HISTORY WAS CREATED AT VICTORIA PARK, Saturday 5th July, 2025, when the defending soca monarch, Delroy “Fireman” Hooper, and a former soca monarch, Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle, teamed up to sweep away all other contestants in the 2025 National Soca Monarch competition.
the regional and international stages.
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers, horns, banging, as the MC announced the two heavyweights.
The two soca legends combined to take the Soca Monarch title with their collaboration entitled, “Eruption”. The duet was awarded 396 points.
Before they got into their stride, the large screen at the back of the stage burst forth with an image of President Trump, who then began addressing the thousands-strong crowd, using an AI edited audio, and called on Professor Richard “Richie” Robertson, lead Scientist monitoring the volcano on St. Vincent, to address indications of an imminent eruption.
It was the first time in the history of the competition that a duet had taken the title, and not just any duet but one comprised of the two heavyweights in the local soca arena.
And by coming together on the same stage, the two put out to pasture any thoughts that they were enemies and not simply rivals, responsible for propelling the local soca contribution on to
The video transitioned to Professor Robertson who confirmed that the volcano was going to blow, a signal for the lights to switch to Fireman Hooper standing on a prop that resembled a volcano, while Skinny Fabulous appeared on stage in a full-metal like outfit as though attired to resist the force of the explosion/eruption.
Continued on page 3
Two soca icons on the same stage could only mean an “eruption” of talent. When
Starlift continues rule over pan
THE EL DORADO STARLIFT STEEL ORCHESTRAare the 2025 Senior Panorama Champions. In so doing they retain their hold on the title they won in 2024.
The Old Montrose- based steel orchestra played a Dante Pantin arrangement of D Rebels’ ‘Jerking up their waist’, and best Epic Sounds Steel orchestra into second place by a margin of 288 to 274 points. Epic Sounds rendered Fireman Hooper’s ‘Soca Battlefield’ arranged by Jonny Pompey.
A Jomorro Francis’ arrangement of Becket’s “Too much iron’ earned Symphonix Steel Orchestra third place with 233 points.
Genesis Steel orchestra finished fourth with 191 points. They rendered ‘Musical Ride; by Johnny ‘Johnny Rebel’ Hall.
And Starlift, with 261 points emerged once again winners of the VINLEC Community Bands category,
with a rendition of ‘Johnny Rebel’s ‘Musical Ride’ arranged by Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts.
Their arch rivals Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra followed in second place with 249 points, after rendering a Septimus Cain arrangement of Touch ‘Move yo front’.
Symphonix, rendering an arrangement of Poorsah’s ‘Go right up in dey’, occupied third place with 238 points.
And there was yet another repeat winner, this time among the school bands category.
Bishop’s College Kingstown romped home winners with 246 points. They played a Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts’ arrangement of Touch ‘Sweet Music in Me’.
Second place, with 226 points, went to CW Prescott Primary performing ‘I am an African’ by Becket (220 points), while third place was taken by the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School, with a rendition of Skinny Fabulous‘This island is mine; which earned them points.
In a statement following their victories, theStarlift Steel orchestra stated inter alia, “A special thank you goes out to the unsung heroes, the parents of our junior players. Your support to our organization and your kids cannot go unnoticed. Last but not least, to our fans who have remained with us through thick and thin we say thank you and would look forward to your continued support.” (KH)
Another Road March for Problem Child
SHERTZ ‘PROBLEM CHILD’ JAMES is closing in on the leading roam march winners in SVG.
Since this country began on 1971 selecting locally composed and sung calypsos as the annual road march, there have been only two individuals and one band that have copped more than five titles.
The most recent to reach that milestone is ‘Problem Child’ who literally ran away with the 2025 Road March with his monster hit ‘Fraid Horn’. And to show that he may just have hit on the formula for the road march, he not only won with ‘Fraid Horn’ but he came in second with his ‘Pong Pong’.
Problem Childs now adds this year’s win to those he had in 2007 (Party Animal), 2009 (Mad House), 2017 (Never Bow), and 2024 (Carnival Jumbie).
The band Touch lies just one title ahead of Problem Child, having won a total of six road march titles in including five consecutive titles between 1991 to
1995, and the other in 1989.
Touch record reads as follows: 1991 (Move yo Front), 1992 (Puss man), 1993 (Kangaroo), 1994 (Butt), 1995 (Macco) and 1989 (take Away).
Alston BECKET Cyrus remains as of 2025, the winner of the most Road March titles (eight) as follows: 1978 (Wine down Kingstown), 1980 (Cocoa), 1985 (Tone), 1986 (Ah want Soca); 1987 (Ten years), 1990 (Teaser), 1998 (Tone Up) and 1999 (Small Pin).
The first local Road March, 1971, was a song entitled ‘Sweeter than this’, composed and sung by Lloyd “Caribbean Hawke’ Providence.
Caribbean Hawke went on to capture the title in 1972 (Oupane) and 1973 (Dong Dong).
El Dorado Starlift Steel Orchestra doing what they do best – winning another Senior Panorama title, 2025.
The Bishop’s College Kingstown Steel Orchestra is carving a hold on the Schools Panorama title.
Like their senior colleagues, the Junior Starlift Steel Orchestra is fast becoming a dominant force among the Junior Community bands.
Epic Sounds Steel Orchestra is the newest orchestra to compete in the panorama.
Shertz ‘Problem Child’ James took both first and second place in the race for the 2025 Road March and edges closer to the leaders in that race.
The St, Mary’s RC School cut a smart picture with their uniforms that blended with their pan. A young side that promises much for the future.
Historic Soca Monarch: Rivals combine to take title
Continued from frontpage
THE EMISSION OF A POWDERY SUBSTANCEinto the night’s atmosphere created the effect of an eruption, that sent the crowd into a frenzy and the duet moved into their rendition that commanded the attention of the audience from start to finish.
The writing was in the wall. A carefully blended performance of two otherwise contrasting figures was going to be hard to beat. And they were.
Between them they now have 18 soca monarch titles, with Hooper accounting for thirteen soca monarch crowns, and Skinny Fabulous five crowns, the latter having less appearances in the competition.
Following their victory, the artistes said that their joint performance was driven by love of the culture and country.
Second place in the competition was taken by the new Ragga Soca MonarchUtamu “Bongo Prime” Rose with his performance of “Maddest Place”. He secured 373 points. Jamarie Romel “L Pank” Stepleton filled the third spot with “Love Yuh Bad”, amassing a total of 358 points
Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd, with her song “Acrobat,” tied for fourth place with the Claydon “Dymez” Roache and Elrico “Dapixel” Hunte duet, who performed “Mas Forever”. The fourth places tied on 347 points.
And as the soca enthusiasts sober up and reflect on the history that many of them witnessed in ‘live and living colour’, questions are already being raised in many circles: Who will defend the title in 2026? Will the duet “stay together in defence of the title? Will each man go his separate way thereby relinquishing the title and opening the competition to crowning a new monarch in 2026? Will the CDC change the rule of the competition so as to avoid a repeat this year’s outcome? Only time will tell.
Utamu “Bongo Prime” Rose – second place – quickly climbing up the soca ladder.
Jamarie Romel “L Pank” Stepleton, third, took a rather sentimental theme and translated into a soca hit.
Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd – continues to impress the local music scene with her versatility.
The Claydon “Dymez” Roache and Elrico “Dapixel” Hunte duet, perennial as the grass – always among those that rise from among the crowd.
Retired educator to receive compensation
Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS
RONNIE WILLIAMS, a 32-year-old store clerk of Rockies, who punctured the car tyres of 61-yearold retired adult educator Leroy Rock, about two months ago, will have to pay compensation in the sum of $500.
Williams, was ordered to pay Rock $100 forthwith or one month in prison, and the balance of $400 by August 14, or nine months behind bars.
Williams was also bonded for six months in breach of the bond, he would have to pay the Court $900 forthwith or go to prison for four months. He was also ordered to undergo an anger management exercise at Marian House.
Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie handed down the penalties at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after Williams pleaded guilty to, without lawful excuse, damaged the left rear of left front tyres of motor vehicle PV936, the property of Leroy Rock, intending to damage such property. Both tyres together valued EC$500.
The facts, presented by court clerk, constable 111 Kysa Mofford, showed that around 11:30 a.m. on May 13, 2025, Rock parked his Toyota Runx car in a space outside of ‘Home Collection’ store, No 2, on Granby Street. The area where Rock parked his vehicle is not designated for parking.
While parking there, several workers at the ‘Home Collection’ store confronted him about his parking.
However, Rock left the vehicle intact and went to a meeting in close proximity to the area. He returned a few minutes later, but as he was in the process of moving the vehicle, he heard an
unfamiliar sound coming from the left side of the car. As a result, he stopped and checked the vehicle and observed that both tyres on the left side were flat. Closer inspection revealed that one of the tyres had a large cut while the other had a punctured hole. He reported the matter to the police at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) the Central Police Station. The scene was visited by Constable 1007 Kentish Pope, who had taken the report from Rock and PC203 Gopal from the Criminal Records Office (CRO), who photographed the damages.
Further investigations were carried out, during which PC Pope observed that a lamp-pole located about 15 ft away was retrofitted with a CCTV camera.
The footage was applied for and later extracted. It was reviewed, and revealed that the defendant who appeared to be an employee of the ‘Home Collection’ store, walked to the left side of the vehicle, took an unknown object from his pocket and pierced both tyres with the object.
Williams was arrested on suspicion and taken into custody. He was cautioned and interviewed and gave a statement to the police admitting to the offense.
When Magistrate McKenzie asked Williams, “Tell me why you taking up people scroundel, and should not be punished for it”? He replied, I am not a troublesome person”.
But Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre told the Court that Williams had a previous conviction.
Williams went on to explain that on many occasions workers at the store warned Rock about parking in that spot. He noted that Rock was not attached to the store in any way.
“We spoke to him on many occasions, but he always disrespect us and pull us down”, he said, adding that Rock continued to park there, despite being spoken to several times and it was becoming
Women charged in Carnival wounding
2025 was generally considered peaceful, there was at least one exception, involving three women on Carnival Tuesday.
Sade Regisford, a 19year-old of Greiggs, and Kerisa Jack, a 21-yearold of Lowmans Windward, both unemployed, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after being charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding L’Oreal Nero, a 22-year-old female teacher of Barrouallie. The women pleaded guilty when they stood before Senior Magistrate
McKenzie.
The facts, presented by court clerk, Constable 111 Kysa Mofford, showed that Nero knows Regisford very well as they both attended the same college, but they are not friends, as Regisford would make derogatory remarks on seeing Nero, sometimes referring to her as an ‘old hoe’.
Sometime in June 2025, Nero and Regisford got into an altercation at the Georgetown Carnival celebrations during which Nero struck Regisford with her cellular phone.
Nero and Jack are friends, but Nero has
stopped speaking to her.
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025 about 9:30 a.m. Nero went to Kingstown to participate in the Mardi Gras activities with the band ‘Oxygen’ at the cruise ship terminal, Kingstown.
At about 7:30, Nero returned to the cruise ship terminal to get a snack. After eating, she proceeded to the exit gate, where a friend called out to her.
However, as she greeted the friend, Regisford confronted her and said, “L’Oreal, yo see you L’Oreal”.
Nero ignored her and was about to walk away when Regisford grabbed onto her costume, and stated, “Me nah going fight L’Oreal”.
Suddenly, Jack held onto Nero’s costume and pushed her onto a fencing, following which Regisford struck Nero to the left side of her forehead with a cup, labelled ‘Oxygen’, that Regisford was holding.
Nero endured a lot of pain and felt what appeared to be blood running profusely down her face. Two police officers intervened and
overbearing.
Williams, however, admitted that he (Williams) may have overreacted in the circumstances. When the Magistrate asked him whether he would be able to pay a fine or/and compensation, he said he had “no problem” with either. He said he worked for $300 per week, and is the father of an 8year-old, who lives with him.
Leroy Rock is to be compensated by the perpetrator.
“Try your best, people will tempt you, control your temper”, the Magistrate told Williams before he left the dock.
Williams had one previous conviction for burglary.
MELINDO ROBINSON, a 24-year-old Penniston woman, who is accused of destroying the agricultural produce of another villager, was released on bail when she appeared in Court yesterday (Thursday).
Robinson has been charged with destroying 38 plantain plants, valued at $456, the property of Alvena Westfield, a 43-year-old of Twenty Hill, Penniston.
Robinson pleaded not guilty when she stood before Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre did not object to bail, and informed the Court that the Prosecution intends to call three witnesses.
Robinson was granted bail on condition that she report to the Vermont Police Station every Monday. She will return to court at a later date.
apprehended Regisford and Jack.
Nero accompanied them to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where she made a formal report.
Regisford volunteered a written statement to the police, admitting to the offense, stating that she wanted to tell Nero to stop spreading derogatory information about her to others, but Nero would not listen and struck her (Regisford) in her belly with her elbow, which got her upset.
As a result, she retaliated by striking Nero in the head with
the cup. Jack also volunteered a written statement, saying that she stood between Nero and Regisford while they were speaking, and Nero pushed her with her hand, following which Regisford struck Nero with the cup.
The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, July 16, to give the police a chance to review the file and to allow Nero to complete her medicals.
Regisford and Jack were each granted $2,000 bail with one surety on condition that they do not contact the virtual complainant, and do not leave the state before July 15.
Youth insists cutlass was for genuine use
A REDEMPTION SHARPES
youth has maintained that a cutlass allegedly found in his possession on J’0uvert morning, was for use at his workplace, and not as an offensive weapon, as stated by the prosecution.
Fitzroy Nanton has been charged with, that on July 7, 2025, without lawful excuse, in a public place, to wit, Bay Street, Kingstown, had in his possession an offensive weapon, to wit, a cutlass.
Police arrested Nanton around 5:45 a.m. on July 7 after he was allegedly searched and found in possession of the cutlass in a backpack he was carrying.
Nanton had pleaded guilty, when he appeared before Senior
Magistrate Tammika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
He, however, disagreed with the facts and stated that he was a construction worker and used the cutlass to clean foundations. He said he left home at about 5 p.m the previous day, but decided to enjoy some of the Carnival activities with his friends before going home. He also denied that he told the police, he had the cutlass for his protection.
As a result of Nanton’s explanation, the Magistrate gave him the options of either vacating his guilty plea and go to trial before another Magistrate, or accept the facts, as stated by the prosecution.
But Nanton insisted that he did not have the cutlass in his possession for use as an offensive weapon.
As a result, a not guilty plea was entered, and the matter was adjourned to Tuesday, July 15, to be heard before another Magistrate at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court.
Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre did not object to bail, but requested suitable surety and reporting conditions.
Nanton was granted $1,200 bail with one surety on condition that he report to the Central Police Station every Friday between 6 a.m and 6 p.m.
WHILE VINCYMAS
Tammika
Ronnie Williams seemed to taken it upon himself to inflict damage on Rick’s vehicle.
New CCJ President sworn in
President, the Honourable
(Photos courtesy CCJ Secretariat)
ON SUNDAY, 6 July 2025, the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson was swornin as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica by His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J, Governor-General of Jamaica. The ceremony was held ahead of the Opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and was attended by the Secretary-General of CARICOM, CARICOM Heads of Government, regional Heads of Judiciaries, Government Ministers, and former CCJ Presidents.
In his remarks, President Anderson, a national of Jamaica and the first Jamaican to be appointed to the CCJ bench, noted, ‘As I assume the office of President of the Court, I do so not in isolation, but as part of a broader regional movement of national judiciaries dedicated to delivering accessible justice, ensuring respect for and advancing the rule of law, protecting and promoting human rights, and supporting sustainable development in our countries.’
President Anderson was appointed a Judge of the Court in 2010.
Prior to joining the Court, he served as a lecturer at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Cave Hill from 1988 until 2003. During his tenure he served as Deputy Dean, Head of the Teaching Department of Law, and UWI Senior Lecturer in Law. He has also served as General Counsel of CARICOM on secondment from The UWI.
The role of the President
Speaking of the role of the President in the region, Dr Carla Barnett, CBE, CARICOM Secretary-General, remarked ‘the Office of the President carries not only the highest responsibility within the judicial system, but also embodies the trust and confidence of the people. It is a role that calls for wisdom in judgment, integrity in conduct, and leadership in times of challenge and change. The CCJ President not only presides over judgments, but also shapes the tone, integrity, and institutional strength of the Court itself. This leadership will be crucial as we navigate complex legal issues in an era defined by technological change, social transformation, and global interconnectedness.’
Mr Justice Anderson will serve as President for no longer than the statutory period of seven years. He replaces Mr Justice Adrian Saunders who was also in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony. Speaking of President Anderson at the event, Mr Justice Saunders stated, ‘Throughout his time at the CCJ, Mr Justice Anderson fully demonstrated that he
is an extremely hardworking and dynamic Judge. Since he joined the Court, he has sat on all the cases that have come our way in which we have been tasked with interpreting and applying the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. He has also sat on over 200 appeals from the various states that send their final appeals to us. He has written or co-authored some 32 opinions, and in most of these, he has delivered the leading opinion of the Court.’
In his remarks, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and Chairman of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government congratulated President Anderson stating, ‘to the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson, I extend warm and sincere congratulations. Your appointment is
a moment of pride not only for Jamaica but for the entire region. You bring to this office a distinguished legal mind, profound commitment to Caribbean Jurisprudence, and decades of service grounded in scholarship and vision.’ (Source: CCJ Secretariat)
The Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson, fourth CCJ President, takes the oath of office during his swearing-in ceremony.
CCJ
Mr. Justice Winston Anderson holds the CCJ seal during his inauguration ceremony held over the weekend.
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
Carnival and Development
(First
published in THE VINCENTIAN of Fri. July 14, 2023.)
THE REVELRY IS OVER. We will attempt to return to our ‘normal’ lives but if the truth be told, even as we strain to get into that mode many of us will be preparing for the next big party, Vincymas 2024. It seems that is how we are wired in this technology and social media driven society.
Amidst all the revelry, fetes, music and dazzling costumes, and the changing course of our culture, which is supposedly dynamic and not static, there is a more serious dimension to this thing we call carnival.
For beyond its draw as a multisensory cultural display, carnival is also about serving economic drivers and community builders, a potential that just might still not be genuinely embraced by government and policymakers, since they continue to pay only lip service to carnival and how it can truly improve the lives of people in SVG.
Yes, we hear this and that technocrat speaking a language that says beyond the sequins of the costumes and the music, carnival is (supposed) to be an expression of the potential of the creative industries. (There’s that new expression which makes the modern day technocrat feel like he/she has invented something new.)
Has anyone stopped to do a detailed study of how much revenue carnival is responsible for encouraging, producing? It’s high time we stop talking the talk and walk the walk.
We owe the creatives (there’s another new word) … not only to qualify their contribution to the country’s GDP but to quantify it. … to give it real meaning.
‘Creatives’ deserve our recognition for it is they who, having been born into the tradition of carnival, it is in their blood and they maintain that organic connection as the basis for the growth of carnival.
That is why, more and more there are those who say carnival is not just a 10-day event; it is part of our being… it offers opportunity for business.
Take it or leave it, carnival generates temporary and permanent jobs before it formally starts, hiring in the process local artisans, musicians, costume makers, hospitality staff.
But understanding carnival is more than examining its economic significance. There can be no complete study of carnival or no real understanding of this immensely powerful experience if we do not take into account its social role.
The carnival is not just revelry and music. It is a tool for social impact and cultural promotion. That is why it is important to work with children and youth to pass on our values and cultural manifestations, teaching them to appreciate our roots and rhythms.
Inclusiveness and diversity are at the core of carnivals. From their very origins, they emerged as celebrations for all: the rich and the poor; women and men; the religious and the non-believers.
Carnival is meant to make all attendees equal, blurring racial, financial, social and gender barriers. Although it represents traditions and heritage, it is characterized by its ability to evolve with the times, expanding to encompass groups that were historically marginalized.
As times evolve, carnival — as any other tradition — needs to keep up the pace, not only to secure is existence, but to find more ways to benefit the communities they serve and engage greater audiences.
The carnival of the future should cease to focus solely on the number of visitors they receive. In order to turn them into engines of development of their cities, government must strengthen specific typologies of tourism.
While there are many opportunities to integrate carnivals and the creative industries, efforts to do so are still incipient. For that reason, we should consider hosting an event that has as its theme, ‘CoCreating the Carnival of the Future”, in which representatives of the government join members of the private sector, academics and carnival-related actors and carnival makers in identifying the challenges of the main celebration and exploring solutions.
Public policy has a large role to play in increasing regulations over heritage, investment on folkloric groups and entrepreneurship as well as the advent of new economic models to safeguard carnivals.
Some More on Food Sovereignty
AS STATED LAST WEEK, I’m intrigued by what the agriculture minister meant when he embraced the ambitious regional goal of slashing food imports by 25% by 2025. It signals a decisive move towards enhancing food security and championing greater food sovereignty.
Question of the day: Would any political parties scheduled to participate in the upcoming election be bold enough to say what we need to hear? A stroll through our local supermarkets reveals a treasure trove of items that could be grown at home. I can tell you what I am not hearing from anyone: no detailed action plan. No one is willing to say they will increase VAT on all imported items that can be grown locally. Or what specific incentives will they provide farmers to encourage them to go “back to the land”
Without any meaningful proposal, food security and food sovereignty will be slogans.
I introduced the idea of food sovereignty last week, so I feel somewhat obligated to expand on it. It is worth repeating that I favor developing a path towards maximizing our food sovereignty (independence).
Shifting our focus towards food sovereignty makes the conversation come alive–it’s all about the people and our collective future. Let us not deceive ourselves in this conversation. The 25% food sufficiency goal is well within reach and represents about 75% of the maximum achievable goal.
Food sovereignty is a movement that empowers people to shape their own food and agriculture systems. Could we imagine SVG where those participating in farming can grow food, prioritized for local consumption, and not for export? I could. Today’s underlying conversation around agriculture always seems to end with foreign market objectives. Now, I am fully aware that we are not in a position to provide all our essential food elements locally to satisfy our dietary needs. I recently heard a report on the British Broadcasting Corporation suggesting that Guyana is the only Caribbean nation close to such a designation. This means they can produce enough fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, plant-based proteins, and starchy staples to meet their citizens’ dietary needs. In addition to large swaths of land available to cultivate the food they need, they also have abundant water. Water will be one of our biggest challenges as we move towards food
sovereignty.
To approach food sovereignty, we must focus on feeding our people first and less on producing food for export. Please make this make sense to me. We export cattle and fish, and import the same products to sell in our supermarkets. We cannot continue to treat food as a commodity for international trade and agribusiness. Our agricultural trade will not be the primary source of balancing our trade with Trinidad.
We must focus on the people and food for the nation. We must celebrate the farmers, the backyard gardeners, those who tend the livestock, and those we now call fisherfolks. The funny thing about food sovereignty is that it brings people together. It localizes the food production system. It puts farmers and consumers at the center of the decisionmaking process about what farmers should grow.
When I think of food sovereignty, I think of SVG as a place where the food on your plate isn’t just fresh but a testament to the rich cultural connection we once had with the land and the local farmers. When we embrace locally grown food, we defend ourselves against poor-quality and unhealthy options–say goodbye to genetically modified crops that struggle in our unique climates.
Food sovereignty is our rallying cry for a diverse and thriving agricultural industry. It encourages us to rotate our crops and adopt eco-friendly harvesting methods, harnessing the full power of our ecosystems. This approach isn’t just about food; it’s about building resilient communities that adapt and thrive in a changing climate.
Our farmers are the unsung heroes, wielding invaluable local knowledge and skills to cultivate sustainable food systems. We want to return to the passion and wealth we once had in our farming community and to begin to prepare the next generation of farmers, skillfully blending innovative new technology with cherished traditional practices.
Let’s harness this knowledge and commitment to improve our resilience and adaptation to climate change challenges. Together, we can make food sovereignty a closer reality, celebrating our environment and our health, one delicious meal at a time.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Learning from ‘Fireman’ and ’Skinny’
GAMAL
‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle has made quite a name for himself on the regional and international soca arenas and we can’t take that accolade away from him. He has done his work and is deserving of all the praise and contracts that have come his way.
And fast behind ‘Skinny’ is Shertz ‘Problem Child’ James, who impressed earlier as a composer but is now a full-fledged recording and performing artiste, and is commanding his own space on the soca stage.
Those two talented Vincentians must be recognised for what they have done to keep Vincentian performing and recording artistes in the new wave of Caribbean music. The two can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best soca artistes anywhere in
the world.
But that is not the main concern of this letter, Mr. Editor.
For a very long time in this country, soca fans in this country have been thriving on a rivalry between home-based and multiple times soca monarch Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper and ‘Skinny’. The funny thing is that both men are North Leeward men by birth.
This rivalry is not any different from that between our two major political leaders — Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Dr. Godwin Friday.
The rivalry between the two soca artistes is played out on the soca stage; the other rivalry, i.e. between Dr. Gonsalves and Dr. Friday, is played out year-round in parliament, on radio, public meetings, social
media, and any forum in which there is an opportunity to speak to a wider audience.
After all the years of rivalry fuelled by their fans, radio stations/DJs, private DJs as well as the social media, ‘Fireman’ and ‘Skinny’ have made us swallow our own saliva by coming together and not just performing together, but doing so and winning the 2025 soca monarch title.. making it the first time that a duo has won that competition.
‘Fireman’ and ‘Skinny’ have done something that Dr. Gonsalves and Dr. Friday have failed to do and seemed not prepared to do; ‘Fireman’ and ’Skinny’ have united their fans, who represent a significant and sizeable demographic in our society. Our political leaders have done more
to divide us than they have ever done to unite us.
Maybe they should sit with ‘Fireman’ and ‘Skinny’ to learn how to unite people. Then again, that might be a difficult ask of Dr. Friday since both Fireman and Skinny are known to be supporters of ‘D Comrade’. Nuff said.
Thomas
Congrats to all graduates
THIS IS THE TIMEfor graduations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
I would like to congratulate all graduates at all levels and wish them all the best in the future. I am particularly pleased that the Girls’ High School (GHS)has seen fit to give Legacy Awards to Joy Browne and Yvonne Gaynes. We all stand on the shoulders of others, and these two outstanding GHS graduates and former teachers are truly deserving of this recognition.
Please join me in also congratulating, in particular, the 2025 recipient of the annual
Cheryl Phills King Community Award (CPK) given at GHS, Shania Williams. The community award recipients exemplify the principles of “being positive, selflessly doing good, and striving to make the world a better place by their actions.”
Having started twenty-plus years ago, over the years, the recipients of the CPK Community Award have been: 2004 - Rachael Oliver; 2005 — Tamisha Browne; 2006 — Amber Glasgow; 2007 — Lizanna Pollard; 2008 - Jai-Len Williams; 2009 — Rose-Anne Richardson; 2010 — Lusha Lorraine; 2011 —
River Providence; 2012 — Breanna Antoine; 2013 — Nikelene McLean; 2014 — Kelsie Haynes; 2015 - Justine Farrel; 2016Shantel Williams; 2017-Maya John; 2018 — Rhobyn Grant; 2019 - Ashantae Williams; 2020 - Paige Cadogan; 2021- Davisha Sayers; 2022 - Oslyan Ollivierre -2023 Anna Warrican; 2024 - Aroma David; 2025 - Shania Williams. Congratulations and thanks to an institution and graduates steeped in tradition and legacy.
Keep up the good work.
Cheryl Phills King
PEOPLE ARE ASKING:
* Will Kavem Hodge be recalled to the W.I. team for the third test against Australia or has Coach Sammy and the others banished him to the nevernever land of West Indies cricket like they seemed to have done Tagenarine Chanderpaul?
* Who next in the region will our prime Minister pick on?
* Will Kraig Braithwaite be retained for the third test against the Australians?
* Who next will our Prime Minister pick on?
* Did the Carnival judges have to pick Zion I to “balance off” picking Tajoe and Man Sick for the finals of the calypso Monarch??
* Will we get an idea of how many people came to Vincy for Vincymas 2025?
Attending to our roads
ICAN’Thelp but I have to say it: This government love to, do big projects so that it would appear that they doing so much.
Take the roads in the country for instance. For the last year or so all you hearing and reading about is some big road works being done by BRAGSA. Now I am not saying this is not necessary since the roads have been allowed (I don’t want to say deliberately) to go into serious disrepair like we never seen before in this country. Then, what you expect? We have to spend millions to repair if not build over the roads and is a big show for the government.
The truth is, it is the responsibility of any government, no it is the obligation of any government to see to maintaining the roads throughout the country.
Long ago we used to have road gangs assigned to attending on a regular basis to pot holes and other damage to our roads. The roads were never allowed to fall into disrepair since any signs of that and the road gangs were out, filling potholes and resurfacing where necessary.
You see, we used to have a unit in the Ministry of Works that was responsible for identifying and repairing all potholes. And as far as Kingstown and the environs were concerned, gangs from the Kingstown Town Board was also involved in doing road maintenance.
Why can’t we have something like this again? It would save us money and then we wouldn’t have to be begging all over the place for or borrowing millions to fix our roads.
And by the way, why is the works on that road in Bequia that was crying out for attention for years not yet completed?
It is good to have our roads in good condition but we can go about ensuring this in a different, simpler and even cheaper manner. I gone.
Watcher
Give „Melbourne‰ his due
MR. PADDY COREAcould not have said it any better: Junior “Melbourne” Constance deserves our recognition in a proper manner.
I cannot recall, in my lifetime, “Melbourne” not bringing a band for Mardi Gras. He might never have won a Band of the Year title, in fact the learned judges of mas here have often overlooked his contributions because of how they perceive him, and I make no apology for saying that.
The truth is, there has not been any mas band leader as consistent as “Melbourne”…. not Roy Ralph, ‘Scully’ Hunte, ‘Sheggy’ John, you name them… the big names in mas in this country.
What made this whole thing even more embarrassing is that the carnival bosses here decided, as an after-thought it seemed, to give “Melbourne” a plaque to recognize his fifty years in mas. They treated the “honour” like it was no big deal.
Melbourne deserved to have been honoured for his fifty years of producing mas in a separate event… one in which he is not a side attraction.
Perhaps the Carnival Bands Association could think about organizing an event before the year ends, during which we can give him his due.
Thanks Mr. Corea for highlighting “Melbourne’s” place in our carnival history.
Anthony Lewis, Kingstown.
Joy in the Journey
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”
– Arthur Ashe (1943-1993) American professional lawn tennis player. The first Black player to be selected to the United States Davis Cup team, and the only Black man ever to win the singles titles in Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY(1899-1961), the famous American author, noted that, “It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end.” This becomes a timely reminder to the entrepreneur who seeks financial independence. It is equally valuable to the athlete who may periodically lose sight of the value of a disciplined life as she seeks to excel at track and field events. And it is just as important to the student who is focused on passing his exams with good grades. In each of these examples it is useful to treasure the learning experiences gained along the road to achieving the pinnacle of success. In doing so, it will often be discovered that there is joy in the journey.
The athlete who disciplines her body through regular rigorous training can testify to the fact that while this enables her to perform at her best, she also derives tremendous additional benefits as a result of the increase blood flow throughout her body, the production of endorphins that provide her with that “good feeling”, and the improved concentration that she is aware of as she pursues academic studies. In addition, she becomes conscious of her improved feeling of accomplishment and selfworth as a result of the enhanced performances.
The student who is on the journey to academic excellence can also testify that his commitment to regular studies and expansive reading enables him to broaden his mind even as it prepares him for performing at his very best on assignments and examinations. He also finds joy in the journey and can testify that the discipline developed provides him with many skills that can be transferred to the world of work and other life experiences.
The young entrepreneur who disciplines himself to review the biographies and auto-biographies of successful business persons and to dedicate the time to model best practices. In doing so he endeavours to create and sustain proper systems, structures, procedures, and policies. He learns the value of such dedication. He endures some degree of sacrifice and pain en route to the pleasure that success brings. He can do so joyfully, often encouraged by colleagues and friends, knowing that the discipline required for pursuing his noble dreams bring joy in the present and expands his sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Many writers, poets, and philosophers have described life as a journey, using this metaphor to explore themes of transformation, growth, and purpose. Homer’s book titled “The Odyssey” describes life as a heroic and perilous journey as he describes Odysseus’s long journey home after the Trojan War and equates this with the personal growth and enduring trials to return to one’s true self. William Shakespeare (15641616), the famous English playwright and poet, in “As You Like It”, describes life as a staged journey with various roles. John Bunyan (1628-1688), the English writer and preacher, writing in “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, describes Christian’s journey from “The City of Destruction” to the “Celestial City” and describes the struggles and redemption of human life. T.S. Eliot (1888-1965),
the highly influential English-American essayist, poet, and playwright, in his famous publication titled “Four Quartets”, provides a vivid description of the spiritual and temporal journey of human existence. Robert Frost (18741963), the highly acclaimed American writer, in his publication titled “The Road Not Taken”, skilfully guides his readers in relation to how best to find joy in their life’s journey and notes that life is a journey that provides us with a variety of choices that often define our path. The choices that we make can be conduits to joy or misery — we choose.
All of these publications describe life as a journey that is speckled with challenges, accomplishments, disappointments, distractions, detours, and unexpected turns that traverse green pastures, turbulent waters, and treacherous chasms. In the pursuit of our personal, academic, and/or professional goals, we should be prepared for these eventualities and, in doing so, avoid the temptation to become so fixated on the destination that we lose sight of the valuable life experiences and possibilities for growth that appear along the path. True fulfilment is not restricted to reaching the desired destination, but from finding joy in the journey itself. Thus, we embrace the present moment and discover meaning in the good and bad experiences along the way. They provide a beautiful tapestry of life and remind us that, in their absence, life itself would be so dreary and boring.
There are often moments in the here and now that should be treasured but go unnoticed because we are focused on what we anticipate may be in the future. Anxieties and fears surrounding the unknown future could rob us of the joy that is now. The backyard gardener who is engaged in harvesting a bountiful crop of tomatoes could so easily become distracted by the possibilities of nematodes attacking the roots of her plants. And while there is wisdom in taking preventative action, she must not lose sight of the blessings of the present moment.
Joy in the journey is often the result of having the mindset that thing may not always go as planned but that we have the capacity to refocus and to redirect our when life’s unexpected eventualities emerge. The pilots flying the aircraft that leaves the Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with New York as its final destination clearly understand that their flight plans may have to be adjusted should their radar system identify a storm, a flock of birds, or another aircraft within their path. In life, we understand and appreciate that there will be obstacles and setbacks to some of our most noble dreams. We may be required to regroup and refocus. This calls for resilience and a disciplined mind. Some of our failures and foibles can provide most valuable opportunities for self-discovery and development. Even such escapades can bring joy as we realize that challenges can provide growth opportunities and provide moments to strengthen character, learn humility, and to appreciate the valuable support and encouragement of others. There is joy in knowing that it is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Rum, Flesh and Carnival
CARNIVAL has come and gone. Most Vincentians are seamlessly returning to their racial and class backgrounds. On Wednesday, a sporting treasure who warmed many local hearts with his football prowess opined that the real carnival is about to begin with lots of laughter and plenty of giveaways.
A man in the know disclosed a week before Carnival Tuesday that one mas band had 1,600 revellers, 1,300 women, and 300 men. With the average price of costumes at $700, women are outspending men 3 to 1. Is this because more women are working now, or a reflection of a graver problem in Vincentian society? Was it a politician or a calypsoian who remarked that things are so sticky these days that some of our women have taken to selling cats and dogs? Reports are that no pay for dogs.
And the real winner is? Rum! Private shows and parties - more rum. Every generation expresses concerns about the generation that follows it. Some say that there is no need to worry, but I have real difficulties explaining what accounts for the triumph of rum and drunkenness. I came of age when Rastafarians aptly described the drinking of strong spirits as the devil’s soup.
Today, men and women alike drink with the frequency and volume that is bound to have a profound effect on the health and judgment of many of our citizens. Is the embrace of alcohol a reflection of a larger mental health crisis in our society, or is it simply merriment taken to the 10th degree? Whatever the reason, our sociologists, counsellors, and national development planners need to get to work because we are on the cusp of a public health crisis.
Is it possible for us to have rhythm with less rum, or has that land-plane left the town long ago? Is there a way to teach responsible drinking, or is alcohol consumption inherently irresponsible? Is alcohol consumption truly an integral part of our country as some have said, or must we settle for the established trend that high mas of cultural expression step back, retreat or surrender to the overcommercialisation that has gripped and overtaken carnival?
Carnival is about people, and they came in droves to witness our spectacle. With increased connections as airlines added SVG as a destination, many foreign-based Vincentians came for the festivities. It would be good to know how many non-nationals joined us this year. If we can ascertain who came and where they came from, we can better market our carnival product.
Bongo Prime is a young and promising artiste who is making an impact, gaining respect and success. He took the Ragga Soca title and emerged 2nd in the Soca competition.
Problem Child won the Road March with ‘Fraid Horn’ as well as second place with ‘Pong Pong.’ He has emerged as a creative genius. Year after year, hit after hit, and his reach is expanding regionally and beyond.
Maddzart is as mad as he is artistic. In his presentation last Sunday, he predicted that even
Comrade Ralph knew that he was going to win again. And so it was as he took the monarch with his masterful presentation of Gravy Train, a song that mocked those who he claimed hitch on to the ULP bandwagon because they suck on the honeycomb of power.
In winning the calypso monarch for the second year in a row, he cemented his place as a legend in the art form. He is the only artiste who has rendered songs that won the Road March, Raga Soca, and Calypso Monarch competitions.
Fya Empress came in second for the second year in a row. Is it my imagination, or did she sing one verse twice as she did last year? Her emotions and expressions are powerful evocations of her theme, but she may have to temper them so as not to trip herself up as she attempts to recapture the monarchy.
Zion I proclaimed in song that even though everybody knew who he meant, his quest is not for money or a crown. A crowd favourite in the tents, the judges looked the other way.
Some say Man Sick is sick in the head because of his rendition, ‘Nothing Good to Say,’ in which he celebrated the governance of PM Gonsalves and his ULP over the years. Only last year, he belted out an opposition favourite, ‘Nothing to Show.’ Followers of calypso know that Man Sick sings what comes to his head. Very early in the ULP’s administration, he labelled Gonsalves Pharoah and came right back to hail his ‘Education Revolution.’
We see it every day, but on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, flesh was on full display, an overabundance of it. Much of it is not pleasing to the eye, but there is now an unprecedented acceptance of nakedness. No matter how they explain or rationalise it, most of our women who carry around excessive pounds cannot be pleased with what looks back at them in the mirror each morning.
And no, please don’t say that you don’t eat a lot. Some of us have health-related issues that negatively impact our body weight. Still, an honest conversation with ourselves will lead us to conclude that our growing waistlines and bulging body frames are directly related to what we put into our mouths.
SVG has an obesity problem, and unless we wage a serious battle to curb it, our people, especially our women, will increasingly suffer from swollen feet and painful hips, knees and ankles. Those who claim to be overly consumed by work and cannot find time for physical exercise will realise that much of what they rat race to accumulate will amount to fools’ gold. Soon, much of what they saved would be turned over to doctors and other specialists as they suffer heart, lung, and other organ failures.
Invest in peace, not war!!!
THE CALL BY THEU.S for NATO Alliance countries to invest 5% of their Gross Domestic Product – GDP, in the war industry can be described as foolish and out of sync with modern day realities and made worse against the backdrop of the current wars in Europe and the Middle East.
The only countries that stand to benefit from this suggestion is the countries producing arms, or the War Industry … the US, Britain, France and China will come away as the major beneficiaries from this increase of trade in the instruments of DEATH!
The sales of fighter planes, aircraft carriers, sophisticated missiles, guns, bullets, nuclear submarines, lasers, biological weapons, and the list can go on ad infinitum, is what drives the war industry. Once there’s no war, then no sales of weapons, then no profits from the sales of weapons … therefore the US has to manufacture LIES to ‘justify’ attacking peaceful sovereign nations as history has revealed time and again.
There is no other country in the world that has bombed as many countries as the US following World War 11. The US has bombed 30 different countries, even Grenada to oust the fledgling
communist backed regime, and is the ONLY country to use an atomic bomb against humanity! That is the nature of the BEAST called America.
Planet earth is on the brink of a nuclear disaster egged on by the worst dictatorship the US will ever see, led by the asinine Donald Trump. How can ramping up the arms race bring peace?
Let us be clear on global affairs, the US, Israel and its allies possess the majority of nuclear bombs in the world. They are the MAJOR threats to humanity.
Now mind you, it is not the majority of American who want war, far from it. The lives of ordinary Americans are snuffed out while a few top officials fly around in Air Force 1 drinking champagne. In business, an investment is designed to bring profit, and it is similar to planting a fruit tree. When you plant a mango, avocado or coconut tree, with proper care, generations unborn can benefit from these fruits. Similarly, investing in arms
Nuclear weapons cause immeasurable loss to all living things (including mankind) and irreparable damage to the natural and man-made environment.
Why can’t the billions spent on developing weapons of war be spent on improving agricultural production and on science and technology transfer.
and ammunition will also bear fruits- fruits of DEATH, lifelong injury for those who survive armed conflict and the destruction of the environment among other ill effects. The investors in the war industry are legitimate CRIMINALS, these few individuals are mankind’s greatest enemies.
So instead of increasing spending that ultimately kill humanity, why can’t these trillion$ be spent on early childhood education and health, an improved health care delivery system, an education system designed to provide useful skills to improve productivity in agriculture, science and technology. As sensible humans we have to LEARN to respect other country’s sovereignty, religion and culture. When independent countries are attacked without posing threats and its finest sons and daughters and innocent children killed in conflict, it breeds hatred, revenge, hostility, anger and reprisal. All this can be avoided if the aggressor(s) do not have the weapons of mass destruction.
If we are to achieve PEACE, we have to start DISARMING; stop the spending on the purchase and manufacturing of weapons. And it MUST begin with those countries that currently possess the largest number of WMD’s. The United Nations is a failure, mainly because of the US disrespect for its charter.
The majority of countries in the world DO NOT want WAR and any UN resolution to end or stifle war initiatives is voted against by the US and its boot-licking allies.
True PEACE can only be achieved if we are at peace with our Creator, Almighty God. Is Trump at peace with God? No?
It is high time that Americans get rid of their current leader who is a total disgrace to the world. There are a few godless American vampires like trump who revel in the bloodshed of others, a satanic clan who thrive on the blood of innocent children and adults and who in their own words are ‘ready to kick ass’ everyday, only because they carry arms. Take away their false source of strength and they will become friendly puppies.
In closing, the pause in the fighting is just a strategy for the US and their spies to gather more intel before ‘all hell breaks loose again’. AND THIS TIME it will break loose where we least expect it! My warning to all discerning humanity is to get OUT of Babylon!
Contributed by: Donald De Riggs
Man shot dead in KCCU headquarters
THE ROYALSaint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said it is investigating the fatal shooting that occurred at the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) Headquarters on Granby Street, Upper Kingstown.
In a July 9 press release, the RSVGPF said: “According to preliminary reports, at approximately 12:35 p.m., Shernard Gloster, 47 years of Keartons, Barrouallie, visited the KCCU office to conduct business. During his visit, an altercation occurred between Gloster and an on-duty security guard, resulting in Gloster being fatally shot.”
Gloster was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical practitioner, the police confirmed.
According to a witness, someone who was at the KCCU headquarters customer service area at the time of the shooting, an argument developed between the customer and the security guard after the security guard accosted him about switching from the customer service line to the cashier/teller line.
A tussle ensued and the security guard forcefully removed the customer from the main office to the foyer area. The tussle continued in the foyer area, during which the security guard drew his firearm and allegedly shot the customer.
“After the customer was shot, the security guard let him go and he fell on the stairs,” the witness added.
A number of people gave a similar account of the incident with one adding that the security guard might also have approached Gloster and requested that he remove sunglasses he was wearing while in the customer service area, which is not allowed.
This might have
incensed the customer, the witness said.
Following the incident, the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. (KCCU) issued a release, Thursday 10th July, 2026. It read as follows:
“The Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. (KCCU) regrets to confirm that an incident occurred at our headquarters, on July 9th, 2025, which resulted in the death of one person.
Operations at our Kingstown location were immediately halted, and the office closed for the remainder of the day.
We are profoundly saddened by the loss of life and extend our sincere condolences to
the family and loved ones of the deceased. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.
The safety, dignity, and well-being of our members, staff, and the wider community remain our priorities. We have engaged counselling and support services for our employees and other affected persons.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is conducting investigations into the incident, and we await the outcome of these investigations. We understand and appreciate the public’s concern and solicit your forbearance at this time.”
(KH)
Shernard Gloster, was fatally shot by an armed guard serving with a private security firm here.
As expected a number of persons flocked to the KCCU headquarters before police cleared and cordoned off the area.
Special Needs gets donation
by GLORIAH...
MS. YVONNE PETERS AND Mrs. Joann Keizer – Founder/President and Vice President respectively of the Brooklynbased Caribbean American Cultural Group (CACG), visited with the School for Children with Special Needs (SCSN), Kingstown, on Monday, 30th June.
The main aim of the visit was to hand over two sums of money — firstly to the school, to assist in a chosen endeavour; and secondly to assist successful CPEA student at the school, Thomas George, the first-ever student of the SCSN to achieve such a feat.
President Peters told THE VINCENTIAN that the idea to sponsor a cause in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was tabled at a meeting in New York, upon which a member suggested the SCSN. It was immediately accepted.
According to the Vice President “.... members decided to put some money into ‘the pot’, coming up with something to offset whatever expenses it could.”
The first sum collected was $1,400.00 for the School but then, “.... we became so mesmerized by hearing a student from the SCSN had passed the CPEA exam, our excitement drove us to consider a second donation to offset whatever expenses it could.” That was $400.00.
“We believe that the school probably needs more, and I am thinking that since Ms. Peters and I are here, that is a first step,’ Keizer assured.
The donations apart, both CACG executive members were excited to be among the SCSN students.
Peters expressed, “Apart from handing over the cheques, I feel that our mission was accomplished by just being among the students, sharing a part of their day, interacting with them.”
The Vice President expressed a
sincere eagerness to go into the classrooms, to see the setup; if there was a library, what materials they have, the staff interaction with the students.
She reminisced about working with children and adults with various disabilities, including autism.
Buoyed by what she observed, Keizer felt assured that “When I share this experience with our members, ... I think they will be happy, and they would think it’s something beautiful and something good that we have done as a group and they would be proud to know what they did, and what they gave and come together to do fundraising events for these children.
The duo also sought to establish a connection with Principal Naseem Smith.
And following on her observation, Vice President Keizer was moved to laude the institution for not demonstrating any form of judgement when it came to the children.
“I’m happy that there’s no judgement here when it comes to children and I always think about how
children with special needs often have been looked down upon. It really hurts my feelings when I see that and I hope that here in SVG it can change and people can actually be educated about it. …. they are doing a wonderful job here.”
The School for Children with Special Needs, Kingstown, has been in existence for the past fifty years. The current student population falls between sixty and seventy students and even with about twelve classrooms, the space is inadequate, given the rate of intake of students.
The maximum number of students in a class should ideally be six.
The Schools serves the spectrum of disabilities — physical (polio victims, wheel chair bound), sensory (hearing impaired), intellectual (Down Syndrome, autism, learning challenges).
Both the President and Vice President of the CACG are optimistic that a lasting relationship will be fostered with the School, to the benefit of both parties.
THE VINCENTIAN endorses such a collaboration.
Ms. Yvonne Peters (centre front), Founder/President CACG hands over cheque to the Secretary of the SCSN.
Ms.Yvonne Peters (centre) and Mrs. Joann Keizer (right) hands over cheaue to the mother (left) of Thomas George, successful CPEA student of the SCSN.
Small business on display
IN CELEBRATIONof World MSME Day, the National Development Foundation (NDF) held its inaugural “MSME Marketplace” under the theme “Connect and Grow” on Friday, 27th June, 2025, at its new location on White Chapel Road, Kingstown, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The event marked the beginning of what is to become a quarterly feature where MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) will have the opportunity to regularly showcase their products and services, build business connections and also encourage support for local enterprises.
Exhibitors showcased a vibrant array of products — from agro-based goods like jams, jellies, seasonings, local wines, and punch-de-crème, to handcrafted leather bags, crochet clothing, perfumes, skincare items, plants, and more — all reflecting the strength, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Vincentian MSMEs.
In a continued show of its
commitment to small business development, the Foundation also launched its newest loan product — Construction and Trades Loan Facility. This loan product provides up to $20,000.00 in affordable financing, designed specifically to meet the needs of builders, masons, electricians, and tradespeople looking for fast, affordable funding to complete contracts, buy tools, or start or expand their businesses. Contractors and skilled professionals are encouraged to visit the NDF’s office on White Chapel Road, Kingstown, or any of their social media pages or call 784-457-2646 or 494-2510, for more information on how to access customized financing and related business support to grow their businesses. (Text & Photos Contributed by NDF)
Foundation St. Vincent and the Grenadines (NDFSVG)was incorporated on 26th October, 1983 as a private non-profit development organization.
The main purpose of the Foundation is to promote self-help development among the less privileged sector, primarily through the provision of credit, technical assistance, and training in the initiation and/or development of owner-managed
enterprises.
While employment and income generation are our main goals, the NDFSVG also works to develop a greater sense of self-worth and an understanding of fundamental human values among its clients.
The NDFSVG seeks to work closely with the government to realise common objectives. (Text & Photos Contributed by NDF)
About the National Development Foundation
The National Development
Patrons to the La Shere Life Style booth got hands-on advice on the use of the products on offer.
Visitor to this Plant/Herb Booth was enthralled by what he saw and learned.
A visitor to the AJW’s booth – which displayed a variety of food-based products – was moved to make a purchase.
What a calamity!!!!
Dear George,
MY GIRLFRIEND’s mother has come out bluntly and told me she wants me to give her a child. She said she has not been with a man since the death of her husband and father of her only daughter, and wants me to grant her that one favour. She promised me that no one would know about it; she would carry that secret to her grave.
George, I’ve never been in such a weird position. Is this something I should be telling my girlfriend, or should I just calmly dismiss her mother and continue as though nothing happened?
Frankly speaking, I am disappointed in her (girlfriend’s mother), and just being in her presence makes me extremely uncomfortable.
Still in Shock
Dear Still in Shock,
You did well to maintain your dignity by not accepting your girlfriend’s mother’s ridiculous invitation. That said, you need to let her know you will not sink to such levels.
Let her know you are willing to let this one slide, but if she does not desist from such behaviour, you will have no choice but to expose her to her daughter.
Going forward, you should avoid being left alone in her company. Be reminded that distractions come in varying forms and sometimes from areas where you least expect them.
George
My girlfriendÊs intention
Dear George,
I HAVE ALWAYS confided in my girlfriend about my love life, even telling her in detail about our exploits in bed.
Two days ago, I visited my boyfriend, and there she was at his house, just “hanging out” as she put it. She never did this before. It is completely out of character for her to be at his house without me. I am suspecting that maybe she is trying to make a move on him. Am I overthinking?
Wondering
Dear Wondering,
There is absolutely no reason for you to be ranting about your bedroom business to anyone. As it is, you have done such a splendid job of advertising your boyfriend’s bedroom ability that you girlfriend has been sold on it, and she has decided to act on her curiosity.
You have, for all intents and purposes, extended an open invitation to your girlfriend to encroach on your territory.
My advice to you is to learn to ZIP IT.
George
Perception versus the truth
Dear George,
I SHOWED UP UNEXPECTEDLYat my boyfriend’s office and met him adjusting the zipper on a woman’s dress, and when I asked him about it, he said she asked him to pull the zipper up. Could it be that they were finishing up something?
I want to believe him, but a little voice is telling me differently. I have no proof of anything, but my suspicions are in high gear. Should I give him the benefit of the doubt and risk being a laughing stock to both of them?
Between Thoughts
Dear Between Thoughts,
Perception, they say, is always greater than the truth. If he told you what it was, then you need to take it for what it’s worth and move on.
It’s a different thing if he gives you repeated reasons not to trust him, but until then, act as though he’s the best thing since sliced bread.
George
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Don’t be too confident that co-workers are on your side. A lack of support and negativity have been the main problems. Show what a dedicated person you can be. Your ability to deal with others will help you accomplish your goals.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
Don’t let others know about your private affairs. Don’t hesitate to look for alternatives that will enable you to raise the kind of donations you need to do the job right.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. You must be careful not to reveal secrets or get involved in gossip. Concentrate on work and on making money.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Travel will be most enticing. Consider a cruise. Travel will promote new romantic connections. Take care of your personal needs. Family outings or a quiet stroll through the park will lead to stimulating conversation and a closer bond.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
Money can be made if you are willing to take a chance. You will enjoy travel and getting together with peers. Try to think things through. You could overreact to emotional situations regarding your relationship.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Relatives may play an important role in your personal life. Opportunities will unfold; however, you must be willing to pay the price. You can make career changes that may put you in a much higher earning bracket.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Don’t let others know about your private
affairs. You are best to deal with those outside your family. Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. You will be erratic and quite likely to make personal mistakes.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren’t well organized. Look into ways that you can make extra cash. You can make a serious attempt at quitting those bad habits that you’ve picked up over the years. You may want to put everyone to work on a project that will keep them all too busy to complain.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Visit someone who hasn’t been feeling well lately. You may be more emotional than usual. Don’t overspend on children or on large purchases. Your mate may not have been honest with you.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Get involved in activities that will be fun for the whole family. Changes regarding family members will set you off. Go out with friends or family. Don’t let children or elders put demands on your time.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)
Use your creative abilities to come up with new ideas and directions. You won’t have to look for the action. Don’t be too eager to give a piece of your mind or even your opinion this week. Try not to take everything so seriously.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Overindulgent people will cause disruptions in your life. You will meet new and exciting people if you attend social activities or sporting events. You will have to check your cash flow before you decide to indulge in hobbies or entertainment that may be beyond your budget.
ACROSS
1. ”Shane” star
5. Behave or print preceder
8. Pen-making name
11. “Peekaboo, __ you!” (2 wds.)
12. Comic Johnson
13. A Gabor sister
14. Cleansing bar
15. Catastrophe
17. Bear the price
19. From __ Z (2 wds.)
20. Soft mineral
22. French student
26. Become wealthy
29. Lavished affection
30. Charged atom
31. Society girl
33. Angle starter
34. Luxurious
37. Get the oven ready for baking
40. Borden animal
41. Bathroom floor piece
42. Some monopoly purchases (abbr.)
44. Exonerates
48. Appointment diary
52. “Heart and Soul”, often
53. Have
54. Terms of a bargain price (2 wds.)
55. Writter Ferber
56. Stiffen
57. Reaction to an IM joke
58. “Runaround Sue” singer
DOWN
1. __ Marie Presley
2. __ today (now, 2 wds.)
3. Hard of hearing
4. Transportation terminals
5. Modern diagnostic test (abbr.) 6. “__ deal!” (2 wds.) 7. Sitting 8. Belmont transaction 9. Common contraction 10. Motor vehicle 12. Confused 16. Unaccompanied 18. Knocking sound 21. Moved furtively 23. Kitchen follower 24. “Alice” role 25. Check galleys 26. “__ down!” (“Hush!”)
27. Pillsbury product 28. Load 32. Storybook building material 35. Foal’s father 36. Kind of tea 38. House wing
Paid attention
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
43. Fair (hyph.)
German auto
Nevada city
Comic Laurel
It follows
Wonderment
Explosive initials
Frying liquid
SVG hamstrung at NACAC Championships
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES finished 17th with an accumulated 8,134 points in the fifth edition of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Age Group Championships, that took place at the Olympic Stadium, Managua, Nicaragua, July 5 and 6, 2025.
Shorthanded from the start with four athletes instead of the maximum eight, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was further debilitated with Kingroy Hepburn unable to compete because of a hamstring injury.
Despite these factors, the three athletes gave of the best.
In the Girls Under-13 Pentathlon, Naaliah Stevenson finished 23rd. She clocked 9.03s in the 60m and 2:59.98 in the 800m, leapt 4.0m in the Long Jump, went over the High Jump bar at 1.20m, and flung 28.40m in the Ball Throw, on her way to accumulating 2,089 points.
Twenty-eight athletes competed in the Under-13 Girls Pentathlon.
Meanwhile, in the boys Under-13 Christian Duncan grossed 2787 points, placing 8th overall. Duncan ran 8.43s in the 60m and 3:28.27 in the 1,000m; leapt to 4.58m in the Long Jump; went over the bar at 1.35m in the High Jump and threw the Ball 49.01m.
He pitted his skills against twenty-five others.
And Ariel Stephens, this country’s lone competitor in the Girls Under-15 Heptathlon, scored 3,258 points.
Stephen’s tale showed her returning times of 11.09s in
the 80m, 10.64s in the 60m Hurdles and 4:09.90 in the 1000m; did 4.25m in the Long Jump and cleared 1.45m in the High Jump; and threw the Shot Putt 7.72m and the Ball 33.47m.
Stephens ended in 18th place among the 30 competitors who stayed the course over the two days.
Topping the overall standing was Grenada on 27993 points, ahead of the Bahamas- 27,972 and Barbados- 27,716.
The other competing countries were the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Curacao, Bermuda, Nicaragua, Cayman Islands, Anguilla, St. Martin, Aruba, Honduras, Cuba, Costa Rica, El Salvador and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Apart from the four athletes, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ contingent comprised Chester Morgan- Coach and Kelisha Yorke- Manager.
SVG impacts at CASA Junior Squash
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’all male outfit to the 2025 Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championship in the Cayman Islands, June 29 to July 5, put in a “commendable” performance.
This is according to Amber Glasgow, who served as Coach of the Vincentian team to the championships.
Assessing the team’s efforts,
Glasgow said they were exceptional, despite having a numerical disadvantage.
“They exceeded expectations with such confidence and composed wins. This speaks volumes about how serious St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Squash is,” Glasgow stated.
Four Vincies in W’wards female U19 squad
VINCENTIANS ARE INCLUDED in the Windward Islands Under-19
Female team set to compete in the Cricket West Indies Under-19 Female Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago. The Tournament runs from July 6th to the 20th. The four Vincentians are: Giada Small, Daisy Woods, Regina Jeffrey and Makayla Adams who travelled as a reserve. They join the following to complete the squad: Natalia Phillip (Captain), Amiah Gilbert, Jaeda Tyrell, Shadia Seaman, Abigail Celestine, Dellisha Francois, Selena Ross, Aimmie Antoine and Devona Tyson. The reserves are Gilliar McLaurent, Makaila Adams, Makaida Fredericks, Naomi Ascar.
Vincentian Samantha Lynch is the team’s head coach.
I.B.A. ALLEN
St Vincent and the Grenadines, after champing two titles, following wins by Savante Padmore (Under-11) and Jayden George (Under-17), along with third places earned by Zavin Garrick (Under11) and Aiden De Freitas (Under-15), was one step away from reaching the finals of the teams’ competition.
In the teams’ competition semi-finals versus Trinidad and Tobago, George defeated Matteo Felician 11-0, 114, 11-2, while Padmore saw off Vithala Chattergoon, 11-6, 8-1, 11-1, 11-3; Garrick beat Evan Ghuran 11-6, 11-6, 11-5.
Deron Lewis lost to Seth Thong, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1, and with a player
short, Trinidadian Anthony Allum won by default, thus ousting the Vincentian team. Before meeting Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines beat Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Reflecting on the loss versus Trinidad and Tobago Glasgow said: “We came within a whisker of reaching the final of the Teams competition. It was heartbreaking to fall short in the team event due to not having a full lineup; it was incredible that we still reached the semi-finals.”
Glasgow, who is also the President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association indicated that her organization will be planning early and earnestly for the 2026 edition, wherever it is held, as “we are seen as a force in Junior regional Squash.”
The SVG contingent to the 2025 Age Group Championships (from left) Kelisha Yorke, Ariel Stephens, Naaliah Stevenson, Christian Duncan, Kingroy Hepburn, Chester Morgan.
SVG’s team to CASA Junior Championships (from left) Deron Lewis, Aiden De Freitas, Savante Padmore, Jayden George, Ethan Webster, Zavin Garrick.
Amber Glasgow, Coach of the team to the CASA Championship and President of the SVGSA Vincentian, declared that SVG is now seen as a force in Caribbean Squash.
The Vincentian contingent in the Windwards U19 female cricket team (from left) Regina Jeffrey, Giada Small, Makayla Adams and Daisy Woods with Coach Samantha Lynch.
Top athletes for National Championships
THREE OF THIS country’s top track and field athletes have confirmed their participation in the 2025 Team Athletics SVG’s/Wendell Hercules National Championships, scheduled for July 19 and 20, at the Diamond Track and Field Facility.
Kyle Lawrence will lineup for the 100 and 200 meters.
A source at Team Athletics SVG disclosed that Uroy Ryan, Brandon Valentine-Paris and Kyle Lawrence will compete alongside some the country’s leading athletes.
Ryan, Jamaica based, holder of the national record in the U20 Long Jump and the Triple Jump, will be headlined in those two events.
Tier II Football reaches Quarter Finals
Uroy Ryan will compete in the Long and Triple jumps.
After his first year at South Plains College in Texas and in the action in the recent Whitsuntide Games, and dropping his personal best (pb) to below 10.40, former national champion Kyle Lawrence will return to home soil to add fire to the men’s 100m and 200m.
After 11 years in the
United States, where he completed his college education and has now ventured into the coaching, Brandon ValentineParris will be competing at home for the first time at the Wendell Hercules National Championships. The Rio 2016 Olympian will feature in the 400m.
I.B.A. ALLEN
THE RACEintensifies to determine the two outfits that will be promoted to the Premiership of the next St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation’s National Club Championships.
First though the champions and runner-up of Tier II must be decided.
The business end of Tier II will kick off Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Brighton Playing Field.
The first set of quarter-finals pit Group A winners - Volcanoes against fourth place of Group B, General Hardware Supplies Richmond Hill from 6pm.
From 8pm, Glenside Ball Blazers, second place of Group B, takes on Bequia United, the third place of Group A.
Then on Wednesday, July 16, from 6 p.m, Group B winners - System Three faces fourth place of Group A, Parkside Rollers and from 8 p.m, Owia United, second place from Group A opposes third place of Group B, Sparta FC.
The winners of Tuesday’s matches meet in semifinal one, set for likewise, the winners of Wednesday’s matches compete in semi-final two. Semi- finals are carded for July 18, also at the Brighton Playing Field, where the winners advance to the grand finale on Sunday, July 20.
The format of the quarter and semi- finals show that should a match end in a tie after regulation time, the winner will be decided via penalty kicks.
Apart from the two promotion spots, clubs are teething for the additional prize monies.
Tier II winners pocket $15 000, second place$12 000, third place- $9000, fourth place- $6000, and the losing quarter- finalists each gets $2000.
Reggie Barber is confident
REGGIE BARBER, a member of the national SVG Under-15 football team currently in preparation for participation in the CONCACAF U15 Championship, is excited to have that opportunity again.
Hailing from the town of Barrouallie and attending the Barrouallie Secondary School, Barber plays right and left wing positions and is one of the players who were part of the team that represented SVG in the last edition of the Championship.
“I feel excited about the preparation going into the championships and to represent the national team again. Last year I was a bit nervous, but I am more confident this year and I believe the team can win, but we need to be a fit unit and pass the ball quicker,” Barber told THE VINCENTIAN in a recent conversation.
SVG is reportedly seeded Number 2 in League C of the Tournament Matches of the CONCACAF Championship.
Barber has been playing football from as early an age as eight years old and the sport has become his “first love.” His ambition is to play for “a big club” in England.
He is happy to be extending his family legacy as he follows in the footsteps of his older brothers, who played for the national Under-17 and Under-20 national teams.
I.B.A. ALLEN
National Training Squad named
THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES CRICKET
ASSOCIATION(SVGCA) has announced a 33-man squad to begin preparations ahead of the 2025 Windward Islands Senior Super50 tournament, scheduled for July 28 to August 04, in St. Lucia.
An 18-member team will be selected following three practice matches, after which the final 14man squad will be selected to represent the country. The three practice matches are set for July 12, 14, and 16 at the Sion Hill Playing Field.
The squad reads: Sunil Ambris, Desron Maloney, Jahiel Walters, Ethan Gibson, Dillon Douglas, Jeremy Layne, Asif Hooper, Richie Richards, Keron Cottoy, Kirtney Franklyn, Rayon Williams, Jeremy Haywood, Tjourn Pope,
Players will be looking to impress the selectors in the practise matches.
Trevian Matthews, Othniel Lewis, Romario Bibby, Romano Pierre, Tilron Harry, Denson Hoyte, Devonte McDowald, Kody Grant, Solomon Bascombe, Watson Seaton, Ojay Matthews, Shaman Hooper, Dave Ducan, Joe Williams, Jarrell Edwards, Ramon Johnson, Benitton Stapleton, Luke Wilson,
Geron Wyllie and Newton Brown. The selectors also named six development players to be a part of the training. They are Jawayne Adams, Javon Richardson, Kevin Joseph, Zach Thomas, Elran Glasgow, and Damali Phillips.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Brandon Valentine-Paris will race off in the 400 meters.
Reggie Barber goes into his second CONCACAF level championship with confidence.
Cricket a liberation tool
COME AUGUST, Vincentian cricket lovers will be in for a flurry of activities. Culture and Tourism Minister Carlos James is looking at keeping the tourism vehicle moving.
The calendar is yet to be finalized, but James sees it as a way of recognizing West Indian stalwarts.
August highlights one aspect of the Vincentian order, and James points to the annual Independence Cricket festival as another version of the tourism product.
Cricketing events are a feature of Independence with Masters from Canada and the USA in the gathering.
James is anxious to vary the tourism product, and with a record of tranquility, James is aiming to capture the best of all worlds.
The aim is to ensure that sporting facilities are allowed maximum usage.
James is of the view that visitor arrivals add to economic growth. He also sees trips here as helping to improve the cultural and economic variation.
He is satisfied that every visitor contributes to the national development and asserts that every arrival is a potential for additional financial benefits.
Other players, linked with of sports can testify to the value of links. James is aware of the money that swirls within the sporting circle, and in any case, as Minister, numbers are important. If people come on the sporting platform, they will have to be housed.
And their sojourn is part of national development.
There has been an expansion in sporting facilities. The nation has a variety of natural attributes that have the backdrop for genuine sporting involvement.
The mixture of sporting, cultural, and relaxing exercises makes St. Vincent and the Grenadines “the natural place to be.”
Takes our beaches for example as places to build muscles and physical wellness. There is scope for activities including the Beach Volley Ball.
Our landscape has the backdrop for some of the most grueling races whether 5K or marathon.
Mountain climbers can prepare for more strenuous encounters by getting used to the Soufriere for example, as the Nepalese did when they took part in World Cup matches last year.
Cyclists can hone their hill climbing techniques here, and James will be happy to coordinate with all the Sporting bodies to ensure that they are incorporated into any endeavor.
Our sailing waters offer the best in scenic and enhancing avenues. So after the Nine Mornings activities in December, there is space to move into new year’s events. The staging of the marine based programme peaks in Easter. There and then, the Grenadines come into full view.
But there is also the possibility of sea scape events on the mainland.
So the saying: St. Vincent and the Grenadines, “The Caribbean you are looking for is apt.
Third WI-Aust. Test in doubt
AS OF WEDNESDAY, the third and final test in the Australia-West Indies series was in some doubt over stadium concerns at Sabina Park in Jamaica, the venue for the test which is set to get on the way on Sunday 12th July.
Reports are that there are concerns the match may not be able to go ahead due to concerns over ongoing delays in stadium infrastructure upgrades.
New floodlights were installed recently at Sabina Park but reports are that “one area of the ground is not sufficiently lit under the lights.”
The test is a day-night pink ball Test and therefore will be played under floodlights.
As the doubt surfaced, Jamaican Cricket Association President Dr Donovan Bennett told the Jamaican Observer: “I’m pretty sure about that (being ready).
“I’m a little bit uneasy because I would have
hoped that everything would have been completed by now.
“But when you’re doing construction, there are unforeseen challenges, that’s exactly what happened with the lights and the scoreboard.
“But we’re on target, I’m confident that we’ll be OK with both the lighting and the scoreboard for the 12th, when the games are scheduled, I’m sure we’ll be OK.”
Bennett added: “Certain areas of the field are way above the international requirements but there’s one area that we need to work on to get it up … the English company that supplied the lights
will be here on Monday with a laser beam to do the final fine-tuning.”
The first two T20s of a five-match series are also being played in Kingston.
Only one day-night Test has previously been held in the Caribbean –the West Indies played Sri Lanka in Barbados in 2018.
As for the current series, Australia won the second Test against the West Indies by 133 runs to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy with a 20 series lead.
The Aussies have held the Frank Worrell Trophy since 1995 and have been unbeaten in the Caribbean since 2003. (Source: news,com.au)
1975 World Cup Winners honoured
THE8th edition of the CWI/WIPA Awards witnessed a significant milestone, as Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) extended tribute to the legendary 1975 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup-winning team. Hosted in the Trident Ballroom at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, the evening was a heartfelt celebration of regional pride, sporting greatness, and enduring legacy. The ceremony paid homage to the squad that reshaped the cricketing world 50 years ago. With a tribute rich in history, nostalgia, and Caribbean spirit, the event honoured the unmatched legacy of the 1975 champions - the first-ever winners of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
A segment in the ceremony was given over to the presentation of
commemorative medallions and crafted mahogany sculptures, with each sculpture reflecting the unique identity and contributions of the recipient, to surviving members of the team.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow during his speech said, “Tonight, we honour our giants. Those who were present,
including Sir Viv Richards, Lancelot Gibbs, Collis King, Deryck Murray, Sir Andy Roberts, Alvin Kallicharran, those who were unable to be here, and the incomparable Sir Clive Lloyd – and we also salute those who have passed, such as Roy Fredricks, Keith Boyce, and team manager Clyde Walcott. You were not
just cricketers. You were revolutionaries.”
He added, “In addition to the medallions and objects you will receive tonight, I am pleased to share that, on behalf of the CWI Board, each of our icons in attendance will be gifted US$10,000.”
(Source: windiescricket.com)
Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica during a Caribbean Premier League match in 2019. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
All smiles for Australia after winning the second Test against the Windies. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Surviving members of the victorious 1975 World Cup team (From left) Deryck Murray, Sir Viv Richards, Lancelot Gibbs, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Clive Lloyd, Collis King, Alvin Kallicharran.
Bongo Pryme, just getting started
From Backpage
Rose commented on his dad’s passing just a month prior to Ragga Soca night saying that it was rough having to deal with his dad’s death.
“Even last year when I competed, he was already sick,” he told THE VINCENTIAN.
“It was a continual process [and] even though someone is ill, you could never prepare for what it’s like after they’ve passed.”
His dad passed away on June 5, one month before competition.
“I didn’t perform until the 6th, and that’s why at that moment I felt that energy,” he said.
Apart from his dad, he credited his mother, who he said has been his ‘rock’, his producer, and former school mate Cuthbert Noel, fellow artistes Claydon ‘Dymez’ Roache and Elrico ‘Da Pixel’ Hunte who he works with closely, and most importantly, his fans.
Incidentally, the duo, known as ‘Dymez and Da Pixel’ placed second with ‘Doh hold back’ with Tyrique ‘Dfusion’ Thomas placing 3rd with ‘Mission’ and Angelique ‘Angie Maya’ Garraway who performed ‘No Owner’.
The carnival season has officially ended, but for ‘Bongo Pryme’, it is now getting started.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
AI REAL ESTATE
by DAYLE DA SILVA
UTAMU‘Bongo Pryme’ Rose, this year’s
Utamu ‘Bongo Pryme’ Rose, Ragga Soca put aside a major loss in his life to step up and into a whole new endeavour in life.
Ragga Soca King said that the experience has been a humbling one for him.
Rose, who placed second in the 2024 Ragga Soca competition, came strong in this year’s competition with ‘Mardi Gras (Trouble in Town)’ at the Victoria Park on July 5.
“I think it’s just settling in a little bit. The messages, everybody reaching out,” he said.
Second placed Claydon ‘Dymez’ Roache and Elrico ‘Da Pixel’ Hunte work closely with ‘Bongo Pryme.
“Sometimes you’re working on something, you’re so focused on it that you’re not really
seeing that people are noticing that you’ve been putting in the work, to see everybody not just congratulate me, but to recognize that you’ve been doing good work for a while, and I’m really happy that it’s paid off,” Rose continued.
His victory came amidst the loss of his father, Conley Rose, who he credited for getting him involved in music, culture and the arts.
Continued on Page 19
LEXI BENT ON CONTINUING THE LEGACY
The 12-year-old enthralled not only her peers but the adult soca music enthusiasts with her dynamism on stage.
by KENVILLE HORNE
ALEXIA“Lexi”
Deshong, the 2025 Junior Soca Monarch, the granddaughter of Trinidad Calypso icon Michael ‘Sugar Aloes’ Osouna, is making a name for herself even as she endeavours to continue her grandfather’s legacy.
In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, “Lexi” said she started singing three years ago, when she took part in a Wetty Beatz 16-Bar Challenge and almost won. Her video of ther entry in the Challenge went viral, motivating Lexi in the process.
For 2025, the 12-yearold, defying her age, gave an electrifying performance with her
number “Litty Litty”, representing the Sandy Bay Secondary School in the 2025 National Junior Soca Monarch.
She was also a reserve in the national soca monarch final with the same number.
She told THE VINCENTIAN she has taken her ambition seriously and has had vocal training, stage performance training, interview training, recording music, understanding background vocals and writing concepts, understanding the music business and branding. Currently, her father serves as her manager and they collaborate in writing her songs.
She said she is very mindful of the impact
her grandfather has had in the music industry.
He definitely influenced my musical journey because he was so great and set the bar so high. I admired that and want to not just be like him but be greater and continue the legacy,” said the rising teenage star.
For now, ”Lexi” is managing her success with grace, staying grounded and humble, knowing that she has to put in the work.
She commits to working smarter not harder, and appreciating those who came before her and who paved the way for her and others.
When asked, what is her ‘dearest’ dream, she said she wanted to cement her name as one
Alexia “Lexi” Deshong is serious about a career in music and has already begun to seek out appropriate training opportunities and to expose herself to the industry requirements.
of the greats and create opportunities for those who have the talent but are not getting the support that is needed.
