FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
VOLUME 120, No. 39
“Vitalize Your Game” Page 2
www.thevincentian.com
Exploring renewable energy Page 3
“Know your role” ~ Connell Page 4
EC$1.50
John is Ambassador Page 13
London makes IWF history Page 15
LEACOCK WARNS STUDENTS:
ÂBEHAVE LIKE A SCHOOL STUDENTÊ videos circulating on social media showing schoolgirls MINISTER OF SECURITY ST. involved in fights on the CLAIR LEACOCK has issued a streets. stern warning to students, “I look at a disturbing video saying violence and indiscipline of school girls on the streets,” will not be tolerated among Leacock said, while warning young people. that students involved in such Speaking recently at the incidents could face anniversary church service of disciplinary action. the St. Vincent Grammar “If you are a student and School, Leacock stressed the you’re on the streets and importance of discipline, you’re fighting, I’ll ask the respect, responsibility and police to go to the school. Get accountability in building a your names and you’ll be more peaceful society. disciplined. It will not happen The minister said he was under my watch,” he said. particularly concerned about Leacock urged students to conduct themselves Minister of Security St. Clair appropriately, both on and off Leacock has made it clear school grounds. that violence among young “If you are a school student, people would not be tolerated. behave like a school student,” by KENVILLE HORNE
he said. He further warned that students whose conduct crosses into criminal behaviour could face police intervention. “You go on the streets and your behavior is criminal, the police will be advised to deal firmly and swiftly with you. I’m not second-guessing that,” Leacock declared. The minister’s comments come amid wider concerns about student violence and indiscipline and the impact such behaviour can have on schools and communities. Leacock said creating a gentler society must begin with young people learning to respect others and take responsibility for their actions.
OPPOSITION LEADER OBJECTS TO LEACOCK’S VIEW ON TEENS been briefed on the matter of the group of students who were LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, arrested in connection with the Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has criticized serious offences. Hon. St. Clair Leacock, Minister According to Leacock, the teens of National Security and Prime who ages ranged from 14 to 18, Minister (Ag) for comments made were allowed to write their exams against four teen males recently which suggested a form of arrested and charged with armed leniency and that they ought to robbery. consider themselves ‘lucky’. “Leacock delivered himself in He insisted that the teens strong language, expressing involved should have been disapproval of the delay in the prosecuted summarily, or should prosecution of these young have been tried quickly, for people,” Gonsalves said on breaking the law. September 23 on his radio But Gonsalves objected to the program, ‘Morning Comrade’. point saying that there has not Leacock, while addressing a been a trial, but Leacock had church service on September 21 already expressed the view that marking the 118th anniversary the teens were guilty. for the St. Vincent Boys’ “[He] made it clear, according Grammar School, said that he had by DAYLE DASILVA
to the reports that criminal activity and street violence among students will not be tolerated under his administration; and the entire tone is that it’s like, he warned these young people who have been charged to be quartered, if not tied and feathered metaphorically,” the opposition leader said. He did not comment on the case, saying that it was improper to do so while the matter was still before the court. Continued on Page 3. Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves disagrees with the way Minister of National Security Hon. St. Clair Leacock’s handled the situation.
V „Vitalize Your Game‰ 2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
News
ST. VINCENT BREWERY LIMITED (SVBL) is rewarding Vitamalt consumers with the launch of “Vitalize Your Game,” a promotion offering instant prizes and the chance to win the Ultimate Entertainment Package. The promotion which began on September 18 and will run until November 20, 2026, celebrates the continued loyalty of Vitamalt consumers across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “Vitamalt continues to enjoy strong support from consumers, and Vitalize Your Game is our way of giving something back,” said Taemia Nichols, Marketing Coordinator at SVBL. “We want to reward that loyalty while creating a fun and exciting experience for our consumers.”
Ultimate Entertainment Package, featuring There are over 300 instant-win crowns in an 85-inch Smart circulation, giving consumers the chance to win television, immediately when they purchase Vitamalt Classic. PlayStation 5 Pro Instant prizes include Vitamalt merchandise, and entertainment AirPods and other exciting rewards. TV stand. A Consumers can also collect promotional codes found under participating crowns for their chance to Nintendo Switch and one-year win even bigger. Every four valid codes uploaded supply of Vitamalt earns one entry into the grand prize draw, and are also among the consumers can continue collecting and uploading prizes available codes throughout the promotion for additional throughout the chances to win. Taemia Nichols, Marketing promotion. The promotion is expected to culminate with the Coordinator at SVBL says the Lamont Medica, promotion is all abot giving Sales Manager at something back to loyal SVBL, said the customers. promotion provides another opportunity to strengthen the connection between the brand, its customers and consumers. “Our customers are important partners in bringing Vitamalt to consumers across SVG. This promotion gives us another opportunity to strengthen that connection while rewarding the people who continue to choose Vitamalt.” “We’re focused on making the promotion highly visible and easy to participate in across the trade,” added Seon Ballah, Trade Marketing Coordinator at SVBL. “We want consumers to feel the excitement wherever they purchase Vitamalt.” Michleen John, Marketing Assistant at SVBL, added, “We’re excited to see consumers participate, win prizes and have fun with the promotion.” Consumers can visit VitamaltpromotionsSVG.com to upload their codes, access full promotion details and terms and conditions. Vitalize Your Game runs from September 18 to November 20, 2026. (SVBL)
More Ways to Win
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 3.
News 3 Exploring renewable energy
measurements from the northeastern coast all the way to the Leeward side of the island,” he said. The only place proving to be favourable was Ribishi, he said. Plans for the implementation of a wind farm were advanced to the point WITH THE INCREASING COST to produce Members of the public are being where lands were purchased to be electricity here, Dr. Vaughn Lewis, Chief encouraged to utilize solar energy, and used as a buffer between residential Executive Officer of VINLEC is they have been coming on board, but areas and the wind farm itself. encouraging the use of solar energy. with more people coming on board, But with the construction of the According to Lewis, solar energy is legislation will be required he said. Argyle International Airport, and on the topic of national discussion “The more renewable energy we the recommendation from the Eastern currently, but when the Energy Act have on the system, the more energy Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, was enacted back in 1973, it did not that we can produce indigenously, it plans were scrapped Lewis said. consider the use of solar systems. will reduce the impact of the external The authorities are open to wind “We have agreed to accommodate fluctuations that we see i fuel cost,” energy as a source of renewable integrated solar systems on our Lewis explained. energy, but with the levels of network without any legislation,” he A few years ago, solar penetration development taking place at ideal told members of the media on accounted for just about 1 percent, but locations, this was proving difficult. September 22 during a media over the first eight months of the year, Investments in renewable energy information session. that figure has increased to 3.79 may not result in significant VINLEC’s CEO Dr. Vaughn Lewis. “In some other countries, without percent. reductions in the overall production of that legislation, solar penetration is The figure passed the 3 percent electricity, he cautioned, but in less in terms of geothermal, it was not a very limited,” he added. mark for the first time in 2025, fluctuations in the cost of production, short-term thing, he said. (DD) That was part of the national VINLEC’s CEO said. as has been evident in discussion Lewis said adding that There has been some talk in the other Caribbean VINLEC had already invested a past, and the exploration for hotspots territories he said. significant amount in solar power and to begin the production of geothermal Of all the forms of battery storage. energy here. renewable energy, solar There are currently solar farms in And according to Lewis, from what Union Island and Mayreau, they were he understood, the government intends was the easiest to generate with damaged during the passage of to continue the exploration of geothermal being the Hurricane Beryl in 2024; work is geothermal energy because it was a most challenging, however ongoing to get these facilities game changer in the production of although not impossible. up and running. electricity. It may take another And soon, the company will initiate VINLEC has even explored the use five years, or longer Continued from Frontpage. an upgrade to its solar farm at of wind turbines, Lewis said. before this country may Lowman’s Bay. “We have conducted extensive wind see any positive results According to Gonsalves, he was not representing any of the accused and said that if the charges are admitted or proved in court, then the students acted wrongly and the victim had all right to feel aggrieved. “And I know what I’m about to say may not be Bantu Campbell, popular with certain persons because I understand Finance Manager at that the forcefulness of Leacock’s comments, that a VINLEC. number of people have endorsed them, I want to FOR THE FIRST TIME 19 pandemic. differ,” he explained. Finance Manager at “We have the in the company’s history, He reasoned that it was not a question of being VINLEC explained that VINLEC is estimated to increased surcharge tough on crime but begin by understanding that the the surcharge was because of the rising cost pay EC$100 million for accused are juveniles. governed by the Energy of fuel,” the CEO fuel to produce Gonsalves further argued that one could not deal Act of 1973 and that explained. electricity. with the issue of lawbreaking by young people there was no profit The fuel surcharge Dr. Vaughn Lewis, without proper context. mechanism embedded has now reached Chief Executive Officer Persons who performed well in school, he said into the surcharge. (CEO) of the state-owned $0.8320, and with the were often disciplined and well-behaved and Campbell explained combination of the dry, electric company told invariably, had quality parenting, quality teaching that the company uses journalists on September hot conditions, and quality school leadership. Kilowatt sales to consumers are using 22 that the company “But in many cases, you do not have the extent of determine how the more energy due to the paid EC$95 million in quality parenting.” increased use of fans and excess cost of the 2025. “How many of these young boys have a father in through,” he explained. purchase of fuel is But that the company air conditioning units. their life on an ongoing basis? Or if not a father, an There was no profit authoritative male figure who is helping to guide? And because of the dry passed on to the had already paid over built in, but fuel consumer. And you have to put yourself, not only in the EC$50 million in energy conditions, the hydro accounted for about 76 The thought process position of the victims, but you also have to put penetration is less cost over the first six percent of the total cost behind the fuel yourself in the situation of these young men, and to the company per resulting in the heavier months of the year. surcharge according to those family members, including single mothers month he added. demand for fuel to “So, if the current Campbell was that there who are trying to support them,” he said. “The formula for the trend continues, then for generate electricity. is uncertainty in the Gonsalves contended that it was a complicated surcharge is in the law,” “We are caught in the first time in the issue not to be dealt with in this manner, which company’s history, it will some bad timing,” Lewis price of fuel therefore the Lewis said. company could not put a was smacked with authoritarianism, and disregard And the company is said, pointing to the pay well in excess of fixed price on the charge audited every year, and for all the context and circumstances. conflict in the Middle EC$100 million to passed on to consumers “Leacock wants to be Minister of National the surcharge is East, particularly in the generate electricity,” which may result in a Security and Commissioner of Police and DPP something that is Strait of Hormuz which Lewis said. profit for the company. (Deputy of Public Prosecutions) at the same time,” audited. has driven the price of According to Lewis, the opposition leader said. But it also cost a lot to “The fuel surcharge is crude oil to over US$100 the amount paid during “He has his role, the police have their role, the generate electricity, governed by law and the first half of the year per barrel. DPP have their role, and if the prosecuting Campbell said. there are certain Addressing the issue was the amount paid in authorities decided, let the boys take the exam, and “So, they will fix the mechanisms to ensure of the fuel surcharge, 2020 during the fall off then deal with them after the exams, I would that we follow the law,” base rate and anything attributed to the COVID- Bantu Campbell, say...that was consideration,” he said. over is treated as a pass Lewis added. (DD)
Opposition Leader objects to Leacock’s view on teens
VINLEC fuel cost to reach $100M for the first time
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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
Court
„Know your role‰ lawyer tells Leacock
Minister of National Security, Hon. St. Clair Leacock. Stories by HADYN HUGGINS DEFENCE ATTORNEY GRANT CONNELL has called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. St. Clair Leacock to “Let the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) do their jobs.” Connell was responding to the utterances of Minister Leacock in connection with six students who have been charged with various criminal offences. He is representing four of these students in Court. Speaking at the St. Vincent Grammar School’s 118th Anniversary Church Service on September 21st, Leacock in reference to the students, stated in part “They (Students) were allowed to write their exams, then they were prosecuted. Consider themselves lucky. They should have been prosecuted summarily for breaking the law. This Country, your parents, your grandparents have invested far too much in you, and the expectations of this Nation State are as such, that we have no room for criminal behaviour and bullying in our schools”. He made it clear that the police will be advised to act firmly and swiftly. When THE VINCENTIAN contacted Connell on Wednesday, he was unwilling to comment in any great detail, stating that the matter was sub-Judice. He pointed out that “the matter is before the court and we practice the English Law where a person is innocent until proven guilty”.
Romanian held in AIA cocaine seizure ADRIAN MARIAN, a 53year-old construction worker of Romania who resides in the United Kingdom, was denied bail on Monday after being charged in connection with a quantity of cocaine reportedly seized at the Argyle International Airport (AIA), on Friday September 18th. Romanian coinstruction Marian has been charged with possession worker Adrian Maran. of 6,660 grams of Cocaine with intent to supply possession for the purpose of drug trafficking and attempting to export the drug. He pleaded not guilty to the charges during a brief appearance at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. In objecting to bail, Prosecution Shamrock Pierre stated that Marian is a Romanian living in the United Kingdom and, “he (Marian) has what it takes to travel around the World. Pierre also noted that Marian was caught at the Argyle International Airport. The Prosecutor requested a two week adjournment, stating that by that time the Prosecution is expected to have things in place, including the testing of the drugs. Chief Magistrate Colin John upheld the Prosecutor’s objection, denied bail, and adjourned the matter to October 4th. Marian was reportedly bound for London via a Virgin Atlantic flight when he was intercepted by Aviation Security personnel and police at the AIA on September 18th.
Connell however urged Leacock to keep in mind the principal aim in which the politicians should be assisting in the rebuilding of society and the moral fabric that is in tatters, instead of depending on the pillars of sentencing, which should be a last resort. He underscored that the purpose should not be to destroy a future to protect an image, an ego which must be contained. “Clearly, he does not appreciate the role of the Court. “It is important to avoid criminalising children and young people unnecessarily. It must be kept in mind any factors that may decide the culpability of a young person. Defence Attorney “There are so many factors, but Grant Connell we have not touched this case yet, so how in God’s name can the optics, the stone the builder Minister make such utterances?” refuse could be the Corner Stone”. Connell questioned rhetorically. He urged the National Security The lawyer added Minister to “Know your role. Let emphatically, “We know the the Commissioner of police and climate that exists. We know the the Director of Public lack of infrastructure to support Prosecutions do their jobs. We all our youths that may account in have to know our roles”. realising and underlying cause, and the influence of several factors that we are well aware of. The Minister’s a.m. on September 19th. comments are very Nothing illegal was found on prejudicial and adds his person, but a search of a insult to injury. It A 28-YEAR-OLD CHEF of Petit black Nike bag he was carrying actually rebutts Bordel/Canouan who told the revealed a brown taped common sense and Serious Offences Court on package, 14 dime bags and 24 what the powers that Monday he was selling wrapped bombs all containing be should be seeking marijuana because he had a Marijuana. to do to develop the three month old child to When cautioned, the youths and the next maintain and an outstanding defendant said, “Ah half pound generation”. loan was fined a total of $1,110 ah weed”. Connell opined for possession of the herb. The bag also contained that “With great Jovannie Mathews gave this EC$196.10 and $1 BDS. respect, having explanation to the Court after When questioned about the analysed the pleading guilty to possession of money he said nothing. Minister’s comments, 2,027 grams of marijuana with Matthews was taken to the he may have come intent to supply and possession Canouan Police Station along across as a grumpy of 288 grams of marijuana with with the exhibits and around grandpa to the intent to supply. 2:00 p.m. the same day, with a youths, instead of He was fined $1,000 for the signed search warrant and the having the desired 2,027 grams and $110 for the assistance of a Justice of Peace, effect. 288 grams. the police conducted a search of “Many young He paid both fines forthwith. Matthews’s apartment at people are looking on Chief Magistrate Colin John Canouan. and sometimes we handed down the penalties On arrival, Mathews pointed get carried away after Mathews pleaded guilty to out three white buckets in his with the number 14.” both charges. He was bedroom containing marijuana. “All I would say is unrepresented. He was taken back to the 14 plus five is 19. The facts showed that Canouan Police Station where Fourteen is the age Matthews was searched and the marijuana was weighed in of the youngest found in possession of his presence, amounting to the defendant in this marijuana at Grand Bay Public amount on the charge sheets. case. Politics is Road, Canouan around 10:50
Chef selling Ganja to maintain his child
He was subsequently arrested and charged. In applying the sentencing guidelines, the Chief Magistrate weighed the aggravating and mitigating factors. He considered the lack of sophistication in the concealment of the drug, the defendant’s good character, assistance given to the police, genuine remorse, and that he had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity. But the court also took into account the significant role Mathews played, as he was motivated by financial gain. The court also ordered the confiscation of the money found in Mathews’ possession during the search. Several persons who have appeared in Court, on previous occasions, charged with marijuana possession have told the Court they were selling the herb to maintain their children and that they were in some form of financial difficulty.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 5.
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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Director: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Authority and Responsibility Reprinted from 26th October, 2018. AUTHORITY, the philosophers say, is very much like a coin, it has two sides - power and responsibility. In practice, therefore, we would not be faulted if we are skeptical of a coin that only had one face, i.e. skeptical of those in authority who act on one face of their coin — power or responsibility. We take it that all our elected officials, permanent secretaries and heads of department, agencies, state-owned corporations, and those similarly placed in the private sector, are acquainted with this principle and are mindful of it. The question, though, is whether those persons accept that authority is the power to decide and act, as well as to direct the decisions and actions of others; and that responsibility means accepting the consequences for those decisions and actions, and for those to whom authority has been delegated. Further, we wonder whether they are aware that the scope and impact of organizational decisions and actions of persons in and with authority, profoundly impact every stakeholder; and in accepting the responsibility that comes with authority, that they accept that that comes with transparency about decisions, actions, execution and results. In fact, another question abounds - whether the actions of those persons are indicative of the fact that responsibility and authority are two things which go hand in hand. People who are in authority must accept that they have more responsibilities, and that authority comes with special skills, greater knowledge and experience. Parents have the authority to make decisions for their children until they are grown up enough to make the decisions themselves. The senior-most people in an organization have the authority to make decisions for the gain of the whole organization. Those elected to our Parliament have the authority to make decisions for the benefit of the whole nation, not any
special interest group or clique. Responsibility, on the other hand, is all about answerability — answerable for actions and/or decisions, and the consequence good or bad — of those decisions and actions. People who are in authority, are responsible for the combined actions or results of an organization, are appreciated when the organisation does well, and equally reprimanded when things don’t unfold that well. No matter who makes mistakes, a senior or a junior person in the company, the results that occur due to the actions, are to be answered for by the senior-most people, those with the authority. It’s a similar case with parents. No matter how they instill obedience or discipline in their children, their actions whether good or bad are the responsibility of the parents. The parents are responsible and have to take the blame or the credit for the children. Yes, authority and responsibility might go hand in hand, but at times, the people who are in power or authority choose to transfer the responsibility to others. People in authority have the power, and more often than not, they get away with shirking responsibility; they might sometimes make blunders and not take responsibility for them. So, while we can say that authority is basically power to make decisions, power to command others and rule others, it does not necessarily mean that persons with authority are responsible persons ready to be accountable for their actions and the actions of those over whom they have authority. In summary: Authority is the power to command, judge, enforce laws, exact obedience. Authority comes with special skills, greater knowledge, and vast experience, or perhaps due to age and the type of education a person has achieved during his lifetime. Responsibility is the ability or duty to decide or act upon one’s own, without supervision. Responsibility, though, involves accountability.
Let’s do it again EVERYONE KNEW THE DISCUSSION about what to do with the vendors in Kingstown would be an issue that needed to be addressed again. Like everything else in SVG, it had long since evolved into a political football. In 2019, when the planning department was reviewing its General Plan, I suggested paying special attention to this issue. I encouraged efforts to decentralize our farmers’ markets. I recommended finding regional spaces across the country to facilitate outlets for locally grown vegetables and other foods. I pointed out that for those who said such spaces would be wasted and no one would come, I say, think again. Some of the most memorable times I spent with my mom in her later years were trips to Graves Supermarket–not the one in Kingstown or Arnos Vale, but the one in Pembroke. It was a morning or afternoon out of the house and time alone with her. It always amazes me how many people from Kingstown I meet there. The following year, I suggested allocating a budget item to address this issue. By 2022, the then administration decided to move forward with plans to open two new locations in Kingstown. Many, including myself, applauded the effort but expressed concern about what appeared to be special, carved-out provisions for certain vendors–the bread van, the fresh fruit vendor, the icebox bar, the breakfast sandwich vendor, the coconut water guy, the fresh egg vendor, and the fresh fish vendor selling out of a bucket. I never understood why the ones on Middle Street, from Market East to Heritage Square, were exempted and allowed to operate with impunity. I never sought a detailed explanation for these exceptions, but deep down, I knew it would eventually become a problem. The opposition (NDP) at the time was less than supportive of relocating the vendors. So it didn’t surprise me that in less than two years, some vendors moved back to the streets, and a new group joined them. With no enforcement of the new standards, and with the general elections around the corner for 2025, these streets were once again filled with vendors, while the designated marketplace was less than fifty percent occupied.
Fast forward another year, and here we are again, as a nation, committing the same mistake on the political football field–a high-handed action without proper consultation, undeniably a red card, oops. Some time ago, an NDP political operative told me the government can’t go around asking everyone’s opinion every time they want to do something. Well, this is the result of a failure to engage properly–chaos, conflicting responses, and a lack of coordination on a national issue. A pause, a moment to think, to meet and discuss, or a permanent halt. Whatever you call it, I see it as a hollow victory for the people because the issue will come back. The illegally constituted town board has no authority to act on our behalf or set rules in Kingstown. I understand the Deputy Prime Minister’s emotional reaction to what he perceives as injustice against the vendors. Anyone paying attention knows of his historical ties to the vendor community. I need not remind him that more than half of the vendors either live in or originate from other parts of the country. The right to an honest and respectable livelihood should never be turned into a town versus county issue. So, four years later, the seeds of rebellion planted by the NDP are bearing fruit. The question for me today is: after four years, how much have you grown, if at all? But before I assess my own growth, let me ask a few questions: How many registered vendors are in Kingstown? How many of those who paid $200 to move into the market are now back on the streets? How much does a vendor’s or peddler’s license cost? And what are the average daily sales at each marketplace? Today’s question is whether political power at the top can lead to meaningful change for those at the bottom. Will anyone among the vendors step up and organize them? Can anyone in the government or the community be trusted to engage them in a discussion about what is in everyone’s best interest? Will anyone listen? How can we recognize the historic significance of this valued group of hard-working individuals while still holding everyone accountable? Horatio
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 7.
News/Court (cont’d)
Smart Meters record only power used
Stanley Harris, Electrical Engineer at VINLEC. THE ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY SERVICES LIMITED (VINLEC) is seeking to reassure customers that its new smart meters accurately record electricity consumption and do not continue charging households when no electricity is being used. The assurance comes amid growing concerns over high domestic electricity bills and questions about whether the new digital meters continue recording consumption when appliances are switched off. VINLEC management addressed the concerns during a media briefing on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, where officials explained the operation of the new meters, fuel surcharges and how electricity consumption is measured and billed. Electrical Engineer Stanley Harris demonstrated how the meter’s display works, explaining that the screen cycles through a series of readings, each identified by a number. He specifically addressed concerns about the meter’s display continuing to scroll even when a household’s appliances are turned off. “While persons may be indicating that the screen is scrolling and you’re consuming, that is not correct,” Harris said, explaining that the movement of information across the screen does not itself mean that electricity is being consumed.
Harris also clarified that the meter itself requires a small amount of electricity to operate. He explained that electrical equipment connected to a power system, including meters, transformers and conductor wires, consumes a small amount of electricity as part of the utility’s operations. However, he said the electricity used to power the meter is covered by VINLEC and is not charged to the customer as household consumption. “The meter is powered by what is from the utility,” Harris explained. “Whatever is consumed to power the meter is on VINLEC’s charge.” He said customers are charged when electricity is actually being used by their household. VINLEC is currently rolling out its smart-meter programme in two phases. Harris said the utility is presently using Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology, which allows meter readings to be collected through walkby or drive-by systems, reducing the need for physical access to individual meters. The second phase will introduce Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which is expected to provide VINLEC with more detailed information about electricity usage and assist in identifying unusual consumption patterns, current leakage and low-voltage conditions. The utility company says the smart meters are also intended to eliminate estimated readings and give customers greater visibility into their electricity consumption. VINLEC’s explanation comes as electricity costs remain a major concern for households, with customers seeking greater clarity on how their bills are calculated and what the different readings displayed on the new meters mean. (KH)
Labourer slapped with gun, ammo and cocaine charges GARNET THOMAS, a 33-yearlabourer of Chauncey/Paul’s Avenue was granted $20,000 bail with one surety when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday to answer firearm, ammunition and cocaine charges. Appearing before Chief Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court, Thomas pleaded not guilty to possession of a Taurus 9mm pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition without
license. He also denied having 6.4 grams of cocaine with intent to supply. The charges stemmed from a police action at Paul’s Avenue on September 20th. Thomas was granted bail on condition that he report to the Central Police Station every Monday. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit and the matter was adjourned to October 8th. (HH)
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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Government to tackle fiscal situation while protecting the Vulnerable
AT A RECENT TOWN HALL MEETING in New York, Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday provided an overview of the fiscal situation he inherited upon taking office. He discussed the challenges facing the nation’s economy and outlined his government’s plans to address these issues. The following are excerpts of the Prime Minister’s Address: “We are looking for ways to deal with the fiscal challenges that we have inherited. We inherited a situation where the debt to GDP ration was 113% and projected to get higher over the next four or five years, if we don’t take immediate drastic and corrective action. We also have a situation where violent crime in our country has created fear within communities. We are aware keenly of that and our Minister of National Security is addressing it and we will see concrete, effective results in that as well. We know as well of the high unemployment situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There is high unemployment, but still there are jobs available but many of the contractors have to go overseas to recruit workers, for the skills that they profess not to be able find in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That is not just a problem for employment or unemployment. It is a problem that tells us that our education system also needs to be fixed, to make it more responsive to the needs of our society and offer real options to our young people as they graduate to find employment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the OECS and Caricom. These are some of the challenges we have. When we came into office, we inherited a situation as well where there were so many people who have had years of reduction in their standard of living because we had gone through the COVID crisis. Then in 2021, our volcano erupted repeatedly. When we thought we were coming out of it, and we were starting to invest in productive activities again, we were struck by hurricane Beryl; a once in a lifetime calamity. I was there. I heard the stories of some of the people who struggled, who suffered, who survived, and they are still trying to rebuild now. And of course, we came into office and we said there are things that we have to do to demonstrate to those people who had been struggling for so long over the years. Here is a government that listens that we will do something immediately within the first sixty days to make things better. Not withstanding the difficult fiscal situation, we made good on that promise. Not just to say as an election promise we must keep it but because we understood the difficulty that people were experiencing, and we felt it was the least that we could do; so those measures we introduced to make things a little bit better. Then we started planning. We had our Budget earlier this year, much of
it we inherited from the previous administration. But we are planning this year to essentially start implementing our plan for the development of the country. Now we have to contend with the higher energy cost which comes from higher oil prices; the consequences of imported inflation because we are a small open economy, everything we have to import and buy. When prices go up overseas, they raise prices at home. We are not insulated from it. So, we put measures in place to assist VINLEC to keeping the energy prices down for consumers, for businesses because the cost of energy is at the bottom of everything, anything that is productive. When the cost of that goes up, it is passed on to consumers to purchase it. So, we have tried to keep the cost down. VINLEC as the energy producer has done likewise and when the conflict continued and the prices stayed up. We extended that for another 90 days, which goes until the end of November, and we are hoping that things in the international front will improve. Recognizing that as small countries around the world including those in the Caribbean, it has given us an impetus for us to say we must look for alternative sources of energy. We cannot continue to rely on the importation of fossil fluid from places far off where we have no control over the events that affect the price of what we import, and to seek to use renewable energy technologies to give us a certain amount of energy independence while at the same time help the planet with this existential threat of climate change. Those are things that we are actively working on even as we negotiate the perils of the current economic situation. We have a plan that basically has three components. One is to deal with the fiscal situation in the country. We have some of the brightest people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines working in my ministry, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. You have Ambassador Hope who has been turning his mind to this challenge. We have friends in the region who have also offered their advice and also international institutions, so we are coming to terms with it. And I am confident that we will find a way to work through this immediate crisis. We can’t afford ‘to kick the can down the road’. I will not pass it on to another generation of Vincentians. Whatever we do as government because of our difficult circumstances, we cannot in our good conscience put the cost of that on the most vulnerable people in our society. So those persons will receive the social protections that we have improved since we came into office, but which have been in place for some time and that is not negotiable.”
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 9.
Views
Inner Beauty
“When we find our worth is more than our looks I think we find an inner beauty that lasts.” Jennifer Strickland the Cubs, Brownies, Scout Movement, Girl Guides, Red Cross, 4-H Clubs, – Speaker, author, and former and so on. They help to shape these international model. young minds to look beyond themselves and to engage in activities THE INTERNET (especially Facebook) that build communities even as they now provides regular video footage of enhance their personal skills. They females who are engaged in facial makeovers. It is often quite amazing to readily discover that as they help others they also help themselves. see the differences that take place as They grow as they learn to give. individuals change skin colour, have These relationships and activities lengthened eye lashes, experience “automatic hair growth”, and attractively assist them in developing their inner beauty. designed eyebrows in a matter of Character formation/development minutes. Some of the video uploads can will not occur by default. It is not be quite hilarious when they show females who are visibly rejected prior to automatic. Left on our own or to their makeover and the way those same ourselves we tend to develop selfish and destructive traits. Inner beauty “rejecting men” gravitate to them takes commitment and effort. It following the “face change”. So much attention is given to surface demands that we programme our appearances and not enough thoughts and be forever vigilant about consideration given to the inner beauty. who and what we allow to influence We do understand and appreciate us. This is precisely why it is so very that everyone wants to feel accepted important that we socialise our and appreciated. This is especially so children (from a very tender age) to develop character traits that build during adolescence when peer individuals and societies. We have the pressure appears to be magnified. However, we can become so caught up privilege to encourage them to look beyond self and to be instruments of with outward appearance and lose righteousness and generosity. We also sight of the significance of the more valuable aspects of our life — the inner have the privilege of conversing with them about the value of inner beauty. beauty; who we really are deep down This is especially so if/when they inside. The more precious aspects of incorrectly conclude that they are ourselves revolve around such physically unattractive. Parents, attributes as honesty, integrity, guardians, and teachers are especially trustworthiness, empathy, kindness, hospitality, and so on. These qualities required to be vigilant in this regard (and to intercept such though patters). bring out our true beauty and value. We all have a responsibility to look We often appear to be too easily and listen for those who may be distracted by (and attracted to) a tempted to develop poor self-image as person’s physical appearance. The a result of these misperceptions. We size and the shape of the nose, the must be prepared to intercept with thickness of the lips, the colour of their skin, and the texture of the hair intent by revealing and encouraging are often aspects of an individual that the inner beauty that they (we) all possess. Beauty must never be limited lead us to conclude whether or not to being skin deep. Its true value they are beautiful. Sometimes we even unwisely socialise our children to emerges from beneath the skin. Some children may sometimes make such superficial judgments by our commentary on beauty. It is often appear to be unkind to those who seem to be “different”. Unfortunately, necessary for us to slow ourselves some of these young citizens are down and reflect on the fact that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made socialized/programmed to say unkind things to those who may seem … every last one of us. It does not matter whether our fore parents were dissimilar based on ethnicity, religion, from Africa, India, or England. It does nationality, skin colour, and so on. not matter whether we have the blood We therefore need to be especially on guard in our homes, schools, churches, of the Garifuna (Caribs) running in our veins and their DNA determining and neighbourhoods as we endeavor to nip such negative comments and our physical features. It does not activities in the bud. Our silence matter whether we are the descendants of the Chinese, Syrian, or and/or disregard of such behaviours could easily be misinterpreted as Lebanese civilisations — we are all approval. We must condemn such beautiful persons. And our beauty ugliness and redirect the goes much deeper than our physical perpetrator(s) to engage in more characteristics. humane and socially acceptable We are all provided with opportunities to show our inner beauty behaviours. We must remind our wards that there is beauty in on a daily basis. That inner beauty shines through when we are courteous diversity. Persons who do not look and respectful to others. Small acts of like us or speak like us also have a right to be here. They, too, have inner kindness (often expecting nothing in beauty that enhance their value and return) can beautify the life of the ours. As we emphasize the beauty in recipient. They often provide a diversity and the need to focus more lingering sense of satisfaction and on character and attitude (and less on accomplishment in the life of the appearance) we play a major role in giver. We are often so blessed when assisting our young ones to harness we pause to be a blessing. and portray their inner beauty. We commend those adults who volunteer to coach and mentor the Send comments, criticisms & younger generation by investing their suggestions to time, talents, and money as leaders in julesferdinand@gmail.com
10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 11.
Environment
Action Bequia Inc. selected for CBF Funding THE CARIBBEAN BIODIVERSITY FUND (CBF), through the Caribbean Blue Economy Financing (BluEFin) project, has selected five innovative Blue Economy initiatives to receive seed funding following a competitive Call for Proposals that attracted 74 submissions across the region. The BluEFin project supports innovative initiatives that create sustainable economic opportunities while delivering measurable benefits for biodiversity and climate resilience. One initiative has been selected from each of the five eligible BluEFin countries of The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The selected projects which span a range of Blue Economy solutions across the region will receive grant financing of up to USD 250,000. “The selection of these five initiatives marks an important milestone for the support the CBF provides to viable, blue economy initiatives and demonstrates the strength and diversity of Blue Economy innovation across the region. We look forward to supporting the selected projects as they move from ideas to practical solutions that can generate lasting benefits for Caribbean communities and ecosystems.” said
Conservation Finance Manager Tanja Lieuw. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Action Bequia Inc. will lead the SVG Circular Blue Economy Initiative, establishing a Waste-to-Product Incubator to support ecoentrepreneurs and small businesses working in plastic upcycling and repurposing, while reducing marine pollution and plastic leakage. Action Bequia’s Executive Board Chair, Lucille Cozier expressed gratitude to the CBF stating ““We are grateful to the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and the Caribbean BluEFin project for recognizing the potential of our Circular Blue Economy Initiative and investing in this vision. This support will allow us to strengthen the capacity of local entrepreneurs, turn plastic waste into valuable products and create new economic opportunities. We hope the project will demonstrate that reducing plastic pollution can go hand in hand with building stronger, more sustainable local businesses and livelihoods.” Together, the five initiatives demonstrate the potential of Blue Economy financing to transform environmental challenges into economic
Action Bequia’s Executive Board Chair, Lucille Cozier. opportunities while strengthening the resilience of Caribbean ecosystems and communities. The Caribbean BLUEFIN Project creates and strengthens naturebased blue economy opportunities and approaches in the region through innovative financing mechanisms. The Caribbean BluEFin Project is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and executed by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF). The project is supported by co-financing from the German Development Bank (KfW) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). (Submitted)
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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
News
L-R- Adonis Charles, Lennox Lampkin, Kishore Shallow, Clive Bishop and Lindon Stephens.
NLHPE meets with Shallow FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME, the North Leeward Heritage Preservation Front (NLHPF) at their request met with Parliamentary Representative Dr. Kishore Shallow, the main focus of the meeting being the stopping of the quarry operations currently operational at Richmond, which began under the previous ULP administration and for which, up to this date, NO acceptable ESIA has been presented, which means that the current quarry operation is procedurally illegal. About two years before the NDP administration took office, two protest rallies and a demonstration march were held in the Fitz Hughes area, with the protest march beginning at the Chateaubelair playing field ending right on the premises of the quarry at Richmond, following which the second rally was held and addressed by Daniel Cummings, Dr. Godwin Friday, Adonis Charles, Clive Bishop, Troy Prince, and Donald De Riggs. During the first rally Fitz Bramble was also among the speakers condemning the quarry operations. The bogus ESIA — Environmental and Social Impact Assessment that was submitted by a local scientist, was later dismissed as being submitted for another project in the area and was outdated and could not be used to justify the operation of a quarry at its current location. However, the ULP government of the day went ahead and allowed the quarry operation to proceed, which has over the last two years already impacted the river and sea with turbid (muddy) run off which has NOT been controlled, despite several pictures posted in the local press and online media about the pollution caused by the quarry run off which according to their contract must be contained but which never happened, triggering the ‘force majeure’ clause of the contract to stop its operations. The meeting held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 was a result of a request to Mr. Shallow to meet with
the group in person, as several letters were sent to the Prime Minister and copied to other government ministers who NEVER responded to any of the correspondence, therefore it was an opportune moment for members to address the quarry issue directly. According to Minister Shallow, the matter was never raised in cabinet by the Prime Minister and that he would personally raise the issue at cabinet level following a formal request from the NLHPF. When asked about his opinion about the closure of the quarry Shallow noted that he preferred to see the content of the contract instead of hastily giving his position on the matter, but that the environmental concerns are real. One of the persons present at the meeting, Mr. Lindon Stephens a wellknown chef who operates a business in Chateaubelair, noted that in recent years, especially since the quarry operations began, that he has been experiencing difficulty getting fresh fish for his business, as the Chateaubelair bay is almost completely silted whenever it rains, mainly by run off from the quarry, and fishermen hardly catch any fish in the area from Cavali Rock to Chateaubelair Islet nowadays. He also noted that the community also contributed to the garbage including plastics and chemical run offs into the marine environment which contributed to the overall reduction of marine species including lobsters caught in the area. Mr. Shallow said that as soon as he raises the matter at cabinet level that he would report government’s position on the operations of the quarry. During his presentation at the meeting Donald De Riggs noted that following the closure of the quarry that the area can be converted into a cultural village, which would contribute towards both the cultural heritage and tourism product in the area. Continued on Page 27.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 13.
Diaspora
John named Diaspora Ambassador
L-R: Roland ‘Patel' Matthews, Consul General to the US; Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Godwin Friday; H.E. Stephen Hermus John, Ambassador-at-Large for Diaspora Affairs; Hon. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs and H.E Vynnette Frederick, Permanent Representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the UN at the Town Hall Meeting. (Photos: API) ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, announced the appointment of His Excellency Stephen Hermus John as Ambassador-at-Large for Diaspora Affairs. The announcement was made during the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Town Hall Meeting held at Friends of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, New York. In his capacity as Ambassador-at-Large for Diaspora Affairs, His Excellency John will represent Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and support the mandate of the Department of Diaspora Affairs, particularly in strengthening engagement with Vincentians abroad and fostering closer connections between the diaspora and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. His Excellency John brings extensive professional and
Following his appointment by Prime Minister the Dr. Hon. Godwin Friday, H.E. Stephen Hermus John expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him by the Government and Cabinet. He said he looks forward to contributing to the service and development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. academic experience to the role. His professional background includes serving as Director of After-School Programmes and Senior Administrator at Friends of Crown Heights, Principal within the Department of Education, Programme Coordinator for East Suffolk BOCES, and Assistant Treasurer at JPMorgan Chase. He holds a Master of Science in Supervision and Administration and a Master of Science in Special Education from the City College of New York, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baruch College. He also holds a Certificate in Education
from the University of the West Indies, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and has pursued studies in Construction Technology at New York City Technical College, as well as Real Estate Sales and Space Planning at New York University. The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines welcomes His Excellency John to this important role and looks forward to his contribution to advancing the country’s engagement with its diaspora, strengthening partnerships, and identifying opportunities through which Vincentians abroad can contribute to national development. (API)
14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 15.
People
Shafia London makes IWF history
SVGTA CEO Shafia London is the first woman from the Eastern Caribbean to be selected for the program.
fourth decade, is IWF’s flagship leadership development initiative. Through a highly competitive international selection process, up to 50 high-achieving leaders from diverse countries, sectors and professional backgrounds are selected for an intensive yearlong leadership experience. The programme includes leadership immersion and executive education at globally recognized institutions, including INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France, and the University of Cambridge in England, alongside international leadership programming in Mexico City. The Fellowship culminates at the IWF World Leadership Conference and Gala in Miami. Each Fellow is also paired with an accomplished IWF member for individualized mentorship and undertakes a Legacy Project designed to translate the lessons of the Fellowship into meaningful impact beyond the individual participant. Reflecting on her selection and scholarship, London said: “The scholarship makes this recognition particularly meaningful. To be selected from a global field for the Fellowship was already an honour, but to also receive A Global Leadership one of the very Network limited scholarships The International available adds Women’s Forum is an another dimension invitation-only global to it. I intend to network of more than make full use of 8,400 accomplished the opportunity – women leaders across 78 not simply for my Forums in 37 countries. own development, Its membership spans but to bring the business, government, learning, academia, science, the relationships and arts and other sectors, global perspectives bringing together women back into the work at the highest levels of we are doing to leadership and influence. advance tourism in Its Leadership Fellows St. Vincent and Program, now in its the Grenadines.” SHAFIA LONDON, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), has been selected for the prestigious International Women’s Forum (IWF) Leadership Fellows Program, becoming, according to information provided through the nomination process, the first woman from the Eastern Caribbean to be selected for the global leadership programme. Adding further distinction to her selection, London has also been awarded a highly competitive scholarship towards the programme’s tuition. Scholarship funding is extremely limited, with IWF indicating that typically only two to four partial or full scholarships are available across the global Fellowship cohort. London was nominated by IWF Barbados while living and working in Barbados and during a significant transition in her professional career. She subsequently returned to her native St. Vincent and the Grenadines to assume leadership of the SVGTA on July 1, 2026. She will therefore undertake the Fellowship while serving as CEO of the country’s principal destination marketing organization, representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines on an international leadership platform while acknowledging IWF Barbados for the nomination and support that opened the door to the opportunity.
For London, the circumstances surrounding her nomination also make the recognition particularly significant. “There is something special about being nominated by Barbados during one chapter of my professional journey and entering the Fellowship having returned home to serve St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” she said. “I am deeply grateful to the women of IWF Barbados who believed in me enough to put my name forward, and equally proud to carry St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Eastern Caribbean into this global space.” She added: “I have always believed that where you
sectors. The experience comes as the Authority strengthens its organizational capacity, builds international partnerships and pursues an ambitious agenda to enhance the Global Learning with competitiveness and Local Impact global positioning of St. Vincent and the For the SVGTA, Grenadines as a tourism London’s participation destination. extends beyond “Tourism is ultimately individual professional a people and leadership development. The business,” London said. Fellowship provides “As we work to exposure to international strengthen the global leadership perspectives, competitiveness of St. world-class executive Vincent and the education and a global Grenadines, we must network of senior women continue to expose leaders across multiple ourselves to new begin does not determine where you end. For a girl who grew up in a small village in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, opportunities like this reinforce the importance of dreaming boldly, doing the work and, importantly, having people who are willing to open doors for others.”
thinking, global best practices and networks that can create opportunities for our destination.” London’s selection marks another milestone for women’s leadership from the Eastern Caribbean and places St. Vincent and the Grenadines within a global leadership network spanning countries, industries and cultures. (SVGTA)
V NSPD rolls out Enrichment Programme 16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
News
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (NSPD) has embarked on an Enrichment Programme, aimed at equipping its members and nonmembers with skills to aid their personal development. Launched September 7, 2026, the programme runs daily, 930am to 230 pm, at the NSPD’s base at the Old Anglican School building on Higginson Street. The programme entails having participants engaged in Mathematics, Science, English, as well as providing them with life skills. One of the highlights of the programme thus far has been participants’ enrollment on the
National Library Services. Garnett Jeffers, one of the programme’s facilitators in expounding on the initiative to have them join the library, underlined, “As part of the library's commitment to persons with disabilities, they have different programmes that would make learning accessible to the different disabilities which we facilitated”. Buoyed by the new programming ventures for the NSPD, current President of the organisation- Andrea Ashers said it opens up other possibilities. “As President of the NSPD, I am elated what we are doing presently though this Enrichment
Programme, where we are giving our members and non- members opportunities to explore new things and create that sense of confidence that they can operate with assurance”, Ashers commented. Ashers is especially pleased with some of the activities involved in the Enrichment Programme. “We are having the participants learning new skills- such as baking and other culinary skills; have them go on field trips, all in all broadening their spectrum”, a beaming Ashers said. Set to run for an indefinite period, Ashers though indicated that “funding” will determining its longevity.
Some of the participants of the programme during a tour to the National Library.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 17.
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18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
Climate
SVG joins Climate Vulnerable Forum ST. VINCENT AND THE the country’s devastation GRENADINES is one after Hurricane Beryl, of the newest along with the members of the continuing economic Climate Vulnerable consequences of the La Forum (CVF). This Soufrière volcanic announcement came eruption, as examples of during the Fourth the developmental CVF Leaders Meeting challenges faced by on Development vulnerable island states. Reset and He called for reform of Cooperation held at the international the United Nations financial architecture, Headquarters in New noting the difficulties York on Wednesday, vulnerable island states September 23rd, face in accessing 2026. The CVF is an concessional financing international global and the burden of partnership of borrowing on commercial Prime Minister Hon. Dr. countries that have terms to finance recovery Godwin Friday at the Fourth been and reconstruction CVF Leaders Meeting. “disproportionately following major natural (Photo: OPM) impacted by the and climate-related consequences of shocks. climate change globally.” The Prime Minister reaffirmed St. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Godwin Vincent and the Grenadines’ full Friday represented St. Vincent and endorsement of the Vulnerability to the Grenadines at the meeting, which Viability Compact, which seeks to was chaired by the Prime Minister of expand access to affordable, long-term Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley. financing for critical investments. Other Heads of State and As he put it, “The development Government, ministers and senior reset led by this Forum must replace officials from climate-vulnerable fiscal depletion with durable economies joined development finance prosperity.” institutions and partners to discuss Dr. Friday opined that investments access to affordable long-term in areas such as water security, financing, the Vulnerability to modern schools and resilient Viability Compact and the Lifeline healthcare should not depend on Fund, among other climate-related short-term, punitive debt, but by their concerns. very nature, require longer-term St. Vincent and the Grenadines financing at rates that support joined the Forum alongside the sustainable national development. Central African Republic and Zambia, Prime Minister Friday also asserted bringing the CVF-V20 membership to the Government’s full endorsement of 77 countries. the governing instrument of the In his intervention, Prime Minister Lifeline Fund, aimed at providing Friday not only thanked the rapid post-disaster funding for organisers and recognised the stellar climate-vulnerable states like St. leadership of Barbados’ Prime Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister Mia Mottley, who enters her During his remarks, Prime Minister third year as Chairman of the Friday accepted a challenge from collective, but also underscored the Prime Minister Mottley to encourage need for climate justice for Southhis CARICOM colleagues to join the South vulnerable developing nations. forum. He sees tremendous value in “St. Vincent and the Grenadines countries working together to secure enters the Climate Vulnerable Forum long-term financing for national not merely to mark an accession, but investment and development. to bring the direct testimony of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ frontlines into this common struggle addition to the Climate Vulnerable for survival and economic equity,” the Forum provides another platform for Prime Minister said. the country to share its experience as Prime Minister Friday pointed to a climate-vulnerable Small Island Developing State in international discussions on development finance, resilience and climate action. Prime Minister Friday’s participation in the Fourth CVF Leaders Meeting aligns with the Government’s push to engage with international and regional partners, placing St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the centre of discussions and initiatives directly affecting the country’s development, resilience and the interests of its people. (OPM)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 21.
Opinion
Crisis in the Teaching Profession How dictatorial school Leaders and Staffroom Politics are ruining SVG’s classrooms I HAVE BEEN OBSERVING that the landscape of education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is undergoing a quiet but damaging transformation. Once viewed as a collaborative, communitydriven vocation, teaching in SVG has increasingly devolved into a highstakes competition. I have been observing that some staffrooms across the archipelago, the traditional spirit of camaraderie is being replaced by a culture of rivalry, fueled by a topdown leadership style where school heads treat institutions as personal fiefdoms rather than spaces for learning.
The Shift Toward Overly Strict Leadership and the Disconnected Teacher At the heart of this shift is a changing approach to school leadership. Principal offices, which once focused heavily on daily mentorship and leading by example, are sometimes managed with a rigid “this is my school” mindset. This approach can make it easy to forget that schools are fundamentally community spaces built for the children. Instead of acting as supportive guides, some administrators operate strictly as top-down managers. This style relies on heavy micromanagement and strict control over daily routines. Furthermore, teachers report a demoralizing pattern where some principals continuously confront staff members about past mistakes instead of helping them grow. Rather than investigating situations fairly, these administrators frequently write onesided, negative official reports without gathering the full details first. This reckless approach can severely damage a teacher’s professional character, leaving them feeling completely invisible, silenced, and unprotected. When a school is run too rigidly, the day-to-day well-being of the faculty and the unique needs of the students are easily sidelined by unfair administrative demands.
Principals Fueling the
principal’s performance review must include anonymous 360-degree Worse still, some of feedback from their these bosses do not just teaching staff. If a tolerate toxic staffroom principal is found to be environments–they abusing authority, using actively create them. Rather than maintaining the “my school” professional boundaries, dictatorial approach, or instigating staffroom certain principals are gossip, they must face leading the charge in immediate disciplinary spreading unnecessary action, mandatory gossip, whispering in leadership retraining, or corners, and playing removal. There should favorites. be no friendship or By engaging in and favoritism when dealing instigating staffroom with these serious politics, these leaders administrative issues. create deep uneasiness, Power must be stripped paranoia, and distrust among teachers. When a from those who use it to principal uses gossip as a bully. tool to divide and conquer, the school Holding Teachers becomes a minefield. Accountable for Conduct: Teachers are left Accountability must also guessing who they can extend to the staffroom trust, driving a wedge floor. The Ministry, between colleagues who alongside school boards, should be working must enforce a strict code together. of professional conduct regarding how teachers A Culture of Competition: speak to and treat one Qualifications and Rivalry another. Slurring colleagues, spreading Teaching in the malicious rumors, and classroom has hostile communication transformed into an must be treated as aggressive competition. serious professional This rivalry manifests in misconduct. There must academic credentialing be clear, standard and classroom channels for reporting territorialism. There is a staffroom harassment so growing obsession with that toxic behavior has who possesses the most real consequences. qualifications, turning advanced degrees into Reclaiming the weapons of status rather Profession: The Path to than tools for better Change instruction. Furthermore, a toxic If the teaching atmosphere has emerged regarding “who can teach profession in SVG is to become fulfilling once the best.” Teachers again, a systemic and sometimes hoard their cultural reset is urgently methods, viewing a required. The current colleague’s struggle as trajectory is their own competitive unsustainable and advantage. breeds burnout. To restore respect and joy to A Call for Ministry the vocation, change Intervention: Enforcing must happen at both the Total Accountability administrative and interpersonal levels. This toxic cycle will Shift from Bosses to not break itself. The Authentic Leaders: Ministry of Education School administrators must step in with a firm must abandon the “my hand to enforce absolute school” mindset. True accountability, targeting educational leaders both abusive realize that the school administrators and belongs to the children unprofessional teachers. and the community. The Ministry can no Principals must stop longer turn a blind eye to bossing their staff and the psychological climate start supporting them, of our schools. recognizing that teachers Holding Principals are human beings who Accountable: The need validation, not Ministry must dictatorship. implement strict evaluations for school Foster Collaboration Over leaders that go beyond Competition: checking paperwork. A The Ministry of
Gossip Mill
Education and school heads need to restructure how success is measured. Professional development should emphasize collaborative planning, peer mentoring, and teamtaught lessons. When schools reward teamwork rather than individual brown-nosing, the incentive to compete diminishes.
Ultimately, the way educators treat one another in the staffroom sets the tone for how they treat the children in the classroom. We must work together as educators to build St. Vincent and the Grenadines, not tear it down. Teachers must always remember that Rebuild Staffroom they play a significant Communication: role in molding the next Teachers must generation, which means consciously choose to we must be incredibly reject the uneasiness. careful about the words This means actively refusing to participate in we say to our students. Consider the real-life rumors, practicing mindful communication, example of a teenager and creating safe spaces who had to repeat a form, only to be greeted within schools where on the very first day of educators can speak school by a teacher honestly without fear of saying, “Mr. Repeater.” being reported to the How do you think a boss. teenager feels hearing Teaching in St. that from someone who Vincent and the is supposed to be their Grenadines is at a guide? Teachers, we critical crossroads. The profession cannot survive must be careful how we discipline the children on a diet of isolation, and speak to those in our dictatorial leadership, care. God is watching, and petty rumors. By because He has shifting from hostile entrusted these children bosses to empathetic to us. leaders, SVG can revive a culture where teachers feel seen, respected, and A Time for Reflection: unified in their noble Using Our Talents to Lead purpose.
with Patience
Reclaiming the Heart of the Profession: A Sacred Duty to Our Children
how we can become better with the talents and abilities God has given to us. True leadership is not about being a boss or demanding authority; it is about leading with patience, empathy, and a deeply human touch. By trading rigid control for open communication, school administrators can create environments where teachers feel truly valued. In turn, when teachers choose to reject staffroom gossip and collaborate rather than compete, they build a unified foundation for our schools. Let us remember that our gifts are meant to build St. Vincent and the Grenadines up, not tear it down. By shifting our focus from managing to mentoring, we can revive a culture of mutual respect where both our educators and our children can truly thrive.
by Yvette Gittens Early Childhood I trust that this article Practitioner and Literacy will help us all reflect on Specialist
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22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
I cannot forgive him
Dear George, MY HUSBAND IS UPSET that I’m asking him for a
divorce. I do not care about the 10 years of marriage that I have invested in. His family is
With friends like these... Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND came to me with concrete information about my husband cheating. Without doing any due diligence, I acted on the information and left my husband. Just days after I left, I saw her and my husband together. It turned out that the information she gave me was twisted, and my husband was not at fault at all. I trusted her completely and acted foolishly by leaving my husband. She was the one who was “consoling” my husband after I left him, and boy, did she ever console him! My husband wants nothing to do with me and told me he is quite happy with his newfound love, even after I explained to him how she orchestrated the entire thing. He does not believe me. I’m just writing this to send a warning to all those naive wives out there.
Sorry But Lost Out. Dear Sorry, It is always a good idea not to listen to anyone other than your spouse when it comes to matters that could affect your marriage. You should trust each other enough to ignore outside influences that, if entertained, could cause irreparable damage to your relationship. Use this experience to guide you in the future and help you make better choices.
George.
begging me not to go through with it because “it will stain the family name,” but at this point, I simply do not care. At the birth of our last child, he was nowhere to be found, and I had to find my own way to the hospital and go through hours of labour alone. I later found out that he was busy attending to a side chick of his who needed him at that same
time. Both of us were pregnant at the same time, and he chose to be with her when I needed him most. I cannot forgive him, and I think it’s better that he leaves and allows me to fight on my own.
Your thoughts. Terribly Disappointed.
Dear Terribly Disappointed,
considerably.
decision to throw in the towel, try to see if there is any way a resolution can be found with the help of a marriage counsellor or therapist. Try to look beyond your anger and disappointment and see the bigger picture. Who knows? Maybe this unfortunate incident can bring the two of you closer together in the long run, with a renewed commitment to remaining faithful and true to each other.
George
George.
Your anger and disappointment are justified, and your reaction is understandable. However, terrible as this might have been, it is not necessarily something that should destroy your 10-year marriage. Before making the
What do you really want? Dear George, I HAVE A GIRLFRIEND, and I just proposed to her. The day after I proposed, I saw another girl who completely took my breath away! I chatted with her for an hour and immediately knew she was the woman for me. Just yesterday, she visited me with her cousin, who is visiting from New York, and I’m now caught between her and her cousin. Her cousin is even more exciting than she is. I am beginning to wonder if I was too quick in proposing to my girlfriend–the first one. I want to settle down with the right woman.
Confused. Dear Confused, You need to first ask yourself what it is you are looking for in a woman or wife. You have to know what you want. From the looks of things, it does not seem that you know what you want. Having said that, I suggest that you take all the time you need to figure yourself out. Do not be too quick to make that all-important decision to settle down at this time. Hold off on or cancel any marriage or engagement plans for now. You are not yet ready to fully commit and, as such, should slow down
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will find that you can work progressively at improving yourself this week. Self-deception is likely. Overindulgence may cause conflicts. You are best to sit back and think it through, rather than add to the ranting and raving. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Major job changes or opportunities to get ahead professionally are apparent. You need time to think things through. Your determination may make you a little overbearing when dealing with others. Physical activity will help defuse your frustration. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things. Listen and formulate your course of action. You will be indecisive. Don't get involved in other people's problems. Communication will be the source of your knowledge and you must be sure to spend time with those who have more experience. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You'll find it easy to deal with government agencies or large institutions. Empty promises are evident and deception probable. Keep on your toes when dealing with others. You can enjoy your involvement in organizations that make charitable contributions. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Work hard on improving your living quarters. Social activity should be on your agenda this week. Try to understand their point of view. You will be emotional with regard to your personal life. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Consider the source before you believe what you hear. Try not to be too lavish with your lover. Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. Find out all you can; secret enemies may lead you astray.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You need time to make things better. Travel opportunities look positive, but be cautious while driving. Your intuition will be right on. Follow your feelings in matters pertaining to financial investments. Make changes that will enhance your appearance. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Look into alternate means of sup porting your financial burdens. Travel and learning should be on your agenda this week. Don't overdo it. Do things that involve children. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You'll be dropping friends for no apparent reason. Take care of yourself or you can expect to suffer from minor illness. You can buy or sell if you're so inclined. You might be a tad overindulgent this week. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) It's time to make professional changes. You will have the discipline and fortitude to accomplish what you want this week. There'll be difficulties if you spend too much. You will gain a lot if you listen. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) New partnerships will develop if you join investment groups. You will meet potential new mates through business. You can elaborate on your creative ideas and get involved in groups that relate to the arts. You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Problems with your mate will develop if you don't let them have their way. Changes regarding family members will set you off. Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. Secret enemies will be eager to spread rumors about you.
ACROSS 1. Republic in SW Asia 5. Private detective 11. Basic monetary unit of Ghana 12. Like a dog 13. Paradise 14. Conundrum 15. Melodious 17. Breach 18. Tap gently 19. English monk 20. Military unit 23. Measured 24. Wallaroo 25. Fabled bird 26. Taxicab 27. Act of soaking 31. Joined 33. Comply 34. Elaborately adorned 35. Hawaiian goose 36. Resound 37. Sledge DOWN 1. Frozen treats 2. Repeat 3. Capital of Yemen
4. Seaport in Shandong province China 5. Rub vigorously 6. Frozen rain 7. Besides 8. Miniature 9. Unload 10. Oozed 16. Craze 19. Calls 20. Zone 21. Inquire 22. Sophisticated 23. Extinct
flightless bird 25. Cowboy display 27. Third son of Adam 28 Second son
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 23.
of Adam and Eve 29. Basic unit of heredity 30. Having eyes 32. Family name prefix
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24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
George and Ross take National Squash titles JAYDEN GEORGE AND JADA ROSS are the 2026 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association men’s and women’s National champions, respectively. They did so at the national championships hosted at the National Squash Centre, Tuesday September 15 to Friday September 18.
En route to the crown, George beat Ceron Padmore, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1, before stopping Aiden De Freitas, 113, 11-3, 11-2 and Jaydon Williams, 11-4, 11-4, 11-3. Meanwhile, Ross saw off Maria Chapman 11-2, 11-5, 11-3 and defeated Caeli George, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2. Ross also got the better of
11-7, 11-9, 11-13, 11-7 and swished Gianna MillerAlexander, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2. For Ross, it was a return to the Squash court after a twoyear sabbatical, but promised to be more involved in the sport, which saw he competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Jayden George and Jada Ross are the 2026 SVG Squash Association champs. Jules Snagg won the male title in 2025 and Nadira Morgan was the female winner. Information from the St.
Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association, is that the Masters segment of the National Championships will take place later this year.
Keeping girls in sports gets attention FOR TWO DAYS, September 18 and 19, 2026, twenty- three participants, drawn from various countries were here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, seeking to find a positive and safe coaching pathway for girls in sports. Undertaking by the Caribbean Association of
National Olympic Committees (CANOC), the two -day workshop, held at Paradise Hotel Conference Room, Villa engaged the attendees on how to keep girls in sports, body confidence and safeguarding. The workshop’s main facilitator- Grenadian Danisha Brathwaite, the
National U-15 Squad announced THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES CRICKET ASSOCIATION (SVGCA) has announced a 25-member Under-15 squad to continue training in preparation for representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the Windward Islands Under-15 Tournament, scheduled for December. The squad was selected following the recently concluded Zonal Under-15 Tournament. The players selected are: Ahmar Lavia, Amalie Lavia, Danroy Nanton, Tarique Pollard, Zedekiah Mitchell, Jayden Cordice, Bryson Williams, Deron Charles, Trezol Adams, Syorn John, Julius Adams, Nicquan Johnson, Yuvraj Campbell, Antonio Horne, Orlando Hector, Aaron Williams, Lindon Nanton, Jimel Baptiste, Stephen Glasgow, Jshorn Johnny, Ian Duncan, Liam Baptiste, Stephen Hoyte, Trace Deane and Hesrel Ballantyne. I.B.A. ALLEN
regional trainer for TAFISA, the Association for International Sports for All, in giving her overview, believed that the engagements were meaningful. “The entire objective was basically making a safe space for girls within sports. What are we going to do to keep girls in sports. Because based on the research that we have done, girls are dropping out in sports more drastically than boys. Are we going to make the environments fun. Are we going to change our coaching habits”, Brathwaite confirmed. Brathwaite, using her personal experience as an athlete, admitted that present methodologies in coaching have to change. “My coach would have been rough with me, but at least now many may not be able to accommodate the
Participants attending the workshop pose with their certificates. Danisha Brathwaite is seated center. roughness; so, we want the coaches to be able to create those safe spaces for girls. And if they’re not able to talk to their coach, at least there are some kinds of safeguarding policy within the coaches, their club, within their association, where the girls can report, feel safe and knowing that
whatever they report, it will be worked on”, Brathwaite highlighted. Given that the participants have been the recipients of the new information, the task is for them to return to their respective countries and impart that knowledge to others. “It was a training of trainers session, so these
coaches would go back within their countries and host workshops”, Brathwaite confirmed. Brathwaite noted that such workshops are necessary as overtime issues are popping up, hence training becomes a part of readjusting to changes in the way coaches interacts with their athletes and dispense information.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 25.
Sports
System 3 Retains SEDI Football Title
Vincy Heat Head Coach braces for CNL battle
CANADIANMICHAEL FINDLAY, Head Coach of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines senior men’s Football team- Vincy Heat expects no favours SYSTEM 3 was from French in top form as Guiana, Belize they and St. Maarten, successfully during his team’s retained their four match title in the SEDI sojourn in the Football SeptemberTournament, October window of which the Concacaf concluded last Nations League weekend at the (CNL). Stubbs Playing Vincy Heat Field. Michael Findlay kicks off their System 3 Group D secured their campaign on September 26, 2026 versus French second Guiana at the BFF Stadium, Belmopan, Belize. consecutive Then on September 29, Vincy Heat faces Belize title with a and October 3 and 6 meets St. Maarten in back-to3—nil victory back fixtures. over Jebelle Findlay though is not slighting his opponents, FC. Jaheim stating:” All of these teams are going to be Bailey was competitive. All of these teams are going to unstoppable, System 3 won the title for the second consecutive year. present their own challenge to us in being scoring all three goals successful. The opponents themselves bring a and earning the MVP variety of qualities: French Guiana being a much Team T Village Ballers Funsize System 3 was Aiden Solomon of the award for the final. more aggressive physical side; Belize playing more was the tournament’s named Best Defender, System 3 Under-15 team, Team T Village Ballers of a small triangular type Central American side, leading goalscorer with while Formula FC while Sean Johnson was finished third, while and St. Maarten, being a Caribbean neighbor six goals. His teammate received the Most also named the Most Almondo Sawyers of always brings a sense of unpredictability in terms Sean Johnson was Disciplined Team award. Promising Player. Jebelle FC was named of what they have”. named Best Goalkeeper. The tournament’s Best Midfielder. Installed in the position in August 2026, Jahvin Sutherland of youngest player was I.B.A. ALLEN Mozranny Harry of Findlay on his first assignment, noted that the four matches set the tone for the November window. “The Nations League, League B, is an exciting level of competition in CONCACAF Field last weekend. They will Da Souza contributed 45. because if we are victorious and face Saints in the final. Rohan Ash was the pick of we lead our group at the end of Flow Radcliffe’s total of the Smashers bowlers, taking those four games in September, 383 in 45.3 overs was 8 for 52. October, and the two games in powered by a superb 167 Smashers were dismissed November, we will qualify for the from Dillon Douglas. Captain for 148 in 29 overs in reply. Gold Cup in 2027. So, it’s an Asif Hooper contributed 67, Jabari Cunningham topexciting time for St Vincent and while Romano Pierre made scored with 24, while Rohan the Grenadines Football 46. Ash made 23. Association (Federation), he For Victors One, Winston For North Windward, proffered. Samuel took 3 for 56 from Elton Joseph took 4 for 34 Findlay announced a 23- man seven overs, while Luke from eight overs, while Micah squad for the Belize leg, Wilson claimed 3 for 57. Joseph claimed 2 for 23. Victors One were Denson Hoyte took 2 for 27 underscoring that it is a blend of dismissed for 220 in 26.3 from four overs, and Shem youth and maturity. overs in reply. Donwell Browne took 2 for 50 from six “The average age of a Hector top-scored with 67, overs. competitive team in any while Keron Cottoy made 32. Hoyte was named Man of international competition today is Denson Hoyte top-scored Bowling for Flow Radcliffe, the Match. about 27 years old. So, when we with 102 for North Dillon Douglas took 4 for 89 In the other First Division try to reach those levels of Windward. from 10 overs, Kevan James match played at Sion Hill, competition, we want to have a claimed 2 for 5 from 1.2 Jav Auto Import Strike FLOW RADCLIFFE became staircase approach to our age. We the second team to book their overs, and Asif Hooper took 2 Eagles were awarded victory balance some new youth coming for 30 from four overs. over Bequia after Bequia place in the final of the out of some of our younger Douglas was named Man forfeited the match. National Lotteries Authority programmes and some of our of the Match. Jav Auto Import Strike (NLA) and St. Vincent and more experienced players that At Park Hill, North Eagles batted first and were the Grenadines Cricket can guide these players as we go Association (SVGCA) Premier Windward defeated Smashers dismissed for 96, with Daran through this process”, Findlay Division Cricket Competition. by 53 runs in a First Division John top-scoring with 29. reasoned. encounter. Bequia were 59 for 1 after Radcliffe secured their Vincy Heat, apart from seeking North Windward batted 6.2 overs when they forfeited place with a convincing 163Concacaf Gold Cup qualification first and scored 201 in 33.1 the match. run victory over Victors One is eyeing a spot in League A of Dillon Douglas stroked 167 overs, with Denson Hoyte at the Arnos Vale Playing for Flow Radcliffe. the next edition of the CNL. top-scoring with 102. Veno I.B.A. ALLEN
Saints, Radcliffe into Premier Division finals
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26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
West Indies head to India THE CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE is out of the way. Antigua and Barbuda Falcons made light work of Jamaica Kingsmen in a final. It was a clinical display by the Falcons. They knocked off the 170 target in blistering fashion, powered by Amir Jangoo and Hasan Nawaz both unbeaten. They propelled the champions to 173 for two. Man of the Match was Sufyan Moqim: 4 for 14. Rovman Powell’s men endured a batting performance which tells a tale of extremes. Jamaica’s innings was dominated by Maaz Sadaqat with 114. Normally, an innings of that caliber leads to a Man of the Match award. But his team was outgunned by Falcons. Rakeem Cornwall was bowled off the final delivery of the first over, but by then he had plundered 20 runs to reduce the required run rate. Evin Lewis 38, the second batsman to be dismissed left it a formality for Jangoo and Nawaz. The CPL threw up its surprises. Whatever the predictions are, the results speak. Out of those ashes one star emerges. He is Kamil Pooran. He is rewarded with selection to the West Indies squad. Pooran slots into the T/20 squad carded for five matches from October 6. The T/20 team is Shai Hope, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, and Shamar Springer. The West Indies play three One Day International matches. Sunday September 27, Wednesday 30, and Saturday October 3. The ODI party is: Shai Hope, Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jayden Seales. The Caribbean Premier League kept cricket fans enthralled. Matches provided delight and disappointments. There are aspects of the operation that must be addressed. If talents are to be honed, the opportunity has to be provided for candidates to show their potential. Raising the standard is worthy, as the overseas player offer. There must some measures to ensure that exposure is given to Caribbean players. Increasing the number of teams is also another course of action. St. Vincent and the Grenadines can move towards a franchise. Our players are showing their willingness to raise to that occasion. It is no obstacle towards fulfilment of that enterprise. The domino effect is palpable. There is expertise, resources, capacity and willingness to get the franchise rolling. That is the next segment of expansion that can engender that atmosphere of national, and regional solidarity. Arnos Vale is a worthy venue, and with the Franchise established, the groundwork for the CPL as the opening games of this year’s episode unveiled. An elevation like this will dovetail with efforts to make sports more than a past time for students at school. There will be need for logistical arrangements will boost the economic imprint of any franchise holder.
Flashback to last year’s Round D Town Road Relay.
Sixty – two teams registered for Round D Town Road Relay SIXTY- TWO TEAMS have registered for the 2026 Round D Town Road Relay which takes place this Sunday, September 27, in capital Kingstown. Accounting for the largest number of entries is the Male Secondary Schools’ segment, as twenty are listed in that category, whilst sixteen Female teams are in the secondary bracket. Ten teams are in the female Primary and twelve are in the male primary category, a total
of twenty- two entrants. Meanwhile, three teams are in the Open Male and a solitary team is in the Open Female. When the 2025 edition was held, the Chateaubelair Methodist took both segments in the Primary Schools’ category. Barrouallie Warriors took the Female secondary title and Georgetown the male. IT DAT Academy won the Open Female and
Team Mustangs was the Open Male winners. Comprising four legs, circling Kingstown, each leg commences and ends outside Bank of SVG on Halifax Street. From the start point, the Primary schools then made a right turn at Forrester’s Court, then right gain at KFC onto Bay Street. Thereafter, they turned on Higginson Street and made another right onto Grenville Street and back to the
starting point. The Secondary schools and Open category athletes, after leading off from the same starting point, proceeded to Sharpe Street, then on to Bay Street. Runners made their way to Linley Street, exiting at the Public Health Department, before ending. The Round D Town Road Relay marks the start of the Team Athletics S.V.G.’s Road Racing season.
Vincentians included in CWI Batting Development Tour
Dillon Douglas - Middleorder batter and wicketkeeper. VINCENTIANS Ethan Gibson and Dillon Douglas have been included among a group of promising regional
batters selected to participate in a Cricket West Indies (CWI) Batting Development Tour scheduled for September 24 to 28 in St. Lucia. According to a release from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association, the tour forms part of CWI’s continued commitment to strengthening the Regional HighPerformance Pathway. The CWI High Performance Department will conduct a sixterritory Batting Development Tour featuring newly appointed High Performance Batting Consultant Bob Carter.
The Windward Islands leg in Saint Lucia has been confirmed as the first stop on the tour. The initiative will provide players with valuable exposure to high-level technical coaching, while focusing on the continued development Ethan Gibson - Topof their batting skills and order batter preparation for regional cricket. I.B.A. ALLEN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026. 27.
Classifieds
NLHPE meets with Shallow
Shallow said that he remains accessible and open to continue the conversation about the development of North Leeward and that he will report to the NLHPF following discussions about the quarry operations at cabinet level. Chairman of the NLHPF Adonis Charles presided over the meeting. Other persons present included Lennox “Len” Lampkin, Adrian ‘Tari” Codougan, Lindon L-R- Clive Bishop, Adrian Codougan, Don De Riggs, Lindon Stephens, “Banna” Stephens, Clive Kishore Shallow, Lennox Lampkin, Adonis Charles. “Bish I” Bishop and Don “Small Axe” De Riggs. Continued from Page 12. being held whether the held with the public to fish market should be get their suggestions and Joining the meeting Dark View falls is in operated by the recommendations for all virtually were Marlon Mills, Nialah and Andre close proximity of the government or major projects in the Prince, and Travis quarry and when the outsourced to private area, a process which Harry. culture village is operators. He however must be adopted and established, locals and noted that the replicated in other Submitted by: visitors alike can refurbished fish market constituencies. Donald De Riggs. experience our local should be operational by In closing, Minister cuisine, music and end of year, latest culture in a comfortable January of 2027. Mr. setting. Shallow also noted that Also discussed, was consultations with the the reconstruction of the public will be held with 2 and 3 Bedroom fish market in regard to the operation Full Furnished Chateaubelair, with the of the new facility. Ras Apartments area representative Bish I during his Queen’s Drive stating that at the contribution urged that Tel: 494-2209 moment discussions were regular consultations be
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
VOLUME 120, No. 39
www.thevincentian.com
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SVG EXPANDS DIPLOMATIC TIES
Below: Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday with the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, H.E. Dr. Christian Stocker.
Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday shakes hands with Prime Minister of Kosovo, H.E. Mr Albin Kurti. for international recognition, pointing to its declaration of THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. independence in 2008 and the VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES 2010 advisory opinion of the is stepping up diplomatic International Court of Justice, engagement with other small which concluded that the states and European partners, declaration did not violate with Prime Minister Dr. Godwin international law. The ongoing Friday holding high-level talks European Union-facilitated with the leaders of Kosovo and normalisation process between Austria. Kosovo and Serbia was also During a meeting with discussed. Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Prime Minister Friday Kurti, discussions focused on indicated that he was Kosovo’s request for sympathetic to Kosovo’s recognition as an independent request but stressed that and sovereign state, as well as further consultations would be opportunities for bilateral necessary before St. Vincent cooperation between the two and the Grenadines countries. determines its position. The two leaders exchanged No commitment to recognise views on the experiences of Kosovo was made during the small states, sovereignty and meeting. self-determination. Prime The discussions also Minister Friday referenced St. explored possible areas of Vincent and the Grenadines’ practical cooperation. Kosovo own history of colonialism and highlighted its developing the Garifuna resistance as digital and technology sector, important influences on the tourism industry and searchcountry’s understanding of and-rescue expertise, while independence and sovereignty. Prime Minister Friday Kosovo presented its case outlined S.V.G.’s priorities as by KENVILLE HORNE
a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). Particular attention was given to climate resilience, disaster preparedness and the need for rapid access to financing following natural disasters. Kosovo expressed a willingness to support greater international attention to the climate vulnerabilities facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other SIDS. The two sides agreed on the importance of continued engagement and exploring practical areas of cooperation beyond the question of diplomatic recognition.
S.V.G., Austria Sign Cooperation Agreement Prime Minister Friday also held discussions with Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker and Austria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Gregor
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
W. Koessler, as part of efforts to strengthen relations between SVG and Austria. Friday was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble and S.V.G.’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Vynnette Frederick. A key outcome of the engagement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between S.V.G.’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs and Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs. The agreement provides a framework for deeper cooperation between the two countries. Discussions covered peace and multilateral cooperation, the challenges facing Small
Island Developing States, climate resilience and recovery, as well as access to development and disaster financing. Prime Minister Friday also highlighted S.V.G.’s renewable energy ambitions, including continued exploration of geothermal energy and the potential for wave energy as the country seeks to strengthen energy security and advance its transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system. The engagements with Kosovo and Austria form part of S.V.G.’s broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen international partnerships, advance the interests of small states and identify practical areas for cooperation on issues including climate change, disaster resilience, energy and development financing.
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