THE VINCENTIAN PDF-28-02-2025

A.G NOT INVOLVED IN PRISONER’S REMOVAL

Chester King, the St. Lucian at the centre of the ‘controversy’, is perhaps having the last laugh.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

ATTORNEY GENERAL (A.G) GRENVILLE

WILLIAMShas made it clear that he did not instruct anyone to withdraw immigration charges against Chester King, a St. Lucian national.

The AG spoke with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, four

days after Senior Immigration Officer

Veronica Harry told the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, that Chief Immigration Officer Beverly Walker told her that she (Walker) acted on instructions from the Attorney General to withdraw the immigration charges against the St. Lucian. Harry, a Supervisor of Compliance at the Immigration Department, was testifying under oath in an inquiry held in that Court on Monday, to

determine who gave instructions for the St. Lucian to be removed from the state, despite an order by Senior Magistrate Tammika Mckenzie, who presides over that Court, for King to return to Court on Monday, February 24, for bail to be reviewed on those charges.

Harry also told the Court that she checked the records of the Argyle International Airport (AIA) and Seaports, and found no record of King’s departure from SVG.

The Attorney General told THE VINCENTIAN that the AG’s office had received a report on the matter, but he, as AG, did not, and cannot advise on the issue of withdrawal.

He emphasised that the withdrawal of charges lies squarely within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Williams said that the AG’s Chambers is not involved in Criminal Immigration matters, and therefore, was not a party in this matter. He said that probably there might have been some misunderstanding.

After six witnesses were called in the inquiry which was expected to continue on Tuesday, Prosecutor

Shamrock Pierre made an application to the Court on Tuesday, under Section 68 of the Criminal Procedure Code, for the charges to be withdrawn, based on instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

No answers

Up to press time yesterday (Thursday), questions remained unanswered as to who gave the instructions to remove St. Lucian national Chester King from the state, as the inquiry held to make that determination was incomplete.

King’s lawyer, Roderick Jones, has denounced King’s removal, describing it as a complete disregard for an order made by Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, on February 12.

King, who was facing four immigration charges, was mysteriously removed from the state, in defiance of an order by Magistrate McKenzie for him to return to Court on Monday, February 24, for

bail review on the charges.

“It is a concern that somebody could be removed from the state without following proper procedure, and nobody thought it prudent to inform Counsel about the decisions that were made about my client”, Jones told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday.

Continued on Page 3.

Chief Immigration Officer Beverly Walker was alleged to have told the Chief Immigration Officer that the Attorney General had given instructions to withdraw the matter.

Attorney Roderick Jones., representing St. Lucian Chester King, expressed concern about the lack of proper procedure in having someone removed from the state.

Attorney General Grenville Williams denied any involvement on his part or his office’s in an immigration matter involving a St. Lucian.

Marking IntÊl Wheelchair Day

commence at 10:00am from Heritage Square, turning right onto Bay Street, right onto the Market Square then left onto Back Street, and head for the Rally’s venueVictoria Park, where it will enter through the western gate, i.e. the gate facing the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

INTERNATIONAL

WHEELCHAIR DAY will be celebrated on the 1st March, 2025 and the National Society of Persons with disAbilities, SVG (NSPD) will not be left out of the worldwide celebration.

In fact, the NSPD will for the first time join the rest of the world in celebrating the Day. And they will do so

with a March and Rally on Monday 3rd March, 2025. Abled-bodied persons, persons with sensory and physical challenges, especially persons who are wheelchair bound or depend on the wheelchair for assisting them in one way or the other, are invited to join the March and Rally.

The March will

It is anticipated that the March and Rally will be supported by representation from the Kingstown School for Children with Special Needs, Helping Hands Centre, Voices of the Disabled, and students from the St. Mar’ RC and Anglican Primary Schools. The rally will hear addresses from the Minister with Responsibility for Disability AffairsSenator Keisal Peters, and Ms. Andrea AsherCoordinator of the NSPD.

Persons who are disposed to sharing about their wheelchair experiences and what it means to them as a challenged person, will be accommodated at the Rally.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ashers is exuberant about her organisation joining the rest of the world in observing International Wheelchair Day.

The

for easy handling and is ideal for basic needs and therefore should be more readily accommodated by ablebodied people.

“We are glad that we, for the first time, will be making our input on World Wheelchair Day. We are excited to be part of this auspicious occasion as the Day aims to foster awareness among the Vincentian public, and hope for a change in perspective in accepting that wheelchairs are critical to us who have challenges with mobility,” Ashers posited.

The observation of International Wheelchair Day started in 2008 with the purpose(s) of: promoting a more positive perception of people who use wheelchairs; addressing barriers that people who use wheelchairs face in their daily lives; advocating for

equal opportunities and accessibility in public spaces; celebrating diversity; and encouraging dialogue and collaboration between policymakers/the public and organizations. There were wheelchairs before this model that were heavier and even more difficult to manoever. We’ve come a long way.

Both Andrea Ashers, current Coordinator of the NSPD, and Ms. Patricia Cumberbatch, past Coordinator of the NSPD, depend on wheelchairs for dealing with their mobility challenges.

modern Action 2NG wheelchair makes

Vaccine mandate heads for Privy Council

THE MATTER WITH RESPECTto the Government’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate will make its way to the country’s highest appellant court, the Privy Council.

This was confirmed during a joint press briefing held by the Public Service Union (PSU) and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) on February 24.

The decision was taken in response to the decision handed down by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal on February 12 which overturned an earlier decision made by Justice Esco Henry, that the vaccine mandate implemented by the government as per Statutory Rules and Order No 28 of 2021 and under which a number of frontline public sector workers were dismissed, was a breach of natural justice, unlawful, procedurally improper and void.

Two solutions

Elroy Boucher, President of the PSU, told members of the media that there were two solutions to fixing the dilemma, “one is a political solution, and the other was a legal solution.”

Boucher explained that the political solution was for the government to repeal Act No 15, which is the amendment that takes away voluntary vaccination, and recognized that this entailed the calling “on the government to repeal the legislation.”

The legal solution meant that the matter needed to go to the highest court.

“And that is what we have decided to do,” the PSU President said.

A national concern

According to Boucher, the Appeal Court’s ruling could not remain because the decision to take the matter to the Privy Council was not just for the dismissed workers, but for the entire country — a lesson for present and future governments around the region.

Boucher spoke of the impact that the measure has had on affected workers saying that the recent ruling meant that those individuals will continue to “suffer the pain and hardship brought upon them three years ago.”

“They and their families will continue to share at the hardships,” he said.

The PSU President maintained that an individual had the right to decide what went into his/her body but in the case of the vaccine mandate, that fundamental right had been taken away.

Not a dictatorship

Oswald Robinson, President of the SVGTU added that the government was tampering with the constitution.

He said that the Public Service Commission was responsible for the employment of public sector workers, but when the government implements such a law (i.e. the vaccine mandate law), then it demonstrates that the government wanted to control and manipulate.

Robinson joined his colleague in saying that the SR&O No 28 and 15 should be repealed, because they changed the original laws and failed to recognize people’s rights under the constitution.

The vaccine mandate case of public sector workers against the government is now on its way to the Privy Council.

“This is a democracy, not a dictatorship,” he asserted.

“We need to let the government know, and the public, that this matter is going to go to the Privy Council,” Robinson continued.

Unity of purpose

According to him, the unions’ membership had already made the decision, and the unions now had the mandate to carry on the fight for those affected workers.

“We are not going to allow the government to re-enslave us; we are not going to allow any dictators to determine our destiny,” Robinson told members of the media.

The process had already started, he said and that was good news for the populace.

The unions were working together on this, he assured, and he encouraged members of the public to stand in solidarity with them.

“If we allow this thing to stay as it is, they are going to mandate John Public to decide what should go into your body. We can’t sit down and play dead, we have to rise up, stand firm and advocate for freedom of conscience, freedom of religious liberty and reap the benefits of this important

exercise”, Robinson said.

Government’s offer

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, while speaking on radio on February 26, said that he had no issue with the decision to go to the Privy Council.

“That is their right, nobody can have an objection to that...it is our final court [and if] a litigant wants to go there, that’s fine,” Gonsalves said.

Elroy Boucher, PSU President, spoke of the union’s action as having meaning for the nation as a whole.

Oswald Robinson, President of the SGTU, considers the ‘Vaccine Mandate’, as akin to the action of a dictatorship.

He again encouraged affected workers to go to the office of the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) and indicate on the form that they want to return to work.

A.G

not

According to the prime minister, the state was not obligated to rehire such individuals, but it was a part of the healing process. (DD)

involved in prisoner’s removal

Continued from Frontpage.

“Today, we still don’t know who gave the order for King to be removed from the state and how it was given”, Jones added. THE VINCENTIAN understands that King was sent back to St. Lucia and has since been charged with attempted murder in that country. (See related story on page 4.)

Deputy Commissioner of Police Frankie Joseph gave instruction for the preparation of a production order.

WHEN PROSECUTOR

SHAMROCK PIERREmade an application to the Court on Tuesday, under Section 68 of the Criminal Procedure Code, for the immigration-related charges to be withdrawn against St. Lucia Chester King, based on instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Magistrate McKenzie upheld the Prosecutor’s application.

Pierre gave no reasons for the application, as the prosecution is not required to give reasons for withdrawing charges.

However, when he was questioned by THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Pierre said that it made no sense to keep the immigration charges live when King was

Immigration Charges withdrawn: Inquiry mounted

already removed from the state, and has since been charged with attempted murder in his homeland.

When asked why the DPP’s officer had not withdrawn the charges before, the Prosecutor said that the DPP’s office had no knowledge that King was removed from the state until the inquiry was held.

When asked about Senior Immigration Officer Veronica Harry’s testimony that Chief Immigration Officer Beverly Walker told her that the Attorney General had given instructions to withdraw the matter, Pierre said that he could not answer that, but he made it clear that the DPP’s office has the sole authority to instruction the withdrawal of charges, and he explained that all Prosecutions fall under the DPP’s office.

The St. Lucian had appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on February 12 where he pleaded not guilty to four immigration charges.

Pierre, who was the Prosecutor in that Court at the time, objected to bail and the Magistrate upheld his

objection. She then adjourned the matter to Monday for bail review, and a trial date was set for March 4.

But when the matter was recalled on Monday, King was not brought to Court, and the Court heard that he was removed from the state.

And even after she upheld the Prosecutions decision to withdraw the case, she instituted an inquiry into the removal of the St. Lucia.

That inquiry began on Monday and was expected to continue on Tuesday.

The first witness who testified at the inquiry was Superintendent of Prisons, Dwayne Bailey, who told the Court that the Prison had received a production order for the St. Lucia to be handed over to the police to be sent back to St. Lucia.

Bailey said that the last information he had was that King was wanted in St. Lucia for attempted murder and was sent back there.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Frankie Joseph said in his evidence that on the morning of February 21, he

Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre told the Court that he was withdrawing the charges against Chester King, as per instructions from the DPP.

got a call from the Acting Prison boss saying that there was a St. Lucian at the prison and two police officers were there to pick him up to take him back to St. Lucia.

On learning that, Joseph said he got the Process Department of the Police Force to prepare a production order, and to get the name of the St. Lucian from the Prisons. He said he was told there was no Magistrate around at the time, so he asked Justice of the Peace Kenneth John to sign the document, to which he approved.

Corporal Delroy Peters of the Process Department was instructed to take it to John to be signed.

When King’s lawyer Roderick Jones asked Joseph, “You are aware that removal can take the form of a deportation or removal order”? Joseph said, “The only thing I could speak of is the production order, not a removal order”.

The Deputy CoP said he did not know what the charges were and he did not ask. He

Superintendent of Prisons, Dwayne Bailey, said he acted upon presentation of a production order for the removal of the prisoner.

said, “Persons are released from Prison all the time and we don’t ask”. He also told the Court that “I have no knowledge of who the officers were or who sent them”, referring to the officers who went to the prison to collect the St. Lucian. He also denied any knowledge of whether King was still in the country or not.

‘Chak’ charged with second murder Seven charged in gun, ammo seizure

LEMAR‘Chak’ Isaacs, one of six persons awaiting a Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) into the July 16, 2024 robbery at the South Rivers branch of the Government Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU), has been charged with a second murder. Isaacs, a 23-year-old labourer of McKie’s Hill, was arrested on February 24 and charged with the September 9, 2023 murder of Mark Williams, a 31year-old vendor of New Montrose, stemming from a shooting incident at Old Montrose.

Isaacs was not required to plead when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday. He was remanded and the matter was adjourned until March 24.

This charge came less than a year after Isaacs was charged with the murder of Murray’s Village businessman Zeno ‘Sarge’ Lee, who was shot and killed in that community on June 16, 2024.

Isaacs, along with Erasto Da Silva, a 26-year-old bartender of Canouan, Esroy Pirate Jeffers, 28, of

Lemar ‘Chak’ Isaacs now has two murder charges to answer.

Buccament, Sharome Dopwell, 21, of Paul’s Avenue, Enrique John, 27 of Layou, and a lone female Rakiesha Joseph of Layou are charge with robbery, attempted murder, firearm and ammunition possession, using a firearm in the commission of a robbery and damage to the building, all stemming from the GECCU robbery, for which they were all granted bail.

However, Isaacs was charged and remanded in connection with the first murder while on bail for the robbery.

THREEmore persons, including two women, have been charged following the police seizure of an illegal gun and ammunition on February 14.

GA lock 21 pistol

Derald Knights, along with Vicki Davis and Mona Garrick, all of Ottley Hall, have been charged with possession of a Glock 21 pistol and eight rounds of .45 ammunition without license. They pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared at the Serious Offenses Court last week and were each granted $10,000 bail on the condition that they report to the Central Police Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

They were charged jointly with Alicia Mason, an 18-year-old woman of Ottley Hall, Caswald Providence 19, Jermine Spencer, and D’Nelson Lewis, both 22, all of Rose Place.

They made their appearance at the same court on February 17, pleaded not guilty, and were also granted $10,000 bail with reporting conditions. The matter has been adjourned until March 18.

Grace for North Windward

IF IT WASN’T BEFORE, it is now official: Dr. Grace Walters, Hospital Administrator at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, will be the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate in the North Windward constituency, for the 2025 general election.

Dr. Walters was nominated by a Conference of the ULP held last Sunday, Feb. 23, in Sandy Bay, where she was born.

She became the second high ranking civil servant to be named to the ULP slate of candidates for the 2025 general election, the other being Attorney General Grenville Williams.

Dr. Walters received the full backing of the Leader of the ULP- Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and that of incumbent ULP Parliamentary Representative for the constituency- Montgomery Daniel.

Daniel had indicated some time ago that he was not going to make himself available as a candidate in the “next” (2025) general election.

Dr. Walters’ name surfaced as his replacement, very early following Daniel’s announcement.

Ready for the job

Prime Minister/Leader of the ULP Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in addressing last Sunday’s Conference, reminded his audience that their nominee was a Sandy Bay native who had risen to acclaimed academic heights, earning a Doctorate in Health Care Administration and Management, a Master’s Degrees in Nursing and Health Care Administration, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

He also highlighted Dr. Walters’ early service as a nurse/midwife in her native Sandy Bay, and recalled her even after having to move to

Kingstown, returning to worship in Sandy Bay.

Having on more than one occasion described Daniel as one of the most successful ministers of government in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he reiterated his assessment and pointed to Dr. Walters as having the commitment and capacity to build on what Daniel has left as his legacy.

The path is now cleared for a ding song battle between two ladies of North Windward for that seat. It is the first time that two women will contest in the same election in that constituency.

North Windward through the years

Opposition NDP Senator Shevern John, who lost to Daniel in her first outing in 2020, will return as that party’s candidate. She will be encouraged, this time around, by the fact that she will be going up against a “newbie”, but she will have to bear in mind that Walters will have the full support of a party machinery that has ensured five general elections victories for the ULP.

It will not be the first time that the constituency will be represented by a woman. Ivy Joshua was the first to do so in 1957, when she was confirmed as the Assembly Member for the North Windward Electoral District of Saint Vincent, becoming the first woman to serve in the island’s Legislative Council.

She was reelected for the same district in 1961 and repeated the feat in 1966, 1972 and 1974.

Ivy Joshua lost the North Windward seat in 1979 to Peter Ballantyne, who was the first persons of

Kalinago stock to represent that constituency, and the first to bring victory for the then St. Vincent Labour Party in that constituency.

The NDP’s David Jack displaced Ballantyne in 1984 and since 2001, the constituency has been in the hands of the ULP — that morphed from a previous accommodation between the SVLP and the Movement for National Unity.

Dr. Grace Walters has taken the plunged into party politics in SVG with the hope to retain the North Windward seat for the ULP.

The question is: Can Dr. Walters retain the seat for the ULP or will Senator John reclaim it for the NDP?

Whatever the result, the seat will go to a native of the constituency and a woman, which might just begin another period akin to that of Ivy Joshua, when she seemed to have been immovable from North Windward.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has given his full support to Dr. Walters’ debut as a ULP candidate.

Views

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

Is Trump a Narcissist?

Are you looking for an alternative?

Relevance to the Caribbean

been returned as the President of the United States of America. And it’s as if with his return, the proverbial flood gates are opened.

For there has been no end to the questions thrown at this column.

Among these: Do you believe Trump will deport all those immigrants? Do you believe Trump will cut off aid to the Caribbean? And so on and so on, until it got to a real juicy one: Do you believe Trump is a Narcissist like some people in the Caribbean?

That stopped us in our tracks. And while the question solicited it a yes or no answer, we choose instead to offer some food for thought. At the end of the day, readers can decide for themselves.

There are three main things that mean the world to a Narcissist. Not to have at least two of these going for them, is to have nothing.

Usually, the things Narcissists care about are very self-serving and superficial and are a true reflection of their Narcissistic insecurity.

The first thing that means the world to the Narcissist is their image - the way they look, dress, etc. Image is everything to a Narcissist. Sociopaths, on the other hand, would have no problem being unkept; they make an effort to be tidy only when it suits them.

But Narcissists, especially as they ag, still want to hold on to their ‘youth’, when they walk out of that door; they see it as a performance. Everything has to be in line with the image that they are trying to push.

So, Narcissists invest time, money, and energy to look good and get people to think quite highly of them. Everything they do is to improve their reputation and status. And the only people who get to see behind the disguise are those closest to them like their partners and children.

The second thing that means the world to the Narcissist is their Narcissistic Supply, which usually comes as a result of the image that they have created. They need attention, compliments, and praise

to feel good about themselves. They need to know that they are loved by the masses and held in high esteem. So they will mingle with the ‘masses’ (supporters?).

But they also need that dark Narcissistic Supply that they get from hurting and betraying those that they claim to love.

And in order to get this, they have to deceive people into getting into a relationship with them. The amount of effort the Narcissist puts into getting their Narcissistic Supply is enough proof to show how much it matters to them. With Narcissists, people are just a means to an end, and that is why they are not able to truly love or care for anyone. Because all they want from us is their Narcissistic Supply. It makes them feel powerful and in control.

The third thing the Narcissist cares about is Money and Power. Money helps them to boost their fake image. They refuse to accept that money cannot buy happiness. So, they are driven to be successful so that they can have more.

They have also realized that with more money, they can have control over more people. They can use their finances to keep certain people in their lives. And with money, as with everything else, the Narcissist cannot have enough and is never satisfied with what they have. With more money comes more power, and Narcissists take pleasure in controlling the lives of people and being feared.

But for all they think they are worth, Narcissists are weak, insecure, and highly dependent on the people around them to make them feel better about themselves, or distract from their inner turmoil.

So, they do emphasis their fake image as this is their green card to get access to more people. And more people mean more Narcissistic Supply which is the fuel for life. And finally, money and power are tools to help them gain even more control, maintain their image and provide further Narcissistic Supply. Thanks to Quora. Nuff said!

VOTING FOR A THIRD PARTYor an independent candidate carries the stigma of a “wasted vote.” Why is that the case? In our short history of elections, we have had a few occasions when a third party or candidate successfully competed and made a difference. However, given how that unique opportunity was used at the time makes us hesitant to consider third parties as options today. After all, who can forget Sir. James Mitchell, and how he used this unique opportunity in 1972? He was our most consequential independent candidate to date. The most successful third part (regarding the number of votes received) was the MNU in 1994, winning one seat in the parliament and over eight thousand votes.

As we enter this year of elections, we are hearing of the formation of a few new political parties and some independent candidates planning to challenge the ruling ULP for the governance of our country. This is not the time or place to offer specific comments on these alternatives. Today, I will opine on what I want to see from all those seeking my vote, especially (from) those outside the two major parties. So, what do I expect from a third-party candidate? You must be willing to provide a clear alternative/option to the major parties and be role models for change and inclusivity. I am not big on conventional labels, but at a minimum, I must understand your fiscal and social philosophy as a party. As things go on in SVG, it is too early to say who these candidates are and how they can help advance the conversation about building SVG.

Even though they describe themselves differently, my primary concern with the two major parties is that their philosophies are much closer to each other than they will have us believe. Apart from a few development strategies, they are very much the same. One somewhat clear difference is their half-hearted foreign policy position on “One China.” I look forward to when someone from the NDP would tell us precisely what or why it is. Until then, I will leave that in the undecided category. The ULP would have us believe that another significant difference is the position with respect to a Citizenship by Investment

Programme. Still, a closer look would reveal that both parties are intensely interested in securing foreign investors and investments, and rightly so. They are just willing to go about it in slightly different ways.

My point today is that when considering a third party, an independent candidate, or one of the conventional parties for the next election, it is vital to recognize the importance of your decision. Most importantly, it is essential to carefully consider your options and make an informed choice that aligns with your beliefs and values, not fears. Our country will get the government we deserve and the opposition we earn, so please do not allow yourself to be bullied. In a system dominated by two major parties, some people may try to convince you that your decision to exercise your franchise for an alternative candidate or party is why their party lost. Please do not fall for that trick. You are who you are and must do what is best for you and our country now.

I distinctly remember the disappointment I felt when, in 1979, the UPM lost every contested seat. Yet, looking back forty-six years later, I can confidently say that we were unprepared for that challenge.

As stated earlier, when we, the people, were presented with a viable alternative in 1994 to vote for something different other than the two established major parties, over 17% of us took that option. Unfortunately, the MNU, in its haste to obtain power, pushed them into an arranged marriage with the St. Vincent Labour Party for the next election. In doing so, we had two sets of compromised political philosophies and many contradictory policies. SVG is the poorer for this today. We no longer have a clear choice of viable political alternatives with separate and distinct options.

When considering whether to vote for a third-party candidate, weighing the pros and cons is essential. Every thirdparty or independent candidate must offer a viable alternative. We cannot allow our choices to be reduced to what Pope Francis described regarding the last U.S. election as a selection between the lesser of two evils.

Horatio.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

SO DONALD TRUMPhas

General elections observers

WHEN THEREis a general election, observers are usually invited from Caricom and beyond. I think it’s a waste of time and resources.

They are not here long enough. They arrive close to the election date. On polling day, they appear to be busy throughout the state. After a day or two after the polls, they declare the elections free and fair. They don’t stay on to see if ballots not signed were counted as valid. They do not see

questionable rejected ballots as was the case in North Leeward in 2020.

The observers are not aware of the movements of voters from one constituency to another to bolster support for a particular candidate.

There are unscrupulous justices of peace who accommodate them when they endorse their transfer applications. As soon as the elections are over, they return from whence they came.

Most Polling Stations

are run by supporters or activists of the party in government. It would be easy for them to get young, inexperienced opposition agents to briefly exit the Polling Station if they want to do their ‘thing’.

An ex-government minister of this region once said at a public meeting, “it is not the votes that count, but it is who counts the votes.”

Those are a few examples (there are many more) to show elections may be free but not fair.

Concerned citizen

Andrew John says thanks

Dear Colleagues, Friends and Constituents,

IAM WRITINGto express my heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous support and contributions that made the opening of the Constituency Office on Saturday, 22nd February 2025 an overwhelming success. The turnout was truly remarkable, and it was heartening to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of so many members of our

community. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Women’s Arm of the Constituency for their exceptional effort in providing delicious food. Their hard work and culinary skills added a special touch to the event, making it even more enjoyable for all attendees.

Additionally, I would like to thank the platform speakers, including the President of the Party for their

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* How much money has been spent on government vehicles, to include police vehicles, over the last twenty years?

* How much money has been spent on insuring these vehicles over the last twenty years?

* If the jet that brought Vybz Kartel here is the same one that ‘stormed’ out of Canouan a few months ago then disappeared? Will it cause a storm if that’s the same jet and the owner’s name is made public?

* Why does the government continue to use taxpayers’ money to fight taxpayers in the courts?

* Can we get back the traffic lights so that more traffic officers can then be assigned to deal with speeding on the roads, vehicles who continue to blast loud music; trucks that do not comply with regulations and those minibus drivers who think they own the roads and other drivers must always give way?

* Who shot Sgt. of Police Philbert Chambers during a police operation at the home of Mr. Gleason Lewis at Campden Park, on April 26, 2020? And have the security cameras and video footage returned to the homeowner?

* Why, according to the Southern Grenadines Parliamentary Representative, is construction and re-construction work going on in Clifton but seems not to be happening at the same pace in Ashton? Is it because one community tends to support the Unity Labour Party and the other the NDP? Which is which??

inspiring speeches and unwavering support. Their words resonated with everyone present and reinforced our shared commitment to the goals and values of our Party.

I am grateful to all who contributed to the success of the opening of the Office, including the volunteers, organisers and attendees. Your collective efforts have set a positive tone for the work ahead and I am

confident that together, we will achieve great things for South Windward.

Once again, thank you for your dedication. I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to strive for a brighter future.

Your Obedient Servant,

Andrew John NDP Candidate for South Windward

Vaccine rule and public opinion

THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN APPEAL COURT recently ruled that the government, to paraphrase, did no wrong when it facilitated legislation that called on workers in the public sector to take the COVID-19 vaccine or considered them dismissed. That it was within its right to have those workers who refused to take the vaccine sent home.

From what I understand, there are still quite a number of those workers at home, though, several of them have since returned to work.

It is all well and good that we have a Court of Appeal and that we are in essence law-abiding persons. We are not the people who will go against the ruling of the Court.

However, there is something called public opinion which, in the long run, seems to hold the most weight. And according to public opinion as I heard it and understand it to be, public opinion was leaning towards saying that the ruling, even though the ruling was in their favour, was not anything that the government should feel proud of.

And if this is what John Public (public opinion) is saying, I want to say to the ULP that this doesn’t look well for them in an election year. It is one thing to say that what you did for the country during the COVID-19 epidemic, prevented the country from going into an even more serious crisis. It is another thing when people realize that people just like them have been forced out of jobs for long periods of time, like a family of mine.

The last thing a political party wants on its record is a mark that said it did not show compassion for its own people.

Whether or not the opposition can work this in their favour is another question.

Charles, Edinboro.

Watch those cruise ships

THE FRENCH Riviera city of Nice led the latest high-profile assault last month after mayor Christian Estrosi unexpectedly declared that he intended to bar large ships from calling at the glitzy resort and its near neighbour Villefranche-sur-Mer, which is a popular stop on Mediterranean itineraries.

Just four days after castigating cruise ships as “monsters of the seas” that “pollute and dump their low-cost clientele”, Estrosi signed an official decree prohibiting

vessels carrying more than 900 passengers from calling at either port from July 1.

In the meantime, Caribbean islands continue to sell our sun, sand and “SEE” to the lowest bidder.

For years I’ve preached that cruise ship passengers are the poorest travellers and don’t spend much.

We need to set higher standards. It’s gratifying that Nice (France) is doing so.

Currently, the people that make money from cruise ship passengers

are the cruise operators and airlines. The smallest part of that expenditure is at the ports/countries visited. We must change this!! Paddy

Passport robber barons financing anti-Ralph campaign

THE ISSUE

THE ROBBER BARONS OVERSEAS who are itching to make multiple millions of dollars in the selling of our patrimony (our citizenship and passports) are financing, and ramping up, the campaign against Comrade Ralph and the Unity Labour Party (ULP) as the 2025 general elections draw nearer. In this venture they are in league, locally, with the following, among others: (i) Favoured lawyers, accountants, passport agents, wannabe members of Cabinet, and wannabe influential state officials who are lining up to the prospective trough to make loads of money from the sale of our passports and citizenship; (ii) Handpicked “journalists” and “commentators” on newspapers, online publications, and radio stations who are being paid to carry anti-Ralph and anti-ULP stories, oft-times masquerading as “objective journalism and commentaries”; (iii) the opposition forces in SVG who are thirsting and hungering to get rid of Ralph and the ULP, and who are salivating for the opportunity to sell our citizenship and passports; and (iv) allied political/diplomatic operators in two nearby countries who want to get rid of Taiwan from SVG and who intend to profit from the proposal by the robber barons to sell our citizenship and passports.

The ULP government, for sound reasons, is opposed to the breaking of relations with Taiwan and the establishing of diplomatic relations with mainland China; and we are opposed also to the sale of our patrimony (citizenship and passports). The assorted amalgam of self-seekers against Ralph and the ULP will not succeed. We do have evidence of their perfidy.

NO SELLING OF OUR PATRIMONY

The ULP is unalterably opposed to the selling of our citizenship and passports on the grounds of principle and practicality. We must assert, as a matter of principle, that the office of citizenship is the highest in our land; higher than that of Governor General and Prime Minister; it is not a commodity for sale. The passport is the outward sign of the inward grace of citizenship, and that, too, is not for sale.

Secondly, as a matter of practicality, the selling of our citizenship and passports is wrong for the following reasons: (i) It is wellnigh impossible for a small country to screen properly the large number of purchasers of citizenship and passports; assorted vagabonds and undesirables slip through creating undue security and reputational problems for our country; (ii) Countries to which our people largely migrate such as USA, Britain, Canada, and European Union member-states are opposed, on various grounds, to the selling of citizenship and passports; thus, sanctions against our country and our people ranging from travel restrictions to the cutting of corresponding banking relations will be on the cards; (iii) selling citizenship and passports is not sustainable; thus

to opt for it as a principal revenue measure for governments is reckless; it is akin to the ongoing consumption of cocaine by an addict; (iv) the selling of our patrimony (citizenship and passports) breeds official corruption; (v) the ongoing sale of citizenship and passports empowers more and more the overseas merchants of this trade, and stores up democratic challenges in circumstances where the passport holders want to control our political democracy, directly and indirectly; (vi) the trickle-down from the sale of citizenship and passports into the hands of public servants (for example, an extra month’s salary for public servants, and in other ways) is immediately spent on the importation of foreign goods which are oft-times not really needed; (vii) this dastardly selling of our patrimony devalues our citizenship and our passport to the detriment of our people’s welfare, overall.

The NDP trumpets that there is a pot of gold at the end of the selling of our citizenship and passports. But there is no pot of gold there. Even if, such sale was truly a game-changer in terms of bringing money to the country, where do you stop in your selling? Do you set up a Statesponsored whore-house on the ground that its operation will be lucrative? Surely, there must be limits to this kind of selling of our souls for a mess of pottage. Why do serious countries such as Barbados, Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago refuse to sell their citizenship and passports?

SVG-TAIWAN RELATIONS

SVG and the Republic of China (Taiwan) established diplomatic relations in August 1981, nearly 44 years ago. These relations have been excellent and have benefited SVG and Taiwan significantly. There is no sufficient reason to alter this relationship. On this the ULP government is firm!

First, as a matter of principle, SVG avers that no country ought ever to persuade or bully us against our people’s will to cut relations with one country (Taiwan) and establish links with another (People’s Republic of China — PRC). The government of SVG does not accept bullying on international relations, neither from the west nor the east.

Secondly, the government of SVG accepts that both the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC hail from one Chinese civilisation; but as in all civilisations, there exist, and can exist harmoniously, more than one legitimate political expression organised as a State in any civilisation. Thus, both ROC (Taiwan) and PRC as legitimate state expressions can be, and are, separate within the one Chinese civilisation.

Continued on Page 22.

SVG is falling apart

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES IS grappling with a myriad of challenges which the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) government is unable to solve. The government’s inability to effectively address these critical issues has sparked a clarion call for change in the country. It is widely expressed by most Vincentians that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is falling apart.

The troubling situation at the Girls High School is a perfect example of negligence and poor management of the ULP government. The school was forced to close its doors again due to flea infestation. It is a sad situation for students, teachers and parents of the Girls High School which has been housed in temporary facilities at the old ET Joshua Airport Tarmac for almost five years. Similarly, the Thomas Saunders Secondary School has been housed in temporary facilities at Arnos Vale. Despite government promises for reconstruction of the school, it has yet to materialize. This lack of action by the government not only compromises the quality of education but also underscores a broader failure in governance, reflecting a disregard for the well-being and future of our students.

Recently, the World Bank released a damning report on education in the Caribbean, it captioned, ‘Caribbean education in crisis’. It highlights among other things the low past rate in Mathematics, the serious problems of numeracy, literacy and critical thinking in the education system. The report further states that teaching practices in the Caribbean are still quite traditional, focusing on the rigid curricula that do not meet the needs of the 21st century learners and the current education system is failing to prepare students for the work force. Is St. Vincent and the Grenadines excluded from this report? No!

We also brought to the fore the alarming dropout rate of secondary school students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines which is the highest among the other countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. Members of our party have consistently raised awareness about the urgent issues plaguing the education sector and have been urging the government to implement necessary changes. Despite our repeated calls for action, there has been a glaring lack of action from the government. Instead of addressing these critical challenges, the government seems content to promote its catchphrase of an ‘Education Revolution’, while failing to deliver real solutions for the students and educators who are most affected.

It was Major Leacock who said, ‘St. Vincent and the Grenadines is poverty rich.’ The figures and the reality on the ground are evidence of the increasing poverty in the country under the ULP government. The Poverty Assessment Report which was shelved by the government drew attention to the alarming state of poverty in the country, which revealed a troubling trend that undermines the government’s narrative of progress. The findings indicate that poverty rates have escalated dramatically, rising from 30.2% in 2008 to a staggering 36.1% by 2018. Additionally, the level of extreme

poverty, or indigence, has surged from 2.9% to 11.3% in a nation with a population of about 110,000 people. This stark increase in poverty levels over the past decade has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of current policies of the ULP government and the overall socioeconomic landscape of the country. Further, Member of Parliament for East Kingstown, Fitz Bramble, revealed that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, over 40,000 individuals are struggling to make ends meet, living on less than $14 a day, which places them below the national poverty line. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing issue of economic hardship faced by a significant number of Vincentians. Many families are forced to navigate daily challenges, such as securing basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.

Our country is faced with a cost-ofliving crisis which the ULP government seems to be ignoring. The rising cost of essential goods and services has placed a tremendous burden on families and individuals alike. Low wages, high unemployment, and increased poverty have created a dire situation for many families. As the cost of living continues to rise, the standard of living has declined sharply, forcing families to make tough choices just to get by. Essentials that were once easily attainable are now luxuries that many are unable to afford. It is a heartbreaking reality that those who were already struggling are suffering the most.

In our region, the difference in wages is striking, with salaries in St. Vincent and the Grenadines the lowest; falling 50% in some instances below those of our neighboring countries, making us the lowest paid in the region. This significant wage gap not only affects the financial wellbeing of workers but also hampers economic growth and competitiveness in our local job market. Addressing this issue is crucial for attracting workers and ensuring that our citizens can enjoy a better quality of life. Our road network is the worst it has been in living memory. For 24 years, the ULP government has turned a blind eye to the deteriorating state of our roads. Huge potholes and lack of maintenance of these roads have become the norm severely impacting pedestrians and the travelling public, and causing financial strain on vehicle owners. Immediate action is needed to prioritize road repairs to ensure that our transportation system is functioning effectively.

The ULP has failed Vincentians. It has been in power for too long. It is clear that they have been unable to address these pressing issues that are affecting Vincentians. Too many Vincentians are enduring severe hardships and are struggling to make ends meet. The New Democratic Party has a plan to revitalize our economy and restore hope for a brighter future for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

More than a bad moment

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford (1863-1947) American industrialist and business magnate and founder of the Ford Motor Company.

LIFE WOULD BE BORINGif we only experienced good times and happy moments. While we aspire to be happy and to experience those “mountain top moments”, there are multiple benefits derived from the “valley experiences” if/when we possess the right attitude to learn from such experiences. One writer once noted that, “It is on the mountain that we glow, but in the valley that we grow.” Another said it well by noting that, “Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.”

Life is a complex tapestry of triumphs and disappointments. It provides a combination of joy and merriment but also ushers in moments of pain, trauma, distress, or failure that may be described as “emotional tsunamis” — drowning the innocent and unsuspecting with worry and trepidation and leaving a trail of anguish, regret, and self-pity. The trail of emotional devastation can sometimes feel overwhelming and, if not properly understood and appreciated, can usher in moments that take the weary to the brink of the chasm of despair, emotional strangulation, and/or mental ill-health. However, as painful and traumatic as such situations may appear, they do not define who we are; they are merely passing moments in the grand story of who we are and reminders of the wisdom enshrined in Dr. Robert Schuller’s encouraging statement that, “tough times never last but tough people do”. These too will pass. “More Than a Bad Moment” reminds us that our lives are not limited to a single setback, and that the determination to continue our pursuit of noble dreams and ambitions can usher in glorious opportunities that outshine and outstrip the bad moments that we experience.

Bad moments can emerge from many sources: betrayal, abandonment, financial loss, an accident, a failure, or a myriad of similarly painful experiences. However, while these events are considered traumatic, they are often temporary. As difficult and debilitating as such instances may be, they do not define our lives. For example, a student may fail an exam and incorrectly conclude that their entire future is compromised. However, they often have the opportunity to learn from that experience and to try again — more focused, better prepared, and more determined to succeed. Similarly, a marital relationship could disintegrate and culminate in a painful divorce. However, this does not mean that either party (or both) cannot find love and/or trust again. These two scenarios are not intended to minimize the extent of the trauma that emerges from such instances but remind us that, while the situations may be emotionally devastating, the story can have a glorious ending when we look beyond the bad moment.

Based on the foregoing, we understand and appreciate that bad moments, as painful and traumatic as they may be, are transient. They too will pass. Our lives will periodically be punctuated by moments of sadness, disappointment, or frustration. These may seem to slow our progress and create unexpected setbacks. However, while we do not trivialize the pain and emotional devastation that often accompany such experiences, we understand that time has a way of healing wounds. And, using this analogy, the bleeding will eventually stop; the wound will heal; the scab will form; and the pain will cease. The scar will remind us that the hemorrhage had occurred but, with patience, we realize that we often emerge being stronger and wiser. Such experiences should make us better — not bitter. They often put us in a position where we can empathize with others who may go through similar challenges on their life’s journey and we, through our sharing, can be winds beneath their wings.

Many individuals who have gone through hard times will testify that they were able to regroup, refocus, and develop the resolve to succeed. This kind of resilience is critical in our efforts to rebound from hurt and failures. Resilience is not about avoiding hardship but about how we respond to life’s varied challenges. Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem “And Still I Rise” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq Oqo50LSZ0) reflects this reality. She reminds us that we can rise from fear, pain, loss, or disappointment. She advocates that there is a nobleness that comes from rising again; hope can still spring forth after such situations.

We can find hope even in the most trying situations. History is replete with examples of successful individuals in business, government, and the wider society, who encountered significant setbacks, only to rebound with greater energy and focus. We can gain new insights and sharpen our resolve when we consider individuals like Thomas Edison (1847-1931), the American inventor and businessman who is credited for inventing the light bulb. After thousands of unsuccessful experiments, he is recorded as remarking that he had not failed, but instead had found 10,000 ways that did not work. Such a focus ignites imagination and propels innovation. Having a proactive mindset and a commitment to persist even against great odds are often considered the hallmark of successful individuals. Bad moments can be valuable sources of growth. The resulting introspection as a result of the hardship can generate valuable personal growth. We can be reassured that situations that initially appeared to be setbacks can later be recognized as opportunities for self-discovery, retooling of attitudes and skills, and for valuable transformation.

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

Workers rest hope in Privy Council Appeal

‘WHEN I WAS IN PRISONfighting for my life, I decided to read for a masters in commercial law because I wanted to be as sharp as possible when assisting in drafting legal documents and legal submissions. I learned that a given word or the turn of a phrase could determine a case involving tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. I wanted to bring that keen eye to my legal work.’ Joseph Ewart Layne is a Grenadian legal luminary and a key figure in the Grenada Revolution.

Vincentian workers dismissed over their refusal to take the ineffective and deadly COVID-19 vaccine have decided to take their quest for justice to the Privy Council. The decision came at a joint press conference of St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union and the Public Service Union last Monday, days after the Court of Appeal overturned Justice Esco Henry’s judgment that found the mandate unconstitutional, unlawful, ultra vires, procedurally improper, and disproportionate.

The decision is crucial because it comes against mounting pressure from official circles and the media for the workers to abandon their quest for justice and redemption, ‘accept the government’s olive branch, take the road less travelled, and employ the good offices of the Labour Congress and employers’ to resolve their grievances.

PM Gonsalves has refused to reinstate the workers. Instead, invoking the Christian values of ‘compassion and mercy’, he beseeched them to reapply for their jobs with a restoration of ‘all of their benefits.’ However, he said the dismissed workers could kiss their salaries from December 2021 goodbye because the Court of Appeal ruled in his favour. White men are notorious for speaking with forked tongues.

The workers drew strength for their appeal from Justice of Appeal Gerhart Wallbank’s brilliant dissenting opinion, which the government derisively described as the musing of a ‘commercial lawyer,’ as opposed to Justice of Appeal Eddy Ventose’s scholarly constitutional erudition in the court’s majority opinion. We shall see. I am no legal scholar, but I hope beyond hope that the Privy Council will make short shrift of the ruling, which another legal mind described as ‘wooden, schematic and mechanical.’

Justice Wallbank argued that the dismissed workers presented enough facts and law for the court to have dismissed the government’s appeal.

The workers’ cause gained accelerated impetus last Sunday when two Grenadian Kings’ counsel, Dr Francis Alexis, undoubtedly one of the most renowned constitutional scholars in the Caribbean, said he was convinced that this is a case that the apex court should ‘review and render an opinion.’ Dr Alexis was speaking on Legal Eyes, an online/radio program that addresses critical legal issues.

Delving into Justice Ventose’s opinion, Dr Alexis, speaking about Regulation 31, which lays down the law on when and how an employee is deemed to have abandoned her job, said, ‘Justice Ventose’s statement that Regulation 31 is automatic is very unfortunate. There is nothing automatic about it.’

Ruggles Ferguson KC questioned the majority’s application of the proportionality test, which requires an analysis of the following:

1. Did the government’s action pursue a legitimate aim?

2. Were the means employed suitable to achieve that aim?

3. Is there a minimal or least intrusive means available?

4. Is the balance between individual rights and state objectives satisfactory?

While agreeing that the government pursued a legitimate aim and that the means employed were suitable to achieve that aim, KC Ferguson noted that in applying parts three and four of the test, the majority appeared to have disregarded ‘the purposive or generous approach’ the Privy Council said must be used when dealing with matters

concerning citizens’ fundamental rights.

Lord Wilberforce first articulated this approach in Fisher, a 1980 decision out of Bermuda. Human rights matters required the Court to take ‘’a generous interpretation avoiding what has been called the ‘austerity of tabulated legalism’, suitable to give individuals the full measure of the fundamental rights and freedoms referred to.’

The principle was again affirmed in 1984 in Attorney-General of The Gambia v. Momodou Jobe. There, Lord Diplock stated that: ‘[a] constitution, and in particular that part of it which protects and entrenches fundamental rights and freedoms to which all persons in the state are to be entitled, is to be given a generous and purposive construction.’

At paragraph 92 of the opinion Justice Ventose noted that it was fatal to the workers case that no expert scientific evidence was adduced that there were less intrusive means the government could have utilised to achieve its legitimate objectives. To me this amounted to a suspension of basic common sense because among the 13 less intrusive suggestion of the workers was to allow them to perform their duties virtually. One does not need a science guru to conclude that a public employee working from his home could not infect his colleagues at work.

In finding that the Court failed to apply the proportionality test properly, Justice Wallbank was trenchant in reply, ‘Speaking for myself, I regard it as self-evident and indisputable, requiring no further establishment, that the impugned termination measure in the present case was draconian, or severe, or drastic, or intrusive, or whatever other similar description might be applied to it. That is because it deprived employees of their employment, their livelihoods for themselves and their dependents, of their financial benefits, socially marginalised them and traumatised them. Not many measures could be more draconian than that lifedestroying measure.’

Addressing the vital importance of constitutions, Justice Wallbank reminded his colleagues that ‘Constitutions have only one function: to protect the residents of a State from abuses of power and excess of authority by those who are supposed to serve them. Constitutions are there to protect the residents of a State including and especially when times are difficult... The magnitude and gravity of ‘COVID’, as perceived by many, including the decision-makers in government, did not, and cannot, trump the application of constitutional and legal safeguards.

It would set an extremely dangerous precedent if governments could assume they would not be held by the courts to adhere to the demands of a Constitution or the law if the government and the media represent a situation as sufficiently serious to warrant this. If a measure breaches legal or constitutional principles, then the gravity of a situation cannot save it. Constitutions typically contain mechanisms for dealing with emergencies. As we will see, the Constitution of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is no different. Where, as in this case, such mechanisms have not been used, the full force of constitutional and legal protections continue to apply.’

We fully support Justice Wallbank’s opinion and sincerely hope that the law lords at the Privy Counsel endorse it and help us make good law. But first the workers must apply for and be granted conditional leave to apply to Apex court.

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

Sports Tourism: A powerful catalyst for economic development and growth

by SHIMANO BAILEY

SPORTS TOURISMis

increasingly recognized as a significant driver of economic development worldwide. This growing sector includes travel to watch or participate in sporting events, and it plays a vital role in national economies. The economic benefits of sports tourism are far-reaching - from generating revenue and creating jobs to bolstering the global reputation of destinations.

The role of infrastructure in supporting Sports Tourism

One of the key elements that facilitates the growth of sports tourism is improved accessibility. St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has made significant strides in this area, with the Argyle International Airport now in its eighth year of operation. The airport expansion has significantly increased access to the island, allowing for more regional and international travel, and making it easier for visitors to

attend sporting events and explore the country.

Coupled with expanding air access to SVG, is the increase and improvement in new accommodation options, SVG is now better positioned to cater to a wide range of tourists. In the last four years, several hotels such as Holiday Inn, Sandals, Myah Suites, and La Vue have opened, while others have expanded their capacity, adding to the growing tourism infrastructure. Additionally, the rise of Airbnb offers a more personalized, budgetfriendly lodging option for travelers. This development in tourism infrastructure is vital in ensuring that St. Vincent and the Grenadines can meet the increasing demand that comes with the influx of sports tourists.

Keys sporting events in SVG: A platform for economic growth

In 2024, St. Vincent and the Grenadines demonstrated the growing influence of sports

tourism with a series of major sporting events. Some of these key events included the OECS Swimming Championships, CONCACAF matches, ICC T20 World Cup matches, and the West Indies T20 series against Bangladesh. These events attracted thousands of regional and international visitors, impacting positively the country’s overnight visitor numbers.

Another notable event was the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge, which brought together athletes from various sports disciplines. Not only did this event create an opportunity for sports enthusiasts to connect, but to raise funds towards purchasing equipment for the Paediatric Ward at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. These high-profile sporting events not only bring economic benefits but also showcase the island’s ability to host worldclass sports events. These

successes position St. Vincent and the Grenadines as an emerging hotspot for regional and international sporting competitions, further increasing the potential for investment in infrastructure, facilities, and tourism promotion.

Long-term benefits and sustainable tourism

While sports tourism offers immediate economic benefits, its potential for sustainable, long-term growth is equally significant. By carefully managing the environmental and social impacts of hosting major events, destinations can ensure that the benefits of sports tourism are felt for generations to come. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for instance, can continue to build upon its existing infrastructure while ensuring that sustainability remains a core principle in the tourism industry.

The long-term economic impact also extends to local communities, which play a key role in the success of sports tourism. Volunteers, local businesses, and cultural organizations are integral in welcoming visitors, providing services, and enhancing overall experience. This fosters a sense of community pride and strengthens the relationship between tourism and local development. Moreover, sports tourism has the potential to further connect global audiences with St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The rise of hybrid events, which combine inperson attendance with online streaming, allows destinations to

expand their reach and engage with international viewers. By offering virtual access to events, SVG can continue to raise its profile as a must-visit destination for sports fans, attracting future tourists and investors.

Continuing success and future potential

The momentum for sports tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines shows no signs of slowing down. In 2025 thus far, the country hosted two matches in the CWI West Indies 4-day Championships. Additionally, SVG kicked off the 2025 Sailing Week, a major event attracting international sailors. The just concluded 2025 SAC Invitational hosted by the Swimming Federation brought swimmers and their families to the island for a few days, further bolstering the country’s status as a sports tourism hub.

By continuing to harness the power of sports tourism, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will not only enhance its economic resilience but also solidify its global reputation. The ongoing development of sports infrastructure, sustainable tourism practices, and community engagement will ensure that St. Vincent and the Grenadines remain an attractive place to visit, live, and invest in for years to come.

Sports tourism is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector that offers significant economic opportunities for destinations around the world. Through strategic investments in infrastructure and tourism promotion, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has positioned itself as a rising star in the global sports tourism market. By joining the conversation about Sports tourism, SVG is well on its way to creating a Powerful Catalyst for Economic Development and Growth.

As a case in point, the vastly improved and additional facilities at the Arnos Vale Playing Field have positioned SVG as a potentially competitive player in the Sports Tourism market.

Roberta Flack: A Life in Harmony

by MARALYN BALLANTYNELLB.Hons.

SHOPPING AT RICH’S DEPARTMENT STORE in Atlanta—now Macy’s— came with its share of perks, both visible and invisible. It was there that an unexpected introduction led me into the orbit of a legend: Roberta Flack. Brereton Horn, Allison Thomas and many other Vincentians will remember Roberta Flack’s live performance here in St. Vincent, several years ago; a diva in command.

My boyfriend at the time, 1970’s, FNB, (later my husband), took advantage of Eastern Airlines’ special fares, which allowed us to visit multiple U.S. cities on a budget. On this particular trip, FNB’s Vincentian friend, Mr. Compton, joined us, and it was during a visit to Rich’s jewelry section that I encountered David Franklin.

David greeted me and introduced himself. His name instantly rang a bell. “David Franklin? The young entertainment lawyer from Ebony magazine?” I asked. Surprised at my recognition, he smiled and confirmed it.

A few weeks later, while in Jamaica, David invited me on an art tour. My friend Carmen joined me, and we soon arrived in Trench Town,

stepping into the vibrant world of Jamaican selftaught artist and Revivalist bishop, Kapo. As Carmen and I admired Kapo’s sculptures and paintings, David introduced his companion. It was none other than Roberta Flack. The earth might as well have opened beneath me. There she stood–serene, elegant, engrossed in conversation with Kapo. This encounter marked the beginning of a meaningful friendship. Roberta exuded an unassuming grace that made her instantly endearing. At one point, I shyly sang a few lines from her Grammywinning hit The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. She shared a story: the song, she said, was inspired by her beloved cat, who had passed away. “That was the story I was telling while singing it,” she confessed.

A Friendship Blossoms

One memorable evening, she invited my husband and me to her iconic home in the Dakota Building in New York City, a stone’s throw from Central Park. It was an elegant sanctuary, oak floors, affluence, graced by her grand piano and the presence of her loyal Shiba Inu. Our conversation was

Roberta Flack (Feb. 10, 1937 – Feb. 24, 2025) was an American singer and pianist known for her emotive, genre-blending ballads that spanned R&B, jazz, folk, and pop, and for her sensitivity and delicate power of love and artistry.

Love resonated deeply. But her humanitarian spirit also left an indelible mark on me. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged children, and became an advocate for mental health awareness following the tragic suicide of her duet partner, Donny Hathaway.

Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning soul singer best known for her celebrated interpretations of romantic ballads like “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” but also for professional collaborations and social activism.

touched.

a journey through time. Roberta and my husband, both Howard University alumni, reminisced about their student days in the late 1950s. She shared stories of her trials as the first Black student teacher at an all-white school in Maryland and recounted how, in 1968, she recorded 39 demo songs in just nine hours–a feat that secured her contract with Atlantic Records.

Atlantic, initially, was not at all interested in her. She was also told by several that her chances of making a mark were poor. She forged on with great courage, winning multiple Grammy awards.

Her storytelling was as soulful as her music. I marveled at her journey, from her childhood memory of her father restoring a battered piano taken from a dump, so that his Roberta could at last have a piano of her own, to her meteoric rise as one of the most celebrated vocalists of our time. Her resilience, talent, commitment to her craft, were inspiring. Both Adele and Alicia Keys said that they were influenced by Flack.

The Legacy

of Roberta Flack

Over the decades, Roberta’s music, hits like The Closer I Get to

In the face of personal trials–including her 2022 diagnosis with ALS–Roberta remained a symbol of strength and grace. Though the disease robbed her of her voice, her legacy endures through her recordings, her charitable work, and the lives she has

My friendship with Roberta has been a blessing. From intimate gatherings with music icons like Quincy Jones to quiet moments of shared understanding, our connection has always been framed by love, compassion, appreciation for the transformative power of art and music.

You and Tonight I Celebrate My

HATS makes another donation

Hands Across The Sea (HATS) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for reading and literacy, and fulfils its mission through the donation of books and reading material generally, to institutions across the Eastern Caribbean.

HATS has been donating books for the last 17 years and its latest donation took place last Tuesday, February 25, at the National Library Conference Room, Kingstown.

The donation, once again, was made possible with the generous support of the Mustique Charitable Foundation.

Addressing the ceremony, Bullock, Literacy Kink for HATS, expressed a vision of making reading a

part of every child’s upbringing.

“Reading goes hand in hand with success,” she posited, adding, “Every child should grow up reading.”

She was happy to recognise that the “seeds of our investment are bearing fruits,” and that students are using the material for their Book Reports.

Those principals who encourage their students to avail themselves of library services did not escape Bullock’s praise, and she was especially moved to recognize this country Director of LibrariesMichelle King-Campbell, for her role with preparing book packages for children.

Bullock’s sentiments were endorsed by Education

Officer responsible for Language, Literacy and CommunicationGailene Wickham.

Taking off on the ceremony’s theme of ‘Keeping Literacy in Focus in Challenging Times’, she saw “challenges as opportunities to conquer.”

Wickham expressed appreciation for the joint efforts of the donors in times of disasters and otherwise, but was especially thankful for their support after the volcanic eruption in 2021 and the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July, 2024.

“When we invest in these students, it benefits future generations,” Wickham assured.

Gill, Project Director of the Mustique Charitable Foundation, wants to see a fostering of a culture of literacy.

Opportunities for students

Natalia Gill, Project Director of the Mustique Charitable Foundation, is serious about “cultivating a culture of literacy,” so that students learn to “grow and engage with the rest of the world.”

She wants students to take advantage of the opportunities and for them to vary their reading experience so as to allow them to adopt critical thinking. For her, “literacy is a life skill.”

Among those adding a cultural dimension to last Tuesday’s ceremony were: students from the Intermediate Secondary whose rendition of the Vincentian folk song ‘Dampiana’ thrilled the audience, so much so that there were calls for the inclusion of music books in the next donation of reading material; a chorale speech by Kadesha Toby and Trenyce Cato from the Cane End Government School; and an humourous enactment of the experiences wrought by Hurricane Beryl by Andrew Browne and Jamya Jones of the Mary Hutchinson and Stephanie Browne Primary Schools.

Among the schools receiving donations and additional supplies were: Mary Hutchinson Primary School and Stephanie Browne Primary Schools on Union Island; Union Island Secondary School; Canouan Secondary School; and institutions in Mayreau, Mustique and Bequia. (WKA)

Enna Bullock. Literacy Link for HATS, has a vision of every child growing up reading.

Natalia

19 years + for killing Vincy youth

Tyler Kobe Nichols was 21 years old when he fell victim to an attack by a knife-wielding group.

Sherma Chambers, Tyler’s mother, made an Impact Statement before the accused was sentenced.

Story and photos by

NELSON A. KING

US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

BROOKLYN,New York

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez last Friday announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for stabbing a 21-year-old Vincentian-American youth multiple times in the torso, and killing him on Dec. 23, 2020.

Gonzalez said Tyler Kobe Nichols, whose parents hail from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was walking to his Kensington, Brooklyn home with his 24-year-old brother, Shane, when they were attacked by the defendant and several unapprehended men.

“This heartbreaking and senseless act of violence stole the life of Tyler Kobe Nichols, a young man with his entire future ahead of him,” Gonzalez said. “His family’s unimaginable loss is something no parent or sibling should ever have to endure.

“While no sentence can ever make up for their pain, today’s outcome ensures that the defendant is held accountable,” he added. “My heart is with the Nichols family, as they continue to grieve and honor Tyler’s memory.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Javokhir Nematov, 22, of Midwood, Brooklyn.

He was sentenced on Friday to 19 years in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Tomlinson.

Gonzalez said Nematov pleaded guilty to firstdegree manslaughter on Jan. 16, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, at about 7:50 p.m., on Dec. 23, 2020, in the vicinity of Turner Place and Coney Island Avenue in Kensington, Brooklyn, Tyler Kobe Nichols and his brother were walking home from a barber shop when they passed the defendant and several others in a parked car.

“The defendant and others stated words to the effect of ‘what are you looking at?’ and jumped out of the vehicle and attacked both brothers,” Gonzalez said.

“The victim was stabbed five times in the torso and suffered injuries to his heart, lung, liver and kidney,” he added. “He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.

“The attackers fled the scene,” Gonzalez continued.

He said the defendant was stopped by police on Mar. 5, 2021, driving a Blue Honda Fit, for having excessively tinted windows, the same vehicle at the scene of the stabbing.

“He was charged with the victim’s death the next day following an investigation,” Gonzalez said.

Before Justice Tomlinson imposed the prison sentence on Nematov, Sherma Chambers, Nichols’s mother, originally from Frenches, Kingstown, in reading her Impact Statement directed at Nemotov asked, “…. why did you get out of that car and stop my boys when they were walking home from the barbershop, preparing for our favorite holiday Christmas?

“You have changed our lives forever, but we have also turned our pain into purpose; and, because of that, I can forgive you, so I can move on,” she added.

Shomari Nichols, Tyler’s brother, also told Nematov: “The night you murdered my brother changed my life forever… . “You might have murdered my brother physically, but you will never take his soul. “It lives and breathes in every person you see here today

in a blue sweater. Tyler’s death will not be in vain.”

On Aug. 24 last year, Brooklyn community members joined elected and other officials, and families and friends in the co-naming of East 8th Street in the Kensington

section of Brooklyn as Tyler Kobe Nichols Way. New York City Council Member Rita Joseph, the Haitian-born representative of the 40th Council District in Brooklyn, and Tyron Stearns, community

coordinator for the 67th Precinct Clergy Council in Brooklyn, popularly known as The GodSquad, presided over the ceremony. St. Vincent and the

Grenadines Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta” McIntosh was also among attendees.

ECGC spearheads fundraiser for Shafiqua

The East Caribbean Group of Companies, ECGC, its corporate friends and partners will host a major fundraiser dubbed “Shafiqua Maloney, The Inspiration”, next month.

The event will raise funds for Olympian Shafiqua Maloney, as she prepares for the World Championships, and is slated for the evening of March 8 from 7:00, at the newly opened Holiday Inn Express at Diamond Estate.

The fundraiser is targeting an amount of 500K EC to support Shafiqua Maloney’s 2028 Olympic journey, with two major global athletic events in 2025. These are the World Athletics Indoor Championships, “Nanjing 25”, set for March 21-23 in Nanjing, China, and the World

Championships, “Tokyo 25”, set for Tokyo, Japan from September 13-21.

ln 2024, Maloney became the first Vincentian to make the finals of an Olympic event; she barely missed out on a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a nail biting fourth place finish in the 800M.

Contributions at the fundraiser are expected from the private and public sector, including the country’s top 50 companies which will all be invited to the event, where they can announce their financial support to Shafiqua Maloney. The athlete will fly into SVG to be the guest of honor at the event.

Meanwhile, Shafiqua Maloney continues to deliver excellence on the track and as recently as

Shafiqua Maloney is expected to be at the fundraiser.

Saturday February 8, established a new 800m Millrose Meet (New York) record of 1:59,07.

Her continued record-breaking performance has galvanized Vincentians around her and has elevated Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to a new prominence in world athletics.

ECGC, through the Island Sipz Water brand, supports Shafiqua Maloney with over 100K annually, however, the cost of preparing a world class athlete for the World Championships will be over 400K EC. This fundraiser will provide the opportunity for Corporate St. Vincent & the Grenadines and individuals to donate to “Shafiqua MaloneyThe Inspiration”, World Championship preparation fund.

V German citizen drowns at Mt. Wynne

A FEMALE GERMAN NATIONAL,Petra Ortlepp, 58, drown at the Mount Wynne beach on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Ortlepp, a 58-year-old citizen, according to a police report, was enjoying a swim with friends in the Mount Wynn area around midday, when they noticed her floating face down in the water. Attempts to revive her proved futile.

Ortlepp and her friends were reported to have arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on that day, aboard the cruise liner - Mein Schiff 2.

“Upon the arrival of medical personnel at the scene, they assessed the situation and determined that she had passed away, subsequently authorizing the removal of the body,” the police report stated.

A postmortem was expected to be carried out to ascertain the precise cause of death.

“The investigations are currently in progress. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends who are navigating this challenging period,” the report concluded.

The cruise liner, meanwhile, remained in Port Kingstown beyond its scheduled time of departure. Effort to

Mount Wynne offers usually calm waters for easy swimming and areas for snorkeling, as pictured.

ascertain the reason(s) for this were unsuccessful.

A source told THE VINCENTIAN someone posted on social media that a sizeable party of tourists arrived at Mount Wynne via a catamaran, and after disembarking proceeded to swim in the direction of the jutted area (of rocks) that separated Mount Wynn from another beach.

THE VINCENTIAN was not able to confirm this.

The posting also noted that beaches on the mainland have serious undercurrents at times, even on the Leeward side, and warned bathers to be cautious. (KH)

Vincentian found dead in Grenada’s waters

Members of the Grenada Coast Guard in the process of pulling the dead body of Berisford King into into their vessel. (Source: RGPF)

VINCENTIAN

NATIONAL — Everson Berisford King — was recovered dead from the sea by the Grenada Coast Guard on Tuesday evening.

King, who hails from Redemption Sharpes community, just on the outskirts of capital Kingstown, was recovered from the waters near the Sanchez Jetty, Petite Martinique, a ward island of the multi-island state of

Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The body was examined and pronounced dead by a medical doctor, relevant Grenadian authorities reported. The cause of death is still unknown, but based on the state and appearance of the body, speculation arose that King may have been bound by the hands and thrown into the sea. The reported also

Everson Berisford King had apparently settled in Petite Martinique where he was said to have worked as a labourer.

disclosed: “On Tuesday, 25th February 2025, officers from the Grenada Coast Guard initiated a search operation in the area of Sanchez, Petite Martinique, following reports of a missing person, Everson Berisford King, a 50-year-old laborer from Redemption Sharpes, St. Vincent. King was last seen walking along Sanchez Beach, about 11 p.m. on Monday, 24th February 2025.”

Following the report of King’s death, many people took to social media to express condolences. He was described as a “very cool man.” (KH)

Passport robber barons financing anti-Ralph campaign

Continued from Page 10.

Thirdly, as a matter of historical fact, Taiwan has existed for all practical purposes as a separate, independent State entity since the 1949 defeat of the nationalists led by the Kuomintang (KMT) at the hands of the Communist Party of China of Mao Tse Tung. In 1949 the KMT fled to Taiwan consequent upon its defeat and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on mainland China.

Fourthly, it is the PRC which sets a precondition for establishment relations with SVG. That precondition is that SVG breaks its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The government of SVG does not accept, as a matter of principle, that any country, however large and powerful, can set, or be permitted to set, any such precondition for SVG.

Fifthly, SVG works

amicably with the PRC in a number of regional and global institutions including the United Nations and its agencies, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Non-Aligned Movement, the G-77 Group, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Community of States of Latin America and the Caribbean. We in SVG do not pick any quarrel with the government of the PRC even as we are aware that many of its citizens and companies interfere in our country’s internal affairs by blatantly funding an anti-Ralph, anti-ULP campaign.

Sixthly, SVG, in all its actions globally in relation to the PRC and ROC (Taiwan), emphasises peace across the Taiwan Straits and a non-violent, nonaggressive approach to the solving of any problems between Taiwan and the PRC. And seventhly, the people of SVG overwhelmingly support

the maintenance of diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Further, our people overwhelmingly oppose the severing of relations with Taiwan and the establishing of relations with the People’s Republic of China. Our people accept that Taiwan has been, and is, a force for good in SVG and globally.

THE POWER OF PASSPORT SELLERS

In a fascinating book entitled The Cosmopolites: The Coming of the Global Citizen (2015) and authored by Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, a journalist formerly at Al Jazeera and currently at The Nation (New York), she discloses conversations with Christian Kalin, the socalled “King of Passports” of Europe, resident in Switzerland. Kalin dismisses the ongoing relevance of citizenship through the traditional ways of birth,

blood, marriage, or naturalization. Kalin emphatically supports “citizenship allocated in exchange for contributions to a state.” In short, he supports upending the constitutional bases upon which our founding fathers grounded citizenship.

Because of Comrade Ralph’s strong stance on upholding the traditional bases of citizenship, Kalin opportunistically and ludicrously denounces the Comrade as “an old far-leftist”; he is right though, that Ralph will “never be convinced” of selling citizenship and passports.

Abrahamian describes one encounter with Kalin, thus:

“I met Kalin in St. Kitts one evening after the country held elections. His phones were ringing off the hook. ‘We’ve been working with them for so long that we know where everything is and how everything works’, he

told me, excusing himself to take yet another call from a future or former official. ‘When the new cabinet can’t find something, they call us’.”

Wow! Do you understand what the ULP means when it addresses the arrogated power of these passport sellers? Kalin is described by Abrahamian as “brilliant, impenetrable, and a little arrogant”!

THE FOLLY OF THE GLITTER

In one Caribbean country which depends heavily on selling their passports and citizenship, and the consequential building of apartments and the like with passport money, one astute commentator avers:

“It’s a textbook realestate bubble. What happens in ten years when there are 2,000 ‘luxury’ priced onebedroom and/or studio apartments and no one to rent them? People make below-poverty

wages. The rental market does not exist–– For a lot of developers it’s a race against the clock. Let’s get this built on cheap and easy financing, on the backs of citizenship investors, and then we’ll have a fancy hotel.” Who then gets it?

Consider this fact: There are six countries in the OECS; all except SVG have gone to the International Monetary Fund for a fiscal bailout. Has the selling of passports/citizenship made them better off than SVG? The answer is no!

LAZY-MINDED NDP

Selling passports, as proposed by the NDP, is a policy for the lazyminded, the uncreative, the anti-developmental. Selling passports and embracing mainland China will bring grief to the people of SVG. And our people know this to be true. For these reasons, among others, the NDP will again remain in the opposition.

„He like it so⁄.‰

Dear George,

MY BROTHERis with this girl who is abusing him financially, but he would not leave her.  He goes out and works and she controls all his money, to the point where he has to literally beg her for pocket change.

While it is true that he drinks a lot, she should not be treating him like that. She even embarrasses him in public calling him “a disgrace” and “an idiot”.

Whenever I talk to him about getting his life back on track he curses me. This woman only wants him for his money. What can I do to get him to see my point?

Frustrated.

Dear Frustrated,

Your brother needs to first seriously address his alcohol problem. The woman he is with will not do anything to clean him up because she is benefiting from his dependency on alcohol. Until he frees himself of this alcohol dependency, he will not be in any position or condition to make positive choices.

Select a sober moment and try to encourage him to get help with his drinking problem. That’s the most you can do under the circumstances. George.

Felt like killing someone

Dear George,

MY HUSBANDbrought his side chick to our house one time. I got home a bit earlier than usual on that day and caught her spanking my five-year-old child. I lost my cool, grabbed her by the neck and started to choke her. For the first time in my life, I felt like I could kill somebody.

My husband got me away from her. He allowed her to safely exit the house, but God knows I’m not done with her.

He started a quarrel with me telling me I had no right to put my hands on her for correcting my child. I’m wondering if he is ok in the head. Now tell me.

Disgusted Wife.

Dear Disgusted Wife,

There is more than one issue here, but all are of equal importance. Bringing someone to the matrimonial home is a definite “NoNo” and this must be addressed up front. His infidelity will not help the marriage, and I suggest both of you discuss this fully.

Putting her hands on your child is way out of bounds but the sad thing is she was permitted to do so by your husband. Of course that does not make it right. These issues need to be addressed immediately, and I strongly recommend the services of The Marion House. I hope things work out for you.

George.

A question of alimony

Dear George,

NEITHERmy husband nor I are working. We have a six-year-old daughter.

I suggested to him that we butcher the two ram goats we have so we could get some money to buy food and keep some (of the meat) for ourselves.

My husband butchered the first ram, and would you believe he gave close to half of it away to some family with whom I understand he is involved. Imagine, he is minding a woman who has children for another man while leaving his family to starve.

I instructed him not to touch the other ram and

further, not to touch me. I have asked him to go and join his other family and leave me and my child to fend for ourselves. Now that I’ve put him out, does he have to pay me alimony?

Wondering.

Dear Wondering,

I do not know if he owes you alimony

payments in a situation where you asked him to leave. I advise that you seek legal advice on that.

Meanwhile, I suggest you put this energy into trying to get things back on track and not give up on the marriage that easily. Keep in mind that there is also a child involved and much is at stake.

George.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

When everyone wants your attention, make sure you have quality time with loved ones. Think before you speak, a throw away comment could be taken the wrong way. Money matters are changeable, but it all looks good. Hold your judgments till all the facts are on the table.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

If you need to share a secret, make sure it’s with someone you trust. Trust and sincerity are qualities needed for a relationship to be long–lasting. If you need to speak up at work, find out the facts before you say anything. At home, make your space a peaceful haven.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Life gathers momentum. You might say that lady luck is on your side, but really, it’s the result of hard work. Don’t over–react with a personal situation, chill out and go with the flow. You are about to enter a powerful period, use this time to get your plans set in place.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Get ready to think and move fast. The treadmill of life is about to pick up. With so much to fit in your calendar, keep your to–do–list close to make sure that nothing is missed out. When it concerns money, with Mercury the communicator still being affected by the retrograde transit, choose your words carefully.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Leave the past behind to embrace new love. With business, don’t repeat past mistakes, learn from them. Be careful of making a judgment about someone before you have a chance to know them. At work, taking a risk could pay off. Take charge and take control.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

This is a powerful week; new moon energy signifies a new start. When it concerns love, look for a sweetheart who has similar values. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to change, you are perfect just the way you are. Money news may be delayed, but it’s on the way. To be a winner, be different, think outside the box.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

When everything is so hectic, be organized with your schedule so you don’t miss anything. With love, be careful of giving mixed messages. If you have something to say get straight to the point. If you’re too subtle, the message can get lost. Reassess money.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Don’t confuse love with friendship –mixing the two can spoil a special bond. To give without wanting in return builds good karma. Keep the lines of communication open at work. With money, don’t get emotional; keep your mind on business.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Accept someone at work for who they are. Keep in mind that people only change when they want to. Be careful of creating extra work that you do not have enough time to do. Don’t jump to conclusions with love; take it one day at a time. When dealing with money, don’t get emotional.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Career advancement is destined! This is a busy, but exciting time. Be practical with your calendar, you can’t do everything. Friends in business can take you to new heights. With money, think big, but also be realistic. When you’re ready, love will come.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

If you’re stuck in a routine, get out of your comfort zone and do something that stretches your mind. An ’ah–ha’ moment can provide a different viewpoint. Don’t let stress take over; there is no point worrying about things you can’t change. Enjoy love for what it is.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

The pace of life speeds up and there is no time to entertain anyone who is not considered a priority. Make sure you look after your own needs first and foremost. Love is hot and happening, but you need to be proactive to keep someone interested. At work, keep discussions going, communication is crucial for a successful outcome.

ACROSS

1.__ Krispies 5. Redcap’s bonus 8. Blemish 12. Lacking warmth 13. “Are you a man __ mouse?” (2 wds.)

14. Colonel’s valet 15. __ Domini 16. Congressional vote 17. Gorcey and Carroll 18. Nimble 20. Welby and Kildare (abbr.)

22. Tailor 24. Too-high body temperatures

27. House of __ 28. Not Rep. or Dem. 29. Barely make do

DOWN 1.TV brand 2. Charged particle 3. Build 4. Fled to wed 5. Actor Randall

6. AARP member’s fund

7. Remittance

8. Insincere 9. Fibber’s tale 10. Commotion

31. Yankee Gehrig 32. Toiling insect 33. Soccer’s Hamm 34. “Murder, __” 35. Additionally 36. “__ Irish Rose” 38. Stems 40. Actor Winkler 41. Dover’s state (abbr.) 42. Trey, e.g. 43. “__ boy!” (2 wds.) 46. Historic age 48. Bird beaks 51. Paper measure 52. Yank 53. First (abbr.) 54. Takes sustenance 55. Visualize 56. Bacon and

11. Jazzman Montgomery 19. Amtrak and Conrail (abbr.)

21. Movie-athome format (abbr.)

22. “__ Know” (2 wds.)

23. Diving birds

24. Locates

25. Jogging one’s memory

26. One enjoying the slopes

30. Child’s play

32.

35. Pub drink

36. “By Jove!”

37. Kopell of “The Love Boat”

39. “__ Rib”

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

Short socks

42. Pen

43. Intense rage

44. Herbal drink

45. Made a lap

47. Feel remorse

49. Immense

50. Holy men (abbr.)

Barrouallie wins ÂAll LeewardsÊ in Kingstown

THERE WAS A CHANGE IN VENUE, but the results of the 2025 BOSVG All Leewards Athletics Championships, remain the same, as the Barrouallie Secondary School, aka BSS Warriors, made it eight straight titles, last Sunday,

February 23, at Victoria Park.

This was the first time since its inception the event was staged away from the North Leeward community, the Cumberland Playing Field being the venue for the seven previous editions.

With an overall tally of 516 points, Barrouallie was the clear repeat champions, as there was much daylight between them and second placed Troumaca Ontario with 423 points.

Bethel High School was third- 356 points, while Petit Bordel scored 214, Buccament Bay184.

Winning the title for another year was expected by Physical Education teacher of the

Barrouallie SecondaryChester Morgan, who attributed their success in the championships to programmes at the institution.

“We have a very good programme at the school, we also have the numbers, and I dare say we have the formula”, Morgan quipped.

from the North Leeward community especially, opposed the move.

He underscored the need to have such events as a prelude to the Inter Secondary Schools Athletics Championships (ISSAC).

Venue Change Concerns

The change of venue was not without some drama, as some persons

However, at last Sunday’s Opening Ceremony, Principal of the Troumaca Ontario Secondary, and host school of the championshipsChristopher Sampson, sought to give an insight into the eventual change of venue.

“As the principal of the host school, I want to

VPL 6.0 launched with the draft

AFTER A ONE-YEAR BREAK, the Vincy Premier League T10 Tournament (VPL) was officially launched with the draft for the 6th Edition of the tournament, dubbed “Lit Vibes”.

The draft was held last Monday at the National Sports Council Conference Room, where teams were allowed to select 15 players including three overseas players.

The tournament is scheduled for April 07 to 20, with matches to be played at the Arnos vale Playing Field.

Speaking at the launch, Dougal James, President of the SVG Cricket Association, expressed delight with the return of the tournament and highlighted it as a premier local competition in the country.

“It is a tournament with an international flavor with players from nine territories outside SVG expressing an interest to be a part. We, at the SVG Cricket Association are proud to be associated with this venture that lays the foundation for the

continued development of cricket and sports in SVG,” James said.

Looking ahead, James spoke of a vision of expanding the number of teams from the current six, and assured that, “It is our intention to ensure that VPL continues indefinitely, regardless of the involvement of an international partner so we have to lay the foundation to insure sustainability.”

Kashaka Cupid, 1st Vice President of the SVGCA, said the VPL is more than a tournament.

“It is a movement, a celebration of passion, talent … this year’s tournament promises non-stop entertainment.”

Cupid disclosed that in the past, teams were entitled to draft two overseas players each but this year they are allowed to draft three.

“Our goal is to expand our tournament to international players which will add even more flavor to our competition,” Cupid told the gathering.

Dr. Kishore Shallow. President of Cricket West Indies and the

brainchild of the VPL, in addressing the launch, shared that “… what really started as a local tournament has continued to evolve and is now internationally known as a household name across the Caribbean and outside.

“The viewership of this tournament for the five editions is well over 150 million across the globe, so we have a unique opportunity to sell SVG to the rest of the world, and we do so with pride and urged the players to help facilitate the growth of this tournament,” Dr. Shallow said.

The winning team is expected to receive $50,000.00 for this edition, an increase of $20,000.00 from the last edition.

Botanical Gardens Rangers, the defending champion, will be coming up against Dark View Explorers, La Soufriere Hikers, Fort Charlotte Strikers, Grenadines Divers, and Salt Pond Breakers.

I.B.A. ALLEN

make it clear, that there is no ulterior motive behind the venue change. ….. . Four factors influenced the decision to rotate the location this year, and they fall under the following headingsthey are physical, social, environmental and financial factors. This event is set out to provide more controlled sports for athletes to compete while this event belongs to us, many of these elements are beyond our control. I urge the authorities to address these issues at

their earliest convenience”, Sampson expounded.

Reports are staging the event at the the Cumberland Playing Field encountered challenges of garbage disposal, infiltration by vendors and other factors that worked against the smooth execution of the event.

Despite the objections to the shift in venue, Sunday’s event was well patronized, leaving the open question: Should the event return to Victoria Park in 2026?

Mc Kish Compton equals national record

MC KISH COMPTONhas

equalled the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Men’s 60m Outdoor record.

Compton’s clocking of 6.69s last Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Gibson Mc Cook at the Jamaica National Stadium, was level with Earl Simmons’ 2024 time, registered also in Jamaica.

Running in lane three for the GC Foster College Sprin Tec, Compton finished third in the first section of the heats.

The national 60m record is Compton’s second, as he was part of the quartet in 2022, that included Javon Rawlins, Simmons and Sage Primus, who reset the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Men’s 4 x 100m, to 40.02s.

Incidentally, Compton, along with Rawlins, OJ Jackson and Akani Slater in 2021, broke the previous record of 40.47, lowering to 40.13.

The 40.47s was done by Kimorie Shearman, Reuberth Boyd, Josh Hamilton and Courtney Williams, at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Compton has represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at several regional championships, as well as the Commonwealth Games.

Some of the coaches, managers and captain at the draft.

Mc Kish Compton now has his name tagged to two national track records.

Winners again- Barrouallie Secondary School Warriors.

Christopher SampsonPrincipal of the TOSS.

Francis duo dominates St. LuciaÊs Autocross

FATHER and son duoKeith and Chad Francismade a long-awaited trip to St. Lucia over the weekend to participate in the island’s Independence Autocross event on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

Their visit was particularly significant as St. Lucian drivers, especially the Evans Brothers–Brian and Glenton–have been loyal participants in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) annual Independence

motorsport events. This was an opportunity to return the support and further strengthen the motorsport ties between the two islands.

The event, held at the Darren Sammy Cricket Grounds, saw a competitive field of drivers showcasing their skills in the all-wheel drive (AWD) and twowheel drive (2WD) categories.

Keith and Chad Francis were the only non-St. Lucian participants,

(L-R): Keith and Chad Francis and their Mitsubishi vehicles did themselves, local motorsports and SVG proud with their sterling performances in St. Lucia.

representing SVG with their Mitsubishi Evo 3 and Mitsubishi Eclipse, respectively, in the AWD category. They were accompanied by fellow Vincentian driver Karim Cambridge, who unfortunately was unable to compete when his vehicle developed mechanical issues.

Despite being on unfamiliar terrain, the Francis duo delivered exceptional performances.

Keith emerged victorious, clinching 1st

place in the AWD category and overall standings, while Chad secured a commendable 3rd place finish in the AWD category and 3rd overall.

Their success not only highlighted their individual driving prowess but also reinforces the caliber of talent within SVG’s motorsport community.

The Francis duo has

Blue Marlins complete hat-trick

THE BLUE MARLINS SWIM CLUB recorded its third straight hold on the Champions title of the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre (SAC) Gallagher Invitational Swim Championships, that concluded last Sunday, February 23, 2025.

When the points were tallied, after the four days of competition, Blue Marlins ended on 1391.

Additionally, Blue Marlins secured six individual titles.

Among them were Boys and Girls 8 and under, that were taken by Raya Adams and Zane Dabriel, respectively.

Also grasped by the Blue Marlins clan were the Male 9-10,

won by Sage Caesar, with Belle Adams taking the Female 11-12.

Jadon Hamilton added the Male 13-14 title for Blue Marlins, and Hazen Dabriel was the Male 15 and Over champion.

The other four titles were won by swimmers from the Black Sands Swim Squad.

Nua Griffith won the Female 910, Kione De Shong the Male 11-12, Eltonique Leonard the Female 1314 and Kennice Greene the Female 15 and Over.

Meanwhile, Kione Deshong broke Alex Joachim’s nine-year-old record in the Male 11 to 12 category 200-meter Breaststroke.

Naming and preparing the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team to the 2025 Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago, over the Easter weekend, is the next major undertaking for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation.

set the stage for an even fiercer competition. SVG eagerly anticipates hosting St. Lucian

Adams hits century in U19 Trials

A SPARKLING century by national under-19 wicketkeeper batsman Jawayne Adams, was the highlight of the first of five Under-19 trial matches organized by the St, Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association.

Adams was severe on all of the bowlers as he stroked a breezy 134, which included 11 sixes and 8 fours to help Devante McDowall Eleven post 282 from 41 overs in a winning cause over Kodi Grant Eleven.

Jawayne Adams, Player of the Match, for his outstanding innings of 134 runs.

Kodi Grant Eleven’s response was weak, managing a mere 105 from 26 overs. Fast bowler Dexter Baynes was equally impressive with the ball for the McDowall Eleven, when he bagged 5 for 32 to help destroy Kody Grant Eleven’s batting.

The players are preparing for a spot on the national team that will represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the upcoming Windward Islands Under-19 tournament, to be held in Grenada in April.

Scores, Devonte McDowall’s team, 282 from 41 overs. Dwayne Adams 134, Kody Grant, Reynolly Hillocks and Javon Richardson took two wickets apiece. Kody Grant eleven 105 from 26 overs. Elron Glasgow 36. Dexter Baynes 5 for 32, Devonte McDowall 2 for 9.

A second trial match is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday 1st March, 2025, at the Sion Hill playing field.

Thirty players make up the trial squad.

I.B.A. ALLEN

contingent SVG’s Independence motorsport festivities later this year. (Submitted)

Kione De Shong, age group winner and record breaker.

Kennice Greene was perfect in all her events.

Talent scouts on the look out

IF EVERYTHING goes to plan, West Indies Cricket will show an upward trend. That depends on if efforts to scout players and prepare them for international arena succeed.

Cricket West Indies is embarking on measures that see scouts tracking, and analysing players to put them on course for the mission.

Director of Cricket West Indies Miles Bascombe is confident that the appointment of Talent Managers will help with player selection.

Bascombe is looking at ensuring that “performances are seen in context and with focus on skill sets, tactical acumen, and game awareness.”

He defines it as “fair and transparent for all players.” And is of the view that “no talent goes unnoticed.”

This is a thrust for the “next generation of Test players.”

He looks at the scouting model as step towards revitalising the region’s talent pipeline.

With three rounds of matches so far, Guyana Harpy Eagles leads the table followed by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Leeward Islands Hurricanes. Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions, Windward Islands Volcanoes, Combined Campuses and Colleges, and West Indies Academy complete the list.

On the individual basis, Jason Mohammed with 483 runs heads the count, propelled by his 204 not out. He is chased by Barbados Pride’s Johnathan Drakes 373. Jamaica Scorpion’s John Campbell seems determined to make a comeback and is third with 299. West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with 290 keeps his name in the reckoning propped by his 212, the highest harvest thus far.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Cephas Cooper with 263 is making a name for himself.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Khary Pierre with 8 for 27 has the best bowling average. That places him at the top of the wicket table with 26 scalps. Rakeem Cornwall 17 is second while Veerasammy Permaul 16, takes the third spot in that bowling department. Jamaica Scorpion’s Tamarie Redwood’s 7 for 72, achieved on his debut at Arnos Vale against the Windwards Islands Volcanoes is second in column for best wicket haul. West Indies’ Academy’s Joshua Bishop: 7 for 85 is third.

That is completed with Chaim Holder 6 for 70 and Veerasammy Permaul: 7 for 75.

Statistics show Eagles’ all-rounder Ronaldo Alimohamed with 16 sixes leading the count. He smashed five of those in a 35 run innings having faced 32 deliveries against Combined Colleges and Campuses.

Odean Smith: 13, Jason Mohammed: nine, Shaqkere Parris nine, and John Campbell seven, complete the top five in this category.

Fletcher, Glasgow lead W’wards to victory

Afy Fletcher led from the front with a stunning spell of bowling.

A STUNNINGfive-wicket haul from Afy Fletcher and a defiant half century from Jannillea Glasgow propelled Windward Islands Women to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Leeward Islands Women, in their opening match of the 2025 CG United Insurance Super50 Cup, played at the St. Paul’s Sports Complex in Basseterre, St. Kitts on Monday.

Winning the toss and electing to field first, Windwards’ bowling attack found little resistance from the Leeward Islands batting lineup, dismissing them for a mere 93 in 28 overs. Leg spinner Fletcher led the charge with an exceptional spell, taking 5-15 in seven overs with Amiah Gilbert (2-25) and Pearl Etienne (1-11) providing strong support. Reniece Boyce (24 off 37) and Melicia Clarke (23 off 66) were the only batters to offer resistance for the Leewards.

In response, the Windwards made easy work of their target,

reaching 94-2 in just 13.5 overs. Jannillea Glasgow stole the show with a solid 55 not out, off 44 balls, smashing 11 fours to accelerate the chase. Zaida James (21 off 32) also played a crucial supporting role before Fletcher, capping off her all-round performance, guided her team home with an unbeaten six off as many balls.

In another match played on Monday, Barbados Women got the better of their Guyana counterparts. Scores in the match: Barbados 183/5 in 50 0vers, Guyana 172/10 9, 47.4 0vers.

Aaliyah Alleyne, 57 (55) and Kyshona Knight 54 (122) led the way for the Barbadians, with three players: Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi and Mandy Mangru — each getting 26 for the Guyanese.

Leading wicket-takers were

Barbadians Erin Deane 3/33 (10) and Keile Elliot 3/38 (10).

Jannillea Glasgow crowned it off for the Windwards with a solid half century.

In Monday’s third match, defending champions Jamaica got the better of Trinidad and Tobago by 53 runs. Scores: Jamaica 223 all out (49.5), T&T 172 all out (46.4).

Rashada Williams 51 (88) and Stafanie Taylor (49 (56) were Jamaica’s main scorers, with Steffi Soognin 34 (31) and Karishma Ramharack 32 (50) doing likewise for T&T.

Jamaica’s leading bowlers were Vanessa Watts 3/34 (9.4) and for T&T Anisa Mohammed 3/40 (9/5) and Ramharack 2/42 (10).

Douglas, Maloney hit T20 centuries

Dillon Douglas 129 for Police Two.

NATIONAL players, Dillon Douglas and Desron Maloney, stroked centuries to help propel Police Two to a massive 254-run victory over Prime Consulting Marriaqua, in last weekend matches of the Neil Williams National T20 Cricket Competition.

Douglas joined Maloney with the score at 32 for one and shared

a 251-run second partnership, with Douglas eventually finishing on 129 and Maloney 127. Scores: Police Two 339 for 3 from 20 overs; Prime Consulting Marriaqua 85 for 9 from 14 overs, Benniton Stapleton 2 for 10, and Rickford Walker 2 for 7 bowling for Police Two.

In another match, Carlos James North Leeward defeated Keegan’s Bequia by 65 runs.

Scores: Carlos James North Leeward 179 for 6 from 20 overs, Johnnel Eugine 75, Elron Lewis 44. Augustus Cato 2 for 19, Jarrell Edwards 2 for 30; Bequia 114 for 8 from 20 overs, Jarrell

Desron Maloney 127 for Police Two.

Edwards 24. Kirtney Franklyn 3 for 10, Watson Seaton 2 for 9. Guardian General Saints beat Bequia by 70 runs. Scores: Saints 195 for 4 from 20 overs, Jeremy Layne 67 Gidron Pope 47, Sunil Ambria 47 not out, Delroy Compton 2 for 29; Bequia 125 for 4 from 20 overs, Cosmus Hackshaw 46, Lorraine Ollivierre 27. Travis Cumberbatch 2 for 23.

- one win in Qualifiers

SVG U20 Women’s Football team recorded one win from their three matches in the Concacaf U20 Women’ Qualifiers held in Nicaragua from February 20 — 24, 2025.

The Qualifiers were for a place in the Concacaf U20 Women’s Championship which will determine Concacaf representation at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

SVG defeated St Kitts and Nevis 1nil, with the lone goal coming from Stephanie Hunte in the 91st minute, in extra time.

SVG wasn’t strong enough for the formidable Jamaica who beat them 7nil. They sustained their second defeat to host Nicaragua 5-nil.

Nicaragua and Jamaica finished joint winners of Group D each with 7 points from 2 wins and one draw from three matches. SVG followed on 3 points from one win and two losses, with St Kitts and Nevis without a point with three losses.

Stories: I.B.A.

Classifieds V

New security measures for NCC

From Backpage

Lewis is adamant that his officials will not perform their duties, should the ‘new’ protocols be compromised.

SVGFF/Awesome FC statements

A release from the SVGFF’s Secretariat on Friday, February 21, stated, “We fully support the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Referees Association (SVGRA) and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all match officials, players, and spectators. Football thrives on respect, discipline, and fair play, and any attempt to intimidate or harm referees will not be tolerated under any circumstances”.

On February 20, the Awesome FC, through a release signed by its General Secretary- Darren Fisher, expressed sadness over the incident, involving Lewis and Peters.

“We do not condone any form of violence, intimidation, or unsportsmanlike behaviour — on or off the field. We want to make it unequivocally clear that the Awesome FC does not support actions that compromise the respect and professionalism that define our sport”, Fisher’s release acknowledged.

There has been no indication of any action being taken against the perpetrator - Awesome FC Coach Keron Peters — either by his Club or by the SVGFF.

Editor’s Note: This is not the first time in recent memory that the SVGRA has withdrawn its services from football organized by or sanctioned by the SVG Football federation.

The referees withdrew their services following an incident which took place on Thursday, October 5, at the Campden Park Playing Field.

Among the measures agreed then to curb the threats to and wanton attacks on match officials, was the deployment of uniformed police officers at all matches involving members of the SVG Referees Association.

Elron Lewis, President of the SVGRA, has made it clear that if any of the recently agreed protocols are compromised, his Association will not provide services for the SVGFF Championships.

A SET OF NEWsecurity protocols has been accepted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Referees Association, paving the way for the resumption of the 20242025 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVHFF) National Club Championships (NCC).

After a forced suspension for one week, the Championships resume this Friday, February 28, at Brighton Playing Field.

The suspension was inevitable, given the withdrawal of services by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Referees Association (SVGRA), following an incident of Victoria Park, Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The reported incident resulted in an injury to a match official - President of the SVGRA Elron Lewis - who was cut below his left eye by an “unknown object”, in an attack by a member of the Awesome FC coaching staff- Keron Peters.

AI REAL ESTATE

NEW SECURITY MEASURES FORNCC

Measures agreed

A meeting on Thursday, February 20, involving representatives of the SVGRA, the SVGFF Executive, and security personnel attached to the SVGFF, drafted a list of security measures aimed at preventing, the least being minimizing the threats to players, match officials and spectators.

The measures met with the approval of the SVGRA, paving the way for the restart of the championships.

According to Lewis, “We fully agreed with the new protocols; hence we will once again be offering our services, officiating in the National Club Championships”.

Lewis outlined some of the new protocols.

“We asked for security for all venues, with two officers assigned to Tier Two matches, while at the Victoria Park and Brighton, we have asked for seven, which is (an) addition of two on what previously obtained”, Lewis revealed.

With special considerations for the two venues, Lewis disclosed that a police officer will be assigned to the team of referees.

“That officer will escort the referees

from the playing area to the dressing room, as well as designated area should we chose to remain to watch the second match, in the case of the Premier Division which often hosts double headers”, Lewis confirmed.

Other new measures agreed include: the ejection of spectators who pose a

threat to the safety of match officials; ejection of players and management officials, after they have received a red card; stepping up body searches of patrons entering Victoria Park especially.

Continued on Page 31.

Action in the 2025 National Football Championships was expected to resume today, Friday 28th February.

A FIRST TIME DOUBLE

by DAYLE DA SILVA

STEVECecil Charles and Nalucia Roberts made history by becoming the first double winners of a single National Lotteries Authority (NLA) Lotto Jackpot.

Charles and Roberts matched the winning numbers in the February 14 Lotto draw which amounted to EC$133,000.

They both received EC$66,500, however Charles also capped three and four numbers on his ticket to push his total winnings to

EC$66,574 and Roberts also matched four numbers taking her prize money to EC$66,566.

It was also a first regarding the winning combination of numbers in the draw.

According to Anthony Dennie, Product Development Officer with the NLA, for the first time the winning numbers were drawn in sequence. They were 3,4,5,6 and 7.

In terms of immediate plans for their winnings, Charles said that he had no immediate plans.

Roberts was much more forthcoming and said that although the prize money was relatively small, she intended to use it to get her own home.

“It is not a large sum of money, but it will do a lot for me,” she said.

An avid player of the NLA games, Roberts said that she has been playing the winning set of numbers for a while now.

And whenever she thought about giving up, she was encouraged by loved ones to persevere, she told members of the media.

First time double winners Steve Cecil Charles (left) and Nalucia Roberts (right) collected their winning from McGregor Sealey, General Manager of the NLA.