FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
VOLUME 120, No. 35
Ty Clarke makes us proud Page 2
www.thevincentian.com
Road to 50 has begun Page 5
Rehab for Bequia Fish Market Page 10
EC$1.50
NPC Stregthens capacity Page 14
Marks Dasent on Olympic path Page 16
ITAL FEST 2026 GAINING MOMENTUM
Clothing and craft booths offered items for sale at the Fest.
and peas. The festival also featured fresh vegetables and fruits, snacks, herbal products, natural medicines, jewellery, crafts, African clothing and other products. The Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF) also had a presence at Ital Fest 2026 and provided free seed packets to interested persons, along with handouts every hour. Assistant Director of Ital Fest 2026, Marsha Gonsalves, said the Marsha Gonsalves with her daughter at the Ital festival's theme, “Ital Fest. Fest Purity,” was intended to promote by KENVILLE HORNE and cuisine, live reggae and healthy living while DON DERIGGS cultural performances, reinforcing the message arts and crafts, wellness that “black is beautiful.” THE THIRD ANNUAL ITAL activities and familyGonsalves welcomed PURITY FEST drew more friendly entertainment. the increased than 60 vendors and Chefs and vendors participation from patrons to the Arnos Vale from St. Vincent and the vendors this year and Sporting Complex on Grenadines, Jamaica, said the festival was Saturday, August 22, for a Trinidad and Tobago, providing an important day-long celebration of Grenada and Barbados platform for local natural living, healthy showcased a wide range businesses and eating, culture and of Ital foods, challenging entrepreneurs. Caribbean unity. the common perception She said the event was Held from 10:00 a.m. that Ital cuisine is designed to expose to 10:00 p.m., the festival limited to traditional rice patrons to the variety of featured authentic Ital
Founding committee member of Ital Fest and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador to Cuba, Her Excellency Idesha Jackson.
Abuza doubled a a vendor and an entertainer at the event.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador Ital cuisine and its to Cuba, Her Excellency emphasis on natural Idesha Jackson, also ingredients, while expressed satisfaction encouraging people to with the response to the support local producers. event. She added that more Although her vendors participated this diplomatic year, reflecting growing responsibilities now take interest in the festival her away from St. and its message of Vincent, Jackson healthy living and local returned to participate in economic support. this year’s festival, Founding committee describing Ital Fest as member of Ital Fest and “still my baby.” “So, you
know, obviously you can't leave your baby alone,” she said. Jackson said the festival received strong support from sponsors, vendors and members of the public and explained that the event’s focus remained on providing access to natural and wholesome foods while promoting healthier eating habits. Continued on Page 3.
V
2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN
People
Ty Clarke making PaulÊs Avenue proud GROWING UP IN THE PAUL’S AVENUE community of the Central Kingstown constituency, Tyrique “Ty” Clarke after realizing his dream of playing professional Football, has landed a multi- year contract with Inter Toronto. A graduate of the Inter Toronto Pathway, Ty earned a long-term place in the first team, an agreement that guarantees him through the 2028 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season, and includes club options for 2029 and 2030. Ty inked the on August 19, 2026, in front of his agents, Inter Toronto officials and his immediate family members. According to the Inter Toronto website, Clarke, who plays as a winger, was happy to finally put pen to paper and seal the contract that was imminent since tasting first team experience in July.
“Signing this contract means a lot to me because becoming a professional footballer is something I have worked toward since I was young”, Clarke stated. A home- grown Vincentian talent, Clarke advanced through the System Three Academy, before migrating to Canada. His talents came to fore at an early age representing System Three, the C.W. Prescod Primary School and the St. Vincent Grammar School. Further nurturing of his Football skills came via Inter Toronto, Sigma FC and Toronto FC programmes. Back and forth between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Canada, Clarke represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Under17 and Under-20, as captain, topping it off in March 2026,
with a debut at the senior team. The latter proved decisive for Clarke, as on his return to Inter Toronto he continued to impress with Inter Toronto II and began training regularly with the first team. His performances and commitment earned him a Canadian Premier League Development Contract in July before he went on to make his first team debut. The 18- year-old Ty owes much of his growth to the venerable — Ian Sardine, Lamont Hector and his fatherNeto Clarke. Responding to what he termed “destined”, the elder Clarke pointed out, “Ty has Ty Clarke (center) surrounded by his immediate family always wanted to become a members. (Photo courtesy Canadian Premier League) professional footballer, and that was one of the reasons we work has gone into it. Inter themselves. Once the club moved to Canada. Seeing him Toronto believes in young recognizes talent, it provides a take this step is fulfilling players and gives them the platform for that talent to because we know how much opportunity to prove speak on the field”.
V
News 3
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 3.
Twelve graduates complete CED Business Development Programme TWELVE ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS have completed a six-week business development and skills training programme designed to equip them with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to establish and manage sustainable businesses in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The closing ceremony for the Members Business Development Project, implemented by the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held at the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union Conference Room. The programme ran from July 1 to August 7, 2026, and focused on entrepreneurship, business management and financial sustainability. Officer in Charge of CED, Keisha Phillips, said the initiative was about more than completing a training programme, describing it as an investment in the participants’ ability to become self-reliant and create opportunities for themselves and others. “True empowerment is about equipping people with the knowledge, skills, confidence, resources, and support
L-R: Christo Primus, Head of the Private Sector Development Department in the Ministry of Finance, First Counselor of the Mission Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nkosi Stewart and Keisha Phillips, Officer in Charge of CED. they need to become more self-reliant and to create opportunities for themselves and others,” Phillips said. She explained that the project had three main objectives: training selected individuals in entrepreneurship and business management; assisting successful participants with registering their businesses with the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and purchasing initial supplies; and providing mentorship during the first six months of business operations. Throughout the programme, participants
were introduced to identifying viable business opportunities, understanding customer and market needs, developing business models, financial management, recordkeeping, cash-flow monitoring, and costing and pricing. They were also introduced to the Lean Canvas Business Model Tool, which helped them examine their target customers, the problems they intended to solve, their proposed solutions, revenue streams, operating costs and strategies for reaching customers. Phillips reminded the graduates that
Grant recipients at the closing ceremony. (Photo: CED) completing the programme marked the beginning rather than the end of their entrepreneurial journey. “Today is not the finish line. In many ways, today is the starting line,” she said. She encouraged participants to remain adaptable, learn from challenges, listen to their customers, monitor their finances and seek advice when necessary. First Counselor of the Mission Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nkosi Stewart, highlighted the connection between business development and ministry. “Improving your skills, improving your business skills, is a part of being in ministry,” Stewart
Ital Fest 2026 - Gaining momentum opportunities for people to connect, celebrate their culture and Jackson also stressed strengthen relationships within communities. that Ital Fest was Elder 'Ras Bish I' who designed as a familyattended all three Ital oriented event, with no alcohol being sold on the Festivals, shared with THE VINCENTIAN that grounds. Instead, there needs to be a patrons were offered greater link between juices and water, while farmers and ital chefs, organisers sought to as well as a greater limit processed soft presence of vegetables drinks. for sale at the Ital Fest Minister of Culture now in its third year. Kaschaka Cupid ‘Bish I’ went on to state attended the festival later in the evening and that the link between farmers and vegetarian said he was eager to sample some of the food chefs will ultimately reduce the import bill for on offer. Cupid also highlighted vegetables which can be produced locally as well the role of cultural events such as Ital Fest as giving Vincentians a healthy product, as most in bringing people together, saying greater Rastafarians grow their unity was needed among food organically. Vincentians. Entertainment He noted that festivals provide The event also Continued from Frontpage.
from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, who was participating in the festival for the second time. He praised the atmosphere and reception from patrons, saying the experience had convinced him to return. “I love the vibes, I love the energy and it just humbles me how the people love the food,” he said, describing the response as a blessing for him as an Ital chef Vendor participation from Jamaica. With its growing Regional participation vendor participation and further strengthened the regional reach, Ital Fest festival’s Caribbean continues to establish character, with vendors itself as a platform for and participants from promoting natural foods, Jamaica, Trinidad and cultural expression, Tobago, Barbados and healthy lifestyles and other territories joining Caribbean togetherness local exhibitors. in St. Vincent and the Among the regional Grenadines. vendors was an Ital chef featured a range of cultural performances, including live reggae entertainment and a presentation by a music group from Cuba. The Nyabinghi drummers set the stage for the Arabesque dancers, whose choreography of Bob Marley's “One Love” captivated the attention of all patrons. Two local fashion designers also had local models display their colourful clothing.
said, while referencing Alma 37:6 and the principle that “by small and simple things, great things can come to pass.” The keynote address was delivered by Christo Primus, Head of the Private Sector Development Department in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Private Sector Development. His presentation, titled “Building for Purpose: Courage, Stewardship, and Sustainable Enterprise,” focused on the importance of integrity, financial discipline and resilience in building successful businesses. Primus commended the partnership between the Church, CED and government, describing the programme as an example of how faithbased organisations, technical agencies and government can work together to create economic opportunities. “Empowerment fails when it remains theoretical,” Primus said, noting that the programme provided participants with practical training, business counselling, formal registration through CIPO and seed funding. He urged the graduates to view their business registration as the beginning of an obligation rather than simply evidence of completing a course. “The business plan you drafted is not a document to sit on a shelf. It is your strategic blueprint. You are officially a business,” Primus said. He also cautioned the graduates to use their grant funding responsibly, describing it as “seed capital” that should be
invested carefully to give the businesses an opportunity to grow. Primus outlined three principles for the new entrepreneurs: maintaining uncompromising integrity, practicing disciplined stewardship by separating personal and business finances, and developing resilience. “Resilience does not mean never encountering a problem. It means having the structure and mindset to adapt when challenges arrive,” he said. He encouraged the graduates to make use of the training and mentorship provided, develop their brands strategically and focus on building businesses capable of lasting. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of training certificates and CIPO business registration certificates to all 12 participants. The overjoyed participants were also awarded with grants to improve their businesses. CED expressed appreciation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for entrusting the organization with implementation of the project, as well as to the facilitators, mentors, coordinators and others who contributed to its success. The Members Business Development Project forms part of continued efforts to promote entrepreneurship, selfreliance and economic empowerment, while equipping individuals with the skills needed to contribute to the economic development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (KH)
V Painter jailed Second murder for gun, ammo suspect nailed 4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN
Court
All three victims received gunshot wounds to their heads during an incident at Great CLOSE TO TWO MONTHS after House, Lowmans Leeward on Delroy Harry, a 21-year-old Labourer June 23, 2026. of Lowmans Leeward appeared at However, while Casley the serious Offences Court, after succumbed to his injury, being charged with the murder of Simmons and John survived the St. Lucian, Troy Casley, 34, and the ordeal. Phillips, like Harry, was not required to plead to the attempted murder of two changes when he appeared before Vincentians, another Vincentian Chief Magistrate Colin John on has been charged in connection Monday. Harry had made his with the incident. On Monday, Jarell Phillips, 24 appearance before the same of Redemption Sharpes, appeared Magistrate on July 2nd, on the same charges. Both men are in the same court after being charged jointly and were charged with Casley’s murder, along with the attempted murder remanded. They will return to court at of Shamal John, a 22-year-old later dates for their preliminary Landscaper of Lower Questelles and Nashon Simmons, a 33-year- Inquiry (P.I.). Sergeant Edmond old unemployed man of Campden Ollivierre of the Major Crime Unit (MCU) is leading the Park. investigations. Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
Jarrel Phillips is the second person to be charged, stemming from an incident which took place at Lowmans Leeward.
Police vigilance lands gunman in jail licences. Chief Magistrate Colin John handed down the penalties at the Serious Offences Court after Soleyn pleaded guilty to both charges. He was represented by attorney Grant Connell. In presenting the facts, Court Clerk, Sergeant Desron Simmons, told the Court that at around 3:30pm on Saturday, August 22, PC Adams and PC Arrindell of the Special Stern Soleyn has been Patrol Unit, were on foot charged with patrol in Kingstown possession a gun and when they saw a man, ammunition without later identified as licenses. Soleyn, walking from the direction of the Fire THE VIGILANCE of two Department of the Central Police Station. police officers last When he spotted the Saturday may have Police, he immediately prevented another homicide or serious crime crossed the street and hurriedly headed in the in St. Vincent and the direction of the Grenadines. Kingstown Vegetable The action of Constables 4 Adams and Market while constantly looking back at the police 425 Arrindell not only officers. resulted in the This aroused the interception of a loaded suspicion of the officers, fireman during broad and they shouted at him daylight and in the to stop. The defendant usually crowded area in did not comply, and Kingstown, but it also began to run. Adams and led to 28-year-old Stern Arrindell gave chase, but Soleyn of Arnos Vale being jailed in connection Soleyn ran through the vegetable market. The with the seizure. Soleyn was sentenced officers continued to pursue the defendant, to 52 months in prison on Monday for possession and PC Adams caught him in the vicinity of the of a Glock 19 pistol and nearby PeppaKorn six rounds of Supermarket. The man ammunition without
fought to break loose from Adams, but a female police officer who was in the area assisted Adams in subduing him. By that time, Arrindell had reached the scene and assisted in the man’s apprehension. When questioned about his name and why he was running, the man did not respond. However, Adams requested a search of his person and the bag he was carrying and found something in the bag wrapped in a black tshirt. The t-shirt was removed, revealing the firearm. When cautioned, the defendant replied, “Officer people out for me because I does walk with plenty money, and I find the gun ah bayside”. He was arrested and taken to the Central Police Station where the magazine was removed from the gun revealing six rounds of 9mm ammunition. The gun was examined and test fired by ballistics expert Sergeant Julian Cain and was found to be in good working condition. Soleyn was cautioned and interviewed in the presence of a Justice of Peace (JP), but did not give a statement. He was subsequently arrested and charged. In mitigation, Connell noted that Soleyn
pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity and had no previous convictions and asked the court to exercise leniency. In handing down penalties, the Chief Magistrate informed Soleyn that the offence carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison in the Magistrate’s Court. He applied the sentencing guidelines, weighed the aggravating and mitigating factors, and did the calculation to arrive at the penalties.
JUST MINUTES after 28-year-old Stern Soleyn of Arnos Vale was jailed on Monday for firearm and ammunition possession, Shane James, 36, of Largo Height, was sent to prison for offences of a similar nature. James, a painter and father of five children, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for possession of a Llama .32 pistol without license and 18 months for having seven rounds of .32 ammunition without license. The sentences will run concurrently. James pleaded guilty to both charges when he faced Chief Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. The Court heard that at around 4:45pm on June 23, 2026, Police Constable 1072 Primus and other officers responded to a report about a fight in the vicinity of Lynx Mas Camp in Kingstown, and on arrival in that area, acting on information received, they proceeded to the upper floor of the building, where they met James walking down the staircase. He was identified as one of the persons involved in the fight. He told PC Primus that some men were running him down and he was seeking rescue. The officers escorted him to the police transport, and Primus acting on information received, returned to the building. While conducting a search of the area where James’ girlfriend, Zaria Solomon was met, Primus found a men’s purse. He conducted a search of the purse and found an NIS card and a bank card, bearing the defendant’s name. He continued the search of the purse, which revealed the firearm and seven rounds of ammunition. When cautioned, James told the police, “Officer is my gun, someone gave it to me today.” He was arrested on suspicion, and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he volunteered a written statement admitting to the offence. A function test of the gun was done by ballistics expert Inspector Maxian ‘Max’ Richardson, and it was found to be in working condition. James was jointly charged with his girlfriend, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the prosecution withdrew the case against her. Earlier that morning in the same Court, Soleyn was sentenced to 52 months in prison for possession of a Glock 19 pistol an 18 months for possession of six round of 9mm ammunition. Both men were represented by attorney Grant Connell.
Man jailed for stealing drinks A MAN WHO STOLE a large quantity of drinks from businessman Shaun DeFreitas was jailed for one year on Monday. Selvis Jack, a 37-year-old unemployed man of Georgetown, was charged with that between August 8 and 11, 2026 at Kingstown, he stole a quantity of Sunset Strong Rum, Campari, Guinness, Village Ram, beer and soft drinks to the tune of EC$426, the property of Shaun DeFreitas. The facts showed that DeFreitas owns a Master Tech deep freezer, which he uses to sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at Heritage Square, Kingstown, on a daily basis. On august 9, at around 8:15pm, DeFreitas secured his deep freezer with a padlock, and ensured that it was properly tied down with chains, then went home. On August 10, at around 10am, he returned to the area and discovered
his freezer unchained and opened. He made checks and discovered a quantity of drinks missing. He made a report to the police and investigations led to Jack. Jack was arrested, and when cautioned and interviewed, he volunteered a written statement admitting to the offence. When Questioned by the Chief Magistrate ion Monday, Jack told the Court he went to the area to pick up small pieces of something, but it was not clear what he said he was picking up. He later admitted that he used cocaine. He claimed he met the freezer open, took out the drinks and sold them. The Magistrate concluded that Jack needed to go somewhere where he could be properly supervised, and told him he was sending him to prison for one year.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 5.
Vincy Mas
From left: Colin Graham, Sharon Jones, Kaschaka Cupid, Luann Hadaway, S.V.G. Consul General to the USA-Roland Patel Mathews, Delois Defreitas, Rodney Small, Ragga Soca Monarch 2026 Tyrique “Dfusion” Thomas.
Road to 50 has begun NEXT YEAR 2027, marks a significant milestone in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Carnival ‘Vincy Mas”, as it marks 50 years since the historic transition of our premier festival from the traditional pre-Lenten Season to the June-July. As plans are being put in place to mark this milestone, a contingent from St. Vincent and the Grenadines visited New York, USA, to kick off the promotion for what is dubbed “Vincymas 2027 Road to 50.” Seen as an opportunity to share the vision for Vincymas 2027 with the Vincentian diaspora and the importance of visitors to promote and participate in the celebration, the campaign blasted off on Friday, August 14, 2026, with a media conference at the Consulate General of St. Vincent of Grenadines in New York, USA. Minister of Sports, Culture, and the Creative Industries, Kaschaka Cupid, used his remarks to invite all to come to SVG to feel the energy, experience our culture and celebrate 50 years of Vincy Mas with us. He also urged SVG to get ready for Vincy Mas 2027–50 years of culture, creativity, colour and celebration. SVG. “Vincy Mas is one of the strongest expressions of who we are as a people. It showcases our mas, soca, calypso, steel pan, music, dance, fashion, craftsmanship
and creativity. I encourage Vincentians throughout New York, the wider United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and across the diaspora to begin planning from now. Save the date. Book early. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Come home to St. Vincent and the Grenadines”, Cupid solicited Whilst it was an open invitation, Cupid singled out, specific set of people. “We especially want younger Vincentians born or raised overseas to experience the culture of their parents and grandparents and strengthen their connection to S.V.G.,” Cupid urged. The promotional launch, which was held as part of the Grand Annual Vincy Day USA Weekend, Cupid said, is such as Vincy Day is helping to carry that message “beyond our shores and build anticipation for what we intend to make a truly memorable national celebration,” Cupid stated. Also partnering with the Vincy Day USA Committee, the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), the Vincy Mas Launch Committee in New York, Sharon Jones, Senior Advisor for Diaspora Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment, and Diaspora Affairs, who used the opportunity to launch a
new digital initiative: the official diaspora registration QR code. Other members of the delegation who travelled from St. Vincent and the Grenadines included: Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), Rodney Small; Deputy Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation, Colin Graham; Chairperson of the National Lotteries Board Authority Board, Luann Hadaway; and National Lottery Authority Board member Delois Defreitas.
V
6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 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
The Real Crime Reprinted from June 2, 2023 THIS COLUMN is yet to be convinced that socio-economic conditions do not give rise to crime. The research is available to support that crime breeds among the less abled socio-economic groups for a myriad of reasons, not least being that those who are poor and made to struggle in a life of poverty are prone to become foot soldiers for more organized criminals and end up being the ones whom the public brands as the criminals. The thing is, if this is true of our situation, then we must embark on a programme, as part of the overall crime fighting programme, to warn the poor to stay clear of crime since they are the once who will pay the heaviest for it; not the real criminals who hide behind their good offices/businesses, who can retain the services of high-priced attorneys who then help to keep the real criminals out of jail. And if it is that we accept that our burdensome socio-economic conditions are in part responsible for the crime that currently pervades Vincentian society, we must be mindful that there could well come a time when the poor, in their demand for an equitable share of the pie and to rid themselves of labels such as criminals, will fight back against the status quo, which could well mean violent manifestations (crime) as history bears witness, for example, in the French Revolution. This is but one revolution, uprising by the poor, that took a violet path. We can avoid that route by demanding that our politicians, those who lead and those who aspire so to do, formulate policies, not empty promises laced with rhetoric, that are meant not only to enrich the nation but are biased towards narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor. Are we seeing that in so doing we will erase the income inequality that causes one class to want to safeguard its dominance and another desirous of ridding itself of the stranglehold of poverty, thereby creating tension even turmoil? Yes, we like to boast of SVG s rising per captia GDP - the sum total of all goods and services produced by every man, woman and child in the
country. This is supposed to speak of the progress we have made and the improvements in the conditions of the population generally. The truth is that this does not reflect the reality of say, the average four-member household. There is a large fraction of the population that does not contribute to this GDP because of their situation of joblessness and unequal opportunity, and therefore do not share in or benefit from that level of production (GDP). If it were that each household got a share of the GDP this may not translate into wealthier households but it should bring a percentage of those who wallow in poverty out of their predicament. The reality is that inequality lies at the very heart of our economic system. It cannot be otherwise since our is a system of unbridled capitalism that ensures that a small percentage of the upper echelons of society enjoy a more than comfortable standard of living, while the rest struggle daily to keep their noses above the water line of survival. It follows therefore, that the GDP is a false impression of the wealth in a country. For GDP to make sense and to be representative of the true conditions of a nation, the system has to be equitable so that more citizens have the opportunity to enjoy higher standards of living. Sadly, capitalism strives on inequality. So, are we still not convinced that once poverty abounds in our midst, not the making of those who are so stricken, crime and tendencies towards crime will find a foothold among these communities? Crime activity will arise and that must be of primary concern to any nation. But our biggest crime is, there are too many poor people in our midst, many unable to provide for their families. That is a crime exacerbated by those who are ready and willing partners of the capitalists whose dominance they secure. So, whether we agree or not that poverty breeds crime, we commit the more grievous sin by creating and fueling poverty in our nation. That is the real crime.
It’s time to step up I AM ABOUT TO SAY SOMETHING that might upset some people for various reasons. Despite knowing this, I will say it anyway. We need a few good men to stand up and reclaim our community. Where are the men in our society? I do not mean to sound like a male chauvinist, so to my female readers, please don't interpret it that way. You have done an incredible job raising our boys, but too often you had to do it alone, and for that I am grateful. But it's time we step up, step in, and reclaim our rightful responsibility. We need men to teach our boys how to become men. We want them to show our boys how to stand tall, with a calm and confident posture that says, 'I am that I am,' in his likeness. We need the men of our village and community to teach our youth to respect others and themselves. Teach them to be punctual, respectful, responsible, proud of their work, and to finish what they start. Offer them guidance on taking corrective action when needed, without the public shaming and ridicule that are now so common in our society. Our youth need our men to step up–to encourage them when they stumble and to celebrate their small victories. The kind of community leader who keeps boys on a straight path when the outside world offers many crooked ones. And I tell you, if you do these lessons correctly, they last a lifetime. There is a narrow window between childhood and adolescence when a boy is most vulnerable. Once he reaches his midteens, trouble doesn’t just pass nearby; it comes looking for him. By the time a boy reaches fifteen or sixteen, it is already late–not impossible, but late. So, from my perspective, if he doesn't already have a strong moral framework, discipline, and a sense of belonging, trouble will find a place to settle. We need a mentorship program to shield our youth and provide a guiding compass. Having said that, without blaming anyone, where are most of our boys between twelve and sixteen years old? Schools, of course, place the teachers at the center of their lives. To our teachers, the challenge is real; teaching is more than a job. Early intervention
is not optional; it is essential. Our society must expand and strengthen youth programs, after-school activities, mentorship networks, sports clubs, and community groups. Every boy needs a place where he is seen, valued, held accountable, and guided. Stop right now: saving our boys is not the responsibility of only parents. Parenting cannot be done alone, not in today’s world. It requires support systems, community, and collaboration. Churches must revive and expand youth ministries. Remember the days when belonging to a church-affiliated organization was not belonging to a team of evangelists. Civic organizations must return to mentorship. Schools must strengthen counseling services and extracurricular programs. Corporate sponsors should support youth leadership and vocational training initiatives. The government must partner strategically with all these groups, ensuring funding, training, and coordination. We must return to being our brothers’ keepers and our sons’ mentors. Every man who joins a gang is a boy who did not find a sense of belonging elsewhere. Every man lost to violence is a boy who did not receive guidance early enough. Every boy we fail to reach becomes a man society struggles to fix. Speeches and articles like this cannot save our children. What will save them is a united, determined effort from all sectors of society. We know what works. We have lived it. We have seen the results in our own lives and in others'. Now, we must commit to rebuilding the support systems that once kept our boys grounded and on the right path. As long as we remain paralyzed with fear, we will keep reading the recycled headlines, attending funerals, and comforting grieving mothers. But if we act with purpose and invest in mentorship, discipline, structure, and love, we can transform a generation. Because the truth remains: if we lose our boys, we lose our future. SVG cannot afford to lose another child. We need to return to core values. Horatio
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 7.
Views
No Beggar’s hands
First published in the March 23, 2012 issue of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper. Reprinted in the publication of August fraction of a second as the coin 28, 2026 with minor editorial changes. exchanged hands. His was no beggar’s hand. His was a working hand. As he walked away I observed the empty “The King in a carriage may ride, and the beggar may crawl at his side; but haversack on his back and the in the general race, they are travelling sturdiness of his walk as he appeared all the same pace.” Edward Fitzgerald to slide over the cobblestones that paved the street in this part of (1809–1883) English man of letters, Kingstown. I viewed him from a author, translator of Persian distance as he entered Miss literature Chronomoros Sutherland’s shop at the end of the road ... probably to get his bag of THE SMARTPHONE has become very bread. In hindsight, I contemplated dear to so many of us. In addition to keeping us in regular telephone contact that I could have given him an extra dollar. Or that I could have chatted with friends, relatives and business associates, it has allowed us to read and with him a bit. But he was now out of sight. send e-mail messages in an instant, I will probably never see this man record and access contact information again. And if he sees me he may not at the press of a button, read and write memos, view calendars, insert reminders even remember that our paths crossed that late afternoon as I played with about appointments, and do so many my Blackberry. But the encounter other things. I periodically use my triggered so many thoughts — far more smartphone’s MemoPad feature to valuable than the dollar that I gave record verses from the Bible that I am him. I reflected on the fact that not seeking to memorize. Thus, when waiting in line to do a transaction at the everyone who asks us for “a dollar” is a scam artist. Some of them bank or credit union, or if I have to wait genuinely need our help. They may in line to pay my utility bill, I take my smartphone out and commence my self- simply not have the money at the time and we can be conduits of joy as we muttering as I seek to commit the meet their need for that special coin. precious words to memory. Among the But there are other persons who come “many other things” that this multifeatured gadget can do, the smartphone across our path daily in search of provides entertainment and distractions “other gifts” — the gift of a listening ear or a smile; the gift of empathy or that can so readily calm our spirits. I acceptance; the gift of love and care. sometimes enjoy playing the BrickBreaker game. It has become one We have so many opportunities to of my “calm-me-down-distractions” when demonstrate love and to give of I am doing my domestic chauffeur duties ourselves expecting nothing in return. And it is when we share of our self (such as waiting for my wife and/or (sometimes even when we are in children to get to the vehicle). It was while engaged in one of those exercises greatest need) that life seems to smile on us ... and our emptying baskets are that the ideas for this article emerged: It was late afternoon. I was sitting replenished. How many times have in my parked vehicle at Upper Middle you given sacrificially and discovered Street (alongside the Old Intermediate that even as we give others seem to bless us by their giving too? Life High School). I was very deeply engrossed in a game of BrickBreaker. seems more beautiful when we give like that. We become bigger, stronger, I could feel my pulse racing as I and happier when we pause to lighten sought desperately to “save the last another’s load. life” that I had and avoid restarting Pause from your reading for a the game “from scratch”. I had just broken a brick that allowed a “life” to moment and just look down at the float downwards extending my sojourn palms of your hands. Bring them a little closer to you and gaze upon them with the game. And then, I was as you never gazed before. These are interrupted by a voice that emanated no begging hands; these are giving from the open car window beside me. hands. These hands will give The old man who peered at me then said, “Sir, beg you a dollar please — to sacrificially and will receive bountifully (although that is not our buy a bag ah bread.” He looked me straight in the eye as his face retained motive for giving). We now raise our hands to the sky in appreciation of an expression-less look. For a split what we continue to receive from second my thought was to simply God’s bounty. We are grateful. What decline the request and return to my game. But I didn’t. This man was not a thrill it is to give like this; to share like this; to love like this; and to show the regular beggar from around gratitude like this. We gaze at our Kingstown. He was not one of the hands as we stretch them across the junkies that appear to be gathering various divides, touching and coins en route to their next fix. This changing lives as we do. These hands, man, probably in his 70s, was these simple hands, welcome the evidently a hard working individual unloved and the unlovely. These who just needed a bag of bread. His face appeared chiselled by hard times hands, these simple hands, provide guidance and direction. These hands, but there was pleasantness in his these simple hands, encourage respect voice. I reached for the “coin jar” in for authority. These hands, these the vehicle and extracted the lone simple hands, are no beggar’s hands. dollar coin that was nested between many of lesser value. He smiled as I Send comments, criticisms & handed it to him. And as he said, suggestions to “Thank you, sir, and may God bless julesferdinand@gmail.com you.” My hand touched his for a
Dreaming about Dreams ISLAND PEOPLE are outward-looking dreamers. They are constantly in search of a better life. They maintain a permanent gaze at greener pastures. No one dreams like people from the islands. It is not that island people want to leave the quiet beauty of their homelands. Their singular quest is for economic security. Island people want to dream dreams that ain’t just a dream. They want to dream dreams that they can live. This simple fact explains why we embrace New York, Toronto and London, disregarding the harsh weather conditions, deep-seated racism and years away from family, children and friends. We celebrate others over our own, as if to show eternal gratitude for the little we get, wherever it comes from. And so it is with Taiwan. They are richer than we are and offer budgetary support and scholarships. Most importantly, they provided the previous administation with loans and told them to do whatever they wished with the money. Because most Vincentians exhibit diminished self-worth and lack a true understanding of our worth as a nation and people, they mistakenly overestimate Taiwan’s value to us. Most of us, hopefully not many of our leaders, are convinced we have little or nothing to offer. Nothing could be further from the truth. In our last column titled, ‘Are our Diplomatic Relations with Taiwan Worthwhile,’ we said, ‘For Taiwan, retaining Kingstown is not trivial. SVG is one of only five Caribbean nations – and 12 worldwide – that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, a number that has shrunk steadily. Since 2016, ten countries have switched recognition to Beijing. Each defection shrinks Taiwan’s diplomatic footprint and feeds a narrative of inexorable isolation.’ Taiwan desperately needs us. Dare to Struggle, Dare to win. A clear understanding of what we bring to the diplomatic table will allow us to maximise our strengths. Do we only want support for YES and SET programmes, or for interventions that transform our nation for the better? The former government said agriculture is dead, but is it? We should be razorfocused on efforts to achieve food security. Taiwan can be asked to help. We need to add value to what we grow. For too long we engaged in monocrop agriculture. We have to mechanise and industrialise our agriculture. Such innovations would make agriculture more attractive to young people, encouraging them to return to the land and thus making a dent in the high unemployment rate. St Vincent is one of the few countries in the region where citizens and visitors cannot drive around the country. This shortcoming leaves a huge part of the northern territory unexplored and underdeveloped. During its second term 2005 to 2010, the ULP made the issue of a cross-country road a central plank of its campaign. The government wasted millions before abandoning the project, a clear case of misbehaviour in public office. Taiwan’s infrastructure development, particularly in roads and bridges, is impressive. The People’s Republic of China even more so. Either country can be approached for assistance to fix this developmental problem. Jamaica is a good example where Chinese assistance with a highway running from Kingston to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay has significantly reduced travel time. Overall, these improvements benefit both residents and visitors by improving connectivity. Because of the reckless manner in which Taiwan offered our previous government money which were
squandered to shore up its prolonged corrupt tenure in office, that government has a special responsibility to help reduce our debt to GDP ratio. Anything less significant loan forgiveness package amount to rank responsibility and a betrayal of the national interest. The alternatives options have been shut out. Medical support from Cuba and fuel assistance from Venezuela was closed off by the Trump regime. Increasingly options to migrate developed countries such as the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom are become fewer. Even before this sad state of affair, Sugar production became uneconomical, and bananas were wrested from us by Dole and Chiquita with the help of Bill Clinton’s regime. Industrialisation by invitation was touted as a viable development pathway. That option vanished as soon as the 10 to 15 year tax holiday expired. The offshore financial sector, ship and company registry were heralded as the next big opportunity by which the national coffers could benefit. Before long, powerful states blacklisted our islands and established restrictive policies that shattered dreams of economic prosperity. Beginning in the 1980s with St. Kitts and later with other OECS countries like Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia, regional leaders recognised the developmental mess left by British colonialism, coupled with the suffocating debt burden immediately after independence. They initiated various Citizen by Investment (CBI) programmes in the quest to garner much-needed budgetary support and funding for development. By 2013, Caribbean leaders, confronted with crushing debt and an increasingly bleak economic future made worse by an unprecedented climate change crisis that witnessed increasingly powerful hurricanes and frequent drought, made a bold demand for reparations from former enslaving powers. Both initiatives, CBI and the Reparations demands, have been rejected by Europe and the United States with a brazenness unseen since the heyday of colonialism and empire. The European Union has issued an ultimatum to Caribbean countries with CBI programmes, demanding that these programmes be halted. As with the debt trap ‘Hook in the Gill’ with Taiwan, the opposition ULP, blinded by partisan political blinders, gleefully celebrated the EU’s attacks on our sovereign right to choose a development path. Regarding reparations, they claim that slavery was legal during its existence, was long ago, and that current generations of Europeans cannot be held responsible for the ‘wrongdoings’ of their foreparents. They express regrets, but refuse to apologise for the pain and horrors of enslavement and colonialism. They dismiss calls for debt cancellation and threaten to bar nationals of any country whose leaders commit to reparations. A perusal of our history conclusively demonstrates that the ruling elites of Europe are an arrogant, vindictive and dismissive group. They use their power and control over the international economic, political and legal order to assert and maintain their domination. Our governments need to think creatively about how we survive in this hostile environment. Our leaders are required to manage our relations with Taiwan well.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
V
8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Government committed to strengthen and broaden partnership with Taiwan (Excerpts of Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Godwin Friday’s presentation at his Press Conference) THE CENTRAL PART OF OUR VISIT was for us as a new government reaching out to our partner for forty-five years; to establish that level of confidence and support in our partnership. This has been a relationship that has started before St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated its second anniversary of Independence. It started in August of 1981, and it has gone through the first Labour government of Cato and then the NDP government and the past government recently this administration. And of course, when there’s a new administration, it is always good when you have these important diplomatic relations that we organize to meet where necessary possible and to exchange courtesies. In this case, we’ve had very close contact with the Taiwanese Ambassador here, Ambassador Fan, throughout the time that we’ve been in government. And we have had various delegations of different sorts, exchange programs of police officers, of technical people, young people and of course as I mentioned the Deputy Prime Minister and two other ministers who had visited earlier this year. The visit to sum it up really marked a significant deepening. It’s not just a matter of reconnecting. We set out to indicate that we are interested in a deepening of the relationship that began 45 years ago with both sides reaffirming mutual support and cooperation and a genuine commitment to seeking ways to extend and broaden such cooperation. This was the central theme of my speeches for those of you who had an opportunity to hear them because on the first day of my visit, I delivered four speeches. We were so excited to be there and the adrenaline was flowing. Our hosts were very gracious. So, the theme that was running through all of my remarks was to indicate that we have evolved the relationship over 45 years. We have come to a point where we are essentially partners in our development and their own development. Theirs is a little different from ours, of course, but nonetheless, we are partners supporting each other. We support them in their aspirations in the international arena and we have given that commitment that, that support continues and we look for ways in which we can assist their legitimate requests for participation in global institutions and organizations. We also have essentially established ways in which for us we have broaden and deepened some of the interactions we have now and what have been going on for quite a long time. So it’s a matter of trying to find ways; take for example the technical missions, as to how we can deepen those relationships, but also to expand and look for other ways in which we can engage with one another to a mutual benefit. And a lot of the discussion looked at creative ways in which to do
that. And some of them are really, very exciting, especially for young people. We have essentially agreed on certain things that we want to see in principle. We have to work out all the modalities, of course. But there is goodwill on both sides to say that these are things that we can do, we ought to do, because they’re beneficial to both our countries. As you might expect, we engage with Taiwan on many economic issues. Over the past 15 years or so, we have been engaged in, they have engaged with us in financing many of our projects. Many of the major projects that we’ve had: the port, the airport, now the hospital and road construction, various things that they have been very generous in assisting us in accessing the finance, that is the previous government, accessing the finance to be able to undertake these big projects. Of course, we have come to a point now, as you know where we now have a loan portfolio of approximately $345 million US that we have borrowed from Taiwan and committed loans. Not all of it has been drawn down, but most of it has. And as part of managing, we have talked to you in the press, we’ve spoken publicly about the very difficult fiscal situation that we inherited; very little fiscal space in which to operate because the debt portfolio is very high. The debt to GDP ratio is a measure that many people are familiar with, exceeds 113 % and is projected to go higher if we don’t do something about it. And we have had very serious conversations with all parties, the international monetary funds, World Bank, our friends in the region, people who have been through this, experts who have advised other countries in the region dealing with similar situations in the past, and our own team here, because we are earnestly looking for solutions for us to be able to manage our fiscal situation, the debt situation, let’s put it bluntly, without sacrificing the necessary social programs that we have committed to maintaining and even expanding and at the same time also generating capital for investment in productive activities. So we have been engaging with all partners. Of course, Taiwan, we have a portfolio, as I said, of $345 million US. So it’s necessary for us to engage with them as well to seek to find ways in which we can manage the debt better going forward. And to our great satisfaction, we were greeted with real interest in seeking to understand the genuine willingness of seeking to work with us to find ways in which we can resolve this. A lot of this is still in discussion, but I think that the goodwill is there and there are measures that have been performed which I think will very much help our situation in the near term.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 9.
V
10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN
News
Rehabilitation underway at Port Elizabeth Fish Market
Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday remains invested in the project which was started several years ago.
According to Senior Fisheries Assistant Lorenzo George, the facility is expected to make the entire fish handling process more efficient.
REHABILITATION WORK is underway at the Port Elizabeth Fish Market in Bequia, with the project expected to benefit approximately 250 vendors and fisherfolk. The rehabilitation project underway. A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday to officially mark the start of the project, which is valued at approximately EC$3 million and is being funded through a grant from the European Union. Senior Fisheries Assistant Lorenzo George said the rehabilitation is aimed at bringing the facility in line with required quality and safety standards, while also ensuring that the building is resilient enough to withstand severe weather conditions. According to George, the rehabilitated facility will provide approximately 2,856 square feet of modern, functional space, measuring about 51 feet in length and 56 feet in width. The two-storey facility will include a fish processing and cleaning area, a freezer capable of operating as a chiller, an ice machine, a fish supply shop and office space on the ground floor. The upper floor will house an administrative office, conference room and male and female restroom facilities. George said the project
is designed to improve the entire fish-handling process, from the landing of fish through processing, cleaning and storage to the sale of fresh fish in Bequia. He said the rehabilitation is focused on three key areas – safety, quality and resilience. Works will include reinforced concrete foundations, columns and beams, stainless-steel windows, high-density polyethylene doors with marine-grade stainlesssteel hardware, new plumbing and electrical systems, and a water storage system. Minister of Fisheries Conroy Huggins underscored the importance of improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk in Bequia and across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Huggins noted that the existing facility had deteriorated over time and described the rehabilitation as an investment in the people of Bequia and the wider fisheries sector. Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday, who serves as the Member of Parliament for the constituency, said he remains closely invested in the project, which he
Minister of Fisheries Conroy Huggins reminded those present of the importance of improving the livelihoods of fisher folk in SVG. noted was initiated several years ago. Friday also emphasized the importance of the rehabilitation being supported through grant funding. The Port Elizabeth Fish Market forms part of a wider programme to strengthen the fisheries sector, with several fisheries markets across St. Vincent and the Grenadines currently undergoing rehabilitation. The projects are expected to improve infrastructure, enhance food safety and quality, strengthen resilience to extreme weather and create better conditions for fisherfolk and vendors across the country. (KH)
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 11.
V
12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026.THE VINCENTIAN
News
Community College lecturer dies in tragic incident
POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING the deaths of a Richmond Hill teacher and a Belvedere resident following two separate incidents over the weekend. Thirty-four-year-old Sherefa CloudenGonsalves, a teacher of Richmond Hill, died on Saturday night after sustaining injuries during an incident involving a motor vehicle at a private residence in the community. According to the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), officers received a report at about 9:19 p.m. on August 22 and responded to the scene. Clouden-Gonsalves was found injured, and a medical practitioner later attended and pronounced her dead. Police have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the incident
but said the involvement of the motor vehicle is being investigated. A post-mortem examination is expected to determine the official cause of death. A reliable source told THE VINCENTIAN that Clouden Gonsalves and a close relative had travelled home in the vehicle shortly before tragedy struck. Reports indicate that
Clouden Gonsalves’ relative parked the Toyota Hilux on an incline, and they both exited the vehicle. Clouden Gonsalves later realised that she had forgotten something in the vehicle and returned to retrieve it. As she was doing so, the vehicle began to roll backwards, pinning Clouden Gonsalves between it and the door.
The vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a nearby building. Meanwhile, police are also investigating the death of Romel Hannaway, a resident of Belvedere, following a fire at a residence on Sunday morning. The RSVGPF said police received a report of the fire at approximately 7:16 a.m. on August 23. Police investigators and
Fire Department personnel responded and discovered Hannaway unresponsive inside a section of the building affected by the blaze. A medical practitioner subsequently pronounced him dead. Police said there is currently no indication of foul play in Hannaway’s death, although investigations remain ongoing to determine the
Sherefa CloudenGonsalves full circumstances. A post-mortem examination is also expected. (KH)
RSVGPF devises new strategy for crime prevention Continued from Backpage. Coast Guard Commandant Lieutenant Commander Henry highlighted the unit's roundthe-clock contribution to national security. Operating from bases in Calliaqua, Bequia and Canouan, the Coast Guard carries out maritime patrols, search-and-rescue operations, medical evacuations and joint operations with local and
regional partners. Lieutenant Commander Deon Henry reported that the Coast Guard conducted 943 patrols during the previous year despite challenges including ageing facilities, limited funding, vessel-maintenance costs and staff attrition. Commandant of the Auxiliary Police Force Horace Williams welcomed the inclusion of the Auxiliary Police Force in the General Meeting
and reaffirmed its readiness to provide greater support to the RSVGPF in carrying out its public-safety mission. The senior command also identified stronger recruitment screening, improved staff retention, modern equipment and additional training as important areas of focus, particularly as law enforcement confronts cybercrime, technology-enabled offences and transnational organized crime.
The message emerging from the meeting was clear: creating a safer St. Vincent and the Grenadines will require a united and coordinated Force, properly supported officers, and policing that is visible, professional and respectful. While the leadership has outlined the path forward, the success of the strategy will depend on the commitment and performance of every member of the organization.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 13.
V
14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Bunpan hands over scholarships and bursaries HAVANNA JAMES, who placed 67th for girls and 133rd overall, and Miccoy Mc Nicholls, who placed 92nd for boys and 217th overall, in the 2026 CPEA Examinations are the recipients of this year’s Marriaqua United Friendly Society (Bunpan) Scholarships, while eleven (11) others received oneoff bursaries. James will embark on her secondary school education at the Girls’ High School and Mc Nicolls at the St. Vincent Grammar School. The recipients were acknowledged during the Marriaqua United Friendly Society Scholarship and Bursary Awards Ceremony on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the “Bunpan’s Freeland Office. For the 2026/2027 academic year, each scholarship recipient received $1,400.00. The other successful applicants each received a $150.00 one-off payment. The Marriaqua United Friendly Society Scholarship spans seven years, and covers the payment of external examination fees, including CSEC and CAPE, while also providing substantial
financial assistance. The 2004 Scholarship awardee, Dr. Wenique Edwards, who in 2020 graduated as a medical doctor and is currently pursuing her third year of residency, specialising in Endocrinology in Cuba, was the featured speaker at the award ceremony. She thus reminded the students that being selected for a scholarship is a reflection of their hard work, perseverance, and potential and reiterated that education is one of the greatest investments students can make in themselves and their future. President Leroy Jackson, during his remarks, emphasised the importance of maintaining active financial membership, while noting that since the introduction of the Bunpan Scholarship program in 1985, a total of sixty-two (62) secondary school scholarships have been awarded. Two former recipientssisters, Dr. Andrea Vaughans and SheriAnne Vaughans, in 2023 partnered with the Society to fund one scholarship in addition to the two given by the
Scholarship Recipients: Havanna James (above) and Miccoy Mc Nicholls (below).
Society. A contribution the Society views as a meaningful example of how former scholarship recipients can give back and help create opportunities for others. The successful students who benefit from the scholarships or bursaries, are either members of the Society or children of members.
NPC- SVG strengthens capacity
Jung Chong (standing) giving insights to participants about the Mobility Foundation.
Toyota Mobility Foundation. “The objective of the A THREE — DAY Held from August 24 Toyota Mobility WORKSHOP sponsored to 26, 2026, at Kim’s Foundation is to by the International Building, Kingstown, empower and strengthen Paralympic Committee, facilitator of the the capacities of was geared to strengthen workshop- Jung Chong of National Paralympic the capacity within the Peru said the objective of Committees around the operations of the his visit was namely to world, so they can National Paralympic entrench the global improve in terms of Committee (NPC) of St. initiative of the governance and increase Vincent and the International Paralympic Grenadines. Committee (IPC) called Continued on Page 19.
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Any financial limitations will probably have to be dealt with on your own. You'll be tempted to spend extravagantly this week. Your anger may be impossible to contain if you get into debates with family members. Don't overspend on friends or children. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your charm will mesmerize members of the opposite sex this week. Maybe it's time to look into ways you can improve your health. Make changes that will enhance your appearance. Put something away in case of an emergency.
courses that will bring you more skills. You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don't take any risks. Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) A lot can be accomplished if you organize your time. The emotional state of peers may cause a problem for you. Avoid getting involved with married individuals. Don't be afraid to pursue unfamiliar grounds.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment. You need to look into ways to change your selfimage. Try to bend but by no means should you give in completely. Make amends if you can.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Disappointments are likely if your mate embarrasses you in front of friends. Travel, although enticing, will cost more than you expect. Focus on forming business partnerships. Find out more, if you want to start your own business.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Any contributions you make to organizations will enhance your reputation and bring you offers. Change will be required to make your life more harmonious. A new you could help your attitude. Before you proceed be sure to talk your plans over with those they will affect.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will be able to contribute a great deal to organizations that you join. You can make favorable real estate offers this week. You need time to make things better. You'll stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will benefit the whole family.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Get domestic chores out of the way early. Things will be emotional with your mate. This is not the day to be extravagant. Keep your eyes and ears alert for any evasive or deceptive statements.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss. Changes in your domestic scene are evident. Try looking into new ways to make extra money. You can enhance your reputation if you treat family and friends with respect and dignity.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your ideas are good and career moves can be realized. Try to put your money away for a rainy day. Exhaustion combined with overindulgence could result in minor health problems. Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't do something silly just to get back at your mate. Sign up for
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You need to be careful not to make promises that you can't fulfill. Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate work to all your family members. Control your anger. This is a great day to beautify your living quarters or to entertain at home.
ACROSS 1. Holly 5. Expressed vocally 11. Helper 12. Regard with approval 13. Equipment 14. Elementary particle 15. Subtle absorption 17. Highest mountain in Crete 18. Sorrowful 19. Prophet 20. Small branch 23. Dizzy 24. Employs wax 25. Devoted follower 4. Abnormal 26. Honey insect dryness 27. Indeterminate of the skin number 31. Small quick bread 5. Well-founded 33. Root of the taro 6. Lyric poems 34. Think 7. Mischievous 35. Sledge child 36. Oppressively hot 8. Occupied by a 37. Withered city 9. Worn away DOWN 10. Tenfold 16. Sink or bend 1.The vallian in downward Othello 19. Free from sin 2. Falsehoods 20. Present for 3. Yellow cheese coated with red consideration
21. Pretended 22. Marijuana cigarette 23. Girl or woman 25. Penalized 27. Tubular pasta in short
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 15.
pieces 28. Doing nothing 29. River in central Europe 30. Protuberance 32. At a great distance
V
16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
Marks-Dasent embarks on Olympic Path
Kai Marks Dasent representing SVG at the ILCA 6 Youth World Championships 2026.
STRAIGHT FROM THE CENTRAL AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN GAMES in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Marks-Dasent travelled directly to Aarhus, Denmark, to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the ILCA 6
Youth World Championships, held from 11th to 19th August. At just 15 years old, this was Marks-Dasent’s first World Championship, making him one of the youngest sailors competing in the 15—18 age category. He
is an important first chapter in his international sailing finished 74th in the journey. Under-17 fleet and 290th According to Marksoverall among the Dasent: competitors. “Going to two regattas Marks-Dasent has back to back and racing taken his first step onto in winds up to 30 knots the world stage, gaining was a real challenge, but experience competing I learnt a lot and I can against the best young see what I need to work sailors in the world. This
Cumberbatch Secures Table Tennis Scholarship JELANI CUMBERBATCH, on of this country’s young rising table tennis players, will have an opportunity to further enhance his game and academic during a fouryear table tennis scholarship. Cumberbatch, a member of the Spencer’s Table Tennis Club (STTC), the #1 club in SVG, will attend the University of Trinidad and Tobago, and will pursue a BSc. in Kinesiology, specializing in sports and exercise science. He is currently ranked #1 and said he is elated to have been granted this scholarship. “I am very excited and eager to start this new academic journey, as well
as developing my level in table tennis. It is definitely a step in the right direction for my table tennis career. I am mostly looking forward to displaying my skills, training with athletes of different levels, refining my skills and competing in tournaments which will help to expose me to more experience that is needed to take my game to the next level.” He added, “My long-term aim is to refine my table tennis skills to compete at an elite level and to achieve the highest positions in various competitions in which I would take part in, that in turn would help with another goal of mine to prove that our Country St. Vincent and the
Jelani Cumberbatch is looking forward to the opportunity.
Grenadines can produce athletes of a high caliber especially in table tennis, who are capable of competing for top spots on the regional and international stage, once they put in the work.” Cumberbatch, who represented S.V.G. for the first time at the 64th CRTTF Senior Championships 2025 in Barbados said, “With this scholarship, it’s my hope that it will serve as an inspiration for the younger athletes in table tennis and sports in general that they can pursue a career in sport and build successful athletic careers.” Cumberbatch, highest
on to become a better sailor.” This first World Championship is just the start. Marks-Dasent has three more years to compete in this age category, giving him time to build experience and continue his progression on the international sailing circuit. His next World Championship will be the World Sailing Youth World Championships in Portugal this December, where he will once again take on the world’s best youth sailors. Racing in one of the most
competitive youth sailing events on the calendar, this will be another important opportunity for Marks-Dasent to gain experience, test himself against top international competition, and continue building towards his long-term development goals. This is just the beginning of MarksDasent’s international sailing career as he works towards his longterm goal of representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. (Submitted)
Vincy Heat kicks off against French Guiana ranking individually in St. Vincent was #3. He is the current St. Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Mixed doubles Champion, #3 ranked For Men’s doubles and am part of the #2 ranked Men’s team in SVG. He leaves the state on September 21st, 2026. I.B.A. ALLEN
VINCY HEAT, the senior St. Vincent and the Grenadines men’s Football team will take their first step towards gaining a place in the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup and a place in League A when they meet French Guiana in Group D of the Concacaf Nations League (CNL), next month. Set for the FFB Stadium, Belmopan, Belize Vincy Heat begins its quest on September 26, 2026. Next on Vincy Heat’s agenda is a date with hostBelize, September 29, followed by a meeting with St Maarten, October 3. With all matches in this phase played in Belize, Vincy Heat plays their fourth match on the road in a reverse fixture on October 6, versus St Maarten. Continued on Page 17.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 17.
Sports
Two gain Level One Volleyball certification Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association, the British Virgin Islands National Olympic Committee, the British Virgin Islands Volleyball Federation and sponsored by Olympic Solidarity, Robinson and Burgin were among eleven countries that attended the course. During the five -day course, participants were engaged in theoretical classroom sessions, practical
L-R: Anika Robinson and Tayon Burgin. THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION human asset base has increased by two,
with the certification of Anika Robinson and Tayon Burgin, who successfully completed the FIVB
Coaches Course Level One, held in Tortola, August 17 to 21, 2026. An undertaking of
Vincy Heat kicks off against French Guiana Vincy Heat is lodged in Group D of the 2026/2027 Concacaf Nations League. Continued from Page 16. Vincy Heat thus will have familiar foes as in 2023, then in Group C, French Guiana and Belize are back in the fray. When Vincy Heat then played French Guiana, the South Americans won both away and home matches, 4-1 and 3-2, respectively. However, the fortunes with Belize were different and Vincy Heat overcame the Central Americans, 2-1 and 3-0. In the last edition of the Nations League, Vincy Heat docked second to El Salvador in Group A of League B in the preliminary phase. A playoff with Jamaica was Vincy
Heat’s alternative route to the Gold Cup, but after a memorable 1-1 with the Jamaicans here in the first leg, they faltered 0-3 in the away match in Kingston. It is now over to new Head Coach- Canadian born- Michael Findlay to prepare the most formidable squad to take on French Guiana, Belize and St. Marteen in Group D of League B. St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosts the remainder of the group in November, they will meet French Guiana and Belize here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.
Three other groups are in League B. In Group A are Guyana, Puerto Rico, Dominica and the Cayman Islands; Group B comprises Guadeloupe, Bermuda, St. Lucia and Barbados and making up Group C are Cuba, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis as well as Bonaire. All group stage matches will be played at centralized venues as a means of reducing travel. Following the completion of the group stage, the four group winners will compete for the title of League B champions.
sessions inclusive of leading their own coaching skills as well as having their knowledge of coaching tested on the spot via quizzes. Rick Brevis was the main facilitator, as he imparted his many years of knowledge to the participants. Brevis possesses expertise in Coaching Education, Sport Leadership and Educational Sport Psychology. The certification of Robinson and Burgin,
follows on the heels of Rasheed Huggins and Nikita CampbellCumberbatch, who one week prior in the same Tortola venue, attained the status of National Referees. The quartet are expected to show their newly acquired knowledge and certification, when the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball Association hosts its 2026 National Championships in the upcoming months.
V
18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Michael who? VINCENTIANS HAVE A PASSION for sports. The intensity and national pride surfaces when the nation takes part in any event. That fervor is evident in athletics, basketball, volleyball, swimming, chess, body building, squash, boxing, sailing, karate. People are happy when the nation performs well. It is the greatest form of accomplishment. Football is one on which St. Vincent and the Grenadines secures its biggest platform. There are times when netball enjoyed acclaim. We emerged episodes. We played from the heart. Our netballers displayed tenacity whatever the odds, and obstacles. With that enthusiasm, we erased barriers and coped with difficulties with that spirit of carefreeness, characteristic of our ability to adjust. 1979 stands out as a defining moment on our calendar. That’s when we placed second in the Caribbean Football Union’s championship. We repeated the feat in 1981. Changes to the formation and impact of that sporting rivalry continues. It is not unusual for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to hold its own in football. As is typical in any cycle, there are ebbs and flows and even with improvements, we have moved up. There is a new coach for the St. Vincent and the Grenadies Football Federation. He is getting used to the environment. His attachment can be pivotal, especially in the harsh reality of the football jungle. That man is Michael Findlay. At first ring, some Vincentians may associate that name with cricket. The Michael Findlay they are used to is one of the nation’s foremost sporting figures. He kept wicket for the West Indies, but he was more than a cricketer. Vincentians saw his agility in the goal he represented the nation competently between the uprights. No one has control on names or titles. When the name Michael Findlay appears, it is natural that first thoughts harp on the one we know. There is a marked distinction, for the Michael Findlay in the spotlight is Canadian. He is an acclaimed coach with stints in Grenada and Bermuda previously. He replaces Vincentian born Ezra Hendrickson, who represented this nation on the field of play before polishing his credentials as a coach. Hendrickson plied his trade in the USA before duties in coaching here. His stint is regarded as credible. What accounts for his sojourn is a feature of the roller coaster nature of the game. That Findlay opts for the role is an indication of ambition. The Vincentian squad may be a platform on which he can enhance his reputation. Findlay is curious about his resources and the structure of the product. He will be amazed at the factors he has to get used to. He will have to use intuition. How he stamps authority determines the fulfilment of his duties. His is a 24-month engagement. How he adopts and the impact he creates decides his progress. Advances in his assignment will be decisive in whether his stint stretches. He has to tick off the boxes. The ball is centre field. How he combines his philosophy with the Vincentian style will make interesting reading. His search for success requires adaptation and innovation to the technical, physical and digital demands of the future encounters.
Radcliffe, Victors earns victories in local cricket FLOW RADCLIFFE and Victors One secured contrasting wins in the National Lotteries, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Premier Division Cricket competition on Sunday, August 23. Flow Radcliffe recorded a comprehensive 184 runs defeat on MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars at the Arnos Vale playing field, with Flow Radcliffe batting first and scoring 212 off 28.4 overs. Dillon Douglas topscored with 58 runs, Deroy Strough hit 35 and Asif Hooper 30. Bowling for MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars, Kirtney Franklyn took 3 for 34, Olani Slack took 2 for 26, Ojay Matthews took 2 for 42 and Kesrick
Man of the Match Jorden Charles from Victors One. Left: Man of the Match Asif Hooper from Flow Radcliffe. Williams took 2 for 49. MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars, in response, were bowled out for 28 runs in 11.2 overs. Bowling for Flow Radcliffe, Asif Hooper took 5 for 8 off 6 overs. Man of the Match was Asif Hooper. At Sion Hill, Victors One defeated Saints by 7
wickets in a match reduced to 20 overs because of rain. Saints batted first and scored 120 for 10, off 19.2 for 9 off 28.2 overs. Sunil Ambris top-scored with 42 runs and Jordon Samuel scored 23. Bowling for Victors One, Coby Dabreo took 4 for 26. Winston Samuel took
3 for 13 and Luke Wilson took 2 for 17. Victors in reply, raced to 122 for 3 from 18 overs. Jordon Charles top scored with 66 not out while Newton Browne 30. Man of the Match was Jordon Charles. I.B.A. ALLEN
Under-15 cricketers receive cricket gear YOUNG CRICKETERS here will be more equipped with the timely donation of cricket gear from Mr. John and Mrs. Donna Edwards who visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines from the UK. John, a Vincentian by birth, visited a local Under-15 boys’ game at the Stubbs playing field in 2025. During his interaction, he pledged to solicit help in the form of cricket gears, from affiliated clubs or individuals in the UK for youth cricket in SVG. Unlike many in the past, John honored his commitment and delivered as promised. Cleton Burnett, CWI Female Pathway Development coach, and
Cleton Barnet, Assistant Secretary of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association sees the donation as an investment in our young people. Left: This is a timely donation of gear ahead of the national Under-15 tournament. assistant secretary of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association received the gear on behalf of the Association. “We are truly grateful to Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards and all others who contributed for their timely donation. Contributions like this goes far beyond equipment–it’s an investment in our young players; to equip them with the
tools they need, to nurture their young talent and dreams to excel in the sport.” The gear received includes bats, pads, helmets, stumps, shoes etc., and will be used for the Zonal Under-15 boys/girls cricket competition which commenced on the 24th of August 2026. I.B.A. ALLEN
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026. 19.
Classifieds
NPC- SVG strengthens capacity
Continued from Page 14. the level of para sports within the country”, Chong expounded. During the three days of the workshop, members of the NPCSVG were how to build athlete development pathway; how to map strategic allies and strategic partners, and how to empower the Paralympic movement here in the country, as well as how to reach community and how to build grassroots strategies to detect
people. Also included were the mechanism on how to report, how to monitor, how to evaluate part of sport development programme. Chung proffered that the main outcome of the workshop is to create a strategic plan for the National Paralympic Committee, so they can have it as a roadmap to excel and improve the para sports system within the country. “It is a wonderful and powerful tool for
inclusion of people with disabilities. The idea is to find the right strategy to find people with disabilities to practice physical activity and take it from the grassroots to the podiums”, Chung projected. The NPC- SVG spearheads activities geared at realizing persons with disabilities to compete in sporting disciplines globally. Through collaboration
with national sporting bodies, has seen St Vincent and the Grenadines in recent times, compete at the Tokyo and Paris Para Olympics, as well as the Parapan Games in Peru and Chile.
FOR RENT Apartment Villa Beach EC$80 nightly Tel: 560-9415
AI REAL ESTATE Grand Sable 2 bedrm Property on 5,021 sq.ft. - $400,000.00 - H519 Cox Heath 4,765 sq.ft @ $14.00 p.s.f. - $66,710.00 - CALL Brighton 5,784 sq.ft. - $75,000.00 - BB644 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
VOLUME 120, No. 35
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
RSVGPF DEVISES NEW STRATEGY FOR CRIME PREVENTION constables and auxiliary police officers to examine challenges facing the organization and identify measures aimed at improving public safety across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey stressed that effective policing must be accompanied by respect for citizens. He reminded officers that members of the public are entitled to record police activity in public spaces and that recording, in itself, does not constitute an offence. Officers were also urged to treat citizens and their property with respect during searches, avoid unnecessary confrontations and ensure that any use of force is reasonable and proportionate. “There is always a better way of doing things,” Bailey
told the gathering, as he called for greater courtesy, restraint and teamwork within the organization. He also urged officers to put aside internal rivalries that could weaken the Force. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Simmons acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers and their families, while noting that difficult conditions continue to affect some police stations and departments. He said work is ongoing to improve facilities, while the leadership is also considering additional counselling and family-support initiatives. Plans are also being made to restore the Police Awards and Recognition Ceremony. The Force's promotion policies are meanwhile under review, with the aim of developing a clearer system based on merit, competence, experience, performance and qualifications. Officers were encouraged to continue pursuing training and professional development.
However, the support being promised to officers will come with firm expectations, as every member of the Force, regardless of rank or personal connections, is expected to demonstrate discipline, integrity, accountability and respect for lawful instructions. With firearm-related and other serious crimes continuing to cause concern, the police leadership is seeking to make policing more visible, coordinated and intelligence-driven. Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Brenton Smith, who has responsibility for crime, said reducing crime cannot be left solely to investigators and specialized units. He said personnel from beat and patrol, traffic, communications, intelligence, divisional units, the Auxiliary Acting Commissioner of Police Force and the Coast Police Trevor Bailey called Guard must share information for greater courtesy, restraint and work together. and teamwork within the “Crime is everybody’s police force. business,” Smith stressed. Reinforced patrols have by KENVILLE HORNE already been introduced in Kingstown, while a mobile MORE VISIBLE POLICING, component for beat and greater respect for members of patrol, as well as the the public, stronger support for possible use of drones and officers and closer cooperation other technology, is being across all branches of law considered to expand enforcement are among the police coverage and priorities outlined by the Royal strengthen response St. Vincent and the Grenadines capabilities. Police Force (RSVGPF) as it Smith also called for charts a new strategic direction. stronger investigations, The priorities emerged properly prepared case during a General Meeting of files, improved crime-scene the Force held at the Old processing and closer Montrose Police Centre on supervision. Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Senior officers are The meeting brought expected to develop a 12together members of the month crime strategy senior command, gazetted outlining clear priorities, officers, inspectors, nonMembers of the constabulary listen attentively to plans being responsibilities and commissioned officers, charted for law enforecement officers going forward.
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Simmons. Below: Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Brenton Smith.
measurable objectives. The new approach is also expected to place greater emphasis on prevention. Community policing, youth outreach, sport and regular engagement with residents were identified as important tools for building trust, gathering information and preventing criminal activity. Continued on Page 12.
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.