THE VINCENTIAN PDF-31-07-26

ELECTION PETITIONS AWAIT CRITICAL RULING

Not unlike recent panorama battles here, the outcome of another battle here is being orchestrated by two Trinidadians - Anand Ramlogan for Friday and Bramble of the NDP, and Stuart Young for Browne and Williams of the ULP.

THE FIRST REAL DISAGREEMENT between the parties involved in the constitutional matter related to the eligibility of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and Member of Parliament Fitzgerald Bramble to sit as members of parliament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, arose during the second day of hearings on Wednesday.

The disagreement arose over the validity of an expert witness called by the petitioners.

The matter in focus, presided over by High Court Judge Justice Gertel Thom, centred on petitions filed by Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidates Carlos Williams and Luke Browne, both of whom lost their bid for election

at the November 27, 2025 general election.

The petitioners - Williams and Browne - are before the High Court asking that Dr. Friday and Mr. Bramble be disqualified as serving members of parliament on the grounds that while both elected members are Vincentian by birth, they have sworn allegiance to a foreign state — Canada — in contravention of the constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Following the conclusion of evidence on fact, the court proceeded to hearing from the petitioners’ expert witness.

It was at this juncture that legal counsel for the respondents objected to the introduction of the expert witness testimony.

Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, lead attorney for the respondents, advanced the objection arguing that the witness had “failed to provide a legitimate expert opinion, asserting that the evidence presented was largely a compilation of publicly available information from Canadian immigration websites concerning passports and citizenship procedures.”

Furthermore, Ramlogan, who served as Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago from May 2010 to September 2015 in the People’s Partnership administration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, argued that the testimony failed to address the central legal question, i.e. whether either respondent actually owes allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign power.

However, lead counsel for the petitioners Senior Counsel Stuart Young, who served as the eighth prime

minister of Trinidad and Tobago from March 17, 2025, to May 1, 2025 in a People’s National Movement government and who had the shortest term in office for a prime minister in the country’s history, labelled the objections “as a standard tactical manoeuver,” and stated that his team had successfully presented their evidence based on facts and remains “confident in their case”.

As those in the gallery noted, the court spent the majority of the evening reviewing written submissions following the respondents’ objections.

The team for the petitioners suggested these manoeuvers appeared to be an attempt to “prevent a matter from being heard”.

But that was the essence of the second day of evidence and attention now turned to the upcoming judicial decision.

Justice Gertel Thom is expected to rule on the admissibility of the expert evidence and the objections raised by the defense when the court reconvenes, determining the way forward.

Both sides in this historic constitutional hearing have gone on record with how they perceive the matter unfolding.

Ramlogan is on recod as saying, “I think that the population voted for him (Dr. Friday) knowing full well his democratic credentials and his commitment and dedication as a servant of the people, and we intend to ensure that it remains that way.

Continued on Page 3.

SVG + interCaribbean: Making SVG a premier destination

PRIME MINISTER DR. GODWIN FRIDAYis sure that the nation will progress with growth in tourism. He echoed the sentiments at the ceremony marking the branding of an interCaribbean Airways aircraft.

Friday assures that there are “benefits with tourism growth. For that reason, he is intent on making SVG a “premier destination.”

He views the airline linkage as a “visible expression of who we are as a people.” Along with the Vincentian national flag, etched on the tail of the craft, the drive aims to highlight the “spirit and beauty of the nation,” Friday mentions.”

The branded aircraft comes to a halt and is given a Vincy cultural welcome.

That is keeping with the sign ‘Spirit of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ on the side. “The nation is open to business and Vincentians are ready to welcome visitors from all over the world,” Friday declares.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development Minister views the event as a declaration that SVG is taking its rightful place in the Caribbean melting pot.

“There is renewed investor confidence” and “growing occupancy”

at hotels here, Shallow notes. The branding coincides with “this momentum,” he asserts.

Thrusts in the Cruise sector are “deliberate attempts to increase calls and numbers,” according to Shallow and he puts the partnership with Inter Caribbean Airlines as “fitting this vison of collaboration.”

The marine environment adds to the appeal. Inter Caribbean Airlines for involvement in the Sailing Week activities and also of Vincentian sailor Kai Marks are signs of expanding network, Shallow perceives.

The One Fest Canouan, Love SVG, and Go Grenadines escapades diversify the tourism platform.

The Tourism Minister welcomes Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches at the Arnos Vale Playing Field August 7, 8, and 9.

Hotel rooms are booked out for the CPL extravaganza, like they were during Vincy Mas. Shallow cites those as a result of “successful product from sound planning.”

He notes the competitive nature of the Caribbean tourism product with each destination vying for the same resources. Shallow laments the level of this country’s budget allocations in line with others.

Trevor Sadler, Chief Executive Officer of Inter Caribbean Airlines traced the history of the company, from its beginnings in Turks and Caicos Islands. He embraces the Vincentian linkage in keeping with plans to purchase 76 seater jets to cater for four new destinations.

“We are going there so that they can come here,” Sadler muses.

He points out that travelers see the Caribbean as one place. He is hoping that the Vincy flag helps to distinguish separate states, and that persons “will get familiar with the flag.”

Sadler is proud of his company’s policy of incorporating locals. He commends Faith Exeter Head of Public Relations and Partnership, Alson Samuel attached to Maintenance, and Althea Gloster, six months into her operation as hostess.

Ciro Chacon, from Ecuador has been a pilot for the past 43 years. The

(L-R): Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday, opurism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow and CEO/SVGTA Shafia London await the arrival of the branded interCaribbean aircraft.

(L-R): CEO. interCaribbean Airways, Trevor Sadler, is greeted by Dr. Shallow and Dr. Friday.

last ten have been with Inter Caribbean Airlines. He was supported by Venezuelan crew member Mickhail Alverez.

They participated in activities son the Argyle base where the Rose hall Drummers, thrilled the gathering while dancers and dramatists turned up the air of cultural diversity with a display of typically induced Vincentian heritage.

The outpouring of local talent saw reigning Ragga Soca champion Tyrique ‘D’Fusion’ Thomas rendering his successful number. (WKA)

V News 3

School receives timely donation

THE DR. JP EUSTACE MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL(formerly Emmanuel High School, Kingstown), located at Edinboro, was the recipient of a projector, compliments of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) ExTeachers Association of New York (NY) Inc.

Past President of the Association Dr Jerrol Thompson, on July 21, 2026, along with Earl ‘Caba’ Bennett, officially handed over the projector to the principal of the school, Sylvorn Lewis-Harry.

Expressing her excitement and appreciation for the donation, LewisHarry stated: “I am honoured to receive this projector today. We are grateful to the SVG Ex Teachers Association of New York for contributing this projector, which I’m certain is going to be used very frequently in this age of technology when we have a lot of ICT being used within the classroom. Our teachers are going to make full use of this projector, so we know that at the end of the day, the contribution from this association will not be in vain”.

In further acknowledging the contribution of the Ex Teachers’ Association, Lewis- Harry that on behalf of the children who will benefit

or who have already benefited, “we say thanks”.

Meanwhile, Dr Thompson noted that the latest donation was consistent with the association’s work over the years, assisting a number of schools, and various organisations.

Giving a back story to the donation, Dr. Thompson revealed: “A request was made through one of the members, and the exteachers responded, and this was probably one of the last big initiatives pushed by our Immediate Past President deceased, Jackson Farrell, and supported by the new president, Hermina Claxton, and the ExTeachers Association has delivered. We hope that this sort of equipment can be used in the delivery of education at the secondary schools; the Ex-Teachers will continue to support where it can”.

‘No big chicken pox outbreak,’ SOP

by HADYN HUGGINS SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE/SUPERINTENDENT

of Prisons Dwayne Bailey has cindiremd that there are cases of chicken pox at the Belle Isle Correctional Facility, but there is no “big” outbreak and the situation is under control. The prison boss commented on the issue while delivering his prison report at the closing ceremony of the High Court Criminal Assizes on Monday, July 27.

Bailey said that the first case was recorded on May 8, and since then, there have been 12 cases, including one prison officer. He noted that there are currently two active cases, both in isolation. Two cells are on lock down, as advised by the health department, and additional cleaning supplies have been issued.

But according to Bailey, “The situation is under control, there is absolutely no big outbreak, and we continue to function and operate fully.”

He did acknowledge that there are still some security challenges at the prison facilities, but the prison

authorities are focusing on addressing them.

Among the challenges: inmates suffering from mental health issues; entry of prohibited items into the prisons; staff absenteeism; and the incomplete lighting of the Belle Isle Facility.

There are on the flip side some positives, including, according to Bailey, the soon to be completed rehabilitation center, which will place a greater emphasis on rehabilitation programmes.

There was also an improvement/expansion in the prison farm operation with a wider variety of prison-grown crops now being incorporated into the diet of the inmates.

Bailey and his brother Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey were appointed Deputy Commissioners of Police earlier this year, effective the end of May.

However, while Trevor Bailey has already taken up his new duties, Dwayne Bailey remained Supt. of Prisons, up to press time yesterday (Thursday), and has been the recipient of high commendation for discharge of his duties in that post.

Election petitions await critical ruling

Continued from Frontpage.

We’ll have the expert witnesses, and we have a couple others. … it’s a day-by-day trial”.

Ramlogan admitted that the judicial proceedings are “a very exhausting and intense process, but ultimately, we feel this is a very momentous day to see that the prime minister would clear his schedule, come to court, be there respectful towards the court and the citizens who are entitled to a quick resolution of this matter in the interests of democracy”.

Meanwhile, former Trinidad and Tobago prime minister, Senior Counsel Stuart Young, lead counsel for the petitioners, said the first day of hearing was as expected, with “the commencement of these very important election petitions, and we will see how it goes.”

He noted, leading up to the 2025 vote, notices were published in the media, urging constituents not to vote for either candidate.

“Do not be fooled, nomination as a candidate for election is a legal prerequisite to election, and a valid nomination is a legal prerequisite to being validly elected. The nomination of a person who is not qualified to be elected is not a valid,” the notice said, adding that constituents can be assured that the nomination of Friday and Bramble “will be successfully challenged”.

Earlier this year, the School for Children with Special Needs Kingstown was the recipient of a cash donation from the Association.

Below: Sylvon LewisHarry (center) accepts donation from Dr Jerrol Thompson (left) and Earl Bennett (right).

Dwayne Bailey - Superintendent of Police/Superintendent of Prisons has not yet been assumed the portfolio of Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Historic decision in bail application hearing

Stories by HADYN HUGGINS

LAST MONDAY’S granting of bail to Antonique Thomas a 16-year-old murder accused of Colonaire, has been described as historic, but it does not make iany easier for other bail applications in cases of murder to succeed.

That’s according to attorney Ronald Marks, a member of the legal team representing Thomas in the murder case, and constitutional motion challenging Section 43 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which denies bail for offences of murder.

Marks was speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, one day after High Court Judge, Justice Gertel Thom, granted Thomas $25,000 bail with two sureties on condition that she report to the Colonaire Police Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit.

Attorneys Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Camillo Gonsalves from the Duncan and Gonsalves Law Firm, Ronald and Patricia Marks from the Law Firm of Marks and Marks, and Graham Bollers from Regal Law Chambers are representing Thomas.

Asked whether the decision to grant Thomas bail on the murder charge would open the floodgates for lawyers generally to apply for bail in murder cases, Marks told THE VINCENTIAN, “They (lawyers) could apply, but it

Antonique Thomas with Ronald Marks at her initial Court appearance on a charge of attempted murder.

pending a Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

would be difficult for them to succeed, given the serious nature of the offence of murder.”

He pointed out that bail would only be granted in exceptional circumstance, and noted that the circumstances in Thomas’ case were exceptional.

When asked what would happen if the constitutional motion was to succeed, Marks said that bail would still be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Asked whether it was the first time bail was granted on a murder charge in this country’s history, Marks said he was not sure, but it was certainly the first one he has heard of in his 27 years of legal practice.

Thomas has been charged with the murder of Winston McMillan, a 65-year-old farmer of Colonaire, who was reportedly struck in his head with a piece of wood on April 9, 2026.

Thomas was originally charged with attempted murder, and was granted bail on that charge when she initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on April 13.

However, McMillan died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital just after Thomas was granted bail on that charge.

As a result, the attempted murder case was subsequently withdrawn and replaced with the charge of murder, resulting in Thomas’ bail being automatically revoked, and her being remanded

Thomas’s legal team subsequently filed a constitutional motion in the High Court challenging Section 43 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which states that bail cannot be considered for a murder charge, unless a mandatory nine months have elapsed.

questioning the constutionality of a blanket denial for bail on murder charges.

In a number of Caribbean jurisdictions, applications were allowed to grant bail on murder charges because the Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to have a blanket ban on bail for murder.

The constitutional motion is pending but in the interim, Thomas was granted leave to apply for bail on the murder charge.

Her lawyers made the application for bail under the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (bail) rules, but they also pointed to Section 16 of the Constitution, which states that the High Court has an inherent jurisdiction to review any alleged breach of constitutional rights.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), asked to have a determination made as to whether the Court had the jurisdiction to hear the application and the Attorney General, who was represented by Solicitor General Cerepha HarperJoseph, conceded on Monday that the Court did have inherent jurisdiction to hear the application. The DPP did not object to the application.

In granting bail on Monday, Justice Thom said that Section 16 of the constitution gives Thomas the right to constitutional relief, and that section overrides any ordinary law.

In recent years, there has been several decisions regionally,

Murders dominate prison count

AS OF JULY 27, 2026, 106 inmates including two females, were housed at His Majesty’s Prisons, in connection with offence of murder.

Superintendent of Prisons (SOP) Dwayne Bailey made the disclosure at the closing ceremony of the High Court Criminal Assizes on Monday, July 27.

Sixty of the incarcerated male inmates in connection with murder offences, were sentenced by the Supreme Court, 36 are awaiting trial, and eight are on remand. Two females are on remand on charges of murder. None is serving a sentence or awaiting trial.

The male count represented 27 percent of the overall male prison population, which stood at 386 as of July 27, with 203 sentenced by the Supreme Court, 102 by the Magistrate’s Court, 46 awaiting trial and 32 on remand.

The female prison population stood at seven, with two sentenced by the Supreme Court, three by the Magistrate’s Court and two on remand. No females were awaiting trial for any offence.

Other offences which made up a significant slice of the male prison population, are wounding at 33, rape at 27, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition at 22, robbery at 22, unlawful sexual intercourse at 19, theft at 19, manslaughter at 18,

aggravated burglary at 12 and attempted murder at 11.

Two females were sentenced by the Supreme Court for wounding, one by the Magistrate’s Court for assault, one by the Magistrate’s Court for criminal trespass, and one by the Magistrate’s Court for cybercrime.

Thirteen 13 inmates are between the ages of 16 and 21, 33 between the ages of 22 and 25, 51 between the ages of 26 and 29, 76 between the ages of 30 and 35, 50 between the ages of 36 and 39, 86 between the ages of 40 and 49 and 66 over 50. None are under the age of 16.

One female is between the ages of 16 and 21, one between 22 and 25, two between 26 and 29, one between 30 and 35, one between 36 and 39, one between 40 and 49, and one over 50.

South Leeward dominates with 61 inmates from that constituency behind bars. Central Kingstown follows with 43, South Windward with 32, Central Leeward with 30, North Central Windward with 25, East St. George with 26, West Kingstown with 25, East Kingstown with 23, North Windward with 24, South Central Windward 19, West St. George 18, Marriaqua 19, North Leeward 15, Northern Grenadines 9 and Southern Grenadines 9.

Teen pleas for urgent bail consideration

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLDAntonique Thomas of Colonaire, who was granted bail on a murder charge on Monday, had made a plea for urgent bail consideration, stating in part, that the loss of freedom, sense of helplessness and sudden exposure to confinement conditions “has caused her to suffer from depression, panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety.”

Rhomas says she had been denied an opportunity to be considered for bail simply because the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided to charge her with murder.

Thomas made her feelings known in a sworn affidavit, to support her application for bail and constitutional relief on the murder charge, in connection with the death of Winston McMillan, a 65-year-old farmer of Colonaire, on April 13, 2026.

“I cry a lot. I am afraid of the other inmates in prison. I am afraid that continued detention will lead to long lasting emotional damage, difficulty reintegrating into society and severe trust issues,” she stated, She revealed that she had been visited twice by a prison welfare officer, but received no treatment, counseling or mental health support.

Thomas also stated in the affidavit, “I feel unbearable, and uncertainty about my future while I am locked up and denied bail before trial. I think that the stress and uncertainty that I feel is a greater burden than a convicted criminal feels, because the guilty criminal has been tried and convicted and knows how long his sentence would be. There is no alternative remedy for me to exercise my right to have my bail promptly considered.”

Thomas added that, “I have already been unconstitutionally deprived of my liberty for 74 days without an opportunity to have my application for bail heard by an Independent Judicial officer. Without constitutional relief, it is likely that I will continue to be incarcerated for an additional 247 days before I can even have my application considered. My application for constitutional relief has been made promptly and is urgent. Every day that I am denied consideration of a bail application is a violation of my constitutional rights, and a further threat to my physical and mental health.”

She assured that she was not a flight risk, not a violent person, would not interfere with any witnesses or obstruct justice in any way, was not a danger to the public and would abide by any condition the Court orders as conditional to her bail. She has no previous convictions.

THE VINCENTIAN has opted to withhold certain sensitive parts of the affidavit as the matter is before the Court.

We are of fire, earth and water

IT TAKES HUGE ENERGY

out of us to bring this subject to our people. At least we are living in a human body and doing service for our spiritual

family.

Our spiritual Father (Fire) preganted his wife (Water) and Earth was born out of Her. We are product of fire, water and earth… John told the people that he baptized with water but the Messiah will be with fire and the Holy Spirit. Our color is as earth. We can’t deny it. We are uniquely built by the Potter. He created us to govern earth (Gen. 1:2628). Not to establish religions. To populate the earth and keep his Commandment. Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah, told us that he didn’t come to abolish the laws that Moses received on the burning mountain but to teach how they should be implemented (Matt.5:17). Knowing that laws presupposed government and knowing very well that his message was

about governments a lawyer asked the Messiah ‘which is the greatest commandment in the law. His answer was simple: Love for our creator, self and neighborhood (Matthew 22:36-40). To hammer this teaching home Jesus told his followers: “A new commandment I give into you. That you love one another as I moved you....By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another,” John 13:34-35. This is a command from the founder of Christianity. This is the yardstick we are using to judge these Christian religions. This is the two edged sword. You are the judges and the juries. The case is before you. You have heard the evidence.

We are asking the

judges and juries to consider John section 13 subsection 34-35 in your judgment.

National Spiritual Baptist Holiday

The first Spiritual Baptist groups registered in SVG are as follows:

1) Act.No.16 of 1978. The Spiritual Baptist Organization. Assent by, R.E. Baynes, Ag. Governor. 24the July 1978. Leads: Japheth Stapleton/Ruben Bailey. 2) Act No. IO of 1983. Asset by: Sydney D GunMunro. Governor General, 22and April 1983. Leader: Duff Walker James/Casmore Pompey. There are many more scattered Spiritual Baptist groups.

The question here is what yardstick did the former PM, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves use to enact that national holiday within six months. Had the former PM sought direction from the ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs this embarrassment would

have been avoided. But the former PM took his direction from Johnny Jones who knowns nothing about the history of Spiritual Baptist. We won’t be surprise if there will be no celebration next year. This is the danger when party politics become involved in religious affairs. We will continue this conversion.

Christian Democratic Newton George 4923489

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* CAN WE GET A FULL LISTING of the ministers of government and the portfolios that they have been assigned?

* Which Minister of Government deserves the first place as far as carrying out their mandate is concerned? Which one deserves the last place?

* Did the CDC call that forum to get ideas about activities to mark the 50th anniversary of Vincy Mas?

* When are we going to hear how much was spent to stage Vincy Mas 2026?

* Is FLOW having problems with their fixed line service? Why are so many fixed line users complaining?

* And what about the Internet? Is Flow aware that the internet keeps falling in and falling out in many areas across the state?

* Why do drivers of government vehicles feel they have more rights that ordinary citizens/drivers? Do the police turn a blind eye to the offences committed by these drivers?

* Which national sporting body here has the most finance available for its administration and programmes?

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

Holding Government responsible

THE EDITORIAL of THE VINCENTIAN of July 25, 2025 carried the same headline. This, a year or so after, is not meant to regurgitate but, even as readers might feel it ill-timed, out of sorts so to speak, our experiences of the protracted reign of the Unity Labour Party should have taught us that we need to take our responsibilities seriously at all time.

One of those responsibilities is the demand to “HOLD GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE, so as to avoid being led to the edge of no return by those we elect to serve us.

So let’s see how different we can be one year later.

Democracy the free world accepts is founded on a simple but powerful principle: those to whom the citizenry entrusts the right to govern must answer to the people they serve.

Elections give governments the authority to lead but, it seems, that we think that also means giving the government a blank cheque… do as you please, how you please and for how much you please. Have we learned anything yet as we reflect on the last 25 or so years?

Citizens have both the right and the responsibility to hold their leaders accountable for the promises they make, the decisions they take, the utterances they make and the results they produce.

Too often governments are made to feel comfortable once they assume office. Election pledges are forgotten, transparency is replaced by secrecy, and public funds are spent with little explanation or none at all since not all pigs are created as equals. Our silence only encourages complacency. A healthy democracy depends on an informed and engaged citizenry that is willing to ask difficult questions, demand honest answers, and insist on responsible governance. And a good government expects this.

Holding government responsible does not mean opposing every policy or criticizing every decision, a la the Leader of the Opposition.

Accountability is not about politics for politics’ sake; it is about ensuring that decisions are made in the public interest, resources are managed wisely, and those in power remain subject to the rule of law not become a law into themselves.

The media plays a vital role in this process. A free and independent press investigates allegations of

wrongdoing, provides citizens with the information they need to make informed judgments. Journalists should neither be cheerleaders for government nor relentless opponents. Their duty is to pursue the truth without fear or favour. And in all of this we ask: Where is the Freedom of Information Act?

Civil society organizations, professional associations must remain non-partisan for they too have an important part to play. Public consultations, town hall meetings, community advocacy, and peaceful demonstrations all provide avenues for citizens to express their concerns and these must not await clearance from government or support from the opposition.

Equally important are the institutions designed to provide oversight. Parliament, the courts, audit offices, integrity commissions (wishful thinking?) and other independent bodies exist to ensure that government actions comply with the law and serve the national interest. These institutions must free from political interference or intimidation. Their effectiveness is essential to maintaining public trust. Accountability is a two-way street. Citizens cannot demand honesty from leaders while ignoring their own civic responsibilities. Voting, paying taxes, obeying the law, and participating constructively in national discussions are all part of responsible citizenship. Democracy flourishes when both leaders and citizens understand that power carries obligations as well as rights.

Ultimately, governments govern best when they know they are being watched–not by political rivals alone, but by an informed and vigilant public. That is why we must guard against abdicating our rights to any political party.

Holding government responsible is not an act of disloyalty; it is an expression of patriotism. It is not an attack on democracy –- it is democracy in action.

Citizens who question and demand better do so because they care about the future of their country.

A government that welcomes accountability demonstrates confidence in its stewardship. One that fears scrutiny risks losing the trust upon which every democracy depends.

Governments come and go, but the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity must remain constant.

Of This and That Police

FOR YEARS, I’ve been calling for real change in the Royal SVG Police Department. Records will show I’ve been fiercely critical of the old administration and police commissioner. I have asked for the former commissioner to be fired. After years of failed initiatives to bring crime under control, he retired or was offered a promotion out of the way. By the way, he seems to be doing a better job in his new position.

I was and still am convinced that the culture in our police department is so broken that no one currently enrolled or enlisted in the force can be relied upon to fix its problems. In hierarchical organizations like the police, employees are promoted based on their success in current roles rather than their potential for new roles. Date I say we are seeing the results of this today and have been for years?

When former commissioner John retired, I remember publicly asking that a special task force be set up to recruit and hire the new commissioner or that no one be appointed until after the election. I know they don’t listen to me; their outdated public service system–where the government does not fund earned vacation and gratuity payouts–makes it impossible to appoint a new leader quickly. Meanwhile, Commissioner Williams was put in an acting role, and during every major incident, he had the perfect excuse–just acting. Well, those days are over–you are now fully in charge. Your recent press conference was a complete joke, especially when you boldly declared that the old playbook on fighting crime was over. He said this as if you weren’t in a top position three years ago when five lives were lost in the Quarry area or when murders hit record levels.

What do I see in the new playbook? I see coming an erosion of our freedom and rights. Remember a few months ago the public beating of a fully restrained suspect in the back of a police vehicle. Watch for more of that as the new playbook is revealed. We can expect more as our police get more desperate to satisfy their political bosses.

Oh, let’s not forget this is the police commissioner who recommended to the Minister of National Security that

there be a strong police presence in our schools. I can hear some of his defenders now: “he had nothing to do with that.” To that I say, if he didn’t, that’s another reason why he is not fit for the job. All policing strategy in our nation should originate with him. To allow his Minister in charge to make such a ridiculous proposal publicly is an utter failure on his part. That idea should never have left the discussion room. Still giving the administration a break.

VINLEC

You can do better. I am sure I was not the only one who was anxiously awaiting my electricity bill this month. After all, this was the first month after the USA war of choice with Iran, and six weeks after the prime minister announced a cap on the electric surcharge up to a certain amount, and demanded that the VINLEC administrator offer some additional subsidy over a set amount.

Well, that moment has come; the bill is on our kitchen table, and no subsidy is a part of the bill. Only the painful reality that the surcharge is now a staggering $.83 per unit. Now, to be clear, I am not saying the promised cap and subsidy were not applied to my bill; I have no way of knowing. But in this world of constant broken promises, show me the money you told me you would pay on my behalf.

In our hypocritical political climate, why would you not address this issue on your platform (bill, website, and social media)? Why leave room for doubt? Why not simply show us the true cost of electricity before any subsidy by the government and the company?

Once again, I call on the Board of Directors to initiate a full review of the cost to produce electricity in SVG. It is also time to endorse the alternative energy production programme fully. We must do better. Imagine a future where the administration and elected officials team up to deliver exceptional results–outcomes that make the public feel truly valued and seen, while officials appear responsive and engaged. This is an opportunity for positive change.

Horatio

When Losing is winning

“Character is revealed not by how we celebrate victory, but by how we respond to defeat.” — Leadership maxim.

ADULTS IN THE HOME,at school, and throughout society are entrusted with both the responsibility and the privilege of teaching our young people how to be noble when winning and how to lose with grace. While it is important to equip them with the skills and techniques needed to succeed in the various pursuits of life, it is equally important to teach them how to accept defeat with dignity and composure. Learning to lose gracefully builds resilience, strengthens character, and prepares individuals to face life’s inevitable disappointments with maturity and hope.

Our society often measures success by titles, trophies, and public recognition. Losing is generally viewed as something to avoid at all costs. However, many successful academics, politicians, and entrepreneurs can testify that, as paradoxical as it may seem, losing can sometimes be one of life’s greatest victories. It is quite understandable and expected that losing can be traumatic, the lessons learned through adversity regularly shape stronger character and encourage greater resilience than success ever could. Napoleon Hill (1883-1970), the American self-help author, reminds us that, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”

Coco Gauff (full name Cori Dionne Gauff), the young female professional African-American tennis player, is passionate both on and off the tennis court. She enjoys winning and demonstrates remarkable determination, resilience, and grit whenever she competes. However, what is often most admirable is observing her grace and decency in victory and her humility and composure in defeat. Her ability to celebrate success without arrogance and accept setbacks without bitterness reflects a level of maturity that extends far beyond her years. She wins our hearts even when she loses a match.

Many accomplished individuals testify that the setbacks that they experienced along the journey to the pinnacle of success created opportunities for learning. Students who perform poorly on an examination often become more disciplined and focused when required to re-sit the examination; this is especially so when they are encouraged by peers and wellmeaning adults. Athletes who lose a tournament but commit to more rigid and a more disciplined approach to training discover that they experience enhanced performance the next time around. The temporary trauma of losing can propel individuals to pursue excellence with greater commitment. There is nothing wrong with celebrating victories after a disciplined approach to the particular assignment. There is good reason to do so. However, such individuals should avoid vaunting self to the point where those whose performances were less impressive feel badly about themselves.

Losing teaches humility. Reflections following defeat can reveal deficiencies in techniques and approaches. Such critical and objective reviews remind us that there is always room for improvement. Constructive criticism and support from others can also play a major role in enhancing the learning process following underperformance.

Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s World War II Prime Minister, reminds us that, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” John Maxwell, the American motivational speaker and best-selling author, also provides encouragement when he noted that, “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”

Many examples abound in business, government, and society to remind us of individuals who failed at a particular task but retained the focus on their noble dreams. Many developed unusual perseverance as they rebounded. Some of the world’s greatest achievers experienced repeated disappointments before ultimately succeeding. We have seen this demonstrated in the world of academia, among inventors, scientists, and also in the field of athletics. Many such individuals rebounded after failure, rejection, and criticism; they inspire others through their persistence and commitment to improvement at various tasks.

There are some citizens who are driven by the belief that they should win at all cost — even if it involves cheating or compromising principles. Such individuals may incorrectly conclude that they have won but experience a chronic burden of guilt and shame — especially if their unethical behaviour become public knowledge. On the other hand, there are those persons who refuse to engage in dishonorable behaviours to get ahead in life but discover that they retain a sense of purity and integrity that generate a joy and level of satisfaction that is considered to be priceless. Such individuals become the true winners in the game of life even if their colleagues and other observers initially concluded that they had failed. In such circumstances, losing becomes a moral victory because character has been valued above personal gain. We are encouraged by the truism that, “It is better to lose with honour than to win by deceit.” Losing with honour equates to winning in the game of life.

Followers of Jesus Christ of Nazareth have seen this portrayed in His life and death. Jesus Christ appeared to have suffered the greatest defeat when He was betrayed, ridiculed, mocked, and crucified on the cruel cross on that sad Good Friday. However, His resurrection on that glorious Easter Sunday transformed what initially appeared as a great loss into humanity’s greatest victory. He offers mankind hope, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who believe. This powerful example reminds believers that what initially appeared to be defeat became the pathway to ultimate triumph.

Life’s varied defeats and disappointments can be viewed differently now. We imbibe the truism that every setback has the potential to ignite a stronger resolve as it refines character. When we embrace setbacks with faith, courage, determination, and humility we extract valuable life lessons that prepare us for greater opportunities and more meaningful victories. We better understand and appreciate that losing is often the first step toward truly winning.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

The Election Petitions case

A LEGAL SLUGGING MATCHis on the way in the High Court in Kingstown. Presided over by Justice Gertel Thom, the case, which will determine, in the short term, the political fate of Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Foreign Minister Fitzgerald Bramble, is probably the most consequential constitutional challenge since independence in 1979. The only other matter that comes close is the vaccine mandate case, which is working its way to the Privy Council in England.

At its core, the case will decide what it means to bear allegiance to a foreign power. By their own admission, PM Friday and Mr Bramble hold Canadian citizenship. Luke Browne and Carlos Williams, the Unity Labour Party’s candidates in the 2025 elections, contend that both men are ineligible to be nominated and/or elected to the parliament of St Vincent and the Grenadines and are asking the court to find their election unconstitutional.

This is a high-drama trial with plenty at stake. Two of the most prominent members of the NDP government, who convincingly won their seats in last November’s elections, could be ejected from parliament if the petitions succeed.

About 10 lawyers represent the parties. The Petitioners’ legal team is led by Stuart Young, the lawyer/politician and former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, while Anand Ramlogan leads the respondents’ team. Both men are experienced senior counsels with extensive trial experience. A senior counsel in a republic is the equivalent of a King’s Counsel.

The trial, which began on Tuesday and was allotted three days, is expected to take longer. The Petitioners’ case was not completed by the end of Wednesday’s sitting. The respondents’ case is yet to come.

At the beginning of Tuesday, Senior Counsel Ramlogan channelled his team’s intended direction. He indicated to Justice Thom that he wanted to raise a point in limine, which is essentially a preliminary point of substance that could derail the entire proceeding. The point was that the Petitioners failed to present evidence that supported their pleaded case. There is a maxim in law that she who alleges must prove, and the respondents’ point is that, on the evidence before the court, the Petitioners’ case must fail.

However, Justice Thom refused to allow the motion in limine without making a determination on its viability. She declared her preference was to hear the evidence and then allow the respondents to pursue the point once the petitioners’ evidence was completely before the court.

And so it went with Carlos Williams, Dr Friday’s challenger, who garnered all but 365 votes, followed by Luke Browne, whom Mr Bramble defeated by 1001 votes. Both Browne and Williams have maintained that the margins of defeat are of no moment since they carried out a vigorous campaign to alert the electorate that a vote for Dr Friday and Bramble will amount to a wasted vote. Four other witnesses for the Petitioners testified that they distributed, posted or caused to be distributed posters to inform and caution the electorate of the Northern Grenadines and East Kingstown about the dangers of voting for Dr Friday and Mr Bramble.

Two of the petitioners’ witnesses stumbled during their testimony. One

used a word in his affidavit that he did not know the meaning of, while the other witness, when asked to read parts of his statement, had some difficulty doing so. The discomfort/embarrassment experienced by both witnesses must be attributed to the attorneys who drafted the statements. Judges have repeatedly warned attorneys that statements from witnesses must be in language the witness is familiar with and understands.

And then the matter got testy and truly adversarial. The petitioners’ lead counsel, Stuart Young, called his expert witness and indicated that he wanted the witness to amplify her expert evidence, which was contained in her affidavit and/or to comment on the evidence of the Respondents’ expert’s report.

Senior Counsel Ramlogan forcefully objected. Channelling much of what he proposed in the motion in limine, he presented two major assaults on what the Petitioners were attempting to do.

Firstly, he argued that what the expert presented in her affidavit was not an expert report but rather a restatement of the law and the requirements for persons who acquired a Canadian passport or Canadian citizenship, with no expert comment on their implications. He noted that this was precisely why he wanted to make the motion in limine because there was no evidence before the court that supported the petitioners’ pleaded case. He told the court that, since there was no expert evidence before it, there was nothing for the expert to amplify.

His second point was that allowing the Petitioners’ expert to comment on the Respondents’ expert report would be unfair to the Respondents, as it would, for the first time, allow the Petitioners to place expert comments and evidence before the court, which they were not entitled to do. He maintained that allowing amplification and/or comment would be to provide the Petitioners a second ‘bite of the apple’ when the time to do so had passed.

Senior counsel Stuart Young dismissed Counsel Ramlogan’s argument that the Petitioners failed to support their pleaded case. He argued that the petitioners’ expert’s affidavit met the threshold required by law. He noted that while the report did not say that my opinion was this or the other, that did not mean it fell short of the requirements of the law.

On the issue of the petitioners’ expert being allowed to comment on the respondents’ report, he noted that commenting on an opponent’s witness statements and affidavits is well established in law.

The arguments became technical and legal, with citations to decisions from across the region and beyond. Much of the legal argument was potentially beyond the comprehension of many people in the courtroom. By the time this article is published, Justice Thom would have decided whether to allow the Petitioners’ expert to testify and be subjected to crossexamination.

At this junction, we can be sure that the party that loses will appeal to have the Justice Thom’s decision reviewed.

Government passed law to benefit non-pensionable workers

RECENTLY,the New Democratic Party (NDP) majority parliament passed into law the Daily Paid and Minor Salaried Officers (Compassionate Gratuity) Bill. This is a significant legislative step aimed at supporting non-pensionable workers. By advancing such, the government demonstrates its commitment to ensuring financial security and dignity for these often overlooked categories of workers.

Under the new legislation, workers classified as non-pensionable can now work until the age of 65, at which point they will be eligible to receive their NIS pension. This change allows employees to work beyond the previous retirement age of 60, providing them with the opportunity to continue earning. Instead of retiring at age 60 and waiting five years to access their NIS pension, workers can now remain active in the workforce.

In his support for the bill, Honourable Andrew John, who was Industrial Relations Officer for the teachers’ union made the following comments:

“This is arguably one of the best pieces of legislation to come to this House. I want to give a little historical perspective because this issue of nonpensionable workers and their plight have been in discussion for a long time. It’s an age-old question. There’s no doubt about it.

Several unions have approached different governments to address this issue. And I fast forward to 2026, it is only the NDP government headed by Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday that we have braved this matter to bring it to the parliament. And I must commend the Deputy Prime Minister for piloting this Bill.

In 2005, a Collective Agreement was signed with the teachers’ union. And permit me to speak a bit about the teachers’ union here. And I’m sure the Leader of the Opposition remembered because he’s a signatory, he’s a witness to the agreement. This issue of our non-pensionable workers and the situation they found themselves in. And it was dire, mostly in those times than now. Because let me put it this way, there were more persons who came to the teaching service based on a school leaving certificate or a few subjects at GCE. So, the teacher ones and the teacher twos were very prevalent at the time. And they signed this agreement in 2005. But I say that to note that from since 2005 to now, another agreement was not been signed by the previous administration. Nothing was done to address this issue and to complicate the matter of our non-pensionable teachers and other workers across the board.

In 2014, there was an amendment to the NIS Act. The amendment was supposed to be to secure the financial situation of the NIS. And I understand that. So, what they did at the time, they changed the retirement age from

60 gradually up to 65. Now the persons who are pensionable suffered because if they were supposed to retire at age 60, they now could not do so without penalties.

They had to pay. Forty percent of your retirement was supposed to go as penalty. So they suffered, but you know who really suffered? The nonpensionable workers who expected the NIS to form what is called a Safety Net, because remember they are not pensionable government workers. So when they get to age 60, it was expected that the NIS would ‘kick in’, and they would go home with something from the NIS. These persons were sent home at age 60 without a dollar in their pockets and told that they had to wait from 60, 61, gradually up to 65. From 2020, not one single person retired at age 60 at that time and got anything from this nonpensionable situation. Not one single worker. It was a dire situation and I know for myself there were persons who were severely affected.

There are several cases where teachers had to come to the union. You know what they were asking for? To see if we could negotiate an additional year. See if we could ask for an additional year of service, after serving in some cases up to 40 years, some 30 something years, after serving this country. And I tell you, there was no distinction between the service of a teacher one and a teacher five or even a principal. Because the teacher ones at the time put in the work. They put in the service.

But their situation was dire. I know when I went to negotiate, they said, why didn’t they go and elevate themselves? Why are they still a teacher one? That was the excuse not to give them an additional year. We had to negotiate it. And I think it was under that period of time that we were able to move some of them hearts. So, they were granted a one year here and there based on who you know and who you are. And I’m telling you that as a fact. It was not done across the board. And if you feel it’s not true, you bring the legislation for us to show us that you had something in place to say all workers who left the system without pension can come and get it. Bring it and let us see it here in this House. There was nothing.

And that is why I had to come out today to applaud my government for passing this legislation; to bring it here, it shows the concern that we have for people. You know how this is going to affect people’s lives? What this government is saying to you, those persons who find themselves in this situation, is that if you get to age 60, we are going to offer you continued service guaranteed up to 65.”

Family vacation ends in tragedy

A FAMILY VACATION to the Grenadine island of Bequia ended in tragedy on Wednesday 29th July, when 12-year-old Brianna Veira succumbed to injuries she sustained in a vehicle incident.

Brianna, a Form Two student of St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, was the daughter of Naddia DaSilva and Barry Veira.

According to preliminary reports, Brianna and other family members were in the family vehicle while it was ascending a steep hill. There was some difficulty and the engine closed off, causing the vehicle to roll backwards (down the hill) and eventually colliding with a tree.

Brianna, who was seated in

the rear section of the vehicle, sustained critical injuries in the collision.

She was transported from Bequia to mainland St. Vincent for emergency medical treatment but later died despite herculean efforts by medical personnel.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident as they seek to determine the cause of the fatal crash.

Outpouring of sentiments

News of Brianna’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across social media, with relatives, friends, former classmates and members of the wider community expressing condolences and paying tribute to her.

Her former primary school, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School, described her passing as heartbreaking.

In a social media tribute, the school wrote: “May the angels take you home, baby girl... Our little one. Condolences to Nads, Rhea, Daddy, the entire family, and

all whose lives our little one touched. So devastating, yet we must trust in our God.”

St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown also expressed profound sorrow at the loss of one of its students.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of our beloved student, Brianna Veira, who lost her life today in a motor vehicle accident,” the school said in a statement.

Brianna’s family in their prayers.

The school described Brianna as a valued member of its community and extended heartfelt condolences to her parents, family, classmates and friends.

School officials also acknowledged the emotional impact of the tragedy on students and staff, urging the school community to support one another during this difficult period and to keep

The statement concluded with the biblical passage, Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” while praying for Brianna’s eternal rest.

Brianna’s death has left her family, school and the wider community mourning the loss of a young life remembered for the impact she made on those around her. (KH)

Brianna and her mother shared a special mother-daughter bond that was admired by all who knew them.

Brianna Veira: “If music be the food of love, play on.”

Carnival makers clamour for changes

THE ONUS IS ON THE CARNIVAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC) to look plausibly at the myriad of concerns raised during a forum held at the Conference Room of the National Insurance Services (NIS), on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The CDC now has to sift throw an earful of issues

highlighted when they engaged Carnival makers with the objective of soliciting ideas for enhancing the Vincy Mas product.

Carlos Browne, former designer and mas-maker, whilst accepting change is inevitable, called on the producers of the Junior shows, to do away with the “distractions” that are becoming staples at these events.

Browne vehemently opposed the side shows, such as the face paintings, bouncing castles, bumper cars etc.

“Kiddies Carnival is Kiddies Carnival; get rid of the face painting; these things are detracting”, Browne suggested.

Addressing the dismal turnout of steel bands especially at Junior Panorama, Browne urged schools to combine forces, especially those in proximity to each other, and proposed the merging of the St Martin’s Secondary and the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown into one entity as an example.

Former Soca Monarch winner- Garrett “Icon” John, would like to see other titles added, to reward songs that are of a different genre, but are popular during the Vincy Mas celebrations.

“There is room for other sub monarchs. There is room for development in that regard, because there are tunes that are entertaining and they may not be for that type of monarchy”, John highlighted.

Citing the evolution of the cultural art forms, John is convinced that should the CDC not change with the times, somethings will continue to go downhill.

“The culture has evolved and it is a new generation and there is space and room for development. Because if we continue down the same line, everything is going to get

boring, stale and played out so as the evolution happens, we have to pay attention to it, so we have to integrate and collaborate”, John advised.

Leader of Nelson Bloc Mas Band - Alvern Cadougan, in response to the woes of not enough finances to suffice the components, called for a revisit of a previous agreement forged by the former Ralph Gonsalves-led government, related to funds generated from a levy on alcohol.

Cadougan recalled, “In 2023, when the first set of monies passed, the previous government used that money to build back the damage done when we had the floods in 2013. That money was supposed to be earmarked for CDC, for the festival. Find that money, give it to CDC to run a proper festival”.

Cadougan also used the opportunity to again lament on the age-old problem of tent space, noting that some mas bands were sent packing from their 2026 locations, one day after 2026 Vincy Mas officially ended, July 7.

And, private promoter- La Toya De Roche- John was not

at all pleased with their events being shut down to accommodate CDC shows, as well as the import duties and the cost of renting government facilities.

“I have an issue, and I voice it publicly in terms of patrons being allowed to choose which events they like to attend for Carnival and how long they’d like to attend these events. I had a problem with our event (Flair) being shut off. I am not in support of any private shows to accommodate the state shows”, De Roche- John ventilated.

Instead, she thinks that patrons would head to the Park if the product is appealing.

De Roche-John called on the authorities to look at the import duties and user fees charged.

“What I’d like to see is a reduction in import duties for those who are affiliated with Carnival. The cost of venues… the former government rented out the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex and we paid about $3,000 for the cost of the venue. The cost of the venue

now ranges from 6000 to 9000 to 18,000”, she bemoaned.

The consultation, in addition to the many Carnival stakeholders was also attended by members of the CDC board, government ministers, well-wishers of Vincy Mas and cultural personnel.

Many attendees left the forum hopeful that the activity was not another “talk shop”, and that some visible changes will be effected ahead of Vincy Mas 2027.

Alvern Cadougan

Carlos Browne

Garrett “Icon” John

La Toya De Roche-John

A section of those attending the forum.

JÊOuvert Fanatics praised

Below: Members of J’ Ouvert Fanatics who were recognized.

THE MANY YEARS OF WIT, satire and street theatre presented by the J’Ouvert Fanatics have been acknowledged.

J’ Ouvert Fanatics, the glue that held traditional J’Ouvert, ole mas presentations at Vincymas for the past 36 years, has packed up. (See article on page 24 of THE VINCENTIAN July 10, 2026.)

Homage was paid to the group at a special function held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Roof Top Central Market Kingstown.

Giving plaudits to the organsation was Lennox Bowman, who had a bird’s eye view of the annual contributions, when he served as commentator on stateowned NBC Radio 705.

Alluding to happenings which were sometimes unknown to many, Bowman admitted: “Many of us only know some things were happening when we saw them on J’ Ouvert. I would like to commend the creative thinking of J’ Ouvert Fanatics. There was great creativity in the portrayals”.

As a means of preserving the legacy of J’ Ouvert Fanatics, Bowman proposed, “I really want to suggest in one way or the other,

there is some kind of engagement, even if not to return with J’ouvert Fanatics, engagement to have some meaningful decisions made with the way forward for J’Ouvert . And, if that can happen, I think J’Ouvert Fanatics would have left a legacy”.

Another of the speakers Dwight Lewis, also joined in recognizing the work of J’Ouvert Fanatics.

“You would have left your mark on the J’Ouvert landscape and I hope that other persons who have been involved will continue in some other form”, Lewis said.

Meanwhile, Cecil “Blazer” Williams expressed regret over the J’Ouvert Fanatics’ decision.

“I am not disappointed but I regret that J’ Ouvert Fanatics has decided to call it a day. My hope is that the seeds that have been sown would continue to grow and ensure that this particular aspect of our Carnival and of our life, because we make fun, people are happy, regardless of whatever political party, whatever they think about certain issue, we make things lively”, Williams related. It was borne out at Saturday’s ceremony that J’ Ouvert Fanatics, in conjunction with the

Society for the Creation of People’s Enlightenment (SCOPE) began making traditional J’Ouvert presentations in the 1970s, before the latter exited the scene.

After carrying the mantle for decades, J’ Ouvert Fanatics grew weary of the lack of respect given to the “Ole Mas” aspect of J’ Ouvert, hence their decision to quit the scene for good, following a slew of unattended issues

J’Ouvert:

THE WOES OF VAGARIESmeted out to people who sought to preserve traditional J’ Ouvert (ole mas) are nothing new, according to Joel “Bamba” Providence.

A former Chair of the Carnival Development Committee, now Carnival Development Corporation, Providence made this known when he spoke at a celebration and appreciation ceremony for the J’ Ouvert Fanatics, held at at the Rooftop- Central Market, Kingstown.

Providence disclosed as that the then Society for the Creation of People’s Enlightenment (SCOPE), back in 1982, they sought to be innovative in their

surrounding their participation.

And, given the resounding “No” from members of J’ Ouvert Fanatics present at Saturday’s ceremony, when one speaker — Curtis King, who expressed optimism of the group’s return, was an indication of their unwavering position.

Recognition

In recompense to those who have stood many years with J’ Ouvert

Fanatics, Certificates were given to those present, whilst others were acknowledged posthumously.

Speaking on the response of the members on the night, Cecil Mc Kie one of the driving forces behind the longevity of J’ Ouvert Fanatics said: “We certainly created an atmosphere befitting an institution of J’ Ouvert celebrating over five decades of togetherness. We wanted the persons who have played with us to have something in their hands so that they could remember that they were part of the J’ouvert Fanatics”. According to Mc Kie, “The irony is that we have thrown in the towel at a time when our institution is growing and is at its strongest ever”.

A Problem Child

involvement in J’Ouvert.

“We tried to see if we can take J’ Ouvert in a particular direction because J’ Ouvert was a problem child for the CDC, Carnival administrators, and it was always like an afterthought. J’ Ouvert was arranged while the Calypso Final was going on at Victoria Park on the Sunday night. That is how they regarded J’ Ouvert .. many of us, and I will include myself in that”, Providence echoed.

Relating the significance of Ole Mas, Providence affirmed, “J’ Ouvert really captures the essence of the very original Carnival, the satire, the street theatre going back to two or

three millenniums”.

Fast forward to Vincymas 2026, and Ole Mas was relegated to oblivion, forcing J’ Ouvert Fanatics, the last of the organized bands, to call it a day.

The events on the morning of July 6, 2026, resulted in J’ Ouvert Fanatics’ decision to bow out gracefully from the happenings.

Among their lamentations were that there were no registration formsand worse, there was no idea of the the judging point.

Reports are that it was not until around 6:30 am, that persons came and began erecting a stage in the area in front of the Financial Complex.

Joel “Bamba” Providence spoke with a sensitivity informed by his involvements both as administrator and J’Ouvert player.

To add insult to injury, whilst J’ Ouvert Fanatics mounted the stage, no sound system was provided to aid in their commentary.

Lennox Bowman

Below: Cecil “Blazer” Williams

Police cordoned off the immediate vicinity of the crime. Roberts’ body, covered in white cloth –pictured between two police officers on the right of the photo.

Police probe

28th homicide of 2026

RESIDENTS OF LOWMANS LEEWARD were left in shock after a fatal shooting claimed the life of a 30-year-old labourer early Friday morning.

Gunshots rang out in the community, in an area known as Spring, shortly after 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Amir “Miller” Roberts lying in a pool of blood.

Roberts, a resident of Lowmans Leeward, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body, including injuries to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical examiner.

of blood.

Residents were reluctant to speak when THE VINCENTIAN visited the area. However, one resident, who requested anonymity, said Roberts had been on his way to exchange money for a relative before heading to work.

According to the source, he observed a man wearing an hat and a dust mask waiting near a nearby bus stop. The source expressed the view that the individual allegedly ambushed Roberts, fatally shot him, and then fled along a trail behind the bus stop.

The source further stated that police officers followed the trail in search of evidence shortly after arriving at the scene.

Investigators have not disclosed a motive for the killing. However, a reliable source indicated that the shooting may be linked to the death of another individual in the community several months ago. Police have not confirmed that information.

Roberts’ death is the 28th recorded homicide in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for 2026 and the eighth homicide recorded during the month of July. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. (KH)

Amir “Miller” Roberts – gunned down and left to die in a pool

Access to VenezuelaÊs gold blocked

World Bank. Residential buildings accounted for 47% of the recorded damage, while infrastructure represented another 27%.

Against that scale of destruction, Britain is withholding Venezuelan gold worth several billion dollars–resources that belong to the affected country and could be mobilized without forcing Caracas to take on further external debt.

Venezuelan authorities and has made no public commitment to return the gold.

Days after Maduro’s abduction, then-British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament that London still did not recognize the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government.

“The Bank of England must make decisions independently, but our principles focus on maintaining and promoting stability and the transition to democracy,” Cooper said when questioned about the reserves.

VENEZUELA’S ACCESSto approximately 31 tonnes of its own gold, worth around $4 billion, even as the South American nation struggles to recover from twin earthquakes that killed more than 5,000 people and caused tens of billions of dollars in damage, continues to be blocked.

According to almayadeen net news, the gold remains inaccessible because the British government continues to refuse to recognize the Venezuelan authorities requesting its release.

The bullion remains locked inside the Bank of England’s heavily guarded underground vaults, years after British authorities prevented Caracas from retrieving the reserves amid a politically driven dispute over which Venezuelan administration London was prepared to recognize.

The humanitarian catastrophe has failed to move British authorities toward releasing the Venezuelan property.

Instead, billions of dollars that could finance homes, hospitals, infrastructure, emergency assistance, and employment remain immobilized in London, while thousands of Venezuelans mourn their relatives or remain displaced by the June 24 disaster.

The Bank of England acknowledges that most of the more than 400,000 gold bars stored in its nine underground vaults do not belong to the bank. They are held on behalf of foreign governments, central banks, and financial institutions, with the owners retaining legal title to specific bars.

Yet Venezuela remains unable to access its reserves because of a British political and legal process that has placed London’s recognition policy above the immediate survival and recovery needs of the Venezuelan population.

The earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela on June 24, devastating residential areas and infrastructure, including in and around Caracas.

An initial World Bank assessment estimated direct physical damage at $19.6 billion, with reconstruction and structural improvements potentially pushing the total recovery bill close to $50 billion.

Around 5,000 people were killed, approximately 17,000 injured and nearly 18,000 left homeless, according to government figures cited by the

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has appealed directly to Britain’s King Charles III, asking him to facilitate the release of the reserves for reconstruction.

“That gold belongs to our people and should be used to address the terrible, tragic consequences of this double earthquake,” Rodríguez said on state television this month. “Venezuela has the resources to recover, to get back on its feet,” she added.

Although the British monarch does not normally intervene in political or financial disputes, the appeal underscored the desperation of a government forced to plead for access to assets that already belong to the Venezuelan state.

Britain’s original justification for blocking Caracas from accessing the bullion was tied to its refusal to recognize President Nicolás Maduro following Venezuela’s 2018 presidential election.

British courts were subsequently asked to decide which competing board of the Central Bank of Venezuela had authority over the reserves. The UK Supreme Court recorded that rival boards had issued conflicting instructions concerning Venezuelan assets held in Britain, including gold then valued at nearly $1 billion.

The political conditions surrounding that dispute have since changed dramatically.

Maduro was kidnapped by US forces in January and transferred to New York, where he remains in custody. Rodríguez, previously his deputy, assumed the role of acting president and began re-establishing relations with Washington, opening parts of Venezuela’s oil sector to US investment and aligning Caracas more closely with US regional initiatives.

Nevertheless, Britain has continued withholding recognition from the

The claim that the matter is solely an independent decision for the Bank of England obscures the central role of the British government. The longrunning court dispute was shaped by London’s decision over which Venezuelan political representatives it recognized as having authority over the country’s central bank.

The result is a cruel contradiction: Britain claims to be promoting stability while depriving a disaster-stricken country of billions of dollars that could be used to stabilize communities, rebuild destroyed neighborhoods, and support survivors.

As Venezuela attempts to bury its dead, house displaced families and reconstruct entire communities, the Bank of England’s vaults continue to hold billions of dollars in Venezuelan wealth beyond the country’s reach.

Below: Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s acting president, at a press conference in Caracas on July 2 after the double earthquake that struck the country.

The gold remains protected beneath London, not from theft, but from the Venezuelan people who own it and urgently need it. (Source: almayadeennet)

A Roman gold bar from the 4th century is handled by curator John Keyworth in front of replica modern bars at the Bank of England museum on May 12, 2006.

Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s president, touches a stack of 12 Kilogram gold ingots during a news conference on the country’s cryptocurrency in Caracas on March 22, 2018.

Marrying a divorcée

Dear George,

MY PARENTS ARE THREATENING to disown me and kick me out of the house all because I plan to get married to a divorcee. They do not believe a divorcée should remarry.

He divorced his wife six years after she cheated on him, and we have been dating for a good two years.

George, I love my parents but I also love this man beyond words. My friends are telling me I should not give up my parents for this man but I’m not. My parents are the ones who are giving me up.

I intend to go through with my plans no matter what. Do you think I’m doing the right thing?

Determined

Dear Determined,

While your parents are free to offer advice on your choice of men, they cannot dictate with whom you should or should not settle.

You are old enough to make your own choice. If love is the basis of your decision, i.e. that he loves you just as much as you love him, then go ahead. Be sure to get the requisite premarital counseling and move forward from there. Everything else should fall into place thereafter with time.

George

Wanting it both ways?

Dear George,

MY WIFE has been hanging out with this unmarried female “friend” of hers who is 25 years her junior. She has taken to coming home at ungodly hours. No amount of “talk” has made it any better. My wife is making this out to be a controlling issue. She thinks I just want to control her. I believe she fully understands my position but is playing naive.

George, do you think she is swinging both ways? Am I overreacting?

Worried

Dear Worried,

No you are not overreacting. Your wife has to realize she has to lead a more responsible life. She has to understand tin marriage there is another person (you) involved and decisions cannot be always made unilaterally. Being

No rest now

Dear George,

I HAVE TO THANK YOU for the advice you gave me. I have never

married and operating like a single person is bound to cause problems in the marriage. She cannot have it both ways.

As for the lifestyle of her friend, your wife has to be careful not to be dragged into behaviours that may appear suspicious and cause unnecessary problems in the marriage. I strongly suggest at this stage to sit with a marriage counselor and sort this out fully.

George

been happier in my marriage. My wife is now willing to try new things and move away from the old school approach.

Our marriage was on the verge of breaking up when you gave us the magic advice. It turned out that our problems were centered around the sex issue, i.e. lack of it and boredom. My wife would not let me rest now! I’m afraid I have awakened a sleeping giant. Thank you George, and keep up the good work.

Thankful and happy

Dear Thankful and happy,

Your joy is my joy. I’m happy you acted on the advice and that you have found satisfaction in your marriage. Continue to be open minded and always willing to reach out for help when needed.

George

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Do something constructive outside. Stick to travel or do things in conjunction with groups. Lovers will be less than accommodating, and decisions regarding personal direction a necessity. You can make financial gains if you are prepared to take a risk.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

You can persuade even the toughest opponents to think your way. Instant romance could be yours if you go out with friends. Deception is probable if you don't use discrimination. Obstacles may stand in your way where career and success are concerned.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

You will attract potential lovers, but be sure that they're unattached. Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market. Large organizations may try to talk you out of your hard-earned cash. One sided attractions are likely.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Deception may cause disputes you can do without. Residential changes, renovations, or moves are likely to disrupt your routine. You can meet someone who will become very dear to you if you get out and socialize. Your bankbook will suffer and your restrictions will put a damper on your relationship.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Try not to hesitate; act on your initial instincts. Disputes on the home front may be hard to avoid. Relationships will become stronger. Try to have patience and refrain from being judgmental.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

You can expect to experience delays or additional red tape if you deal with institutions. Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible. Older family members may try to make demands that are impossible for you to handle. Don't beat around the bush; state your case in plain and simple terms.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Deep discussions may only lead to friction. You need to distance yourself from the situation for a little while first. Take the time to do something nice for your friends and relatives. You may want to get a little extra rest. You are prone to infections and fevers.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Don't be too eager to spend money that you really don't have. Your health may suffer if you don't control your present situation. One sided attractions are likely. In-laws may cause difficulties. Travel should be considered.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

You can make new connections through friends or relatives. You need to be active and spend time with friends you enjoy. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. Talk to superiors about problems that you feel are getting out of hand.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Entertain in your home and make aesthetic enhancements that will please those who reside with you. You may not want to spend time around family or your home. Stubborn about making changes around your home. If you can't get away, make plans to do something special with friends or relatives.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don't trust. Don't be too hard on yourself. Opportunities will come through behind the scenes activities. It's time to make professional changes.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

You can expect to have a problem with your lover. Don't put off the things that they have asked you to do. Make creative changes to your living quarters. You're in the mood to spend money. You can raise your standard of living if you pick up some freelance work on the side.

ACROSS

1. Donkey cry

5. Language communication

11. River in central Switzerland

12. Capital of Zimbabwe

13. Matures

14. Military catapult

15. Flogging

17. Laboratory

18. Frozen water

19. Second letter of the Greek alphabet

20. Sauce

23. East Indian pepper plant

24. Molten rock

25. Not (prefix)

26. Very skilled person

27. Attains

31. Steep-walled mountain basin

33. Musical instrument

34. Flowed out

35. Otherwise

36. Stable

37. Grass

Member of Parliament

False god

Hindu music

Greek god of war

Orthodox Jewish school

Directed a light

Sharp pain

Period of history

Young eagle

Bring into being

Consisting of herbs

Very cold

Gentle slope

Bigot

Antipathy

Fur scarf

Destitute

27. Regretted

Robust

Scottish Gaelic 30. Raced

As being

PREMRAJ dominates National TT Championships

Loukhya Premrak took home an unprecedented five national titles, including the National Female Singles title.

LOUKHYA PREMRAJ, thirteenyear-old student of the Girls’ High School, created history

here when she won all the age categories and the open singles at the just concluded 2026 National Table Tennis Championships, hosted by the SVG Table Tennis Association. The concluding matches were played last weekend — July 24-26 - in Kingstown, at the St. Vincent Grammar school and the New Democratic Headquarters.

Premaj indelibly etched her name into the records and her first lien on the Senior Female National title when she disposed of Jessica McCarter 11/2, 13/11, 11/7, 11/7 in the final. This after she had beaten Shanecia Delpesche 12/10, 11/7, 11/8 in a semi-final match-up.

Premraj’s victory was

telling given the fact that she successfully navigated her way through encounters with Cater and Delpesche both national players who have the wealthy experience of regional competition in their résumés.

Prior to her senior National Ttile, Premraj eased through the 13 and Under category without breaking a sweat, beating Myra Laborde 11/2, 11/3 in the finals, to take that age category title.

She eased up a category to the 15 and Under to take that title by beating McCarter 11/4, 11/5. This after a semi-final victory over Myra Laborde, 1/1, 11/0.

The 13-year-old made the 19 and Under Girls her own by doing away with Jessica McCarter 11/4, 11/5 to capture the title. in the Semis, Premraj beat Myra Laborde 11/1, 11/0.

One step up and the National Title was hers.

But this was not all to Premraj’s phenomenal run. She teamed up with national player Jelani Cumberbatch to take the Mixed Doubles title with a five-set thriller win, 11/9, 9/11, 8/11, 11/2, 11/8, over national stalwarts Shanecia Delpesche and Sean Stanley.

WISG: SVG still chasing

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES finished second in the Track and Field segment of the 2026 CBN/ Winlott Inc. Windward Islands Schools Games that opened Saturday, July 25, in St Lucia. That placing represented a major improve for the Vincentians on previous editions of that discipline.

When the day ended, at the Soufriere Mini Stadium, the Vincentians had accumulated 220 points, second to perennial winnersGrenada 282 points. Dominica tallied 207 points and host St Lucia193 points.

In another improved showing, St Vincent and the Grenadines copped

seven gold medals. There were gold medals for AJ Deplesche and Zekisha Kelly, who won the 100m and 200m male and female, respectively.

Leemore Olliverre took the male 400m, with Trevel Sylvan securing the Male High Jump. Delpesche, Jadelle Hector, Leemore Ollivierre and Teron Muckette won gold in the 4 x 400. The same quartet was second in the 4 x 100m.

Tocarra Barbour secured second in the female Discus Throw; Kylar Jeffrey also second in the female Shot Putt, likewise Kenisha Richards in 200m female as well as Kareem Davis in the male Long Jump and Leemore Ollivierre

Men categories

Romano Spencer claimed the Senior Open Men Singles title when he beat Sean Stanley in the finals, 11/7, 11/7, 8/11, 11/9. Spencer had ahd a 11/5, 12/10, 11/9 win over Damion Dublin and Stanley beat Lamont Gregg 11/6, 11/7, 11/4. In the third on the semis.

In the 13 and Under boys, Oran-Jay Williams beat Khalil King in the finals 11/ 5, 11/5. In the Semis, Williams beat Jordan Hypilite 11/3, 11/3 while Khalil King beat Rajveer Premraj 11/6, 11/9. In the third-place match up, Rajveer Premraj beat Jordan Hypolite 11/7, 11/7.

Among the 15 and Under Boys, Oran-Jay Wiiliams again showed his skill when he beat Juvante Baptiste 11/7, 11/8, 11/4 to capture that title. Zaid Martin beat Khalil King 8/11, 11/8, 11/6, 12/10, to take the third place.

In the 19 and Under Boys, Lamont Gregg revived his ranking when he beat Joshua Simmons 11/5, 11/5, 11/6, to easily claim that age group’s title. Oran-Jay Williams beat Macahlie in a hard-fought five-setter for the third place.

In the men’s Doubles Finals, Romano Spencer and

Discus.

took silver in the 200m. Earning bronze were Teron Muckett in the High Jump; Kesiann John in the female Long Jump; Kareem Davis in the Triple Jump; Kobe Ollivierre in the male 800m and Neorvor Nanton in the male

Tykel Pierre beat Lamont Gregg and Macahlie Hazelwood 11/8, 11/9, 11/5. The National Championships were played with racket coverings for the first time. This was in keeping with international regulations and the SVG Table Tennis Association plans to continue in accordance with the international practice.

I.B.A. ALLEN

On Sunday, July 26, St Vincent and the Grenadines was beaten by Grenada 31-20 in Netball and lost to St Lucia 1-3 in Male Volleyball, 15-25, 18-25, 26-24, 18-25. Similarly, the females went under to St Lucia, 13-25, 27-25, 21-25, 1425 and the Vincentians was beaten 1-0 by St Lucia in Football. Other results up to day four, saw the Vincentians rebounded to beat Dominica 30-20 in Netball and drew 22 with the same opponents in Football.

However, in Male Volleyball, was defeated 3-0 versus Dominica, 2325, 11-25, 16-25 and the Male Basketballers were run over by St Lucia, 123-20. The Games ends on Saturday.

Double sprint champions, AJ Delpesche (left) and Zekisha Kelly.

Leemore Olliverre copped gold in the male 400m and 4x400m relay.

Trevel Sylvan jumped his way to gold in the Male High Jump.

Romano Spencer stood tall to take the Senior Male Singles Championship.

SVGFF opens Fitness Centre

Demonstration taking place as persons take a tour of the Fitness Centre.

Otashie Spring –President of the SVGF –proud to be the one to have led the team towards completing the project.

AFFILIATES OF THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Football Federation (SVGFF) as well as the wider community inclusive of clubs, national players, referees, now have

a gym facility at their disposal.

The gym, which cost EC$ 750 000 and located at the Brighton Technical Centre, was formally opened on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Funded by the FIFA Foundation Administration, the airconditioned facility contains modern equipment used in the preparation of footballers for local, regional and international competitions, and for keeping their bodies in shape for the demands of the sport.

President of the SVGFF- Otashie Spring, speaking at the opening, lauded his predecessor — Carl Dickson - for his vision, which also entailed the installation of lights at the Technical

Centre.

“I wish to express sincere gratitude to the administration led by our former President, Mr. Carl Dickson, whose leadership recognized the need for this project in the aftermath of the devastating eruption of the La Soufriere volcano in 2021. His administration made the bold appeal to FIFA, which resulted in the approval of US $400,000 to begin financing this initiative. Today, we proudly witness the fruit of that vision”, Spring related.

He proudly declared amidst the celebration, “This achievement is not for any individual President or Executive. It belongs to our national players, our affiliates, our clubs, our coaches,

our referees, our communities, and our entire football community”.

Support and endorsement came from Malaika Church- FIFA Regional Development Manager- Malaika Church, who reaffirmed that the project, “provides national teams and clubs with a dedicated, high-quality environment to improve performance and prepare to compete at the highest levels. Equally important, it creates opportunities for the community to foster healthy lifestyles. Having access to a purpose-built training space is a significant step forward”.

In continuing the benefits of the entire undertaking, Church proffered: “It establishes a spectrum hub, where players, coaches, where players, coaches. and the football community can come together to develop, learn, and pursue excellence, this milestone should be a source of great pride. We are forcing the federation’s commitment to provide the best possible environment for player development, community. engagement, and the continued growth of football across the nation”.

Also addressing the opening were Melisa Cuzanni, Senior Project

SVG, Dominica take 1st innings honours

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESand

Dominica took first innings honors when both matches in the 2026 Windward Islands Senior three-day cricket tournament ended in draws earlier this week in Grenada.

At the La Sagesse playing field, SVG secured a 26-run first innings advantage. Grenada made 288 from 95 overs - Daniel McDonald 52, Kirt Murray 52, Kirsten Murray 47. Ryan John 45 - Kenneth Dember 4 for 91, Asif Hooper 3 for 65. SVG posted 314 from 89 overs -. Ethan Gibson 93, Desron Maloney 72, Keron Cottoy 36, Asif Hooper 40 not out.

Sherman Lewis 3 for 30. Batting a second time,

Theo Edwards hit an entertaining118 for St. Lucia.

Grenada reached 206 for 7 from 71 overs - Kirsten Murray 74, Daniel McDonald 51 not outDember 2 for 63, Hooper 3 for 36. At the Tanteen Playing Field, had the better of St. Lucia with a 71-run first innings lead.

Ethan Gibson stroked 93 for SVG.

Scores: Dominica 250 from 83 overs. Alick Athanaze 64, Jervin Benjamin 55, Jedd Joseph 50 - Tarrique Edward 4 for 42; and 295 from 70 overs - Lee Joseph 4 for 52. St. Lucia 171 from 32 overs, Jaden Elibox 37, Lee John 24 - Kyron

Malaika Church - FIFA Regional Development Manager- underscored the role the Centre can play in fostering healthy lifestyles in the community.

Manager and Financial Governance at FIFA Foundation and Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and the Creative Industries- Kaschaka Cupid.

Weekend centuries in 1st Div. cricket

SHEM BROWNE AND COSMOS HACKSHAW hit centuries to highlight last weekend’s runs fest in the National Lottery Authorities (NLA) First Division cricket competition.

At Park Hill, Browne stroked 125 not out as A&A Electronics North Windward crushed Prime Consulting Marriaqua by a whopping 275 runs.

Prime Consulting Marriaqua won the toss and decided to bowl.

North Windward capitalized on a good wicket to reach 321 off 32.4 overs, Browne leading the batting and Javon Richardson hit 53.

In the midst of a run fest, Tyrese Francois turned in a remarkable 7 for 67.

Kenneth Dember had a 6-wicket haul for SVG.

Phillips 4 for 40, Gilon Tyson 2 for 54; and 258 for 7 from 60 oversTheo Edward 118, Dominic Auguste 51, Stephen Naitram 54 not out - Jahseon Alexander 4 for 69, Micah Joseph 3 for 72.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Prime Consulting Marriaqua were skittled for 46 - Micah Joseph took 3 for 14, and Drumo Toney took 2 for 25.

At Buccament, Smashers made light of Victors Two beating them by 10 wickets. Victors Two made 89 off 20 .2 overs - Allistair

for Keegan’s Bequia 11.

Shallow top scored with 22 runs. Bowling for Smashers - Marvin Harry 2 for 9, Travis Cumberbatch 2 for 20, Noland Williams took 3 for 44.

Smasher raced to 92 without loss - Imran Samuel top scored with 58 not out and Rohan Ash was on 22 not out.

At Arnos Vale 2, Keegan’s Bequia 11 defeated Super sixers by 209 runs, thanks to a swashbuckling century by Casmus Hackshaw, who got 122 of Bequia’s 299 runs for 9. Olando Lavia hit 42 and Lennox Ince 40. Wesley Roban took 3 for 66. Super sixers were rattled and eventually got to 90, Dante Hinson top scored with 21. Delroy Craigg took 3 for 25, Lorrane Ollivierre took 2 for 12 and Jenry Ollivierre took 2 for 6 bowling for Bequia.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Shem Browne hit 125 not out for North Windward.

Below: Cosmos Hackshaw top scored with 122 runs

Justin Greaves routs Pakistan

THE GAME OF CRICKET lives up to its expectations of glorious uncertainties. That has been said over and over.

Persons can vouch for the unfolding of unlikely events. So on should be prepared.

No one would have tipped Justin Greaves to be a fast bowling hero… Man of the Match in a test match, West Indies against Pakistan.

Fans will be intrigued with the course of this encounter. West Indies folded for 311 in the first innings. That might have been viewed as a below par total. But the Brian Lara Cricket Academy stadium, in Trinidad and Tobago was staging its first Test and no one knew what to expect.

Pakistan were riding high at one stage: 244 for 3 and by all indications were on course to securing a first innings lead. That would have been a different outlook. West Indian fans might have begun to panic given the likelihood of a dismal performance in the second innings.

Justin Greaves is guided by no script. He reeled off a performance that the record books find unusual.

He picked up five wickets over a five over period, without conceding a run. Statisticians were perhaps shocked to uncover that mystery. There it is nevertheless.

Greaves might have been inspired by his fellow speedster Shamar Joseph. He made the breakthrough at 244. Greaves turned it into a one man wrecking encounter with his five wicket burst.

That penetration plunged Pakistan to 282 giving West Indies a 29 run lead. As faith has, the West Indies almost squandered Greaves’ platform. For at 93 for 7 at one stage, it appeared that Greaves’ effort might have been in vain. It took a rear guard action by Shamar Joseph and Kemar roach who shared a 61 run eighth wicket stand to give respectability to the team total.

The West Indians fell for 181, giving Pakistan 211 for victory. By then, uncertainty over pitch conditions was an overriding factor, and pundits had long declared that anything over 170 presented a difficult target.

Their suspicions proved right from early in the Pakistan hunt. Matters got progressively worse for the Pakistanis and by early afternoon on the fourth day, they were 71 for 9. It appeared a forgone conclusion, but cricket is cricket. Pakistan punched their way to 120, courtesy a last ditch stand by Mohammad Abbas 23 and skipper Babar Azam 58 not out.

The second innings hero for the West Indies was Jayden Seales with 5 for 20. But Greaves received the Man of the Match award. He picked up a further two wickets in the seconds and with three catches during the match and scores of 15 and 20, those were sufficient to give him the award.

The teams head to Queen’s park Oval for the second test starting August second. That will be a new ball game. How that pitch plays will be determined over the course of the game? Suffice it to say that pitch conditions will be a factor.

Grenadine sailing gets a boost

SIX SAILING BOATS that spent more than 25 years in storage at a British Army base have been shipped to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and delivered to the Grenadine islands of Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island, where they will help support and develop sailing opportunities for local communities. They have been shipped to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and delivered to the Grenadine islands of Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island, where they will help support and develop sailing opportunities for local communities. The project was made possible through the generosity and commitment of David Barnard and Kestrel Liner Agencies UK, with significant support from Marlon Gibson of Kestrel SVG.

Grenadines, provided vital laison with the British Army.

“I am delighted to support the SVG Sailing Association in developing young sailors who will hopefully go on to represent SVG in international competitions. Great to see the enthusiasm from the young sailors”, Patton said.

Before the boats could begin their journey, members of Vincy Sailors spent two days carrying out repairs, maintenance work and sea trials to ensure the vessels were seaworthy after years in storage.

took eight hours. Setting off at 7:00 a.m., the sailors guided the restored boats through the Grenadines to their new home.

The expedition was supported throughout by a safety team from Blue Lagoon Boat Charters, while the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard regularly checked on the fleet’s progress.

Local ferry operators also contributed to the success of the voyage by giving the boats plenty of room as they made their way south.

valuable resources that will benefit communities across the Grenadines for years to come.”

Their arrival will help expand access to sailing across the Grenadines and create new opportunities for young people and communities in Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island in line with the SVG Sailing Association strategy.

Assistance liasing with the British Army was provided by Geoff Paton, Resident British Commissioner to St. Vincent and the

On 21 July 2026, a team of Vincy Sailors embarked on an ambitious sail from St. Vincent to Canouan, covering approximately 34 miles in a voyage that

“This journey demonstrates what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision,” said Jenny Trumble, President of the Sailing Association. “These boats have gone from sitting unused for more than two decades to becoming

The Vincy Sailors involved in the exercise were: Scarlett Hadley, Akira Browne, Ila Mitchell, Zach McLawrence, Isaiah Blackett, Rio Marks Dasent, Kai Marks Dasent, Jordi Lewis, Benji Cyrus, Noe Dulac, Logan Banfield, Kishon Bruno, Joseph Hadley, Tai Mitchell, Elfie Holden, Rob Holden, Martin Ince, Jenny Trumble.

Mitchell returned as BBA president

SABRINA MITCHELL was re-elected President of the Bequia Basketball Association (BBA) following elections for a new executive at its Annual General Meeting of Wednesday, July 22, at the Clive Tannis Hard Court.

Mitchell is not only the founder of the Association but has served as its president since its establishment in 1999.

She will have Steveon Taylor as her deputy on an executive that will serve for the 2026-2028 term.

The rest of the executive are, Treasurer: Colson Peters, General Secretary: Reba Ollivierre, Games Secretary: Keithroy Lavia, Players’ Representative: Dr. Ashborne Phillips, Public Relations Officer: Ella MitchellSutton, Assistant Games Secretary: Jermaine John, Assistant Treasurer/Secretary: Natisha Hazell. Committee Members are, Kirsta Bailey, Jadley Bynoe, Denroy Hutchins, Jemuel Hutchins and Lennox Ince.

After the election, Mitchell expressed confidence in the newly

elected Executive and its vision for the Association, and made a note of seeing more women taking on leadership roles within sports.

“The Bequia Basketball Association looks forward to an exciting term highlighted by the return of its annual tournament, continued investment in player and official development, and strengthening partnerships that support the growth of basketball across Bequia and the Grenadines,” Mitchell said.

The meeting provided members with an opportunity to reflect on recent achievements while outlining priorities for the next two years.

Discussions centered on preparations for the 24th Annual

Bequia Basketball

to open August 1st); the hosting of referee development clinics and expanding the Association’s youth basketball programme.

Tournament (set

Front Row L-R: Jadley Bynoe, Denroy Hutchins, Kirsta Bailey, Jermaine John, Colson Peters. Back Row L-R: Dr. Ashborne Phillips, Lennox Ince. Sabrina Mitchell, Ella Mitchell-Sutton, Natisha Hazell. Reba Ollivierre, Jemuel Hutchins.

Membesr of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club with Geoff Patton, Resident British Commissioner (2nd from left front) with one of the boats destined for use in the Grenadines.

Cruise Sector Stakeholders in consultation

Continued from Frontpage.

The meeting provided stakeholders with an update on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Global Ports Holding. It created an opportunity for participants to share feedback, raise concerns, and offer recommendations on the proposed partnership.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Kishore Shallow said the Government remains committed to ensuring that the partnership delivers meaningful benefits for Vincentians.

“This partnership with Global Ports Holding represents a transformational opportunity for our cruise industry, but its true success will be

measured by the extent to which it benefits our people,” the Minister said.

“The consultation was about listening to the voices of those who are the backbone of the cruise sector – our vendors, tour operators, taxi drivers, artisans, businesses and community stakeholders. Their insights are essential as we build a modern, competitive and inclusive cruise destination.”

The Minister added that the Government is focused on ensuring the partnership creates sustainable economic opportunities while strengthening the country’s position within the regional cruise industry.

“We are committed to ensuring that this partnership delivers sustainable economic growth, creates new

opportunities for Vincentians, and strengthens our position as one of the Caribbean’s premier cruise destinations,” he stated.

Highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement, Minister Shallow noted that tourism development must always place people at its centre.

“Tourism is fundamentally about people. Infrastructure and investment are important, but they must ultimately improve livelihoods and enhance the visitor experience. Through open dialogue and collaboration, we can ensure that this partnership reflects our national aspirations while preserving the unique character and hospitality that define our country.”

The consultation forms part of the

Government’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders as discussions continue on the proposed partnership with Global Ports Holding. Feedback received during the session will help inform the next steps in the process as the Government works to ensure the partnership supports sustainable tourism development and delivers long-term benefits for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (API SVG)

FOR LEASE OR SALE

One Small Wall House Ottley Hall Wesley John

Upholstery Service

Tel: 432-5071

CRUISE SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS IN CONSULTATION

(Photo Source: API SVG)

THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINEShas reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and competitive cruise tourism industry through extensive consultations with key stakeholders on the proposed partnership between the Government and Global Ports Holding.

The consultation brought together representatives from across the cruise sector, including members of the Taxi Association, tour operators, hoteliers,

donp@vincysurf.com

Left: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow and CEO/Tourism Authority Shafia London led the discussions that were reportedly open and frank.

Below: Contributions from the ‘floor’ were fast and many and profound.

vendors, artisans and other tourism stakeholders. Government representatives included the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable

Development, Hon. Dr. Kishore Shallow; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Donna JoyetteBascombe; Chief Executive Officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Shafia London; and Solicitor General, Cerepha Harper-Joseph.

Continued on Page 3.

SHAFIQUA IN COMMONWEALTH GAMES FINAL

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ Shafiqua Maloney is into the women’s 800m final of the XXIII Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, Scotland.

She successfully negotiated her first-round heat on Monday, July 27, 2026, with a 2:02.83, earning a place in Wednesday’s semifinal.

Running in semifinal one, at the Scotstoun Stadum, Maloney who led for most of the race, finished second in a time of 1:59.81.

The final is carded for 3:25pm Eastern Time / 825 British Standard Time, Friday, July 31.

Maloney, who was just outside the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was the second Vincentian to reach the finals at the Games, following Uroy Ryan’s berth in the Men’s Long Jump.

Ryan, who went into Wednesday’s final with an 8.04m leap in the preliminaries, finished sixth with a leap of 7.93m.

Meanwhile, Handal Roban was set to run the men’s 800m semifinal on Thursday, July 30. Amal Glasgow had earlier advanced to the semifinals of the men’s 400m.

In his first-round heat, Roban timed 1:47.28 and Glasgow- 46.03.

The finals of the 800m and 400m take place on Saturday, August 1.

The other Track and Field representative was Mc Kish Compton, whose 10.51s in the Men’s 100m was not good enough to get him past the first round.

Meanwhile, three swimmers- Kennice Greene, Alexander Joachim and Matthew Ballah, were also part of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Greene timed 1:01.28 in the Women’s 100m Freestyle and 29.11s in the 50m Butterfly, with Joachim timing 23.98s in the Men’s 50m Freestyle, as well as 30.12s in the 50m Breaststroke. Ballah swam 28.44s in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke.

Shafiqua Maloney leads the pack in semifinal one of the 800m.