persons were leaving the that it is also area. investigating a firearm THE VINCENTIAN incident which occurred understands that the on the night of Saturday, firearm was discharged August 15, in Middle as passengers were Street in the area of disembarking a yacht on Bonadie Supermarket which they had enjoyed a and adjacent groceries. boat ride. The police reported The targets have not that at approximately been identified but the 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, VINCENTIAN was August 15, 2026, two informed by a reliable men, aged 24 and 21, source that they could were outside an likely be related to a establishment when they businessman who was were reportedly fatally shot at his home approached by a masked in May 2025. man armed with a What was confirmed firearm. was that a 17-year-old According to female sustained a preliminary information, gunshot injury and was provided to the police by transported to the Milton witnesses, the armed Cato Memorial Hospital, individual attempted to where she received discharge the weapon medical treatment and but n it appeared not to was hospitalized. be operational. When it did become functional, he Shooting in Chateau fired several shots but by this time the two men And before they could had fled the area. even think of resting, Neither man was police officers were called injured. A motor vehicle out to a shooting in the in the area sustained vicinity of Plan Village, damage to its front Chateaubelair, during windscreen consistent the early hours of with gunfire. Monday, August 17, The masked individual 2026. was last seen leaving the At approximately 1:00 area in the direction of a.m., police responded to the SOL gas station and a report of a shooting Paul’s Avenue. incident and discovered a Investigations into man with apparent both incidents are gunshot injuries. ongoing. At this time, the The injured man was police has informed the initially rushed to the public that no connection Chateaubelair Smart is being made between Hospital for medical the shooting incident attention, but was that occurred on Friday subsequently transferred and this one. to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Gunfire at the (MCMH), where he Grenadines Wharf remains warded and is receiving medical Continued from Frontpage.

treatment. Investigation are ongoing in this case and while the police have been mum as they pursue their investigations, residents in the area point to the shooting as a “reprisal”.

Homicide 32 As fate would have it, it did not take long into his acting tenure as Commissioner of Police (CoP) for Trevor ‘Buju” Bailey to have his first homicide file placed on his desk. Nothing strange for the man who has been tasked for some time now with heading the crime fighting apparatus of the Police Force. Yes, Acting CoP Bailey and his officers have begun investigations into the death of Mark Shallow, said to be 54 years old and residing in Kingstown but was a native of Georgetown. On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Police responded to a report of a shooting incident in White Chapel, in the vicinity of Cinerama and China Town but now out of business and rundown. Upon arrival, Shallow was found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a District Medical Officer. Apparently a lone gunman had swooped down on the area, did his bit and made good his escape by way of the McKies Hill public road. Shallow was one of those “unfortunates” who had taken up residence in the area of the abandoned Cinerama and China Town buildings. The “community” there is said to include drug

The guardhouse at the Grenadines wharf and open gate leading to the main ferry jetty at Kingstown. addicts and many homeless adults. Shallow was believed to be a drug user and was well known to law

officers and the courts here, he having chalked up a number of charges and court appearances for drug possession and

acts of violence. His death brings to 32 the number of homicides in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this year.

VEEP & BERRy Launches Perception Survey to Gather Public Feedback on Stakeholder Engagement THE VOLCANIC ERUPTION EMERGENCY PROJECT (VEEP) and the Beryl Emergency Resilient Recovery Project (BERRy) are conducting a perception survey by telephone through August 21, 2026, to gather feedback from beneficiaries and community members on their experiences with the project’s stakeholder engagement process. The survey is designed to measure citizen satisfaction with access to VEEP & BERRy’s information, awareness of project activities, opportunities for participation and dialogue, and the effectiveness of the project’s engagement mechanisms. The VEEP was established in response to the 2021 La Soufrière volcanic eruption while, BERRy was established in response to the 2024 impact of hurricane Beryl. Both projects support the Government’s efforts to provide short-term income support, strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacity, and build back better critical services affected by the eruption. Feedback gathered through the

survey will help the VEEP & BERRy Project Management Unit and key stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of citizen engagement and identify areas for improvement. Persons selected to participate are encouraged to provide honest independent views by rating their responses on a scale of 1 to 5, ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. All responses will be treated as confidential. The survey will not automatically collect personal information, such as names or email addresses, unless voluntarily provided by the respondent. Both VEEP & BERRy are encouraging beneficiaries and community members contacted by telephone to participate and share their views. Their feedback will contribute to strengthening communication, transparency and citizen engagement as the project continues its work to support a more resilient Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. (Submitted)

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Police Officer cleared of theft charge

Offences Court on March 31 to answer the theft charge, he was denied bail after Prosecutor Renrick Cato informed the Court that the police were investigating reports of attempted murder and firearm possession in which Arrindell was a person of interest, and that he could obstruct those investigations if granted bail at that stage. However, on Arrindell’s return to that Court on April 7, Prosecutor Cato said he Dismissed P.C. Constable Phillip Arrindell and his lawyer was no longer objecting to bail, Grant Connell after the theft charge against Arrindell was stating that while the withdrawn. investigations into the reports Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS EC$1,500, belonging to Jadial of attempted murder and firearm possession were Riffin of Villa. A POLICE OFFICER who had The black Suzuki Swift car ongoing, Arrindell will be unable to hinder the rest of been facing a theft charge for remote belonging to Riffin, those investigations. As a almost five months, during were among several (Court) result, Chief Magistrate Colin which he was dismissed from exhibits that reportedly went John grated bail in the sum of his duties, was cleared at the missing between Kingstown Calliaqua Magistrate’ Court on and Calliaqua, between March $3,000 with one surety, and transferred the matter to the Tuesday, after the Director of 15 and 20, 2026. Public Prosecutions (DPP) Some of these exhibits were Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court. Interestingly, to date, withdrew the matter. reportedly recovered, including Arrindell was never charged Constable Phillips Arrindell the key. was charged with stealing a When PC Arrindell initially with attempted murder or firearm possession, and there Suzuki (remote) key valued at appeared at the Serious

has been no indication as to whether those investigations were ever completed. His lawyer Grant Connell has described the reasons given for objecting to bail as non-existent, and said they were only used by the Prosecution to get the Court to deny Arrindell bail on the theft charge. The theft matter was called at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court on April 13, and was adjourned on several occasions. At the last hearing on May, when the prosecution requested yet another adjournment, Connell asked the Court to grant a long one for the Prosecution to get their house in order, so that the matter could be properly ventilated. Presiding Magistrate at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court, John Ballah, granted a final adjournment to Tuesday, August 18, and ordered that the Prosecution and Defense have all their witnesses present on that date. However, when the matter was called on Tuesday, Prosecutor Devon Bute informed the Court that the

Prosecution intended to call 14 witnesses, but only one of those who were summoned was present. Connell, though, informed the court that the defense was ready since the last hearing in May. He said Arrindell suffered at the hands of the police and had been remanded to prison initially on the theft charge, as the Prosecution has said the police were investigating him in connection with reports of attempted murder and firearm possession. However, to date, no charges were ever laid in connection with those allegations, and there has been no indication as to whether those investigations were ever completed. He sked the Court to dismiss the theft matter. Ballah, however, stood down the matter for the Prosecution to have their witnesses present. When the matter was recalled a few minutes later, Bute informed the Court that, acting on instructions from the DPP, he was making an application under Section 68 of the Criminal Procedure Code, for the theft charge to be withdrawn. The Magistrate allowed the application, and discharged the defendant.

Ex- Police Officer to sue the state DISMISSED POLICE CONSTABLE, Phillip Arrindell, the police officer who was cleared of a theft charge on Tuesday, may soon take legal action against the state for damages he suffered after the charge was brought against him. Arrindell’s attorney Grant Connell made the confirmation to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, shortly after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) withdrew the matter. Arrindell, for almost five months, was facing a charge of stealing a Suzuki key, valued at EC$1,500, belonging to Jadiel Riffin of Villa, between March 15 and 20, 2026. Connell said that he had already served notice on the Attorney General (AG), and (then) Commissioner of Police Enville Williams, on

Arrindell’s behalf, stating his intention to take legal action against the state. Connell noted that three months had already expired since the notice was served, and therefore, he could now proceed with legal action in accordance with the Public Officers Protection Act, Chapter 276, Section 3 of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Revised Edition 2009. Connell said his client has suffered severe damages, including damages to his character, since the police brought theft charges against him. The lawyer highlighted that Arrindell was initially remanded to prison after being denied bail, this after the Prosecution told the Court that Arrindell was being investigated in

connection with reports of attempted murder and firearm possession, but to date, he was never charged with any of those offences, and there is no indication that these investigations were ever completed. Connell described them as nonexistent. He said that after the theft charge was brought against Arrindell, he was suspended from duties with no pay. However, the (then) Commissioner subsequently sought to modify this in a letter to Arrindell, dated April 16, stating that his earlier suspension on “half pay” effective March 30 was lifted, but the letter went on to say that Arrindell was subsequently dismissed from his post as a police officer with immediate effect. In the letter, the (then) Commissioner

stated that Arrindell was found to be wanting in character, and unfit to be a member of “this noble profession.” Connell said Arrindell had received the letter of dismissal on May 12, while the theft natter was still before the Court. In fact, Arrindell was at that time, at the Calliaqua Magistrate’ Court in connection with that case. Connell further told THE VINCENTIAN that when Arrindell received the letter, the defense had already served notice on the AG and the (then) Commissioner of Police, stating their intention to take legal action against the state. “I trust that with the new leadership of the police force, headed by newly appointed Acting Commissioner of Police, Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey, wisdom will surface, and

certain actions taken to attempt some form of damage limitation in this matter.. They tried to destroy my client’s character,” Connell said. Arrindell told THE VINCENTIAN, “This is an unfair situation, and I commend my lawyer 100 percent for going above and beyond his call of duty to accommodate me.” Arrindell further declared that he was never connected in any way to the theft of the key, and he believes that the charge was brought against him because of a personal vendetta by (then) Commissioner Williams. “I can’t sit down and

Dismissed Police Constable Phillip Arridell is not taking his ordeal sitting down. accept what has been done to me. They tried to destroy my character. I am asking for an immediate apology from the RSVG Police Force, starting with their Facebook page, and my lawyer will do the rest,” Arrindell added.

V Dennie gets suspended sentence Court 2

but the sentence was suspended for one year. He was however, reprimanded and discharged for possession of four rounds of 9mm ammunition without license. He had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was found guilty at the conclusion of a trial at the Serious Offences Court on September 23, 2025. He was slated for It took some time but sentencing on Ozari Dennie was October 2, 2025. He was eventually sentenced represented by attorney for gun and ammo Michael Wyllie. possession. However, when Dennie returned to the by HAYDN HUGGINS Serious Offences Court on October 2, he was AFTER BEING HELD represented by former RECENTLY on a bench Prosecutor at the Office warrant in relation to a of the Director of Public firearm and ammunition Prosecutions (DPP), matter before the Court Richie Maitland, now since November, 2024, attached to Fredericks Ozari Dennie has received Attorneys. a suspended sentence in Maitland made an connection with that application to the Court matter. for Dennie’s conviction to Appearing before be quashed, and that he Magistrate John Ballah be granted bail, pending at the Calliaqua an appearance before Magistrate’s Court on another Court. Tuesday, Dennie, the son Chief Magistrate Colin of former lawyer/ John allowed the Magistrate Olin Dennie application, ordered a (deceased), pleaded retrial, transferred the guilty to the both matter to the Calliaqua charges. He was Magistrate’s Court, and sentenced to two years granted Dennie bail in and six months in prison the interim. for possession of a 9mm Maitland’s pistol, without license,

applications was made in open court, but followed a private meeting in the Magistrate’s Chambers. He did not give the Court reasons for his application, and declined to comment when contacted by THE VINCENTIAN, saying that the matter was sensitive. But Dennie did not turn up for the retrial, resulting in him being arrested on a bench warrant, and his bail being revoked. Dennie subsequently applied to, and was granted bail by the High Court, but he again breached his bail conditions, and could not be located. As a result, the police recently released a wanted notice for him, and he was subsequently taken into custody. He changed his pleas on the firearm and ammunition matter from not guilty to guilty when he appeared at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, and the matter was stood down for sentencing. Dennie was unrepresented during his sentencing hearing later that morning, but attorney Grant Connell was seen assisting him earlier. Following his conviction at the Serious Offence Court on September 22, 2025, Dennie told the Court that he had been suffering from serious medical issues for several years, underwent surgery to remove kidney stones, and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (a bowel disorder), as well as prostate related problems. Dennie was arrested at around 10:15pm on November 29, 2024 at Arnos Vale, in the vicinity of KFC and the St. James School of Medicine. A search of his person revealed the loaded gun at his waist.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN

Views 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

Violent Crime, Guns, a New Order UP UNTIL MAYBE two or so decades ago, this country was counted among the Caribbean countries with relatively low levels of homicide and a related low level of gun-related crime. The facts show that our homicide rate (much of it gun-related) has increased to a level that we now rank among the highest in the extended region. Just consider the reality: four separate, brazen shooting incidents reported across the country as recent as between last week Friday and Sunday. Do we hear ‘Wild West’? What is irrefutable is that we have been grappling with a surge in gun violence over the last two or so decades. This country shows 40 homicides in 2025, a reduction from the 54 recorded in 2024, and 32 as of Aug.18, 2026. And while official authorities have not published, (or prefer not to for whatever mundane reason) a final disaggregated breakdown exclusively isolating gun-related homicides for the years 2025 and 2024, the recent (historical) trends in the country indicate that the vast majority (over 80—90%) of violent homicides are driven by firearm use, played out in broad daylight by and among warring factions in a youthful sector of the population drawn into serving the interest of those involved and in control of contraband trade, and the ‘lucrative’ cocaine trade in which this country is a strategic point and part. Interestingly, the gun-related homicides while once seemingly ‘confined’ to sporadic actions and locations, are now in a period of reprisals for lost turf, earnings and fallen comrades, and have become brazen in their expression as can be seen in the ‘Harbour Club Five’ of July 2023 and the more recent ‘China Town Three’ of July 2026. They are no longer “planned before execution”. There is no longer any regard for location and collateral damage. We must admit the underlying buttress for the rise in violent, gunrelated incidences of crime here is what is the seemingly unencumbered availability of firearms (of all sorts) and the ease with which they end up in the hands of young people, who,

unfortunately, are the ones who are enticed/paid to make them work for the purpose for which they are made, i.e. to kill. And in this regard, if we are concerned about the increase in violent (gun-related) crime here then we must support legitimate lawenforcement action to ‘sus out’ where the guns are stored, who is responsible for their entry, who is in whose pocket so as to facilitate their entry, porous coast line or not. The adage “guns are not manufactured here” is becoming trite. We have got to go beyond that by, among other things, making it so ‘punishable’ for those caught with illegal firearms that young people will think twice about wanting to miss out on the joys of their youth. Is it inhumane to consider crime by association as a far as gun possession is concerned? On the other hand, we must make it exciting, and rewarding for young people to remain on the right side of the law by: ensuring a school system that recognizes ability, creativity (being different); molding a society so that it offers equal opportunity not favouritism; fair terms of employment with appropriate/adequate recompense, when the time comes; clear paths of advancement and promotion founded on the principle of meritocracy. And now that there has been a more precise and profound changing of the guard, so to speak at the Royal SVG Police Force, we are to expect a reordering of not only the methods of policing but the general modus operandi of our law enforcement agency. So the media look forward in this war against violent crime and crime generally, for a clear order of understanding as it relates to a relationship between the police and the media. Early attempts if we recall, to forge this seems to have faltered along the way for reasons very many to mention. And we look forward to a fair, impartial and above-board application of the law, regardless of who has political clout and connection and the ‘devil incarnate’, money.

The way we do business LAST WEEK, I was reminded of an old saying I hoped had been downgraded to an urban myth: “It is not what you know but who you know.” As an eternal optimist in our growth and development, I was once again disappointed that these symptoms of low-level corruption still ring true. While this experience was in the Bahamas, my second home, it just felt like I was back in SVG in so many ways. It was a tough lesson I hoped to avoid. For three weeks, I tried to follow “the book,” but I finally gave in. Every government office my wife and I visited to try to complete the final stages of rebuilding her mom’s house, destroyed by a fire a few years ago, told us something was wrong with our plans. Or we missed a step or two in the process. The funny thing is, no one told us what was wrong or what steps were missed. My reaction was, we are where we are, so what do I have to do to correct the mistakes? No one had a straight answer. Feeling helpless and frustrated, we called a few friends for guidance; they then called a few of their friends in the system, and then everything started to happen. So sad. All I have to say at this point is that a country that runs on contacts is a country that no longer believes in itself. Gone are the days when all we had to do was provide our children with a strong sense of self and point them in the right direction–giving them a “ladder” to climb and the discipline to overcome challenges. When did we stop teaching our children that the ladder is no longer necessary? In fact, it seems like the ladder has been pulled, feels like it is no longer needed, and the road is no longer safe. The promise that hard work and dedication are all you need to succeed is a thing of the past. Every day it becomes clearer that the proverbial ladder to success is no longer true. The ladder was pulled, and the road to achieving anything you need runs through a network of acquaintances. Contacts, who you know, are the new ladder. Whenever a contract unfolds as everyone expects it to, as the way to get things done, without a good

reason, it reinforces the idea that it’s not what you know, but who you know. When efforts stop producing outcomes, healthyminded people give up trying. That isn’t laziness; it’s a learned behavior called learned helplessness. While my most recent experience of this low-level corruption is in another country, I can assure you that it happens in SVG as well. I cannot help but reflect on our Prime Minister, Dr. Friday’s recent visit to the Republic of China (Taiwan) and how, on his first official visit, he asked for debt relief. Relief from debt that, while serving in parliament as opposition leader, he had no objection to. He did this before, presenting a plan to the nation for how he would lead us out of the debt crisis we are currently facing; he is “out there” begging on our behalf. I don’t know about most of you, but as a proud Vincentian, I stand willing and ready to work our way out of debt and into a more prosperous future. By the way, we have been paying between thirtyfive and forty cents of current revenues to service our debt for more than five years now. We did this without a credit crisis. Next up on the list of who you know rather than what you know is the recent reshuffling at the police department. Please don’t confuse my comments; they are not meant to support anyone in or out of the revolving chair of Police Commissioner. True reform in the police department will not come by shuffling the chairs on deck. And it certainly won’t happen without a truly transparent process of hiring someone for what they know rather than who they know. Or, in this case, which party they support. Again, I am calling for a full and transparent recruitment process to hire our next Commissioner of Police. Given the politicization of the police department, we need to open recruitment to anyone in our region or Vincentian in the diaspora. Horatio

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. 7.

Letters

Keeping an eye on SVG ÂganjaÊ

figures of how the industry is playing out so that we do our bit to support it. By the way, I might be wrong nut I haven’t seen any reference to DEAR MR. EDITOR: taken steps towards than suck up to those small amount be Some time ago when the realizing a medicinal registered buyers who “exported” to Germany, I ‘ganja lounges” or the like in our tourism discussion on ganja industry. want to bargain for the have not heard of any promotions. ‘decriminalizing ganja’ What I have not lowest price? significant exports of This is just my bit and the move towards a heard, is how many It would be interested ganja from SVG. as someone who is medicinal ganja industry traditional ganja farmers to find out what is the I know there is was being discussed, I have become registered going price that those something happening for close to Vincies in New York and have followed submitted a letter which with the Cannabis licensed to operate ganja in SVG and it has the trail of ganja you published. In that Commission, making laboratories, pharmacies, the potential to be good. throughout the letter, I offered support them legitimate growers even lounges where ‘big But those of us who Caribbean. for the effort St. Vincent and suppliers of the shoots’ can have a support what is the Grenadines (SVG) herb. While I have not smoke. happening in SVG, need Miguel, NY was making and said heard anything official in And other than a very to know that facts and then, that it could this regard, I continued become the first to read about the arrest Caribbean country and charging of ganja (maybe with the farmer and ganja people exception of Jamaica) o for illegal cultivation, honoured especially by IT HAS BEEN SOME sport association to find relatives, (I wonder put ganja into possession of ganja, and what St. Martin’s TIME, Mr. Editor, since I the CDD. And the ULP and answer to that mainstream SVG – intent to traffic ganja. question. “Keylee’ my Secondary did in his last submitted anything administration loved to industry and commerce. I am aware that ganja for publishing. I hope hand our boy, rest in the safe honour? If I recall well, my has not been Ambassadorships for hands of the Lord. My Thanks. Mr. Editor this meets you, your primary concern in that decriminalised in SVG. Sport and Culture and condolences to his wife, family, and the letter was that whatever However, given the children, and other Garnet. NY management and staff of more, and we have to was done, whatever form frequency with which add to those that still THE VINCENTIAN in or shape this industry ganja farmers/people are good health. come down from would take, that the brought before the court, There are a number of Buckingham Palace. hundreds of traditional is this an indication that issues about home which I want to say, I hope ganja farmers, who had ganja farmers do not before anyone says it bother me but I will long kept the economy of faith in this medicinal publicly, that two men never be able to deal SVG going, would ne be industry? That gnaja must be given year-long with all. excluded. farmers prefer to test the I want though, to raise recognition for their Much has happened law (not get caught) and contribution to Vincy one that is very recent. since my letter; SVG has get a much higher price Mas. They are Bertram DEAR EDITOR, How many Vincentians “Molly” Arthur and home and abroad took Doctor Franklyn Disturbing stories about the Caribbean Court of note of the fact that at Justice, CCJ, continue to trigger various least five ministers of the “Frankie” McIntosh. In responses, some emotional, some politically Government of SVG were short, Mr. Arthur guided the process through the charged. out of state at the same formative years after the May I share a response which I consider to be time: Prime Minister change in 1977. He was balanced and also reflecting my position on the Dr. Godwin Friday, his matter. Attorney General Louise the first chairman of the new carnival. Dr. It comes from an article by seasoned Caribbean Mitchell, Foreign Affairs Frankie McIntosh with diplomat Ronald Sanders who writes inter alia: Minister Fitz Bramble his ingenuity as a “What is required is an independent and credible were all in Taiwan for musician and musical examination through the appropriate governance Dr. Friday’s first official arranger only brought mechanisms of the Court. Such a process must visit there; and Security the music of Vincentians protect the rights and dignity of Justice Minister St. Clair to the world but did so Anderson, his judicial colleagues and all others Leacock and Youth and by taking it to higher concerned, while establishing the facts and Culture Minister heights even as he help determining whether the Court’s procedures and Kaschaka Cupid were to elevate the work of so safeguards require strengthening.” seen frolicking in New many calypsonians York during the annual across the region, not Sincerely, Vincy Picnic in New least being Trinidad and Maralyn Ballantyne LL.B. Hons. York. I understand that Tobago. Minister Cupid was in I know there are New York a promotion of others who in the spirt of Vincy Mas 2027, the our carnival and culture 50th anniversary of the well deserve our change to a June-July recognition. But, we * IF ANYTHING WAS Finance have the sole Carnival. Does anybody must make a start and ORGANISED HERE to authority to declare a know whether so many we can say we did our mark World Steelband VAT Free Day or is minister were out of the best starting with these Day? there a parliamentary state at the same time. two deserving sons of the * Will the RSVG process he must clear And I wonder how much soil. Police Force investigate before doing so. the travel bill was. Before I end, you will that sexual matter * Has there been an On the score of Vincy allow me, Mr. Editor, involving an officer and increase in street mas 2027, score allow just a bit more space to an alleged rastaman a vendors over the last 12 me to say a few things. I recongise my schoolmate video of which has been or 20 months? know we like to honour Woodrow “Keylee:” making the rounds on * Why are people people back home. Williams. What a gentle social media? saying if you want fish Seems we look for people soul he was . He went * Will those “ancient” you should go to the in all kind of placers to about his business with Rain Forest Shop at give them some honour. a silence that might have buggery laws ever be removed from our Law Calliaqua and not the Sad to say it, but many caused onlookers to Books? Calliaqua a Fish of us forget the number wonder what he did. * Dos the Minister of market? of people who have been You need only to ask any

Minister, Carnival and more

The CCJ: What’s needed

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

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Views

Praying without words

“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that—it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” — Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) CHARLES SPURGEON (1834-1892) is often regarded as the “Prince of Preachers”. He was one of the most influential Christian preachers of the 19th Century. Born in Essex, England, he experienced a profound conversion to Christ at the tender age of fifteen. Spurgeon was a dedicated preacher of the Gospel and also focused on preparing others for Christian service. Throughout his ministry, like the Apostle Paul, he emphasized the authority of scripture, salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and the necessity of prayer and holy living. He encountered numerous bouts of illness throughout his ministry but remained totally committed to preaching the gospel and pastoral care. Many of his parishioners and close friends described him as a dedicate prayer warrior. In its truest sense, prayer is conversing with God. While it is often associated with spoken words and carefully crafted sentences, it also embraces silent petitions formed in the mind — reminding us that words need not be spoken. God hears our thoughts. There are moments in life when words fail us. This may also occur during periods that we have dedicated to prayer. Joy may be too overwhelming to express as is the case when we experience the mountain top experiences having passed a difficult examination, given birth to a child after diagnosed as sterile, secured a substantial bonus, and so on. We may also appear speechless when encountering deep grief due to loss of a loved one through death or abandonment, loss of a job, business failure, betrayal of a close friend, and so on. At times like these we may readily discover that prayer is far more than speech. It is a soul yearning for God, even when words cannot be found. The feeling seems divine when there is silence and reverence in the presence of the Lord. He understands the silence and yearning of a parent who mourns the loss of a small child, a diabetic who is adjusting to the loss of a limb or the loss of sight, or a student who seeks to rebound from the failure of an important examination. The silence in God’s presence is not a sign of weak faith but often evidence of a heart burdened too heavy for utterances. However, our mighty God, who created the human heart, understands what cannot be spoken. The bible abounds with reassuring examples of prayers beyond words. We recall the Old Testament example of Hannah who was praying in the temple. She is described as moving her lips but no sound was heard as she poured out her heart in silent prayer. Those who were observing her actions clearly misunderstood what was transpiring, but God heard her plea and answered her petition. The Apostle Paul, who wrote more than half of the New Testament, reminded believers, in Romans 8:26, that “the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings

which cannot be uttered”. We are reassured and comforted to know that when our words appear insufficient or inadequate God’s Spirit continues to communicate our deepest needs to our Heavenly Father. He hears our unspoken words and responds to our groanings and longings. Moments of awe and gratitude can also usher in periods when words appear inadequate or unnecessary as we pray. A parent who previously had been diagnosed as sterile but subsequently received the good news that a child was on the way can identify with the resulting nostalgia emerging from such an experience and how this “fantastic news” may have resulted in speechless prayers of gratitude. Or consider an anxious student who needed a miracle to be able to afford a university education and, against great odds, received the good news that a full scholarship had been approved. Such moments of joy could usher in moments of wonder, thanksgiving, and reverence as words seem deficient. The New Testament records several instances where Jesus Christ withdrew from the crowds to solitary places where he prayed. While the gospels capture some of His prayers, it is reasonable to believe that many sacred moments of fellowship with the Father ensued without a spoken word. We are encouraged by His example that reminds us that prayer does not require eloquence and is not measured by its length but by the sincerity of the heart. The foregoing should not encourage us to shorten the duration or reduce the frequency of our prayer life. Amidst life’s many distractions, we need to set aside the time to commune with God through prayer and meditation. This is especially critical as we seek to live lives that portray righteousness and integrity. Temptations will come but through regular prayer, meditation, and bible study we can live victorious Christian lives. Prayer, whether audible of inaudible, can make a significant positive difference in relation to how well we cope with life’s varied challenges. We are assured that God not only responds to our voices but also to our thoughts, tears, fears, and hopes. Finally, we are assured that God hears and responds to the prayers that are inaudible; where words are not spoken. Prayer is communing with God and does not require impressive language or lengthy utterances. In addition, we do not have to use the “King’s English” when communing with Him. He welcomes and appreciates genuine hearts that seek Him in faith. Sometimes that communication is established through silent tears. On other occasions the communication may occur through deep reflection. In such cases, words need not be spoken. We can be assured that God always understands and appreciates the language of the heart. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

Are our Diplomatic Relations with Taiwan worthwhile? ‘A country does not have permanent After 45 friends, only permanent interests.’ Lord years of Palmerston (1784 - 1865). relations with a nation ON MARCH 17, 2026, St Clair Leacock, estimated to our nation’s deputy prime minister and have USD 954 billion in foreign security boss, landed in Taiwan and told currency reserves and a bustling his host that St Vincent and the industrial base, Taiwan’s assistance to Grenadines wanted to forge relations with SVG is akin to giving trinkets. There is Taiwan that would strengthen and not a single income-generating, transform them from mere friendship to unemployment-busting, or policy those between family. curative endeavour for which we can The declaration, by Leacock, who is thank Taiwan. the governing New Democratic Party’s For more than four decades, Taiwan 1st vice president, was the clearest sign has done agricultural experimentation yet that the party intended to renege on in SVG. How has that scientific the expressed 2016 position, articulated application assisted us to grow better or by former leader Arnhim Eustace, that position us to attain food security? SVG on assuming power, an NDP has one of the largest seascapes in the government would break diplomatic Caribbean. Taiwan’s fishing trawlers, relations with Taiwan and establish ties sailing through our waters, have with the People’s Republic of China. harvested huge volumes of marine PM Dr Godwin Friday’s recent visit products, generating untold billions in to Taipei coincided with the 45th profits. Taiwan ranks among the anniversary of diplomatic relations world’s top distant-water fishing between the two countries. ‘Mr nations with over 1,100 vessels. Yet President, our relationship has evolved Taiwan never offered us a single to be more than friendship; it is Trawler or tangible training for our partnership,’ Prime Minister Friday fisherfolk. said at a cocktail reception to celebrate Yes, we receive about USD 4 million the milestone. annually to support the two youth Dr Friday traced the history of the internship programmes: the Support for relationship and the ways it has Education and Training (SET) and the benefited each country, and projected Youth Empowerment Service (YES). onto Kingstown-Taipei ties over the And then there are loans, loans and next five years. more loans. In PM Friday’s most recent ‘My hope is that when our countries visit, Taiwan offered a measly USD 2 gather for the 50th anniversary, we will million to support the development be able to say that our relationship has bank and a further USD 1.5 million for grown five years deeper, with new ways social programs. No word on the of interaction between our people and security support, including vehicles that governments.’ Security Minister Leacock requested We may never know why Mr Eustace during his March 2026 visit. made the surprised announcement When Taiwan cultivates a about the policy switch in 2016 shortly relationship in which one in every three after losing the 2015 election. Was the dollars of our national debt is owed to announcement to move to Beijing a it, that’s neither friendship nor reaction to his fourth consecutive partnership; that’s economic defeat, the unpatriotic incestuous strangulation. This is a relationship of relationship that Gonsalves cultivated servitude, and Taiwan loves it. with Taiwan or a clear-cut, wellWould relations with the People’s thought-out plan to bring our country in Republic of China be more beneficial? line with international diplomacy by Plain Talk can’t be sure, but we speak aligning with the People’s Republic of with scientific certainty when we China in anticipation of greater declare that it could never be worse. Of developmental prospects for our nation? the 14 CARICOM countries, only five, There were clues that the party was Belize, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint hedging its bets. In 2024, St Clair Lucia and St Vincent and the Leacock made the fanciful claim that Grenadines, seek partnership with Eustace’s pronouncement might have Taiwan. The People’s Republic of China, caused the party to lose the 2020 the industrial workhorse of the world, a elections. Before the 2025 elections, Dr scientific and technological wonder, the Friday waffled when asked if the party world’s second largest economy and the would maintain ties with Taiwan. nation that has lifted hundreds of Why did the NDP leadership get cold millions of Chinese out of poverty in the feet? Was it Taipei’s backing in the last 50 years, is recognised by 181 of the 2025 elections that swept the party into 192 nations with seats at the United power after 24 years in political Nations. wilderness or a response to the In a test of true friendship and vindictive and anti-developmental international solidarity, Venezuela, led dictates of the Trump regime? by Presidents Chávez and Maduro, Whichever the reason, Taiwan wins, loaned generously to SVG. In 2018, and SVG lumbers on. Venezuela forgave EC$81 million that For Taiwan, retaining Kingstown is was owed to the ALBA bank. In 2022, not trivial. SVG is one of only five President Maduro cancelled the Caribbean nations – and 12 worldwide remaining PetroCaribe debt of EC$189 – that maintain formal diplomatic ties million. with Taipei, a number that has shrunk PM Friday disclosed what he termed steadily. Since 2016, ten countries have as a ‘genuine willingness’ by Taiwan to switched recognition to Beijing. Each assist in easing SVG’s debt burden. If defection shrinks Taiwan’s diplomatic Taipei is serious, there was no better footprint and feeds a narrative of time or place for President Lai Ching-te inexorable isolation. to make a debt relief announcement than during PM Friday’s visit. The Scorecard The NDP should respectfully provide Taiwan with a guidepost for matching After forty-five years of relations Venezuela’s generosity. In parallel with with Taiwan, what does SVG have to these discussions, there must be show? St Vincent and the Grenadines’ conversations with Beijing seeking a debt is estimated at $3.5 billion. Our development package that makes Debt to Taiwan is conservatively switching worthwhile. estimated at $932 million. A reality, the After all, we must mature our foreign unpatriotic and former PM Gonsalves policy and live by the wise maxim ‘A gleefully described as a ‘hook in the gill’ country does not have permanent of our country. We maintain a debt-tofriends, only permanent interests.’ GDP burden of 113 percent. For every dollar we generate, nearly 40 cents goes Send comments, criticisms & toward debt servicing. suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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Regional

CCJ President denies panel fixing CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE PRESIDENT Justice Winston Anderson has mounted a sweeping defence of his leadership of the regional court, rejecting allegations that he manipulated judicial panels or sought to influence judgments while acknowledging that he may have handled some institutional disputes differently. In a nine-page statement issued on Friday, August 14, Anderson directly addressed a controversy that has shaken the Caribbean’s highest regional judicial institution following the publication of confidential correspondence involving CCJ judges. He described the unauthorised disclosure of internal court communications as the most troubling aspect of the episode, warning that the publication of confidential deliberations damages judicial collegiality and public confidence in the judiciary.

influence judgments and his involvement in Guyana’s prolonged failure to make substantive appointments to the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice. At the centre of the dispute is the question of how the CCJ should be administered while preserving the independence of individual judges. The controversy erupted publicly after reports based on internal correspondence alleged deep disagreements between Anderson and several of his judicial colleagues, including accusations of an authoritarian management style, concerns about judicial dress, changes to panels hearing cases and alleged attempts to influence judicial outcomes. The allegations have not been established as facts. Anderson rejects them. ‘The allegation is wholly untrue.’

Allegations untrue

Panel Fixing

But the substance of Anderson’s statement went considerably further. He responded individually to allegations concerning consultation, judicial attire, the composition of court panels, alleged attempts to

Perhaps the strongest portion of the President’s response concerns the accusation of “panel fixing”. Anderson said the allegation that panels were constituted or changed to obtain predetermined

Caribbean Court of Justice President Justice Winston Anderson has refuted the allegations that he has be shortcoming in his management of the Caribbean Court.

outcomes is “wholly untrue”. He said the composition of judicial panels has always been part of the President’s administrative responsibilities and maintained that the responsibility had historically been exercised to ensure the orderly, efficient and impartial administration of justice. The controversy centres particularly on D’Almada v The Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago et al, where a judge was removed from an interlocutory panel. Anderson’s explanation is that the judge was removed because of a disagreement over judicial attire–not because of the judge’s views on the case. According to the President, the judge had appeared in traditional national dress rather than the attire Anderson regarded as the established practice of the CCJ. Anderson said he had privately raised the issue with the judge but failed to secure an agreement that the established practice would be followed. He subsequently removed the judge from the panel hearing the preliminary application scheduled for July 2, 2026.

Anderson insists that the decision had nothing to do with the judge’s opinions, participation in conferences or expression of judicial views. He points to what happened afterward as evidence against the allegation of manipulation: the substantive matter was directed to be heard by the Full Bench, including the same judge who had insisted on wearing traditional dress. Anderson also said that following the interlocutory hearing, all five judges had unanimously agreed that leave should be granted for the substantive matter to proceed. He nevertheless acknowledged that the controversy exposed the need for clearer rules. Going forward, he said, every CCJ judge will sit on every panel unless the judge legitimately opts out and is excused.

Dress Code The dress-code dispute that triggered the wider controversy. The dispute over judicial attire is one of the most unusual elements of the crisis. Anderson said the CCJ’s founders intended to maintain the Caribbean tradition of judges wearing robes during court proceedings. Over time, he said, bench jackets became accepted for interlocutory and chamber matters, while business attire was used when judges were not robed. The President said the issue became more contentious after a judge appeared in traditional national dress during proceedings

in December 2025 and again in April 2026. Anderson said he became concerned not only because of the departure from what he regarded as established CCJ practice, but also because he received concerns from senior judicial figures around the Caribbean. He subsequently directed a senior court official to prepare a proposed Judicial Dress Code. The draft was taken to the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, which agreed that it should also be circulated to the judges for their comments. Anderson says several opportunities were offered for consultation. A broader governance meeting was eventually held with the judges on July 25, followed by a written response from him on July 29. Importantly, the President does acknowledge that his handling of the matter may have been too forceful. He said he understood the view that he may have approached the issue “too strongly”, but maintained that he saw it as an institutional question involving the appearance, consistency and tone of the CCJ rather than a personal dispute with an individual judge. He also argued that if national dress is ultimately considered appropriate for judges, the region itself would need to determine what constitutes “national dress” in a Caribbean judicial context. That question, he suggested, should involve national courts across the region. (Source: Jamaica Gleaner)

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Lennox L. John: A large SVG societal boulder has gone

I AM HERE TODAY to join in saying farewell to our distinguished brother. He and I were students of the Grammar School. It is reasonable to say that those qualities which Lennox John exuded in his persona as an adult, were to a large degree, fashioned by the influence of the stimulating environment of institution. The staff were excellent. Lennox’s contribution to the development of his country has been remarkable. Although he was always positively driven, he was not a showman, but remained distinctly focused on realizing his objectives. His contributions to the welfare of SVG are well documented, particularly in the important areas of education and sport. His efforts in the area of sport would have been more impactful if the playing fields in the villages had been better serviced.

I would urge all Grammar School Old Boys to endeavour to strengthen our society like Lenox John did. We remember that shortly before he left office as Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had drawn attention to the fact that “too many of our citizens were going around carrying the agony of their circumstances printed on their faces, and he appealed to all citizens to effect the repairs. That call is still relevant today! From the mound on which I sit, I feel impelled to say, that on the evidence of the documented successes of the several important societal impactful projects which he had authored, Lennox John could have made a valuable contribution to the revitalizing of the useful “Local Government” apparatus, which our administrators had seemed to be seriously planning to effect two or three decades ago. A lot of the elementary issues impacting negatively the people, in the rural communities particularly, could be

more effectively addressed under the strong “LOCAL GOVERNMENT” umbrella. Allow me these few lines which were written when the Grammar School celebrated its one hundredth anniversary in March of 2008. We cannot all be The candle on the societal lampstand But each one of us can be A part of the surface of the box Upon which the match used To kindle tomorrow’s flame is scratched Therefore in the pursuit of our ideals Let us not be unmindful Of the travail of others For though we are all but straws Merely straws, in the winds of time We could be towers of strength To a brother or a sister in need One man by himself May not be able to dam the river But several men diligently working together Can effectively change the course of any stream Jehovah will provide the strength for Gill and the family to deal with the heavy loss. May our brother now rest in peace. LeRoy Providence

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Education

78 receive Police Scholarships/Bursaries

Corporate and Commercial, Kelton Henry, who brought a personal connection to the ceremony. Henry revealed that he was previously a recipient of a Police Scholarship and reflected on how the assistance contributed to his educational journey and eventual career in banking. He shared five principles with the students as they embark on their secondary school journey: developing The cohort of 2026 Scholarship and Bursary recipients with parents and reps of the contributing police organisations. strong interpersonal skills and personal SEVENTY-EIGHT YOUNG “Celebrating their families, sustain the programme. to remain focused during accountability; accepting VINCENTIANS who will difficult periods and to Achievements: Learning, communities and As the recipients constructive criticism; measure success not only choosing their company enter various secondary Growing and country. prepare for secondary by personal schools in September have Succeeding,” the Assistant school, Ballantyne carefully; maintaining a received scholarships and ceremony celebrated Commissioner of Police encouraged them to seek accomplishments, but balanced lifestyle; and also by the positive bursaries under an students who Hesran Ballantyne, who assistance when remaining grounded in impact they have on education support successfully completed delivered remarks on necessary, choose their faith. others. programme involving the the Caribbean Primary behalf of Commissioner influences carefully and The speakers also President of the SVG Royal Saint Vincent and Exit Assessment (CPEA). of Police Enville remain consistent in acknowledged the Ex-Police Association the Grenadines Police Speaking on behalf of Williams, said the their efforts. important roles played Lenroy Brewster also Force (RSVGPF), the SVG the Ministry of awards recognised the “A setback is by parents, guardians, Ex-Police Association and Education, Hannah students’ achievements information. Learn from described the initiative teachers and police the St Vincent and the Green-Harry while expressing it. Adjust. Try again,” he as an investment in the families in helping the recipients’ dreams, Grenadines Police Cocongratulated the confidence in their future advised. students reach this talents and potential. operative Credit Union. recipients and reminded potential. Vice-President of the stage. Brewster encouraged The students were them that achievement Ballantyne noted that Police Co-operative The annual ceremony the students to pursue recognised at the extends beyond grades, the Police Scholarship Credit Union Cecil reaffirmed the academic excellence organisations’ annual commitment of the qualifications and Fund was established in Straker described the while developing scholarship and bursary professional status. RSVGPF, SVG Ex-Police 1958 and has supported scholarships and character, discipline, Association and Police presentation ceremony She encouraged the generations of students. bursaries as both resilience and a Co-operative Credit on Thursday, August 13, students to remain He said the partnership recognition of the Union to education, at the New Testament curious, embrace with the Police Costudents’ hard work and commitment to service. The feature address youth development and Church of God on Wilson challenges and use their operative Credit Union, an investment in their was delivered by the continued support of Hill. education to make a which began in 2014, has potential. Held under the theme, positive contribution to He urged the students Republic Bank Manager families connected to the helped to strengthen and and Team Leader for police service. (KH)

SVGBLA commits to young people IN ANOTHER DEMONSTRATION of its commitment to assist with advancing education opportunities for young people here, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Building and Loan Association handed out three full scholarships and eleven bursaries to deserving students who will enter secondary schools in September. A presentation ceremony was held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the SVGBLA headquarters in Kingstown, under the theme: “Potential is only the beginning, own your story, build what comes next.”. The three recipients of the 2026 Association (SVGBLA) Scholarships are all males Akili Neverson, Bryce Dalzine and Jesiah Gibson. The trio who are heading to the St. Vincent Grammar

School, each gets $1200 per annum for Forms 1,2 and 3, $1400 in Forms 4 and 5 and extended for the two years at the SVG Community College. Dalzine and Gibson who present to lap up the occasion, gave their feeling on entering secondary school. Driven by an attraction to architecture, Dalzine wants to “do very well academically”, when he sets foot at the St. Vincent Grammar School. He is already charting his career pathway, as his favourite hobby is building structures from the hundreds of ‘lego blocks’ he has. Meanwhile, Gibson who has his eyes set on becoming a mechanic, is looking forward to his secondary school career. “I am looking forward to Grammar School, to get good grades, make new friends and have a good time”, the

soft- spoken Gibson highlighted. Neverson was reported to have been out of state. The eleven students who obtained bursaries included Xyrell Dopwell, Azora Douglas, Kezia Douglas, Asia Greene, Matteo Ince, Josiah Joseph, Amelia Lowman, Bella Myers, Amira Patrick, Amyrah Samuel and Amaia Waterstone. Additionally, the ceremony saw merit awardees from 2020 to 2025 receiving their annual assistance. The ceremony had as its featured speaker- Demion Mc Tair, Communications Expert, who implored those in his ear shot not to remain where they were are, but seek to realise their potential. “Each of you has a story,

Recipients of that SVGBLA merits awards, bursaries and previous awardees.

you have the potential. One of you could become the engineer who looks at the road problems we complain about everyday and say there is a better way; one of you could have that potential to make

that change. One of you change the way we do architecture. One of you could have what it takes to transform Education, Agriculture Tourism, you name it”.

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Music

Bajan, Vincy musicians combine Local musicians playing the national anthem.

Cultural Ambassador and Music Officer Darron Andrews setting the stage for the 2-week musical journey.

parents and guardians. Julian by a solo dancer in cultural The public is invited to two attire. Bowen, Director of JBMA, musical recitals featuring among other things To climax the opening some of these young musicians encouraged the students to ceremony, two teenaged at the Methodist Church Hall Barbadian contingent interact with each other and to Barbadian musicians thrilled on August 21 and 23, at 6PM form friendships that will last the audience with musical Right: Featured speaker, Cultural and 5 PM, respectively. for decades to come. pieces on the piano and cello, At the end of the musical Officer Maxine Browne. The featured speaker and following a vote of thanks and cultural exchange, the Cultural Officer Maxine by Mrs. Hazelann Sandystudents will present a full OVER FIFTY YOUNG BARBADIAN Browne -made it clear that she Bowen, the local press was and Vincentian musicians are considered music to be a invited to make use of a ‘photo recital. This is tentatively scheduled for August 28 at the expected to benefit from an vehicle to foster Caribbean op’ opportunity. Educational, Cultural and Music Several local music teachers Memorial Hall. unity. Plans are in the making to exchange programme, which is She had an interactive as well as parents of students a collaboration involving the delivery that unravelled the are participating in the 2-week switch the exchange with Vincentian musicians visiting Julian Bowen Music Academy Culture. components of music as she programme, during which Barbados in the summer of (JBMA) & Performing Arts from Darron Andrews, Cultural spoke briefly on each letter in there will be some breaks to Barbados, and Music educators Ambassador and Music Officer the word MUSIC, to make her allow the students to visit the 2027. from St. Vincent & the in the Ministry of Education, point, Grenadines as well as go on Grenadines. welcomed the participants, Her address was preceded tours on mainland St. Vincent. Donald De Riggs The Musical Exchange which runs for 15 days has the blessings from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture. The opening ceremony on THE ELITE Monday, August 17, 2026 STEEL featured the playing of the ORCHESTRA national anthem of SVG by has trained emerging Vincentian another musicians and formal thirty-seven addresses by officials from the young persons Ministries of Education and to play the steelpan and expose them generally to the significance of the steelband. From July 20 to August 14, the 2026 cohort gained Kesslon Wilson lauded the instructions in Some of the trainees showing off their wares on the steel pan. parents for choosing to send the rudiments their children to a steel pan grateful for those who were still, you could have sent them training programme. of executing and combining the notes on the various pans. part of the training, especially elsewhere, but you chose a pan-yard and I am grateful Imparting the knowledge to the parents and guardians. the audience with renditions “Thanks for sending your for that”, Wilson gleefully this year’s trainees were of the six songs learned over children out, giving them the commented. Kesslon Wilson, Roshaun the four -week period. Wilson in further lauding Peters, Gabriel Bess and Taya opportunity to get a musical Split into two groups, the education, for taking that parents and guardians King. trainees belted out admirably interest in them. I know that underscored that the musical ‘Happiest man alive’, ‘I Addressing the closing some of the parents just sent experiences were good, rather Believe in Miracles’, ‘the ceremony, held Friday, August 14, at the CW Prescod them out because they wanted than leaving them to their Reason’, ‘Way Make’, I know somewhere for them to go own devices. Primary School’s compound, who I am and What’s My while they go out to work, but The trainees then delighted Name. head facilitator- Wilson was Barbadian playing the cello.

Elite trains more young pannists

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Foreign Affairs

Taiwan hospital team to SVG The SVG delegation meeting with officials of the Mackay Memorial Hospital (MMH).

A TEAM FROM MACKAY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (MMH) is set to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines early next week, as part of a renewed partnership with the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH). Superintendent of MMH, Dr. Wen-Han Chang, told the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday, on Thursday that the hospital remains true to its founding principle of going where there is need. Prime Minister Friday, leading a ninemember delegation on an official visit to Taiwan, visited MMH to meet its leadership as the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines works to

complete the new hospital in Arnos Vale. Dr. Wade Tsai, Director of the Hospital Affairs Management Department at MMH, told Prime Minister Friday that the MMH looks forward to continuing this partnership with the new government in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, adding that MMH’s work is not influenced by politics but by its commitment to “go where there is need”. Dr. Tsai, who is among the team arriving in Kingstown early next week, said the mission will focus on the Health Information System (HIS). He noted MMH’s practical experience with HIS, adding that an engineer can design a system, but a nurse

managing multiple patients at 3 a.m. determines its practicality. Dr. Tsai said that MMH is ready to share its years of experience with MCMH to design a practical HIS for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Prime Minister Friday commended MMH for its work referenced,“We are now in the process of building a new modern hospital, which will require not just a beautiful big building, but we will require the skills, we will require the services, and we will require the kind of dedication to healing and making people better that you exemplify here at Mackay.” “There’s a lot we can share between us, and a lot we can learn from

you. I also invite you to continue the work you are doing.” The Prime Minister said he was especially pleased with MMH’s work in diabetes management, adding that hypertension and diabetes are serious problems in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He said too many people in their productive years lose limbs because of

diabetes, leaving them dependent. The Prime Minister also noted MMH’s work in emergency care management. He said that while people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also become ill with rare diseases that require specialised care, the small population makes it not cost-effective to maintain a system or facility to continuously cater to those needs.

Prime Minister Friday said Saint Vincent and the Grenadines therefore needs specialists to visit the country from time to time. “The continuing work that you do is deeply appreciated by the people of Saint Vincent and those who have benefited. For us, as the government, we want to extend our gratitude again for all that you do.” (Source: OPM)

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Diplomatic Relations

Taiwan to buy into Development Bank .”

He went as far as to say that the Taiwan government is looking at making a US$2m commitment towards assisting with capitalising the Bank. “… We can say there’s a commitment of at least 2 million U.S. dollars as a grant to help to capitalise the Bank, with other funding available and on soft terms,” Friday told reporters. He admitted, though, that his government would thread lightly in considering loans going forward. By way of an update President of Taiwan- Lai Ching-te (right) and on the Bank, the Prime Prime Minister of SVG Dr. Godwin Friday seemed Minister told the media to have managed to better understand their that the legal framework governments’ thrusts and look forward to for the Bank was already deepening the relations between the two in preparation. countries. The office of the Attorney General was THE NEW DEMOCRATIC which he was making his turning up the pace in PARTY’s concept of a first official visit, Prime this regard and once the National Development Minister and Minister of draft bill was ready, a Bank for this country has Finance Dr. Godwin series of consultations won favour with the Friday said that the will roll our across the Taiwanese government. Taiwanese “…are willing, country, including the Reporting on his very much so, to assist Grenadines return from Taiwan to us in the establishment

Using the opportunity of the new conference as he has done with other similar opportunities, Dr. Friday reiterated that the Development Bank is the answer to effectively addressing the bottleneck that exist in accessing capital for start-up business purposes or to even refinance an existing business, by ordinary Vincentians.” He assured that the Bank will adhere in its operations to commercial principles as it opens a window to small and medium size businesses. This he guaranteed, will make the entity a Bank and not a charity but it will be much more supportive to small businesses. There will be an environment of encouragement, of support, of mentorship, and so on to help these businesses, small businesses, to succeed., The PM said. He argued that the success of the NDB will

not be measured by dividends paid to the government, but by its impact on the wider economy. And in responding to concerns raised by multilateral (lending) agencies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country’s Finance Minister indicated that the Bank’s design would take into account concerns raised by the IMF about the governance of such institutions, and the risk of adding to government debt. And in addition to the likelihood of Taiwan financing for the development Bnak, Dr. Friday also reported that Taiwan has agreed to provide US$1.5 million annually in grant funding, to support a range of social and community empowerment programmes. Some of the funds will go towards providing seed (money) for the

constituency development fund. Women and young people are also expected to benefit from funds under this facility, ensuring that assistance is provided for productive undertakings rather than disbursed as handouts. “This is all, you know, very, very good opportunity for us to be able to, as we say, put money into people’s pockets by making them productive. So that if we invest $100, they can make $200 from it. That’s the way you do it,” he said. “The point is that what we’re trying to do is to put money in people’s pockets in very real ways… What you want is people earning, people finding ways in which they can make a decent living as they used to, and providing for themselves and their families. And we are looking for every opportunity to do that.” Friday emphasised.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. 19.

20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. 21.

Advice

Report him to the Court

Dear George,

EVEN THOUGH the Family Court has ordered him to pay, my child’s father as refused to pay child support… not a red cent. He told me that if I report him to them (Court), he will see to it that I do not get to see my son again. George this man is such an ignorant man; he does not deserve to be walking about free. All my plead for child support have gone unanswered. I need a solution.

all right to report him to the Court and let them handle it. Let him fight with Court; for one thing, he will be deemed to be in contempt of court for failing to obey the court order for which he will have to answer.

George

Frustrated Dear Frustrated, Any order from the Court must be obeyed. In your case since, you have

She’s a passing cloud and to be honest she caught my heart. George, this woman is I HAVE BEEN all I’ve been thinking MARRIED for 19 years about lately. I am close and promised from day to breaking my promise one, to never look at another woman. I have to my wife and it scares been doing good with my me. commitment until Head over heels recently. There is this woman Dear Head over heels, who crossed my path and saved me thousands You made a promise of dollars. Very recently to your wife and I we crossed paths again

Dear George,

strongly suggest you keep it. Do not allow a passing cloud to ruin your parade, in this case your marriage. That individual is nothing more than a passing cloud and should be allowed to pass quietly. Focus on who you have and who have been true to you over the years.

George

Turning to masturbation Dear George, I HAVE A VERY TENDER PENIS right now with a slight abrasion. My girlfriend thinks the reason for that is that I’ve been having sex with every skirt tail that passes my way. George, I am totally innocent but I am unwilling to tell her the real reason. The reason is that because of a lack of frequent sex with her, I have

started masturbating to relieve myself. What do you think I should do?

Worried Dear Worried, The truth is always the best option. Tell your girlfriend the truth, making a point to discuss the reason you have to turn to masturbation for gratification. The truth will have a better outcome that having her thinking you are sleeping around.

George

22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Children will be of major concern if you haven’t kept the lines of communication open. There could be opposition or temper tantrums on the home front. Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them. Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can make rewarding connections through the organized groups you associate with. Don’t hesitate to take short trips. Sit back and observe, regardless of how hard that might be. Avoid arguments with relatives who might be conservative and outdated.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don’t let someone talk you into parting with your cash unless you can truly see the benefits of doing so. Secret affairs will eventually backfire on you. You need a change and you need to earn more cash. Be careful not to hurt the ones you love. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Organization will be the key to avoiding discord and family feuds. Your mate may be distressed if you refuse to make a commitment. Take time to do something nice for yourself. One of your female friends may try to disrupt your day. Stand up for your rights.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You won’t be able to keep a secret. Now is a good time to ask for favors. Enjoy the company of relatives this week. If possible, rely on coworkers to back your objectives, and talk to superiors in order to get approval.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests. You can make wonderful contributions to any organization that you join. Ease the anguish by offering assistance. Any attractions toward clients will be one sided and must be put right out of your head.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with. Do the necessary chores and then do things that please you. Balance is required if you want stability. Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with. Your sensitive nature will allow others to read you well. Be precise in your communications to avoid any misunderstandings and arguments. If you can work at home, do so.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Try to concentrate on research and acquiring information that will be of value in your chosen field. You mustn’t give too much to your children. Take precautions while traveling; you don’t have to get anywhere that fast. Take a look at your legal position.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Communicate with relatives who may need advice in order to find solutions to their existing problems. Don’t let your jealousy be the reason for a decaying relationship. You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight. It will be important that you have your priorities straight.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You could meet an interesting individual you’ll want to get to know better. Romantic encounters will be full of excitement. Depression may be likely if you’re away from home. You might find that the extra cash will come in handy when an opportunity to invest comes along.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Be careful how you handle friends and relatives, they may take things the wrong way. You will be moody and react poorly to issues concerning your mate. Don’t get involved in other people’s private doings.

ACROSS 1. Full of unresolved questions 5. Hyrax 11. Melody 12. Newspaper executive 13. Deep wound 14. Nation in N North America 15. Outlast 17. Sparse fluid 18. If and only if 19. Allot 20. Anguish 23. Uncovered 24. Side 25. Unit of energy 26. Cardinal number 27. Silliness 31. Habituate 33. Extent of space 34. Facile 35. Liquid container 36. Opinion opposed to usual belief 37. Finishes DOWN 1. The vallian in

Othello great 2. German Mrs influence 3. Clenched 20. Join hand 21. Sewing 4. Worship of instrument Yahweh 22. Male goose 5. Decaf23. Brassiere feinated 25. Entrance 6. 6th month of the Jewish calendar 7. Transgression 8. Person of experience 9. Salt of iodic acid 10. Rubbed out 16. Newt 19. Person of

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. 23.

27. Frozen treats 28. Republic in SW Asia 29. Propend 30. Tibetan oxen 32. I have

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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN

SVG returns to Volleyball heights

ECVA Men’s Champions- St Vincent and the Grenadines. Shaun Young is sitting at extreme right, and Duane Daniel is 2nd from left middle row. ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES beat St Lucia 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-22) on Sunday, August 16, at the Tortola Multi Sports Complex, to champ the men’s segment of the 2026 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Tournament. It was a return to the pinnacle for the Vincentian men who last tasted glory in 2018, albeit with limited participation since. After overcoming Grenada 3-1 (2521, 23-25, 23-25, 25-18) and Antigua and Barbuda 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 25-22), the Vincentians lost to St. Lucia 1-3 (17-25, 25-17, 13-25, 22-25) in their last match of Pool A. However, St. Vincent and the Grenadines topped the pool, thereby setting up a semi- final versus

Bermuda, the second place in Pool, Saturday, August 15. This time, it was a straight case for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as they humbled their opponents 3-0 (25-10, 25-22, 25-20) to head to the gold medal match. Team officials -Shaun Young and Duane Daniel, both heaped praise on the grit and determination shown by the group. According to Young, “I really want to appreciate the team; it is a very positive team, the energy they brought on the court and off court. The support team was just as loud and just as important as the guys actually on the court of play. It was a very challenging

competition (but) we approached it in a very positive manner”. He explained further, “We were actually seeded 8th in the competition because we didn’t attend the previous competition and therefore, we were placed in a very challenging zone, one of those zones that has all the big teams, Grenada, St. Lucia Antigua, and we were able to pull through and finish top of that zone and went on to semifinals and into the finals.” He disclosed that their tentative start was due to the adjustments from an outdoor court to an air-conditioned indoor facility. Young indicated that after losing to St. Lucia in Pool play, they strategized better in the final, which paid dividends in the end. “Despite them beating us in the preliminary round, we were able to take it away in the final, when it really counted”, Young related. Daniel was grateful for the players’ response and approach to the realization to the title. “I want to thank the members; they know I put them through hell, they know that I was strict on discipline, punctuality. But there is a lesson, there is a life lesson in this even

though it is sport, what you put in is what you get out Jamaar Cropper – and anything is MVP of the possible with Tournament, commitment, another reason for with discipline celebrating the and practice”, 2026 Volleyball Daniel summed outing by SVG’s up. male senior team. Apart from winning the title, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Jamaar Cropper was the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, having taken the Best Scorer and Best Server awards. The Vincentian outfit was given a welcome ceremony at the Argyle International Airport on Monday, August 16, attended by government officials, including Minister of Youth, Sport, Culture and the Creative ArtsKaschaka Cupid. Having won the Tournament, SVG now eyes the opportunity to represent the ECVA at an international competition next year, in the USA or Canada, according to Young.

SVG celebrate their first ECVA championship win since 2018.

Two certified as National Referees

L-R: Nikita Campbell- Cumberbatch (left) and Rasheed Huggins receiving their certificates from Elvin Henriquez of ECVA.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION has enriched its capacity with the certification of Rasheed Huggins and Nikita Campbell Cumberbatch as National Referee, which also makes then eligible to officiate regionally. Huggins and CampbellCumberbatch completed the training course at the hosting of the 2026 Eastern Caribbean

Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior men’s and women’s championships, that ran from August 12 to 16, at the Tortola Multi- Purpose Sports Complex. During that period, Huggins and Campbell- Cumberbatch were among others from the ECVA region who received on court training. The course was conducted in three phases, had the participants doing online

sessions - July 12 to August 6 - and classroom instruction - August 10 and 11,. During the inperson classroom session, participants covered the Laws of the Game, match management, and officiating techniques. Brian Charles and Reginald Wiliamsburg were the facilitators of the course.

Apart from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Sint Maarten, Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda, Montserrat, St.

Eustatius, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the US Virgin Islands and Anguilla, were the other participating countries.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. 25.

Sports

Groups head to implementation stage the concepts to the participants where we look at the projects they plan to implement within their respective communities”, Wiggins said at the course wounded up. In his continued lauding of the six groups’ tenacity and commitment, Wiggins

Representatives of the six groups pose with their certificates of completion. IT IS NOW IMPLEMENTATION PHASE for six community groups who were part of the Certified Leadership Course (CLC). Each of the six groups, drawn from the communities of Fancy, Greiggs, South Leeward, Marriaqua, North Leeward and Central Leeward, has $3,000 as seed funding, to get their respective projects going. A collaborative effort by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee, the Ministry

of Social Welfare, Community Empowerment, Ecclesiastical Affairs and National Heritage, along with Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA), the projects must reflect inclusion. Ranging from Athletics training, erection of bathroom facilities, open water swimming and Netball festival, the groups were mandated to effect change to a specific need in their locale.

The second part of the CLC which ran from August 10 to 14, 2026, followed phase one that took place June 3 to 6, 2026. Assessing Phase Two, Ytannia Wiggins one of the course’s facilitators complimented the groups for staying the course. “The participants were very engaged. We saw the transition from where we left them from CLC One, introducing the concept of Sport for All and CLC Two is where we really signify

Police 2, Victors 2 in weekend wins THERE WERE VICTORIES for Police 2 and Victors 2 in last weekend round of matches the National Lotteries/St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association 50 Overs National Championship. Police 2 chalked up a win over Victors One in the Premier Division, earning victory by 15 runs, after they scored 194/10 off 30 0vers and Victors One replied with 179/10 off 20 0vers. Victors One Keron Cottoy top scored with 71 runs and Zevron Bobb had 41 in a losing cause. Shaman Hooper top scored for the Police 2 with 53 runs. Bowling for Police, Benniton Stapleton took 4 for 51 off 5. Victors One Winston Samuel took 3/8 off 2 overs and Koby Dabreo 3/43 off 5 overs for Victors One.

Man of the match was Police 2 Desron Maloney who scored 24 runs and had 2 for 35 off 4 overs. In a First Division match, 007 Sports Bar Victors Two defeated GJ’s Auto Import Super Sixers by 3 wickets at Arnos Vale 2. Super Sixers batted first and scored 182 for 9 off 28.2 overs. Dan Harry top scored with 67 runs and Ahmaud Williams made 30. Bowling for Victors Two, Ian Bushay took 4 for 6 off 6 overs, and Lexroy Collis took 3 for 40 off 6 overs. In response, Victors Two posted 185 for 7 from 22 overs. Tshaki Patterson hit 63 not out, Dewayne Williams 39, Kevin Ferdinand 28 and Roger Gibson 25. Bowling for Super Sixers Dan Harry took 2 for 47 off 6 overs and

Keron Cottoy had a weekend top score of 71 but could not lesd Victors One to victory over police 2. Wesley Roban took 2 for 43 off 6 overs. Man of the match was Tshaki Patterson. In the other scheduled match at Sion Hill, MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars won by default against Carlos Viera Rivals. I.B.A. ALLEN

added, “For us from TAFISA, we were very pleased at how the participants really dug in and adjusted their projects to suit the needs of their community while maintaining the integrity of such a massive project”. Given the life span of the projects, the

communities have until March, 2027 to complete the implementation. They are however free to source additional funding for their projects. Apart from Wiggins, Kwanieze John- Felix and Vincentian — Keith Joseph, made up the mainstay of the facilitators.

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26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Out Ah Trouble retains TBPO title

Lennox John and Alpian Allen: Two of a kind HIS SENDOFF came Tuesday August 18, at the St. George’s Cathedral Churchyard in Kingstown. The cross section of persons who filled the arena gives testimony of the impact Lennox John has. Tributes reflect his dedication. Those were crowning points in a ceremony which saw the elderly, the middle aged, the energetic, toddlers and infants. John’s life straddles generations. His career spans action on the field of play in nearly every sport. He represented the nation at football and cricket, and that he served at executive at both levels indicate his agility. He aligned sport in many forms. John put practical lessons on show against his son in tennis, a sport that the younger John showed credentials. Lennox was principal at the Bishop’s College Kingstown for many a year and is credited with transforming that institution. Not only sports, but music, agriculture, and overall social skills. He was Head Master at the St. Vincent Grammar School where he served with distinction. That he combined class duties with administrative requirements attributes to his commitment. He achieved success in many fields owing to his reliance on basic approaches. There is a holistic nature of human development which he dealt with and he embodied all the elements of natural stability into his philosophy of life. He enjoined the value of academics and sport. Beyond that he embraced the aspects of discipline which ensured success. Besides being the genuine educator, he enriched lives through areas of cadets, culture and management. His accomplishments are broad, stretching over the Vincentian landscape, across the Windward islands, the wider regional circles, and the international arena. His record and service speak for themselves. The extent of his influence on people continues for his impact is lasting. If one thinks that John’s legacy was absorbed in sports and education, there is that hinge of classical involvement manifested through his stint with the Kingstown Chorale. That might have been his way of keeping his vocals in harmony for the stints of commentary at which he distinguished himself. Besides being the full time teacher, he paid attention to aspects of the language that others found hard to handle. His extension in Latin gave him a rounded outlook in linguistic matters. And his studies in French enabled him to serve as a focal point in bilingual affairs. Within those spheres, John served as Reverend, in the Anglican denomination. It is acknowledged that he set the standard as far as local cricket goes. His passing may be an ideal time for attention to be given to the retaining the standards. Elected in 1989 as the North Leeward representative, Allen held Ministries including those of Education and Foreign Affairs during his tenure as parliamentarian. Allen chose the day of John’s burial to make his departure. From the North Leeward village of Coulls Hill, he served the nation with distinction. Allen was a sports fanatic, versed in cricket. He was religiously inclined. His attachment and duties with the Methodist congregations added richness to souls.

Roderick John scored the most run including two centuries. Below: Travis Cumberbatch had the most wickets in the tournament.

Country Meet Town Out Ah Trouble, boasted a third consecutive lien on the title.

third straight win and it came at the expense of Sion Hill Tallawahs, whom they defeated by 80 runs in the first place playoff. In that match played last Sunday at the Dauphine playing field, Country Meet Town made 206 for 8 in 20 overs, Jobari Cunningham leading with 86 runs and Imran Samuel hitting 32 not out. Teroy Roberts took 3/21 for Tallawahs, who COUNTRY MEET TOWN Out replied with 126 all out Ah Trouble (Country Meet in 16.1 overs, Roberts top Town) are once again scoring with 36 not out. champions of the National Deron Strough had 3/16, Lotteries Authority TBPO Travis Cumberbatch 3/16 T20 Cricket Tournament. and Asif Hooper 2 for In fact, the 2026 28. victory marked their In the third place play

off, Owia Strikers beat Dr Thomas Injectors by 96 runs. Owia Strikers made 152 for 8 in 17 overs, to which Dr. Thomas Injectors replied with a humble 56 in 10.3 overs. Denson Hoyte of Owia put in a top all round performance hitting 56 and bagging 4/7. As far as top Tournament performers were concerned, the following were rewarded: Roderick John from All Star was named the MVP, scored the most runs, 416 runs and hit the most sixes, 55; Travis Cumberbatch from Out Ah Trouble took the most wickets , 17. He was also the MVP of the

tournament and also hit the most sixes 55. Also receiving awards were the Tournament’s century makers: Roderick John from All Star, 147 and 101; Delano Woodley from Greiggs Young Stars, 115; Kentish Phillips from Injectors 113 not out; Asquith Mapp from All Stars, 107; Glendon James from Greiggs Young Star 104 not out. Three bowlers took five or more wickets: Sealron Williams from Owia Strikers took 6/17; and Alex Roberts from Sion Hill Tallawah took 6/19; Akeel Jack from Greggs Young Stars 5/10. I.B.A. ALLEN

Netball Grassroot Programme launched THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Netball Association, as part of its mandate to develop netball throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has launched its Game Changers Grassroots Development Programme for the North Windward district. The Development Programme was launched on Saturday, 15th August 2026. The programme, sponsored by the Commonwealth Games Committee through the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee, will run from August to December 2026. Sessions will be heldon Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 Young netballers looking to develop their game and youngster noon. desirous of learning the game will have an opportunity to do so Information available said that through the Grassroot Programme. the programme wull cater to the Association said it throughout St. Vincent and the players (athletes), umpires and “anticipates implementing similar Grenadines. coaches. programme in other communities Following this initial rollout, I.B.A. ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026. 27.

Classifieds

PM addresses debt and crime

Acting, replacing Enville Williams, who is on leave. Earlier this week, it was made Also, Junior Simmons was named public that Trevor Bailey has taken up Deputy Commissioner and Brenton the post of Commissioner of Police Smith- Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police. Friday though agreed that fighting crime today, Continued from Backpage.

has to be an all- inclusive approach, hence he informed, “I will invite everybody at the appropriate time for us to have a conversation so as society we tackle this problem”. As a preface to this, he disclosed that recently there was a meeting on Bequia, where personnel from the

Police Service met to have a frank discussion on crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026

VOLUME 120, No. 34

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

PM ADDRESSES DEBT AND CRIME

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has given some insights into his government’s plans to tackle the country’s national debt, as well as the upsurge in gun violence. Dr. Friday, who led a delegation on an official visit (also his first official visit) to the Republic of China on Taiwan, addressed these matters at a Press Conference held Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Cabinet Room. Speaking directly to a US$345 million loan the country received from Taiwan, Friday affirmed his government’s intent to service the loan in an efficacious manner. The loan was acquired under the previous administration. “We have had very serious conversations with all parties, the International Monetary

Fund, World Bank, our friends in the region. Of course, Taiwan. It’s necessary for us to engage with them as well, to seek to find ways in which we can manage the debt better going forward”, the Prime Minister Friday proffered. Referencing his government’ s efforts since taking office in November 2025 to reduce the overall national debt, Dr. Friday unveiled that Taiwan has displayed “genuine willingness”, to assist St Vincent and the Grenadines in this regard. “We were greeted with real interest in seeking to understand our situation and genuine willingness to work with us to find ways in which we can resolve this. A lot of this is still in discussion. The goodwill is there and there are measures that have been performed which I think will

very much help our situation in the near term”, Dr. Friday added. Expressing intent and tenacity to guide the process of economic recovery during his tenure, Dr. Friday projected, “I am not gonna pass this one to a next generation; we have to fix the problem now. St. Vincent (and the Grenadines) will not be a failed state, we will take whatever measures that are necessary to be able to correct that problem”.

National Security On the matter of National Security, Dr. Friday did not mince his words, neither did he bury his head in the sands, and masquerade as if it were not an issue. He accepted government’s responsibility to respond decisively. “The first thing that a

government owes its citizens is security. Government has a monopoly on violence; we have the law; we can take away your freedom; we can do certain things within the Constitution. We know that the situation is unacceptable. It can’t be a situation where people are afraid to go out”, he emphasized. Identifying all facets of the matrices involving in crime here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Friday added, “Part of the problems is

Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday was up close and emphatic about this country’s debt and the current surge on crime, and reiterated his government’s commitment to address both issue with effect. that there are simply too many guns coming into St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we don’t manufacture them. We have a situation where people commit crimes and nobody is held accountable; it is a laissez- faire situation, we have to change that, it will take time to do that”. Prepared to tackle crime head on, Friday stated that the most recent changes in the hierarchy of the Police high command, are tangibles of government’s stance. “The policing has to change; we have some changes in the Police Service; we have made certain changes indicating to the public, new Sheriff in town”.” Continued on Page 27.

Dr. Godwin Friday got a grand welcome on his first official visit to Taiwan and returned, it appeared, rejuvenated.

Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.