MANFOUNDDEADINVEHICLE:
Glenroy Fraser, the 54th homicide in SVG for 2024, was said to be a fun-going and generous person.
Stories by KENVILLE HORNE
DIAMOND WOMAN ABDUCTED AND BEATEN HOMICIDE 54
A VINCENTIAN/ CANADIAN MALE, who was on holiday in his homeland, was found dead a vehicle on Saturday 28th December in the West St. George community of Kelbourney, sometime after 1:30 am.
According to reports, the man was found in the backseat of a rented vehicle with gunshot injuries. His mouth was taped and his hands and feet bound. The vehicle was discovered over an embankment.
The deceased was later identified as
Glenroy Fraser, originally from Spring Village but residing in Montreal, Canada.
The Police Public Relations and Complaints Department said that the police were informed at approximately 1:30 a.m., on Saturday that a vehicle had been spotted over an embankment in Kelbourney. Their response to that report led to the discovery of the body.
As news of Fraser’s death circulated, a report surfaced that he was at an event hours before he was killed. Police are said to be reviewing footage from surveillance camera from the event venue and surrounding areas to determine if Fraser left alone or in the company of someone.
A voice note has also been making the rounds, in which a female by the name of Becka and someone alleged to be Fraser, could be heard in a heated confrontation, resulting in the female accusing the man of physically hurting her.
Up to last Monday night, a woman was said to be providing assistance to the authorities in their investigation. Additionally, as part of their exhibits, the police were able to successfully
MAN FOUND DEAD IN HOPEWELL
THE
The
The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, however sources told THE VINCENTIAN that the man was seen in Richland Park the
day before his death.
“He does do welding and other work, but he is kind of dishonest, so I don’t know if it’s something he took from somebody why he was killed,” said one source. The news comes on the heels of a report that a man, allegedly intoxicated, fell off a wall and died in Richland Park on New Year’s Day.
acquire the rented SUV, as well as a shell that had been used in the crime.
Fraser’s death marked the 54th homicide for year, one short of the record homicides committed in the 2023.
In its investigation, THE VINCENTIAN encountered a friend of Fraser who described him “as a hard-working young man and once you and he good he will give you anything. He would spend and enjoy himself.”
Below: The vehicle, appearing to be damaged, in which the deceased was found.
was robbed and killed over jealous and apparently some kind of woman thing.”
“A relative of the dead man said that he came home on vacation, but he
Promoters and friends paid tribute to Fraser on social media, with many describing him as a friendly person, who is always the life of the party.
Is this the beginning of a near trend in SVG?
A WOMAN WAS TAKENfrom her home in Diamond on Saturday night, December 21, 2024, beaten and dropped off somewhere between Gibson Corner and the top entrance to Walker Piece.
According to a police report, intruders entered the woman’s home in Diamond where she was alone with a child, beat her, and demanded
money.
The woman is said to have told her attackers, two men and a woman, that she had no money after which they put a bag over her head, placed her in a vehicle and drove her to the Leeward side of the island, leaving the child alone in the house.
Reports are that the woman was badly beaten but at one point when the bag was removed, noted that it looked like she was somewhere in Campden Park.
The woman was thrown out of a vehicle in the area of Gibson Corner, where she was noticed by a motorist who assisted her in contacting the police.
A Police officer instructed the motorist to take the woman to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), where she received medical attention and was interviewed by the lawmen.
BODY OF A MANwas found in his house in Hopewell with a gunshot injury, on Thursday 2nd, January, 2025.
man has been identified as Lorenzo Lewis better known as ‘Lovie’.
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM HER EXCELLENCY
DAME SUSAN D. DOUGAN
GCMG, OBE
GOVERNOR GENERAL OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
MY FELLOW VINCENTIANS,as we enjoy the festivities of another Christmas season, let us as a nation reflect on the spiritual foundation of the Christian faith and give thanks to Almighty God for keeping our families safe throughout 2024.
On this Christmas day, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Prince of Peace, let us reflect on what a profound and wonderful gift He has been to the world.
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 6-7
In His short life on earth, Jesus taught us how to love and forgive. During this season, I pray that we are able to have peace as we struggle with
the challenges in our lives, especially health issues, financial insecurities and fear for our safety amidst the senseless murders taking place in the society.
During these times of diverse challenges of which 2024 had its fair share, Vincentians have continued to show resilience in addressing the many setbacks. Despite the many challenges faced, we were fortunate to witness boost in several sectors of the economy. We pray for a prolonged period of calm from natural catastrophic events so that more sectors of the economy can show growth.
I am continuing to make a call to those who disturb our quiet environment to try love, goodwill and tolerance to resolve differences. I especially ask those responsible for the spate of senseless killing in our nation to use this season of goodwill to come to the realisation that crime has never been a solution for anything. Let peace prevail.
Next year, Vincentians are expected
to go to the polls to elect their representatives in our Parliament. I am fully aware the contest will be competitive and may cause hurtful exchanges. I urge all parties to conduct this exercise with the highest level of respect and that the democratic process will be the winner.
My Fellow Vincentians, we recognise that the Christmas season is for giving to family and friends. I urge you to remember the disadvantaged persons among us, the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the homeless. I wish to take this opportunity to offer encouragement to all public workers who have tirelessly provided the necessary services to our nation — civil servants, police, medical personnel, development partners, business and corporate partners, the churches and community leaders are all providing yeoman service to our nation.
Those who waste time, I pray that 2025 will see some improvement in your productivity. In closing, we
recognise that we need God’s love and His peace throughout the entire world to provide the unity that will make an abundance of difference in war-torn and unstable areas.
Jesus has introduced the Kingdom of Peace and we pray and hope that this peace will reign in our lives during this season and in 2025.
Mr. Dougan and I join our family, to wish each of you at home and in the Diaspora a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
PM calls for end to Russia/Ukraine War
DR. RALPH GONSALVES, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the 153rd Member of the United Nations, has called for an end to the war in Ukraine that has been raging since February 2022.
The call was contained in a letter dated December 2, 2024, which the Prime Minister
directed to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine; Joseph Biden, President of the United States of America; and António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations.
Dr. Gonsalves said to the four distinguished gentlemen that he was
writing “in a quest for global peace, justice, security, prosperity for all humanity,” and he highlighted that the conflict “has recently entered a most dangerous phase of escalation, which he said was “a senseless war” to all civilized men and women across the globe. But Dr. Gonsalves had a particular interpretation of the conflict, when he referenced the men in question that Ukraine
was “fully backed by the countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) led principally by the United States of America (USA), appear to the bulk of humanity’s eight billion people to be gripped by an extreme condition of unreason… .”
That said, he summed up the obligation of the world leaders to whom the letter was addressed, as one of stopping the war, even as he acknowledged that, “It is
evident to all persons of reason, who also apply their hearts to wisdom, that this war will not end with military triumph for one side or another.”
He admitted to that while he was not positioned to prescribe what is likely to happen, he advanced the view that “… neither side in this war would be completely satisfied with any terms of a peace settlement. Thus, each side must be prepared to
arrive, in peace, in a mutually-agreed condition of dissatisfaction. In time, this agreed condition of dissatisfaction, which is preferable to continued war, may evolve, propitiously, into a more settled bundle of satisfactions.”
He reiterated, in closing, his appeal to the four persons of influence that they “bring the war in Ukraine to a negotiated peaceful end now.. .”
Her Excellency Dame Susan D. Dougan, GCMG, OBE
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has once again challenged world leaders to desist from influencing conflict that will only rebound in disaster for other states.
Right: A handout photo made available by the State Emergency Service shows Ukrainian rescuers working at the site of a drone attack on a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, 01 January 2025. (State Emergency Service Handout/EPA)
Electrician on AR-rifle charge
Vashon Thomas must answer to two separate illegal gun possession.
Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS
VASHON THOMAS, one of four men who appeared at the Serious Offenses Court, on December 20, 2024, on charges of possessing a Glock 9 mm pistol without a license, returned to that Court on Friday, December 27, after being charged with possession of an automatic AR-15 rifle, a prohibited weapon.
The 20-year-old electrician of Glen is also charged with possession of 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition without a license issued under the Firearms Act, and possession of 71 rounds of prohibited 5.56 mm ammunition.
Thomas pleaded not guilty to the three recent charges when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on December 27. He was represented by attorney Grant Connell.
Prosecutor Corlene Samuel did not object to bail but requested a suitable surety and conditions. But Connell told the Court that Thomas was
already on $20,000 bail with two sureties in connection with the Glock 9mm pistol charge, and the lawyer asked that the same bail conditions be continued, as all the charges stem from the same matter.
The Magistrate granted his request and continued Thomas’ bail, on condition that he surrender his travel documents, and report to the Calliaqua Police Station every Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit and the matter was adjourned to January 7, 2025, for an update.
Thomas along with Altha James - 19-year-old Porter, Javid Grant - 20-year-old bag boy and Kamal Ballantyne - 23-year-old mechanic, all of Glen, had been arrested after police officers from the Glen Mobile Unit intercepted a motor vehicle at Glen around 11:45 p.m. on December 18, 2024.
Reports are that a thorough search of the vehicle revealed the Glock 9mm pistol. Following the men’s arrest, search warrants were executed at their homes, during which the AR-15 automatic rifle and the ammunition were discovered.
The quartet had appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on December 20 after being charged with possession of the Glock 9 mm pistol, without a license. They all pleaded not guilty and were each
Businessman charged with fraud, attempted forgery
A 38-YEAR-OLD BUSINESSMANof Mt. Grenan, Georgetown, who allegedly tried to deceive an immigration officer at the Argyle International Airport by using a false passport, was granted $10,000 bail with one surety when he appeared in Court on Monday.
Maxroy Campbell has been charged with that on
December 21, 2024, at Argyle used a false Bahamian passport, knowing or believing it to be false, with the intention of inducing an immigration officer to accept it as genuine.
Campbell is also charged with attempted forgery, in connection with the same matter.
Campbell, who was
Woman charged in AR-rifle seizure
Grandeisha Cain, is reported to have posed very provocatively with the rifle in hand.
GRANDEISHA CAIN, a 21year-old woman from Glen who reportedly posed in a photograph, in her underwear while holding the AR-15 automatic rifle police reportedly found in a house at Glen on December 18, has been charged with possession of the prohibited weapon.
Cain appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Friday, December 27, minutes after Vashon Thomas, a 20year-old electrician of Glen, made his appearance on the same charge.
However, Cain is charged with having the gun on December 3 while Thomas is accused of having it on December 18.
Cain, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty and was granted $20,000 bail with one surety, on condition that she report to the Calliaqua Police Station every Wednesday between 8 a.m and 8 p.m. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of exit and entry.
THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed that Cain is not Thomas’ girlfriend as reported in some circles.
The matter has been adjourned to January 7 for an update.
represented by attorney Ronald Marks, was not required to plead to the charges when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Friday, December 27.
Maxroy Campbell attempted to pass off a false copy of a Bahamian Passport on an Immigration Officer but didn’t get any further than the Serious Offences Court.
Prosecutor Corlene Samuel did not object to bail but requested suitable surety and conditions.
Bail was granted on condition that Campbell surrender his travel documents and report to the Calliaqua Police
Station every Monday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Stop notices will also be placed at all ports of entry and exit.
The matter has been adjourned to January 7, 2025.
granted $20,000 bail.
However, while Thomas was ordered to provide two sureties, the others were ordered to provide one.
Investigations continued into the discovery of the AR-15 automatic rifle, and the ammunition, and Thomas was subsequently charged with having them in his possession.
The matter has been adjourned to January 7 for an update.
Man on toy gun charge
A 40-YEAR-OLD QUESTELLESman
charged with possession of a toy gun, was granted bail on Monday, despite objections by Prosecutor Lakeisha Harry.
Winfield Sam has been charged with, that on December 27, without lawful excuse, in a public place, to wit, Kingstown Town Board Car Park, had in his possession an imitation firearm, to wit, a gun.
The charge was laid under section 76(2) of the Criminal Code, Chapter 171 of the laws of SVG, revised edition, 2009.
Appearing before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday, Sam who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Sam is all smiles even as he is led away in police custody after failing to secure a surety for his bail.
Prosecutor Harry objected to bail on the basis of “what is going on in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”.
Harry did not give details on the grounds for her objection, but the Senior Magistrate said he was not satisfied that what she said was sufficient grounds to deny bail.
John granted bail in the sum of $3,000 with one surety and adjourned the matter to January 7.
An imitation firearm, which could include toy guns, is defined as anything which has the appearance of being a firearm whether or not it is capable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile.
Jealous boyfriend to compensate ex-lover
A BARROUALLIEman who told the Court that he recently beat his common-law-wife and damaged her property because of jealousy, will have to pay for his action.
Keithroy Cruickshank was fined $1,000 in one month or three months in prison, and ordered to pay $2,000 compensation in two months or six months behind bars, for assaulting and causing bodily harm to Michelle Thompson of Cemetery Hill, with whom he had a six-year relationship.
In addition, Cruickshank has to compensate Thompson EC$2,119 for damaging her bifocal transition glasses, valued at EC$1,120, and her 32-inch television, valued at EC$999.00.
Senior Magistrate Colin John handed down the penalties at the Serious Offenses Court on Thursday, January 2, after Cruickshank pleaded guilty to both charges.
The facts showed that Cruickshank committed the offenses at Cemetery Hill on December 30. The Court heard that around 4:45 p.m on December 30, 2024 Thompson was walking in the vicinity of Massy Stores, Stoney Ground, when she saw Cruickshank who appeared to be intoxicated. He proceeded to walk behind her and questioned her as to where she was coming from.
Thompson told him that she had accompanied her mother to Kingstown, but Cruickshank doubted her and began to curse her. While they were at Thompson’s home later that day, Cruickshank told the woman that her family was ‘bad-minded’, to which she replied that his family was also bad minded.
Cruickshank got annoyed and struck her in the face causing her bifocal glasses to fall to the ground. He then struck her about the head with his hands and
pushed her onto a nearby wall. Thompson left the house to seek refuge. She called her sister who arrived shortly after, and the two returned to Thompson’s house.
When Cruickshank attempted to make amends, Thompson told him to leave, but he, instead, pulled her television from its stand causing the screen to hit the edge of the stand.
Thompson reported the matter to the police and Cruickshank was later arrested and charged.
When the Magistrate asked Cruickshank for an explanation, he told the Court his action was because of jealous.
But the Magistrate warned him about that sort of behavior, adding that jealousy was not an excuse.
“You (Cruickshank) have to control your emotions” John advised.
Cruickshank had no previous convictions.
Winfield
Roseman Adams, the Lead Conservation Officer supports the relatively safe and environmentally friendly alternative called Atmospheric Water as a means of circumventing a water crisis in the Grenadines.
BY NOW ALL VINCENTIANSwould be aware that Hurricane Beryl ‘did a number’ on Union Island, Mayreau, Palm Island, Canouan and PSV, with lesser impact on Bequia and St. Vincent. Stories abound in Union and Mayreau about plastic water tanks of all sizes becoming airborne as Hurricane Beryl barreled through the southern Grenadines. A few (tanks) with some damage were retrieved, but the majority was destroyed, some yet to be replaced, leaving a serious void in water storage capacity.
But it isn’t all gloom and doom, as international agencies like the UN Water Mission, Rotary and UNICEF are working in collaboration with Union Island Environmental AllianceUIEA and the Ministry of Health, to restore, or to treat locally sourced water to make it potable. The collaboration has already seen the distribution of filter buckets to several households so that they can filter rainwater and water from cisterns that may have been contaminated mainly by vegetation that would have entered the storage tanks during the storm.
Roseman Adams, the Lead Conservation Officer and Supervisor of the Forest Wardens on Union Island, along with other members of the IUEA have been assisting with the distribution of the filter buckets. So far over 200 sets of filter buckets have been distributed.
The process involves placing the water in two buckets, one stacked over the other. The water to be treated is poured into the upper bucket which has a filter and the filtered water is collected in the lower bucket fitted with a tap, so that consumers can control the quantity of water required for cooking or drinking.
Desalination versus atmospheric water
Adams is of the opinion that a proposal to establish a desalination plant in Union should be paused, as some disturbing statistics have emerged from workers on both Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent (PSV) who have been regular users of desalinated water over the years.
Many of these persons are now hypertensive as a
Avoiding a water crisis in the Grenadines
result of the higher concentration of salt still found in (desalinated) water produced by the reverse osmosis method. Besides that, the brine produced as a by-product of the desalination process has to be pumped back into the ocean, and if not pumped where there is a constant current, higher concentrations of salt water can negatively impact biodiversity in those areas.
It is for those reasons that Adams favours a relatively safe and environmentally friendly alternative called Atmospheric Water, a process which is already in use in Barbados. The process involves extracting water vapour from the atmosphere and producing a healthy source of drinking water that is sustainable and renewable.
According to Adams he has already sampled the water from Barbados produced by that method and is impressed with the quality and natural taste. He is of the opinion that the Atmospheric Water technology is safer than desalinated
The use of filter buckets involves placing the water in buckets, one stacked over the other - the upper bucket has a filter and the filtered water is collected in the lower bucket fitted with a tap.
water which is useful for agriculture, bathing, laundry, and toilets, but scientific data has shown that human consumption of that product, if not blended with natural water sources, will continue to create health issues.
Electrical power is also required to run both desalination plants as well as Atmospheric Water plants, and since the solar farm in Union has been severely impacted, diesel generation will continue to be both a financial burden and environmental hazard with the constant exhaust fumes polluting the atmosphere.
Adams noted that after Beryl, a German company has offered to install a new renewable technology to produce electricity called Sky Sail Power. It is suggested that both Atmospheric Water plants and Sky Sail Power are set up close to each other, so that one can serve the other to produce much needed water in a sustainable manner.
Adams noted that we are living in a technologically advanced world and should be the beneficiaries of the latest technology, once it is proven to be safe and environmentally friendly. The stake holders in the water and electricity production sectors NEED to
Atmospheric Water produced, bottled and sold in Barbados.
seriously consider these alternatives before using old technologies that have proven to have negative impacts on human health and the environment, he advised.
The following links provide detailed information how both water and electricity are produced. https://skysails-power.com/ and https://awgcontractingus.com.
Contributed by: Donald De Riggs and Roseman Adams
Many of the destroyed black plastic water tanks have not yet been replaced.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Director: Desiree Richards
Editor: Cyprian Neehall
Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
Website: www.thevincentian.com
Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com
Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Shelley “Z’ Clarke -as I knew him
EDITOR’S NOTE: This week we break with the norm and give this column over to a short piece in memory of a friend and colleague, Edward Shelley ‘Z’ Clarke.
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN remiss of us, more accurately me, a fellow editor, not to have at least shared some sentiments on the occasion of his passing. Here goes…
I’M NOT SURE How to do this. How can I try and describe someone like Shelley ‘Z’ Clarke in plain old words? And, how can I possibly sum up the memories I have of Shelley in one piece? It’s almost impossible, you might say.
And yes, there is always the talk of ‘there are no words’ that can best describe someone whom you knew well and who has left us. Well, disagree or not, there are words.
There are words of pleasantness about the times we all had with Shelley, dating back to when he was a teacher, long before his (radio) broadcasting and newspaper editing days.
There are words of deportment to describe his individuality and how he always looked.
And there are words of sorrow to try and communicate what we are feeling now he has left us.
But maybe most of all there are words of strength, of hope, of power, of resilience. Words that can bring us all together, to cross these choppy waters and come out the other side, better for it.
For Shelley was an unassuming but fiery spark full of determination. He was smart, challenging, empathetic and encouraging. He always looked to grow; to better himself as a person and a professional.
And for those who might think otherwise, he was a great listener with time for friends, notwithstanding his oftentimes terse responses and dry sense of humour.
He was as selfless as he was
determined and left his mark on so many people, to the extent that there are those with whom he associated who will attest that he just might have been the best thing to have happened in their lives, and strengthened then every day they spent together.
Shelley was, admittedly, cut from a certain mould of man. No inch given, if you knew him not, but a powerful respect and warmth in every encounter. He was that powerful type of man whom we saw challenging our society, the status quo, for which some loved him and others detested him.
All that said, we were lucky, I am lucky. We had something special that a lot of people never have. I’ve memories I’ll carry with me…. from him filling the ‘time sheets’ for he and his four colleagues during the teaching years at the Intermediate High School (HIS), to the rotis at Steff’s restaurant after a hard day at the HIS where there were six classes but only five teachers.
So what would Shelley want from us today? Aside from more smiling: a celebration of who he was and a sharing of the happy memories of him; no hassles - the thought of a fuss being made would embarrass and annoy him in equal measure.
For some of us, our association with Shelley predates that time when the nation got to know and appreciate him as a radio broadcaster. It began at a time when young men and women were grappling with choices in life and when opportunities for advancement were few and wide apart.
And even when he cut his path for himself in the media, he remained the ‘Z’ of the alphabet…last but distinctly not the least.
He left an indelible mark on our lives and we need to honour that with strength and with love. As a friend said this week — we all need to be a little more like Shelley.
IT IS EASY TODAY for any one of us to despair over the situation as it relates to crime and killing in SVG. I know I have become more disillusioned by our lack of ability to address the killing. Our attitude towards these killings is why we have not yet addressed this problem. As long as we continue to label these killers as gang affiliates and a part of our throwaway community, we will not expend any energy trying to find the killers or stopping the killing. One more dead, close the book on them. Next!
I am beginning to feel that our leaders do not care enough to want to stop the killing. Until the ruling party, the ULP, sees these killings as a hindrance to their ability to get re-elected, they will continue to ignore the cries of the people. Likewise, the opposition, the NDP, thinks that as long as the killing continues, it enhances their chance to be elected. They are now openly saying that they will “hold their tongue” until they are elected for fear of enlightening the criminals and “others” of their strategies.
Unlike those waiting or wanting to be elected or reelected, I do not feel inhibited by the same constraining factors. So, it’s time we get up off our backside and do something.
On my recent trip back to the US, I spent some time reflecting on what we did in our police department. I contacted a few friends and asked the simple question: how did we stabilize and reduce the number of crimes reported annually? I was reminded of the dozens of “marketbased” solutions we had available. We did not have a silver bullet; we worked hard and built on incremental improvements. Unlike in SVG, I operated at the local government level. My level of government did not have control of all the agencies necessary to address the problem holistically. Without these options, we had to cooperate with other agencies and voluntarily learn to work together for the greater good.
So, despite my continued despair, here are some crime reduction strategies that strengthen communities. We do not have to settle for simply adding more people to the police force. I believe that we have enough police today to police our nation effectively.
On the surface, we would think that the government’s push for a bettereducated citizenry would and should reduce crime. After all, the mantra of patients of my generation was that education was the only way out of poverty, and a life without the temptation of crime was an advanced education. It is fair to say we have achieved a reasonably higher level of education today compared to my time growing up. One of our problems is that we seem to be educating our children without a purpose. It is common to read a young person with five or six CXC subjects being hauled into court for stealing. Some may even be working for somewhere between $1,200- $1,600 per month. Numerous social activists claim we now have the highest level of unemployment and underemployment ever in the state, while several employers cannot find qualified workers. So, along with the expansion of education services, we must begin to tailor our education to the job market. So, a question we must ask ourselves is, are we educating our young people for the jobs available yesterday, today, or tomorrow?
A recent trend among our elite is to describe selected areas of our communities as “hot spots,” among other things. We must stop stigmatizing our communities and our people. Doing so is not the way to show support for our people who happen to be victims of crime. A person or a place that has been victimized is a sure predictor of future victimization. Supporting victims through social support services has enormous potential for positive change. Fixing depressed places is a sure way to begin to help people and labeling them does not make it any easier. One of the unintended consequences of stigmatizing our community is that we start to believe that places poison people more routinely than people poison places. So, let us begin to rebuild our communities into neighborhoods one block at a time. We must find ways to stop making crime appealing, and yes, it is stated in our schools and other built environments, such as rum shops, street bars, and even some sports teams.
Horatio.
THE CHRISTMASholiday has come and gone. I couldn’t help but reflect on the millions of dollars spent by the poor and deprived people of this country. Money that, unfortunately, was consumed by foreign interests. What a sad reality it is that money spent by the masses ended up in the pockets of foreign business owners, rather than remaining in circulation in our own local communities.
As the saying goes, “For lack of knowledge, the people perish.” Indeed, it would have been better if that money stayed in the hands of local business owners, then it would help advance the growth of our stagnant economy.
The black dollar and the economy Income support
But year after year, the story remains the same. We spend our hard-earned money fattening businesses that hardly give anything back to help build our country. Meanwhile, the poor and destitute continue to cry that life is hard. I tell you this: the suffering will only grow if we don’t change our way of thinking. Without a new mindset, the situation will only get worse. Yes, it is crucial for a nation to be conscious of its economy and the spending power of its people. The collective spending power of the population can either destroy the predatory capitalist or keep them thriving. For those who profit from the ignorance of the poor,
Unsightly building in Kingstown
IT WAS WHILEdoing my research of historical buildings in SVG, that I was moved to write this article.
The Royal SVG Police Force Headquarters and Central Police Station on Bay Street, Kingstown, the Old Montrose Training School and its Station are in desperate need of repairs. We are asking for a face lift.
I have seen pigeons take up residence and seem to be living comfortably with their families in the Headquarters in Kingstown.
Police Officers put their lives in danger every day for the safety of our Vincentians, performing their duties with pride and dignity, while others are leaving the Police force because they have become frustrated. They deserve better.
I hereby request, Mr. Prime Minister, that you “act fast” to improve the dwelling and working environment for these Police Officers, especially those Officers who sleep over night and on weekends to ensure our safety.
Civilians also have to work in those buildings where windows are missing, building with defaced walls that need painting and fallen electrical/telephone wires hanging all over the place like Christmas decorations or lights that are there in the day, but no lights in the night. They are just unsightly and unnecessary decorations.
It’s time that our Police Officers, sons and daughters, be treated with respect, dignity and pride by an institution that demands their time and energy. Thank you in advance.
Yvette Gittens
INCOME IS MONEY received regularly for work or from investments. Every individual has a source of income. Income support means helping that individual to enhance productivity using the available resources so that the income is maximized. In most cases what people need is good advice. Merely giving them money may not necessarily qualify as income support as it may not meet the intended purpose. Technical support may also qualify as income support because in many cases this is what will lead to increased productivity.
The retired domestic worker who may now be on public assistance may need help to document all the past employers and the National Insurance contributions that they or their estate should have made. This may result in them receiving a pension greater than public assistance. This may be true for other workers also.
Hurricane Beryl caused a destruction of
Letter of appreciation
Dear Chairpersons and Friends,
I HOPE THIS LETTERfinds you well. On behalf of the Vice Chair Mr. Kenneth Cupid and the entire National Council of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines UK (NCSVGA UK) Committee, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your hard work throughout 2024. Your dedication has been invaluable.
this power is of great significance. In this country, we have much work to do. And no one is under the illusion that it will be an easy journey– it will be an uphill battle. Intellectuals with political aspirations, as well as historians who claim to understand the problems of our people, lack the courage to take action. They have failed to address the deep-rooted issues that pollute our national consciousness. In my view, these intellectuals are like empty barrels making noise–full of grand ideas and empty rhetoric but offering little practical change.
During the holiday season, people flocked to Kingstown in a shopping
many bee hives and bees. The consequence is that there is a drastic reduction in the production of fruits and vegetables. One example is the lack of pumpkin and water melon among the vines. Pollination by hand though useful is not as efficient as that done by bees. Income support for all farmers could mean the restoration of bee hives and the honey bee population. In this way the production of fruits and vegetables would increase and consequently the income of all farmers likewise. Those directly involved in honey production would also benefit.
Additionally, the farming community is aging and can no longer engage in back breaking work, so they need tractors and other machines to make their work easier. Overseas, one individual can cultivate large portions
frenzy. Ironically, this is the time when many celebrate the birth of the Saviour, who came to save the wretched from sin and shame. Yet, commerce, paganism, and consumerism took center stage. What struck me most was that even on the most sacred day of the week, people were spending money recklessly, as if they had a money tree. The suffering masses spent as if money came easily to them. It is disheartening to see that my people are lacking in the very knowledge that could change their situation. I reiterate: we need a new way of thinking.
of lands because tractors are deployed in plowing. Other machines also assist with planting and harvesting. Efficient mechanization and the use of technical support may also make farming attractive to young people interested in Agriculture.
For this reason, Agricultural Extension Officers are indispensable for the improvement of farming in every community. Thus, investment in Extension Officers and making tractors available to farmers would constitute income support. Besides this, the general and specific advice received would help farmers be more productive.
All areas of endeavor are deserving of income support. Whether it is advice on production and marketing, technical support, low interest and no interest loans, and appropriate education
and training, all will lead to measurable outcomes.
Much “income support” is being distributed. Who is receiving it? What is its purpose? If it does not qualify as income support, what is it? Is it a handout? Is it a bribe? Where is the money coming from? How can we measure the resulting increased productivity and increased income?
Anthony G. Stewart
Congratulations and best wishes
SEASON’s Greetings!!! I am delighted to say Congratulations to the Vincentian authors who have released new publications recently.
this reference material available, especially when we reflect on the progress being made in this area. Can you remember the first book that you read that was written by a Vincentian author or a Caribbean author?
Our country has faced disaster after disaster, yet we have stuck together as one and shown that unity is indeed strength. I appreciate your constant collaboration and hard work in facing adversity and assisting our country whenever possible.
As we look ahead to the New Year, let’s continue to foster unity and collaboration. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a bright, prosperous 2025. Warmest regards.
Deiana Stapleton CHAIR, NCSVGAUK.
Dr. Richard Byron-Cox “The Story of Paulene Bramble: Book one: Spring’s Blossom and Young Thorns,” Mr. Renwick Rose “Reflections” a three-book collection on Women’s Struggles for Justice and Equity; We Grandparents’ Backpay - Struggle for Reparatory Justice and Reclaiming Our Independence and Defending Democracy.
Frankie McIntosh and Ray Allen’s “Frankie McIntosh and the art of the Soca Arranger” will add to the Vincentian Literary collection and by extension that of the Caribbean and beyond.
I want to wish them all the best with their books. It is wonderful to be able to have
It is encouraging to think of the effect that these books will have on the society.
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous 2025.
I would also like to take the opportunity to express my condolences to the family of Mr. Shelley Clarke and to thank all in the newspaper business who so willingly keep us informed and publish the thoughts and ideas of so many of us from time to time. Keep up the good work. Much appreciated.
Cheryl Phills King.
Carden A. Michael.
V Labour: The party of choice in SVG
LABOUR’S HISTORIC ROLE
SINCE INTERNAL SELF-GOVERNANCEin
October 1969, fifty-five years ago, LABOUR (the SVG Labour Party and its successor, the Unity Labour Party) has governed SVG for nearly thirty-eight of those 55 years or over 67 percent of that period. Labour led SVG into internal selfgovernment in 1969 under the Premiership of Robert Milton Cato of blessed memory.
Under Milton Cato too, Labour reclaimed its independence from Britain in October 1979. Of the 45 years since independence, Labour has led SVG for some 28 years or 62 percent of the post-independence years: Cato was Prime Minister from October 1979 to July 1984; and Comrade Ralph of the ULP has been Prime Minister, thus far, from March 2001 to the present time – nearly 24 years or more than one-half of the post-independence period.
Between the Cato years and the dawning period of the 21st century under Comrade Ralph’s leadership, were two Prime Ministers from the New Democratic Party (NDP): Sir James Mitchell (July 1984 to October 2000); and Arnhim Eustace (October 27, 2000 to March 28, 2001 – five months).
The historic data since 1969 show clearly that Labour has been the natural party of governance in SVG. Comrade Ralph has been the longest serving Prime Minister, having led the ULP to five successive election victories (2001, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020). Undoubtedly, Labour has transformed SVG for the better. It secured internal self-government; it reclaimed our nation’s independence; it established, maintained, and reformed, a modern, independent, democratic, and free nation-state with high quality governance; it ensured a mighty uplift in the quality of our people’s lives and living, grounded centrally on a bundle of sound economic pillars, despite all the on-rushing challenges and limitations of our small-island condition; and since 2001, it has effected, for the better, a paradigm, shift in the macro-economy. Labour, established and built through the splendid efforts of the working people and the nation as a whole, under wise and visionary leadership, has served SVG exceedingly well thus far. It has been fulfilling its historic mission to be responsible and responsive always to the people who have entrusted its leaders with high governmental offices.
ELECTIONS IN 2025
Before the end of 2025, general elections will be held in SVG. Labour, under Comrade Ralph’s leadership, is the odds-on favorite to win again, for a sixth consecutive term. In SVG today there is no mood for a change of government; and Labour is stronger than ever. The feel-good mood and Labour’s strength are a powerful combination. Despite complaints or dissonances, here and there in the body politic, the people overwhelmingly accept that the
country is on the right track. And there is no feasible alternative: The opposition NDP is simply not ready for governance; indeed, the NDP is not fitfor-purpose.
Still, Labour cannot take things for granted; it cannot be complacent.
Labour knows how to govern optimally; Labour knows how to mobilise and organise like no other mass party in our history. And Labour knows how to win elections, free and fair. Come election day, Labour will have its house in order in every material particular.
RESTATING THE CASE FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2025
In the ULP’s Election Manifesto of November 2020, we stated thus:
“Our ULP government has been able to achieve mighty things for our people’s benefit despite the awesome external challenges and the extant limitations of our small island economy, enwrapped in the historical legacies of underdevelopment consequent upon native genocide, the enslavement of Africans, the indentureship of Madeirans and Indians, colonialism and imperialism, racism and misogyny. We have made extraordinary strides in our socioeconomic transformation and development over the past two decades because our people responded magnificently to our Party’s peoplecentred vision and philosophy, our ongoing communion with the people, our creative policies and programmes for sustainable development, the high quality of our team collectively, our organizational structures, our good governance, our development partnerships with our friends and allies overseas, and our sterling leadership, under the suzerainty of God.”
In the same 2020 Election Manifesto, the ULP averred that:
“None of our awesome challenges can be solved/addressed by incrementalism or minimalist pragmatism which side-steps the profound economic and social transformation which has been underway in this country for the past 20 years. A renewed political and social compact of a united people under a ULP government is required, building upon the pre-existing achievements while at the same time embracing bold, fresh initiatives to Lift SVG Higher, optimally and enduringly. This is not the time for any old-fashioned tinkering of the NDP yesteryears, or seductive mirages which are unsustainable and downright dangerous such as the selling of passports and citizenship.”
In Comrade Ralph’s “Letter to the Voters of SVG”, he stated:
“There is much still for me to accomplish with the ULP on behalf of the people, in their interest. I assure you of my optimism for our country’s future, especially for our young people and our working men and women. You know that I am not a man of
lamentations or a debilitating learned helplessness; my upbringing, education, life experiences condition me not to be a mimic man; I have been blessed with the gift of independent thought, not imitative thinking. I am full of energy and enthusiasm for the tasks ahead; and I do not want to leave behind any unfinished task! Like the esteemed Issachar, one of the Leaders of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, I know the times, its challenges, and its opportunities, and I shall continue to act accordingly in the people’s interest.”
Between 2020 and now, every objective observer will undoubtedly affirm that the ULP government and Comrade Ralph have delivered as pledged in the Party’s Manifesto of 2020 to be true to the interests of the people of SVG and their substantial betterment. Indeed, despite COVID, volcanic eruptions, Hurricane Elsa and Beryl, and global turmoil, SVG in the last four years has made massive progress in the people’s interest and their humanization. Moreover, the rolled-out plans for the present and the future are stuffed with real, achievable promises for the people’s betterment.
TEN FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS OF THE ULP
Again, the ULP restates its vision, its fundamental philosophical tenets, and the cornerstones of its policies and programmes in every area of human, social, economic, and political activity in life, living, and production.
Without these basic foundational elements, no political party can properly govern in the people’s interest. Without these as our charts and compass, the ship of state will be rudderless, and it will run aground swiftly.
These Ten Foundational Elements of the ULP are:
(i) A people-centred vision; (ii) the philosophy of advanced social democracy as applied to the condition of SVG; (iii) the affirmation of our Caribbean civilisation, inclusive of its magnificent Vincentian component, and its further advancement/ennoblement; (iv) the ongoing pursuit of Good Governance; (v) our economic approach in cultivating or fashioning a harmonious tripartite economy (private, cooperative, and state sectors); (vi) the economic quest to build a modern, competitive, many-sided, post-colonial economy; (vii) the achievement of central economic outcomes (Job creation; wealth creation; a balanced, open economy pf diverse economic pillars; inclusive economic growth; fiscal, monetary, and financial stability; targeted strategic interventions; economic inclusiveness, equity, and fairness); (viii) the achievement of the 17 sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as agreed to at the United Nations; (ix) the pursuance of a policy of mature regionalism and integration; (x) the
implementation of an efficacious foreign policy combining our values and our interests.
LEADERSHIP
In all of this political leadership is of paramount importance. Comrade Ralph is a tried and tested leader of the highest quality. This fact is recognised at home and abroad, even by his political opponents. Now is not the time to take chances; chances are for those who play Lotto; we cannot gamble with our country’s future. Among other things, leadership demands centrally Energy and Will, Vison and Skill. There is another quality, identifiable and recognisable, but difficult to define precisely; it is a gift from God; you either possess it or you do not. It is this gift that differentiates the pedestrian personality posing as leader and the truly outstanding one; that remarkable individual who has gone through metaphoric wilderness experiences and veritable fire and emerged triumphant with, and, for his people. Lazy, lowenergy, weak, visionless persons, inexperienced in the art and science of real leadership and not possessed of the requisite bundle of skis will lead any enterprise to disaster; untried and untested leadership poseurs, are incapable of transformational leadership; they always fail!
The Comrade has been moulded and shaped by extraordinary forces and circumstances. His mettle is legendary. The people know this!
The Comrade has been beaten on the anvil of experience and forged in the cauldron of struggle. He has dedicated his entire life to the service of the people of SVG and the Caribbean. The rebel in him, and the love in him continue to drive him always with fresh ideas to improve the lot of the people; and the love for people, of the individual and the collective, sustains him in his endeavors.
On the platform, he enjoys being introduced to Jimmy Cliff’s “The Rebel in Me”:
“If the rebel in me
Can touch the rebel in you
And the rebel in you
Can touch the rebel in me
And the rebels we be
Is gonna set us free
Then it would bring out the rebel
Bring out the rebel
Bring out the rebel in me.
“My love is deeper than the ocean
Our love is in need of sweet devotion
Come on, because you got the potion
To bring out the love in me
And I would bring out the love in you.”
The ULP wishes all a happy and prosperous 2025!
The unpleasant is often necessary
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” – Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900) – German philosopher, poet, and cultural critic.
SOME READERS MAY READILY DISAGREE with the Fredrich Nietzsche quotation that was used to introduce this essay. They may rightly argue that tragic experiences such as physical accidents and mental illness can have chronic debilitating results. However, Fredrich’s statement appears to be much deeper than this – even the most painful and unpleasant experiences have the capacity to generate growth; they can strengthen our resilience. In so doing we may readily discover that discomfort is often necessary for development and transformation.
Life, by its very nature, is a tapestry of joy and suffering, ease and hardship, comfort and uneasiness, good times and bad times. While we may sometimes be tempted to wish for more regular occurrences of the pleasant moments, a deep analysis may reveal that it is the unpleasant ones that facilitate most growth and strengthen our resolve. Discomfort and adversity frequently result in meaningful change and improvement. While we may not immediately understand or appreciate what appear to be crisis situations in our lives, these are often necessary in fostering growth and strengthening our faith. This is especially so when we pause long enough to be thankful for what we still have left rather than groping and complaining about what we have lost. Many can testify that facing challenges and enduring discomfort often leads to personal progression. Accidents happen. Diseases are contracted. Friends and relatives may disappoint and abandon. These are the facts of life. Such situations can be very frustrating and may create and sustain moments of self-doubt, depression, and cynicism. However, while these may appear to be normal/natural reactions, “bad times” are often considered necessary and valuable in fostering the discipline necessary to move beyond the temporary discomfort and setbacks of life to obtain a deeper sense of selfconfidence and determination.
Additionally, as difficult as it may seem, the unpleasant is often necessary for spiritual, emotional, and psychological development. Life’s adversities, such as experiencing failure, breakdown of a relationship, or loss of a loved one, while deeply painful, provide opportunities for deep introspection and healing. Such traumatic experiences often remind us of our vulnerabilities, our humanness, our strengths, and our values. As our thoughts are redirected at what truly matters, we may reevaluate our priorities and re-examine our goals and objectives as we regroup to pursue our noble dreams and ambitions. Life’s trials and tribulations may be useful in aiding the refocus in relation to the pursuit of positive changes and a more proactive approach to life and living. History is replete with examples of periods of unrest, conflict, or suffering that resulted in many positive social and political changes. The ending of the slave trade, the abolition of slavery, the struggle for civil rights, and the fight for gender equality all involved discomfort and resistance. Individuals who stood up for these
causes often suffered public scorn, ridicule, and imprisonment. Others were tortured or maimed as a result of their strong convictions and a commitment to right societal wrongs. Others paid the ultimate price and were killed as a result of their principles and convictions. However, their resolve to stand up and speak out for what was right and just ignited and fuelled the societal shifts that led to greater justice and equity. As so often happens, progress may require discomfort. It may necessitate challenging the status quo and compelling individuals and societies to confront uncomfortable truths.
Confronting societal injustices requires courage. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) reminds us that, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.” It takes courage and a strong resolve to face unpleasant situations and outcomes in pursuit of justice, equity, transparency, and accountability. However, the unpleasant is often necessary.
We could learn valuable lessons from nature in relation to the critical role that discomfort plays. For example, before the butterfly emerges from the cocoon, she must engage in an unpleasant but necessary struggle to emerge from her confining case. However, that unpleasant struggle is considered critical in developing the butterfly’s wings. Had there not been the need for the struggle she would have emerged weak and be the candidate for a premature death. In so many aspects of our lives, we discover that unpleasant situations can often propel us to excel and innovate.
While it is normal/natural to seek to avoid pain, disappointment, and other unpleasant experiences, these are often considered essential for our growth and development. Life’s varied challenges, as uncomfortable and traumatic as they may appear, often propel us to engage in coping mechanisms that foster spiritual, mental, and emotional agility that encourage us to become better versions of ourselves. Even those events that we may classify as “crisis situations” possess opportunities for immense growth although charged with dangers.
Whether through personal battles, societal change, or natural occurrences, discomfort and adversity are essential parts of life’s varied journey. Individually and collectively, there is value in embracing the unpleasant knowing that they often unlock the potential for positive change, growth, and progress. Eckhart Tolle (born 1948), the German-born spiritual teacher and self-help author, reminds us that, “Even the most seemingly unpleasant situations — if you become aligned with it, something good will emerge from that.”
Book on competitiveness launched
SMALL DEVELOPINGstates like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have been given a set of approaches, tools and policies, as they seek to enhance their competitiveness.
The pathway has been mapped out in a fourteenchapter book, written by Vincentian- Dr. Robert Alston Stoddard.
Entitled, “Enhancing Competitiveness in Small Developing States”, the publication had its official launch on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Villa.
Stoddard, who worked in the Public Service of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for many years, rising to the position of Renewable Energy Specialist, noted that his book is timely, covering a range of topics relative to the modern Caribbean landscape.
Stoddard posited that whilst not exhaustive: “It is not the panacea but it would make us more competitive. The range of issues covered in the book is pertinent to our development and speaks to us as a country, to address how we can be better placed to be competitive in the world economy”.
He thus called for the continuous pursuit of competitiveness within the sphere of the developing states and proffered: “We can only survive and compete if our standard or quality is on par with the best in the business. It is an approach that I am proposing (that) we can only compete with the other companies if we are as good as they are or better than they are. Each of us has a stake in our own development, in everything we do”.
The author noted that the book is a sum total of his own assessments, along with issues that came out from various consultations.
“The person who was working with me said that we needed to document the stuff that we were doing, hence, I ended up putting a book together
because of all of the policy issues that came out of the consultation relating to some of the things that were affecting us as a region”, Stoddard informed the audience at the launch.
In his interaction with his audience, Stoddard gave practical experiences of some of the pressing issues and demonstrated how these can be fixed.
The book, which the author said is affordable, is available on Amazon.com in kindle form as well as paperback.
And as he registered that the publication is useful to students, Stoddard assured that it will be accessible to students of the SVG Community College.
He also disclosed that he plans to take the book launch to other parts of the Caribbean region.
Dr. Robert Alston Stoddard autographs a copy of his book for a purchaser.
A Night of Rhythm:
Steel Expressions Golden Empire Concert
By MARALYN BALLANTYNE, LLB. HONS.
UNDER THE GLOWING LIGHTSof Arnos Vale Stadium, Steel Expressions 2024 Golden Empire transported the audience to a world of tropical rhythms and penetrating melodies, with a multi-dimensional concert featuring live steel pan music. From the
moment the first note rang out, it was evident this would be a night to remember. The Epic Sounds Steel Orchestra was in fine form, delivering an unforgettable performance. The evening opened with a vibrant rendition that instantly set the tone for what was to come. The intricate harmonies of the steel
pans filled the space, immersing the audience in Caribbean-inspired magic. Each piece performed showcased the remarkable versatility of both singers and pannists, seamlessly blending traditional calypso, soca, and reggae with unexpected yet delightful covers of popular songs. A standout moment was
There is no questioning that Steel Expressions has established the “GO TO” end-of-year event here in SVG.
Impressions
LA FLEUR JOHN:‘The ambience at Steel Expressions was outstanding. The items chosen were all popular, but personally, I would like to see Steel Expressions venture into other genres, particularly classical music and jazz.
their rendition of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, with its soaring crescendos and infectious rhythms that had the crowd clapping and dancing along.
The musicians’ skill was undeniable. Rodney Small commanded the show with flair, demonstrating a masterful touch on the tenor pan. His steady groove was irresistible, drawing the audience deeper into the music. The seamless interplay among the performers highlighted not only their technical expertise but also their camaraderie and shared passion for their craft.
One particularly memorable moment was the improvisational take on the reggae classic “Jammin’”, which brought the crowd to life. The impromptu appearance of NBC’s Zariah added an exciting twist, further elevating the night’s energy. Special recognition must also go to the many young singers, some of whom were mere teenagers. Among them, a teacher from the Paget Farm School in Bequia charmed the audience with a heartfelt performance. The singers displayed exceptional talent and soul-stirring vocals, proving once again that Vincentians possess a deep well of musical gifts.
The highlight of the night came during the Baron segment, where the audience’s spontaneous participation created an electrifying atmosphere. This perfect blend of performer and listener was a true celebration of sound and connection.
For me, the pinnacle
of Steel Expression
GALE BRANCH: ‘A wonderful show, especially the segment featuring the young female singers.’
AMBASSADOR ANDREA BOWMAN: ‘Steel Expressions 2024 was spectacular! Congratulations to Rodney Small and his team!”
of the evening was the performance by Vincentian music icon Andy Cruickshank, whose soulful voice mesmerized the crowd. The inclusion of the song “The Goodness of God” and the invocation of divine presence added a meaningful layer to the concert. The performers also took a moment to acknowledge the trauma experienced by those affected by Hurricane Beryl, as well as the resilience of the Southern Grenadines community. The hardworking carpenters who constructed the stunning stage set were also recognized, adding another dimension of appreciation to the event.
ERLENE WILLIAMS AND DAUGHTERS, ABEENA AND ADIOLA, VISITING FROM NEW YORK:“This was a night out to remember with joy….we are very proud of our talented Vincentian musicians, especially the young female singers in the first segment.’
A particularly magical moment unfolded when Rodney Small invited the audience to shine their phone lights, saying:
“Together, those lights paint a picture of where we can go–a collective journey toward something bigger than ourselves. They show us the power of connection, the beauty of community, and the endless possibilities we can create when we move forward as one. Every phone light is more than a moment; it is a message. A reminder that no matter how small we may feel at times, our light can shine brightly and, when joined with others, can illuminate the path to an extraordinary future.”
The venue itself played a crucial role in enhancing the performances. The sweet breezes, special effects, fireworks, outstanding stage design, and courteous staff in all departments created an environment of comfort and excitement. The acoustics allowed the rich tones of the steel pan to resonate
2004 Steel Expressions cast, and was resoundingly received.
beautifully, providing an immersive auditory experience. By the end of the concert, the crowd was on its feet, calling for an encore. Baron obliged with a spirited rendition, leaving everyone in high spirits.
Steel Expressions 2024 Golden Empire was more than a concert; it was a joyous celebration of music and Vincentian culture. It transcended societal ills and offered hope for the future. Whether you are a longtime fan of steel pan music or a newcomer, this event was a powerful reminder of the ability of live Caribbean music to connect, uplift, and inspire. The experience augurs well for 2025 and beyond.
Rodney Small, the originator of Steel Expressions, did not fil to mesmerize his audience with extraordinary musical movements on his tenor pan.
Timothy Watkins, better known as ‘Baron, even in his twilight years wooed his audience into calling for an encore.
Jaron Nurse, ReggaeGospel artiste from Trinidad and Tobago, was a smooth fit in the
V Da Silva counts another lighting title
OLIVIA DA SILVA,the most decorated winner in the annual VINLEC National Lighting Competition, counted her twelfth win, as she won the 2024 Best Lit Private Home.
Da Silva’s residence, located at Cane End in the Marriaqua Valley, has been a permanent fixture in the yearly lighting festivities.
With her 2024 theme “Splendour of Jesus the King”, Da Silva’s hard work and dedication saw her beating Moketo Stanley’s Chauncey residence into second place.
Anthony Jardine of Georgetown was third, and fourth was Zachary Audain of Green Hill.
In addition to her national
title, Da Silva placed second in the Best Nativity Scene category.
Speaking two days after the announcement of her victory, Da Silva told the VINCENTIAN that losing in 2023, made her win in 2024 even more special.
“I did not win in 2023, so I am really satisfied and thankful that I have come back there in the first position. I always work with a theme and I stick to my theme”, Da Silva related.
Giving an insight into her progression leading up to the final product, Da Silva said, “I checked the lights in October, continued in November and I started dropping lights in November. We were judged on
the 18th December and on the 17th, I was still dropping lights.”
Over the years, Da Silva has been sharing the spotlight with Jimmy Samuel of Rillan Hill.
Samuel’s residence docked third in Zone 2.
Savouring win number twelve, Da Silva underscored that the victory was especially embraced, given the challenges of the adverse weather conditions experienced during
the months of October and November, attending to her back yard gardening and caring for her husband.
“I had competition with the weather, so you couldn’t do a full day. It was a different pattern this time around, but God be praised that we were able to successfully put in all of our lights,” she shared.
Self-taught in the area of stringing the lights and working with electricity, Da Silva boasted, “I am my own electrician. For years I have been putting in my lights, all I get is someone to climb the ladder, but I am definitely thankful. I had a guy come in to work with me to put up the high point.”
Taking one year at a time, Da Silva, a retired educator, is not placing a lid on her
involvement in the annual lighting competition.
“I am not getting younger but I just have the passion for this thing. I don’t know how (much) longer I will be in it,” she suggested.
What is a given is that Da Silva has the most titles in the National Lighting Competition, inclusive of six consecutive wins.
According to Da Silva, she won titles in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024. These go along with her successive wins in Zone 3.
Da
Scene did not win but it certainly enhanced her overall winning presentation.
Richland Park takes Best Lit Community title
THE PEOPLE OF RICHLAND PARK are still basking in the joy of being crowned the National Best Lit Community, for the first time.
Winners of Zone 3, Richland Park starved off ten times champions- Point Village into second place, to take the 2024 title.
Third overall was Zone 1 winners- Barrouallie Square, with Rose Hall Works, second place in Zone 1, taking the fourth spot.
In taking the 2024 title, Richland Park dethroned 2023 national champions- Almond Tree- Bequia who, this year, had to be satisfied with the consolation of trumping Zone 5.
Richland Park’s 2024 thrust
Known for executing an impactful Nine Mornings programme, Richland Park stepped into a different
realm in 2024, by paying special attention to the lights.
From the strip of road known as Junction, leading to the Richland Park Government School, the well-defined décor of lights impressed the adjudicators, as they presented “Family Affair”.
Making effective use of lights, the creators unfolded a story that reflected aspects of family activity at this time of year.
These included depictions of several gift shops, a playground, children having ice cream, candy canes and candy shop.
Danroy Ballantyne, chairman of the Richland Park Nine Morning Committee which assumed responsibility for the lighting, exuded satisfaction that their “perseverance” finally paid off.
“It is really a good feeling because we have not been in it for the longest while. Last year, a big year for us, we didn’t place but we decided we will continue to fight; we will continue to endure and this year we are grateful that we were looked upon as the Best Lit Community”.
Ballantyne said it has always been a challenge for his committee to concentrate on lighting and the Nine Mornings activities, but 2024 proved a special year, as they received “tremendous” support from the Richland Park community.
“Members of the community came out and helped us, including many of the young people. Also, we have ladies on the committee who are very persistent in what we wanted to achieve, and they worked
Depictions of Christmas family-related activities.
tirelessly”, Ballantyne said with satisfaction.
Accepting the fact that ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’, Ballantyne revealed that plans are afoot to defend their title in 2025.
“We already have a theme for 2025, which I think is quite good, but will not expose, so we expect to be challenged, and we are prepared to fight harder, we have to ensure that we have more lights, better designs, not that the designs were not good, but we know we have to be prepared for more competition”, he admitted.
Ballantyne though awaits the announcements of the other components, as it eagerly anticipating retaining the Best Christmas Community title, and wrest the Best Nine Mornings Community from Stubbs. These announcements, along with others will be made public when the National Nine Mornings Committee holds its Presentation Ceremony.
A section of the decoration that adorned the roadway leading to the Richland Park Government School.
Olivia Da Silva – undoubtedly the champion among those who contested the Best Lit Private Home category.
The spellbinding scene that greeted visitors at the entrance to Olivia Da Silva’s residence.
The walkway between the perimeter wall and the residence made for a decorative path.
Silva’s Nativity
Kentreal Kydd tells his story
HE WAS ONE OF THE GUEST SPEAKERS at All Athletes Inc’s when it held its Empower Through Action Networking Mixer, Beachcombers Hotel, Villa, December 20, 2024. He was Kentreal Kydd, Para- athlete and Para- Olympian- used the occasion to tell his story.
Kydd, an amputee, chronicled his journey from having his left leg amputated to attending international Swimming Championships.
Born and raised in the Central Leeward town of Layou, Kydd said: “It all started as a typical 13year-old, being very mischievous at times”.
His normal 13-year-old life changed when, “I got into a minor accident which I didn’t take for anything and it led up to me having stage three
cancer, where I lost my leg(left) at the age of 13”, Kydd began.
Exhibiting resilience and fortitude even at that age, “But I did not let that stop me,” Kydd boasted, “(and) after spending a whole year in the hospital away from school, I had to repeat a form. I went back to school, passed all my forms and did CSEC this year, passing all my subjects”.
He was at the time a student of the Barrouallie Secondary School. He is now a first-year student at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.
Embracing swimming
Reflecting on his entry into swimming, Kydd said it was after he lost his leg that he was introduced to swimming.
“When I started swimming there were some challenges. I had to come from school, walk with my crutches, get a van to go to the pool and having to walk from the gap (where he exited the van) all the way to the pool, and that was a real rough one”.
Kydd made mention of having to be stranded at nights, calling people to pick him up, and with his mom ever worrying about his whereabouts.
He told of the challenges of getting to the pool lasting five months before national Swim Coach- Kyle Dougan, acknowledged his commitment and made arrangements for him to be accommodated at his home.
That was a turning point in his trajectory; he was now able to train regularly.
Now a member of the Black Sands Swim Squad, Kydd competed at local championships put on by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation.
Competition highlights
He first ventured out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Aquatic Centre International Invitational Championships in Barbados in 2022 and went on to make history by becoming the first paraswimmer to compete at the OECS Championships in St. Lucia, in 2023.
That year, Kydd also travelled to France where he sought classification from the World Para Swimming team, ahead of the Pan American Paralympic Games in Santiago, Chile.
But his high point came at the Paralympic Games in France in September, 2024, when he did his personal best in the 50m Freestyle.
Competing in the S9 category of the event, Kydd clocked 31.45s in Heat Two, bettering his 31.67s done at the 2023 Para Pan American Games, held in Santiago, Chile.
Moved by the fact that he was able to do his personal best at the Paralympic Games, Kydd said that he is challenged to do better as he sets his sights on attending more global events.
He summed up his journey in the sport as one of perseverance, despite his disability.
Also giving remarks at the ceremony were Suzanna LeigertwoodOllivierre, Head of the Sports Department and
Deputy Principal of the St. Vincent
Alexandra Walrond, Secretary of Team Athletics SVG; and President of the SVG Swimming Federation and President of the SVG Olympic CommitteeStephen Joachim. The Networking Mixer was part of All Athletes Inc.’s ABC’s weekend. The other weekend activities included a Fundraising Football match and a Thanksgiving Service.
Grammar School;
Kentreal Kydd, Para-athlete and ParaOlympian, relating his story at the AllAthletes Inc’s Empower Through Action Networking Mixer.
Kentreal Kydd at the 2023 Pan American Paralympic Games in Santiago, Chile.
Paralympic swimmer Kentreal Kydd on his way to a personal best (31.35) in the S9 50m freestyle at the Paralympics held in France.
UWI Global Campus Sharing & Caring
OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON, The University of the West Indies Global Campus (UWIGC) St. Vincent & the Grenadines helped raise funds for those in need through the Salvation Army’s kettle appeal campaign.
Head-of-Site, Dr. Resa Noel-Mc Barnett who led the UWIGC Team, presented a donation to Captain Buissereth on behalf of the academic institution. She stated that the outreach was part of the university’s initiative to give back.
Drawing reference from here holiday message, Dr. Noel-Mc Barnett said that “Christmas signifies celebration, reflection and connection.”
She was of the belief that the festive season was also a time to remember the “importance of generosity and compassion.”
She concluded, “Let is reach out to those who may he lonely or in need and let us embrace the values of empathy and understanding. Sharing is caring.’
Captain Wilkings Buissereth who was present to greet the team from the academic institution, expressed gratitude for what he described as “their kind act of service to the Vincentian public.”
The Salvation Army leader also thanked the UWI Team for their monetary donation and wished the institution, staff and students every success. (SG)
L-R: Dr. Resa Noel-Mc Barnett, Head-of-Site of The UWI Global Campus St. Vincent & the Grenadines, hands over a donation to Captain Wilkings Buissereth of the Salvation Army.
Sandals & Hasbro gift over 16,000 toys
games to kick off the holiday season.
“The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing, and even more a time to inspire hope. We are incredibly grateful to be able to partner with Hasbro to bring joy to children in a way that lets them know they are being thought of,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation.
On December 15, 2024, the magic of the season came alive at Buccament Bay beach as Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines team members served over 150 children in an afternoon filled with games, songs, food & drinks, and play.
development of children, and the work that is done through the Sandals Foundation definitely supports this. We believe in investing in our communities in as many ways as we possibly can. Hosting events like this creates a lasting impact on children and will contribute to fostering solid relationships between Sandals and the communities around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for generations to come.”
Photos: Sandals St. Vincent
THE SANDALS FOUNDATION AND HASBRO have come together once again this Holiday Season for their annual toy distribution, making the most wonderful time of the year for 16,000 children across the Caribbean even brighter.
Since 2011, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with United States based toy company, Hasbro, to mobilize hundreds of helpers who volunteer to spread the joy, going into schools and local communities with toys and
General Manager at Sandals Saint Vincent Tamon Allen considers this event to be a “resounding success”, noting that he spoke with several parents and their children during the toy distribution party and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“I’m a big kid at heart, so I love the holiday season and I especially love bringing good cheer to the children,” he explains. “Nothing beats seeing the unfiltered joy on their tiny faces, and we saw a lot of that on December 15!”
“Play and enjoyment are very beneficial to the holistic
and the
their parents, by extension — some Sandals love!”
Public Relations Manager Jamila Soso-Vincent adds that it was an emotional experience being able to bring such joy to the children of Buccament Bay and surrounding areas.
“Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines opened in March of this year, so this is the first time that many of our team members are participating in such an event. Words can’t even fully describe how amazing it was to see so many children in one place having the time of their lives!” she enthused.
“I’m already planning what we will be doing next Christmas, and 2024 hasn’t even ended as yet! Wherever Sandals Resorts operates, we make it our business to support our communities, and one of the best ways to do that is to show the children — and
In addition to the Holidays festivities in Buccament Bay, the Sandals Saint Vincent team also partnered with the Lions Club of KingstownSVG, earlier this year, sharing
approximately 2,000 toys (also contributed by Hasbro) to the non-profit organization. These toys were distributed to children from vulnerable communities across the multiisland nation. (Submitted by Sandals St. Vincent)
Youlou Arts: Sustaining the Arts in SVG
HAPPY NEW YEARto
all! It is now 2025 and a brand-new year has started. We want you to know that Youlou Arts Foundation continues to carry out its mission, that of encouraging and nurturing the arts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Toward this end, Youlou Arts has been focusing on teaching creativity to children for close to twenty-five years, offering the “Growing Young SVG Artists” programme since 2001.
Through its art classes, Youlou Arts aims to inspire and encourage “Vincies” to express
themselves and be creative.
For 2025 Youlou Arts has prepared a list of events and classes that will be conducted at Youlou Art Centre, Villa. Currently the Youlou Art Gallery has a show titled “Any Three Artists” that will run until the end of February 2025. The featured local artists are: Peter Providence, Anthony McDonald, and Cecile Comblen. This show is a stunning array of seascapes, portraits, and surreal paintings with local accents. The public is invited to come and view these paintings.
There will be a reception on Saturday, January 4th from 6 to 8 pm. This event is free. Light refreshments will be served, and drinks will be on sale.
Our Saturday morning Art Classes for children between the ages of 5 through 12 will resume on Saturday, January 18. Classes are held at Youlou Art Centre, from 10 am to 12 noon.
Starting in January, we will continue with our “Life” drawing classes. This class is for adults and art students from the Community College. We will have a live model to pose for the
drawing class. The starting date for this event will be announced.
The 2025 Secondary School Art Competition will be launched in January. More information will be available during the month of January when Youlou Arts Foundation will formally launch the competition.
We would like the public to be aware of several classes we want to offer, to wit, art classes for teenagers and adults. Given the interest — at least 5 people to a class - a date and time for the classes will be set.
Other activities for 2025 include:
February/MarchBamboo Basket Making class. If you are interested, please let us know. We are very excited to be offering this class. It took us a great deal of time and effort to get the proper tools to offer this class.
March to JuneThe Annual Women’s Art Show will take place under the theme “Home”. This show will feature the artwork of several local women artists and is a collaboration involving the Rock Retreat from Gibraltar, Vincy Writers
April 5th - “Volcano Festival”, focusing on La Soufriere and featuring literary, performing and visual artists.
July - “Growing Young SVG Artists” programme for children ages 5 to 12: a twoweek visual arts programme, with the focus on climate change.
For all events listed please call the Youlou Art Centre at 457 4493 and cell: 497 7811, for more details. (Source: Youlou Arts Foundation)
and Youlou Arts Foundation.
General Manager at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tamon Allen congratulates a young boy from the Buccament Bay community who participated in a sing-a-long competition at the event.
Sandals Saint Vincent
Grenadines Entertainment team member Johan Serville keeping the children engaged and excited at the holiday toy distribution event.
It was a great turnout at the Sandals Foundation/Sandals Saint Vincent holiday toy distribution event, which took place at Buccament Bay beach on December 15, 2024.
state of emergency
December
T&T declares state of emergency
FORTY-EIGHT hours after a gang war led to the killings of six people in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the government advised the President to declare a state of emergency (SoE), out of concern over reprisals that could lead to more deaths an endanger the public, acting Attorney General Stuart Young said.
Young announced on Monday, December 30 that although there would be no curfew or restrictions on public gatherings, the police will have sweeping police powers of search and arrest during the period of the SoE.
In his address to the nation, the Attorney General said that the government has resorted to the measure after intelligence from the police indicated that there would be “increased and heightened brazen acts of criminal activity with the use of illegal firearms that is going to endanger public safety through reprisal attacks.”
He added, Minister (of National Security) Fitzgerald Hinds informed the National Security Council that certain criminal gangs, and I’ll leave out the places at this stage, but I can say throughout Trinidad and possibly Tobago, are likely to immediately increase their brazen acts of violence in reprisal shootings, with the expected use of high-powered calibre, high-velocity assault weapons, on a scale so extensive that it threatens people and will endanger public safety.”
The SoE was proclaimed by the
From all reports it was business as usual in TT’s capital Port of Spain, a day after the state of emergency was declared.
President on the morning of December 30.
Under the SoE the police service will be given powers to search premises without warrants; to search people without warrants who are suspected of carrying out criminal activities; to detain people for certain periods of time — 48 hours in the first instance and another seven days on order by a magistrate or senior police officer.
The SoE was expected to be brought before Parliament in the next 15 days. Once approved and ratified, the SoE will last for three months with no further extension. A further extension may be sought, but the total duration cannot exceed six months. He said the SoE would be monitored daily and would be lifted if possible before the constitutional period was up.
“The government has had the option for an SoE for the last ten years and avoided it, but now given the information brought to us, we see it as fit and necessary to do so,” Young said.
Additionally, under the SoE, the Defence Force will be put in a ready position to assist and co-operate with the Police Service. A member of the defence force will have the powers of a police officer.
Information from the Trinidad media tells that murder toll in Trinidad and Tobago as of noon Tuesday 31st December, 2024, stood at 622 so far for the year. (Source: Trinidad Newsday)
A
(SoE) was proclaimed on
30 in Trinidad and Tobago over rising gang violence. (Photo Credit: News Central TV)
What a Christmas vacation!!!
Dear George,
IHAD TO CUTshort my Christmas vacation in Vincy. There are four siblings living in the house where I stayed. I am the only one abroad.
I arrived in early November and from the time I landed they started feeding off me. Although everybody is working, I was the one who had to purchase a gas cylinder, groceries, pay the rent and other bills. They even tried to get me to pay their cell phone bills.
And, although I paid for the cooking gas and an extra one as well, I couldn’t use it as I pleased.
Clearly their intention was to use me. Thank God it didn’t work. I do not know what it’s gonna take to get them to stop scheming like that, but
Dear Fed Up,
It is good that you were able to see your siblings for who and what they truly are. It would have been useful if you had pointed out to them the unfair practice that was meted out to you, with the hope of them making bite size and eventually, significant changes going forward.
This experience should cause you to exercise greater caution going forward. George.
Dear George,
Not my best friend Looking on the bright side
MY BEST FRIENDis getting married on the same day she knows I’m going on a cruise, yet she wants me to be present as a regular guest. I was quite surprised when she chose a mutual friend to be her maid of honour. I always thought we were best friends.
She was aware of my planned cruise before she set her wedding date. Given the fact that she knew I had the cruise planned, I do not think it would be best for me to attend that wedding.
I’m beginning to believe that she did this deliberately so she could get the best excuse for having someone else in the role of Maid of Honour.
This One Smells.
Dear This One Smells,
I’m getting the idea that your friend is your best friend, but you are not hers. Why else would she choose someone else to be her Maid of Honour?
Politely let her know that there is too much to lose should you cancel your cruise, unless she decides to absorb that cost.
Do not make a big deal out of it, rather be thankful for any lessons
Dear George,
IWANTED a Santa for my business here in New York, and my girlfriend promised to look after it. Santa did in fact show up and the kids had a great time.
I asked her to pay Santa for his services which she said she did. She in fact tipped him heavily, something I questioned but decided not to make a big deal about it.
George, I later found out that she had hired her ex-boyfriend to play the role of Santa, hoping I would not find out. This is someone with whom she claimed to have cut ties completely. Now I do not know if Santa is past or present.
Concerned.
Dear Concerned,
You do have cause for concern and your girlfriend should have been up front with you. Having said that, it seems as though Santa was a hit and everything went well. You have to now hope that Santa has no plans to slide down her chimney over the holidays.
George.
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Be a leader, not a follower! Keep business dealings at a high level of integrity. When connecting with loved–ones make allowances rather than expect too much. Money is on the increase, stay positive. To understand what a friend is going through, listen to what they are not saying.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
If you want to change your life, you need to change your life – take action. Work is demanding, but don’t let spending extra hours at the office cause you to neglect your health. A friendly heart–to–heart chat with someone close can prepare them for what’s to come.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Look for solutions, not problems. When you have a positive attitude, it can improve every area of your life. Tighten the purse strings – this is not a week to be extravagant. At work, use your common sense to stand out from the crowd.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Love and work can connect when you least expect. Say “yes” to business events. Your perfect partner could be closer than you think. Don’t back away from a challenge; it’s what keeps your spirit alive. A financial hic–cup will be short lived.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
For love to last, you need an unbreakable connection of trust and respect. Be optimistic at work, with lucky stars on your side, anything is possible. Beautifying your home creates a sense of peace and harmony for family closeness to grow.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Love and money often connect, and how you deal with this combination will determine the outcome. Don’t get confused, business is business, even if it does fall in to the personal area of your life. At work, don’t let a past incident have influence over the decisions you make today.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Be diplomatic. Watch what you say and how you say it. A sensitive comment can be taken the wrong way. Beware of being tempted to indulge in an out–of–control retail therapy splurge. Great things are happening; the best is yet to come!
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Finish what you start. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, deal with one thing at a time. With money, be patient and finances will turn in your favor. If the moment of truth has arrived in your love life; it may be time to give someone the key to your heart.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
It can cause mistrust when you keep secrets from a sweetheart. If you have something to say, don’t hold back. Divulge how you feel to clear the air. With money, check the fine–print. You are in control of your life, keep it that way.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Your career life is headed for the top; you can take a giant step ahead now. The right people will step forward to help you – look for the sign posts of synchronicity. Love and friendship go hand–in–hand. With money, be optimistic.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
Passionate love moments can have your heart racing. Couples can tie the knot. Singles can meet someone wonderful. Work life is up for review with change on the horizon. People you meet now can make life–changing decisions. Think carefully about your next moves and those you share life with.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Be career smart – focus on the details to see what’s really happening. It is easier to make money when you are passionate about what you do. When discussing a sensitive topic, tread carefully, someone close could be emotionally fragile.
ACROSS
1.Bank door letters
5. Paperquantity
9. Toothpaste form
12. Small amount
13.Furthermore 14. Kanga’s baby 15. At no Poeticallytime, 16. Poker declaration (2 wds.)
17. Canadian prov. 18. Nordic capital 20. 22.(breathTic-__mint) “Good Times” actress
25. Delays
28. Actress Lupino
29. Soprano’s operatic solo
32. Annoying child
33. Freckle
34. Actress Gibbs
36. “Here (2again!”__ wds.)
37. Delighted smile
39. Actor Wallace __
40. Conger
41. Real __
43. Politician Jackson
45. One, in Mexico
46. Leave one’s chair
48. Ky.’s 50.neighbour Single group
52. Complete defeat
56. Actress__ West
57. “__ Man” (1984 Film)
58. Rick’s love in “Casablanca” 59. Public TV letters
60. Ugly duckling, 61.eventually First garden
DOWN
1.Fish propeller
2. Fawn’s mama
3. Native of (suffix)
4. Actress Channing 5. Racetrack enclosure
6. Sailors’ saint
7. “Do __ (2say…”wds.)
8. __ Carlo 9. Purchases at the supermarket
10. Long, long time
11. Large amount 19. Joining place 21. Lackland, for one (abbr.) 22. Raised strip 23. Perfumes 24. Widths 25. Painter Salvador 26. Fits of temper 27. Mink cape 30. Prime rib order
31. Wrath 35. Parts of speech (abbr.)
38. Bert
Bobbsey’s twin
42. Jaunts
44. Kind of creepy
46. Phibin’s co-host
47. “Blame __ Rio” (2 wds.)
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
48. Little devil 49. Catch, as a crook
51. Freshly made
53. Like an antique 54. Manipulate 55. Bronzed skin tone
Chess titles decided
THE WINNERS IN THE 4TH ANNUAL Tyrone Jack Memorial Chess Championship were made known on Monday, December, 24, 2024, at the University of the West Indies Global Campus, Kingstown.
This after three days of intense competition in four categories, from
THE BROTHER AND SISTER COMBINATION of Kione De Shong and Abigail De Shong garnered four gold medals and one silver at
December 27 to December, 29. At the end of the intensity, Vedant Shetty champed ahead of Le’mar Abbott in the Male Youth Category, with Arianna Balcombe claiming the first place amongst the females. Second to Balcombe was Daria Bolgova.
Taking the top award in the Women’s segment was Rebecca Izuchukwu. Second was Brinicia May and in third place was Ronnia DurhamBalcombe.
Raymond Osakwe played his way to the top of the Open Division, ahead of Vedant Shettysecond and Chinedu Enemchukwu-third. Osakwe was crowned the overall champion.
Apart from their trophies and certificates, all top places received small cash tokens for their efforts.
The championship was the basis of identifying the top players here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Chess Federation continues to pay homage to the late Tyrone Jack, a pioneer in the establishment of Chess as sport in the country.
Jack, who died in July, 2020, played a pivotal role in laying the ground work for the formalisation of a local governing organization for Chess.
De Shongs mine swimming gold
the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) Christmas Open Swimming Championships. Held at the National Aquatic Centre, December 14-17, 2024, Kione, swimming in the Male 11-12, collected two gold medals and his elder sister- Abigail did likewise.
Kione won the 200m Breaststroke in 2:57.61 and the 100m
Breaststroke in a time of 1:17.74.
Meanwhile, Abigail earned her top places in the Female 50m Breaststroke, clocking 37.25s and the 100m Breaststroke in 1:24.33.
Additionally, Kione earned a silver in the 50m Breaststroke, when he swam 34.94s in the final.
Apart from his medals, Kione registered seven personal bests and
gained qualification to the 2025 Carifta Swimming Championships, set for Trinidad and Tobago, over the Easter weekend.
Maloney among Persons of 2024
SHAFIQUA MALONEY,Vincentian 800m Olympian athlete, has been named among EVERYBODY’S Persons of the Year 2024.
EVERYBODY’S is a 47-year-old CaribbeanAmerican magazine. This year the magazine focused on recognizing in particular, Eastern Caribbean Olympians honored for their victories/performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The list also included 100m winner Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia, triple high jump winner Thea LaFond-Gadson of Dominica and Grenadians decathlon bronze medallist Lindon Victor, javelin bronze medal Anderson Peters and 400m Olympian Kirani James.
According to the magazine, these athletes named, and all the other Caribbean athletes who did their country proud, all improved their countries’ image and motivated Caribbean youngsters.
Previous winners of EVERYBODY’S Person of the Year include Usain Bolt in 2008 and 2016, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in 2019.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Kione De Shong – 2 gold, one silver
Abigail De Shong – 2 gold
Shafiqua Maloney continues to enjoy recognition for her performances in 2024.
Arianna Balcombe – first in the female youth category
Rebecca Izuchukwu took the women’s category.
Raymond Osakwe - Overall Champion
Vedant Shetty – Champion among the male youth.
Avenues on top in Premiership
READY CASH AVENUESended the Christmas Break and effectively enters the New Year in top position in the Premier Division of the 2024- 2025 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation’s National Club Championships.
After three rounds of matches, Avenues is on nine points, having secured 3-1 wins over Awesome and
BESCO-Pastures and a 3-2 triumph at the expense of Sion Hill. In second place and also unbeaten is Je Belle, the 2022-2023 winners. Je Belle has two wins and a draw.
Layou sits in third place after two wins and a loss, and is on six points, the same as North Leeward Predators. Layou though, is ahead on goal differential.
Likewise, Hope International is on six points but with an inferior goal difference from Layou and Predators.
Similarly, BESCO-Pastures and Sion Hill have three points, gained from one win and two losses, however, BESCO-Pastures is in sixth place and Sion Hill- seventh, because of the goal differential.
Camdonia-Chelsea is eighth on two points, having earned two draws and suffered two losses, with Awesome in ninth place with a solitary draw and two losses. Awesome thus has one point.
Languishing in tenth place and pointless is SV United, the 2022/2023 First Division winners.
Meanwhile, Avenues’ Garret Leigertwood leads the goal scoring, with six goals.
Inclusive of his tally is a hat trick in his team’s victory over Sion Hill on
Huggins pleased with females’ showing
DESPITEnot winning a game in the four friendlies against Surinam and Trinidad and Tobago, hosted by the latter, head coach Cornelius Huggins said he was pleased with the performance of this country’s Under-20 female football team.
Huggins said up front on the team’s return home that he was happy to see how the players competed.
The coach pointed to the fact that the team had not played a game since last year around this time, “and while the result was not what we were looking for, we are still happy with the performance of the team and more so because they got the opportunity to play as a unit on the regional stage again.”
December 18, at the Brighton Technical Centre.
The Premier Division of the championships is slated to restart on January 5, 2025, with CamdoniaChelsea facing BESCO-Pastures and Sion Hill taking on Awesome.
According to a release from the
secretariat of the SVGFF, matches will be played at the Victoria Park.
The other divisions, namely the Men’s First and Second Divisions, the Women’s Division, along with the Male age group divisions, will get going in due course.
Orange champs Small Goal Football
Red, meanwhile, overcame Green on penalties after a goalless draw.
Continuing with his assessment, Huggins cited that “the results are an indication that there is definitely room for improvement. There is a need for the ladies to play more games locally involving a wider pool of the players so that we can have more options in various positions.”
Huggins also noted that for this country to raise its ranking, the team must be engaged in more international matches.
The SVG females went under to Surinam 3-0 and 3-1 and drew with Trinidad and Tobago 1-1 in both matches.
I.B.A. ALLEN
ORANGE TEAMwon the 2024 Sweaterz Christmas Day, December 25, Small Goal Competition, played at the top section of the Arnos Vale Two Playing Field.
It took a Denzel Bascombe strike to give the Orange Team a onenil triumph over Red.
Orange not only claimed the winner’s trophy but more significantly, bragging rights for the next 12 months.
The knock-out format saw Orange defeating White one-nil in the preliminary round, as Bascombe netted the first of his two goals.
Green took the third place as Chad Strough, Stanley Liverpool and Stephen King combined with a goal each, to oust White, 3-0.
Denzel Bascombe copped the most goals award, as well as the best goal accolade and the Most Valuable Player of the final.
Taking the overall MVP was Juma Gilkes of Orange who was also his team’s MVP. The other MVPs were James Grant — White, Jahseem James - Red, and Shawn Chandler - Green.
Chandler was adjudged the MVP among the veteran players, with Strough claiming it for active players.
The Most Improved Player was Dimitri Miller-Walker, with Shadel Cyrus being rewarded for being the lone female in the competition.
Receiving the Most Valuable Player Under20 player award was Kareem Davis.
Also rewarded were the youngest and oldest player Mbeki King, who represented White and Michael Ollivierre of Orange, respectively.
And, White was voted the Most Disciplined Team, whilst
organisers recognized Leevan Victory for the unwavering support as a referee, since the inception of the competition in 2020. All awardees were presented with prizes compliments various sponsors. Among the prizes were gift vouchers, air buds, replicas, bags, football shoes, laptop, blender, football socks, mugs, smart watch and spirits.
Regularly convened in the vicinity of the Wilf Slack Nets within the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, the competition shifted to Arnos Vale Two, based on instructions from the hierarchy of the National Sports Council.
Cornelius Huggins, Head Coach of the SVG U290 female football team, wants to see more activity for the team.
Avenues remains the only team to have won all their matches in the first three rounds.
Avenues’ Garret Leigertwood leads the goal scoring, after three rounds of matches.
MVP of the Competition - Juma Gikes (right) accepting his awards from Kendall Velox.
Orange Teamwinning unit.
Sports V
Rounding the bend
IN NORMALcircumstances, sporting personalities would be gearing up for the sports awards ceremony. The splash has been sidelined. There is a haunting sense of the abandonment of the Sports Awards event.
Whatever the conditions, Vincentian sport personalities continue to leave their mark in whatever discipline they are inclined. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has established itself as a nation of high quality sporting talent.
The pattern in the soul of the nation. A combination of factors contributes to this nation’s appetite for resilience. Vincentians are known for their knack for survival. Ask those who were uprooted in the late 1700’s and have resurfaced in different parts of Central America.
Despite the influence of colonial tendencies, this land maintains a sense of indigenous practices. The combination and condensation of different types of people, a platform has been set that defines the Vincentian persona.
That melting pot continues to be rehashed by the influx of “rebels” from neighbouring territories around the multi-island state.
This land long preserved by indigenous warriors, with skills honed as means of survival and the spirit of nature, provided by the beauty of the land, and protected by the mystic powers of La Soufriere volcano, remains a blessed outpost.
Instances of eruptions from that landmark, characterise the nation as one that continues to strive. La Soufriere remains a backbone of the nation, a constant reminder of the threat of looming destruction.
Memories of that scenario surfaced as recent as April 2021. Things have returned to an uneasy sense of normalcy with a shadow hanging over the population.
The landscape endures the magnificence of the alterations that nature provides and is part of the alluring treasure.
That value is borne by the performances of our athletes and those who are responsible for unearthing them. Shafique Maloney is an example. She burst off the blocks at the France Olympics in 2024. Her performance is a sample of what the Vincentian persona is.
There are others waiting to exhale. Shafiqua’s display is whetting their appetite. Handel Roban may not be as prominent as Shafiqua. His reward will come.
When the community comes together, we will be surprised at the things we can do. Shafiqua accomplishments a signal of the potential.
That Oalex Anderson has received recognition is a statement that high performances are not beyond Vincentians. Oalex represents the heartbeat of the nation’s spirit. More like him will surface as the days unfold.
We will not forget Obed McCoy even though the West Indies Cricket management seem not to value his performances.
We have to dig into our deepest roots and ensure that we build this country on the foundation that our forefathers have carved out. This is not the time to relinquish our dream. If it’s nation building, sport is one of the strongest component.
Creese in WI U19 World Cup Team
VINCENTIAN, Denella Creese, wicketkeeper/batter, has been included in the West Indies Under-19 World Cup team to represent the region in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from 18 January to 2 February, 2025.
The tournament will feature 16 teams from across the globe, with matches scheduled across various venues in Malaysia. Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies qualified through their participation in the 2023 edition, while Malaysia earned automatic qualification as host. Another five nations, Nepal, Nigeria, Samoa, Scotland and the United States have been included.
The 16 teams have been split into four groups of four and West Indies have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Sri Lanka and the hosts, Malaysia. West Indies Under-19
Denella Creese participated in the West Indies female under-19 camp, held in Antigua in October.
Women’s Squad: Samara Ramnath (captain), Asabi Callender (vicecaptain), Abigail Bryce, Kenika Cassar, Jahzara Claxton, Denella Creese, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Erin Deane, Amiah Gilbert, Trisha Hardat, Brianna Harricharan, Amrita Ramtahal, Selena Ross, Kristen Sutherland, Aaliyah Weekes. Reserves:
Rose Hall Legends: 2024 N. L’ward T20 Champs
IN FRONT of what was described as “the biggest crowd in this year’s tournament assembling to support cricket in our community,” Rose Hall Future Legends beat Troumaca Starlight by 40 runs in the finals of the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organisation’s 2024 North Leeward T20 Super League, to capture the champion’s belt.
The match was played at the
Cumberland Playing Field, on Sunday, 29th December.
Future Legends won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted 139 for 8 from 20 overs. Benitan Stapleton hit a quick 45 and captain Rickford Walker supported well with 32. Anthonio Barker took 2 for 22, and Sunil Ambris 2 for 16 for Starlight, who replied with a rather disappointing 96 for 9 from 20 overs. Geron Wyllie with 2 for 9, Winston Samuel 3 for 14 and Geron Wyllie 2 for 9, did the Stalight batters in. Beniton Stapleton was named Player of the Finals.
Rose Hall Future Legends, champions of T20 Cricket in North Leeward.
Troumaca Starlight – a game First runner-up.
Other awards handed out last Sunday were: MVP of the League with 170 runs and 6 wicketsRickford Walker of Rose Hall Future Legends, who was also the highest run-getter; Most wickets (10) - Imran Joseph of Spring Village Ajuba; Development Player of the League - Olani Slack of Spring Village Ajuba.
Heatseekers take BB 3x3 title
HEATSEEKERSare the undisputed champions of 3X3 basketball in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
After working hard through the preliminary rounds, they went into the finals of the SVG Basketball Federation 3X3 Championship, quietly confident even after a hard-fought 15-14 semi-final victory over the persistent Union Island team.
Their opponents in the finals, Northern Starz, always a threat, were not going to go down without
a fight; they being “pumped up” after a resounding 14-7 trouncing of DBT Ballers.
As it stood at the end of the finals played at the New Montrose Basketball Facility, it was Heatseekers who ruled supreme when they downed Northern Star 22-15.
Heatseekers’ championship title was engineered by Donis Dennie with l9 points, Winston Junior Peters with 11 points, Aquando Henry 6, and Maxroy Dublin 4 points. Northern Starz were led by Cassius Joseph 4, Ajjay Adams 3, Adrian Sam 2, and Jayda Adams 1.
Northern Boyz are ranked second to Heatseekers.
Heatseekers- champions and the number one ranked team of national 3x3 basketball.
At the end of the championship, the ranking among 3X3 teams was: Heatseekers number one, followed by Northern Starz, DBT Ballers, Union Island and Layou Pulse in that order.
Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN
Dicoreya Collymore, Krisanne Howell, Aneisha Miller, Danellie Manns, Laurene Williams.
‘Ken’ Boyea passes
From Backpage
Not surprisingly, Boyea entered active politics and was elected as Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown in the 1998 general elections, on a Unity Labour Party ticket. By 2001 he had broken with the ULP, formed his own party — the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) — on whose ticket he contested the 2001 general elections but failed to retain Central Kingstown seat. He eventually divorced himself from active politics though he remained a keen commentator on political and other matters.
By 1997, Boyea was heading down another path when he became embroiled in what was to be a protracted court matter with his former employer —
ECGC. He along with his Financial Comptroller had sued ECGS for wrongful dismissal in 1997.
That the ruling on this matter was sealed left and uncomfortable ‘feeling’ among many people both home and abroad.
Thereafter began what was to be Boyea’s demise and end to the glory days of his entrepreneurship. He had to relinquish holds on the KFC franchise and Aunt Jobe Supermarkets, among other investments.
He may have been down but definitely not out for Boyea remained a sounding board for many wouldbe investors and aspiring business people. His experience alone would have been invaluable in this regard.
THE VINCENTIAN extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Ormiston Arnold Ken Boyea. May be find comfort in the bosom of his Lord and Saviour. Rest in Peace.
AI REAL ESTATE
ÂKENÊ BOYEA PASSES
THE FORMERManaging Director of Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) and renown Vincentian businessman - Ormiston Arnold ‘Ken’ Boyea passed away on Wednesday evening. He was 87.
Reports are that he passed peacefully in the company of family
members at his home in Prospect. When Boyea returned home from Engineering studies and work overseas, he joined the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) then the provided of electricity in St. Vincent. He rose to become General Manager of that Corporation which
‘Ken’ Boyea added to the ongoing development of Arnos Vale as an alternate commercial centre to Kingstown.
Ormiston Arnold ‘Ken’ Boyea - (1937 – 2024)
subsequently added a Housing and Finance component to their St. Vincent operation.
During his tenure with CDC, he found time to play his favourite sportcricket — and even represented this country as an opening batsman in the 1969 Annual Windward Islands Championship.
But perhaps Boyea’s most impacting and lasting accomplishments was his leadership that guided the ECGC to become one of the leading industrial/commercial investments in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
He was at the helm through that company’s growth from being a producer of flour, to become rice millers, and producers of poultry and animal feed. He helped establish ECGC as a major player in the OECS market.
As an individual entrepreneur, through his St. Clair Investment holding company, Boyea brought the USA-founded, world-famous KFC franchise to St. Vincent and the
Grenadines in 1986, and oversaw it becoming part of the Vincentian psyche to the extent that two other branches — another in Kingstown and one in Arnos Vale — were soon opened to serve an increasing demand. He also added the Radio Shack franchise (a USA retail chain providing electronics, etc.) and ventured into the food retail business when he opened the Aunt Jobe Supermarket in Kingstown. It was not long before another even more enhanced Aunt Jobe branch was opened in Arnos Vale, adjacent to the KFC outlet to which was added its sister franchise Pizza Hut. His accomplishments/investments did not go unnoticed and his impact was assessed to have been so overwhelming, that Ormiston Boyea was named the first-ever Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in 1996.
BUSINESSWOMAN COUNTS HER LOSSES
by KENVILLE HORNE
DESPITE LOSING the building that housed her food and drink retail business, the equipment and raw materials that sufficed the business, in a fire at her business place on Higginson Street in Kingstown on Friday 20th December, sometime after 6:00 p.m., the resolute businesswoman said she will be okay.
The fire destroyed the twostory building from where she operated her business and she alleged that the fire was started by a man.
During an interview with the Vincentian Newspaper, the businesswoman, Gail Cumberbatch, related that she was at her business place that
she has been operating for 15 years, when the fire started.
“We were in the building and two guys passed by the window and told us, ‘Look the guy there setting the place on fire and saying he going to burn down the place’,” Gail recalled.
She stated that when her female worker looked outside, she realized that there was a lot of smoke coming from the building. “So, all I could of do was to grab my phone and my purse and run out. By the time we run out, the building was already engulfed in flames. It happened so fast,” said Gail.
She admitted she is still coming to grips with her losses but saying, “I haven’t deal with all that yet. I am
just trying to take this all in and then after I can deal with it,” the businesswoman noted.
Gail, trying her best to remain ‘upbeat’ and not to become immersed in grief, Gail, when asked about the impact of the fire on her Christmas season, claimed that despite the fire the, the Christmas season was not a bad one for her.
“It’s not a bad Christmas. Unfortunately, things happened, it wasn’t negligence or anything like that. It is someone who set the fire intentionally and that’s the saddest part ... but it will be alright, things happened, and I will be good,” the mother of two stated, adding that “I went through a lot of things in my life and this too shall
pass.”
When questioned about the fire-fighters response, the businesswoman said that she preferred not to say anything because it might hurt a few people, but added that, “There are a lot of people who were here and would say that it (the fire) didn’t have to escalate like that.”
The fire was live streamed on social media, and many people in response to those feeds express displeasure with the police operation. Others called for better equipment to be made available to the Fire Department.
The fire also caused substantial damaged and lost to Jax Enterprise warehouse, immediately to the north of Gail’s operation, as well as
slight damage to the exterior of the Boyle Building to the south. Gail Cumberbatch remains resolute even as her café and retail shop was totally gutted by the fire.