ROAD FATALITY #1: WISH COMES TRUE?
Stories by KENVILLE HORNE
AN OWIA MAN DIEDin a vehicular accident, hours after expressing, albeit jokingly, that he wanted to be involved in an accident.
Following his death in a vehicular accident, a post he made on social media hours before his death began to trend. That post read: “I want to get drunk, have an accident on my way home, and end up in a coma for 3 months. When I wake up, I won’t know anyone”.
That man was Normanie Duncan, a 19-year-old resident of Owia, who the police confirmed as the first road fatality for the year, and the second within the last two months or so.
According to a police report, Duncan died at the scene when the car in which he was a passenger, ran off the public road in Mangrove in Gorse-Byrea on Sunday, February 02, 2025, at around 7:17 in the evening.
The vehicle was on its way to Owia.
The car, a Toyota Vitz, carrying registration number RL868 and owned by Elite Rental Services of Richland Park, was described as a total wreck.
The police report said, as per their investigations, that the driver of the car was Elrica Patterson, a 29-year-old Auxiliary Police Officer of Owia, and there were two other passengers —
on Page 3.
ACCIDENT FATALITY ALLEGEDLY ROBBED
AN OWIA MAn who died after the red Toyota Vitz he was travelling in went over an embankment in the Gorse/Byrea area during the early evening hours of Friday 2nd February, was allegedly robbed of his personal items, according to family members.
(See story on this page for details of the accident)
Normanie Duncan, 19 years old, the only fatality to date of the accident as referenced, was a resident of Owia and was said to
be unemployed at the time of his death.
In addition to having to deal with the tragedy of losing a loved one, especially in those circumstances, Normanie’s family members said that they are on the search for the persons/persons who robbed the dead man of his personal items.
According to a family
member, Duncan’s mother said the only item she recovered was
Normanie Duncan, deceased at 19 years old, was said to be a bus conductor.
SVG ready to unveil 1st Sailing Week
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES(SVG) will unveil its first-ever SVG Sailing Week, scheduled for April 13–21, 2025.
It is billed as a week-long celebration of sailing, culture and maritime heritage, an event that while retaining the rich legacy of the renowned Bequia Easter Regatta, builds on it with expansion that creates a multi-island experience.
Beginning on the mainland, SVG Sailing Week will take participants on a breathtaking journey through the Grenadine archipelago - from the secluded Mayreau, to the luxurious Canouan, the yachting hub of Union Island, and of course the ever-popular Bequia.
The event features two dynamic race series:
* The Bougainvillea Cup (April 13th—15th) — A thrilling
three-day regatta that starts on the mainland and takes sailors through the captivating waters of the Grenadines, with race legs to Union Island, Mayreau, and Canouan. The event will culminate in a festive gathering, bringing together competitors and spectators to experience the unique Vincy culture.
* The Bequia Easter Regatta (April 16th—21st) — This historic event returns in grand style, featuring the iconic Around Bequia Race and the Admiralty Bay Triangle. The competition will conclude with a grand prizegiving ceremony and farewell party.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, and Culture, Carlos James, hailed the event as a transformative addition to SVG’s tourism product. “SVG Sailing Week is more than just
a regatta–it’s an opportunity to showcase our islands as a premier sailing destination. With our unmatched natural beauty and deep maritime heritage, we are positioning St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a must-visit for global sailors and adventure seekers alike. Central to this vision is our collaboration with local stakeholders and boatmen, who play a vital role in carrying the festival, especially in preserving the rich traditions of the worldrenowned Bequia Easter Regatta.”
Annette Mark, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, emphasized the significance of the event in elevating SVG’s global appeal. “St. Vincent and the Grenadines has long been a hidden gem in the world of sailing with our clear waters, unspoiled anchorages, and unparalleled diversity of islands to explore. With the launch of SVG Sailing Week, we are embracing our natural strengths to position ourselves as the premier destination for sailing in the Caribbean.”
To further strengthen its commitment to becoming a leader of sailing in the region, SVG recently joined the Caribbean Sailing Association, the region’s governing and promotional body for the sport in the Caribbean.
More than races
Beyond the races, sailors and visitors can look forward to lively post-race events featuring local music, authentic Caribbean cuisine, and islandstyle festivities. The event will also highlight Vincentian maritime heritage, such as Bequia’s
Visiting yachts and local fishing boats will all compete on the waters around Bequia, with the bigger boats involved in the Around Bequia Race, which will form an integral part of the week’s activities. (Credit: Wilfred Dederer/Outhouse Graphics)
celebrated boat-building history which features local shipyards producing handcrafted wooden boats which are still active today. SVG Sailing Week, therefore, has something for everyone. Participants can complement their racing experience with SVG’s wide array of attractions, including hiking lush rainforest trails, snorkeling in marine sanctuaries, and unwinding on secluded beaches.
Mark noted that the destination is targeting sailors from around the globe in efforts to continue to grow the sector. “We are thrilled to welcome the global sailing community to discover the unparalleled beauty, culture, and spirit of our islands. This is more than a regatta–it’s a celebration of what makes St. Vincent and the Grenadines unique,” she said. (Source: SVGTA)
The local population in the Grenadines will want to know that a double enders race will be included in the programme of sailing activities. (Credit: Wilfred Dederer/Outhouse Graphics)
Below: Model boat racing was always a part of the onshore activities for Sailing Events in Bequia and Union island. (Source: Ins and Outs)
The Sailing Week is not all about sailing, it’s also about offering an opportunity to have a taste of the Vincentian culture – like the String Band. (Source: Facebook)
The inaugural sailing is set to attract yachts and sailors from across the world as was the case once with the Bequia Regatta. (Credit: Wilfred Dederer/Outhouse Graphics)
V News 3
Acute Referral Hospital and Motorsports A statement by the SVGMA
Editor’s Note: The following is a statement, carried verbatim, from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Motorsport Association (SVGMA), in relation to the construction of an Acute Referral Hospital at the site of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport, Arnos Vale, and its impact on motorsport activities.
“THE EXECUTIVE of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Motorsport Association (SVGMA) wishes to unequivocally disassociate itself from the views expressed in the recent article discussing the impact of the new Acute Referral Hospital on local drag racing events. While the article highlights concerns about the displacement of motorsport activities, it does not reflect the official stance of the SVGMA or its members.
The SVGMA
recognizes and fully supports the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in its commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. The establishment of the new Acute Referral Hospital is a critical step in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system, ensuring that citizens have access to high-quality medical services. As an association dedicated to fostering a thriving motorsport culture, we acknowledge that national priorities, such as healthcare, take precedence in the broader interest of public welfare.
Furthermore, the SVGMA expresses its appreciation to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for its continued support of motorsport development in the country. Over the
years, they have facilitated the growth of the sport through numerous policy level actions required for motorsport activities. Additionally, the Government has made significant considerations in accommodating events through the granting of access to public locations, issuance of relevant permissions and the provision of resources necessary to ensure the sport’s accessibility and sustainability. In fact, the association has been working assiduously with the Project Coordinator of the Acute Referral Hospital who has accommodated the sector notwithstanding future adjustments that must be made to facilitate ongoing construction.
While we understand that infrastructural development may necessitate adjustments in the use of certain locations, the SVGMA
Wish comes true?
treatment.
Raffique Hackshaw, 36, and Jovanie Phillips, 24, both of Owia. Patterson, Hackshaw and Phillips, according to the police, “sustained varying degrees of injuries and were transported to the Georgetown Hospital for medical attention.”
However, the injuries to Patterson and Phillips were so severe they had to be transferred to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) in Kingstown, for further and more advanced
As of Tuesday, the police report stated that Hackshaw was in a stable condition but Patterson and Phillips remained warded at the MCMH.
A close relative of Phillips told THE VINCENTIAN that his (Phillips) injuries are such that he might not be able to walk again.
Meanwhile, a friend of the deceased said that the four occupants of the vehicle left Owin that afternoon, heading for a netball match in Sans Souci when the accident occurred.
Motorsports activities moved from the Diamond Dirt Track to the tarmac of the E.T. Joshua Airport and from all reports, grew in spectator support. (Facebook photo)
remains committed to working collaboratively with relevant authorities to explore solutions that will allow motorsport to continue in a safe and structured environment. We are confident that, through open dialogue and strategic planning, motorsport can coexist with national development initiatives in a way that benefits the entire community.
The SVGMA encourages all motorsport enthusiasts to join us in embracing
The friend said Duncan worked as a (bus) conductor and was known “to love to party and have fun,” adding, “His mother is a police officer and he is her only son.”
He was said to be unemployed at the time of his death.
Duncan’s vehicle-related death follows that of 14-year-old Reshonna Thompson, a student of the Girls’ School. Thompson died after an accident on the Villa main road on December 13, 2024.
As for Duncan’s “wish”, we are reminded of the saying: “The power of life and death is in the tongue”.
the progress being made in healthcare whilst continuing to advocate for the responsible growth and sustainability of the motorsport sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As an association dedicated to the sport, we will continue to ensure that it remains a vibrant and integral part of our national culture.”
Accident fatality allegedly robbed
Continued from Frontpage.
“Well well, from the dead too y’all stealing from. Imagine, instead y’all go assist and help y’all take off the boy jewelry, his mother expensive leather Levi’s belt that the woman went on course in America and bring back, a gold Guess watch for her son alyo steal it off the boy hand, and a gold chain dat belongs to his cousin an leave ah empty wallet …,” Owia resident Natalie John wrote on her Facebook page.
The posting also said, “I went by his mom dis morning (the morning after he dies) and the lady tell me to post it, an she say whoever took her son’s stuff return them plz (please)… the woman was in tears… y’all wicked nf the woman mourning her son yet this is the news? They took her child stuff, still , gosh mon the woman in so much pain already seeing her break down this morning… boii cha can’t even explain her only child .. .”
John’s post also made an appeal to the public, on behalf of the Duncan’s family: “If you notice someone wearing his items, please tell them to return the stuff please this is wickedness. Whoever holding them, please deliver the stuff than (to the) the woman. She keep asking for the,’ oh God.”
Continued from Frontpage.
Patricia Solomon had a cocaine-related charged against her withdrawn but will have to live with the fact that the charge can be re-administered.
Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS
A 53-YEAR-OLD woman from Frenches was cleared of three cocaine charges on Wednesday, one day
Child destroys cocaine case
after an 11-year-old witness literally destroyed the Prosecution case, even before the trial reached the halfway stage.
Patricia ‘Patsy’ Solomon was charged with possession of 1,075 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, possession for the purpose of drug trafficking, and conspiracy to traffick the drug.
Solomon had pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was represented by attorney Ronald Marks.
The trial started at the Serious Offenses Court before Chief Magistrate Colin John on
Tuesday, but following the testimonies of three witnesses, including the 11-year-old, the third to testify, the Chief Magistrate summoned Prosecutor Renrick Cato and Marks to his chambers.
On their return to open Court, the Prosecutor requested an adjournment to the following day.
Marks did not object and the Chief Magistrate granted the adjournment.
When the matter resumed on Wednesday, the Prosecutor informed the Court that based on instructions from the
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), he was making an application under Section 68 of the Criminal Procedure Code to have the charges withdrawn.
The Magistrate granted the application and told Solomon that she was free to go.
The search and discovery
PC472 Bibby, the second witness to testify, told the Court on Tuesday that around 8:30 a.m. on September 11, 2024 to execute a search warrant. Solomon was met at home, and
Ex-cop, mechanic freed of gun charge
A POLICE OFFICER, said to have not completed his two-year probation at the time of the offence, and a civilian were both freed of a gun-related charge on Wednesday, arising out of an incident just over a year ago
The charge against Zacroy John, 24, who was a police constable at the time of the incident, and Ishmel Isaacs, a 31year-old mechanic, was dismissed after Chief Magistrate Colin John upheld no case submissions by their lawyers.
Attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste represented John, a resident of Belmont/Yamboo while Isaacs who hails from Diamond, was represented by Ronald Marks.
The men were jointly charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offense, and being armed with a firearm unlawfully threatening to discharge it at Danielle Webb, a 25-year-old aviation officer of Diamond. Both offenses were reportedly committed at Villa on December 6, 2023.
However, while the charge for threatening to discharge the firearm was withdrawn at an earlier stage, the one for
possession with intent to commit an offense remained.
The Chief Magistrate had reserved his decision on Tuesday following oral submissions from Marks.
Bacchus-Baptiste had done her arguments in writing at an earlier date.
The Magistrate ruled on Wednesday that there was not sufficient evidence to prove intent. He said the Court was not satisfied that certain aspects of the charge were made out. He noted that the charge was vague, and did not include, ‘to wit’, or specify any offense.
The Magistrate added that there was no evidence of any assault, and if there was, it should have been before the Court.
In his submissions on Tuesday, Marks declared. “It would not be unfair to describe their (defendants) actions as irresponsible, as immature, and just downright foolish, but they did not commit a crime, at least the one before the Court. They are both charged with possession with intent, but there is no evidence of intent”.
Marks argued, “With the absence of any evidence of intent and
the essential ingredients of the offense, we think that the case should end here”.
Prosecutor Renrick Cato referenced section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code which allows the Court to substitute a lesser charge, but Marks said it would be unfair to both the Prosecutor and the defense to amend the charge at this stage.
Bacchus-Baptiste, in her submissions and reflecting on the Prosecution’s case, said, “It must be sheer improbability for John to willingly hand his gun to Isaacs, and then immediately chased him down to forcibly take the gun away, arrest Isaccs and advise Danielle Webb to report Isaccs”.
The lawyer declared, “Nevertheless, the charge must fail because there is no evidence of what offense was committed, even by
the police asked her if one Jamal Phillips was at home. She said, “No, he does be between her and his girlfriend”.
The officers read and showed Solomon the search warrant and she consented to a search.
Bibby said that on entering the living room, he noted that there was a playpen with a cooler and some (text) books on top of it, in the pen.
The books were removed and the cooler was opened, revealing a blue shopping bag. When opened, a brown taped package containing transparent wrappings with a whitish substance resembling cocaine was discovered in it.
PC Bibby pointed out the offense of possession of controlled drugs to Solomon and cautioned her. She replied, “Officer, me ain’t known bout dem dey”.
Solomon was arrested and taken to the Central Police Station for further investigations, and was later charged.
Under crossexamination by Marks, Bibby pointed out that the playpen was close to the door through which he had entered.
The child’s evidence
The child, who gave evidence immediately after Bibby, answered every question fluently,
Isaccs.
“No one came to say Isaacs threatened them in any way. The question therefore is how was a gun used in the commission of an offense?
“What was the offense? The prosecution never proved any offense was committed or aided by John to be committed. The Prosecution has indeed proved John’s innocence by the evidence of Lee Providence and Corporal Harry. There is therefore, no case for the defendant John to answer”.
THE VINCENTIAN had been reliably informed that because John had not completed his probation period, he could not be suspended from duties pending the outcome of the matter. He was instead discharged from the police force.
amazing the audience with her level of intelligence and courage. She told the Court that around 7 a.m. on September 9, 2024, she saw and heard someone whom she identified as ‘Spikes’, trying to persuade Solomon to hold a blue bag for him, but Soloman told him “No”.
She explained that a gutter separated ‘Spikes’s’ yard from Solomon’s yard.
Before beginning his cross-examination, Marks told the child, “You are a very, very bright girl.”
The child reiterated firmly, under crossexamination, that Solomon told Spikes, “She ain’t holding any bag for him.” The minor added that when she was leaving the premises later that day, “I stopped to buckle my bag, and took a glance back and saw ‘Spikes’ attempting to jump over the gutter”.
She said that ‘Spikes’ was not accustomed to coming to Solomon’s home, but Jamal Phillips visits the home sometimes.
THE VINCENTIAN understands that ‘Spikes’ subsequently left the country.
While the charges were withdrawn, the matter was not dismissed and therefore, could be brought back.
Montrose man on cybercrime charge
UP TO PRESStime yesterday, a New Montrose man was the most recent person to appear in Court on a cybercrime charge.
Jahseem James has been charged with that, on December 30, 2024 at Kingstown, did intentionally or recklessly use a computer system (cellular phone) repeatedly to distribute or transmit the video of Junney Glasgow of Campden Park, causing her distress and harm to her health or reputation.
James was charged under Section 17(3) of the Cybercrime Act, of the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 2016.
He pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Court Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court, on Monday, and was ordered not to contact the virtual complainant.
The matter was transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.
Several persons have appeared in Court in recent times on cybercrime charges, and in some cases, convictions were secured.
Ex-cop Zacroy John Ishmel Isaacs, mechanic
Grenadines
Free ferry service extended
THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
said it will continue its Hurricane Beryl Transportation Initiative (free ferry service) up to April 2nd, 2025.
The Initiative provides transportation assistance for persons travelling to and from and for the transport of relief items and building supplies, to the Southern Grenadines.
Reservations for heavy cargo must be placed two days before departure by telephone call or email.
Three vessels have been contracted to offer service under the Initiative. They are the Bequia Express, Gem Star 11 and Jaden Sun (Fast Ferry).
A Boat Pass is required upon entry for passengers and cargo on the three (3) vessels.
Boat Passes for individuals can be obtained downstairs the Ferry Terminal Building Kingstown, Tobago
Cays Marine Park Office in Union Island, the Canouan Revenue Office and from Mr. John Roache in Mayreau.
The Ministry of Urban Development has reiterated that the (free) service is intended for persons who were affected by Hurricane Beryl, and is not extended to persons who travel to the islands to conduct business.
As per a schedule published recently, the Bequia Express Company Ltd. vessels will do two (2) trips per week on Mondays and Wednesdays, for passengers and cargo, with effect from February 3, 2025 to February 28, 2025, and one day per week on Wednesdays with effect from March 03, 2025 to March 31,2025.
Departure will be at 10:00 a.m. with all cargo required to be on hoard by 9:30 a.m. The vessel will be available for loading in Kingstown from 7:30 am. Cutoff time is 30 minutes before departure for cargo, and 15 minutes before departure for passengers.
The MV Gem Star 11 will soon resume its services to the Transportation Initiative.
Gem Star 11 is currently not operational, however, upon resumption, it will operate one (I) day per week on Fridays for passengers and cargo, for the month of February 2025 to March 31, 2025, and one (1) trip on Tuesday, April 01, 2025. An updated schedule for Gem Star 11 will be communicated.
Jaden Sun will be unavailable for the entire month of February 2025. Upon resumption, Jaden Sun will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays for passengers and light cargo, with effect from March 03, 2025 to March 31, 2025, and one (1) day on Wednesday April 02, 2025. Boarding time for passengers is 9:00 am from Kingstown and departure from Union Island at 4:00 pm. (KH)
Two of the vessels involved in Hurricane Beryl Transportation Initiative, the Jaden Sun (left) and the Bequia Express (right).
Modern FADs to aid fishing
STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN FOOD
SECURITYin St. Vincent and the Grenadines were further demonstrated on Thursday 3th January, 2025, with the deployment of the first of six (6) submerged Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).
The FADs were made available under the UBEC-CERC SVG Food Insecurity Project.
UBEC is a World Bank-funded programme to help Caribbean countries strengthen their blue economy and recover from COVID19. CERC is a programme from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) that focuses on communicating risk during emergencies.
The devices, designed and deployed by Japanese firms, Okabe Co. Ltd and Nabeya Bitech Kaisha (NBK) Corporation, attract and concentrate fish populations, making harvesting more efficient while reducing costs and supporting sustainability.
According to Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer and Technical Focal Point for the project, Mr. Colville King, the introduction of FAD technology is expected to address the growing concerns of consumers regarding the
high price and scarcity of fish.
Senior Fisheries Assistant, Lorenzo George, indicated that fisherfolk have undergone mandatory training in Fishing Techniques and Safety at Sea, as required by the World Bank.
Additionally, twentythree (23) pirogues have been retrofitted with canopies to enhance working conditions and fish preservation.
Providing technical insight, Fisheries Assistant, Travon Ferrari, explained that the FADs feature an attraction device and anchor, fostering an ecosystem where smaller fish gather, ultimately attracting larger predatory species like tuna and marlin. He also stressed the need for local fishers to collaborate in monitoring the devices and preventing illegal poaching.
Manager of the Fishing Reef Sales Department at Okabe, Shuta Kumamoto, noted that Japan has successfully used this FAD technology for over twenty (20) years, with governments renewing
More chickens distributed
A SECOND BATCH OF CHICKENS were distributed to farmers, institutions and households generally on Friday 31st January, 2025.
An amount of 4,000 chickens was said to have been distributed by the Ministry of Agriculture. The donation was made possible by through the generous assistance of the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
The distribution was made under the auspices of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF) and the Farmers Support Group (FSG).
Friday’s’ handing over followed a previous one that saw 3,500 chickens being distributed.
Speaking at that earlier handing over, ZHTF Chief Executive Officer, Safiya HorneBique, expressed optimism, highlighting the positive response thus far.
She confirmed that additional chickens “are expected to be made available for distribution soon” (re. this last Friday’s handing over), as part of the ongoing National Food Security Drive. This initiative also includes the distribution of seeds and seedlings to support local agriculture and food sustainability, she disclosed.
Various individuals, as well as educational institutions, have already benefitted from
installations every decade due to their proven effectiveness. He expressed optimism that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will experience similar benefits.
The SVG Food Insecurity Project seeks to enhance food and nutrition security by increasing the production and productivity of chosen commodities, particularly among business-oriented small farmers and fishers.
The project is being implemented by the Economic Planning Division of the Ministry of Finance, Economic
Planning and Information Technology, with technical support and coordination by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries,
Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour. It is being financed through a loan from the World Bank. (Source: API SVG)
this initiative.
Persons interested in receiving chickens are encouraged to register at the Zero Hunger Trust Fund office, located at the NIS Building in Kingstown.
The Ministry of Agriculture described this initiative as being a critical step towards enhancing food security across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with continued efforts to support local farmers and communities. (Source: ZHTF)
Farmers and other citizens gathered at the Ministry of Agriculture to receive donations of chickens sourced through IICA.
The main part of the FAD that will be submerged. (Credit: API)
Japanese technicians were on hand to help prepare the devices for commissioning. (Credit: API)
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
A Crime Fighting and Prevention Plan
COLUMNIST HORATIOand this column have from time to time focused on our Police Force. While these articles were sometimes critical of the operations of the Force, they have also been forward looking and have offered some solutions/suggestions for combating the crime situation in SVG.
That said, an ardent reader of these columns while pointing to our reference to the need for a Crime Plan, said that we have stopped short of detailing any suggestions as to how our Police Force, and country could address this spiraling problem.
With that reader in mind we will herein advance some suggestions (and we don’t expect that these will be exhausting). Just to repeat, we are talking about developing a comprehensive Crime Fighting and Prevention Plan. From the outset, we have to recognise that the strategy therein must be highlighted by a process that engages multiple government ministries and agencies.
Any plan must speak to gang/bloc disruption, in as much as some in high places would want to down play the existence of such groupings. And reference is not simply to those whose functionaries we see on a daily basis. In dismantling these gangs/groups we must work with the courts since the idea is to detain the members.
A plan must include a component of targeted approaches, which means utilizing intelligence-driven policing to identify and target high-risk individuals and groups.
In this respect we would want a plan to support evidence-based policing practices, such as hot spot policing, police foot patrols, and technologydriven solutions like drones and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
And recognising that the work of the Police should be predicated to a great extent on intelligence-driven policing, a suggestion is for an intelligence-led policing strategy that includes data analytics, crime forecasting, and strategic partnerships with academic institutions and private sector organisations. This approach posits that as a result of the fore-mentioned, law enforcement officers will be better able to anticipate and prevent crimes.
To support all of this the plan must provide training and resources for law enforcement officers — in areas like intelligence gathering, forensic analysis, and community policing.
And any plan must include the
Gun trafficking in the Caribbean
setting up of a unit, not necessarily confined to law officers, that collect and analyse crime data that will inform decision-making.
Yes, a move on identifying hot spots and individuals is suggested, but no plan should lose sight of the need for community-based initiatives, i.e. fostering partnerships with community-based groups, e.g. churches, sport/cultural groups, to promote crime prevention and provide support services for victims. This includes establishing community policing forums, neighbourhood watch programmes, and youth initiatives, the latter recognised in part, in Police Youth Clubs.
On a more national playing field, the plan must speak to the need for economic empowerment and job creation. This presupposes that our country’s development plan is holistic in delivery and driven by a real intent to address the socio-economic causes of crime - poverty and unemployment.
An education programme relevant to our development needs is one way of fulfilling the fore-mentioned; not to mention community action work that could lead to community-based income —generating activities.
If we are serious about addressing the root causes of crime, it’s essential to invest in youth education, formal and informal. Education should always be fashioned so that it offers positive life choices.
And while it is important to make the youth the primary focus of any Crime Fighting and Prevention Plan, a national plan by sheer necessity should have a component that encourages community involvement through public awareness campaigns, community-based initiatives, and incentives for reporting crimes.
And like any other national programme, a Crime Fighting and Prevention Plan will be monitored and evaluated through regular assessment, that makes room for adjustments to strategies.
And if the truth be told, it is nonsensical to think that a plan developed to address this national crisis, will be meaningful implement without a coming together of Government, Opposition, and civil society.
Fighting crime transcends politics, and support for a Crime Fighting and Prevention Plan must be comprehensive. Only so can we create a safe and prosperous SVG.
I DON’T KNOW WHO in the RSVG Police Force should address my concern about the lack of information on the number of guns in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), hence this open commentary. I am assuming that the creation of the “Gun Intelligence Unit” is an acknowledgment that our gun-related crimes are no longer random and isolated to friends and associates.
Vincentians do not have the right to own a gun just because they can afford to buy one. We cannot buy our firearms in the same shop we buy groceries and clothes. I say this to point out how easy it is to buy a gun in the US; in some states, you can buy a gun at 8 am on Sunday, but you must wait until noon before you can buy a “PT” of rum or a beer.
I believe while addressing the killing on the ground, we must understand where the guns are coming from. In the absence any specific information about SVG, I turn to a regional analysis by the United States (US). To state the obvious, we do not manufacture firearms in the Caribbean. So, how are these guns getting into the islands? According to the US Government Accountability Office, 7,399 guns were recovered from crimes and traced between 2018 - 2022. Of these recovered guns, 73% (or 5,399 guns) came from the United States, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Most of these firearms were handguns. Now, some islands, including SVG, are reporting the presence of high-capacity guns like AK-47s and AR-15s among the arsenals on the streets. What is not clear in the statistics about guns above is if any of the guns tested were from SVG.
Gang members and other criminals smuggle guns through seaports on small boats or commercial shipping vessels. Our governments will not tell us this for some unknown reasons, but the US ATF reports that firearms have been found concealed in automobiles, televisions, and household items–such as bags of rice and cereal boxes. More than half of the guns recovered between 2018 and 2022 were purchased legally in the US.
It is not too difficult to see how these guns can get into these islands with a high level of yacht movement between them and Florida. Closely monitoring the things coming off of
these yachts will amaze anyone. By the way, we are still waiting for the results of the investigation into the large shipment of guns recovered at the Campden Park port almost a year ago. Before we can get a handle on gun crimes, we must control the ports.
I am pleased to see some of the new projected revenue in this year’s budget will be dedicated to addressing our ports, gang violence and security. Maybe we could take a page from Antigua Prime Minister Brown’s playbook and dedicate some funds to another Coast Guard vessel, install additional surveillance cameras, and add drones for surveillance of special events to enhance law enforcement crime-fighting capabilities. I hope we can quickly and efficiently install those 160 cameras donated by the Republic of China (Taiwan). Additionally, police vehicles should be acquired and equipped with radios to respond to these crime and violent incidents rapidly. We must prepare ourselves for an increase in armed robberies and home invasions. The Antiguan government is also purchasing gun-sniffing dogs to identify guns and ammunition that may be entering that country through its air and sea ports. We now have scanners at the main ports, but the dogs could be used in the Grenadines and North Leeward.
Of course, besides all the physical assets needed to fight crime, we must enhance training to ensure the proper benefits. We must avoid the idea that every educational opportunity must be capitalized upon. We must be more strategic about the educational opportunities we pursue. No longer should the government facilitate advanced education opportunities sought by individual employees instead of the Force’s needs. I am aware of several individuals, both at home and abroad, who are studying in areas outside the scope of their field of service. Strangely, these individuals have no interest in returning to SVG to work. They know the government will not enforce the default penalties because they have no work in their field of study. When our police officers return from training, it is essential that we reward them with assignments that match their training and any promotions therein.
Horatio
Domestic violence is a no, no
I AM NOT ONEfor writing to newspapers but a recent encounter moved me to offer my two cents on the issue of domestic abuse.
A childhood friend of mine recently levelled with me about her marriage. We might have been friends since childhood but I know it would have taken much out of her to share her experience. After fifteen years of marriage, she opened up to me telling me that her husband, whom so many of us felt was “God’s give to a women” for his good looks and fine manners, was a monster.
She related that it was into their second year of marriage that he first put his hand on her. He had taken to complaining about everything — her cooking, her ironing, her
lack of spunk in bed and her attitude to their two children.
Thereafter it was a regular thing… back and open hands across her face, closed fist from time to time, and not to mention when he took the belt from around his waist and let her have it across her back or wherever. And his blows were always administered when the children were not around for to them, he was the greatest father in the world and he made them believe that to the hilt.
Eventually, she said, it was after he shoved her one day and she fell and broke her arm that she quietly decided to do something about the abuse. She wanted to go to the police, for her parents were both
deceased, but she could not muster up the courage. She was ashamed to have to tell her story to strangers. It was then she decided that she would confide in me.
Of course I made certain she made a report to the police and assisted her and the children to move out and to stay with an elderly woman I knew who had more than enough space to accommodate them. I have also agreed to support her and the children as best as I could.
I want to say to my friend and to all women in particular that domestic violence is a pattern of coercive, controlling behaviour that is a pervasive, lifethreatening crime
affecting people in all communities, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, or social standing.
Abuse can look and feel different in every relationship, but it is always about the control one person exerts over another.
Domestic violence takes many forms: physical, emotional, economic, stalking, harassment, sexual. My friend has had her share of physical abuse which would have also affected her emotionally.
Physical abuse, whether in a marriage or not should be reported to some persons with authority. If it is not made first to the police or some social worker, abused woman could find
Garvey: A universal Hero
I SEE YOUare keeping Marcus Garvey on your radar. That is good given that as far as I am concerned, Garvey is one of the most influential Black leaders and PanAfricanist in history, if not one of the most influential persons in history.. The man was ahead of his time and you can understand why some Black American leaders of his time were jealous of him, and may have plotted with the FBI to see the back of him.
And by the way, Mr. Editor, some people wonder why Vibrating Scakes made reference to Marcus Garvey in his independence song that people say is our second anthem. Scakes appreciated the reach of this Black man and what he did for the consciousness of Black people all over the world. It was Garvey who planted the seed of independence in the minds of colonialized people in the Caribbean and Africa in particular.
PEOPLE ARE ASKING:
* Why are our MPs continuing to create doubt among the people? Who are we to believe: Minister King or Oswald Robinson of the Teachers Union? Minister Gonsalves or Sea Operations Ltd.?
* St. Lucia has already started promoting their 2025 carnival, what are we waiting on?
* Indications are that 127 Vincentians are to be deported from the USA, what preparations are we making to accept them, seeing that some of them could be convicted felons?
* Government was expected to roll out a $23 million Road Rehabilitation Programme. How much of that has been spent to date?
* How are plans for that (semi) professional football league coming along?
* When will the current acting Commissioner of Police be appointed officially to the post? Is it, as school children are saying, that he will not be appointed because the Government has someone else in mind for the position?
Take it or leave his philosophy is still relevant today. After all, he advocated for economic and social progress and independence for Black people. This is in addition to the undeniable fact that he taught us to be proud of ourselves as Black people; that we should love ourselves and never consider ourselves inferior to any race.
It is a pity how as Black people we have distanced ourselves from his basic teaching. Thanks to the Rastafarians for keeping his philosophy alive.
Yes we must recognize President Biden for pardoning Garvey, something that the first and only black president of the USA, Barack Obama, failed to do.
But we must also take note of the fact Garvey was one of 8,064 people who were pardoned or had their sentences commuted by President Biden. Those pardoned included death row inmates, mass murderers, illicit drugs and gun dealers, as well as people convicted of bribery and money laundering. It is sad that Marcus Garvey, a Universal Hero had to be
a religious person or even a very good friend in which to share their burden.
Abuse is not love and the quicker women accept this as a truism the quicker they will find safety away from an abusive situation.
Name withheld on request
INVADE and something
more
The HYPOCRISY of so called western democracies is blaring.
If Chump (Trump) invades PANAMA, who will attempt to stop him?? NO ONE. He has 117,000 troops there already.
If Chump invades GREENLAND, how could DENMARK (a tiny nation) stop him? Could Europe stop him??? THEY CAN’T. They are ALL STOOGES (and allies) of the USA…. NOT ONE OF THEM WILL RAISE A FINGER OR EVEN TALK LOUD.
NOW ASK YOURSELVES: WHAT ABOUT SMALL 3RD WORLD COUNTRIES????
lumped with these degenerates.
Remember, Marcus Garvey is still to be fully exonerated for the crime of which he was convicted and sentenced to prison.
Marcus Garvey will always be a hero to black people all over the world, not just to Jamaicns.
Thomas
And a quick ‘something’ for those of you who love to accept fake cures and are the anti-vaccine crowd. Here is an example:
A part-time actor was sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for soliciting investors in companies that prosecutors said marketed a bogus cure and treatment for COVID19.
Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 57, was convicted in May 2024 of 11 counts of wire fraud. Ahead of sentencing, Middlebrook told The Times that he was “innocent completely” and that “this is going to be appealed.”
Paddy
The Pothole Report
POTHOLESare reporting that no one is paying them any attention despite all the clamor they are making. Born sometimes of poor construction techniques, the young potholes develop soon after a new road is built. Prompt attention may stunt their growth or eliminate them altogether. However, many are left to grow and develop to the extent where motorists change lanes to avoid them.
Damage to tires and shocks cost vehicle owners much yet they put up with the unconscionable pothole inconvenience. The number of accidents they cause needs to be assessed. There is a call for the donkey cart with the two-man crew to return to fill potholes. Apparently, these minor repairs are not attractive enough for BRAGSA. They want large projects paying big monies.
With elections due by November of 2025, all potholes should look forward to being filled for the occasion. However, if the opinion polls determined that they are not priority for voters,
they may have to wait for the new Government. They may have to give way to the handing out of free monies. These include Public Assistance, Income Support, Farmers Support, Fishermen Support and many other ingenious excuses to give free monies to voters.
If the opinion polls say that money is what matters most, citizens can expect to receive more, little else will get done and the poor potholes will widen and deepen as they grow old.
Anthony G. Stewart, PhD
Argyle International Airport: successful game-changer
THE TRIUMPH OF AIA
THE ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (AIA) will celebrate the eighth anniversary of its opening on February 14, 2025. It stands as an enduring testament to our people’s quest to achieve a hitherto impossible dream, to reach what was considered an unreachable height by those steeped in learned helplessness, to triumph over what the pessimists thought to be insurmountable odds, to bear witness to that which those of little faith denounced as unbearable folly, and to defeat those visionless and timid souls who sought to derail us at every step of the way. We did it! We build the AIA! We did it all with style, grace, and love. We accomplished a seeming, near-miracle in our people’s interest. It was God’s work made by men and women.
For fifty years since universal adult suffrage in 1951, for thirty-two years since internal self-government in 1969, and for twenty-two years since the reclamation of our independence in 1979, every single political figure in successive governments promised the people of SVG to build an international airport, but none got beyond one of the numerous periodic studies. And then came the leadership of Comrade Ralph; and serious steps towards the construction of the international airport commenced. The journey was not easy, but what was deemed impossible became a reality with the opening of the AIA on February 14, 2017 – Valentine’s Day –Love is always in the air!
ULP’S 2001 MANIFESTO
In our 2001 Election Manifesto, the ULP solemnly pledged to build the AIA. In confusion, the New Democratic Party (NDP) in power for nearly 17 years (July 1984 to March 2001), scoffed at our proposal but offered no alternative; the NDP was, and remains, hopeless and helpless in relation to any large ambition to transform and make better our SVG. At every step of the way, from conception to completion of AIA, the NDP opposed us and the people’s interest; and they did so treacherously.
Like Sanballat and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian and the rest of the enemies of the Prophet-Builder Nehemiah and his people in their rebuilding of the broken city walls around ancient Jerusalem, the NDP and their fellow-travellers mocked us in our efforts to build AIA. Having failed with mockery, they turned to anger, and then to political conspiracy to stop the construction of AIA. Amidst it all, they mastered mischief and grave dishonesty. At every turn, too, the NDP sought to do mischief and more, personally, against Comrade Ralph. A week or so before the scheduled opening of AIA, Lorraine Friday as Leader of the Opposition wrote the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), the regulatory body for civil aviation, claiming falsely that the airport was unsafe, and demanding that permission be NOT GRANTED for its opening and its operation!
In ancient Hebrew times, Nehemiah gave instructions to his people to guard and protect the city walls of Jerusalem which he and his people had miraculously rebuilt. We must do the same with AIA: Guard and Protect it against our enemies who are yet to be reconciled to its construction and
successful operations, even as they hypocritically use it to fly in and out of SVG! Indeed, even some who make their living from AIA wish it ill for purely political reasons. It is almost satanic!
It is the similar satanic outlook that prompted the enemies of David and his son Solomon to conceive, plan, and build the Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. The story is well told in the Book of the Chronicles. The AIA’s enemies, in contemporary times, bear a perpetual blight.
AIA: 2001 – 2008
Between 2001 and 2005, the ULP government studied carefully the mountain of pre-existing studies on airport development in SVG; commissioned an updated study; explored possibilities for financing this massive project; and established the International Airport Development Company (IADC) to manage the airport’s construction.
Then on August 8, 2005, at the Methodist Church Hall, Comrade Ralph delivered to the nation the ULP government’s comprehensive plan to build AIA. It was the first time in our country’s history that any of its leaders had laid out fulsomely a road map for the construction of an international airport. In the midst of the Comrade’s address the electricity went; the proceedings were temporarily disrupted for nearly an hour. VINLEC reported that it was an unusual equipment failure; other informed persons suspected sabotage. Without evidence, the ULP accepted the former reportage.
The opposition NDP issued a formal statement that its leader would reply to Comrade Ralph’s plan in two weeks; the NDP never did, but it began its opposition sniping laced with mockery, anger, dishonesty, and propaganda of the most anti-national kind.
In October 2005, President Chen of Taiwan visited SVG. On that visit the country expected a statement of practical support of the AIA’s construction; and the country received it. On the eve of President Chen’s arrival, the NDP led a candlelight march, followed by a rally, of its supporters from Sion Hill to Kingstown ostensibly against poverty. Shortly, thereafter, the leader of the NDP stated publicly that the march and rally were intended to show the Taiwanese President, ahead of general elections expected within months (elections were held in December 2005), two things: First, that the NDP had mass support and was on track to win the forthcoming elections (Ralph was called “One-term Papa”); and secondly, that the NDP opposed this airport folly which it predicted would bring ruin to SVG because this expensive pipe-dream was unaffordable and would be an unfinished white elephant.
Meanwhile, Comrade Ralph traversed the world in quest of building a “Coalition of the Willing” to construct the AIA and the IADC proceeded with all preparatory works.
Continued on Page 28.
Education- New Foundation needed
(Excerpts of Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Dr Godwin Friday’s 2025 Budget presentation)
Technical Vocational Education and Training
WE HAVE NOTED THE NEEDto give radically more focus to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The Minister said over a year ago that he recognized the need to do so. How have they responded? As I noted in the Estimates debate, there is nothing in the budget that shows there is a real shift in focus in education to give serious attention to TVET.
This is evident in the allocations Key Program Actions set out in the Estimates. It is also evident in the recurrent expenditure allocations where the total went from $4,492,124 in 2024 to $4,656,534 in 2025, an increase of $164,410. Personal emoluments accounted for $90,171 and wages for $74,249 of that increase; and these were for pay increases, not for no new positions. No new positions were created to advance a new TVET.
How can you increase TVET programs without allocating more resources to do so? There is some capital spending for TVET–-eg. construction of TVET centre in Union Island and Marriaqua and for upgrading Petit Bordel Multipurpose centre- all total just over $3m. Clearly there is no shift in approach. The approach is basically the same as before: incremental addition to facilities offering basic level programs to cater mainly to high school dropouts and at-risk youth. There is no plan and no investment to make the type of changes that are needed to right the ship of education that Minister said was on the wrong course.
Incrementalism will not do. Let us have a true revolution in education by making our education system more relevant to our times and more responsive to the needs of the economy here and in the region. Let us raise the standard and profile of TVET to make it attractive to all students so that it becomes not a last resort for struggling student, dropouts and atrisk youth, but a program of choice for any and all students. A bold, new approach is needed. We must produce a highly skilled workforce that will help to transform our economy and because of their skills, they would be well paid to do so. In short, let us have a radically new approach to TVET that sees it offers relevant training and certification to all students and encourages our students, including those doing well academically, to enroll in such programs.
A vision of this magnitude and investment on this scale are what we have in mind when we speak of TVET. We have outlined as a component of our Youth Guarantee Pledge that all of young people must have access to quality TVET programs as a normal part of what the education system provides. We imagine that students, including those who have completed CAPE or Associate Degrees, will consider attending a first class TVET institution that offers higher level training and certification than exists currently to obtain relevant skills and training that will enable them to get good jobs here and elsewhere in the region. Students who attend the
existing technical centers in various parts of the country may also be able to move up to the TVET Institution to receive advanced training and certification in their discipline.
What the government is talking about now is helpful, but ultimately too limited. A true revolution in education requires not more of the same; not building block by block on what now exists; it needs a new foundation upon which a new course for our education can be pursued. This Budget clearly is not doing that. And we don’t need any more acronyms. Instead, think big and let us turn the ship or education around. That would be a revolution.
ULP shameful treatment of teachers and public sector workers
One of the gravest acts of injustice committed by any government against its workers was done by this ULP government when it fired teachers, healthcare workers, police and other public servants under its misguided covid vaccine mandate.
The Milton Cato Labour government had teargassed teachers during their strike in 1975, and suffocated Kingstown with teargas. That remains a searing event that is still commemorated by the teachers’ union to this day, and this year being the 50th anniversary of the event, may increase the scale of celebration. The effect of the commemoration is to remind us that such draconian actions by a government against its people must never be condoned and never be repeated.
Now, teachers and other public servants (271 of them) who were fired under the government’s vaccine mandate also had to seek justice in court and won at the High Court. The Court ruled that the teachers, healthcare workers, police and other public servants did not leave their jobs but were terminated by the government and the court ordered the government to reinstate the workers with full benefits.
The government has appealed the judgement, and after such a long time the decision is still pending. So, the hardship for the victims continues. Public pleas have been made by many, including religious leaders to reinstate the workers. It is time to end the victimization of the teachers and other public servant fired by the govt under its draconian vaccine mandate. The government does not have to wait for the Court of Appeal decision to do the right thing. The government can end this now and treat the affected people fairly.
An NDP government will end the suffering of the affected public servants by reinstating them, with full benefits as the High Court ordered. Affected public servants won’t have to wait for any order from the government; you can simply return to work the day after the NDP forms government. We will work out the compensation matters ordered by the High Court as quickly as possible thereafter so as not to prolong the hardship.
Acceptance and Admiration
“You don’t have to be extraordinary to be admired, you just have to be extraordinary to someone.” — Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014) American poet and civil rights activist.
IT IS NATURAL to crave acceptance. From a very early age, children seek validation and recognition, and this longing continues throughout our lives. Acceptance and admiration are essential for fostering a sense of self-worth and providing emotional security. When either of these is absent, it can lead to deviant behaviours and threaten an individual’s mental and emotional stability.
We are forever grateful to Dr. Maya Angelou for the many positive thoughts she shared throughout her life. The quote that opens this essay highlights how admiration often grows from acceptance and personal connection. It emphasizes that relationships matter and suggests that admiration isn’t reserved for those with fame or extraordinary talents. Instead, it arises from being seen and appreciated for who we truly are by someone who values us. Therefore, we all have the potential to encourage and inspire others by showing them acceptance and admiration. Our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities can become nurturing environments for healthy relationships if we invest the effort and energy to demonstrate acceptance and admiration for others’ positive traits. Acceptance and admiration are critical aspects of human relationships. They shape how we see ourselves and others, impact our personal growth, and determine the quality of our interactions. Acceptance means embracing individuals for who they truly are–imperfect human beings whose actions may require critique. However, our criticisms should be objective and non-judgmental, ensuring that we preserve the individual’s dignity. In other words, we can criticize behaviours while still valuing the person behind them. Admiration, on the other hand, involves appreciating the qualities and values that make someone worthy of respect. Even the worst among us possess qualities worthy of admiration. As Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881), one of Russia’s most influential writers, reminds us, “In the worst of us, there is a touch of good, and in the best of us, a touch of evil.”
Many consider acceptance to be the cornerstone of strong, lasting relationships, whether in our homes, workplaces, or romantic partnerships. Acceptance involves understanding and respecting another person’s flaws, mistakes, and differences without allowing these “imperfections” to diminish their worth. The absence of acceptance is likely to cause the unraveling of relationships.
Dr. Stephen Covey (1932-2012), the American educator, motivational speaker, and author, advocates for empathetic listening–listening with
the intention of truly understanding. This approach helps us cultivate objectivity and enhances our ability to appreciate others. For example, it can help parents, teachers, and other concerned adults interact more effectively with children whose behaviours, attitudes, or academic performances might not meet our expectations. As challenging as this can be, it is crucial that children receive unconditional love and acceptance. This kind of acceptance helps children develop confidence, knowing that even if their performance falls short of expectations, they are still valued as individuals. Similarly, acceptance in friendships allows people to feel heard, understood, respected, and valued, nurturing a sense of belonging, emotional security, and mental well-being.
Admiration, on the other hand, is about recognizing and appreciating the positive qualities in others. It goes beyond superficial traits like appearance and taps into a deeper respect for their values and character. Admiration may stem from qualities like honesty, integrity, courage, kindness, intelligence, and respect–traits that help maintain strong communities and create emotional bonds. Admiration has the power to inspire us to emulate these positive traits. For example, witnessing the dedication of a single mother who balances work, childcare, and academic pursuits can inspire others to strive for similar determination.
While acceptance and admiration are distinct, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often complement one another. When individuals feel accepted for who they truly are–strengths and weaknesses alike–they are more likely to feel comfortable and secure in revealing their authentic selves. This vulnerability can deepen feelings of admiration and strengthen relationships.
Research by psychologists like Dr. John Gottman (born 1942), a prominent American psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of Washington, has shown that both acceptance and admiration are essential for creating and maintaining healthy relationships. Acceptance fosters trust, enabling open and clear communication. This, in turn, strengthens commitment, even in the face of challenges or differences of opinion. By practicing both acceptance and admiration, we enrich our lives and contribute to a more empathetic and understanding world.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
America’s politics is a mess
AMERICA is a political duopoly. A duopoly refers to a reality where two parties dominate the political landscape and do everything to block the participation of any other group. In such a system, one party tends to dominate government at any given time (the Majority party), while the other has only limited power (the Minority party).
Because of America’s place in the world, its economic, military and cultural dominance project across the globe through its mass media, many people have developed a love/ hate relationship with its political system.
At the most simplistic level, much of our understanding of the world comes from the sloganeering of the Democratic and Republican parties. These parties run their state and presidential campaigns by scapegoating or presenting a bogeyman to the electoral. In the run-up to the 1980 presidential elections, Ronald Reagan launched his campaign in Mississippi, declaring that ‘the South will rise again.’ The South, it must be remembered, is where enslaved Africans offer up their blood, sweat and tears that built America’s economic foundation.
George Bush Sr. launched his 1988 campaign with the Willie Horton TV ad. William Horton was a black man who committed a crime soon after his early release from prison. The ad depicted his democratic opponent as being soft on crime. Clinton used welfare excesses and rising crime to sail into the White House, Obama won with his ‘Yes We Can’ smiley, ‘hopey’ promise, and Trump told Americans he wanted to ‘make America great again.’
During his first term, Trump claimed he was going to Washington ‘to drain the swamp.’ By the end of his term, some of the worst swamp monsters had crawled from the furthest reaches of the continental US, to devour anything and everything in America and the world. Trump redux has placed immigrants from the Global South in his bull’s eye.
All of these slogans were intended to win voices and voters. None was designed to transform America for the better. At every turn, it is the poor and vulnerable, the weak and disenfranchised, who are ‘otherised’ and victimised. They are almost always portrayed as a menace to society who must be despised and punished.
It does not matter which party, democrat or republican, controls the white house. If you live in the global South or have migrated to the United States because of America’s destabilising policies across the world, Look Out because Uncle Sam is coming for you.
In this cycle, immigrants are in the crosshairs of the Republican elite. If you fail to pay attention, you would not know that both parties have aggressively downplayed the contributions of immigrants, to pander to a white population that is increasingly finding life more difficult. The American political elite stokes racism to distract, divert, and confuse the majority of Americans as to who their real enemies are: the rich and powerful. They become rich while the vast majority of American citizens wallow in misery and despair.
Information from the Migration Policy Institute reveals that Bill Clinton deported 12 million, George Bush Sr. deported 10 million, Obama six million, Trump 1 three million, and Biden 5 million. Now Trump is proposing to ensure ‘the largest
deportation in the history of America.’ What is left out of the conversation is that the combined income of immigrants is $2.1 trillion. Immigrants pay $383 billion in federal income tax and $197 billion in state income tax. Clearly, this is not a record of persons living off the system. The notion that immigrants are ‘welfare queens’ driving around in expensive Cadillacs or wild rapists and criminals stalking the streets of America is grossly exaggerated.
Of telling significance is we have seen no handcuffed and shackled plane loads of persons bound for European capitals. You would be naive to think that there are no illegal immigrants from Europe. Think of the Russian/Ukraine war and the seamless manner in which Ukrainians (whites) were integrated into European and American societies. Contrast that with the videos of Africans allowed to drown as they attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. It was not the greed of immigrants that created the 2008 economic and financial crisis. Yet, not a single banker or corporate executive was tried and jailed for the crimes and the suffering they caused. In fact, speaking to a group of top executives in 2009, Obama reminded them that he ‘stood between them and the pitchfork.’ While the rich were bailed out, many middleincome families lost their homes and life savings due to the financial meltdown. Black families lost more wealth during the Obama presidency than in the previous 100 years. Yet, they fiercely loved their black president, who was quick to remind them that he could not be a president for African Americans as though anyone ever asked him to be.
The political duopoly plays the same trick on voters on the issue of privacy and women’s rights, which is often played out in the media as the right to an abortion. Republicans vying for the religious/Christian/ evangelist vote claim to be staunchly anti-abortion and pro-life. Democrats, in contrast, propagandise that they are for privacy and women’s rights. Yet after the election of Obama in 2008, the democrats controlled the three branches of government with the ability to secure forever the privacy/abortion rights protected in Roe v Wade. However, as president, Obama declared that protection of privacy and women’s rights was not a priority for his administration.
The duopoly wants to keep issues like immigration, crime and women’s rights as election campaign issues. This is why immigration reform was last done under President Reagan in 1986. While Trump bellows that he wants to deport immigrants, Obama derisively described as the ‘deporter’ in chief for the millions he sent back to an uncertain future does so on the down low.
Biden/Harris Democrats presided over a genocide in Gaza, and now the Trump/Vance Republicans continue the holocaust with demands for ethnic cleansing.
We can only see clearly when we refuse to allow politicians to throw dust into our faces. As Mom would say, ‘American politics is a mess: six of one, half a dozen of the next.’
by LUKE BROWNE lukebrowne@yahoo.com
THE GOVERNMENTis also investing in a new Kingstown Port in the amount of $670 million. This project is responsible for a substantial increase in government capital expenditure and has implications for fiscal deficit, public debt, the debt service ratio and debt sustainability. We cannot ignore the elevated level of public expenditure associated with this project. However, I believe that there is strong economic justification for it.
I am reinforced in this view by recent comments of Professor Justin Robinson. On Sunday, 26th January 2025, Professor Robinson said on radio that he “accepts that these investments [in the airport and port for example] are critical for driving the development of SVG” and that “they require this increase in absolute level of debt and debt-to-GDP.”
costs of this current port are high.
Given the condition of the port, the cargo throughput at this point will not be able to exceed a certain level without posing an unacceptable risk to ships and operational personnel. Additionally, we can only currently accommodate relatively small cargo vessels with a capacity of only up to the volume of 1,200 twenty-foot containers. This is a serious point because of a trend in the maritime sector towards larger ship sizes.
As a result of the port project, we will consolidate our cargo operation at one site.
The professor endorsed the government’s approach with a caution that the investment must be accompanied by the laying out of a clear, credible and convincing long term fiscal plan or strategy for deficit reduction (deficit reduction plan) that balances new revenue with spending cuts that will result in a reducing trajectory of debt-to-GDP. He said that this is necessary for long term financial health. He suggested that a debt sustainability strategy that allows us to achieve the goal of reducing debt-to-GDP to a 60/70% benchmark by a particular date might be in order. He also emphasised the need for good and efficient project execution and management.
The port project was absolutely necessary. We have 2 cargo ports — the current Kingstown Port and the Campden Park Port. The Campden Park Port deals with containers. The current Kingstown Port has exceeded its useful operational life, is in poor and deteriorating condition with portions of it unusable and is liable to structural failure at any time. This would have disastrous consequences from an economic standpoint due to delays in export and import of goods. As it turns out, we had a foretaste of this scenario courtesy Hurricane Beryl. The maintenance
Work continues apace on the Kingstown Port Modernization Project, the second largest capital project to be undertaken by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The largest is the Argyle International Airport. (approx. EC$700 million+)
We will have better and more modern port facilities with lower maintenance costs.
We will be able to accommodate larger vessels (increase in maximum vessel capacity from 1,200 twenty-foot-containers to 2,400 twenty-footcontainers). This will reduce shipping costs.
We would also have a higher capacity in terms of cargo throughput and a reduction in the time required for cargo vessels to berth and discharge their cargo because of the use of more efficient port equipment and improved cargo handling and storage procedures.
We will have the additional benefits of lower trucking costs since the container port will be in Kingstown and closer to the main importers and not
Port Project and debt sustainability Football season kicks off
IT’s CUSTOMARY, as the Christmas Season and the New Year rolls in, to wish ‘Happy Holidays’, ‘Happy Christmas’ and a “Prosperous New Year”. Whatever the situation, many include specifically peace and happiness for 2025.
Many are left to wonder if these salutations are real, because world
in Campden Park, as well as the release of a very valuable 8.4 acres of land in Kingstown and 3.5 acres of land in Campden Park for productive use upon completion of this project. I believe that the value of this land is over $100 million.
According to the CDB, the economic rate of return (ERR) for the project based on a conservative analysis is 13 percent. The CDB also said that the project will improve the ease of doing business (one of the World Bank’s Doing Business indicators). Currently, SVG is ranked 130 out of 190 countries with respect to ease of doing business.
The Port project is expected to enhance the prospects for private sector-led growth in the economy over the longer term, generating government revenue that will assist with debt sustainability and expand our fiscal space.
leaders and rulers are using food and medicine as weapons of war and to oppress their people.
However, it looks like its setting up to be a good year for the Senior National Football Team, but not for the Under-17 females. The females lost all three games in their Group, scoring one goal and allowing twelve.
Rollit Waldron, former national player and coach is advising the national team to be physical when they meet Jamaica.
It’s 2025 and we ask, how many times have our Under-17 females failed to qualify for the Concacaf Under-17 Qualifiers?
We have to cease making excuses before and after each competition and look seriously at making the necessary changes/adjustments that could lead to improvement. We have to improve otherwise our Under-17 females will grow up believing it is the norm to merely represent their country by simply participating in some regional/international competition.
The long-awaited SVGFF Football Championships kicked off in November 2024. During the waiting period, fans took to other competitions, and on the sidelines interesting comments were made and discussions were held on other things like our soccer history (there was some confusion over which outstanding footballers had passed on) and the future of our football.
I am not a historian and would not be, but I can share soccer stories of when I was involved.
Now, the old saying goes ‘who do not have good foot go ahead’, and so did Avenues United winning their first three games. Then they lost all the other games
(five) up to 31st January 2025, and their fans and supporters were at a loss.
Teams that are showing interest and look like they want to win the competition are JeBelle FC, Layou FC, North Leeward Predators and Hope International. It is sad to say it but it looks like the teams from Kingstown before long will no longer be playing premier division football. Their performances have been lacklustre. Football fans should make it their business to go and see the matches and see if the Kingstown teams are improving.
The Senior National team will play Jamaica in March 2025 as part of the Gold Cup qualifiers. News is that the SVGFF is trying to organise a ‘friendly’ against Trinidad and Tobago before the Jamaica match.
The Jamaica-SVG encounter is expected, given the Jamaicans’ approach, to be a very physical and aggressive game. Our players need to listen to their coach, use their intelligence, match the Jamaicans physically, and they will do well.
Supporters’ assistance and encouragement are necessary if our senior men are to go further. Show it and give it!!!
Seymour ‘Rollit’
Walrond
V
Entertainment
ÂJah KettleÊ: Lots of pedigree
VINCENTIANborn cultural enthusiast Fidelity Francois met up with Jamaican Peter ‘Jah Kettle’ Braimbirdge in Canada. The result is a caravan of sorts that is taking music universal. Two such events
wound up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines which featured the Trench Town born ‘Jah Kettle’, who now boasts a number of accolades in the music circle.
‘Jah Kettle’s’ rise to stardom in the music
Peter ‘Jah Kettle’ Braimbirdge is characterized by the ‘kettle’ he wears when performing.
industry is reward for the contribution his family has made not only to Jamaica, but the world at large.
He is proud of his dad Oscar Braimbridge, whom he regards as the original drum major as far as Jamaican music goes.
‘Jah Kettle’ beams with pride about his father representing the nation at events for dignitaries like Presidents of the USA, and the Queen of England. A visit to Peru for a similarly prestigious occasion heightens the Braimbridge legacy. His mother was also a talented singer, so ‘Jah Kettle’ has pedigree and musical royalty from his origins.
He recalls that his father is perhaps the pioneer of the Trench Town Housing venture, and reflects on him contributing to nurturing the nucleus of the Jamaica musical caravan.
Francois keeping faith
SOMEWHEREalong the line, there is a sense of destiny about him, and he is proving his worth in many an endeavour.
His name is Fidelity Francois, popularly known as ‘Idelity.’ He grew up in the East Kingstown district known as “Up Town’, and had early education at the Richmond Hill Government school.
With further groundings at the Marriaqua Secondary School, ‘Idelity’ discovered the world of music. At age 15 he was in a Dubbing Competition at the Geest Shed, Kingstown.
He found persons like Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle, and Kevin Lyttle in his trail.
‘Idelity’ spearheads a Vincy cultural package which winds up at Sea View Garden in Georgetown this evening, February 7.
The package highlights Jamaican Reggae artiste Peter ‘Jah Kettle’ Braimbridge. The cast appeared at the Blue Waters Night Club in Chateaubelair last February 1.
‘Idelity’ considers that event pleasing. Fans from Kingstown turned up.
Home town man ‘Bongo Iley’ Francois, along with ‘Iceberg’ from Largo Heights, and ‘Brizzy Dan’ from Sharpes add variety to the
‘Jah Kettle’ knows the journey Mento, to Ska to the contemporary order. Because of the influence, there is no doubt about his flexibility, and ability to adjust.
Having made the rounds in Jamaica and Canada, ‘Jah Kettle’ continues to strive. His duty is to carry on the legacy of his father.
With his musical platforms, Jah Kettle is poised to be a takeoff for artistes desirous of making an impact. What you have to do is simple, find him.
A down to earth ‘brethren’, ‘Jah Kettle’ is enthralled by his Vincentian sojourn. He is happy to have touched down during ‘Black History month,’ and values his experience here. He recognises the similarities the state has with his original homeland.
As regards to the Marcus Garvey pardon, Jah Kettle reflects on the Black philosopher returning to Jamaica in handcuffs.
‘Jah Kettle’ looks ahead to a brighter future.
Fidelity Francois has joined with ‘Jah Kettle’ and together they are making their mark in the cultural sphere.
production, not to mention that the backing band Mystic.
‘Idelity’, based in Canada for the past 25 years, is blending his skills as a singer and promoter in making his contribution to the cultural sphere.
(Stories: WKA)
ÂUncle KenÊ,
IÊll
miss you
MY NAMEis Arianna Balcombe. I’m 9 years old.
I wanted to be at the service (funeral service for Mr. O. ‘Ken’ Boyea) but my mom said she’s sending me to school. It’s all good; actually I think it’s for the best as I would probably cry.
‘Ken’ Boyea is my godfather. When I asked my parents why, they’d say that when I was a baby and my parents needed help and even though ‘Uncle Ken’ could not help himself, he helped them. They said they’d explain more to me later on in life, but I don’t think it matters. I grew up knowing him and I’m just happy he is my godfather. He’d come to our
house in Georgetown and Prospect, and we’d go to his home, especially when Auntie Shanda wanted to take me and my sisters to VBS at the Catholic Church. Other times my father, Cameron Balcombe, took all the other visits. As far as I know he was a good man, always smiling.
‘Uncle Ken’, I’m going to be a good person in life. I’m your little chess champion. I’m going to be a lawyer like mom and a forthright business person like my dad. I’m going to like music and piano playing like you, that’s unavoidable as you and my dad have that in common.
I’m going to miss you.
I hope Auntie Shanda will be OK. I’d check on her often, after all, she is my godmother. Thank you for everything and I’d cherish those days we were able to spend together. Sleep well godfather.
Arianna Balcombe
Ken Boyea: My Mentor,
my teacher, my friend
by Mesi Harrington
IT IS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULTto put into words the depth of my feelings, as words seem inadequate to describe the impact ‘Ken’ Boyea had on my life.
There were countless moments when I’d come to him in doubt or uncertainty, and he would listen quietly before offering insight. And just when I thought I couldn’t handle another obstacle, ‘Ken’ would offer a perspective that reminded me of my strengths, my worth, and my potential.
But what stands out most of all is how ‘Ken’ made me feel. He didn’t just teach; he believed in me. And that belief is something I’ll carry with me
for the rest of my life. I am who I am because of the love, wisdom, and encouragement he shared. Though it is hard to imagine life without him, I take comfort in knowing that the lessons he imparted, the moments we shared, and the love he gave will continue to shape me and all of us who were lucky enough to know them.
To ‘Ken’: You have left an indelible mark on my life. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, for being a mentor, a friend, and a guiding force in my life. I will honour your memory by living out the values you instilled in me. Rest in peace and know that your legacy lives on in each of us.
Ken Boyea
THERE ARE A FEW TAKEAWAYS from the letter published in the Searchlight Newspaper (Jan. 24, 2025, pg.9) captioned “About
Another side of the Balliceaux history
Balliceaux and the Lindley Family”, by Jemma and Anthony Linley. First and foremost, the Linley family was not involved or responsible in any way for the genocide which took place on Balliceaux in 1797. Secondly, they are the primary beneficiaries of the estate of their great grandfather, Thomas Franklyn Linley (TFL), whose estate they have authority over by way of a Grant of Probate. Thirdly, as Executors of the estate, they are entitled to handle the estate as they see fit, which is to sell it and get the best price in return; and fourthly, they expect to receive a price for the sale of the property that is close to the market value from whoever acquires it. At present
Balliceaux is listed for sale on several real estate websites for US$30 million, and the Government of St. Vincent have said they intend to acquire it.
The Estate of Thomas Franklyn Linley (Probate 87 of 1994)
Thomas Franklyn Linley became proprietor of the islands of Balliceaux and Battawaya (Bottowia) in 1899 (Liber W, Vol, 5, Pg. 40), which he purchased from his father Richard Phillip Linley (18251910). The senior Linley was a Master Mariner who served the island throughout his career.
The Linleys were also land owners and owned at least one estate on the leeward side of the island, that was later acquired by the colonial government to facilitate allotments for distribution to former slaves. The junior Linley was himself a Mariner and may have served as Harbour Master for a period of time during the course of his life. He died on Balliceaux on or about August 28th, 1922. Whatever the circumstances of his death, no record of this can be found in the public records, and his estate remained unsettled for just over seven decades following his death.
Although the Will of Thomas Franklyn Linley doesn’t specifically mention the islands of Balliceaux and Battawaya, it is very precise as to how his real property should be distributed. The beneficiaries listed are his wife Florence and four children - Arthur Chesterfield, Richard Franklyn, William Allan and Amy Muriel. The Will states “in the event of anyone or more of the said four children dying before the death or re-marriage of my said wife Florence, then his or her share or their shares respectively shall be divided equally amongst his or her or their respective lawful issue”.
The beneficiaries listed by Joseph Linley on Thomas Franklyn Linley’s estate file are: Florence Linley (life interest), and Arthur Chesterfield, William Allan, and Amy Muriel, each as having one third interest.
The ‘Lawful Issue’
It is unclear why Thomas Franklyn Linley’s estate was not probated in the many decades following his death. Public records show that his son Richard Franklyn died in 1925 (St. Vincent), his wife Florence in 1936 (St. Vincent),
William Allan in 1943 (St. Vincent), Arthur Chesterfield in 1944 (New York), and Amy Muriel in 1966 (New York).
Whatever the circumstances, probating the Will may have proved to be challenging given the extenuating circumstances around his death and the ‘lawful issue’ clause stated in his Will, as none of the known children of any of the listed beneficiaries of Thomas Franklyn Linley were legitimate.
Letters of Administration for the estate of William Allan Linley (No. 159/1993), filed by Arthur Linley, lists William’s ‘lawful’ wife Mary Payne as the executor of his estate, and that the beneficiaries to his estate are his wife along with his thirteen children, namely, Albert, Wilmot, Frank, Ermine, Stephanie, Arthur, Leonard, Joseph, Alma, and Adeline, William, Alfred and George. His Estate is listed as comprised of the “Islands of Battiwa and Baliceau” among the assets to be distributed.
Among the supporting documents presented to legitimize the probation and distribution of William’s estate are: (i) a stamped document signed by one Bernadine J. Gumbs as Dep. Registrar General, dated 11th March, 1993, certifying the existence of an undated document intended to certify that an ‘original’ Will by William Allan Linley exists. This document purportedly signed by one Ernest D. Gillizeau and one George H. Smith, purports the existence of an ‘original’ Will signed by the deceased William A. Linley, and which purportedly names his wife, Mary Payne, as the executor of his estate; (ii) a registered Marriage Certificate between William Allan Linley and Mary Payne (identified as No. 24177, 1939, Pg.15) which, according to the document, took place at the Catholic Church, Ryland Hill (sic) on June 11th, 1939. However, a review of Catholic Church Records (1933 to 1944) failed to produce any evidence that a marriage between the parties ever took place; (iii) a Birth Certificate for Arthur Linley (b. 1929) certifying the reregistration of his birth under the Legitimacy Ordinance No.
involved plans for a grandiose tourism complex with a pier linking the islands, from which Maldives’ style accommodation facilities would be attached (Richard Hywel Evans).
conversations with other Linley family members with whom I came into contact after my father’s passing - most of them offspring of my great uncle, William Allan Linley.
The Issues of Balliceaux and Battawaya
5 of 1930 dated April 20th, 1955, and authenticated by O. S. Barrow Dep. Registrar General and Mary Linley; and (iv) a birth certificate for Joseph Linley (b. 1936) reregistered under the Legitimacy Ordinance No. 5 of 1930 also dated April 20th, 1955 and authenticated by the same individuals as in the case of Arthur. (Note that both reregistrations of the birth certificates of Arthur and Joseph took place 19 years and 12 years respectively, after their father’s death; and apart from the Registry certificate, which authenticates the existence of an undated certificate of authenticity by Gillezeau and Smith intended to prove that an original Will signed by William actually existed, is dated 50 years after his death. Further, the certificate of authenticity signed by the Registrar does not bear the actual signatures of Gellezeau and Smith.)
Balliceaux Development Limited
Upon receiving the Grant of Probate in the Estate of Thomas Franklyn Linley, Joseph Linley on the 24th, October, 1994 entered into an Agreement with a Company registered by him on the same date, as ‘Balliceaux Development Limited’ (BDL). The intention of the Agreement between him and BDL was to expedite the sale of the islands of Balliceaux and Battawayathe real property listed in the estate of Thomas Franklyn Linley (Balliceaux Development Limited, No 73/1994). The agreement also sought the issuance of 49,920 ordinary shares with the entitlement of the purchaser to possess the islands.
On May 9th, 2008, a notice appeared in the News Newspaper by the Physical Planning and Development Board inviting public comments to an application by BDL to construct a new residential/commercial building on Balliceaux. At the time, the islands of Balliceaux and Battawaya had been listed for sale for some years with international real estate agents. The development
Joseph Linley at the time is alleged to have received an offer for the islands from a foreign entity, and his intention was to convey ownership by way of the company, BDL, which he controlled in his personal capacity along with his brother Arthur T. Linley. Sources claim he had received a deposit in sum US$250,000.00 towards the purchase of BDL on that occasion. That plan was soon thwarted by a swift wave of public outrage, and objection by other Linley family members.
The Mills Connection
Thomas Franklyn Linley, is also my great grandfather. His DNA is imprinted in every cell in my body, and those of my siblings. From all accounts, a romantic relationship had blossomed between Richard Franklyn Linley, Thomas Franklyn Linley’s son, and my grandmother, Alice Georgina Mills. She was the granddaughter of a Carib woman by the name of Charlotte Glossop, who was originally from Georgetown but had family connections in Sandy Bay. Charlotte owned a house on part of Lot 53, located in Lower Middle Street in the Botton Town area, which she purchased in 1877. The Linley family home was located nearby, on the opposite side of the street on the corner of the same blockacross from the North River. At the time, Richard Franklyn, who was employed by the colonial government, was assigned to the Cotton Ginnery at Frenches, opposite the home of Georgina Aurilla Spence, where my grandmother, Alice Georgina, spent a lot of her time.
The two lovers had made plans to be married, to the point where a date was set and notices were put up in the church. But it was not to be. Just before the wedding date, Franklyn cancelled all the arrangements for some unknown reason and took off to Trinidad. By this time, Alice Georgina was already bearing a child. My father, George Volmar Mills, was born on 12th September, 1918.
With not many prospects for a single unmarried mother in these circumstances, Georgina or Nene as we knew her, travelled to America where she worked for several years as a seamstress in ‘sweat shops’, to support her child. Meanwhile, George was left in the care of his maternal grandmother, Ellen Mills, Charlotte’s daughter. After Nene’s departure, and according to George’s account, Richard Franklyn Linley contributed to his upkeep and played a fatherly role in his life. That was very short lived however, because Franklyn died rather unexpectedly in 1925 from a heart condition. After losing his father, George was turned away from visiting the Linley family home because, according to my recollection of his words, he was told “father dead, family done”. The element of ‘not belonging’ and ‘exclusion’ became a recuring theme in
While it is fair expectation that the beneficiaries of Thomas Franklyn Linley should receive compensation for the sale of the islands, the issues around Balliceaux and Battawaya are far bigger than the Linley family. The history involving the exiled Garifuna in 1797, is one of the worst cases of land theft, and genocide ever carried out by the British Empire on enslaved and indigenous peoples, and places Balliceaux in a special category that must be treated with the utmost sensitivity in moving forward. Given the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of the site, the voices of the descendants of these people must be heard, and they should play a pivotal role in any future development on Balliceaux.
The other aspect of Balliceaux and Battawaya that is equally as important, that no one is talking about, is the pristine nature of the natural environment that exists there. Balliceaux and Battawaya is a hotbed of renewable natural resources, and both islands, collectively, are an environmental institution in their own right. The seabird colonies that exist on Battawaya represent one of the largest populations in the region (Lowery et al, Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles, 2010), and the reefs and other marine life are invaluable life sustaining natural resources that must be conserved for the benefit of all Vincentians, now and in the future.
However, the current situation plays out, any future development of Balliceaux and Battawaya must be handled very
delicately, and there must be meaningful dialogue involving the parties with vested interest in these islands, the Government, and those concerned with the implementation of the necessary protections to preserve the history, and the integrity of the ecological resources that exists there, before any decisions are taken regarding the future of these islands.
G. Marlon Mills
Balliceaux has the added significance of being held as a sacred site, a place of pilgrimage and beloved memory of their ancestors who were exiled there and died in large numbers.
Richard Franklyn Linley, son and heir of Thomas Franklyn Linley who purchased the islands from his father - Richard Phillip Linley.
Battawaya (Bottowia) and Balliceaux sit untouched in the idyllic waters that wash the islands of the Caribbean.
Alice Georgina Mills bore a child –George Mills of Everready Funeral Home fame - for Richard Franklyn Linley a son of Thomas Franklyn Linley.
The U.S had earlier said it will not commit troops to Haiti now it has frozen its $$ commitment to fund the Kenyan-led mission trying to restore peace in Haiti. (Photo Source: AP)
No US $$ for HaitiÊs UN mission
“IT FOLLOWS!” declared a UN staffer. “Did you expect anything else from Trump?”
His comments were made on Tuesday, on the heels of news that the U.S. has notified the United Nations that it is freezing some funding to a U.N.-backed mission in Haiti.
That mission is tasked with fighting gangs trying to seize full control of the country’s capital, the U.N. said Tuesday.
A woman stands in front of her dwelling at a displacement site in Port au Prince, Haiti. She is one of the 96,000 people who the UN says have been displaced by the violence in that Caricom country. (Photo: IOM)
The U.S. has been the biggest contributor to the mission led by Kenyan police, which was launched last year and is struggling with a lack of funding and personnel. The change in funding will have an “immediate impact,” U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said.
The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a sweeping freeze on foreign assistance, leading to thousands of U.S. aid agency employees and contractors being laid off and programmes worldwide shut down.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has offered a waiver for lifesaving programs, but confusion over what is exempt from stop-work orders – and fear of losing U.S. aid permanently – is still freezing aid and development work globally.
The United States had committed $15 million to the trust fund that helps finance the multinational force in Haiti, Dujarric said. With $1.7 million of that already spent, “$13.3 million is now frozen,” he said.
“We will await further guidance from the U.S. regarding its contribution,” the U.N. spokesman said.
The fund, which now has less than $100 million of the estimated $600 million required annually for the multinational force, is not the only U.S. support for the mission. Millions more U.S. dollars have been contributed directly to operations and
support.
On Jan. 29, the U.S. State Department approved an aid freeze waiver for the mission for $41 million and waiver requests for another more than $30 million in assistance are pending, according to U.S. officials.
The funding that was halted appeared to take officials leading the Kenyan mission by surprise. When asked for comment, mission spokesman Jack Mbaka declined to give any immediate reaction.
The mission works alongside Haiti’s National Police, which is severely underfunded and understaffed and has received millions of dollars from the U.S. government in recent years to help fight gangs. Currently, there are only about 4,000 Haitian police officers on duty at a time in a country of more than 11 million people.
The announcement was made just hours after a military contingent of 70 soldiers from El Salvador arrived in Haiti, joining more than 600 Kenyan police officers already on the ground backed by police and soldiers from other countries including Jamaica and Guatemala.
It’s unclear what impact the change in U.S. funding for the mission might have on efforts to transform it into a U.N. peacekeeping mission. (Partial Source: AP)
Argyle International Airport: successful game-changer
Continued from Page 10.
As the real commitments of support arrived at a critical mass, ground was broken for the airport’s construction on August 13, 2008, (the birthday of Vincent Beache and Fidel Castro), with Comrade Ralph in one of the bulldozers provided by President Chavez of Venezuela. Fidel’s Cuba did the technical designs, free of cost, for the aerodrome. Cuban, Venezuelan, Vincentian professionals and other workers were mobilised on the ground. The government of Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago donated a start-up of US$10 million. Taiwan provided its first US $10 million. We set up the National Properties Company, put state lands in it and the IADC to be utilised in the mobilisation of funds. The IADC borrowed, with some lands as security, a first sum of EC$30 million from the First Caribbean International Bank. The central government provided, too, some start-up monies. We were on our way. But the long journey had just started. More resources were still needed.
COALITION OF THE WILLING IN ACTION
The ULP government fashioned, creatively, a “Coalition of the Willing” to build AIA consequent upon its realisation that our traditional partners had absolutely no appetite for a project of this magnitude for SVG. Many of them thought that Comrade Ralph was the proverbial man from La Mancha tilting at windmills; they counselled that it was an impossible dream. The NDP was buttressed by the denial of support by our traditional partners. They said that this denial-refusal of support meant an end to Ralph’s folly. The chorus of their propagandists had this as their veritable road march. But we built it between 2008 and 2017.
The oppositionists, the nay-sayers, the perennial skeptics, and the ignoble cynics railed against Ralph’s “madness”. The Argyle site – the only viable one in SVG – was admittedly daunting. For starters we had to build a by-pass road; level two mountains and two elevations; fill four valleys; span a stream and a river; move and cause to be built elsewhere some 140 middle-and-uppermiddle income houses; move a small hotel and two guest houses; move an historic church and a cemetery; put in strong sea defences; and secure the removal and storage of petroglyphs. But the Comrade and his team had faith, hope and love. And they had a workable plan!
Who were these “traditional partners” who denied us? This roll-call makes interesting reading: The Caribbean Development Bank; the World Bank; the European Investment Bank; the European Union; the governments and funding agencies of the USA, Britain, and Canada. Senior public servants were either atheistic or agnostic towards the AIA’s construction; they came to redemption in time.
Who were the members of the “Coalition of the Willing”: the governments of Cuba, Venezuela, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Austria, Turkey, Libya, (under Muamar Gaddafi), Iran (under President Mahmood Ahmadinejad, Georgia (under President Mikhail Saakashvili. Financial support, too, came from the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF); Comrade Ralph raised his AIA at every meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government between 2008 and 2017. CARICOM’s Chairman in February
2017, President Granger of Guyana attended the opening of AIA; so, too, did other leaders and spontaneous of various governments. Each of the governments are provided to the best of their ability: In-kind assistance, grants, and soft-loans.
As the construction of the AIA was well on its way, and nearing completion, the agencies of the governments of the USA, Britain, and Canada realised that the “man from La Mancha” and his people were actually achieving the “impossible dream”. So, we engaged the Export-Import Lending Agencies of these three governments to secure reasonably-priced loans to finance the building of the Air Traffic Control Tower, multiple pieces of equipment and relevant technology systems, fire tenders, and so forth.
PATRIOTIC SUPPORT
Despite the opposition of the modernday Sanballats, Tobiah, Geshem of the Ammonites resident in the NDP, most Vincentians at home and abroad supported the AIA. Some made financial contributions personally; and others raised monies in groups. Individuals gave their time freely to assist with the aesthetics and the interior designing; the Comrade’s wife, Eloise, did yeoman service free of charge in this regard. Comrade Ralph’s two bruising face-to-face engagements, live on radio and TV, with the 140 homeowners and other property-owners at the Argyle site persuaded them to support the venture. The home-owners were well-compensated; and IADC assisted with a new housing settlement at Harmony Hall. All with love!
CHALLENGES GALORE
Among the major challenges was the perennial and relentless opposition by the NDP which divided the country on this major transformative project – all done by the NDP on the altar of partisan political demagoguery and quest for personal power. They used every ruse to destroy Comrade Ralph and his government; the details now shame them, but they offer dastardly feeble excuses.
In the 2005 and 2010 general elections the NDP criticised and opposed the project. In the December 2015 general elections, a year or so before the AIA’s completion, the NDP said that they would pause the project, study it further to see what has to be done to finish it; they averred that it cannot be done without alterations to the runway and other aspects of the project; they claimed that these changes cannot be completed before 2020, at the earliest. The NDP trotted out bogus “consultants”, “experts”, and “pilots” to buttress their nonsensical utterances. And of course, in February 2017, Lorraine Friday wrote his infamous letter to ECCAA to stop the airport’s opening and operation. A litany of the NDP’s anti-AIA and anti-Ralph garbage will fill several volumes. They claimed falsely that we had spent EC $1.2 billion, and more would have to be spent to finish it.
Of course, resources were a challenge. Within one month of the start-up of AIA’s construction, in September 2008, the global economy was sunk into the worst depression for 100 years. The knock-on effects lingered in SVG beyond 2014. Then there were serious weather challenges, among other things. But we persisted to a beautiful conclusion.
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Look at the big picture. Don’t let a stressful moment interfere with a love connection. Chill out, slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. When it involves money, be business–like to keep an arrangement open and honest.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
Love is in the stars! An intense love exchange could have some of you racing to the altar. There is too much happening in your life to get involved in other people’s drama. Focus on your own priorities. Hard work will pay off –be patient!
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Life is about to enter the first class category! Your financial position is set to improve with your budget catering to champagne tastes. A creative concept can show others that you are a class act. Join the A–list party goers to find love.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Prepare to be lucky in love! Affectionate moments are yours for the asking. Someone’s caring and sharing attitude can win your heart. A family environment brings emotional security. Spending money on your home provides enjoyment.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
Your work wish–list can now be granted. Schmoozing the boss can go a long way in rising up the ranks. Money mix–ups are possible – double check finances. A creative idea could be a stroke of genius, don’t underestimate your ability.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
If you have an influx of cash, invest it wisely. Be careful of divulging personal business, not everyone is trustworthy. If you want to get your message across at work, communicate to the right people. To let love in, share inner thoughts.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
This is your time to shine! An abundance of planets signify the commencement of a new solar cycle. You have the power to change your life; all you need to do is change your attitude. When it concerns love, listen to your heart. Powerful and passionate feelings provide you with all the answers you need.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Venus radiates love vibes in your direction, your popularity is on the rise. When all else fails at work, use your common sense to find answers. Health and happiness go together. When life gets hectic, you need to look after your wellbeing. Long hours giving back to others can take its toll.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
To keep more money in your pocket, be creative. Your next move at work can cause a domino effect of new opportunities. It’s a chain reaction that puts you in a positive position. When love and friendship go together, it can be long–lasting.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Looking for love? The love of your life could be associated with work. Love and life take time to perfect. Don’t sit back and wait for life to happen, when it’s about your career, fight for what you want. Family communications need attention, keep your schedule flexible.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
Money setbacks can now diminish with extra cash due to head your way. When everyone is emotional about family matters, you can be the practical one. If someone is being difficult, it may be time to tell him or her a few home truths.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Money setbacks can now diminish with extra cash due to head your way. When everyone is emotional about family matters, you can be the practical one. If someone is being difficult, it may be time to tell him or her a few home truths.
ACROSS
1.Harmful
4. Specification (abbr.)
8. Proposer’s support
12. Broad street (abbr.)
13. Pocket for feta
14. Capitol __
15. Part of L.A.
16. Sacred picture
17. “__ Well…”
18. Bric-a-brac bit
21. Bandleader Brown
22. Toxin
26. Bordered
29. No longer working (abbr.)
30. Bandleader Kyser
31. Lone __
32. School vehicle
33. Clever people
34. Cain’s mother
35. Asian holiday
36. Slip-up
37. Grain sower
39. Tennis round
40. Play modified for TV, e.g.
45. Attentiongetting Sound
48. Filched
49. The limit, for some 50. Footgear
51. Sommer of “The Prize”
52. Vexation
53. Work the bar
54. Husky’s vehicle
55. Natalie Cole’s dad DOWN
1.Pitcher’s illegal motion
2. Bard’s river
3. Lucy’s ‘50s costar
4. Added liquor to 5. Selects 6. Collar style
7. Appetizers 8. Slacks shade
9. Zero
10. Building addition
11. High trains
19. Musical sign
20. Hotel’s extra bed
23. “__ it!”
24. Cereal grasses
25. Wall St. market
26. Lady lambs
27. Cooing bird
28. Happy feeling
29. Worn track
32. Scolds
33. Electrical unit
35. Newscaster __ Koppel
36. Lost air
38. Out of style
39. Feed a
furnace
41. Opinion __
42. The fat __ the fire (2 wds.)
43. Green pods for gumbo
44. No, to Yuri
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
45. California’s time (abbr.)
46. Ship’s pronoun
47. George W., to Barbara
Track event breaks new ground
THE INAUGURAL BICKLES
ALL LEEWARD RELAY
CLASSICthat took place last Sunday at Victoria Park, was a groundbreaking event.
Organised by the Barrouallie Secondary School (BSS), the event saw the top three schools in each relay, receiving small cash awards.
The first place got $75, second $50 and third place- $25. Additionally, the schools received the
corresponding gold, silver and bronze medals.
Attended by a sizeable crowd, the Classic went the night, with the Layou Government running away with victory in the Primary Schools’ category and BSS - the Secondary Schools’ title. Layou Government scored 188 points, leaving Questelles to settle for second on 178 points.
Next was the
Barrouallie Government150 points, Chateaubelair Methodist- 146; Barrouallie Anglican122 and Clare Valley Government- 48.
The BSS totaled 324 points ahead of Troumaca Ontario - 302 points. The Bethel High School tallied 250 points. Petit Bordel counted 196 points and Buccament Bay- 190.
Apart from the
Leeward institutions, the Kingstown Preparatory, St. Martin’s and Georgetown Secondary schools participated, but as invitational competitors.
Lead organiser of the Relay Classic, Physical Education teacher at the Barrouallie Secondary School, Chester Morgan, was happy with the overall execution and acceptance of the new undertaking.
“It was a gratifying experience for me as it was an occasion I consistently strived to organized in order to enhance the school, enhance its Physical Education programme”, Morgan said.
“The most fulfilling aspect, though, was witnessing the children enjoying themselves and seeing parents show up to cheer on their children”, Morgan shared.
The BSS’ Physical Education teacher also praised the input of the sponsors- Bickles for their unwavering
National Volleyball titles pouched
THE 2024 ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Volleyball National Championships ended last Saturday night, February 1, 2025, at the Girls’ High School hard court, with the grand finale deciding the Female A and Male A champions.
Gremlins took the Female A title, defeating Unique Touch 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-12).
Winning the Male A title was Country Roots, who champed over
Gremlins 3-1 (25-18, 2225, 26-24, 25-23) in what was a fitting end to the night.
Before Saturday night’s pulsating finale, two finals were played on Friday evening at the same venue.
Gremlins secured the Female B title, with a 31 (25-8, 25-21, 18-25, 2510) trumping off Eagles. The third places were taken by Gremlins B2 (Female B), Country Roots B2 (Male B), Country Roots (Female A) and Unique Touch
(Male A).
And, Unique Touch beat Gremlins 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-13) to cop the Male B title.
Nayelli Fergus of Gremlins was adjudged the MVP of the Female B Division with Unique Touch’s Zoran Cupid, the recipient in the Male B Division.
Gremlins’ Nikita CampbellCumberbatch took the MVP award in the Female A Division and Country Roots’ Ronaldo
Franklyn claimed the Male A accolade.
Gremlins were the overall champions, which featured fifteen teams.
When the championships were last held in 2022, Gremlins won the Male B, Female A and Female B, with Unique Touch winning the Female B.
The 2025 edition is set to commence in September, as announced by the SVG Volleyball Association’s President- Gary Matthias.
financial and other support.
Apart from the monetary prizes, the sponsorship also included the feeding of athletes, and assured transportation for the athletes to and from the event.
Morgan believes that the financial rewards that all of the participating schools received, will go a long way in assisting the institutions as they look ahead to the InterPrimary and InterSecondary Schools’
Championships.
He disclosed that part of the BSS’ winnings will go to Alia Mc Dowall, a student athlete who is recovering from an injury to her throat.
HP, KPS, Mustangs show at Relay Classic
HIGH PERFORMANCE (HP), Kingstown Preparatory School (KPS) Mustangs were the showpieces when Team Athletics SVG hosted the Schools’ Relay Fest and Invitational.
The packed afternoon’s event took place at the Diamond Track Facility, January 25, 2025.
High Performance won the U-13 Boys 1600m Swedish Medley, the Girls 1600m Swedish Medley Open, Girls 1600m Medley Open; the U-17 Boys and Girls 4 x 100m, as well as the U-17 Girls 4 x 400m and the Boys 1600m Swedish Open.
The potent Kingstown Preparatory School as they took aim to defend the Inter- Primary Schools Athletics Championships, bossed the U-11 category, winning the Boys and Girls 4 x 80m, the Boys and Girls 4 x 100m, the Boys and Girls 4 x 150m and the U-13 Girls 4 x 200m.
Also making a big show at the event was the North Leeward unit Team Mustangs Track Club. They coasted their way to wins in the U-13 Girls 1600m Swedish Medley, the U-13 Boys 4 x 100m, the Boys and Girls 4 x 100m Open, the U-13 Boys 4 x 200m and the 4 x 400m Mixed.
Meanwhile, IT- DAT Academy took the U-15 Girls 1600m Swedish Medley, as well as the U-15 Boys and Girls 4 x 100m.
And, the St. Vincent Grammar School won the U-17 Boys 4 x 400m; X- Ceed Sports Club — the Boys 1600m Open Medley and the SVG Community College copped the U-20 Boys 4 x 100m.
The Relay Classic made a return, after it was cancelled from the 2024 calendar because of the unavailability of the facility.
KPS, HP and Mustangs on the podium in the U11 Girls 4 x 100m.
Gremlins – Female B winners
Unique Touch- Male B champions
Chester Morgan
Senior Boys 4 x 100m in full throttle.
Vincentian footballers in demand
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESseems to be developing a human capital niche market, as local footballers are constantly being sought by regional clubs from across the region.
When the transfer window closed January 31, 2025, it showed that eleven players who were listed in the ongoing 2024-2025 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation’s National Club Championships, have earned semi-professional deals with clubs in the region.
Benefitting most from the transfers are Barbadian clubs, with the Blackspurs getting six.
Those making the
move to Blackspurs are Sparta FC’s Wasim Providence, Jaheim Pompey, previously of Camdonia-Chelsea, and Javid John who transfers from Parkside Rollers.
Also on Blackspurs’ roster are Daniel Patrick, who last represented Je Belle, and the Avenues duo of Nickron Laidlow and Raheem Westfield.
Meanwhile, Je Belle’s Orlando Trimmingham goes to another Barbadian club- Empire, while Khalique Bowens, formerly of North Leeward Predators, heads for Spartan FC.
Former national captain- Nazir Mc Burnette has been
transferred from locally based club- Camdonia Chelsea to Antigua and Barbuda’s All Saints United.
Heading for the South American mainland is Rondell Thomas, who represented Hope International. Thomas is in the squad of Suriname’s Sports Vereniging Flora.
The list of transfers shows one player moving in the opposite direction. Malcolm Stewart will leave Grenades in Antigua and Barbuda, to rejoin his South Leeward based Parkside Rollers, in Tier Two of the SVGFF National Club Championships.
GTC unearths talent in Fancy
THE GRASSROOT TENNIS CLUB(GTC) is on a mission to have the sport of Tennis played in every community in St Vincent and the Grenadines, where a hard court exists.
Towards this end, the club has embarked on setting up cells in the various communities, with Fancy being the first stop where GTC’s coaches journeyed to on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to give the students of the Fancy Government School an introduction.
The students quickly gravitated to the activities, which were characterized by overflowing enthusiasm and fervor.
Grant Connell,
Grant Connell, Founder/Director of GTR, is optimistic that GTC’s latest outreach programme will bear fruit.
founder and director of the GTC, was part of the GTC team that visited Fancy.
He was quick to comment, “Already we have spotted some talents especially among the very young ones. They have shown many of the attributes for Tennis. These are things that will make someone into a good player, and hopefully more than just good”.
Recognising that it cannot stop there, Connell added, “The seeds have been sown, it is next to water them. We have unearthed the talent; it is now to formalize and nurture what is evident in
Fancy”.
Connell noted that it has always been the mandate of the GTC, since it was established in 2010 with a base at the Murray’s Road court, to find new talent.
A 2016 notice to vacate the Murray’s Road court did not deter the GTC.
“We have never been defined by a club house. Grassroot Tennis Club has continued to make its contribution to Tennis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and will continue to do so”, Connell concluded.
Lookout for the GTC in other communities during the upcoming months.
The latest outlet of Vincentian players to Barbados, adds to the numbers already campaigning in that country as well as in Antigua and Barbuda.
THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Under-17 Female Football team failed to win a match in the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers, held in Puerto Rico last weekend.
Lodged in Zone A, St. Vincent and the Grenadines occupied the cellar position with zero points from their allotted three matches. Puerto Rico finished top of the group with 9 points from 3 wins, followed by Bermuda on 6 points from 2 wins and 1 loss, and Cayman Islands on 3 points from 1 win and 2 losses.
The local girls went under to Bermuda 5-1, with 15-year-old Stephanie Hunte converting SVG’s lone goal in the 31st minute.
They lost to Puerto Rico 3-nil and to Cayman Islands 4-nil, in their final match.
Puerto Rico will be the only team to advance from Group A and will join Honduras, Panama, and El Salvador who secured their place in the Final Round as winners of their respective groups.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Nazir Mc Burnette will suit up for Antigua and Barbuda’s All Saints United.
Raheem Westfield heads for Blackspurs in Barbados.
Rondell Thomas leaves the breeze of SVG to join Suriname’s Sports Vereniging Flora.
SVG U17 females (left) managed only one goal against their three opponents.
Sports V
Winning, losing or drawing references
WHEN PLAYERSfrom the Windward Islands find it difficult to gain selection on West Indies teams, the question of discrimination oftentimes surfaces.
There seems to be a lack of commitment, or absence of purpose on the part of the Windwards network.
If their match against Trinidad and Tobago runs into the fourth day, tomorrow Saturday 8, that will be a boost for the Windwards.
On the heels of a huge loss to Jamaica early last week Saturday, barring a dramatic change of fortune, the Windward seem destined for another mauling.
They succumbed to spin on the fourth day last week Saturday, undone by a teenaged debutant. His seven wicket haul dismantled the Windwards batting.
Hopes of improvement in their second match against Trinidad and Tobago faded from day one. Windwards folded for 166 in a lopsided display by the batsmen.
If there is a case of a one-man show, Kavem Hodge has few equals. Perhaps his favourite song last Christmas season in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was Carlton ‘CP’ Hall’s ‘One man Parang band.’
Hodge scored 126, the last man to be dismissed. The best partnership was a 65-run fourth wicket stand he shared with Sunil Ambris. Hodge faced 142 balls, hit 15 fours, and one six. That indicates that there were no demons in the pitch.
No one else even reached double figures. The second best was nine.
The Windward showed their weakness to slow bowling destroyed by Khary Pierre 4 for 17, and Yannic Cariah 4 for 30. Some batsmen make life difficult for themselves and handed bowlers wickets for nothing.
When it comes to taking wickets themselves, Windwards bowlers are invariably shy.
Perhaps that isn’t the case with Kenneth Dember who did himself some good with his nine wicket haul against Jamaica. But with a costly exchange rate, there is the tendency by selectors to overlook those performances, especially when they occur in a hopeless cause.
At the end of the first day last Wednesday, Trinidad and Tobago were within striking distance of the Windwards’ total.
Having plundered the Combined Campuses and Colleges in their first match, the Trinbago squad would have envisaged the same script.
Hodge has to repeat his heroics in the second innings and hope for crucial support in order for the Windwards to salvage any pride.
Vincentians are hoping for resistance, or their team showing some spine to be in the contest. Over 50 years ago, fans turned up in numbers when Combined Islands played Jamaica in a regional match at Arnos Vale for the first time.
People filled the arena, even the grounds section, crowds six and seven deep behind wire fences watching the action.
Perhaps Windwards will find their grove as the championship progresses. If the Windwards can’t feel at home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, they are unlikely to find more welcoming environment elsewhere.
Neil Williams T20 Round-Up
Darren Greaves, last weekend’s lone centurymaker in the Neil Williams T20 Competition.
DARREN GREAVES smashed a century for Carlos Viera Rivals (CVR) when action continued in the Neil Williams T20 Cricket competition last weekend.
In a clash of the Rivals, CVR had the better of Flow Rivals (FR) beating them by 88 runs after posting 240 for 6 on the back of Greaves’ 115, to which FR replied with 152, Mickron McDowall leading with 70 and CVR’s Richie Richards snaring 3 for 23 and Asif Hooper 3 for 39.
Flow Rival returned to beat Jav’s Auto Import Strike Eagles by 58 runs. Strike Eagles managed 128 in reply to Flow Rivals 187 for 3. Logan Roberts, 46, led the batting for Strike Eagles who had no answer for Marlon John, 4 for 35. Earlier, Linden James, 57 not out, top scored for Flow Rivals.
In the Victors clash, Victors Two went under to Victors One by 6 wickets. Victors Two closed their 20 overs on 123 for 5, Dwayne Williams leading with 34 in the face of Jordan Charles’ 3 for 26.
Victors One eased to 124 for 4 in 12 overs - Ethan Gibson 37, Dave Duncan 34. Lional Cumberbatch had 2 for 25 bowling for Victors Two.
The Police 2 - GT Auto Import Super Sixers match ended in a no decision. Super Sixes were 28 without loss from 3 overs, chasing a victory target of
Regional
266 when play was called off due to rain-affected conditions. Earlier, the Police posted a formidable 265 for 7 from 20 overs —Keswick Williams 60 not out, Rickford Walker 53. Shawn Shallow 3 for 47 was Sixers’ leading bowler.
A&A Electronic North Windward trounced Victors Two by 176 runs. North Windward got 254 for 6 from 20 overs, Ian Gonsalves 87, Nickron McDowald 65, to which Victors Two mustered 78 from 17 over in reply — four North Windward bowlers getting 2 wickets each.
In a low-scoring but close encounter, CVR beat Guardian General Saints by 4 runs. Rivals mustered 115 for 8 from 20 overs, with Saints doing even worse with 111 for 8 in 20 overs. Notable individual scores came from Jawayne Adams 39 for Rivals and Romel Currency 30 not out for Saints. Saints’ Geron Wyllis, 3 for 18, was the most outstanding bowler.
Julius Anthony MSDA Northern Stars defeated Smashers by 22 runs. Northern Stars managed 134 for 7 in 20 overs, Ojay Matthews 28. Travis Cumberbatch returned 3 for 32 for Smashers. Smashers’ response closed at 112 from 18 overs, having no answer for Kirtney Franklyn, 3 for 17, and Mathews, 3 for 29.
Northern Stars enjoyed a double victory when they disposed of Jav’s Auto Import Strike Eagles by 5 wickets. Strike Eagles, batting first, posted 110 from 17 overs, Darren John 34, and Franklyn, 3 for 20, and Mathews, 3 for 14, shining for Northern Stars, who replied with 111 for 5 from 15 overs, Akeil Mason 42 not out.
Ronique Harry took 4 for 14 for Strike Eagles.
Cricket four-day round-up
JAMAICAScorpions,
Guyana Harpy Eagles, Leeward Islands
Hurricanes and Trinidad Red Force chalked up convincing victories, and there were four centuries recorded in the opening round of the CWI Regional four-day championship.
Guyana Harpy Eagles beat Barbados Pride by 10 wickets at the Guyana National Stadium.
Scores:
Guyana 382 and 78, Barbados 346 and 112. Kevlon Abderson hit 101 in Guyana’s first innings. Barbados’s Matthew Forde turned in a good performance with both bat and ball, scoring 78 in his team’s first inning and taking 5 for 69 in Guyana’s first innings.
At the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua, Leeward Islands Hurricane beat West Indies Academy (WIA) by 402 runs. Scores: Leewards 358 and 289
for 9 declared, half centuries coming from Jahmar Hamilton,81, Karima Gore, 59, Jewel Andrews, 57 and Shelton Forbes 53. WIA 145 and 100, Leewards’ Hayden Walsh Jr. bagging 5 for 24 in WIA’s first innings.
At Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad, Trinidad Red Force beat Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) by an innings and 75 runs.
Scores:
Trinidad Red Force 504 for 6 declared, Jason Mohammed 176, Jyd Goolie, 121. CCC 222 and 207, half centuries recorded by Johann Jeremiah 60, Damel Evelyn, 57, and Shaqkere Parris,50. T&T’s Khary Pierre had match figures of 9 for 90.
At the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, St. Vincent, Jamaica Scorpions beat Windward Volcanoes by 178 runs.
Scores:
Windward Volcanoes 195 and 241 with Sunil Ambris recording 56 and Jamaica’s Tamarie Redwood, 7 for 72, doing in the Windwards in their second innings. Jamaica 337 and 277 for 7 declared, with
Jermaine Blackwood scoring 109 and 75 in respective innings, John Campbell getting 79 and Kenneth Dember, 5 for 95, being the Windwards’ outstanding bowler.
Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN
From Chief cop to Chief Magistrate
From Backpage
Connell noted that former Chief Magistrates Sonya Young and Rechanne Browne were both elevated to High Court Judges, and conjectured that the New Chief Magistrate could soon follow in their footsteps.
The post of Chief Magistrate became vacant following the appointment of former Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne as High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 1, 2024.
John, a former police officer of about 35 years, was appointed Commissioner of Police, effective December 3
He would have returned to the
constabulary from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2016 to serve as Deputy Commissioner. He held the post of Assistant DPP prior to his return to the Royal SVG Police Force.
John was granted early retirement as Commissioner of Police, and retired on September 28, 2023, paving the way for his appointment as Senior Magistrate in December, 2023, and his recent elevation to Chief Magistrate.
THE VINCENTIAN, which has enjoyed a cordial relationship with Mr. John dating back to his tenure in the Office of the DPP, extends heartiest congratulations to him on his recent elevation and wishes him every success.
Colin John, a St. Martin’s Secondary School alumnus, has had something of an envied rise through the law enforcement and the judiciary services here.
by HAYDN HUGGINS
JUST OVERa year since he retired as Commissioner of Police and was subsequently appointed a magistrate,
AI REAL ESTATE
FROM CHIEF COP TO CHIEF MAGISTRATE
Colin John has been selected to head the local Magistracy.
John, a former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, had served as Senior Magistrate since December 1, 2023.
He confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that he received the letter from the Public Service Commission (PSC) Department on Monday. officially informing him of his appointment as Chief Magistrate by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC), with indication that the appointment had taken retroactive effect dating back to December 31, 2024.
John told this publication that the position of Chief Magistrate had been advertised and he applied for it.
He expressed gratitude for the confidence that the “powers that be” had entrusted in him during
his stint as Senior Magistrate and assured, “I am doing my best to dispense justice fairly and impartially, and I intend to proceed along that same trajectory. I intend to improve on every day’s performance”.
He added, “In my deliberations, I am always aware of the fact that the justice of the citizens and sometimes the liberty of persons are at stake”.
The Chief Magistrate expressed gratitude to almighty God for his continued blessings and guidance and thanked all the persons who have supported, encouraged and guided him in life, generally, and as a judicial officer.
During a sitting of the Serious Offenses Court on Monday, defense lawyer Grant Connell congratulated John on his appointment as Chief Magistrate.
Continued on Page 35.
TWO BODIES RECOVERED FROM DOMINICA CRASH
CONTRARYto earlier reports that would have given indication that three bodies were removed from a crash (plane) site in Dominica, that country’s National Security MinisterRayburn Blackmoore, confirmed on Tuesday that two bodies have been recovered from the wreckage.
The plane, a Cessna 172 aircraft, departed Dominica at 3:46pm on Sunday 26th January, 2025 en route to Martinique but tragically cashed shortly after takeoff in the mountains of La Plaine, Dominica, in what was described as poor weather conditions.
There were four people on board the aircraft.
Search and rescue operations located the wreckage the following day on a “mountain top” in the village of La Plaine, on the island’s southeast coast.
National Security Minister Rayburn
Blackmoore emphasized the significant challenges posed by the crash site’s inaccessibility.
“We were able to get the assistance of the French because it was clear then it would have been impossible to access that crash by foot,” he explained during a press briefing.
French rescue teams from nearby Martinique provided a helicopter and specialized personnel trained for highrisk operations. With their help, recovery efforts were able to locate and retrieve two of the four bodies from the crash site, Blackmoore confirmed.
However, Blackmoore acknowledged that the remaining two victims were still trapped inside the wreckage, complicating further recovery efforts.
“Retrieving the final bodies was proving extremely difficult given the
terrain and the nature of the wreckage,” Blackmoore said.
The crash has cast a shadow over the island, and local authorities have expressed their gratitude to the French team for their swift and effective support in the operation.
The Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) confirmed the loss of communication with the aircraft shortly after departure but has not provided further details on the cause of the crash.
The French have launched an investigation into what exactly occurred, with the recovery teams focusing on bringing the remaining victims home.
The national security minister says
the names of the victims have not been released to the press in Dominica in an effort to safeguard grieving families. (Source: Loop News)
Rayburn Blackmoore, Dominica’s National Security Minister confirmed to a press briefing on Tuesday, that only two of the four bodies have been removed from the crash site.