Above: Workers of the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, April 22, took to sitting outside the main building of the Ministry to further extend the seriousness to their complaints of unhealthy working conditions.
Right: Desrita Gilkes-Boucher, Public Relations Officer (PRO) and 2nd Vice President of the Public Service Union (PSU), confirmed the decision to relocate and the places identified.
by DAYLE DA SILVA
THE PROCESS OF TEMPORARILY RELOCATING WORKERSassigned to the Ministry of Education was expected to commence on April 24.
Desrita Gilkes-Boucher, Public Relations Officer (PRO) and 2nd Vice President of the Public Service Union (PSU), told THE VINCENTIAN that following a meeting between members of the union and Education officials on April 23, the decision was taken to relocate temporarily the
90 plus workers to the former teachers training college at Arnos Vale, and upstairs the building occupied by the telecommunications company FLOW in Kingstown.
Senior education officials were expected to meet with staff to work out the logistics, GilkesBoucher said.
She added that the process of relocating staff to the facility at Arnos Vale was expected to commence immediately, however some retrofitting was required at the
building occupied by FLOW in Kingstown. Workers assigned to that location were told that that facility would be ready shortly.
The decision to relocate the workers was taken after employees at the Ministry of Education staged a ‘sit out’ on April 22, following complaints of mould within both buildings located on the compound of BRAGSA in Kingstown. Several members of staff were reported to have falling ill.
Continued on Page 3.
Action Bequia received prestigious award
EARTH DAYis an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first held on April 22, 1970.
This year’s celebration of Earth Day was a special one for Bequia-based Action Bequia which, according to its website, is dedicated “to help maintain and improve Bequia as a place to live in, work and visit which helps create local jobs, employment and social cohesion,” with a primary focus on “infrastructure and the environment,” and stands ready to respond “when there is a crisis,” e.g.
the 2020 COVID Pandemic, the 2021 La Soufrière Volcanic Eruption, and the relief and reconstruction post Hurricane Beryl 2024.
Action Bequia, was this year, as part of the celebrations to mark Earth Day, the recipient of the prestigious TradeWinds Environmental Hero Award.
An official Government (API) release said the award was made “in recognition of its (Action Bequia) exceptional contributions to sustainability and marine conservation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
The award was presented at the Awards and Prize-Giving Ceremony of the SVG Sailing Week by the Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, in partnership with Mr. Ricardo J. Flores, Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations at TradeWinds. The honour was received on behalf of Action Bequia by their Executive Board Chair, Ms. Lucille Cozier.
As per the GIS release, Mr. Flores emphasised that the award is part of the global TradeWinds Experience family’s mission to celebrate those creating meaningful, on-the-ground environmental change.
In his remarks, Minister James praised Action Bequia as “an inspiring model of grassroots leadership and environmental responsibility.”
The recognition highlighted several of Action Bequia’s transformative initiatives, including:
* Reducing litter and promoting recycling, especially through awareness campaigns and youth education programmes;
* Cleaning beaches and supporting marine ecosystem protection, including coral reefs and other vital habitats; and
* Providing crucial community support during major crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the La Soufrière volcanic eruption, and Hurricane Beryl. (Source: API SVG)
Editor’s Note: An official website states: “Tradewinds is a non-governmental and nonprofit organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, dedicated to ecological conservation, environmental education, cultural preservation, direct trade and service-learning programs.
TradeWinds envisions creating a global community beginning at the local level. We seek feasible economic and environmental change by creating sustainable community networks and globally diversifying and broadening them.”
(from left) Tourism Minister Carlos James, Action Bequia Board Char Ms. Lucuille Cozier, and Ricardo J. Flores of TradeWinds. (Source: API SVG)
Action Bequia has been responsible for approximately one hundred of sixty-gallon bins strategically positioned in pairs around the island where people gather and stroll. The Green Bins are used for collection of plastic and metal drink containers and the Blue Bins for other small items (general litter). (Photo and Photo Caption Credit: Action Bequia)
300 pre-fab houses for St. Vincent
THE GOVERNMENT OF ST.
VINCENT on Tuesday 21st April, signed an agreement for the procurement of 300 pre-fab houses from Steel Frame Engineered Solutions Limited of Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister of Housing, Orando Brewster said that the estimated cost of the project is USD 7million.
“Steel Frame Engineered Solutions will provide pre-fab homes and we are only responsible here locally for the construction of the bases, the Sewage system and .... it will take 7 days to erect one of these homes,” said the
Housing Minister.
The houses are said to form part of the government response to providing homes for those affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Last week Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves said, “… those houses, when they start arriving, they are coming in batches of fifty (50) …
And we have signed a contract for three hundred of those houses, coming in six (6) batches of fifty each.”
An advance team from the company in Trinidad, contracted to deliver the houses, is scheduled to arrive here today, April
25, to conduct assessment and training with builders and contractors.
The 300 units as referenced will follow on 21 pre-fab units purchased by the government from Guyana. Twelve of those 21 units arrived here in May 2023 with the remaining expected then, to arrive by early June.
On January 20 2023, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed a 6 million EC loan arrangement with Demerara Bank Ltd (Guyana) for the purchase of 50 pre-
Continued from Frontpage.
Union officials told THE VINCENTIAN that they were made aware of the situation back in February 2025, following which, Giles-Boucher explained, members of the PSU met with Education officials including Myccle Burke, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary. The issue was taken to
Cabinet and the decision taken to relocate.
However, the employees decided to take the form of industrial action because of the slow response on the part of the relevant authorities.
Elroy Boucher, President of the PSU, said that the action was taken because the union wanted those who had the power to make the decisions would take into consideration
signing ceremony. (Source: API SVG)
MOE workers to be relocated
the interest and health of the workers and that the environment was safe.
“So, all this action here is to just to try and secure a safe working environment for the workers at the Ministry of Education,” Boucher told THE VINCENTIAN.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves weighed in on the issue while speaking on radio on April 23. He assured that government was committed to ensuring that the work environment for the employees was safe.
“We have a direct responsibility for our employees, the government’s employees that you have places of work which are healthy, there’s no argument about that,” Dr. Gonsalves said.
He said that he had received a three-page report from the Ministry’s PS which outlined plans to find alternative locations, namely the facility at Arnos Vale and
Kingstown, and that Cabinet approved this recommendation on April 16.
But there were many things that government was trying to do since late 2023 when, the Prime Minister said, that the Ministry of Education first began getting reports from staff members about respiratory related challenges.
“And the reports came initially from the Chief Education Officer and three officers in the staffing unit; and then the reports increased as other officers began to make similar complaints,” Dr. Gonsalves said.
According to Gonsalves, the Environmental Health Office/ Ministry of Health and BRAGSA were immediately engaged. Both agencies submitted independent reports following assessments of the building, following which there were some minor roof repairs done to try to address the problem. However, the
complaints persisted.
In 2024, a private company was engaged to conduct further assessment, and mould was identified in the offices of the Minister of Education, the Permanent Secretary, the Chief Education and Deputy Chief Education Officers, the Data Unit and Senior Education Officers.
With relocation in mind, negotiations began with the owner of a building in Kingstown but that did not work out, Gonsalves said.
Negotiations with respect to alternative locations also fell through.
After multiple visits to the former Teacher’s Training College compound, that location was formally approved and also the upper floor of the building occupied by FLOW to which BRAGSA was assigned to commence retrofitting work.
“There is a solution at hand,” the Prime Minister assured.
fabricated houses, from Guyana sources.
The government says
it is committed to building one thousand houses in 2025 for
families affected by Beryl and the eruption of La Soufrière.
Below: Group Sales Manager Steel Frame Engineered Solutions Jesse Scott and Minister of Housing Orando Brewster at the
The Ministry of Education has not undergone any serious renovation /upgrade in recent memory.
Grenadian found settling here illegally
Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS
A 47-YEAR-OLD national of Grenada, who told the Court he worked here as a poultry farmer, was fined $500 on two immigration charges on Wednesday, after being found settling here illegally.
Roger Johnson was ordered to pay the Court $280 forthwith for entering the state other than at a port of entry, between February 1 and February 28, 2025. By default, he would go to prison for three months.
Johnson was also ordered to pay $220 by yesterday (Thursday) to avoid a three-month prison sentence for entering the state between February 1 and 28, 2025, and disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer.
If the fines are not paid, the sentences are to run concurrently.
Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie handed down the penalties at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court after Johnson pleaded guilty to both charges.
Man with 46 convictions request bond
AROCKIES MANwith 46 previous convictions for burglary and damage to property amused the Court on Wednesday when he asked to be jailed at the Mental Health Centre or put on a bond. Alvan Richardson made the request when he pleaded guilty to six charges of a similar nature (as referenced) at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Richardson was charged with damaging one 2x2 casement vent valued at EC$78.45, the property of the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union Ltd.; entering the yard of that credit union with intent to commit an offense, to wit, theft; entering upon the property of Twin City with intent to commit an offense, to wit, theft; entering the storeroom of the General Employees Credit Union Ltd (GECCU) as a trespasser and stealing buckets of paint towel and other items amounting to a value of EC$759.20, the property of GECCU.
He was also charged with entering the storeroom of Shylock Mcfee as a trespasser and stealing a quantity of shoes - including football shoes - clothing, mats, t-shirts and other items, amounting to a value of EC$6,090, the property of Shylock Mcfee of Largo Height; and entering the Roman Catholic Church compound in Kingstown and stealing a transformer and extension cord.
The offences were committed in July 2024, and in February and March, 2025.
A mental evaluation conducted on Richardson conducted at the Mental Health Centre determined that he was fit to plead.
Richardson pleaded with Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie not to send him back to prison, where he had completed a recent prison sentence.
“If you war jail me in Mental Home, jail me in Mental Home”, he told the Magistrate, who responded, “I can’t send you back there”, and reminded him that the authorities at the Mental Health Centre concluded that he was fit to plead, and he pleaded guilty to the charges.
“By sending you to Mental Home as opposed to the place the state provided for criminals, you can make me lose my work”, she quipped.
McKenzie explained to Richardson that technology has improved tremendously, resulting in persons being caught on camera stealing in commercial buildings on cameras, as opposed to the manual way of catching thieves long ago.
“Put me on a bond”, Richardson pleaded. But the Magistrate told him, “I can’t put you on a bond, not with that kind of record. You really want me to lose my work”.
McKenzie adjourned the matter to May 7 for sentencing, so she could consider all the factors.
address, which he gave as Roger Johnson of Grenada.
According to the facts presented by court clerk, Police Constable 111
Kysa Mofford, on April 19, 2025, members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) stationed at Layou and Chateaubelair went in search of Johnson who was staying in the Palmiste Mountain, Layou.
On the cops’ arrival, Johnson was seen exiting a blue and white building. The officers shouted to him to come forward with his hands in the air, and he complied.
The officers identified themselves as police officers and questioned him about his name and
When questioned as to how he came here, Johnson told the police he took the Osprey Ferry from Grenada to Carriacou, then a speedboat from Carriacou to Union Island. He then took a black and white boat from Union Island to Kingstown, St. Vincent, but admitted that he did not check with immigration officials. He was arrested and taken to the Central Police Station. He was interviewed by an immigration officer and volunteered a statement.
All ports of entry were checked, but no record of Johnson was found.
The offense of illegal entry was pointed out to him, and he was later charged.
Responding to questions from Magistrate McKenzie, Johnson, who was unrepresented, said he was a taxioperator in Grenada, and is the father of two children, a boy, 27, and a girl 9.
Johnson said he was rearing chickens for someone in the mountain.
He told the Court that his father is a former police officer here, and he (Johnson) came here to deal with a property issue.
Johnson added that he came here by plane on a previous occasion to visit his father, but went back to Grenada but subsequently returned to SVG by boat.
Johnson was ordered to be removed from the state when the fines were
Roger Johnson assured the Court that he would pay a second fine by yesterday’s deadline.
paid or on completion of the sentences.
THE VINCENTIAN understands that Johnson paid the $280 fine, and assured that he would pay the other fine by yesterday.
Murder charge laid after victim’s
TWO YOUNG men who were charged with attempted murder in connection with a April 1, 2025, daylight shooting, close to the Girls’ High School bus stop, have had that charge upgrade to a charge of murder.
The charge was upgraded following the death of the victim, Michael ‘Boxer’ Richards, a 26year-old steel bender of Diamond, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on April 17.
The accused, Keon Hackshaw, 17, of Ottley Hall, and Laurent Isodore, a 26-year-old labourer of St. Lucia/Gibson Corner, were taken before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Thursday) after being charged with the murder of Richards, who was shot several times around 1:15 p.m. on the date in question.
The men were not required to plead when they stood before Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie and were remanded.
The matter was adjourned to May 12 and transferred to the Serious Offenses Court.
The men had initially appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on April 3 after being charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to commit the offense of murder, and unlawful use of a firearm, all stemming from that shooting incident. They were denied bail, mainly on the grounds that the victim was hospitalized in critical condition.
death
However, on their return to Court on April 10, five additional charges were read to them, stemming from the same incident, to which they were not required to plead.
Hackshaw is additionally charged with possession of a Taurus G2c 9mm pistol without license and five rounds of live hallow point bullets, one 9 mm and one SXB (20) ammunition, without license. Isodore is additionally charge with possession of a smith and Wesson MP40 pistol and 7 rounds of live .40 ammunition, without license, along with giving the false name, Irish James, to the police.
The Prosecution continued
their objection to bail on the grounds that Richards was still hospitalized, paralysed from his neck down, and was on life support.
But while the St. Lucian was again denied bail, the 17-year-old was granted $30,000 bail with one surety after Chief Magistrate Colin John allowed a bail application by attorney Grant Connell, who appeared on Hackshaw’s behalf.
However, on April 17, Richards succumbed to his injuries at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, resulting in Hackshaw being taken back into custody, and charged, along with Isodore.
Keon Hackshaw (left) and Laurent Isodore will now answer to a murder charge.
V
CCJ celebrates 20th anniversary
THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE(CCJ) on Wednesday 16 April 2025, celebrated its 20th anniversary with the outgoing President Justice Adrian Saunders saying, “today is a time for reflection and giving thanks”.
The judicial institution of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), established in 2005 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s highest and final court, has both an appellate and original jurisdiction. It also serves as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the 15-member regional integration grouping.
While the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) settles disputes between Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States, it serves as the highest court of appeals on civil and criminal matters for the national courts of Barbados, Belize and Guyana only.
The CCJ’s seat is in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
April 14, 2025
Saunders, the third Caribbean national to head the Trinidad-based court following the late Justice Michael de la Bastide and Sir Dennis Byron, said for the past 20 years, the CCJ has upheld the rule of law, safeguarded rights and
strengthened Caribbean jurisprudence.
“The court has been a shining example of Caribbean ingenuity, with its innovative funding arrangement, in the form of the CCJ Trust Fund, and, through the establishment of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, its insulation from external interference in its recruitment practices,” said
the St Vincent and the Grenadines born jurist.
April
15, 2025
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of 20 long years, but also of our enduring commitment to delivering accessible, fair and efficient justice to the people and states
of the Caribbean.
“It is a privilege and an honour to serve the people of this region, and we, the judges and staff of the court, are incredibly grateful to have had that opportunity over the past 20 years. We look forward to doing so for the next 20 years and beyond,” Justice Saunders said. (Source: CCFJ Secretariat)
Editor’s Note: The Agreement Establishing the CCJ was signed by the Prime Ministers or Presidents of 12 CARICOM states: Antigua & Barbuda; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent & The Grenadines; Suriname; and Trinidad & Tobago. These countries are referred to as contracting parties to the Agreement Establishing the CCJ.
Those countries which have not yet accepted the CCJ as their highest court of appeal, can do so by changing their laws to replace the Privy Council with the CCJ.
The Right Honourable Justice Michael de la Bastide, the first President of the CCJ, served from 2005 to 2011.
The Right Honourable Sir Charles Dennis Byron was President of the CCJ from 2011 to 2018.
The Right Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders was appointed President of the CCJ in 2018 and will officially retire from office on 3 July 2025.
SVBLA CEO retires: New CEO in place
THE ST. VINCENT BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATION(SVBLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Keyon Thomas as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1st, 2025. Mr. Thomas succeeds Mr. Elroy R. John whose tenure is marked by outstanding leadership and dedication to the organization.
Mr. John has led SVBLA with integrity and deep commitment to the financial well-being
of its members and customers. During his time at the helm he: played a pivotal role in significantly reducing SVBLA’s non-performing loan portfolio; ushered in a new era of governance marked by robust internal structures, controls and accountability frameworks that strengthened transparency at every level of the SVBLA; oversaw the
improvement of SVBLA’s I.T. infrastructure, laying the groundwork for SVBLA’s digital transformation journey; .navigated SVBLA through one of its most challenging chapters post-recapitalization, helping to stabilize and reposition Building and Loan for future growth. His legacy is one of stability and resilience. In the words of President of the Board of Directors, Mr. Dougal
James, “As a team leader, he (Mr. John ) focused on rebuilding the image of SVBLA as a major player in the financial services landscape of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This he achieved through continued staff development and empowerment, positive interaction with members and constant regulator engagement.” as SVBLA moves forward, the Association welcomes Mr. Keyon Thomas, a seasoned financial leader with over 16 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Mr. Thomas brings with him a strong and diverse background in Finance, Risk Management, Regulatory and Compliance related roles within the
Elroy R. John retires knowing that he has left a legacy of outstanding leadership and dedication.
Left: New CEO Keyon Thomas brings an experience that includes tenure with one of Europe’s top six commercial banks.
commercial banking sector. His career includes tenure at one of Europe’s top 6 commercial banks, where he played a critical role in ensuring operational integrity and compliance within a highly regulated environment
The leadership transition comes at a time when SVBLA is actively embracing
digital innovation. The organization remains committed to community development, customer service excellence and financial empowerment. SVBLA thanks Mr. John for his invaluable service and warmly welcomes Mr. Thomas as he leads the Association into its next era of service and success.
(Source: SVBLA)
Tropical Shipping beats tariffs
PRESIDENT TRUMP’S executive order aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry grandfathered Americanowned carriers like Tropical Shipping that currently rely on Chinese-built vessels.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed surcharges that would have cost Tropical Shipping customers an additional $3,000 per 40foot container load, will not go into effect, thereby exempting Tropical Shipping from US$1 million Port Fee tariffs.
“This is a huge victory for us and the entire Caribbean region that we serve,” said Tropical Shipping President and CEO Tim Martin. “Our voices were heard. We could not have accomplished this without the relentless advocacy from our Caribbean representatives in Washington, D.C., our customers, and the many organizations that wrote letters to the USTR describing the devastating multiplier
Tropical Shipping has been serving The Bahamas and the Caribbean for 60 years and more.
effect these port fees would have had on all of us.”
Martin says a USTR committee member was surprised by the massive response from Caribbean leaders and businesses.
“One of Tropical’s core values is, ‘Responsiveness is our driving force.’ Caribbean communities were our driving force on this issue, and I can’t thank you enough,” Martin said.
Martin will continue to advocate in Washington, D.C., to strategize the long-term plans to bring U.S. shipbuilding back to the
U.S. and how American carriers like Tropical can prepare for the future. Tropical Shipping is headquartered in Riviera Beach, Florida, and has served the Caribbean market since 1963.
Tropical’s transportation services include refrigerated, dry, FullContainer-Load (FCL), Less-than-ContainerLoad (LCL), small package, consolidation, inland transportation, and global logistics services. For more information about Tropical Shipping, visit: Tropical.com (Contributed)
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
Casting our vote
IT IS DIFFICULT to avoid the ‘politics’ since, as we all know, we are well into the ‘crazy season’ when ‘mouth open and story jump out’.
Yes, it is that time when we have had to endure the chorus line, with no adjustments from its previous release, about the Chinese being afoot with a certain political party here. The chorus tells us that the Chinese will be upfront to usher out the Taiwanese as our friend, and will be line to benefit from certain state initiatives should that party form government.
What has a beat of something new is perhaps the reference to the ‘presence’ of an Indian fantasy sports platform, through the ‘open door’ of sponsoring a cricket league here, as disguise for funding a political entity here. The allegation surfaced as a reaction to the loss of ‘home advantage’ by the perpetrator of the allegation.
We hope this allegation does not rebound to the detriment of our cricket since that company, if we are correct, is not only a major player in Indian cricket but also a benefactor of cricket leagues of one level or the other in other Caribbean territories.
Then there is the news of certain religious ministers denying their ‘calling’. That ‘blessings’ were withheld from a political party supports the view that when it comes around, the ‘silly season’ rules supreme. And to think we are a God-fearing people ready at every turn to interject the ‘presence of the Supreme Being’ into deliberations, whether it be a charade of political piccong, innuendo or straight shooting from the hip.
But enough of the fingerpointing that characterises the ‘silly season’ of political campaigning in the run-up to the ringing of the bell that beckons, one and at the same time, a return of the incumbent or a call to the opposition to the seat of government.
Candidates will take to ‘chroming’ through their respective constituencies.
Expect also, that there will be one or two major rallies that will feature for free, the best and worst of entertainers, intending to arouse the ‘sensibilities’ of the parties’
faithful.
The question remains: Are most citizens paying close attention to what is being said in an attempt to assess which party, which leader, is better poised to run the affairs of the country for (the next) five years?
Here’s what the electorate has before it: A party in opposition making promises and an incumbent selling itself on a track record and a long-standing leader.
We will be asked to consider: Are the promises of the Opposition too good to be true? Are they whispers of ‘sweet nothings’? Is the incumbent being careful about the promises and references it makes, especially given that its leader is perhaps at the lowest popularity ranking in his career?
Yes, it will always be, that the Opposition will be called out by the incumbent, armchair commentators and the likes, about their promises and how they would go about sourcing the funding to fulfil the pledges made to the people.
The incumbent will simply point the finger at what it has done as not only its achievements but as guarantee that it can deliver. Whether or not this is a tried and tired approach/expectation, only time will tell. The result, the incumbent will be confident, will rule in its favour.
There are those who would say that the incumbent has laid the cards on the table; that they continue to be transparent and open with the country about what can be afforded and what can be expected.
On the other hand, the Opposition will point to the ‘price’ we have had to pay for how far the cards say we have come.
The way we see it is that it is easy to gravitate towards the promises from both sides that seem to be all that we wish to have.
But in deciding where we lean, we must not be influenced by dirty politics and inconsistencies. We must use our intelligence and logical thinking for, after all, we know that all that glitters is not gold.
In casting a vote, it should always be on reason and patriotism, for good governance and for the future of our children.
Citizenship by Investment (Pt 1)
I’VE BEEN AN OBSERVER for years, listening intently to the lively discussions about Citizenship by Investment (CBI). Since I began sharing my insights on all things Vincentian, my friends have been curious and eager to hear my take on this hot topic. Before I do, I must acknowledge that I have criticized some of my friends for changing sides on this over the years. But today, I’m ready to open my mind and explore this concept’s potential as a genuine economic opportunity. Perhaps my life experiences urge me to reassess what CBI could mean for our future.
attribute perceived advancements in our sister islands to the fact that this is because of a CBI development policy. Our citizenship or our passport is not a commodity for sale that way. Indeed, you can come up with a better “elevator pitch” than that.
This life experience is probably the same one that makes it difficult to understand why we still fight for traditional access to our beaches, when private land changes ownership or when landowners exercise their rights to the peaceful enjoyment of their land. OK, calm down. Yes, I’m still a passionate advocate for our beaches–I firmly believe they belong to us all, and no one should restrict our access to them! Yet, as I’ve matured, I’ve come to recognize the rights of landowners to manage how we access our beaches across their land. I would never have admitted to such ownership rights forty years ago, but I will say that with age comes a sense of calm, experience, and nuance. By the way, how much money have we deposited into escrow to purchase Balliceaux?
Now, let’s dive back into this politically charged world of CBI! The government’s stance on this issue can be perplexing, primarily when we provided some form of legitimacy just a few years ago to international students from Nigeria who found themselves stranded in our nation due to unforeseen circumstances. Again, don’t get me wrong on this issue either. I fully support the idea of helping these young people.
I cannot say that I fully understand the disdain for how the current administration speaks of this issue. Dare I say there is some room for this idea in our development strategy - one that I will discuss later. In the same vein, I will say the opposition party is not making it easy to support them in the idea that we should consider this a primary development option. The constant reference to the amount of money collected and deposited in the “Consolidated Fund” by other island nations in our region, as a reason to do it, is shallow and unconvincing. Their spokespersons on the radio all
To me, a CBI programme must be more than simply collecting a fee for the same rights and privileges afforded to those of us born in our blessed country. I am willing to consider a programme that will genuinely facilitate investment in selected and approved industries in our country. The government should not be in the business of collecting direct payments from foreign “investors” in exchange for citizenship.
The investment option eligible for foreign nationals’ direct investment must be a well-developed economic investment strategy. The activity must result in the creation of a specific number of job opportunities for Vincentians. The jobs created must meet a minimum pay level and be maintained for a particular period. The government should list the kind of industries that will be permitted under this programme and the minimum investment requirements. Citizenship should only be granted to those investors after these criteria are met. No one receiving citizenship under this programme should be allowed to vote without a minimum residency requirement. And most importantly, these newly minted citizens should never be allowed to hold office in our government.
As an aside, the investment requirements by some of our sister countries in the region are insufficient to justify granting citizenship to any foreign national, especially when this minimal payment comes with voting rights and no residency requirement. I also worry that people granted citizenship through these programmes in some of our sister Caribbean islands might be eligible to vote in our elections under certain circumstances.
Despite these valid worries, I acknowledge that my perspective has shifted slightly. However, any programme we consider must be tightly regulated and far more meticulous than what we see in other regions today.
Stay tuned for more! The conversation around CBI is just heating up! Horatio.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Giving credit where it’s due
AS VINCENTIANS, it is important for us to thoughtfully assess the statements made by NDP candidates. Recently, during a meeting in Roseau, part of the East Kingstown constituency, Fitz Bramble articulated the NDP’s commitment to the community and framed their decision to close the landfill in Roseau as stemming from concern for residents. However, we should also consider the historical context. The landfill was not addressed during the NDP’s 15 years in power, and it was only after the Unity Labour Party took office in 2001 that the landfill was decommissioned in 2003.
While it is common for supporters of the New Democratic Party to argue against the Unity Labour Party’s claims, it is essential to recognize the work that has been accomplished in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, regardless of party affiliation. As citizens, we need to be fair and give credit where it is due while encouraging our politicians to uphold the values of honesty and integrity.
We should reflect on the implications of taking credit for achievements not directly associated with one’s party. This is a valuable conversation to have, especially for our youth. Consider how we would respond if a student claimed credit for another’s project–how would we teach accountability and honesty in such a situation?
I encourage supporters of the New Democratic Party to approach these matters with an open mind and consider the importance of transparency in our leadership.
Wendy Jardine
How to stay in office
Hi Dr:
If you get into the office of the Prime Minister and you want to be in office until you are ninety (90), here are some tips:
1. Use Trade Unions to propel you into office.
2. When you achieve power, reward the Union leaders and their families with scholarships.
3. Choose a close relative as a senator for the rest of their life.
4. Appoint that relative as a Minister in the Ministry most prone to corruption, then watch him move from rags to riches.
5. Take advantage of as many “smallies” as you wish while they are in school, college, and university.
6. When they return, make them senators/ministers.
7. Appoint one to deal with overseas matters.
8. Whenever she has to travel, accompany her. If your wife gets suspicious about the frequent trips with the minister, take your wife as part of the delegation.
9. Let the Electoral Office function as a branch of the Party. Select a deputy head of the office. Make sure he is unable to recall.
10. Transfer voters from your stronghold. Register them in marginal constituencies. Let them return to their correct constituencies right after dropping the ballot in the box on election day.
11. Use the constitution and ancient laws to oppress the citizens.
12. Disregard any court ruling against your government.
I am quite willing to give many more tips.
A belated letter to Mr. Donnie Collins
SIR, I ENVY YOUfor being able to laugh so much at the issues in our beleaguered society, and I am saddened that your energies seem to be so targeted against Arnhim Eustace, to the point of being disrespectful. I do not know what personal encounters you may have had with him to so fuel your discrediting hostility. While like any other human being, he may have done things or used approaches to issues which may have differed acutely from what the rest of us may have done
better and distinctly so. It must never be forgotten that Arnhim Ulric Eustace, of the progeny of a perennially highly respected family, has himself over several decades been making a notable contribution to the Vincentian and Caribbean society.
It is not to your credit and the honour of our country, which is now so much struggling under a heavy and persistent cloud of malaise and economic stagnation, that anonymous callers to your programme seem
to be encouraged to attempt to erode the character of one of our distinguished patriotic citizens.
Those of us who so flagrantly encourage this dishonourable callousness may well, in the season of our impotence, have to express gratitude for the quality of the relief to us, of the systems conceptualized by Mr. Arnhim Eustace.
Let us endeavour to assert ourselves with maturity in this season of what our Prime Minister has called ‘Respair’ and in which he has invited all citizens to be sincerely engaged.
Mr. Cruickshank’s pension
IWRITEwith a heavy heart and a sense of profound disappointment after listening to the funeral service of the late Mr. Allan Cruickshank. Among the tributes paid to this distinguished servant of our nation, one revelation left me in a state of disbelief and dismay. That upon leaving office, despite being qualified to receive a pension, Mr. Cruickshank was initially denied this right by the Cabinet of our country.
This act, if true, represents a grave injustice and a stain on the principles of fairness and respect that should guide our governance.
Although I understand that after many years of suffering, Mr. Cruickshank finally received his pension, the delay caused undue hardships that no human being should endure. During the time he was denied his rightful pension, he was unable to meet his financial obligations to his bank, resulting in avoidable distress and challenges that made what
should have been a period of dignity and peace for a man who had served his country faithfully for over seventeen years.
As far as I am aware, once an elected politician serves two consecutive terms, they are entitled to their pension upon leaving office. This is not merely a matter of law, but a recognition of the sacrifices and contributions made by those who dedicate their lives to public service. To strip someone of this entitlement, even temporarily, undermines the very fabric of our democratic values.
I urge those in position of authority to reflect on this matter and ensure that such an injustice is never repeated. Let us honour the memory of Mr. Allan Cruickshank by rectifying any wrongs done to him and by committing to treat all public servants with the respect and fairness they deserve.
Eric Samuel
PEOPLE ARE ASKING:
* Why do some people think one cannot be an effective opposition leader except one emulates Dr. Gonsalves’ style when he was the opposition leader?
* If the opposition reveals their plans and the government successfully implements them, will there be a reason to change the government?
* Is there any shop operator at AIA who has not paid any rent since the business started?
* Why are the Tourism Minister and the Agriculture Minister hugging the media? Can we hear from the public servant instead?
* When will party/fete promoters understand that regardless of who the members of the CDC are, Carnival will always be an exposure of art and creativity (mas, steel band, and calypso)?
* What is the creativity in a ‘bare back’ fete/show, an underwear fete, a street jump-up, etc.?
Mind your business
Stop studying people
Like pages to read Their lives aren’t lessons for your needs.
Not every whisper you hear Is meant for your ear.
Not every detail is yours to know.
You have your own story
Talk about it
Write about it
Stop tracking others Their struggles, Their choices, Their private lives They are not homework for you to compare.
Focus your mind
Redirect the stare
There’s peace in not needing to always be there.
So, live in your own lane, Stay in your light.
The world spins just fine without your review
So, stop studying people and their business It just might work for you!
SINCE THE DAWNof the 21st century, SVG has been on the move with inclusive prosperity and sustainable development despite the limitations of size and material resources, the existential threat of climate change, the vulnerabilities to external shocks, the rapid diminution, to the point of extinction, of the market preferences for our bananas in the United Kingdom market, the challenges from the highly skewed and unfavourable global economy, and the adverse knock-on effects of mounting global turmoil. Our accomplishments, in this harsh context, have been phenomenal; indeed, amazing. The paradigm shift in building a modern, competitive, many-sided postcolonial economy is succeeding.
The resilience of our people and the genius resident in them, in tandem with exceptional leadership of the ULP government in pursuit of people-centred visionary policies and programmes have combined to deliver stunningly uplifting outcomes, despite silly opposition dissonances and anti-social activity by a tiny minority of the population. In every material respect, our country and its people have made extraordinary progress. Our people are far better off today than in 2001; and the prospects for further advancement are unfolding before our very eyes.
THE FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
The raw data, in summary form, are as follows:
1.In December 2000, our country’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – the aggregate value of all the goods and services produced in a year – stood at under EC $800 million; in December 2024, the GDP was $3.2 billion or some four times that of the year 2000.
2.The annual GDP per head of population at the end of 2000 was under EC$8,000; in 2024, the comparable number was some $30,000.
3.Unemployment in 2000 was 21 percent of the labour force; today that statistic hovers below 10 percent.
4.Poverty in the year 2000 stood at 37 percent of the population and indigence (“dirt poor” poverty) was a whopping 26 percent of the population. The comparable respective numbers today are less than 20 percent (general poverty) and indigence (under 5 percent). Undernourishment in 2000 was 22 percent; today it is under 5 percent of the population.
5.In 2000, public assistance was EC$50 monthly; today it is $300.
6.In 2000, the elderly fended for themselves; today there is the HomeHelp-For-the-Elderly.
7.In 2000 there were some 28,000 households; today there are over 46,000 households; the Housing Revolution has succeeded massively. The quality of the houses is far superior than in the year 2000.
8.Pipe-borne water was available to less than 70 percent of the 28,000 houses in 2000; today, there is water connection to 98 percent of the 46,000 homes. Similar numbers exist for electricity.
9.In 2000, almost half of the houses had pit toilets; today, almost every house has a flush-toilet — water closet.
10.In 2000, there were less than 8,000 vehicles on the road; today, there are some 34,000 vehicles.
11.In Education the relevant statistics are: In 2000, only four out of every ten 12-year olds were at secondary school; from 2005 onwards, all 12-yearolds are at secondary schools. In 2000, only 15 percent of the children 3 years-tounder 5 years were at Pre-School; today over 85 percent are at Pre–School (Early Childhood Education). In 2000, illiteracy stood at some 20 percent of the population; today the literacy rate is in excess of 98 percent. In 2000, there were some 500 students at the four divisions of what is now the SVG Community College; today there are over 2,600 students at the Community College. In 2000 there were only 4 national scholarships, no national exhibitions, and no bursaries; in 2024, 104 national scholarships, national exhibitions, and bursaries were awarded. In 2000 there were no tuition scholarships for university; in 2024, over 2,000 such tuition scholarships were granted. In 2000, only four teachers were university graduates in primary schools, but they were not paid as such; today, over half of the primary school teachers are university graduates and are paid as such either through appointment or graduate allowances. In the year 2000, there were roughly 20 students at university; today there are over 2,500 students pursuing university education, almost all of whom are being supported by the government. In the year 2000, there was no student loan programme for economically-disadvantaged students; since 2002, such a programme has existed and has supported, in the aggregate over 2,000 students in the sum of over EC$100 million; and the government guarantees the payment of the student loans in event of default. The Education Revolution is working magnificently.
12.In Health the progress has been phenomenal on all the indicators. Far more doctors, nurses, and other health personnel are employed today than in 2000; and far more have been trained, almost entirely at government’s expense; significant decentralization of the delivery of health services has taken place; more clinics have been built; more rural hospitals have been built; three polyclinics (Stubbs, Mespo, Buccament) have been built – none existed before; the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Complex, well-equipped and well-staff was built at Georgetown; the Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital is under construction; the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital has been significantly refurbished and better equipped than ever before; all the relevant health indicators have advanced immeasurably; recurrent expenditure on health has jumped to over EC $100 million annually, in excess of three times the expenditure in 2000. People are living longer and healthier despite illnesses relating to personal behaviour.
ULP failed to deliver for farmers
(Excerpts of Dr Godwin Friday’s Presentation at a Public Meeting in Diamonds, South Central Windward)
THIS IS A FARMING community. You know how to produce from the land, how to make something out of nothing, how to bring prosperity to your home and to your community and to the country. You know how to do it. And with a little assistance and guidance from government, which has an important role to play, you can deliver that again. But it’s not happening now. You heard earlier about the fact that they built a greenhouse park at Montreal. That money that was given to this country by the European Union. We got over $30 million. They spent some of this and built a greenhouse park at Montreal. I went there several times and I tell you, it brings tears to your eyes because here you have a project that has the potential to point the way, the future for agriculture in this country, and they have simply abandoned it. What you’re seeing there is grass; elephant grass growing under the canopy of the greenhouses. In the yard, you have them storing BRC wire, gravel and stone for some project going on and not using it for the thing that it was intended to do. And you know that the farmers could do so much with it. They built it and when they built it, they figured with everything else, once they built it, their job is done. It is something that you could look at, a big shiny object. You can say to the people, look what I did for you. And the point that we always make is this. Ask the people in Richmond Park, in Montreal, in Mespo, in Marriaqua, in the country, any farmer, ask them how that has affected their lives for the better. And none of them could tell you that it helped them.
Some time ago, I talked to a farmer. He said, Friday, this thing has so much potential. We can use it for growing seedlings, to supply to the whole community. We can create a cooperative and get the farmers to grow vegetables to supply to the hotels. It doesn’t take a genius to do it. All it takes is somebody who has his head in the right place and they have the heart to do it. They have to think about the people whom they’re serving. Not just finding ways in which you can bamboozle people.
It’s the same thing that they did in North Windward, in Owia, where they built a fisheries complex cost over $30 million. You go up there now and see it. Not one single person gets employment out of that. The place is closed up. All the doors are locked up. The equipment there is rusting. The place is falling apart just like the rest of the country. Because again, all they want to do, they built it. It looks good and pretty. They take a picture and they put it on the cover
of the Estimates or some other document. And they say, look, my job is done. And the people continue to suffer.
But what these people do, they say people are poor. They are desperate. So, what they do is, they build something big and mighty and pretty. And they show them and say, look here is the promised land, but you will never enter into it because that was never the intention. We have to go beyond that. And we can do it. We have in Israel Bruce, a person who comes out of this constituency. He knows it intimately. He knows what is confronting the farmers.. that they can’t make a living, because when they plant somebody else is reaping. When they raise their animals, somebody else is catching them and killing them.
I met a man in Kingstown. He said, “Friday, promise me this. When you get in office, because you will get there, we have to build an abattoir in this country. Do you know that under the same project that they built the greenhouses up at Montreal, it’s called the Banana Accompanying Measures Initiative (BAM), that there was a plan there to also build an abattoir. So that you could have a slaughterhouse that you could have good cuts of meat, you could take your animals there and get it done. This man, his great accomplishment is that he isn’t killing the animals here, he is shipping them alive to Grenada where they have an abattoir. And then they will sell the meat for ten times what they sell the live animals for, and we probably buying it back. Where is the vision?
We talk here about the challenges that farmers have in this country, the marketing. This government got rid of the Marketing Board, and they didn’t put anything in place to replace it. I was talking to somebody earlier. He said nobody tells them what the price is until the trafficker comes to them and say, well, listen, this is how much I am paying you for a sack of dasheen. This is how much I will pay you for plantain. And whether you can make money on it or not, that is what it is. But you can’t have that and have a thriving agricultural industry because farmers are rational people like anybody else. If you plant something that costs you $50, you can’t sell it for $40 because it means you haven’t made anything to put it back in the ground. I am talking here to the people who know it. I’m preaching to the converted you understand that. So, here’s what we have to do. You can’t accept that this is our lot. You can’t accept that this is how things are going to be forever.
Anticipating success: The key to achieving your goals
“Remember this: Anticipation is the ultimate power. Losers react; leaders anticipate.” - Anthony Robbins (born 1960) – American author and motivational speaker.
WE ARE ENCOURAGEDby those individuals who, despite multiple complex challenges, persist along life’s journey to achieve ultimate success. However, too many individuals allow their noble dreams to fall by the wayside and to fizzle out into nothingness. This sometimes happens because they failed to anticipate frustrations, detours, and disappointments along the way. We are reminded that very few individuals attain the pinnacle of success without encountering some form of setback or frustration. Nevertheless, many will testify that having anticipated diversions along the path to their noble dreams, they were able to create and pursue alternate plans and the courage needed to persist. They refused to panic having previously made adequate preparations and engaged in preventative measures and remained calm even as they experienced emotional or financial turbulence. They embraced the idea that preparations prevent panic. They cherish the idea that “It is better to be prepared for an event that does not occur than to have an event occur and you are not prepared.” Preparation is key to success. Anticipating what is required and seeking to ensure that they are available in good supply could be critical to the outcome. This requirement is not restricted to skills and tangible assets. It is equally important to realize that hard work and persistence are valuable forerunners to success. However, it often also requires some degree of talent and favourable circumstances. Our aspirations are not achieved merely by luck and chance. Anticipating success and being prepared for possible challenges often play a major role in making our noble dreams real. The mindset of expecting success, rather than fearing failure, ignites the energy needed to persist in achieving our goals. Foreseeing success generates the mental and emotional fortitude that is foundational to igniting the passion needed to achieve desirable goals. Many accomplished individuals in business, politics, government, science, and society testify of the value of creating and maintaining a positive mental attitude in pursuit of their ultimate goal. They assert that the first and perhaps the most important element of anticipating success is the mindset shift that it creates; defying thoughts of self-doubt and self-sabotage. The individual who anticipates success believes that success is not only possible but expected with the right approach. This mindset is critical. It determines how we approach and respond to obstacles. Individuals who anticipate success see challenges as temporary setbacks rather than unsolvable problems. A politician who loses at the polls may use the experience to usher in improved strategies and approaches rather than merely concluding that she had failed. Such a student of lifelong learning may surprise many with her optimistic and positive outlook while simultaneously nurturing greater resilience. Such individuals embrace the thoughts of Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) who reminds us that, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”
The individual who is focused on anticipating success readily discovers that she cultivates a heightened sense of confidence. That confidence positions her to be more thorough when considering calculated risks even as she steps outside her comfort zone to pursue opportunities that would otherwise appear to be intimidating. Such an individual is likely to dedicate the time needed for proper planning, preparation, and prevention. In so doing, her thoughts and actions are likely to lead to better performances. We are encouraged by school programmes at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels that now appear to encourage such winning attitudes — encouraging students to engage in critical thinking and problemsolving that will enhance their chances of success in life and living; encouraging participants to make decisions based on possibilities, not fear. In the business world, leaders who anticipate success are often the ones who inspire their teams to strive for excellence.
In addition, individuals tend to develop a greater sense of clarity and purpose when they anticipate success. Such individuals are more likely to set and achieve goals that are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound. This fosters clarity of thought and vision; it enhances and retains the focus that is necessary for the pursuit of noble dreams and ambitions. In doing so, it reduces the temptations to be distracted or to lose the momentum even as diversions emerge.
The Anthony Robbins quotation that was used to introduce this essay reminds us that anticipation of success encourages proactive behaviours. The student who expects excellent grades does not wait passively or rely on luck and chance. He is proactive and takes deliberate actions to be totally prepared via a disciplined study schedule and a heightened level of preparedness. He focuses on constantly improving his skills through practice, research, networking, and the development of effective study strategies. Likewise, the successful athlete develops and maintains the discipline of appropriate practice, seeking adequate rest, maintaining a hydrated body, maintaining a positive mindset, and constantly seeking to better her best performance as she anticipates success. By anticipating success, she is more likely to feel inspired, energized, and motivated rather than distracted, anxious, or stressed.
In conclusion, we assert that individuals who anticipate success develop the essential mental stick-to-itness that enhances their likelihood of achieving their noble goals. Anticipating success provides the mental strength to persist regardless of the obstacles encountered. It fosters confidence and enhances clarity of purpose. These are critical ingredients to unlocking our full potential and charting courses to outstanding performances.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Breaking Gonsalves’ spell on our country
WITH THE CALAMITOUS DEVELOPMENT at the ‘modern’ port, the uptick in crime/homicides, the insatiable appetite of the Gonsalves regime to drown the nation’s aspiration in debt and the ULP’s autocratic, undemocratic attempt to gerrymander and steal the Southern Grenadines seat in upcoming general elections, citizens should demand immediate action that addresses issues of national importance. We are in the throes of a 2020 moment. Sadly, few, including the official opposition, recognise it.
In 2020, the population made a sharp and decisive decision to remove the New Democratic Party from power. The writing was indeed on the cards following the 1998 elections, but by the middle of 2000, citizens resolved that enough was enough. They simply waited for the hour. Others were less patient and pressed home the advantage with the ‘road block revolution,’ thus cutting short the NDP’s fourth term by two and a half years.
In this current situation, parliamentary and legal action are urgently needed. Such actions are certain to expose the ULP as a danger to our democracy and a brake on our nation’s further development, thus bringing the clamour for change into laser focus.
For the remaining months before the next elections, the parliamentary opposition owes it to the nation to call meetings of the Public Accounts Committee, a constitutional provision allowing the parliament to hear from leading state functionaries on matters of national importance. Imagine sessions where: Derry Williams of the BOSVG is called to explain discrepancies in government borrowing; Lenski Douglas at the Port to explain in details the worrying developments there; the Auditor General speaking of her findings and inability to do more because of inadequate staffing and funding; and the Director of the Statistical Department explaining why figures on deaths and births were made state secrets between 2021 and 2024.
Imagine further that the police high command was summoned to answer probing questions about crime and the safety of the citizenry; permanent secretaries were quizzed about deficiencies; and BRAGSA officials were asked to explain why the schools are in such bad condition, why the air conditioning system in public buildings so often malfunctions, and why mold is seemingly pervasive at our schools, courts, and ministries. Yes, these are all money matters.
We can expect the governing ULP to frustrate or obstruct the proceedings. If and when they do, a media advisory should inform the nation of the ULP’s undemocratic and unconstitutional posture.
If there is a moment when the opposition should table a constitutional motion of no confidence, that time is now. Yours truly rookie error in 2018, which allowed the ruling party to use its majority and subvert the constitution by amending the vote of no confidence into a vote of confidence, was widely condemned then and will create an even more rancorous situation now.
There are far more issues now than ever before that need ventilation in parliament as in the public domain: crime and violence, the brazen occurrence of shootings that result in serious injury and death in public places; unemployment, poverty, growing national debt, the ‘modern’ port; hopelessness and helplessness among a growing section of the population; the blatant wastage of the national resources as government embarks on a giveaway of national resources with the sole intent of buying its way to the another term in
government and official corruption.
A noconfidence motion will put Speaker Rochelle Forde in an unenviable position. She could learn from the 2018 debacle, stand firm, and rule that a vote of no confidence motion is a constitutional provision that must be allowed and voted up or down, but cannot be amended, thus forestalling debate on the opposition’s motion. Or she can buckle under the weight of party solidarity and Gonsalves’ unrelenting pressure to thwart the debate and permanently sully her reputation for democratic best practices and good governance.
Another vital pressure point is for a constitutional motion challenging how the government intends to conduct the next general elections. The constituencies to watch are North Windward and Southern Grenadines. North Windward may witness a massive shifting of voters from North Central Windward.
But the South Grenadines is the constituency where a monumental constitutional travesty is about to occur. After hurricane Beryl, a significant section of the population living on Union Island was forced to move. Most of their homes were severely damaged or destroyed, and many came to live and work on the mainland.
Many masons, carpenters, and labourers were enlisted to rebuild and rehabilitate the Southern Grenadines. According to the Supervisor of Elections, they will be allowed to vote there. Interestingly, the Election Supervisor claims that new voters, particularly young voters, must return to the disaster zone to register to vote. Those temporarily resident on the mainland may be compelled to return to the hurricane-ravaged Southern Grenadines to cast their vote.
As Justice Gerhardt Wallbank said in the Vaccine Mandate case, the Constitution remains in full effect even when the government refuses to engage the emergency powers outlined in section 17 of the Constitution. Therefore, how can a government that has never had a chance to win either of the Grenadines’ seats now salivate over the possibility of winning there? Only undemocratic and illegal machinations explain this saga.
In addition to the Representation of the People’s Act, the constitution emergency powers, and the boundaries commission are all in play here. Any notion that only the Representation of the People’s Act governs the situation in the Southern Grenadines is misinformed, ill-advised, unlawful, ultra vires and unconstitutional. It amounts to gerrymandering on the part of the government. The government’s sinister plot is to slow the rehab process so that people may be reluctant to return to the scene of trauma, with the hope that their candidate may just snag a narrow victory. Such a strategem must not be allowed to stand. Therefore, an urgent appeal should be made to the court to block this assault on our good governance and democratic best practices.
As the ULP approaches the next elections, its most important asset is its control of the national purse. It does not have a convincing narrative. The disgusting arrogance and pomposity of its leader are increasingly laid bare before the voting public. More are recoiling from a leader and party that have outlived their usefulness.
The people must exercise their power and break Gonsalves’ spell over the country.
Our beloved leader
ROMANS14:16 implores us to avoid actions that could damage our reputation or create negativity among others. Everyone wants to maintain good standing by behaving in a way that avoids provoking negative criticism and gossip. Additionally, a good
reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold (Prov 22:1). It is a wise recommendation that leaders should only lead for a maximum of two terms. This is law in the USA. Many democratic countries change
government regularly especially where there are free and fair elections.
Leaders who stay longer risk marring their reputation and legacy. The waning terms of Sir Eric Williams were marred by low productivity and corruption. We need to examine the waning terms of our own leader Dr.
Ralph Gonsalves as he nears the end of his 5th term and the end of his political career.
The EC$600 million port development project seems to be failing apparently due to flaws in the design
and construction. Transparency aids in accountability. Therefore, the technical people involved owe the public an explanation of what is happening. We should hear from the Engineer and the Contractor. The same is required for those repairing the Girls’ High School and the Thomas Saunders Secondary. The current facilities especially the Grenadines wharf need urgent repairs, and they should be attended to.
During the recent Covid19 Pandemic, those who should have been answering to the public were the Chief Medical Officer or another expert working together with her. It is apparent that
certain decisions that were made were on a basis other that medical or scientific. Fair and open discussions especially among experts would have allowed for better decision making. Even now we are unsure of the position of the medical officials in the vaccine mandate case.
Absence of the section dealing with the feasibility study for the Argyle International Airport from the Interpretation Center, makes the tour of the center incomplete. The cost of building also needs adequate coverage.
Knowledge is power and there is no virtue in hiding information.
Education statistics
for each school need to be available and published so that everyone can know how our schools are performing.
As we plan a big 80th birthday celebration for the Prime Minister for next year, we must be kind to him. He needs to be relieved of all his duties and allowed to engage in what he likes without the stress of running the nation. Reading, writing, travelling and lecturing are all activities that he apparently likes and perhaps can engage in doing them as often as he desires. No one is indispensable so we need to preserve the resourceful talent reposed in the prime minister by allowing him to retire in peace.
Anthony G. Stewart, PhD
The homeless on our streets
WITH ALL THE TALK about how much progress we have made as a small country, how much we are respected by other countries, how well the economy is doing, why can’t we truly alleviate poverty and homelessness?
Many have spoken about how we just might be ‘hiding’ the real situation as it relates to poverty. That might be so, but I will leave that for others to debate. With all those who approach me, a struggling monthly paid worker, to help with buying books and clothes for their
children, the poverty situation must be a real one. I want to just look in on the homeless people who appear in our capital. I refer to those people who dwell on the streets of Kingstown; those we find sleeping on the sidewalks and even in some open spaces.
These are the people we regard as nuisances, humbugs, who, during the day, hang around the bread vans, outside the supermarkets and offices and beg for a “dollar”. These are the people we often disregard and call them all sorts of insulting names. These are the ones whom, without any evidence, we call criminals — thieves — who will steal and beg and when they get something they can sell, will use the money to buy drugs since, as we also say, these homeless people are drug addicts. And while some of us belong to clubs and organization who from time to time feed these homeless persons, we are the same people who will do nothing to see to it that these people receive some kind of rehabilitation services. The majority of these homeless people are young people who, if given a second chance in life, could well turn out to be successful in some field or the other.
Now is a good time, with general elections right round the corner, to say that both parties need to address the problem of homelessness as seen in the city, in their manifestos. And this must be done not as some second or third party point but as a separate and leading concern.
Which party is going to be brave enough to say that it will build a proper facility for these homeless young people, many of them drug addicts? This facility must provide not just a roof over their heads but must provide health checkups, counselling, skills training and well-rounded rehabilitation services so that these individuals can be equipped to return to society as equal citizens who can contribute.
The Local Jazz Scene International Jazz Day:
by MARALYN BALLANTYNELLB (Hons)
“SINCE WARSbegin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
When the weekly JAZZ TROPICAL RADIO PROGRAMME takes to the airwaves through NBC Radio, on INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30TH, host Dexster Rose will bring everyone together in a most magical way. He does that every week, but this Wednesday will be significantly different, as he will explain how modern jazz evolved over the years. He will also invite newcomers to jazz to take a more serious interest in the various jazz genres. Meanwhile, old timers will simply relax and take it in. They can expect their favourite jazz standards!
The Jazz scene in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is alive. There are presently three jazz bands:
* MAIA KUZE AND THE BLUE NOTE GROOVE — comprising Singer, Maia Kuze Dougan; Pianist, Juan Carlos Cepeda; Saxophone, Bryan Sax; Bass, Colville Thorpe; Drums, Deion Allen.
* The Ultimate 5 which is led by guitarist par excellence, Gary Peters; and
* Dexster’s creation, JTP- which has found a place in the hearts of Vincentians who faithfully support the Jazz at Sunset shows held by JTP on Sunday evenings, and usually at various seaside locations.
Recently performing at Prestige Lounge in Arnos Vale, The Ultimate 5 treated jazz lovers to an evening of jazz, with stars, and under the stars. The show attracted a modest following of young music lovers.
As for MAIA KUZE AND THE BLUE NOTE GROOVE, led by Latvian/Canadian/Vincy singer, Maia Kuze Dougan, that band is rehearsing for an upcoming show. Keep your ears open!
Expectations are high for the
upcoming show to be put on by MAIA KUZE AND THE BLUE NOTE GROOVE, if only because of the sensation that the band unleashed at the popular Villa venue, BUNGALOW RESTAURANT on Oscar Night, dubbed Jazzy Oscars Ball, an almost complete replica, with the red carpet and trimmings. Vincentians once again showed the world, that they too, can meet the highest standards in event production.
JAZZY OSCARS BALL,
March 2,
2025
THE MAIA KUZE AND THE BLUE NOTE GROOVE SHOW opened with an instrumental version of the song, Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Andy Razaf lyrics, Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller & Harry Brooks music). Of course, not everybody was behaving well.... then came, As Time Goes By (by Herman Hupfeld, made famous by 1942 film Casablanca). The mood was one of spontaneous Vincy appreciation as couples hugged each other and kisses flew..none landed on this writer..sadly... but fortunately for me, one of my favourite Maia Kuze Dougan’s Frank Sinatra renditions immediately unfolded, as she did FLY ME TO THE MOON and back, along with her most joyful fanclub; what delight.
Not only is Maia blessed with a
mesmerizing voice, but her comprehensive training coupled with decades of experience singing for corporate Canada, in addition to public shows internationally, beautifully manifested as soon as she parted her lips. The brilliant playlist kept unfolding and the band in perfect harmony, the drummer keeping brisk time, all musicians reading from the same sheet and communicating with the massive audience, easily and in fine style.
I particularly recall the best, Bésame Mucho (“Kiss Me a Lot”), Mexican Bolero song by Consuelo Velázquez and an evocative Girl From Ipanema (Portuguese Bossa Nova song by Antônio Carlos Jobim).
No, the night was not yet on its final run; the crowd wanted more, and a prescient Maia had more songs on the agenda: Fire (by Bruce Springsteen, made famous by Pointer Sisters); That’ll Be the Day (by Buddy Holly & Jerry Allison, made famous as a country-rock classic by Linda Ronstadt).
That showgoers were given a big bonus is clear, as the second set proved even more scintillating than the first.
Here are the details of set 2: Moondance (by Van Morrison); Let’s Do It (by Cole Porter, lyrics mention ‘Lithuanians and Letts’/Latvians. Maia, being Latvia born, always puts more than her body and soul into this song.
The pace began to slow down, but kisses, hugs, sighs of satisfaction, were most evident across the event space, just when the falling of leaves was about to occur, with Autumn Leaves/Les feuilles mortes by Joseph Kosma, original French lyrics by Jacques Prévert, English lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
Since generous Maia Kuze Dougan sings in several languages, she never leaves fans without a linguistic spread, so she, in shimmering attire, came on with the beloved La vie en rose (“Life in rosy hues”, Edith Piaf lyrics, Louiguy music). As though we had not had our fill of thrills and spectacle, the roof nearly flew off with THE MAIA KUZE AND THE BLUE NOTE GROOVE’s sensitive arrangement of Don’t Know Why (by Jesse Harris, made famous by Norah Jones, Ravi Shankar’s daughter), followed immediately by Always a Fool, (an original song by Maia Kuze).
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Bob Russell lyrics, Duke Ellington music) closed the show but it was not really completely over, until a Latin number rang out... Juan Carlos in his element, harmonised with the MAIA KUZE AND THE BLUE NOTE GROOVE team, spilling hallmarks of consistency, clarity, graceful composure, taking the fanclub safely home with dancing shoes on and off as they gyrated to a melodic
Oye Como Va (Hear how it goes, Cha-cha song by Tito Puente).
The Jazzy Oscars Ball, the Vincy takes on the Oscar Night and its gift to the world on International Jazz Day.
MAIA KUZE AND THE BLUE NOTE GROO, from start to finish.
Five inducted into Hall of Fame
Story
and photos by
NELSON A. KING US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net
FIVE VINCENTIAN “ICONS” were inducted last Saturday night during the inaugural St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cultural Hall of Fame, at Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn, New York, hosted by the Brooklyn-based Dynamite Cultural Organization (DCO).
The inductees were: Franklyn ‘Frankie’ McIntosh, D.Litt for his role in the performing arts; Veronica John and Roy “The Dragon” Ralph (both posthumously) for culinary arts and visual arts, respectively; the Spiritual Baptist Religion in the heritage and legacy category; and historian Dr. Adrian Fraser for literary arts.
Franklyn McIntosh, D.Litt
DCO described McIntosh, D.Litt., as “a true giant in the world of Caribbean music.”
It said his “holding an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of the West Indies reflects his vast accomplishments,” and that he is “celebrated as a musical genius, calypso maestro and a foundational architect of Soca music.
“His innovative arrangements, infectious melodies and profound inspired contributions have left an indelible mark on the Caribbean music scene, solidifying his place as a not only a national but also a regional treasure,” DCO said.
In his acceptance speech, McIntosh said that, when he migrated to New York, he came with the “skillset and
enduring legacy.
“This seminal institution shaped the social and spiritual fabric of the nation, embodying resilience and unwavering faith in the face of historical persecution,” it said. “Its inclusion highlights the importance of faith and community in the Vincentian narrative.”
mas men this country has ever known,” the younger Ralph said. “For those who had the pleasure of witnessing his work, they will know that his designs weren’t just costumes–they were expressions of history, heritage and the heartbeat of our culture.”
Dr. Adrian Fraser
experience” that he obtained in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He, however, said he was “grateful to America, especially Brooklyn College (City University of New York) for the opportunity to fully develop” his skills.
Veronica John
It remembered John as a “culinary visionary”, who founded VeeJays Restaurant in Kingstown, the Vincentian capital.
DCO said John had “profound impact on Vincentian cuisine”, and that VeeJays was “more than just a restauranteur.
“She was a culinary matriarch, who defined the essence of Vincentian hospitality and championed the unique flavors of the nation,” it said. “Her influence on the Vincentian palate and culinary traditions continues to resonate today.”
In accepting the award in honour of her late mother, flanked by her nephew, Liam Minors, 10, Linette John said Veronica John’s journey was “guided by passion.
“Her culinary experience was soulful,” she said.
“It was a way of bringing people together. Her legacy will live on.”
Spiritual Baptist religion
DCO characterized the Spiritual Baptist Religion as “a cornerstone of Vincentian history and identity,” which is “recognized for its
Accepting the award on behalf of the Spiritual Baptists of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bishop Philip Quow, who was born in Rose Hall and grew up in Rose Hall and Coulls Hill — both in North Leeward, St. Vincent and the Grenadines — said: “We were born in obscurity…. . Twenty-one years ago, we were registered in Geneva (Switzerland) and became an established religion.
“We have been survivors,” Bishop Quow added. “Our evolution has been astonishing. Today is, indeed, a fait accompli.
“I’m proud to say our Houses of Worship are built with other established religions,” he continued. “I thank God for how far we have come.
Roy ‘The Dragon”
Ralph
DCO said Ralph was “an iconic mas man and visionary costume designer.
“His revolutionary contributions transformed Vincy Mas, injecting creativity, innovation and aweinspiring artistry into the annual carnival celebrations,” it said. “He pushed the boundaries of costume design and brought a fresh perspective to traditional mas, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations of mas men and women.”
Garry Buddha Ralph, who accepted the award on behalf of his father, said Ralph was “not just a man of great talent and passion for the arts–he was a visionary, a cultural ambassador and a true icon in his own right.
“Many of you may know him for his unforgettable presence as one of the most iconic
DCO said Dr. Fraser, “a distinguished historian, author and educator, is recognized for his unwavering dedication to preserving and disseminating Vincentian and Caribbean history.
“His extensive research, insightful publications and commitment to education have played a vital role in fostering a deeper understanding of our and the region’s rich cultural heritage, and complex historical narratives,” it said.
After Bert Fraser, who flew to New York from the Dallas area in Texas, introduced his brother, Dr. Fraser, the latter noted that for over 20 years, he’s written about the Spiritual Baptists and wrote a book “specially for them.”
Dr. Fraser also thanked DCO for initiating the ceremony and for inducting him the Cultural Hall of Fame.
Later, he told THE VINCENTIAN that he felt “humbled to be honoured.
“I’m honoured to have been selected,” Dr. Fraser added. “What they have done is not only historic — it’s something that should have been done before. It’s really appreciated.”
The selection
DCO said the selection of the inaugural inductees was “a meticulous and comprehensive process.” It said nominations were solicited from the Vincentian public, and that “each submission underwent a rigorous vetting and fact-checking process by a diverse
panel, comprising DCO members and Vincentians residing both in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and across the Diaspora.
“This commitment to inclusivity ensured that the selection panel truly represented the global community of Vincentians, guaranteeing a process free of bias and rooted in genuine merit,” DCO said.
“The inaugural class of inductees
represents a pantheon of Vincentian luminaries, each a titan in their respective field,” it added. “This landmark initiative aims to enshrine the legacies of individuals and institutions that have significantly shaped and enriched Vincentian culture and heritage both within St. Vincent and the Grenadines and across the Diaspora.” Carlos “Rejector” Providence said DCO has “long recognized the need to honor, respect and celebrate our heroes — not just to glorify the inductees but to also inspire and educate this and future generations about the tireless and ingenious work of our heroes, thus encouraging continuity.”
Dr. Frankie McIntosh, right, inducted by Calypsonian and Cultural Ambassador Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas.
10-year-old Liam Minors holds Induction Award, flanked by his aunt, Linett John, Veronica John’s daughter, and DCO Public Relations Officer Glenroy “Gobells” Phillips.
Bishop Philip Quow, representing the Spiritual Baptists of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, inducted by Mistress of Ceremonies and former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Culture René Baptiste.
Mas designer Ricardo “Puzzle” Grant, right, presents Induction Award to Garry Buddha Ralph, on behalf of his late father Roy Ralph.
Dr. Adrian Fraser, right, inducted by his brother, Bert Fraser.
YARA celebrates 30 years:
Stages simulation exercise
A TEAM OF VOLUNTEER RADIO OPERATORS and others associated with the recently rebranded Youlou Amateur Radio Association – YARA, spent the Easter weekend engaged in a training session designed to sharpen the SAR (Search and Rescue) skills of Mayreau fisherfolk and Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) rangers, as well as hosting an informal awards ceremony for the
members of the YARA and seafarers.
YARA’s founder and Director Donald De Riggs —J88CD, noted that the training aspect, “… is indicative of the importance our group attaches to the safety of life at sea, and safety generally. So, while we celebrate a significant milestone on our journey, we are still focused on our main task, saving lives, which has kept
going for the last 30 years, … not 30 weeks or 30 months.”
De Riggs highlighted that volunteer members, who are not required currently to pay a joining fee or monthly subscription, give of their best, whenever required to do so, in keeping with YARA’s motto, ‘Maximum Participation’, as was evident during the Easter weekend.”
At about 9 AM on Friday, April 18, four fishermen and their teams along with the Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) rangers held a pre-simulation briefing to ensure that all stakeholders were au fait with the sequence of events.
Participants then proceeded to the staging area of Petit Tabac. The simulation involved the rescue of one female and
two males from the open sea by the Mayreau fishermen and the TCMP rangers patrol boat. Two other support vessels observed the training activity from close range.
Yara’s Director Donald De Riggs —J88CD chaired the evaluation session that followed, with Leading Seaman John and Sgt. Owen Isaacs of the SVG Coast Guard providing invaluable guidance and advice to the fishermen and sharing recent experiences of rescuing boats in distress.
The fishermen recommended that similar training sessions be held at least every two years and annually if possible.
The following day, a three-person team from Grenada joined the Vincies for the awards ceremony and seafood only luncheon.
Awards were presented to two categories of persons: members and support volunteers, e.g. boat captains, who are not necessarily amateur radio operators but who use and need to use VHF marine radios in their everyday operations.
During the awards ceremony, Floyd Dowden J39JX, the Executive Manager Operations and Administration of the Grenada Co-Op Bank (GCB), lauded the consistent
work of the RRL/YRM cum YARA over the years, including responding to disasters in Grenada and Dominica among others. Interestingly, the GCB has sponsored the anniversary T-shirts for YARA every five years, starting with our 20th anniversary as well as for ‘Operation X’ between 2006 and 2010.
On the heels of a successful weekend exercise and celebration, YARA took the opportunity to extend thanks to: SOL Petroleum and Mobil lubricants for providing fuel, etc. for all the boats involved in the simulation exercise; Barefoot Charters for availing a catamaran pro bono for the entire weekend; BOSVG, NTRC, Ollies Screen Prints and the GCB for their support.
Gratitude was also extended to: Leslie Edwards — J88LE who made the awards; Captain “Jah Mo” who gave the ‘crew’ an
informal course in seamanship; and the SVG Coast Guard and TCMP management team.
Margaret Wildman J39KK and Molica Mulzac/ Ward J88NMF presented the awards.
And the YARA’s Director reminded those present that even though the organization was in part in a celebratory mood, they were still on standby for any maritime emergencies, as it was a weekend replete with regattas and excursions.
The joint team that attended the weekend outing included Margaret Wildman J39KK, Joy Flemming J39JF and (team leader J3) Floyd Dowden J39JX, Kavern Ferril J88NEI, Aleisha Browne J88NAB, Eban Olliver J88NGL, James Ollivierre J88NJT, Justin Da Silva J88DA, Keandre Moore, Terry Franklyn and (team leader J8) Donald De Riggs J88CD.
Contributed by: Donald De Riggs
Fishermen, RCMP rangers and others during the pre-simulation briefing.
Persons in distress (right) about to be rescued. This was the major focus of the simulation exercise.
SVG Coast Guard vessel was also involved during the simulation exercise and provided life jackets to ensure participants’ safety.
Captain Patrick Forde (left) receives award from Margaret Wildman, J39KK.
Captain Venna Ollivierre received award from Margaret Wildman, J39KK.
The YARA team helped to clean up one of the Cays after a late night party by foreign visitors.
Junior Sailing Week overwhelms
THE JUNIOR SAILING WEEK 2025 kicked off on Sunday, April 13th in Calliaqua Bay, with the Vincy Sailing Club hosting an action-packed opening regatta. Over 20 boats and 25 young sailors from St. Vincent and Bequia competed in five thrilling races, managed by the Vincy Sailing Race Management Team. Jankie Glass hosted a vibrant prize-giving ceremony at Coconut Grove Beach Club.
Day Two - Mayreau
On Tuesday, 15th, the sailors set their sights on Mayreau for the second day of competition. The Mayreau Junior Sailing Club rolled out the red carpet, delivering a day filled with exhilarating races and fun-focused events, including the crowd-favourite capsize race. With over 40 young sailors participating, the biggest event of the week, it was a perfect showcase of enthusiasm, energy, and community spirit.
Older sailors took on a more challenging round-the-island race, skillfully navigating the reefs on the island’s Windward side–an impressive display of seamanship. Huge thanks to John Forde, Stephon Forde, Norfrick Baptiste, Nancy and Lorne Saul Demers, for their incredible hospitality and support.
Day Three – Canouan
Next stop: Canouan, Wednesday 16th April, for the third Junior Regatta. Hosted by Albert Olivierre at Coconut Bar and Grill, the Regatta was packed with fast-paced racing in the stunning waters of Charlestown Bay. Participants from across Canouan, Mayreau, St. Vincent, and Bequia came together, swapping boats and skills–sailing everything from Sunfish to FJs, a change from their usual Optimist dinghies.
The islands of Mayreau and Canouan are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, so it was tremendous to see both communities going out of their way to support their young sailors.
Grand Finale – Bequia
The grand finale took place on the Easter weekend in Bequia, with boats and sailors arriving by ferry and catamaran for a two-day regatta on
There was no want of Junior Sailors and enthusiasm for the Junior Sailing Week 2025. (Source: SVG Sailing Association)
Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19. Over 30 young sailors competed in 11 fiercely contested races. It was a showcase of exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Under the guidance of Thor Magnus Lee and the Vincy Sailing race management team–Sabrina Marks Dasent, Alex Punnett, and Fedel Mansour–every race was run with precision and passion.
Magnus Lee of Blue Life Yacht Charters Bequia, who used one of his catamarans to transport the sailors and equipment throughout the islands, said, “It is an honor to be a part of the Junior Sailing Week and see so many young, up and coming sailors here in SVG. It has been a week filled with excitement, joy and a lot of sailing. Seeing the commitment and the enthusiasm in their eyes is why I am engaged with this”.
“It’s impossible to thank everyone by name”, said Jenny Trumble, President of the SVG Sailing Association, “but the Sailing Association is deeply grateful for the warmth, generosity, and tireless efforts of the entire sailing community. From volunteers to venue hosts, from parents to coaches and the schools who allowed the sailors time away from
their studies. The spirit of sailing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has never been stronger”.
Vincy Sailing received award
SVG Junior Sailing Week 2025 has not only celebrated competition and camaraderie–it’s shown that the future of sailing in SVG is bright.
Vincy Sailing was awarded the Silver Level Clean Regatta certification by the international organisation Sailors Of The Sea, for the SVG Sailing Week Juniors Regatta.
The Clean regatta’s manager Alexandria Paolino Punnet said “We’re incredibly proud to have earned a Silver Level Certification, for our environmental efforts whilst hosting the Juniors Regattas at the inaugural Vincy Sailing Week on April 13, 2025. This means achieving approximately 60% of the 20 Clean Regattas Best Practices in the toolkit.
RESULTS OF THE VINCY SAILING WEEK
Calliaqua
Winners included: ILCA 6 Class -
Kai Marks-Dasent, St Vincent; ILCA 4 Class - Joshua Weinhardt, St Vincent; O’pen Skiff - Lilly Punnett, St. Vincen; Topa - River Punnett, Milla Ryder, St Vincent and New Zealand; OptimistConroy Harris, Bequia.
Mayreau
First place finishers: Optimist - Kai Dasent-Marks, St Vincent; Round —the-island race - Kai Marks Dasent, Joshua Osborne, Joshua Weinhardt, St. Vincent.
Canouan
Top performers: Optimist - Antoine Snagg, Canouan; Sunfish - Kenny Forde, Conroy Harris (Mayreau, Bequia); FJ - Stefon Forde, JJ Forde, Kelvin Harris, Jeremy (Mayreau, Bequia).
Bequia
Winners: IlCA Class - Kai MarksDasent, St Vincent; Skiff - Benjamin Cyrus, St Vincent; Optimist - Kemi Bynoe, Bequia; FJ - Norfrick Baptiste, Samarah Forde, Mayreau; SunfishKenny Jr. Forde, Mayreau; TopperDeo Tanis, Bequia. (Source: SVG Sailing Association)
A Tribute to Lion Raphael „Raphie‰ King
From the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG
TODAY,we honour the life and legacy of a true servant leader, Lion Raphael King, affectionately known to all as Lion Raphie.
A dedicated and passionate Lion, Lion Raphie began his journey of service in 1992 with the Lions Club of SVGWest. He remained a loyal and committed member until the club’s merger with the Lions Club of St. Vincent in 2003, forming what we now know as the Lions Club of KingstownSVG.
Throughout his distinguished years of service, Lion Raphie wore many hats with pride and unwavering commitment. He served in various capacities, including Fundraising Chair, Tamer, Tail Twister, Club President, and Zone Chair. No role was ever too small, no task beneath him. Every title he held, he carried with honour, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. His love for service was perhaps most evident in his devotion to several of our club’s signature initiatives: The Eye Care 4 U Project; our hallmark fundraising event, the Wine and Cheese Affair; and the Annual Christmas
Luncheon for the Sight-Impaired. His hard work, visionary input, and passionate leadership significantly strengthened these initiatives, which continue to touch lives across our community.
Lion Raphie was also instrumental in coordinating the annual Journey for Sight. He will be fondly remembered for his tender care and attention. He was often seen gently holding the hands of the blind and guiding them throughout the walk from our Lions’ Den at Frenches Gate through Kingstown and back.
His strategic contributions also extended to institutions such as the Liberty Lodge Boys’ Training Centre and the School for Children with Special Needs, where his input helped shape programmes that supported vulnerable youth at the former, and children at the latter.
But Lion Raphie was more than a leader; he was a mentor, a sponsor of new members, a motivator, and the very embodiment of our Lions’ motto: “We Serve”. His presence brought warmth, humour, and an uplifting sense of camaraderie that left a lasting
impression on everyone privileged to know and work with him.
As we bid farewell to our beloved Lion Raphie, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. His legacy of service, compassion, and selfless dedication will forever live on, etched not only in the records of our club’s history but in the lives he touched and in the hearts of all who served alongside him. Rest in peace, Lion Raphie. Your roar will echo in our memories forever.
Violence escalates: Haiti in Âfree fallÊ
People walk past a burning barricade during a protest against insecurity in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 16, 2025 (Fildor Pq Egeder/Reuters)
THE SECURITY SITUATIONin Haiti is in “free fall”, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned, as armed groups continue to unleash deadly violence in the capital and other areas across the Caribbean nation.
In a statement on Thursday, April 17, HRW said criminal gangs have escalated their attacks in Port-auPrince since late last year, and only 10 percent of the city remains under government control.
“Haiti’s security situation is in a free fall and Haitians are suffering horrific abuses,” said Nathalye Cotrino, the rights group’s senior Americas researcher.
The situation worsened dramatically after the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, which created a power vacuum.
In 2024, the gangs launched attacks on prisons and other state institutions across Port-au-Prince, fuelling a renewed political crisis.
The campaign of violence led to the resignation of Haiti’s unelected prime minister, the creation of a transitional presidential council, and the deployment of a United Nationsbacked, multinational police mission.
That Kenya-led police force — formally known as the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) — has failed to take control back from the gangs, however. Observers say the mission has been underfunded and illequipped.
Recently, so-called “self-defence” groups have formed in response to the armed gangs, leading to more deadly violence.
Protests have also broken out in Port-au-Prince against the country’s transitional presidential council, which has been unable to restore security. On April 7, the authorities declared a new,
one-month state of emergency amid the violence.
“Declaring emergencies without equipping police with necessary resources, like effective armored vehicles, will not solve the insecurity crisis,” the National Human Rights Defense Network, a leading Haitian rights group, said in a recent report.
“The absence of state response has turned the police into firefighters–constantly reacting without strategic direction–while towns fall one after another,” the group said.
According to UN figures, at least 1,518 people were killed and another 572 were injured between January 1 and March 27 in gang attacks, security force operations, and acts of violence committed by the “self-defence” groups and others.
Speaking to HRW, an aid worker in Haiti said people “no longer have a safe place” to go.
“Women … seeking help have not only lost loved ones, but have also been raped, displaced and left on the streets, starving and struggling to survive. We don’t know how much longer they can endure such suffering,” the aid worker said.
“All [victims] ask is for the violence to stop. With no support from the police or government, they feel abandoned. They ask, ‘Why is no one helping us? Why do Haitian lives not matter if we are human too?’”
The UN also says more than 1 million Haitians have been displaced by the violence, while half of the country — some 5.5 million people — face acute food insecurity.
In early April, Save the Children reported that more than 40,000 children were among those displaced in the first three months of 2025.
“Children in Haiti are trapped in a nightmare,” the group’s Haiti country director, Chantal Sylvie Imbeault, said in a statement.
“They are living in deadly areas controlled by armed groups, being robbed of a normal childhood, and at constant risk of recruitment–while humanitarian aid struggles to reach them,” she said.
“As displacement continues to soar, shelters are becoming completely overcrowded, leaving children vulnerable to disease, exploitation, and sexual violence.” (Source: Al Jazeera)
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Put your energy into moneymaking ventures. You will earn recognition for the work you are doing. Invite friends or relatives into your home. Children may pose a problem if they don't like suggestions.
TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 21)
It's time to get yourself back on track. Be careful when using machinery or electrical equipment. Don't hesitate to look for alternatives that will enable you to raise the kind of donations you need to do the job right. You can make alterations to your appearance that everyone will admire.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Dealing with in-laws or relatives will not be in your best interest. Avoid lending or borrowing. Try to avoid any drastic/ decisions concerning personal legal matters. You need to put some trust in others.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Opportunities to get involved in selfimprovement projects will be rewarding. You need to do your own thing and work on making yourself the best you can be. You need to do something energetic and different. Make sure all of your travel and driver's documents are in proper order.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
You can certainly gain popularity; however, don't do it by paying for everyone else. Get some sound advice and help setting up a workable budget. You may have problems with children. You're undergoing changes. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring you greater popularity.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. You can meet new and exciting friends who will provide mental stimulation. Look to a close friend for advice. Your
involvement with groups will raise your self-esteem.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Your high energy will help you through this rather hectic day. Property deals look good. You will meet potential new mates through business. Property investments will payoff.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Put all your energy into moneymaking ventures. Think twice before you volunteer information. Use your charm, but don't sign or agree to anything. Curb any jealous fits if your partner has been flirting with someone else.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Friends may not be completely honest with you. Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are evident. Opportunities for advancement at work are apparent. You will be emotional with regard to your personal life.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Take time to listen to the problems of family members. Avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with. There may be opportunities to attend social functions that are linked to work. You can win if you're open and up front with your boss.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)
Your communication skills are at an alltime high. You should make sure that your personal papers are in order. Secret enemies will be eager to spread rumors about you. Travel will be exciting.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Don't let your mate stop you from attending an event that could be most important. You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction. Dealing with foreigners will be most enlightening. Debates will stifle passion and result in estrangement.
23. Curl 25. Was carried 26. Moved rapidly 27. Comrade 28. Actress Anderson 32. Scottish city 35. “__ Believer” (2 wds.) 36. Lavin and others 38. Workers’ organizations 39. Where Munich is (abbr.)
43. Dish the __ (gossip)
45. Bird’s treat 46. Like a shrinking violet 47. Nanny’s baby 49. Wind dir. 51. Sunbeam
SVG on the move with inclusive prosperity
Continued from Page 10.
13.The physical infrastructure has developed immensely since 2000: Roads; bridges galore, including the historic Rabacca Bridge, sea and river defences; construction of the iconic Argyle International Airport and the Canouan Jet Airport; Construction of the EC $650 million Modern Port at Kingstown is nearing completion.
14.Amazing enhancement since 2000 of applied science and technology in life, living, and production. In the area of information community technology there are more cell phones than people in SVG; computers and laptops are universal; internet penetration is extensive. In 2000 all of this was non-existent.
15.Setting up NEMO and building resilience to natural disasters; there was practically nothing in place for disaster management before 2001.
16.Sports facilities and activities have advanced markedly since 2000: The huge upgrade of the Arnos Vale Sports Facility fit for top-level competitions in cricket and football; the construction of the Sir Vincent Beache Athletic Stadium; construction of quality sporting facilities in communities all over SVG.
17.Massive advances in facilities and activities in the area of popular culture, the performing arts, and literary cultural expressions.
18.Maintaining and consolidating monetary, financial, fiscal, and political stability, and low-moderate inflation. Taxation is far lower today than ever before measured as a percentage of average incomes, GDP, or government revenue.
19.Targeted specific interventions were initiated after 2001 in respect of youths, students, farmers, workers, women, fisherfolk, the poor, and those affected by natural disasters. Among these are YES, SET, PRYME, ONSITE, FAST, GYVE, FSC, and so forth.
20.Legislative reforms to improve the lived conditions of workers, women, farmers, and fishers were introduced after 2001.
21.The NIS was made more resilient and sustainable than ever before.
22.Leadership exhibited in regional and hemispheric affairs (the OECS, CARICOM, and CELAC). SVG, for example, drove the Revised Treaty of Basseterre establishing the economic union in the OECS. SVG also placed the issues of reparations for native genocide and the enslavement of African bodies on the CARICOM agenda; so, too, the issue of depenalization for possession of small quantities of marijuana and the establishment of a medicinal cannabis industry in CARICIOM. SVG is the only CARICOM country ever to hold the Presidency Pro-Tempore of the Community of States of Latin America
and the Caribbean (CELAC).
23.The pursuance of an activist foreign policy in the interest of the people of SVG and for peace, inclusive prosperity, and justice through multilateralism. SVG since 2001 has chalked up hugely impressive achievements globally such as being the smallest country ever to hold the Presidency of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations; the smallest country ever to Chair the Administrative Committee (5th Committee) of the United Nations; Joint Chairmanship with India of the L69 Committee on reform of the United Nations Security Council; and impressively as being the smallest country ever to sit as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Since 2001, SVG has established diplomatic relations with numerous countries; our Prime Minister is the only CARICOM Prime Minister to have addressed the African Union thrice (in Libya, Ethiopia, and Uganda).
24.Strengthened good governance enormously in terms of performance, accountability and transparency. Global agencies such as the World Bank, Freedom House, and Transparency International have commended SVG on all relevant indices of democratic good governance; among the best in the world.
25.Overall, SVG has moved from being assessed as a country with a “medium” level of human development to a “high level” in accord with the Human Development Index (HDI), as determined by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
ONWARD TO HIGHER HEIGHTS
Despite the immense challenges of the last five years since 2020 (Covid19 pandemic, volcanic eruptions, Hurricane Elsa and Beryl, and global turmoil), SVG has made immense progress. For example, although Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 caused damage and loss to our country of nearly EC $1 billion or some 30 percent of GDP, SVG still grew by 4.8 percent last year, among the highest in the region after the outlier of Guyana. In 2024, capital spending was in excess of EC$500 million; in 2000 (the last year of the NDP regime) capital spending amounted to only EC$35 million.
We are rebuilding well after Beryl regarding the physical infrastructure; production and income support in the agriculture, tourism, and fisheries sectors; substantial support for affected persons; and rebuilding and repairing damaged houses in an unprecedented manner.
Meanwhile, the ULP government is elaborating further major development plans for on-going implementation over the next five years. The future of SVG depends on the ULP in communion with the people. Let’s elect the ULP for a 6th term. They are simply the best in every material particular.
Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletic, has identified the Carifta Games as a model worthy of replication and one of envy.
THE MODEL, success and longevity of the Carifta Games have occasioned changes to the global Track and Field calendar.
That was unearthed by the President of World Athletics- Lord Sebastian Coe, as he addressed a media briefing at the Gold VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium, in Trinidad and Tobago, last Sunday, April, 20, 2025.
Coe said that the scrapping of the World Under-18 Championships was partly because of the Carifta Games, its model and its effectiveness as far as the growth of Caribbean Track and Field
Carifta Games impacting globally
was concerned.
“One of the reasons that we were given such a clear statement from our coaches and many member federations, was what you guys are doing in youth athletics, and it is was felt that many countries were coming to these championships and getting to the youth championships and not getting out of them what we really wanted them to get out”, Coe revealed. Coe disclosed that World Athletics thought it best to promote regional or continental championships, with the Carifta Games being a selling point. He advanced, “I don’t think there is another junior event in the world that has such an ability to show that the athletes that come through these ranks that actually go on, not only to represent their national teams with distinction but go on to represent their national teams and often end up on the podium”.
The World Athletics
head also pointed out that the Caribbean’s attrition rate is running against the grain of expectations.
“I can’t think of a better example of athletes during that real delicate period that coaches talk about, which is the attritional rate of athletes leaving our sport, between the ages of 16 and 17 and 20, ... it is very clear to me that you are bucking the trend here and it may also be because of the very solid presence that Track and Field also has in schools, which again is something the rest of the world could replicate and frankly be envious of”, the four-time Olympic 800m medallist reasoned.
And as he continued to laude the Carifta Games, Coe added: “It is not just simply another track event; it is one that provides a key answer to the question that I regularly get, where is the next Usain Bolt coming from, where is the next Merlene Ottey coming from, where is the next Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce,
No Carifta medals for SVG
WHEN THE 52ND
EDITIONof the Carifta Games ended last Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago, the records showed that St. Vincent and the Grenadines had failed to win a medal.
Optimism was high among Vincentians when J’Mar Saunders won his 100m semi-final in 10.53s on Saturday. However, hopes were dashed when, with a visible injury, he hobbled over the line in 8th place in a time of 12.24s.
Kenisha Richards, who docked second in the Under-17 Girls 100m semi-finals with a 12.05s clocking, could not replicate her showing or go better in the final, as her 12.31s only earned her 7th place.
Richards returned a 25.57s in the 200m, which was not good enough to get her past the semi-
finals.
Meanwhile, J’Avair Cato was 6th in the Under-20 Boys Long Jump, with a leap of 6.58m. In the Triple Jump, his best effort was 14.68m that put him 8th on the list.
In other straight finals results for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Rosahuan Phillips’ 13.03m earned a 6th place in the Under-17 Boys Triple Jump, with Tashanique Francis docking 10th in the Under-17 Girls Shot Putt, with a throw of 10.75m. Kesiann John’s 5:11.28 put her 9th in the Under17 Girls 1500m and she finished in the last place in the Open 3000m, clocking 14:23.20. Kenneth Gurley was 10th in the Under-17 Boys 1500m in a time of 4:44.16 and 7th in the 3000m, taking 10.31.80 to complete the seven and a half laps event. Also, in the Under-17
J’Mar Saunders provided a glimmer of hope for a Vincy medal.
100m, Romario Mc Dowall clocked 11.38s to earn a ranking of 17th, while Leemore Ollivierre’s 22.51s saw him ranked the same 17th place in the Under-17 Boys 200m.
In the Under-20 Boys 200m, AJ Delpesche’s 21.71s was just enough for an 11th place overall, and Delron Depeche’s 11.11s placed him 23rd in the
and my answer is, just go to the Carifta Games.”
And in acknowledging the growth of the Carifta Games over the years, Coe mentioned, “The one thing that I have noticed over the last ten years is the range of countries that are winning medals, going home with national records, and personal
bests… the range of disciplines that are now on display. It is comforting for me to watch the growth of other disciplines on the track and some of the endurance events and of course in the field. It bodes well for you because you will be presenting even more talent on to the global landscape. It bodes
well for us because we need you to keep creating that talent, that conveyor belt”.
The Carifta Games was first held in Barbados in 1972. The 2025 edition, which represented the 52nd hosting of the Games, took place April 19 to 21, hosted by Trinidad and Tobago.
SVG’s delegation to the 52nd Carifta Games.
Under-20 Boys 100m.
In the Under-20 Girls 200m, Shaquania Jacobs timed 24.97s, placing her 17th and in the 400m, she timed 56.54s to place 10th.
And, Tedre Oneil’s best height in the Boys Open Pole Vault was 3.60m, as he ended 4th among the four vaulters.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines was without two of their medal hopefuls in Keo Davis, because of injury, and
Thyra Charles, due to school commitments in the USA.
Both had placed fourth at the 2024 Carifta Games in Grenada - Davis in the Under-20 Boys 200m and Charles in the Under-20 Girls 400m.
The last occasion that St. Vincent and the Grenadines medalled at the Carifta Games was in the Bahamas in 2023, when Amal Glasgow took bronze in the Under-20
Boys 400m.
As expected, Jamaica topped the 2025 medal table with 78 medals, comprising 40 gold, 27 silver and 21 bronze. Jamaica was well ahead of second-placed The Bahamas which had a total of 37 medals. It was the Jamaicans’ 39th straight lien on the championships and their 47th title, since the Carifta Games began in 1972.
Carifta games 2025 opening with vibrant ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago after nearly 20 years.
KIONE DE SHONG was St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ top
De Shong swims for gold
swimmer at the 2025 Carifta Aquatics Championships held in Trinidad and Tobago, April 19 to 23.
Competing in the Boys 11-12 age group, De Shong bagged three medals, to leave his imprint on the impressive facility at the National Aquatics Centre, Couva.
He crowned off his final year in that age group with gold in the 100m Breaststroke, winning in 1:14.94.
He was followed to the board by fellow Vincentian- Caghry Williams,
who took silver in 1:15.79.
De Shong, though, had started his medal hunt on Saturday, April 19, and copped a
SVG up against it in TT CRYC
THIS COUNTRY’s male junior table tennis team has had a challenging outing so far in the 28th Caribbean Regional Youth Championship (CRYC) currently ongoing in Barbados at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.
In their first outing, matched against Cuba in the U19 Boys, the Vincentians went under 3 games to luv. Andy Maqueira beat Lamont Gregg SVG 11/2 11/5 11/6. Jonathan Leon beat Kimoni Shoy 11/2 11/6
Against Puerto Rico the Vincentian fared no better, going under 3 games to luv in the Boys U15 Singles. Owen Shemes defeated Oran Williams SVG 11/2 11/2
11/1. Mathew Cac beat Zaid Martin 11/4 11/2 11/1. Sergio Perez Puerto Rico eventually had had the better of Macahlie
bronze in the 200m Breaststroke, when he timed 2:46.77.
The lone medallist for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the 2024 edition, De Shong gained silver in the 50m Breaststroke on Monday, April 21. He clocked 34.22s.
Like two peas in a pod, Williams
trailed De Shong taking bronze in 34.67s.
Also on Monday, Kennice Greene took bronze in the Girls 15-17 Butterfly, doing so in 28.73s.
The medal haul meant that it was the eleventh straight occasion on which St. Vincent and the Grenadines was attaining top-three finishes in the Carifta Aquatics Championships.
SVG Table Tennis Team at the 28th Caribbean Regional Youth Championship.
Hazelwood 11/7 9/11 11/7 11/6. In the U15 grouping, Barbados defeated SVG 3 games to 2. Maleeq Aimey (Barbados) beat Oran-Jay Williams (SVG) 11/4 11/2 11/6. Macahlie Hazelwood (SVG) overcame MdJai Collymore (Barbados) 11/9 11/7 6/11 11/7. Ajani Gittens (Barbados)
smashed Zaid Martin (SVG) 11/5 11/4 11/5. Macahlie Hazelwood (SVG) stayed the course to beat Maleeq Aimey 12/10 8/11 7/11 11/9 15/13. Mdjai Collymore held his own to defeat a game against Oran-jay Williams 8/11 11/9 11/8 9/11, 14/12.
In the Under 19 Boys, St. Lucia inflicted a 3 to
luv beating on SVG. Manie Eleuthere, St. Lucia, disposed of Terrance Ashton 11/4 11/5 11/8. Joshua Lubin beat Lamont Gregg 11/3 11/4 11/8. Leshon Francis defeated Kimoni Shoy 11/2 11/4 11/3. The Championship runs until April 26.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Four compete in TnT Tennis Competition
FOUR PLAYERSfrom the Fuzion Tennis Academy participated in the 2025 Trinidad’s Trinity Cup Cotecc U14 and U12 Competition, that ended on April 17, at the National Racquet Centre, in Tacarigua.
The Competition got going on April 12.
Both Nakayda Caine and Amaia Waterstone secured spots in the Girls U12 semi-finals. Caine won over Josey Khan 4-2,4-1 in the main draw, then lost to Trinidad and Tobago’s (TnT) Teijah Wellington 3-5,1-4 in the semis.
Also, Waterstone lost to Josey Khan of TnT in the Girls consolation, 3-5, 2-4.
However, the girls teamed up to give a stellar performance in the Girls finals of the doubles against the TnT #1 team.
Danelle Kennedy advanced to the main draw of the U14 Girls but lost to TnT #1 Makeda Baine 06, 1-6.
And, Akquin Johnson, U14 Boys, was unable to get past Jacob Jacelon of TnT with a 1-6, 0-6 defeat.
The team was accompanied by their coach Janelle Gonsalves of the Fuzion tennis Academy.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Nakayda Caine (left), and Amaia Waterstone, U12 singles semi-finalists and doubles finalists.
Kione De Shong – gold, silver and bronze medallist.
Kenice Georgebronze medallist.
Caghry William –silver and bronze medallist.
Rangers are repeat VPL Champions
THE BOTANICAL GARDENS RANGERS,after suffering three earlier defeats in the 2025 sixth edition of the Vincy Premier League (VPL.6), rallied to win their remaining matches to earn themselves a place in the finals against first-time finalist - Grenadine Divers. And they made the best of the opportunity at the Arnos Vale Playing Filed, April 19, by defeating
Divers by 9 runs and retaining their championship title in the process.
Taking first knock, the Rangers looked destined for a big score but closed their ten overs allotment on a score of 115 for 6. As they had done in earlier matches, Andre Fletcher and Keron Cottoy led the batting, each getting 33 this time around.
The in-form Salvan Browne, 40, and Asif Hooper, 24, gave the Divers hope of getting to the victory target, but they fell just within reach, closing on 109 for 6 in their 10 overs. Rangers’ Tijourn Pope finished with 3 for 25 and Darel Cyrus, 2 for 10.
There was no surprise when, at the presentation ceremony which followed the final, Andre ‘The Spiceman’ Fletcher was named Player of the Tournament.
Fletcher amassed the most runs, 371, which included two centuries and one fifty, at a strike rate of 239.35. He became the League’s first centurymaker and in fact, the first to hit back-to-back centuries. He also had 9 catches as Rangers’ wicket-keeper.
West Indies fast bowler Obed McCoy of Grenadines Divers was the top wicket-taker with 15 scalps at an average of 12.67 and an economy of 7.76. He was also voted the National Lotteries Authority Fan Favourite Player of the Tournament.
TT Red Force coach Rayad
Emrit did not hide his feeling that Guyana’s Championship victory “can be” tainted.
TT RED FORCE COACH
RAYAD EMRIT said Guyana Harpy Eagles’ title win in the 2025 West Indies Four-Day Championship can be tainted, after two Guyanese players were fined for ball-tampering offences in their final round match against TT at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair.
Obed McCoy, the VPL.6 highest wickettaker, pictured (left) receiving his ward from Dougal James, President of the SVG Cricket Association.
The golden grab of the tournament went to Shatrughan Rambaran of the Divers team; most catches went to Johann Jeremiah of the Rangers; best bowling economy was Obus Pinenar of Explorers with 7.27; Man of the Finals was Darrel Cyrus of Rangers, whose 2 for 10 proved to be pivotal to the outcome of the game.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Ball-tempering leaves a stain
The game ended in a draw on April 12, with Guyana clinching their eighth title in ten years as they finished on 126.6 points.
Speaking to Newsday after the pivotal clash with Guyana, Emrit questioned the way the match ended.
“I think it does (put a stain on their title win). They were on top of the game for most of it and we know cricket is a gentleman’s game. You don’t want to have these things creeping in,” Emrit said. “You saw what happened to Australia (with sandpaper gate).
Cricket West Indies (CWI) can probably put bigger sanctions into these sorts of things.”
On April 12, a CWI release said veteran spinner Veerasammy Permaul, middle-order batsman Kevlon
Anderson and allrounder
Ronaldo Alimohamed were found guilty of breaching the CWI’s Code of Conduct during the seventh and final round of the West Indies Championship. Anderson and Permaul were penalised for tampering actions, while Alimohammed was punished for unsportmanlike conduct.
Both Permaul, fined 75 per cent of his match fee, and Anderson, fined 90 per cent of his match fee, accepted the fines proposed by match referee Michael Ragoonath, and as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.
“For a team to be playing fair and another team playing unfair, it really dampens the spirit of the game,” Emrit said further. “And a very high-profile game like this, especially for a championship, it was a bit depressing for the team and myself as well.”
Guyana captain Tevin
Imlach said his team hangs their hat on playing hard cricket. However, he doesn’t want the Harpy Eagles to be branded as cheats.
“It does put a bit of a taint on the title. It’s something you don’t want to be known for. You don’t want to play cricket that way where you’re being accused of stuff like that,” Imlach said.
The Guyana captain also suggested that there was insufficient evidence to bring the charges against his players.
When asked what was used to alter the state of the ball, Imlach said, “Nothing was used. (The umpires) just said they saw some foreign substance on the ball. Guys are using sunscreen and stuff like that and if they sweat it’s going to run down. I don’t know if that’s what happened. I didn’t get to touch the ball on the first occasion.
“The second time around, there was
Kevlon Anderson avoided a hearing by also accepting the fine imposed.
Veerasammy Permaul accepted his fined without any objection.
absolutely nothing (on the ball). When I did touch the ball, I didn’t feel anything. It just came down to the umpires making a decision with no real evidence to support anything. It doesn’t look good, but it’s out of our control now.”
In 2018, the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved harsher punishments for ball-tampering after
Australia were found guilty of tampering offences in a Test match against South Africa in March 2018. The amended ICC penalties meant players could be banned for up to six Tests for tampering offences and up to 12 One-Day Internationals. Tampering was also upgraded from a Level 2 to a Level 3 offence. (Source: Trinidad Newsday)
Andre Fletcher, the Grenadian swash buckling opening batsman who turned out for Rangers, was adjudged Player of the Tournament.
Botanical Gardens Rangers, VPL.6 Champions – making them repeat champions.
EASTER WEEKEND MARRED BY SHOOTINGS
From Backpage
Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of a male individual who was later identified as Mr. Diazhaun Jack, a 20-year-old labourer of Diamond.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Jack sustained multiple gunshot wounds about his body. He was officially pronounced dead at the scene.
Shot in the hand
There was hardly a period of respite for the law enforcement officers when they were called out on Good Friday, April 18, to a shooting incident in Chapmans/Langley Park that reported took place between 9:00pm and 9:15pm.
The report was that a man was shot in his hand by an unidentified assailant. He is said to be relatively uninhibited by the injury and is assisting the police with their investigation into his shooting.
Police-involved shooting
Then there was the report, from the police, about an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a male identified as Ashley Lowman of Sion Hill/Spring Village. According to a police release, “preliminary investigations indicate that around 9:55 pm on Monday, April 21, 2025, police responded to a burglary report made by a resident of Spring Village regarding an
intruder at his home. Upon arrival, officers observed that the house was secured from the inside, with visible signs of forced entry through a broken window.”
The reported added that officers made contact with Ashley Lowman, who was inside the residence, and instructed him to exit.
During the subsequent engagement, Mr. Lowman reportedly became aggressive, armed himself with two knives, and inflicted an injury to the hand of one of the responding officers. In an effort to prevent further harm, the officer discharged his firearm, striking Mr. Lowman.
Mr. Lowman was immediately transported to the Chateaubelair Hospital, where he was
pronounced deceased by the attending physician at approximately 11:38 p.m.
The injured officer received medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
In a related item, the death of Michael ‘Boxer’ Richards of Diamond was officially ruled a homicide. This when Richards, who was shot on April 1 in the vicinity of Mahogany Bar/Bus Stop on Murray’s Road, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, April 17, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
Two men who were held in connect with that shooting and who were originally charged for attempted murder will now have their charges upgraded to murder.
Morgan calls for reassessment
From Backpage
As a consequence of the format, athletes are unable to repeat their performances, because of unfamiliarity.
“Our athletes are not accustomed to running rounds and it showed up for two of our athletes this year, as J’ Mar Saunders and Kenesha Richards ran their personal bests in the semifinals and ended up in the final, but not in the top three. For them, they are not accustomed to rounds on the same day”, Morgan added.
The Technical Director, who attended the 2025 Carifta Games as Head Coach, also recommended an adjustment to the Development and Mini Meets, held namely in January and February of each year.
“We also need to relook at our Development Meets to actual competitions, giving them that feel to run rounds and finals on that day; this will condition them when they transition to regional championships”, Morgan expounded.
Morgan also called for more competition locally, where the top athletes consistently match up against one another, as well as selecting a cadre of athletes who will train regularly, with the view of peaking for the ensuing Carifta Championships, as other areas for immediate change.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by a 13-member team at this year Carifta Games, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
AI REAL ESTATE
EASTER WEEKEND MARRED BY SHOOTINGS
by KENVILLE HORNE
Layou man gunned down
IN A BRAZENattack, a man was brutally gunned down in his hometown on Saturday 19, a short while after burying his father.
According to reports, Oranson Garraway, a 26-year-old labourer and resident of Layou, had only minutes before left the burial site of his father and was in the public road near Didips Bar at First River, when he was
attacked and shot multiple times.
Report are that three masked gunmen approaching him from an embankment and opened fire on Garraway, while mourners were making their way home.
“Dem shoot him in the foot fuss then in he head, then dem run up to the bridge and take the savannah to flee the scene,” said an eye witness, adding that mourners were running and screaming following the shooting.
A short distance from the scene of the shooting, a large crowd gathering
outside a house while armed officers from the Special Service Unit were observed guarding the house.
The occupants of the house were removed and reports later emerged that a suspect was held.
Garraway death is believed to be a reprisal for the shooting death of another layou man in 2023, and many residents in the community suspect that there will be retaliation for his death.
“There will definitely be retaliation. So, I staying off the road for now. This is a conflict has been going on for years. It started as a family war, then (other) people started getting involved,” said one resident.
Garraway’s shooting was the fourth shooting incident to have marred the Easter Weekend.
Another Diamond shooting death
The Royal SVG Police Force confirmed that at approximately 5:10
p.m on Thursday, April 17, 2025, police received a report of a shooting incident along the Diamond Main Road.
Continued on Page 27.
MORGAN CALLS FOR REASSESSMENT
TECHNICAL Director of Team
Athletics SVG- Chester Morgan, in assessing St Vincent and the Grenadines’ performance at the 52nd edition of the Carifta Games staged in Trinidad and Tobago, April 19 to21, 2025, believes that several changes have to be made if the country has to leave an imprint on the Games and
Chester Morgan, Technical Director of Team Athletics SVG and Head Coach of the SVG team to Carfita 12025, has made some daring suggestion towards upping our performances at the regional level of Track and Field.
the region.
Morgan’s position was advanced on the heels of another under-par effort of the Vincentians, in which there were no medallist.
Morgan shared: “There are lots of things that we need to change and they are not hard changes. The performance at Carifta saw athletes achieving their Personal Bests (PBs), that is to show that our PBs are just not enough to get us close to the medal podium”.
And not one to sit idly by and not make practical suggestions, Morgan advanced as a major recommendation
the tinkering of the Inter- Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships.
“We need to change the format of the Inter- Schools Games as others in the Windward Islands and others have changed their schools’ games to a three -day format, and as close of possible to the Carifta Games. This helps the athletes to be in key form for Carifta. Our Inter- Schools’ Championships span three separate days, the Girls Heats, the Boys Heats and the Finals, with about one week or more between the Heats and the Finals”, Morgan cited.
Continued on Page 27.
Oranson Garraway left his father’s burial site only to walk into his own death.
Police and forensic personnel at the location where Oranson Garraway was shot.
Michael ‘Boxer’ Richards died just over two weeks after he was shot.
