FISHERFOLK PRESIDENT AND OTHERS LEFT OUT
by DAYLE DA SILVA
WINSBERT HARRY, President of the National Fisherfolk Organization (NFO), said that his name and that of eleven
other fishers would not be included in the list of recipients, when the next round of disbursement of assistance to fishers affected by Hurricane Beryl comes around.
Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisherfolk Organization (NFO), continues to question his and others exclusion from list of income support recipients.
During the presentation of the Supplementary Estimates back in July 2024, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves announced that EC$20 million would be made available in
income support for farmers, fishers and persons working in the
sector.
Continued on Page 3.
HOMICIDES IN CARICOM IN 2024
MURDERS IN JAMAICA,historically considered the ‘murder capital of the English-speaking Caribbean, declined 18% in 2024 over 2023. Only Guyana had a bigger drop (27%). Both Jamaicans and Guyanese will be anxious to keep the figures in a descending mode.
Most countries saw increases with Barbados registering the highest percentage increase (172%), though its actual number (52) in 2024 paled against the figures for Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, with the latter seemingly heading for the 1000-
Data: Kevin O’Brien Chang, Political Analyst, Jamaica
mark. (Percentage rate is calculated as per 100,000 of population.)
Haiti experienced widespread, some say, politically motivated protracted attacks against the citizenry by organized, wellarmed gangs, who were also known to turn on one another. The situation there warranted the introduction of a Multinational Security Support
Gifts with a difference
by GLORIAH...
ON SATURDAY, 18th December 2024, a number of students from primary schools across the country were the recipients of a special and different gift package courtesy the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust.
The gift package activity was deliberated formulated to emphasise an appreciation of this country’s history and culture.
It began with a tour of the collection of artefacts housed at the Trust’s current location — the old Public Library building. According to Ms. Melecia Webb, Administrative Assistant at the Trust and organizer of the activity, “It is my first time putting off an activity like this. I like to engage with kids, have them be active, make them knowledgeable of things around them. I did a tour of the artefacts with them, and I am pleased that they showed interest in our history. I absolutely enjoyed that!”. Next on the agenda was the gift of engaging in several local traditional games played outside on the grounds
of the facility. Some of these were not new to the students while new ones were introduced. Their enjoyment was evident through their energy and enthusiasm, their shrieks and laughter.
After settling down in the hall with a classroom-like arrangement, it was storytelling time. Two stories were told by local storytellers - David ‘Darkie’ Williams and Gloria Williams.
‘Darkie’ read a Cecil Blazer Williams 1975 written Anansi story entitled “Anansi and King Bantu’s Daughters”. He told THE VINCCENTIAN, “Some of them knew or heard of the character ‘Anansi’ and when I gave an explanation of who he was and how he operates, they were able to actually answer questions and add comments to it. So, I’m glad to know that that kind of story still has a little bit of rooting within the younger population.”
He lauded the efforts of the National Trust saying that, “That the National Trust is the place that is hosting this is another very important thing for me. Our older institutions
have to join with persons who have the knowledge, and to collaborate to bring this kind of ancient education to our children.”
Gloria Williams introduced her ‘Fill in the Blanks’ storytelling style as a means of aiding the students in constructing effective storylines, all the while enjoying the story as it unfolds. Through her story ‘Granny’s Nine Morning Pot’, she engaged her audience by giving a three-line chant to be used intermittently throughout the story and stopping in the midst of telling it to allow for suggestions of what the upcoming action would be.
Ms. Williams, a Theatre Arts teacher, was quite satisfied with the outcome. She told THE VINCENTIAN, “I used a current activity and composed a storyline that was familiar to everyone — preparing food and cooking it. The conflict was that ‘Granny’s pot’ was being cooked on a fire outside and several boys were eyeing it with the intention of stealing it.” All the student submissions proved to be “spot-on”!
The other gifts came in the form of selecting gifts from a wide array displayed. A punchboard decided who got what gift. The students and those parents who had come along were treated to snacks.
According to Mrs. Decima Hamilton, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the National Trust, the activity fitted snugly into the Trust’s agenda. “One of the things we seem to be losing is much of our cultural traditions. We wanted to bridge the gap between the young and the old. By exposing the young to a storytelling environment, they get not only about what used to happen yesteryear, they actually get to meet the seniors who would have made so many of these
precious moments for us.”
She highlighted that the activity was held at the Trust because the museum is there and that could bridge that gap as well, “...because we find that many of our youngsters don’t know what is being housed there and why the Trust is actually housing them.”
The activity is expected to be a feature of the New Year.
Students on a tour of the artefacts collection at the National Trust’s Museum.
Students who were involved in the first gift opportunity hosted by the Trust.
David ‘Darkie’ Williams reads an Anansi story.
Gloria Williams engages her audience.
the Port Project.
Fisherfolk President and others left out
Continued from Frontpage.
Harry, who has been fishing for over 27 years, admitted that while his boat was not physically damaged, he was unable to go out to fish and felt he was eligible for compensation. However, his name was not included in the
list of persons down to collect production/income support.
He explained that the group of twelve decided to put their boats on the available piece of shoreline in Rose Place for safety, during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024.
During the passage of
Homicides in CARICOM in 2024
Continued from Frontpage. (MSS) Mission, headed by personnel from Kenya and complemented by forces from Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
The situation in Trinidad and Tobago, where the majority of homicides/murders was attributed to ongoing ‘warfare’ among gangs, warranted the introduction of a State of Emergency, which handed sweeping powers to the Police and Army in an effort to curb the violence.
In smaller territories, for example St. Vincent and the Grenadines where the figure
of 2024 showed a negligible decrease by one, (from 55 to 54), citizens complained of a lack of effective response by the government and the relevant state authorities. As can be seen from the table, St. Vincent and the Grenadines stands in 4th position among Caricom countries as far as the homicide/murder rate is concerned.
Political analysts project that the issue of the increasing prevalence of violent crime will bear on the outcome of general elections set for 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Beryl, a section of the fencing at the modern cargo port project broke, effectively trapping the boats that were pulled up on the shoreline.
That and the fact that the Kingstown Fish Market was closed for about a week meant that there was no business being conducted, with Harry adding that he and the other affected fishers were unable to go out to sea for a period of three to four weeks.
Complying with procedure
According to Harry, the other affected fishers kept coming to him asking about the payment of the income support.
He told THE VINCENTIAN that upon making inquiries, he was told that the assistance was only being given to those affected during the passage of the Category 4 system.
But he said that he argued that he and the other fishers were unable to engage in fishing activities given the situation caused by the falling fence, and therefore, they were entitled to receive compensation.
“So, we went through the whole procedure… we had to present evidence that we were blocked in, that we were unable to fish,” he said.
Harry explained that he was careful in putting together the list of names saying that a number of (other) people contacted him to have their names included on the list, but unless they were actively engaged in fishing up to at least a month prior to the passage of Hurricane Beryl, then their names were not included.
Chaotic scene
The NFO President said that he was told by fisheries officials that their names would be included on the list, only for them to find out otherwise when they went to the Victoria Park on December 19, 2024, expecting to collect income support.
He told THE VINCENTIAN that when he raised concern, he was told to look for the names on the master list — but the names were not there either.
Concluding that it was a mere oversight, the men decided to wait out the situation until December 23 when a second round of disbursements was scheduled.
But when they did so, they discovered that their names were still not on the list and that was when Harry said he witnessed what he described
as a chaotic scene.
According to Harry, there were instances where people’s names were misspelt or birth dates were incorrect, and then just as they were about to leave, a group of workers from Rainforest Seafoods arrived to collect income support as their names were included on the list of affected persons.
In addition, people were advised to visit other locations to see if they were included on the lists there.
“I cannot say I am being dishonest when everything happened right in front of me,” he told THE VINCENTIAN.
“I think we were given a bad deal; I look forward to see if they will add it,” he added.
Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, etc., explained that about 12,500 farmers and fishers were assessed and included on the list to receive income support.
He said it was only natural that some persons might be overlooked in the process, but he advised such persons to go to the Ministry of Agriculture and have their names included on a query form.
“Because we are going to ensure that the assistance gets to who it is supposed to, but naturally there will be some hiccups when it comes to administration,” Caesar said.
Fishing boats, not necessarily these pictured, were pulled up on a small available space on the shoreline at Rose Place and were reportedly blocked in by a section of fallen fence of
“Lawyers must be humble”
Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS
ATTORNEYGrant Connell has called on lawyers, including himself, to be humble.
Connell made the call at the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday when lawyer Israel Bruce failed to show up for a murder case involving both lawyers, which had been adjourned the previous day.
The adjournment was granted because of the matter’s lengthy period before the Court and to accommodate Bruce’s busy travel schedule abroad, where he is engaged in other legal matters.
The matter at hand involved Xavier Corke of Caratal and Taly Jackson of Langley Park, who are jointly charged with the murder of Michael Miller, 46, of Stubbs. Miller was shot multiple times at Crab Island, Langley Park, on July 3, 2024.
Connell is representing Jackson while Bruce is representing Corke.
Connell objects to adjournment
When the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was called on Tuesday after several adjournments, Connell objected to another adjournment. He argued that the matter had been before the Court since July 2023, and his client was in custody as persons are not usually granted bail on murder charges.
Prosecutor Renrick Cato had told the Court that the matter was previously adjourned to December 9, but there was no Court on that day, and it was put for Tuesday, January 7 by the Court Clerk. And even though no witnesses were summoned, arguments ensued as per another adjournment.
Senior Magistrate Colin John said that Bruce was out of this jurisdiction for a significant period and the Court has to also take this into consideration.
Connell responded, “We have to appreciate that Counsel Bruce is a regular visitor to greener
pastures and we wish him success”.
As the Court discussed the issue of adjournment, the Senior Magistrate asked Bruce if he had anything to say. The lawyer who is also an opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) Senator, said that he would not be available for Court next week, as he would be engaged in the 2025 Budget debate, following which he was expected to travel overseas.
He added that he would also have to be in Parliament (yesterday Thursday) for the presentation of the estimates.
But Connell, in response, expressed the view that there was nothing that Bruce would have to do at the presentation of the estimates that should take precedence over the hearing of this Court matter where the liberty of the accused is at stake.
“I don’t understand him…”, Connell said, adding that if Bruce is not available for Court, he should send a Junior, and if he doesn’t have a Junior he should get one to hold for him.
“This is unacceptable”, Connell lamented. Lawyers’ exchange
At this point, there was a heated exchange between the lawyers as to who was on their feet first.
“I am on my feet”, Connell shouted to Bruce, who was also standing, as both men continued their tirade.
“I was on my feet when you stood”, Bruce responded in an equally loud tone of voice.
The lawyers seemingly managed to control their emotions and Connell proceeded, saying that while he appreciated Bruce having to travel to ‘greener pastures’, the Court should not be subjected to adjournment after adjournment because of one lawyer having to travel.
But Bruce rebutted, saying that Connell did not seem to appreciate the fact that the higher Courts took precedence over the lower Courts, and referenced the matter for which he is expected to travel to Tortola, a British Virgin Island, which is a member state of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme court (ECSC).
“When I have matters abroad, I write to the
Court so that the Court knows that I am leaving the Jurisdiction”, Bruce said.
After listening to both sides, the Magistrate adjourned the matter to Wednesday, January 8, as both lawyers agreed to that date.
However, when the matter was called on Wednesday, Bruce did not show up but sent a letter to the Court saying that when he previously perused his diary, he happened to look at the wrong date resulting in him indicating his availability for Wednesday, but now that he has properly perused his diary, he has been made aware that he was scheduled to appear in other matters on Wednesday at the Barrouallie, Colonaire, and Biabou Magistrate’s Court, and therefore could not be available at the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday.
Bruce, in his letter to the Court, expressed his “sincerest apologies to the Court and anyone else who may be affected”.
But Connell, who was present, told the Court he had a feeling that this was going to happen.
“We lawyers must learn to humble ourselves and it starts with the man in the mirror, but sometimes there is a level of arrogance. We must ease off the high horse”, the lawyer said.
He noted that the liberty of the accused is at stake, and when Counsel Bruce seeks another adjournment, “My client goes back to jail”. He stressed that the matter has been before the Court for the past 18 months.
Connell said that he had matters before Magistrate Kaywana Jacobs at the Biabou Magistrate’s Court for Wednesday morning, but he wrote to Magistrate Jacobs requesting an adjournment as Magistrate John was trying to accommodate this hearing. He said that both Bruce and himself had agreed to the adjournment to Wednesday, and the Prosecution brought all their witnesses.
Because of Bruce’s absence on Wednesday, the matter was further adjourned to next Tuesday, January 14.
Self-employed fined for cocaine possession
A 53-year-old self-employed man of Georgetown/Kingstown was fined $813 on Wednesday for possession of 22 grams of cocaine with intent to supply.
The defendant, Mark Shallow, was allowed one month to pay the fine or go to prison for three months.
Senior Magistrate Colin John handed down the penalty at the Serious Offenses Court after Shallow pleaded guilty.
The Senior Magistrate ordered the confiscation of EC$117 and US$10 which were also found in Shallow’s possession.
Shallow will, however, have to serve a mandatory two-year prison sentence for breach of a suspended sentence impose on him on October 30, 2024.
The Magistrate ordered that if the $813 fine for the cocaine possession was not paid, the alternative sentence of three months must run
consecutively to the two-year jail term.
The facts presented earlier showed that Shallow was arrested around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7 during a Special Services Unit (SSU) mobile patrol, headed by Sergeant 147 Marie Lewis.
Shallow was seen walking along the Kingstown Public road opposite the Central Police Station with a black knapsack.
Having appeared to have recognized the presence of the police, Shallow began to run, but PC971 Vynnel Gordon gave chase and caught him.
The officers, having identified themselves, requested a search to which Shallow consented, and a black plastic bag was found inside the knapsack along with a quantity of cash.
The plastic bag was opened in Shallow’s presence and a number of foil wrappings were found inside which when opened revealed
whitish substance resembling crack cocaine.
When cautioned, Shallow admitted, “The coke is mine and the money you see there is what I get from selling the coke, me nar go tell yo no lie”. He was arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where the foil balls were counted in his presence and amount to 127. The cocaine was also weighed amounting to 22 grams, and the money amounted to EC$117 and US$10. He was later charged with possession of the cocaine with intent to supply.
When the magistrate asked Shallow for an explanation, he said, “Is find ah find them”.
“Where you find them”, John further questioned, to which Shallow answered, “In town”.
When the magistrate asked him, “Where in town”, the defendant said, “China town”.
The Magistrate responded, “You are a lucky man”.
Shallow had 31 previous convictions, including one for possession of control drugs.
The court has the power to impose a fine of two times or three times the value of the drug, but John used the two times option, in this case. He placed the offense in category 4, based on the value which amounted to EC$635.
While John was of the view that Shallow played a significant role, he did not think that he played a leading role in committing the offense. He found no aggravating factors of the offense and for the mitigating, he noted the lack of sophistication in the concealment of the drug.
In outlining the aggravating factors of the offender, John referenced his previous convictions, and in relation to the mitigating, he noted that Shallow assisted the police.
Shallow also earned a one-third discount on his sentence for his early guilty plea. John then did his calculations.
Grant Connell
Israel Bruce
Road deaths hit eleven
THE NUMBER of fatal vehicular accidents recorded for 2024 was eleven, seven more than 2023, and five more than 2022.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Parnel Browne, Head of the Traffic Branch of the Royal SVG Police Force, disclosed the figures earlier
this week.
This year, there were 1,133 reported accidents to the Police, compared to 845 in 2023.
Browne noted that this year there was a difference in the pattern of record. Previously, accidents which were settled on the spot, were not listed.
The Traffic Head attributed additional reports to a commensurate uptick in the vehicles on the road. He referenced that there were 36,000 registered vehicles in July 2023, and suggested that
the figure could now be close to 40,000 overall.
Contributing to road accident
ASP Browne took the opportunity of speaking with THE VINCENTIAN, to express concern about additions owners make to their vehicles. These included the application of tint on windows, “making it difficult to see and manoeuvre at nights.”
Browne surmised that vehicle owners install additional lights in order to overcome the problem, and he thinks that is a contributing factor to the increase in accidents.
Browne condemned drivers who resort to gadgets while driving.
texting and conversing.
“People need to be more responsible,” Browne asserted and urged citizens to work together to overcome the scourge of accidents on the road.
He thinks that having more jingles on radio and television will make road users more aware of potential hazards. These could be supported by business houses.
An Insurance view
He was alarmed the extent to which drivers make use of “gadgets,” while driving. This included, primarily, the use of cellular phones for
Cecil McKie, General Manager of Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd., one of the leading vehicle insurance service providers here, pointed to the prevalence of younger drivers, an abundance of rental vehicles, and an increase in mini vans on the roads, as providing an additional platform for road accidents.
Mc Kie indicated that some mini bus operators “are not taking due care” when on the road.
The absence of an effective Minibus Association was also cited as a factor in the widespread violation of traffic
codes by mini bus drivers.
Some people familiar with the pattern of issuing tickets/fines for traffic offences, expressed consternation about the frequency with which some drivers pile up tickets. And others were of the view that the fines that drivers pay as per the tickets they received, did not amount to being a deterrent to careless driving and resultant accidents on our roads.
(WKA)
Assistant Superintendent of Police Parnel Browne, Head of the Traffic Branch of the SVGPF, is obviously concerned about the increase in vehicle accidents in 2024.
The scene of one of the eleven fatal road/vehicular accidents for 2024.
Cecil Mc Kie, General Manager of Metrocint general insurance pointed to lack of care by some mini bus operators as contributing to accidents on our roads.
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
Our vote,
our power, our responsibility
IF THERE IS ONE THING WE CAN SAY about 2024 is that it was a year of upending some political establishments, not least being what transpired in the great USA as per its presidential election that produced the return of felon Donald Trump. What a country!!!
And soon, before the year is through, as promised by the Prime Minister, we in SVG will get the opportunity to either upend the political status quo or give a thumbs up to what exists.
With that choice ahead of us, it is as a good a time as any to remind ourselves of the most important component of any election, i.e. our power, the people’s power, the collective power of the electorate, our vote.
We, the people, the voters, are the engine that drives our democratic process, and we must understand and accept that power, that responsibility.
And even though a learned Caribbean theologian once described our democracy as “caricatured by five minutes in a pooling booth every five years,” we must not harbor for a moment that we, the voters, do not have the real power even if it is exercised once every five years.
We must realize that it is our responsibility to ensure that all citizens understand that and the importance of using that vote in the interest of the lives and livelihoods of everyone else.
The 2025 general election comes at a time, at the end of a decade during in which some analysts say we declined economically. They warn of harder times ahead as the burdening cost of living crisis intensifies, all being the culmination of 20 odd years of governance by the Unity Labour Party, or so they say.
Even more disconcerting is our, i.e. government’s inability to put a check on spiraling violent crime.
Yes, a general election offers up an opportunity for celebration for those who are dissatisfied with the incumbent’s performance and take that opportunity to dismiss them.
On the other hand, the celebration can redound in favour of those who move to re-elect the incumbent.
In essence, a general election is both an opportunity for celebration and equally one that produces moans of utter disappointment.
It all starts with our children
It is instructive too, that we realise that if it is that we the voters move to dismiss the incumbent that we accept on to ourselves the opportunity to change a number of key players in that administration, including the Head of State, Commissioner of Police, Heads and Directors of stateowned/operated corporations and parastatals.
But as always, we are to be mindful of the repercussions that such a fallout would have should the ‘new regime’ move to have key positions in the state apparatus vacated in some willy-nilly fashion.
We must not for one moment believe and act as though nothing can change unless the people currently in the key state/government positions change.
Yes, we are wont to get carried away in the moment of an election — by the songs, the excitement and the atmosphere of celebration even before its time. These are intended to distract us, the voters, from our power and responsibility. There will be schemes of all sort aimed at manipulating us, the voter, into trading our vote, our power, for a Tshirt and a catchy phrase. And we are known to be enticed with cash for our vote, this being the most damning indictment of our self-worth, even humanity.
So, as we anxiously await the announcement of the date for the next election, each of us must be mindful that when we make that upcoming decision that we do so with not just our self in mind, but that we make the upcoming decision with the country in mind. In a nutshell, making that decision is the only true test, in our democracy, of our patriotism.
For too long we have been drawn to political parties for emotional reasons or some strange political logic, so that when we make a decision that results in something opposed to what we expect, we shout all kinds of condemnations of others but none of our own gullibility.
Patriotism requires that we do what is best for the country before ourselves — putting country before party. We, the voters, must take good stock of what is around us and think of the future mindful of our power and responsibility.
I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO REPEAT it but please, let us make this year the year of our children.
We must find solutions that keep our children safe at home, on the streets, in our schools, and across the country. It seems like every day, our children are denied the childhood they deserve. They face discrimination, abuse, and neglect within the very systems responsible for their wellbeing.
Sometime last year, we heard of a school suspending a child because she dared to criticize her teacher on social media for behavior the child considered inappropriate. That child was threatened with the full force of the law for committing a cybercrime. I stayed out of that discussion for the most part, limiting my comments to a few comments on Facebook. I was proud of the child for speaking up and applying critical thinking.
Then, we were faced with the tragic death of a thirteen-year-old boy at the hands of an eleven-year-old girl and two friends. Some described all three children as “children of the streets.” I hope this moves people to recognize the full extent of our failure as a society. If the tragic death and subsequent story of Matthew Da Souza did not push us to do something, I don’t know what will.
In this article, I will not retell his story other than what is necessary to show how we failed him and those I will generally call his “friends.” The story was he and two other friends were at the beach when he died. Luckily for us, an arrest was made soon enough to limit the speculation about what happened to him, especially since he was found halfclothed. His mother was interviewed and is reported to have said that she had been asking for help with him for years, especially since she had somewhat of a problematic past of her own.
Now, this is where I want to take us for some reflection. As I understand, the guiding practice of our child welfare system is to provide foster care for children in need of help while their parents get their “act” together. Nothing is in place to ensure the parents “get their act together.” So, it is more likely to allow parents to move forward without worrying about the child’s welfare. The sad truth is when a child enters the welfare system, most parents see this as a disconnection
switch, and the default position is that the child becomes the responsibility of the government. Sadly, the government systems are not equipped to help our children. Children do not receive any mental health care services. Their education is usually interrupted, resulting in them falling behind and ultimately dropping out.
In short, the foster care system fails to provide the basic needs of the children. The foster parents have to struggle to receive the basic stipend offered to support the children, resulting in the children being turned out on the streets or back into the dangerous conditions they came from in the first place. The health care and education systems fail and hurt these children more than any other in our society because they usually end up with no one advocating for them, and they are forced to grow up fast and usually on the streets.
Our system is designed around a policy that says that children who are “difficult to handle” are family problems. As reported in this case, Matthew’s mother says she has asked everyone she could find for help. As much as she tried, nothing or no one helped. He was once admitted to the local home for “troubled boys” but was allowed to walk away and back onto the streets.
We have yet to hear from the parents of the two children accused of causing his death, but I do not anticipate that their story will be much different.
Unfortunately, an abused child who survives usually ends up being a runaway child, and most of them grow up to be drug addicts or child abusers themselves, preying on the next generation of innocent people.
We must aggressively and urgently intervene on behalf of our children before we lose another generation to the streets. Our government can and must stop the systematic abuse of our children. We are all watching and listening for hints on how those wanting our vote this year plan to deal with this issue.
Horatio.
We deserve better
THE CHRISTMAS season and the New Year was meant to be a period of joy, unity, and hope. Instead, we continue to be gripped by fear as violent crime, fatal gunrelated crimes continued unabated under the Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Unity Labour Party government.
There is no doubt that the spiraling violent crime has turned our communities upside down and once vibrant communities have become shells of inactivity. Too many young people, with no real opportunities for gainful employment take to liming on the blocks and smoking ganja like nobody’s business.
The Unity Labour Party
government has failed to effectively address this issue (violent crime) and many are now wondering whether in fact the government has the commitment and wherewithal to do so.
There is no question that this country is facing challenging times.
On top of the spiraling crime, there is the hardship of rising prices for very basic goods, and while the government will say that it is “handing out” cash assistance to those in need, and assistance to farmers, fishermen and the likes, these are just plasters on festering sores. The crisis will continue
until government takes stringent and more meaningful measures to deal with this burden.
Many families are struggling to make ends meet and the streets of the capital are overrun with signs of our failure to effectively meet the needs of our young people. Has our Education Revolution been as successful as the authorities would want us to believe?
We now know that the next general elections will be called in 2025. A large percentage of the people are calling for a change. They want leaders who truly care about the wellbeing of all citizens not
The ULP Animal Farm
CHRISTMAS CAUGHT farmers in SVG on the ULP Animal Farm.
During COVID-19 and the volcanic eruption, financial aid came in from all over the world to assist farmers and others.
To get what was promised them, we have seen thousands of farmers in locations… men riding women ‘Bam C’ to get in the front to receive $500. This Christmas season we witness another
delivery of aid to farmers, with thousands of farmers from all over gathered at one point in an animallike pen at Victoria Park. They were there to receive vouchers, to be used for purchases at the
just about those who support them, and not those who are in for personal gain.
This time around, if we are so convinced, we must fulfil our demand for change. We must not remain silent and stand idly by as our country is made to bear the burden of failed leadership.
The next general election must be one in which we vote for a future of equal opportunity, equal economic benefits, justice and peace.
We deserve better than what we have at present.
Thomas. Ex-ULP supporter.
Agricultural Input Warehouse, another rushed animal-like pen.
A small selective group of medical ganja farmers were given a $1,000 voucher.
Many farmers didn’t receive vouchers. If the Agricultural Extension Officers were working, they would have distributed those vouchers according to their zones — area of responsibility.
The ULP administration gave a fish and did not teach farmers how to fish.
Where is the Marketing Corporation (Board) that used to buy all farmers’ produce?
Agriculture must be a thing of the past for you build a prison on prime agricultural lands and a hotel on the Diamond Industrial Estate, with no agro-industrial development for the past 25 years.
Now, the PM said to blame Julian, Montgomery, and Saboto for the death of agriculture.
That is just part of the plight of farmers and our nation, not to mention the money spent to import workers to plant food for the hotels.
The next government shall be the people’s government. First thing — the Ministry of Food Production, etc. will replace the Ministry of Agriculture.
As we leave 2025, we shall thank Dr. Gonsalves for his time of service as the National Liberation Movement moves to educate our people to liberate themselves from modern-day slavery.
Christian Democrat
I couldnÊt help but laugh
MR. EDITORand readers of THE VINCENTIAN, you all will have to forgive men when I say that I couldn’t help but laugh out loud, when I read (on page 3 of last week’s VINCENTIAN) about our Prime Minister writing Putin and others, urging them to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
First to begin with, wasn’t it our Prime Minister who jumped in the fray very earlier and agreed with Putin who used the term “special military operation” to describe Russia’s attack on Ukraine? How all of a sudden he is asking for an end to a “war”? What happened, like he just wake up or what? Where has he been all this time?
And while he took a side swipe at the USA for their backing of Ukraine, I would also want to see our Prime Minister, who likes to write and make big speeches, pen a letter to President Joe Biden and the incoming President Donald Trump, lambasting them for America’s support of Israel in their genocide in Palestine/Gaza. May be if Russia had a more visible involvement in that conflict we might have heard our PM on that a long time ago.
From “special military operation” to “war”!! I couldn’t help but laugh.
Charles, Edinboro
PEOPLE ARE ASKING:
* WHEN IS THE PROGRAMMEfor Nine Mornings in Kingstown going to change? Are the organisers not listening to the locals who are saying the festival is becoming boring and they are thinking about going out of town instead?
* When will the Unity Labour Party present its slate of candidates for the next general election? Are they having difficulty finding candidates for the Kingstown seats?
* Why was a certain Government registered vehicle parked in a certain area in Cane Garden during working hours? Are government vehicles now being used for personal jaunts?
* When are the authorities going to take action against excessively bright vehicle headlights, what people are calling white lights? Don’t they know that this is a serious threat to safety on the roads?
* Have the winners’ in a certain table tennis tournament played here last year received their promised cash prizes?
* What is the state of the once lucrative lobster trade between Bequia and Barbados?
* Why are persons saying that we should take warning about a certain message from a ‘special person’ that an earthquake and tsunami are coming though there is no indication of where they would hit?
* Prime Minister Keith Rowley in Trinidad and Tobago going. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Canada going? Why are some people here asking if Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will follow suit?
* How much medicinal marijuana did this country export in 2024 and who were the exporters?
* Two murders already for the year. How many more must die?
Planning for the year 2025
ESTIMATES FOR 2025
ON JANUARY 02, 2025,the Standing Committee on Finance of the House of Assembly — the Committee of the Whole House — adopted for presentation to the House for final approval on January 09, 2025, the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year 2025 (with projections for 2026 and 2027) and the Appropriation Bill for 2025 was also adopted and sent to the House for subsequent consideration and approval.
On January 13, 2025, the Budget Debate will begin when the Minister of Finance introduces the Appropriation Bill; at the conclusion of the Budget Debate later next week, it is anticipated that the Appropriation Bill will be approved, then assented to by the Governor General, and published in the Gazette as the law of the land, through which the government’s plans for 2025 will be financed and implemented. The ULP government is thus already busy at work with its legislation agenda on the country’s fiscal operations for 2025.
The Summary of the Estimates and the Appropriation Bill before the House shows an overall Budget for 2025 of EC $1.85 billion, of which EC $917.64 million is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, for the Sinking Fund Contribution, and EC $696.34 million for capital expenditure. The Budget is funded by EC $907.7 million from Current Revenue (Tax and Non-Tax Revenue), Capital Receipts, (Grant, Loans, Capital Revenue, and Other Receipts) of EC $943.66 million.
Last year, due to Hurricane Beryl, the total Budget was revised upwards from the approved estimates of EC $1.62 billion to EC $1.9994 billion. Thus, this year’s Budget is more than the approved Budget for 2024 but less than the Revised Estimates of 2024.
The data show that the nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at market prices increased from EC $2.399 billion at the end of 2021 to EC $ 3.05 billion as at September 30, 2024. Indeed, the size of the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as reflected in the GDP measurement increased from EC$ 2.84 billion at the end of 2023 to EC $3.05 billion as at September 30, 2025, nine months later. This is remarkable despite the economic damage and loss occasioned by Hurricane Beryl which has been estimated at slightly under EC $1 billion. It is to be noted that the nominal GDP at market prices at December 31, 2000, was EC $780 million – three months before the ULP took office; the nominal GDP today is some four times the sum in 2000! Please note, too, that the annual GDP measures the aggregate of the value of all the goods and services produced in the economy over the specific time period.
The nine Functional Classification categories of the Recurrent and Capital Estimates for 2025 show that the expenditure items are: General Public Services (EC $517.69 million); Economic Affairs (EC $372.66 million); Education (EC $250.89 million); Health (EC $197.39 million); Social Protection (EC $191.44 million); Public Order and Safety (EC $105.63 million); Environmental Protection (EC $87.82 million); Housing and Community Amenities (EC $87.35 million); Recreation and Culture (EC $40.52 million). It is to be noted that from the capital budget, Economic Affairs constitutes the largest expenditure allocation of 35 per cent of the total capital budget; followed by Health (14 per cent); Housing (11.3 per cent); Environmental Protection (11 per cent); Education (8.2 per cent); the other functional classification categories on the capital side range between 2.4 per cent and 5.3 per cent of the total capital budget. From the above budget numbers, it is
clear what the central priorities of the government are.
TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OF HUGE PROGRESS
Despite the limitations and challenges of a small island developing state and the historical and contemporary burdens of colonialism, monopoly capitalism externally, and the legacies of native genocide, the enslavement of African bodies and the indentureship of Madeirans and Indians, post-independence St. Vincent and the Grenadines has made memorable advances. And it has to be acknowledged that at no period in our country’s history have we made the extent of huge, spectacular advances and progress as in the last 24 years under the ULP government. This immense progress has been made in all material areas of life, living, and production.
Yet during this very period our country has suffered from 12 major adverse weather events (hurricanes, storms, landslides, etc.) interspersed by annual periods of drought plus the 21 volcanic eruptions of April 2021, the COVID pandemic of 2020-2021, the collapse of preferential markets for bananas in the UK, the global economic depression of 2008 and its aftershocks up to 2014, and the multitude outbreaks of global conflicts and their knock-on effects.
RELIEF, RECONSTRUCTION, AND RECOVERY
The process of relief, reconstruction, and recovery after Hurricane Beryl continues apace. The progress made has been absolutely remarkable after the massive destruction in parts of SVG (especially the Southern Grenadines) and significant damage elsewhere. Objective observers are amazed at the huge progress which we have made over the last six months since Beryl.
The progress is evident all around us: The very large expenditure in effort and money in the two months clean-up after Beryl; the restoration of electricity, water, and telecoms services; the reopening of most schools on time and in order in the first week of September 2024, and the other schools particularly for students in the Southern Grenadines two or so weeks later; the provision of a more than satisfactory level of services relating to public health, public safety, and security; the restoration of primary, secondary, and tertiary health care with promptitude; the expeditious and business-like repair and reconstruction of nearly 2,500 houses through the state agencies despite a shortage of construction labour and materials for the tasks-at-hand; the reasonably prompt restoration of air services; the provision, free of cost, to persons in the Southern Grenadines for travel by sea, by way of the fast-ferry services and other schooner services; the provision of shelters and touristic accommodation (guest houses and apartments) for evacuees; the generous provision of income support, social protection, and production support for over 15,000 persons in the aggregate throughout SVG; and much more.
The government led by Comrade Ralph has mobilised considerable support from friendly governments, agencies, NGOs, and individuals to assist in the process of relief, recovery, and reconstruction. Still much more is to be done especially in housing, agriculture, fisheries and income support. Budget 2025 contains substantial resources for these purposes; and more resources are being sought.
Too many broken promises by the ULP
(Excerpts of Political Leader of the NDP, Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday’s press statement)
THE BUDGET is the most important exercise in our legislative calendar. I urge you to take the time to watch and listen. This is an election year. It’s all the more important and timely.
Let me give some perspectives. The ULP government has been in office for almost twenty-five years. They have failed to deliver on many of their past budget promises. This budget will be no different in my view. The situation in our country is bleak. The present government presides over a country where one in five persons are employed, where over 40% of the young people are unemployed, where wages in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the lowest in the OECS and Caricom.
Our national debt now stands at $2.85 billion. The debt as a percentage of the GDP is 93.6%. We call it the debt to GDP Ratio. That is what is stated in the 2025 Estimates. Serving the debt is 36% of current revenue, thirty-six cents out of every dollar that the government collects, goes to servicing the debt. This means money is being spent to cover debt rather than to create new opportunities.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the seventh highest murder rate in the world. Last year, we recorded 54 homicides and the year before that was a record year. The ULP has created these problems, and they have proven over the past five years that they cannot fix the mess that they have created. With numerous broken promises from both the 2020 manifesto, in which they put forward a tissue of lies, and the 2024 budget, they have demonstrated that they are out of touch. More importantly, they have taken the people of this country for granted because they made promises that they didn’t keep and worse than that, they did not intend to fulfil them.
In the budget coming up, they will continue to talk big and deliver little. In fact, they have already started to boast: an official in the Ministry of Finance said that this is the biggest budget ever. Everything is bigger under the ULP, but is it better?
I want our people to remember that this is an election year. The government will want our people to forget four years of neglect and broken promises. Let me give you some examples of the broken promises. These are from last year’s budget. We were told in the 2024 budget that they would transform education, tourism, fisheries and healthcare.
The 2024 budget says a lot but failed to deliver. Here are some: North Windward, they promised to start rehabilitation of the Owia Fisheries Complex. This hasn’t been done. In east St. George, the finance minister said that he would develop East St. George into a business hub and he has not done so.
Regarding education, the Thomas Saunders Secondary will commence this year, it hasn’t started. The construction of the Kingstown Anglican School will commence this year, it hasn’t started. The construction of the Sandy Bay Secondary School, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank and
the Brighton Secondary School, financed by the Saudi Fund for Development, they have not started. Also, upgrade of the National Public Library, nothing has started. The construction of cultural, education and production hubs in Petit Bordel and Troumaca nothing has started. Establish safe and sanitary facility for the fishers operating out of Lowman’s Bay and Shipping Bay, not started. The solidarity Fishing Fleet project, they will spend $4 million and purchase four tuna boats at the first instance and to train fishers in the operation of those vessels, nothing was done. Tourism — begin construction on the Marriott Resort (Mt Wynne), not started. Development of 16 acres of land along the coast of Brighton into a recreational park and birdwatching retreat, not done. Begin construction of a SMART health clinic in Belair, not started. They failed to deliver the 2024 promises, Vincentians must not believe them. In this election year, they would promise the world and fail to deliver.
Budget 2025
We need a budget of honesty. If you don’t have the money, don’t make promises that can’t be delivered. We need to see proposals that provide real help for people who have been neglected by the government and are suffering. We need to see a budget that is a driver for change to address the cost-ofliving crisis. We need a budget that is targeted to create jobs and grow the economy, tackle crime and improve the health care system.
We propose to reduce VAT from 16% to 13%; create VAT-free shopping days at key points in the year (August and December) to support families; create an annual bonus for all public sector workers; create a bonus payment for those on public assistance; and review the import duties on motor vehicles.
We need to create a National Unemployment Action Plan to reduce unemployment as a matter of urgency: invest in a national youth programme that supports young people who are unemployed; create a national innovation hub to support young artists who can help develop new business.
Create a national crime plan to address the rising rate of crime across the country; this should encompass a new and integrated national policing plan to target key areas of violence, increased international cooperation and new infrastructure needed to tackle crime. This is a national priority and needs a fully funded plan that brings together the police, churches and other social actors.
Deliver infrastructure improvements across the country: there should be dedicated infrastructure plans for every constituency. This should include a national roads programme, deliver improved hardcourts in every constituency. I also would like to see a National Health Insurance plan. Next week, I urge our people to listen.
Views V Without compromise
“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) Indianborn human rights activist.
HISTORY IS REPLETE with examples of individuals who championed the cause of justice, peace, and human rights; individuals who were committed to ensuring, as best they can, that political, societal, and economic systems and structures reflected fairness and equity. Some of these individuals have left legacies that remind us of the value of struggle and remaining true to one’s principles and convictions. Their biographies and auto-biographies inspire generations to pursue their noble dreams and ambitions with gusto regardless of the opposition that they may face. Societies become stronger when individuals refuse to compromise on fundamental values. Compromise is often considered to be the foundation of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and negotiation. Many experienced and accomplished marriage counsellors and negotiators in business, government, and society regard compromise as a way to meet halfway when there are divergent opinions, interests, or desires. However, there are certain life situations where compromise is dangerous, undesirable, and unacceptable. For example, individuals in the workplace who are encouraged to compromise on their principles in pursuit of promotions, or in an effort to obtain “privileged positions or perks”, often discover that they have “cheapened their existence”. In such circumstances, standing firm without compromise becomes essential to maintaining one’s values, principles, and integrity; holding onto what truly matters and insisting on transparency and accountability in the performance of duties. To do otherwise is likely to generate tremendous guilt and shame. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), often considered to be an icon of integrity, considered that individuals who compromised their principles were experiencing a slow death. He noted that, “A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is true.”
The temptation to compromise principles for personal gain (acceptance by peers, prestige, power, position, monetary reward etc.) will be ever before us. However, we do not have to succumb to the lure of such enticements. There is value in committing to never compromise our principles before the temptations arise. Compromising in relation to our moral values, staying true to our purpose, or maintaining personal boundaries, are likely to cause more harm than good. The long-term hurt is likely to be much more destructive than the perceived shortterm gain. In the whole scheme of things, it is not worth it. The guilt and shame are likely to be far more devastating than the perceived benefits. And while errors of judgement of this kind can be forgiven and atonement made when required, there is wisdom in the initial avoidance of the compromise position. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) the 16th President of the United States of America, reminds us that, “Important principles may, and must, be inflexible”. The decision to act without compromise may demand significant sacrifice or conflict. However, these are often the moments that shape our character and define who we are and the legacy that
we create. There is therefore wisdom in committing to never compromise principles long before the temptation to concede appears.
The phrase “without compromise” embodies a commitment to ethics and justice. Individuals like Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), Nelson Mandela (19182013), Desmond Tutu (1931-2021), Rosa Parks (1913-2005), and Mala Yousafzai (born 1997) did not waver from their core belief in equality, justice, and human dignity, even when they faced intense opposition. They were prepared to pursue justice even at great personal cost and amidst intense persecution. Their refusal to compromise on their vision of a better world resulted in social and political change that ricocheted across national boundaries and time. The world is a much better place because of their refusal to yield to the various evils that they encountered; compromise was not an option. Their lives continue to be beacons of hope reminding us of the value of fighting relentlessly for civil rights, gender equality, transparency, reconciliation, and environmental protection. By their example, they encouraged others to join forces to combat the various evils in their respective societies in their unwavering efforts to shape and sustain a better world. They each did so without compromise.
It is imperative to recognize and appreciate the value of dialogue, flexibility, and negotiation as essential in achieving fruitful outcomes when confronted with conflicting situations. However, the integrity of the mission often depends on the unwillingness and absolute refusal to dilute the core values driving it.
While we recognize that the resolve to pursue our dreams and ambitions without compromise is most desirable and commendable this must not be confused with stubbornness or dogmatism. There is a difference between adhering to non-negotiable principles and refusing to entertain or consider other viewpoints. This takes courage and a strong resolve to retain one’s commitment to strong moral and ethical principles while being objective open to learning, adapting, and growing from contemplating opposing views.
The pursuit of goals and ambitions “without compromise” is rife with challenges — it is often a traumatic and difficult path. As a result, it is not for the faint hearted. It takes courage and a strong resolve to cope with the rejection and ridicule that may be associated with the moral decisions, personal choices, or collective movements that are birthed and energized by those who refuse to compromise important principles and values. Such commitments inspire others, fuel positive change, and champion causes for a more just, equitable, and trustworthy world. The refusal to compromise, when rooted in truth and conviction, becomes a powerful force for personal and societal good.
Jimmy Carter’s complex relationship with the world
‘American presidents are monsters. It is undoubtedly a central requirement for the job.’ Australian journalist Caitlin Johnstone.
JIMMY CARTER, America’s 39th president, died on December 29, 2024, at the ripe age of 100. Cater left the White House under the cloud of the Iran Embassy hostage debacle. He will long be remembered for his humanitarian efforts. Importantly, we need to ask why American presidents tend to make their mark after leaving work.
In the years following his presidency, Carter courageously lamented the ‘abominable oppression and persecution’ of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. He was one of the earliest mainstream politicians to call out Israeli apartheid. Before him, Ronald Reagan demanded that Menachem Begin, the Israeli Prime Minister, ‘stop the Holocaust’ following that country’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Carter also dedicated himself to monitoring elections, famously labelling the Venezuelan election process as one of the most foolproof in the world. He also championed human rights around the globe and spoke about the corrupting influence of dark money on the American political process.
However, we must not allow the mainstream media to brainwash and colour our thinking about these politicians. We must never allow ourselves to be consumed by a single story; one polished and shined so as to blind us to Carter’s duplicity and hypocrisy.
When analysed through the lens of the fight for a new international economic and information order, the struggles for African liberation, and racial oppression, President Carter is no better than any other American president. Behind the broad, bold smile is an American leader who aggressively pursued America’s economic and political interests.
Carter hired Bigznewn Brizenski and his national security advisors, and from the onset of his presidency in 1976, they undertook to ravage countries in the southern hemisphere. Fresh off the regime change successes in 1973 in Chile, which resulted in the assassination and overthrow of the democratically elected Salvador Allende, Carter’s security set its eyes on the Caribbean.
Their immediate plan was to take down Jamaica’s People’s National Party government led by democratic socialist Michael Manley. Between 1976 and 1980, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operations in Jamaica were beefed up. They decided to create mayhem, supplied guns and paid operatives to engage in mass murder. They pressured the economy and used the International Monetary Fund to implement its structural adjustment programs. As they did in Chile, they intended to make the economy scream. The mass murders created alarm, and the professional class flew to Miami, Philadelphia, London and other cities across the United States and Europe.
The proliferation of guns and gangs and the high murder rate in Jamaica have their genesis in the Carter administration’s assault on the democratically elected Manley Government. Hundreds of innocent Jamaicans lost their lives and livelihoods. Manley was voted out of power in 1980, and the conservative Edward CIAga was elected.
In Cuba, Jimmy Carter did his best to pressure and overthrow the Cuban revolution led by Fidel Castro. When Angola declared independence in 1975, the Carter administration opposed the Popular Movement for the independence of Angola. It supported an invasion of Angola by the fascistic apartheid regime in South Africa. It was the blood and sacrifice of the Cuban revolutionaries who saved Angola from being controlled by South Africa.
Part of the opposition to the Cuban revolution was the introduction of agricultural blight that sabotaged the Cuban tobacco crop and swine flu that caused the Cubans to slaughter millions of pigs. Pork was then a staple of the Cuban diet. Compounding these devilish policies, President Carter encouraged Cubans to risk their lives on rickety boats to leave Cuba as a way of embarrassing the Cuban revolutionary leadership. The Cubans responded with the Mariel boatlift that allowed over 200,000 Cubans to migrate safely from Cuba to the United States.
Carter directed the Central Intelligence Agency to back opposition groups and political parties to bring down the Sandinista government in Nicaragua following the triumph of the revolution in 1979, leading under the Reagan administration to the formation of the Contras and a bloody and senseless U.S.-backed insurgency. He provided military aid to the dictatorship in El Salvador, ignoring an appeal from Archbishop Oscar Romero – later assassinated – to cease U.S. arms shipments.
The story is the same on the African continent, where Carter opposed the efforts of the anti-apartheid movement to isolate South Africa through sanctions and boycotts. In 1976, the Soweto uprising brought thousands of South African youths to the streets in righteous indignation. Hundreds were murdered, and countless others were beaten and dumped into apartheid dungeons. Rather than condemn and forcefully isolate apartheid, Carter instituted the policy of ‘Constructive engagement’ with the apartheid regime. He argued then that sanctions were counterproductive, yet he aggressively imposed them on Cuba and Nicaragua, which the Sandinistas then led.
In Mozambique, Carter made geopolitical choices that hampered the consolidation of independence. Following an armed struggle led by the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), Mozambique won independence in 1975. Immediately after the country’s sovereignty was reclaimed, Carter’s CIA joined with Portugal, the former colonial power, to foment a counterrevolutionary insurgency which took the lives of tens of thousands of Mozambicans.
History may record President Carter as a complex character. Still, his complexity emerged after he left the White House, where he presided over a murderous reign across much of the world.
Goodbye, but no celebration.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
Knowing when to step down
THE RECENT decisions by Prime Ministers Dr. Keith Rowley (Trinidad and Tobago) and Justin Trudeau (Canada) to step aside as leader of their respective political parties, effectively vacating their positions as prime ministers, has promoted a discussion in certain circles about when should a leader decide to step aside.
My views may not be in alignment with your view or even make you satisfied.
Hopefully, it will shed a different light and help you make a more enlightened decision.
In my humble opinion, an effective leader should always be ready to step down.
Barring mitigating national crises that would (naturally) force a government and its leader(s) to capitulate, here are some ideas for our readers’ consideration.
A leader has to have ideas for where they want to take an organization. The reasons to step down all relate to an inability to either find or implement ideas. It’s time to leave when a person simply runs out of ideas, the passion to find them or worse, lose sight of the broad purpose/mission.
Another reason to leave is when one becomes hopelessly frustrated that their ideas are not supported by the organization.
A leader may also be unhappy because they never actually find the time to lead. Perhaps, they are forced to spend all their time managing/micro-managing or firefighting rather than leading.
To be blunt, the leader should start working on a succession plan right from the day he assumed a leadership position.
One of the key contributions of the leader is to ensure that a new and effective leadership team is put in place to lead the team in the future.
All great teams depend on the sustainability of great leadership and great teamwork.
These teams succeed or fail because of the ability of their leaders and their team to harness resources to achieve better results.
It’s not only important to have the right leaders with the right talents to work effectively as a team.
There should also be effective mentorship and coaching to help these leaders learn and carry out their roles and responsibilities properly.
Sadly, there are few examples of teams that have been able to implement an effective leadership succession plan, especially among our political parties - past and present.
Many leaders hang on to power beyond the appropriate time frame. They may also be involved in negative politics and take populist initiatives to win support and hang on to their positions.
Without an effective leadership succession plan, it can cause undue damage and affect the survival and success of the teams.
Once a new generation of leaders and team is ready, the current leader can consider exposing them to various situations to test their abilities, and ensure they can continue to grow the team and improve the results.
The leader can then step down to take on an advisory or mentorship position to continue to guide the new leaders and the team until such a time when they can do the job effectively.
If a leader is willing to step down professionally and effectively, he will be respected and will ensure that his good work in the past will not go to waste.
The team can continue to grow and achieve better results.
Such a leader will be in demand in the economy and society. He may be headhunted to lead and serve in other and perhaps, better teams, who knows! (Partial source: Quora)
Cultural Hall of Fame unveiled
Story and photos by NELSON
A. KING
US Correspondent naking@verizon.net
THE BROOKLYN-BASED
Dynamite Cultural Organization, home of the Dynamite Calypso Tent of New York, the lone Vincentian calypso tent in North America, has unveiled what it considers to be its most ambitious initiative to date, the seminal St. Vincent & the Grenadines Cultural Hall of Fame.
“We’ve been having discussions on this for three years now,”
Calypsonian Carlos “Rejector” Providence, president of both the Dynamite Cultural Organization and the Dynamite Calypso Tent, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.
“We even had discussions/consultations with people at home, including former MP (Member of Parliament) Rene Baptiste, Hugh Ragguette and Stephen Huggins (cultural figures), because we felt they would be quite knowledgeable about people in the categories we’re looking at,” he added.
“Our intention is do it every year,” continued Providence, disclosing that the maiden induction ceremony is planned for April this year in Brooklyn, with the deadline for the public to submit nominations on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.
“We think there are persons who have contributed to the country and its culture, and we should not wait until a person dies before we recognize them,” Providence said. “We should show appreciation before they die. We’re trying to keep the culture alive. And, we, being the premier Vincentian cultural organization in the Diaspora, should recogni--ze people who have made tremendous contributions through culture.”
The calypsonian emphasized that the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Cultural Hall of Fame is “dedicated to taking a monumental step to
memorialize those who have made remarkable contributions and left an indelible mark on Vincentian culture.”
He said one person will be selected from nominations to be inducted in five categories: Culinary Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Legacy & Heritage.
Providence said Culinary Arts recognizes “exceptional talent in food and beverage preparation, presentation and marketing”; Literary Arts celebrates “the power of the written word across various forms — poetry, prose and songs”; Performing Arts praises “the brilliant talents in singing, dance, drama and music”; Visual Arts honors “the creative brilliance in mas creation, painting, sculpture, photography and crafts”; and Legacy & Heritage reveres “historians, educators and cultural advocates who preserve and promote our cultural treasures.”
“Join us in this remarkable venture to honor our past, celebrate our present and inspire our future,” urged Providence, stating that the Dynamite Calypso Tent of New York, established in 2001, has emerged as “a vital cultural institution, uniquely positioned as the only calypso tent outside the homeland of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“This remarkable organization operates not only as a platform for calypso and soca music but also as a beacon for the rich traditions and artistic expressions of Vincentian culture,” Providence added.
Since its inception, he said the tent has been dedicated to fostering a “deep appreciation for calypso and soca, providing a space for both performers and audiences to celebrate their heritage.”
As the tent flourished, Providence said, the Dynamite Cultural Organization “began its natural evolution, allowing it to expand its mission beyond calypso
Other Executive Committee members of the Dynamite Calypso Tent include (Seated from left): Committee Delahanty Isles, Errol D man Age Rose, Treasurer John Dougan; (Standing from left): Committee member Hilford Hurst, Vice President Atiba Williams, Secretary Garnes Byron, PRO Dennis Bowman and President Carlos Rejector Providence. (Missing from photo Jose Juan)
and soca to encompass a broader range of cultural activities and events.
“This transformation signifies a dedication to preserving and promoting all aspects of Vincentian culture, from visual arts and dance to culinary traditions and community engagement,” he added. “Through various initiatives and programs, the organization honors the legacy of its roots while continuously seeking innovative ways to unite and uplift the Vincentian community in New York and beyond.
“Consistent with our commitment to honor excellence and in furtherance of our mission to inspire, we are proud to inaugurate the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Cultural Hall of Fame,” Providence continued.
He said Hall of Fame nomination forms are currently available on YouTube and will soon be placed on all other social media platforms, including Dynamite Calypso Tent Facebook pages.
Carlos “Rejector” Providence, President of the Brooklyn-based Dynamite Calypso Tent pictured performing during the preliminary judging, in Brooklyn, for Vincy Mas 2024, committed his organization to making annual inductions into the Hall of Fame.
Hairouna Hope brings joy to Canouan
by KENVILLE HORNE
DESPITE THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE BERYLstill being felt in the southern Grenadine island of Canouan, many of the island’s children displayed a spirit of joy and happiness when volunteers under the auspices of Hairouna Hope, a non-profit charitable organization, converged on the island to spread Christmas joy.
On Friday 20th December, the team of volunteers from various businesses and organizations, along with a number of journalists boarded the MV Jaden Sun (fast ferry) at the Grenadines Wharf, Kingstown, for the voyage to Canouan.
The captain skillfully navigated the rough seas, but could not avoid arriving in Canouan a little later than estimated.
On arrival, the team quickly disembarked the ferry and made their way to the Canouan Secondary compound, which served as the centre of operations for the outreach.
The volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare the venue for the Christmas party. Moments later, the children began to turn up in their numbers, visibly impressed by the site preparation — decorations, etc., that Hairouna Hope and partners had put in, and of
course, by the number of goodies and toys on display.
Coordinator of the event, Kaushalya Nedd, wife of renowned medical doctor Dr. Conrad Nedd, described the event as Hairouna Hope’s annual Christmas party.
“We usually do it in different communities. We decided to come to Canouan this year because we actually did a free clinic here in August for people in Canouan, who were displaced by (hurricane) Beryl. So, what we’re doing here today is to have a little Christmas party for the children. We have several groups who have joined us,” said Nedd.
The groups played a pivotal role, for example, when the children arrived, someone from CDF and Child Evangelist Fellowship took the children to a classroom, where they were told about the story of Christmas, and introduced to Jesus Christ and the
works of God.
“We also have counselors there. After that, they get to go to do face-painting. We have punch boards and dips here and KCCU, Florida St. Vincent Group, Boston St. Vincent Group and Facey Trading distributed the goodie bags,” said the coordinator, as she revealed the names of some of the companies/entities involved.
Each one of the children who showed up was given two goodie bags and a toy. They were also treated to snacks including ice cream, popcorn, pizza, cake and hot dogs, while bouncing castles and popular cartoon mascots provided fun events and entertainment.
Among the other institutions that provided volunteers were the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Grammar School and the Girls Guides.
Role of Delaan Nedd
Hairouna Hope was conceptualized by Nedds’ sonDelaan Nedd, when he was president of the Young Leaders programme at the St. Vincent Grammar School.
Following his graduation and pursuit of higher education overseas, the Nedds continued
volunteering and formalized Hairouna Hope as a conduit through which they could do so, in an organized manner.
Delaan is currently a student at Ivy League university, Princeton. He was home on vacation and without prompting volunteered at the Christmas party.
Delaan told THE VINCENTIAN, “We started volunteering when we were in secondary school with some friends. Eventually, after the eruption, we realized that we needed a more formal organization so that we could receive funds from internationals and other people in the region,” said Delaan, as he explained the origin of Hairouna Hope.
“But growing up we were used to doing things in the community,” he said, adding, “so you see it growing, right? Or you feel that it is growing.”
A teacher at the Sion Hill Government School who made the journey as a volunteer said that the event was a very good one, and the children enjoyed themselves.
“I actually met two who went to Sion Hill Government School but they live down here now. One said, ‘Miss I remember your face from Sion Hill school’,” the teacher related with a visible air of satisfaction.
The joy and excitement displayed by the children seemed to have been easily transferred to the volunteers, as they wore broad smiles even as they worked to downsize/dismantle their operation and as they their way back to the ferry.
Clearly, these were indications of another success story in the unfolding charitable work of
Hope.
Hairouna
The little ones just know how to have fun.
Dr. Conrad Nedd and his wife Kaushalya – spearhead the charitable work of Hairouna Hope.
Delaan Nedd is credited with conceptualising the charitable outreach that is now Hairouna Hope.
The offloading over, the giveaways laid out, now awaiting the arrival of the children.
Rowley steps down, Young steps up
Stuart Young, who turns 50 on February 9, thanked Rowley for his “continued and exemplary leadership in guiding through this historic process.” (Source: Loop News)
AFTER 45 years in public life, Dr Keith Rowley announced on January 6 that he will resign as Prime Minister and will not be seeking re-election as the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) candidate for the Diego Martin West constituency, in this year’s general election.
Dr. Rowley, who turns 76 on October 24, announced in what was described as a somber statement at the end of a news conference at the Central Administrative Services — Tobago,
Scarborough, that he would step down as Prime Minister “before the end of the legal limits of this term.”
The news conference dealt substantively with the government’s reasoning for implementing a state of emergency (SoE), in the country, on December 30.
The press conference was at times light-hearted with a relaxed Rowley even joking with this reporter over allowing several female reporters the lion’s share of asking questions.
For Rowley, who was born in Mason Hall, Tobago, this year would mark 45 years in public life in Trinidad and Tobago.
Rowley, who has served two terms as prime minister, noted that after announcing the PNM’s victory in the 2020 general election at Balisier House, Port of Spain, “I said to this country, I will not be doing that again, and I meant it, and I have kept it.”
He added, “I also said that I have brought into the political arena a number of young people who had served at that time, one term. Many of them are still in government about to complete their second term, experienced, some of them with nine or ten years approximately of service in the government.
“So the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago have a cadre of people, mainly young people, who came into public service, with all its warts and are prepared to take this country forward.”
Replacement
Three days after revealing his intention to step down as Prime Minister, Dr Rowley announced on January 6 that Minister of Energy and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young will replace him as head of the government.
He said Young, who has served in various capacities as a government minister over the past ten years, received the majority of support from the party’s parliamentary caucus, during a two-day parliamentary retreat at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, Lowlands, Tobago.
The Keith Rowley files
Here are some highlights of Dr. Rowley’s 45 years in public life:
* Enters politics in 1981, unsuccessfully contests Tobago West seat in that year’s general election.
* Opposition Senator from 1987-1990.
* First elected Diego Martin West MP in 1991.
* Agriculture Minister — Jan 13, 1992-Oct 6, 1995.
* Planning and Development Minister — December 2001-November 2003.
* Housing Minister — November 2003-November 2007.
* Accused in 2003 of having material moved from the
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley in a sombre mood as he announced his intention to resign as PM and not seek re-election in the general election.
(Credit: T&T Newsday)
Scarborough Hospital Project to the Landate private housing development project in Mason Hall, Tobago.
Subsequently cleared of all claims and allegations.
* Trade and Industry Minister — November 2007-April 2008.
* Fired from Cabinet in April 2008, by then prime minister Patrick Manning over concerns about corruption at Udecott and for allegedly engaging in “wajang behavior.”
* September 2004 — Accused of being involved in a “teacup” brawl in Parliament’s lounge with then UNC MP Chandresh Sharma.
* May 2010 — Opposition Leader after PNM’s defeat in that year’s election. Later elected PNM political leader.
* September 2015 — Elected prime minister.
* August 2020 — Re-elected prime minister.
* January 2025 — Announces retirement from electoral politics.
(Source: T&T Newsday)
CED Launches MenÊs Empowerment Project
THE CENTRE FOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INC.(CED) announces its Technical Assistance for Men’s Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (TAMEED) programme, a men’s empowerment project.
Funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the programme will be executed over a sixmonth period. The goal of the TAMEED is to empower men by equipping them with the necessary skills, resources, and guidance to achieve sustainable employment and
entrepreneurial success. It will address the challenges men face in today’s competitive job market and business environment by providing tailored support and practical solutions.
The objectives of the men’s empowerment project are to enhance their employability by equipping men with industry-relevant technical and soft skills to secure stable and wellpaying jobs; foster entrepreneurship by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in starting, managing, and scaling
successful businesses; and bridge skill gaps by addressing skill deficiencies in targeted industries, ensuring participants are job-ready and competitive.
The project also seeks to promote economic growth by enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.
The TAMEED project will provide career development: through comprehensive training in technical skills, résumé building, and interview preparation; entrepreneurship support through workshops on business planning, financial management, and market strategies; and mentorship and coaching for personalized guidance and advice. There will also be networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals, investors, and likeminded peers: and access to resources: for funding options, and information to ensure participants’ success.
The project will primarily cater to men aged 18 and above, including recent graduates, mid-career professionals, and those looking to pivot into entrepreneurship. It particularly focuses on individuals facing barriers to employment or seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of launching a business.
CED General
Manager Mrs. Ronette Lewis, says TAMEED project is expected be very impactful.
“At the end of this project, we anticipate some very positive results such as, increased employability and job placements in key sectors, and the development of successful small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will also help to create a skilled workforce that’s ready to meet industry demands; it will definitely enhance economic self-reliance and community development, as this initiative represents a strategic investment in human capital, addressing both individual and systemic challenges in employment and entrepreneurship. By empowering men to achieve their professional goals, we foster resilience, innovation, and economic growth for all.”
She is encouraging men who own and operate MSMEs to apply to be a part of the TAMEED project, which will select 40 participants. (Submitted by CED)
Mrs. Ronette Lewis, CED General Manager, views the TAMED as a contributor to the country’s effort to create a skilled workforce that’s ready to meet industry demands.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, main church and headquarters pictured, is the primary sponsor of the training programme (TAMEED).
V
Crime
Prohibited ammo found
IN A COORDINATEDeffort this morning, the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Special Services Unit (SSU), Narcotics Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) executed a joint operation in the Green Hill area.
Simon Simmons –found in possession of prohibited ammunition.
As a result of this operation, Simon Simmons, a 33-year-old IT Technician employed at the SVG Port Authority and residing in Green Hill, was apprehended. During the arrest, law enforcement officers found Simmons in possession of prohibited ammunition, which included: 13 rounds of 7.62 ammunition; 2 rounds of .38 ammunition, and 1 round of shotgun cartridge ammunition.
The possession of these items constitutes a serious breach of the law, and the suspect has been taken into custody pending further investigations.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) remains committed to safeguarding public safety and maintaining law and order. This operation reflects the continued dedication and cooperation among various divisions of the force in targeting and addressing criminal activities within the nation.
The RSVGPF urges all citizens to report any suspicious activities or individuals to their nearest police station. Together, we can work to ensure the safety and security of all communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Source: RSDVGPF)
The ammunition found in Simmons’ possession.
Chauffeur charged with murder
EROS CAIN, a 63-year-old chauffeur of Glen, will return to the Serious Offenses Court on February 3, in connection with this country’s second homicide for 2025.
Cain has been charged with the murder of Andrew Williams, 41year-old labourer of Fountain, which reportedly occurred at Fountain around 6pm on January 2.
Cain was not required to plead when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday and was remanded. He was represented by attorney Grant Connell.
John adjourned the matter to February 3 for an update on investigation which, according to the crown, could take up to four months to be completed.
On January 3, police reported that a preliminary investigation revealed that Williams sustained two gunshot wounds to the right side of his torso. He was “dropped off” at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital around 8pm on January 02, and succumbed to his injuries sometime after. An autopsy confirmed that he died from gunshot wounds.
Inspector Ashlyn Bristol, attached to the Calliaqua Police Station, is leading the investigations which are
Eros Cain (left) being escorted to the Serious Offences Court on Monday.
ongoing.
Meanwhile, up to press time yesterday (Thursday), investigations were ongoing into the killing of 63year-old welder Albert Lorenzo Lewis of Glen, recorded as the first homicide for 2025.
Police said that Preliminary reports indicate that a neighbour discovered Lewis’ body on the porch of his home on January 2 with what appeared to be a wound on the right side of his face, and scrapes about his body.
And while the police have not given any indication as to what might have caused the wound to Lewis’s face, they did report, in a release dated Jan. o2, 2025, that the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) in processing the scene, discovered a spent shell.
A report of a post-mortem examination of Lewis’s body is still forthcoming. (HH)
Dear George,
SEVERAL NIGHTSago, my husband was calling the name of one of my female friends in his sleep. I wondered, why would he be calling her name like that? My friend is very attractive and I know she would stop at nothing to get at my husband. She is ruthless like to that.
I woke my husband up and asked him about his dream only to be told that he could not remember the dream. He denied doing what I said he was doing.
George, I’m almost certain both of them have something going. I know how my friend is, and she is the kind of person who would go after what she wants. Do you think I should bring it up with him?
Very Curious.
Dear Very Curious,
Why would you want to stir the unnecessary? Dreaming about people does not mean they occupied our minds or thoughts. You are overthinking on this one and you should let it go.
You said you know how your friend is, but the big question is do you know who your husband is? If you did, then this would be a non-issue. George.
Talking in his sleep Grateful for your advice
Dear George,
THANK YOUfor the advice you gave me some time back. You struck the nail on the head. My wife was set up by her so called friends to make it look as if she was cheating on me. She has since cut those people off completely and we are
focusing entirely on each other. Thanks again.
Grateful.
Dear Grateful,
I’m happy that things worked out for you and your wife. There are those persons who will
come into your life just to be close enough to destroy what you have spent time building. Be wise and concentrate on each other so that your union can grow from strength to strength.
George.
Not the church!!!!
Dear George,
I’m desperately trying to find a good woman with whom to settle down. I’ve tried the bars, parties looking for single women but nothing yet. I’m thinking of extending my search to the church. What do you think? I’m ready to settle and cannot afford to live this single life.
Mr. X.
Dear Mr. X,
As far as your situation is
concerned, the church should not be used as a last resort. You cannot be a party animal yet be seeking a devout Christian woman with whom to share the rest of your life.
As you continue your search, remember your value system has to be in full alignment with that person’s value system. Two cannot walk together except they agree. You need to make sure you already have the qualities that you seek in someone else. Good luck to you!
George.
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
You need to fulfill your needs and pre sent your talents. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. They won't pay you back and you'll be upset. Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
Try to make arrangements with close friends or relatives to spend a few days away. Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly. You can finish projects early, which will bring you praise from superiors.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Your position may be in question if you haven't been pulling your weight. You may find that your plans will cost a little more than you had expected. Travel should be on your mind. Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
You will find that money could slip through your fingers. Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. Opportunities for travel and socializing are evident. Don't be too quick to respond to a plea for help.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
Compromise will be necessary. Don't hold yourself back because you think you're too old. Romantic relationships should stabilize. Don't hold back.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don't take any risks. You'll be dropping friends for no apparent reason. You will attract new love interests. The emotional state of peers may cause a problem for you.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Be sure to sidestep those who are
eccentric or unpredictable. Don't bother complaining, do the work yourself. You need to make your lover feel wanted, not like a piece of the furniture. Involvement in groups will be favorable. Business partnerships will prove lucrative.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Health problems may prevail if you haven't been getting enough rest. You can win if you're open and up front with your boss. You need an energetic outlet that will help you dissipate your anxiety. Children may be on your mind.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. Don't second guess yourself, just go to it. Self-improvement projects will payoff in more ways than one. Get back into a routine that promises a better looking, more aware individual.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. You can ask for favors and get sound advice from close friends or relatives. Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment. Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
You must look into your options. Your emotions may get the better of you. Do not invest in joint ventures. You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Consider starting a small business on the side. Look for a marketable gimmick. You may have difficulty trying to get your mate to understand your position. You should be raising your self esteem and confidence in order to promote your work. Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs.
ACROSS
1.Dashboard abbr.
4. Science rms.
8. Reward a performer
12. Victory letter
13. __ code
14. Heavenly headwear
15. Cul-de-__
16. Golden-touch Master (2 wds.)
18. Mind
20. Carrie Fisher’s dad 21. Lathers
23. Flower holder
25. Hunter and Holm
26. Strutted
29. Cycle start
30. Cascades
31. Naught
33. Zodiac sign
35. Edible, tropical Tuber
36. Rosary unit
37. Margarita fruits
38. Mom’s __ pie
41. Informal message 42. Threehanky film
45. Scurried 48. Mideast nation
49. Estrada of “CHiPs”
50. Greek letter
51. Crooned
52. “JAG” spin-off
53. Society gal
DOWN
1.Campers’ Vehicles (abbr.)
2. Pod item
3. Car repairer
4. Huron and Erie
5. Lacking humidity
6. Actor Stiller
7. Droop
8. Reproved
9. Alan of “Shane” 10. Jai __ 11. Attitude 17. Small high plateaus
19. “Oz” aunt et al.
21. Like a bodybuilder
22. Crew necessities
23. True
24. Singer __ Guthrie
26. Mama’s man
27. Captivated
28. Disastrous
30. Unchained
32. Part of L.A.
34. Elliptical
35. Meadows of “SNL”
37. Roof problems
38. Fifi’s friends
39. Chile’s neighbour
40. Project 41. 2002, to
Brutus
43. “__ and Stimpy”
44. Rainbow shape
46. Gobbled up
47. Seize suddenly
Chess making good moves
THE UPWARD TRAJECTORY of chess here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since the formalization as a sport almost four years ago, has pleased President of the SVG Chess FederationIsrael Bruce.
Addressing the Closing Ceremony of the fourth edition of the Tyrone Jack Memorial Championships at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus, Bruce highlighted some of the moves made during the period of assessment.
Using the growth of the championships as a benchmark, Bruce said, “I recall, the first year we had these championships at the Old Airport Building at
Arnos Vale, there was a single child. Three years later, we were able to field a team of six young players to take on Grenada in the first ever Bilateral Chatoyer Chess Classic.”
Using that outing as a springboard, Bruce said that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was able to include one junior playerArianna Balcombe, in the female team to the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.
Referencing other accomplishments, Bruce disclosed that on the heels of the Chess Federation being formalized in 2021, “by 2022, St. Vincent and the Grenadines made history by sending its first team to the Chess Olympiad.
Israel Bruce, President of the SVG Chess Federation, is looking to use the momentum and accomplishments of 2024 as the driving force to move SVG Chess and Chess Players into further regional and international recognition.
Two years later, we were able to send two teams to the Chess Olympiad, an all-male team and an allfemale team.”
As a consequence, St. Vincent and the Grenadines can boast of having a FIDE Master in Chinedu Enemchukwu, and a Provisional Master in Brian Cottle.
Also included in the reel, were the exposures of Verdant Shetty and Le’ mar Abbott to the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Chess Festival, that took place in Trinidad and Tobago.
One year later, Shetty went on to cop gold at the XIX Central American & Caribbean Youth Chess Festival 2024, held in Honduras.
Anticipating more incremental movements, Bruce projected: “We are hoping by 2026, with all things being equal, that we will be able to squeeze three teams to the Olympiad in which a lot of our young players can gain international exposure.”
With this in mind, he challenged “each and every one here, (to) do the necessary work, put in the hard work, where there are regional and international tournaments that the Chess Federation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines can provide support,” and committed to “put my hands up ten times and work around the clock to see what can be done to have
Archers benefit from donations
NINE ARCHERS,members of the Archery Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are better equipped following donations of bows from World Archery Americas and World Archery.
Recipients of Hoyt Bow kits compliments World Archery Americas were Jared Nichols, Richol Richards, Rayon Clarke and Divya Jiandani, whilst Mariel Burgin, Karen Palmer, Nicholas Deane, Marese Burgin and Quincy Primus were the recipients of the Sanlida brand from World Archery.
Thankful but more excited by the timely inputs by the two entities, President of the Archery Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines- Sanjay Jiandani, admitted that it is a “shot in the arm moment” for the organization.
“Acquiring these bows cannot come at a better time, as the sport is gaining momentum and is becoming very visible to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. These donations are a direct response to the growth and development of Archery here and World Archery Americas and World Archery are strategic, as they tend to make such donations, when they see potential emanating from their members”, Jiandani said.
Lauding the quality of the kits, Jiandani affirmed, “These are world class bows which will augur well in the enhancement of the skill-set of our archers. More so, the bows are good preparations for the archers whenever they venture out to regional and international competitions”. Jiandani quipped that it is a
good way to commence 2025, as it sets the tone for creating an added sense of pride among the local who have benefited from the donation of quality gear.
At present, local archers practise and compete at the West St. George Secondary School Playing Field.
Vincentian registered Chess players participate in regional and international tournaments.”
Netball President: “2024
was satisfying.”
NATASHA
BAPTISTE, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association assessed the 2024 netball season and the accomplishments therein as satisfying, and anticipates even greater ascendency in 2025.
She referenced as a 2024 highlight, “Our Senior Vincy Jewels made a strong definitive statement in the 2024 ECCB International Netball series taking the title undefeated. The ladies showed that we were there not just to participate but to compete and to do so as the highest level. The national pride the seniors Vincy Jewels brought to our nation cannot be discounted.”
Baptiste, President of the SVG Netball Association commits 2025 as a year of focus on the development of U13 and U15 netballers, among other things.
Baptiste also pointed to the U16 Vincy Jewels who placed 4th in the Caribbean Netball Association’s Jean Pierre Under-16 Netball Tournament, and the Men’s National TeamVincy Warriors — who continued to make their mark on the sport by taking the 3rd spot in the 2nd edition of the Americas Netball Men’s championship. This placement has afforded the men the opportunity to compete in the 2026 CAC Games in the Dominican Republic, a
big move for the sport in our region. As for 2025, Baptiste shared: “In 2025, we look forward with great anticipation as our national netball season will begin in March, and we need all our stakeholders onboard to make it a success. We will also continue the development of our Under-13 and Under-15 netballers along with continued preparation of our Senior Vincy Jewels and our Vincy Warriors. Our coaches and umpires will not be left out. We will definitely focus on them as we aspire together for the holistic development of our sport.”
I.B.A. ALLEN
Natasha
(L-R): Archers Jared Nichols, Richol Richards, Rayon Clarke and Divya Jiandani display their Hoyt Bow kits.
Teams make good of Futsal competition
AN INCREASEin the number of teams, more attractive prizes, and a greater understanding of the format characterised the hosting of the second edition of the 2024 Unique Touch Soccer Academy’s Futsal Competition.
Held December 27 and 28, the competition was convened at three venues: the two hard courts in Campden Park, and the Questelles Hard Court.
Day One saw the schools’ component taking place at the Top Campden Park hard court and the hard court at the Campden Park Playing Field.
Champing the Primary Schools’ division was the Questelles Government ahead of the Clare Valley Government.
The Dr. JP Eustace Memorial took the Secondary Schools’ title, with St. Martin’s finishing second.
Saturday, December 28, featured the engagement of the clubs.
Played in age groups, Blossom Unlimited copped the Under-11 title, with Sparta — second.
The Under-13 title was retained by Parkside Rollers and Je Belle placed second.
Je Belle though champed the Under-15s, with North Leeward Predators — second.
Apart from the team awards there were several individual prizes presented.
Brainchild of the CompetitionRenrick Alexander, was buoyed by the overall planning, execution and interest shown in the event.
“We have improved immensely on our first edition. We had more teams, whereby we added a schools’ component, whilst there was general
improvement on the play itself, and we had more persons on board as it related to the execution of the competitions”, Alexander assessed. He gave kudos to all involved in making the competition a successful one.
“We must congratulate all who played a part in getting all that was done, the committee, the teams’ management, the schools, the drivers who bussed the teams to the venues and others. We could not have done it without you”, a grateful Alexander expressed.
Alexander, who is based in the USA, projected that the third edition set for 2025, will surpass the heights set in 2024.
Cycling Union receives safety gear
THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Cycling Union was among six state and nonstate entities that received donations from a joint undertaking, between the S. Vincent and the Grenadines Embassy in Taiwan and the Republic of China On Taiwan Embassy here in SVG.
Accepting a quantity of safety equipment on behalf of the Cycling
Union, on Jan. 07, 2025 at the Taiwan Embassy on Murray’s Road, was its President — Shimano Bailey, who indicated his organisation’s gratitude for the “much-needed” gifts.
“We are indeed grateful for the helmets. It comes smack at a time when we are experiencing an increase in the number of persons using cycles to get around, coupled with the increase in the number
of motor vehicles on the roads”, Bailey highlighted.
Bailey revealed that his organization is currently collaborating with the Traffic Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, to host a series of road safety outreach programmes.
“We at the SVG Cycling Union are working in tandem with the police, whereby we
want to educate the public and namely people who use pedal cycles as a means of transport or for recreational purposes”, Bailey emphasised.
The others benefitting from the Taiwanese’s benevolence dubbed, “Two Hearts Beating as One”, were the Ministry of Education, the National Nine Mornings Lighting Committee, the Ministry of Health, along with the Zero Hunger Trust Fund and the
National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).
From left: Minister of Education - Curtis King, Her Excellency AmbassadorFiona Hui-Chan Fan, Shimano Bailey and Her Excellency Ambassador Andrea Bowman.
Lawrence off on an Athletics Scholarship
ONE OF THIScountry’s top young track athletes, sprinter Kyle Lawrence, has sprinted himself into an athletics college to pursue academic studies as he grasps the opportunity to hone his athletic skills. Kyle, who represented this country at Carifta U22 and U23 levels, the World U20 Games, ALBA Games, NACAC U18 and U23 Championships, left the state last Wednesday for
Kyle Lawrence continued to put in the hard work as he awaited an opportunity to advance himself as an athlete and to pursue further academic studies.
South Plains College in Texas, USA, where he will begin initially a twoyear scholarship.
Commenting on the opportunity that has come his way, Lawrence said, “I’ll be studying Sports Management; it is a precise decision that me and my coach, Pamenos Ballantyne, had to make, that would impact both my athletic and academic careers.”
He is rejoicing in the fact that the opportunity has come as a result of hard work and a career to date, during which he has had setbacks because of injuries. He commits to focusing on the small details during
this (new) phase of his development. Lawrence was up front in expressing gratitude to “God for guiding me, my coach, my family, friends and everyone that contributed. I also want to pay gratitude to my Alma Mater St. Martin Secondary and its Principal Mr. Yohance Gibson for committing to my holistic development.” Lawrence takes with him to the USA personal best times of 10.50 sec. in the 100 meters and 21.20 sec. in the 200 meters.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Blossom Unlimited copped the Under-11 title.
Je Belle though took the Under15 title.
Questelles Government School –Primary Schools’ champion.
Sports V
Writing on the wall
EVERYBODYseems to want to kick a man when he is already on the ground. That’s what is affecting West Indies cricket.
We missed out on the World Test championship and that may be so for a long time. Given the recent performances of the squad, it will be hard for us to regain momentum. The prevalence of T20 Leagues and the decision by players to opt for these tournaments, is leaving the cupboard bare of quality players.
No one can blame them. A sportsman’s career lasts only that long. He has to decide his destiny. Those days of playing for pride has gone out the window. It is self-preservation and money makes the mill turn.
The West Indies takes on a Test series in Pakistan shortly.
Given their trend and morale, another dismal display may well be the outcome. The flair of regional crickets remains, but there are other factors that hamper success. These include lack of belief and an absence of unity. We have extended our lack of patriotism beyond the boundary. There is no semblance of regional unity, nor pride in ourselves as a region. Before, the first test in Pakistan, it might be good if an audacious Pakistani commentator can utter some harsh words in their direction. That may be the inspiration the team needs to rise to the occasion. It was that kind of treatment that led the team to their surprise victory in Australia last year. Since then, matters have declined, a trait at which the squad has become proficient.
Optimism apart, chances of a West Indies success in Pakistan look remote. I doubt whether captain Kriagg Brathwaite will alter the course of his miserable run drought.
His leadership quality continues to be underwhelming. He is not doing himself any favours with his ongoing record. The administrators are unwilling or incapable of displacing him.
Once that situation is maintained, the performances team wise will be bleak. When runs are scarce, it is unlikely that bowlers will be inspired to exhilarating performances. The prospects of a two nil series loss are ominous.
But there are die-hards in the West Indies camp and they will want to believe that anything is possible. Even though the facts are before us.
West Indies Cricket needs rehashing. A lack of appreciation of the situation is hanging over us. And efforts by segments, keen on dwindling the region’s advances are anxious to pounce.
The trend of producing a reservoir of players to carve their way through the ranks is not a feature of regional cricket, at least not on a sustained basis.
Development of West Indies cricket does not seem to be a concern. Had it been so, youth cricket would have been a major factor at the regional level.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines should have been a trend setter. That is not the case, and we remain rooted at the bottom of the Windward islands level. Time was when on our own instincts, we were a pillar of Windward Island Cricket.
Perhaps it is as good a time as ever to inject some sense of urgency in the sport. That must include the juniors from as early as possible. The persons that run the cricket do not seem to be worried about the situation, as long as they can be in the spotlight.
Two tiers proposed for Test Cricket
A TWO-TIER structure among test cricket playing countries could be introduced in 2027.
If all goes according to plan, i.e. that the proposal is ratified by the International Cricket Council (ICC), this would mean that England, Australia and India, considered the ‘Big Three’ as per current ranking, would play each other twice every three years rather than every four years under the current model.
Given what obtains today, those encounters are anticipated to be lucrative series.
The proposal calls for two tiers, the top tier to include England, India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and the
lower tier - Bangladesh, West Indies, Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
And while the proposal has won the support of cricketing personalities like Michael Vaughan, former England captain, the news sparked major concern in the West Indies.
Sir Clive Lloyd registered strong opposition to the proposals and pointed to it as a step in the direction of destroying West Indies cricket.
Sir Clive Lloyd, the legendary former West Indies captain, voiced, as per a report in the Melbourne Age (newspaper), “I am very disturbed about this and I’m hoping that something is done, that it must be stopped now. I’m very disappointed. We have been in ICC for nearly 100 years. We are one of, if not the most successful Test team over the years. We worked hard for what we achieved. The effect it would have is we would not be able to produce the type of cricket that we have over the years because we will be playing in a second tier. You can only improve by playing against better opposition.”
The series between Australia and India, when compared to some other series, guarantee bumper returns for the local cricket boards and the ICC.
And as an alternate measure, Lloyd suggested, “A better system would be to give teams the same amount of money so they can get the tools to improve.”
Lavia in Canada Women’s Cricket squad
“I MUST GIVEGod thanks and praise for all He has done.”
These were the first words uttered by Vincentian Terisha ‘Bess’ Lavia, when she got the news that she was included in Canada’s National Women’s Cricket Training Squad for the ICC World Cup qualifiers, beginning with a round involving the ‘Americas.’, comprised of Argentina, Brazil, Canada and the USA.
Lavia, a former national Under-23 and senior player, who cites retired West Indies player Julianna Nero as her idol, recalled, “When I came to Canada… the level of women cricket was not the level I played in SVG but it would have been selfish to have the experience and knowledge of the game and not share it. Not only did I play, but I also guided the young girls about the game.”
Terisha ‘Bess’ Lavia hopes to impact positively on Canada’s performance in the World Cup Qualifies.
to share her knowledge and not just play.
“Playing for Canada was always knocking at my door step, it was just a matter of time and being eligible to play for Canada and I am grateful,” she admitted.
And as for Canada’s chances at qualifying, she said, “It would be phenomenal for them to reach the World Cup. It’s not going be an easy hurdle but we have a group of talented and experienced girls who are ready to play in the march qualifiers,” and declared optimistically, “ I am looking forward to being a part of the team that would go beyond and into the World Cup stage.”
Lavia recognized that, “Cricket is growing so fast in Canada, and to be a part of the Canada women training squad is a great feeling.,” She is encouraged by memories of her mother (deceased), who was “proud when I was playing for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. So, I can see her smiling over me.”
And what might have prompted the Canadian selectors to call her up? She pointed to her willingness
Whatever the outcome of Canada’s venture into the Qualifiers, Lavia is in it for the long haul as she prepares herself for a coaching appointment. Towards this end she has successfully completed Cricket Canada Level 1 Coaching Certificate and looks forward to starting the Level 2 course.
Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN
Social activist detained
From Backpage.
There was a heated exchange between Bynoe’s wife and Wace.
That act did not go unnoticed and Bynoe was soon made aware of Wace’s action involving his wife.
He arrived on the scene and an argument ensued between he and Wace which, according to the source, might have developed to the point of an exchange of shoves.
A crowd of locals soon gathered and it
appeared, according to the source, that they had taken umbrage with Bynoe for his exchange with Wace, who apparently had enjoyed a good relation with the people of Canouan.
The report was that Bynoe and his wife had to take refuge in a nearby shop from which the police eventually escorted them.
While being escorted, Bynoe was told he was under arrest and was taken into custody and detained at the Canouan
Police Station. Reports of Bynoe brandishing his licensed firearm as the crowd converged on the shop where Bynoe and his wife had taken refuge, were not confirmed.
What was reported was that the police relieved Bynoe of his licensed firearm which was returned to him on
his release.
All of this happened on the day when Wace was hosting his annual party for residents of Canoaun.
That event is reported to have proceeded as planned and was well attended as it has been through the years, thereby contributing to a return to normalcy in Canouan.
byWILLIAM KOJAH ANTHONY
TERRANCE‘Terry’ Bynoe, a native of the Southern Grenadine island of Canouan, wants to see his homeland develop. And as his record as a social activist shows, he is keen on ensuring that he and the indigenous people of the island live in peace and harmony, with whoever chooses to invest in the country.
In that regard, Bynoe has surfaced as one with an
AI REAL ESTATE
SOCIAL ACTIVIST DETAINED
abiding demonstration of patriotism but the passion which flows natural from this attitude has, from time to time, put him at variance with both locals and investors.
One of those instances
occurred last Friday, January 03, which resulted in him being held at the Canouan Police station for some hours, before he was released without charge.
The detention arose as a
result of an altercation earlier that day, involving Bynoe and Ian Wace, a British financier with investments in the island.
A source reported that Wace was using a blower to
clean the street in an area known as retreat, something, according to the source, he does regularly and without prompting.
As reported, Bynoe’s wife and another person came upon Wace while he was using the blower and apparently he came close to Bynoe’s wife and the blower turned in her direction.
Continued on Page 23.
FRACAS AT LIBERTY LODGE TRAINING CENTRE
by KENVILLE HORNE
A WELL-PLACEDsource informed THE VINCENTIAN that a 16-year-old boy, whose is at the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Centre in Green Hill awaiting trial for murder, was involved in physical altercation with an officer assigned to duty at the Centre.
The incident is said to have occurred on January 4.
The report is that an auxiliary police officer was placed on sick leave after being attacked by a teenager at the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Centre.
The source said the behaviour of the teenager was worrying to the staff.
“He uses the items available and make weapons. Even the plate he gets food into, he using it to make weapon,” the source stated.
According to another source, the teenager and a few others were assigned work on the Training Centre’s farm. They were told that when they had completed their task, they could return to the facility.
However, the officer who had given that instruction was replaced by
another officer and when the boys were finished their task, the replacement officer, unaware of the original instruction told the boys.
“Alyo na finish yet, alyo still have things to do.”
For whatever reason, the teenage in question threw a stone and it hit another juvenile on his ear.
The officer turned to the teenager and said, “You feel you is a big man here. Wait til we go down, see if yo na get lock down,” to which the juvenile replied, “Me nar tek no lock down.”
When the group returned to the Centre, the teenager was instructed to go into the area for lock down.
“But the officer hole on pon him and he push off the officer. So, the officer put him in a chokehold and pinned him to the ground.”
The two became locked in what could only be described as a wrestling match, with the officer showing a swollen face when the fight subsided.
The teenage was able to run to the house master for refuge.
The source expressed that teenager who is charged with murder, along with others accused of other crimes, are an increasing concern.
“Those teenagers are very dangerous and it is impacting those who are trying to be rehabilitated,” another source confirmed.
THE VINCENTIAN understands that the officer who seemed to have come away from the fight the worse off, has given indication that he intends to press charges against the teenager with whom he wrestled.
The Liberty Lodge Boys Training Center was established over forty years ago to cater to young males, ages 7 to 16, who are at face family, educational, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, by offering them the opportunity for skills training so as to become responsible and productive citizens.
The Liberty Lodge Training Centre was not designed, equipped to cater for teenagers who had been charged for serious crimes and awaiting trial.
Terrance Bynoe had to have police escort after his run-in with Wace.
Ian Wace, investor in Canouan, seemed to have had the support from some residents in his altercation with Bynoe.