THE VINCENTIAN PDF-06-03-26

ELECTION PETITIONS SET FOR JULY

in

byDAYLE DASILVA

THE ELECTION PETITION

CASES filed against Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and Foreign Affairs Minister Fitzgerald Bramble is set to begin on July 28.

This was the decision in the matter following an open court hearing at the St Vincent and the Grenadines High Court before Justice Gertel Thom on March 5.

Dora James, the Supervisor of Elections was also ordered to disclose nomination papers and statutory Election petitions were filed against Dr. Friday, the Parliamentary Representative for the Northern Grenadines, and Bramble, MP for East Kingstown, by Carlos Williams and Luke Browne respectively, and who contested the elections in the said constituencies.

Their ground of objection was that both Dr. Friday and Bramble held Canadian citizenship and by holding dual citizenship, they were disqualified from contesting general elections in SVG, as per Section 26 of the

country’s Constitution, and barred from being appointed as a Representative or Senator.

Notices were issued following the nominations of both New Democratic Party candidates on November 10, 2025 to contest the November 27, 2025 General Elections.

Williams is

challenging Friday’s nomination as well as the action of Devon Ollivierre, the returning officer and the Supervisor of Election.

Browne is challenging Bramble’s nomination as well as the action of the returning officer in that constituency, Jacqueline

Browne, and the Supervisor of Elections.

Meanwhile, a team of foreign lawyers, including Stuart Young, a former People’s National Movement Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who is representing the Unity Labour Party

peritioners — Williams and Browne.

Kate Quincy TempleMabe from the United Kingdom, and Anand Ramlogan S.C, Vishal Siewsaran and Garesh Saroop of Trinidad and Tobago will be representing Dr. Friday and Bramble.

PM TO PURSUE LEGAL COSTS

byKENVILLE HORNE

PRIME MINISTER DR. GODWIN FRIDAY says he intends to vigorously pursue legal costs against the petitioners challenging his election and that of a fellow government minister, if the court rules in their favour.

Speaking after a hearing at the High Court, in the matter of elections petitions brought against him and MP Fitzgerald Bramble, the Prime Minister said the legal action has consumed valuable public time and resources.

Teachers Union elects new president

FIONA CHARLES-WILLIAMS,a former spokesperson for the Union and a graduate teacher with some twenty-three years of service in and to the profession, is the new President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU).

She was elected unopposed when the SVGTU held elections for a new executive on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 February, to serve for the next two years.

The new President assured the SVGTU membership that: she will be transparent in conducting the affairs the Union; she will advocate for legislation that

benefits teachers; and promote the union’s social outreach thrust.

Immediate past president, retired teacher Oswald Robinson, defeated Rosmond Richardson of Bishop’s College, Kingstown in the race for the position of Ist Vice-President.

The other positions were filled as follows: 2nd Vice President Yokanne Blugh; General Secretary Andrea Durrant; Assistant General SecretaryReba Cozier-Veira; Treasurer Aurie Gordon; Public Relations Officer — Shanique Bailey, Committee Members Jevon Bynoe and Anthony Compton.

ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY

SERVICES LIMITED (VINLEC) has expanded its self-service payment options with the launch of a new bill payment kiosk at Greave Marketplace in Pembroke.

The new kiosk, which went live on Monday, 2nd March 2026, is the fifth unit installed by VINLEC across St. Vincent and the Grenadines and forms part of the Company’s ongoing thrust to improve customer convenience.

Mrs. Lisa Morris Nanton, VINLEC’s

PM to pursue legal costs

Continued from Frontpage.

According to Dr. Friday, the matter is taking time away from his duties as Head of Government. He noted that he had to spend hours in court responding to what he described as a frivolous application, adding that those responsible for initiating the process must be prepared to face the consequences if the petitions are unsuccessful.

The first case management hearing in the election petitions challenging the eligibility of Prime Minister Friday and Foreign Affairs Minister Fitzgerald Bramble to serve as MPs, was held Thursday at the High Court inKingstown.

The petitions claim that both men are ineligible to serve in Parliament on the grounds that they allegedly hold dual citizenship (Canadian). Dr. Friday represents the Northern Grenadines constituency, while Bramble serves as Member of Parliament for East Kingstown.

In acknowledging that the government will cover the legal costs for his and Bramble’s defence, Dr. Friday said, with a tone of confidence, that the issue had already been settled in the court of public opinion.

He argued that the electorate had delivered its verdict at the November 27, 2025 general elections, when his New Democratic Party (NDP) was returned to government after being in opposition since 2001.

VINLEC Expands SelfService Bill Payment

Manager, Information Systems noted that VINLEC remains committed to enhancing customer experience through innovation and service accessibility. She said the expansion of kiosk services to Pembroke represents a strategic effort to extend this level of service to customers on the leeward side of the island.

“By situating the kiosk within a high-traffic and easily accessible location, we continue to provide flexible, secure, and convenient payment options designed to better serve customers where they live, work, and shop,” Mrs. Morris-Nanton said.

VINLEC’s first customer at the Pembroke kiosk, Ms. Janice Hamlett described the experience as smooth and beneficial, noting that it adds convenience for customers who may not otherwise have reason to travel to Kingstown. She also believes it will help to reduce time spent waiting in lines.

The Pembroke kiosk is located inside Greaves

Marketplace, next to the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ (BOSVG) ATM. It is accessible to customers during the supermarket’s regular opening hours: Monday — Thursday from 9:00am to 7:00pm; Friday from 9:00am to 8:00pm; Saturday from 8:00am to 8:00pm and Sunday from 8:30am to 1:00pm.

The machine accepts cash and cheque payments. It does not accept coins or dispense change. Any additional amounts will be applied as a credit to the customer’s account.

With the addition of the Pembroke location, VINLEC now has kiosks at the VINLEC Corporate Headquarters, Kingstown - 2; Joshua Centre (Arnos Vale); and the Bequia Power Station.

According to the Prime Minister, elections are decided at the ballot box rather than in the courts, and he remains confident that the judiciary will arrive at the same conclusion as the voters.

Dr. Friday added that his administration remains focused on governing while the legal matter proceeds through the court system.

Continued from Frontpage.

The foreign lawyers were all admitted to the local Bar on Thursday.

The matter holds much more significance than whether or not Friday and bramble are eligible to contest a general election in the country of their birth.

As it stands, with the New Democratic Party’s overwhelming victory at the Nov. 27, 2025 general election, and Dr. Friday moving into the seat of Prime Minister, the petitions as they stand in the current political situation, threaten not only the stability of the government but its legitimacy.

Brawlers get suspended sentences

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

AFTER EXPERIENCING a taste of prison life, six youngsters involved in the February 13 brawl at the KFC Bay Street, Kingstown outlet, were allowed to go home on Monday, but with hanging prison sentences.

After considering the section of the law under which the youngsters were charged, the sentencing guidelines, the ages of the offenders, and their prospects of rehabilitation, Chief Magistrate Colin John sentenced each of them to six months in prison, but suspended that sentence for two years. It means that they would have to keep their slates clean for two years, failing which they will serve a mandatory prison term of six months.

Those charged

On February 17, at the Serious Offences Court, Gabrielle Haywood an 18-yearold Bethel High School third form dropout, the lone female in the matter; Jasrick Young, a 16-year-old student of Questelles; 17-year-old Kezron Peters, a car wash attendant of Campden Park; Veron Holder, also 17, a sales clerk of Lowman Leeward; along with Ivorn Thomas, 23, of Brighton, all pleaded guilty to separate charges of taking part in a fight at KFC on February 13.

ATTORNEY

GRANT

CONNELL,representing 17-year-old Bethel High School student Doriel Duncan, charged with the November 28, 2024 stabbing of athlete/student Alia McDowall, has fingered the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Police for delaying justice in the matter.

Connell made his feelings known on Tuesday, when Duncan appeared at the Serious Offences Court after being charged with

The Chief Magistrate remanded them until Monday, March 2 for sentencing.

Kimron John, also a 16-yearold student, was subsequently charged with the offence. He pleaded guilty and was also remanded for sentencing on Monday. He received the same penalty as the others.

John and Haywood are former members of the police youth club.

Magistrate cautions defendants

In handing down the suspended sentences, the Magistrate told the youngsters, “You don’t have to be in any group or crew to be somebody. You could hold your head up high and be somebody.”

He urged them to turn their lives around, but, “First of all, you have to acknowledge that you did something wrong.”

The Magistrate continued, “When you all behave so, you are not only causing inconvenience to yourself, you are also causing inconvenience to your families.”

He pointed out that the offenders’ family, who were present at the court’s request, could have been somewhere else but because if the offenders’ stupid behavior, they instead have to be in court on Monday.

Some of the family present were mothers, while some were teachers (including one for

Some of the brawlers leaving the Serious Offences Court on Monday with relatives and friends, after being sentenced.

student, Jasrick Young), but there were no fathers.

Cautions statements – gang connections

In his recommendation for sentencing, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the court that, “As a human being, if I am to go based on my feeling, I will say send them back to prison. But as an officer of the court, and as a prosecutor, and a professional, I am asking the court to put them on a suspended sentence. Give then the keys to their own cells.”

When the Magistrate asked the youngsters of their experiences during the short period they spent in prison on remand, they all described it as terrible. They y complained about the living conditions there, and poor quality food. They all also underscored that they could not sleep comfortably at night.

They all denied in court that they were involved with gangs.

Holder said, “I ain’t dey in no gang, is de people I does roll with.”

The Magistrate asked him, “You ever heard the adage ‘You are known by the company you keep’?”

Holder’s reply was not clear, but the Magistrate explained that the adage means that a person’s character and

reputation are judged by the people with whom they associate themselves.

John, a Form 3 student, said he intervened in the fight to defend his cousin. But the Magistrate asked him, “You couldn’t tell your cousin to stop? You just jump in? You could have killed somebody, or somebody could have killed you.”

But Prosecutor Cato told the court, that in their caution statements, with the exceptions of Thomas, they admitted to being involved in gangs, and named places where these gangs hang out.

With the exception of Thomas, they also said in their caution statements, that the eight gang is connected to the five gang and the six gang is connected to the seven gang.

The incident

The facts, presented to the

Court earlier, showed that at around 9pm on February 13, Bethel High School had their sports meet at Independence Park, following which several persons, including the offenders, went to the KFC outlet on Bay Street.

An argument arose between two of the individuals who were present inside the business place. A fights started between them, and several other persons got involved in the fight. Objects from the customer area were used to beat each other. The matter was reported to the police. CCTV footage of the incident was obtained. Investigations were carried out and acting on information received, the defendants were taken into custody. They were cautioned and interviewed, and volunteered statements admitting to the offence.

Affray carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.

DPP, Police lapse in students’ case

wounding McDowall with intent.

Both students are from Barrouallie.

Connell told the court, that justice delayed is justice denied, adding that the DPP’s Office and the police, failed his client by not having the matter ventilated before.

“This case is very unfortunate. I don’t know why it took so long to come before the court, given the nature of this charge. This case should have come before the court months ago,” Connell said.

Prosecutor Renrick Cato did not respond. Delay in laying the charge

About one year and four months after McDowall, 15 at the time, was stabbed multiple times, including to her neck and chest, reportedly on the road

outside the Central Leeward Secondary School at Peter’s Hope, it is the first time that a charge has been laid in the matter.

McDowall was a student of that school.

The charge came just two days after McDowall died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Following the stabbing incident in November, 2024, McDowall suffered a series of medical issues, and was in and out of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, up to the time of her death on Sunday.

SVG retains an old law

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a person cannot be prosecuted for murder or manslaughter if the victim dies more than a year and a day after the injury/ies was/were inflicted. However, according to

research by this publication, this rule is considered archaic, and many other jurisdictions have moved away or abolished it, due to the advancements in science and technology that makes it possible to link someone’s death to the injury, even if it was sustained many years before the victim’s death.

Wounding with intent carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, as does manslaughter and attempted murder.

Duncan was not required to plead to the wounding with intent charge when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Cato did not object to bail, but requested suitable surety and conditions.

The Chief Magistrate

initially granted bail in the sum of $25,000 with one surety, but Connell told the court that Duncan’s mother did not have a deed to stand bail for her daughter.

The lawyer asked the court to reduce the bail amount and increase the reporting conditions.

As a result, the Chief Magistrate reduced it to $15,000 with one surety, and the reporting conditions were increased from once a week to twice and week.

Connell had also indicated that Duncan was a student and did not have a passport, but the Magistrate ordered that she surrender whatever travel documents she has.

However, Duncan waited on the prisoner’s bench for more than two hours after the court was adjourned, but no one came to bail her and she was kept in custody.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Thursday, Connell reiterated that the matter should have been ventilated before. He noted that his client had complained of being bullied and attacked. He said that if the charge was brought before, both sides could have been heard. According to Connell, the DPP’s Office and the police lapsed, and are now trying to save face, but their actions are prejudicial to his client.

Mia refutes Kamla's ÂkidnappingÊ claim

MIA MOTTLEY, Prime Minister of Barbados, has rejected a claim by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, that Brent Thomas, a Trinidadian businessman, was kidnapped from Barbados.

Mottley denounced the claim as a “A scurrilous lie and defamatory in the extreme.”

The Barbados Prime Minister was responding to Persad-Bissessar’s claim made during her speech at the opening of CARICOM 50th Heads of Government meeting on Tuesday 24th March, 2026, in St. Kitts and Nevis.

During the opening ceremony, PersadBissessar said, “In October 2022, the thensitting T&T government coordinated the kidnapping of a Trinidad citizen from another CARICOM state. He was visiting another CARICOM state, and he was kidnapped. Our Supreme Court has ruled that he was kidnapped. He was placed in handcuffs, transported to the airport, and then back to Trinidad. I think an RSS plane was used to transport him. He was kidnapped.”

She was referring to the 2022 arrest of Brent Thomas at a hotel in Barbados and his

return to Trinidad aboard a military aircraft, although the T&T Police Service did not initiate formal extradition proceedings.

A High Court judge later ruled the act an “unlawful abduction,” prompting an apology from the Trinidad and Tobago government, with both countries accepting liability for constitutional breaches.

But Mottley, on her return to Barbados after the CARICOM meeting, rejected the characterisation of the incident as a kidnapping, saying:

“To describe it as a kidnapping is a most unfortunate term because arrest warrants were presented by the Trinidad police to the Barbados

police. As to what happened, we don’t know because we don’t get involved in operational matters. So, as it transpired, we, in fact, knew nothing about it. It is only when this matter became a public issue that we then had to launch an investigation into what transpired and it was clear that the Trinidad and Tobago police, as has been the practice for decades in this region, would have supplied an arrest warrant which the Barbados police would have acted upon.”

She added: “But to describe it as kidnapping or to suggest that any member of Cabinet or any member of the permanent secretary class or government of Barbados is involved in kidnapping is a scurrilous lie and defamatory in the extreme. We all know what transpired and it is regrettable that it happened.”

However, Mottley said the longstanding informal practice of executing arrest warrants between Caribbean states underscored the need for legislative reform.

“We understood at the time and we said, our attorney general said at the time, that the formal process of extradition, which we do extra-regionally with other countries, has not and was not practised in the region among ourselves by any country in the region. And therefore, to that extent, we acknowledge that we need to be able to change how we operate,” Mottley said.

“That is why the CARICOM arrest warrant is being pursued. That is why legislation has to be passed in every CARICOM country to be able to facilitate that CARICOM arrest warrant.

The CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty came into force at the regional level in 2018 after sufficient ratifications. However, it only becomes legally enforceable within a member state once domestic legislation is passed. (Source: TT Guardian, Facebook)

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Editorial

Parent accountability

IT WAS JUST ON TUESDAY last that Doriel Duncan, a 17-year-old resident of Barrouallie and a student of Bethel High School, Campden Park, was granted EC$15,000 bail with one surety. She had been charged with wounding with intent over the stabbing of Alia McDowall in November 2024.

McDowall, a 17-year-old student of the Central Leeward Secondary School, died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Sunday of complications resulting from the stabbing injury.

Duncan was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was ordered to report to the Barrouallie Police Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

She will return to court on April 02 when a preliminary inquiry is scheduled to commence.

There begins another chapter, not a typical one, in the life of a 17-yearold.

This, if the truth be told, is but one expression of the youth violence that has become pervasive in Vincentian society —and if we are to take the “tell tales” of some young people who recently appeared in court on charges of disturbing the peace and waging “war’ in a public space, as well as the indications of member of the top brass of the Police Force, “youth on youth” violence emanates from and through organised gangs.

So, while we would want to say that 17-year-old Dorel Duncan begins an untypical chapter in her life’s journey, we just might have to eat our own words, given the prevalence of youth violence, bullying and acts of misconduct in our amidst —especially in our schools and in and during activities involving students and young people in general.

All of this begs the question: Where are the parents in all of this: Are they mere spectators to their children’s miscreant behaviour?

There have been no indications from any government — past or present - of an intention to introduce legislation to hold parents legally accountable for their children who run amok of the law, and maybe this is a good thing since it is not far away from being uncivilized if we have to enact legislation to regulate parenting. Do lesser animals do?

And in as much as no government has seen it fit, proper to even consider legislation that will hold parents accountable for their

children’s behavior, are we to assume that governments have resigned themselves to believing that the school system and whatever supporting mechanisms there might be are enough to address the acts of misconduct and violent behaviour by young people/students, and therefore there is no need to hold parents accountable, to any causal or consequential exten,t for the violent behavior of their children?

But is it not our duty in a climate where youth violence and bullying carry human and social costs, that we should give consideration to designing a law, some mechanism aimed at ensuring “parental accountability”, not only as a tool to address the surge of youth violence but to serve as a deterrent and even act as an intervention to help children before harm and violence escalate?

We must admit that in responding to youth offenses, violent or otherwise, our system, if we can call it that, engages the child, the young persons, but often struggles to involve effective parental participation.

Whether we call it a law or some other reference, we must move to creating a legal lever to require if not make it mandatory for parental attendance and compliance with reasonable behavioural plans instead of depending on voluntary cooperation. Parents must not be allowed to divorce themselves from their children’s “undoings” and/or encourage them in it, and neither must young people feel they are islands on to themselves with no regard for parental guidance and law and order.

We are not in want of legal minds so it should not be difficult to draft appropriate parent accountability legislation; legislation that will not be perceived to be a criminalisation tool but rather one that can encourage if not promote early intervention that can prevent violent responses; legislation so drafted that it includes court-ordered programmes to offer early support, reduce if not prevent reoffending, improve the home situation and strengthen school safety.

That said, it is easy to see the inter-sectoral (ministerial) collaboration that must inform this legislation.

The objective is to prevent future harm. Are we up to it?

Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index

THE 2025Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index was released a few weeks ago. SVG was ranked 31st in the world and third in the CARICOM. Barbados and The Bahamas outranked us, coming in 24th and 29th, respectively. Rounding out the top five from the CARICOM were Dominica, 37th, and St. Lucia, 39th.

The 31st was one better than last year’s ranking; our overall score did not change. We scored 68 out of a possible 100; Denmark scored 89 and was ranked number one. But focusing too narrowly on the score can risk our missing the deeper conversation we need to have.

Corruption is often discussed through rankings, trends, and comparative data, and those measures have value. But for Vincentians living day to day, governance is not experienced as an index. It is experienced in offices and communities, in how decisions are made, how information is shared, and whether rules are enforced consistently, or who is appointed to public boards.

In SVG, corruption does not always present itself as a dramatic scandal. It shows up quietly and cumulatively, as a process that stalls without explanation. It can be information that is technically public, but practically inaccessible, and requirements that seem flexible for some but rigid for others. For example, a few years ago, I wanted to replace a headstone on my uncle’s grave. I was told by at least two public officials that I could not do so, while I watched two headstones being installed at the cemetery. Feeling frustrated one day at the cemetery, one of the workers there told me to contact the minister of public works to get permission. Needless to say, I did no such thing and insisted on seeing the person at the Kingstown Town Board office responsible for the cemetery. After a few letters, demanding an explanation, I was granted permission to install the headstone without ever meeting “The Man”. I could list quite a few more personal experiences over the last few years. But why, you get the point.

These types of experiences do not register in international surveys, yet they shape our perceptions and public trust in very real ways. They are the difference between believing institutions exist to serve the public, or believing they exist to manage appearances.

Transparency International’s index measures perceptions largely derived from expert and business surveys. It does

not fully

measure how systems function in small island societies where relationships are close, and discretion carries enormous weight. You get what I am saying in our society, a lot of business is still done based on relationships, not standard practice. It does not capture whether laws passed by Parliament are actually enforced in ways ordinary people can see and rely on. In SVG, that gap between legislation and implementation continues to matter. Several cornerstone integrity laws remain unfinished business. A few months ago, I wrote in an article that all state agencies should be audited annually and that the reports should be made public. I was quickly informed that this is already the case and there is nothing to see here, so move on.

The Public Procurement board and many other bodies were just replenished as a result of the outcome of the last election. Something is sadly wrong with this process, but that’s a discussion for another day. With all these boards in place, one can expect transparency and accountability, yet we are repeatedly surprised by the process used to acquire essential government services. Government contracts and agreements are not made public until they are voted on in parliament.

On paper, these boards signal progress. On the ground, their absence is felt in the lack of visible, independent oversight. This challenge is not unique to SVG. Corruption never looks illegal; it just feels wrong. It more often manifests through patronage, selective enforcement, discretionary political decision-making, and systems that exist in law but not in daily practice.

In Small Island Developing States like ours, where social networks are dense and crises are frequent, governance is often shaped by urgency rather than process. Over time, these shortcuts weaken the system but become the norm.

As I mentioned earlier, SVG may not have boosted its raw score but moved up one rank. We should honestly evaluate this ranking, which isn’t an indictment of the ULP administration. Trust and integrity come from local institutions working transparently and fairly, and citizens questioning promises made and fulfilled.

Horatio.

The challenges and controversies of CARICOM

AFTER 53 YEARS since the establishment of CARICOM on July 4, 1973 by the big four (Englishspeaking) Caribbean countries - Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados - the goals and aspirations of the now 21 member countries to foster regional economic integration, and greater co-operation and collaboration amongst themselves remain an unsurmountable challenge.

Observation of the speeches at the opening ceremony — February 24, 2026 - of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, reveals the challenges and

controversies confronting the union of CARICOM and its member countries. The very theme of the meeting itself suggests and acknowledges that there is dire need to move beyond dialogue and brilliant speeches, to deliver on the policies and decisions that emanate from this forum.

In their opening presentation, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors of the hosts twin islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, spoke of the need to move to action.

The theme of the meeting, “Beyond Words to Action for a sustainable Caricom,” was further echoed and

accentuated by CARICOM’s Secretary General, Carla Barnett, a Belizean Economist. In her opening remarks, The Secretary General advocated for greater collaboration and cooperation among member countries. These are the fundamental foundations on which the organization is formed, and they still remain a challenge to achieve.

In his inaugural address Dr. Godwin Friday, the new Prime Minister of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, lamented that he was “frustrated,” in his own words, “by the trials and frustration of the past.” The SVG PM reminded

Support for the new Gov’t

THE NEW SVG LEADERSHIP should be recognized for its brilliant understanding that the yachting sector of the tourism industry is critical. Their new initiatives to embrace that sector show long-term foresight.

The new duty-free concession will be an important aspect in developing a Maritime repair and service industry in SVG. I have been a schooner captain for 35 years throughout the Caribbean and South Pacific and in my experience, many small island nations have reaped the benefits of embracing the yachting community by enacting such policies. Unlike the cruise ship visitors and resort guests, whose money often goes to foreign owners, the “yachties” inject their money directly into the local community. They not only eat at restaurants, and buy souvenirs from the local craftsmen, but they also buy from hardware stores and the local vegetable markets and the local grocery stores. They buy petrol and diesel, they hire mechanics, and yacht workers, and get their laundry done!

This spending goes directly into the hands of the local community. I know there are many who have the impression that “yachties” are “cheap”. But they also stick around for weeks so in the end, they wind up spending thousands on services that ordinary tourists do not need.

The new ideas, from scheduling a regatta that could be part of a circuit in the Caribbean, the refurbishment

of the local haul out facility, and most importantly this new duty concession, will definitely create opportunities for local businesses and the youth of SVG, especially in Bequia. As the need for skilled yacht workers increases, there will be opportunities for vocational training in multiple areas. Young entrepreneurs can learn the skills needed, from working on diesels, to the electrical finesse of solar power, the woodworking skills involved with fine joinery, and many other possibilities will arise as SVG takes back some of the market share for this type of work. These opportunities will help prevent the youth of SVG having to go abroad for work.

It is very true that traditionally most sailboat owners have gotten their work done, in Grenada, Trinidad, or Martinique due to the extraordinary expense of bringing parts into SVG. This new initiative will allow the chandleries to offer competitive prices and many of the other yacht services will be able to compete regionally.

As a long-term man of the sea, I highly applaud the honorable Dr. Friday and his new government for this insight. I personally cannot wait for Ottley Hall to be operational again and I will start bringing in some parts immediately and look for local labor to help me install them!

Cheers, Captain

the members of their “inability to agree” on critical matters and asserted his concern with “the slow pace of integration.”

The call by Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, to enhance regional cooperation and to strive for “economic opportunity” and competitiveness, leaves us to believe that the internal bickering and indifferences amongst members infect the capacity and effectiveness of the organization to deliver on its goals.

On the issue of internal strife, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), took the opportunity in her remarks to chastise

other CARICOM members. Her tirade focused on a controversy in 2022 over a nonresponse to her inquiry regarding a kidnapped T&T national in another CARICOM country. Additionally, her presentation sought to provide justification for her support of Trump’s administration in the US efforts to outlaw Narcterrorism in the Caribbean. In so doing, she chastised members who may not have agreed with her foreign policy position and adamantly proclaimed that her country will always “put its national interest first.” Her very subtle way of throwing jabs at other member States and her emphatic declaration that she “will welcome” the US again,

sent an angry signal to the Caricom membership. Do not expect this controversy to untimely fade into oblivion. However, we can only hope that the dialogue and policy decisions of CARICOM will evolve into concrete actions and deliverables for the benefit of all Caribbean people.

B-Das.

Trust in the police

ANY POLICE FORCEor service depends on information, tips and cooperation from the public. This support from the public helps the police as they go about solving crime. So, whether you want to be ‘talk big’ and say the input of the public is all part of the intelligence work of the police, public support for and trust in the police force are critical to police work.

That is why, when the public begins to have doubts about the police, when they begin to mistrust them, citizens are less likely to be forthcoming with information, and even to appear as witnesses in certain cases.

Trust in the police begins to decline when the public sees our law enforcement officers to be unfair in their dealing with the people, when they lack basic decency, when they show open bias and moreover when they physically abuse citizens.

I say all of this to say, the new National Security Minister and his Commissioner of Police are worth their salt, they will get about rebuilding trust in the

there be any headway in preventing and dealing with crime.

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* IF VAT-FREE DAY was illegal, who are we going to charge for breaking the VAT law?

* How come now that the Indians have conquered world cricket everything bad is blamed on them? Why didn’t we “cuss” the ‘white man’ who change the laws of the game to tame the West Indies fast bowlers?

* Anybody notice how Dr. Godwin Friday’s personality change since he became PM? Anybody notice how much he smiling and thing?

* Are all those ‘influencers’ who used radio and social media to beat up on the ULP government and the NDP, now going to take a dose of “shut up”?

* Has Victoria Park been officially renamed Independence Park?

Incremental steps

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu (born 571 BC) – Legendary Chinese philosopher.

IT IS OFTEN INTERESTING to converse with teenagers and young adults who are yet to embark on a life career. Some appear to want to take giant steps to the pinnacle of success in their chosen profession. However, in life, progress is often measured by the smaller, incremental steps that we take toward our goals and not by quantum leaps. This idea of “incremental progress” can be applied to various aspects of life and living – personal growth and career development feature prominently in this. Individuals who are intent on weight loss, academic progress, enhanced athletic performance, and improved interpersonal relationships, should understand and appreciate that while it is tempting to expect instant success or dramatic alterations, the reality is that most meaningful progress in made through unswerving, steady effort over time. It is often through these small steps and the occasional detours that we build momentum, develop resolve, and gain the necessary skills to achieve our noble dreams.

The notion of incremental steps suggests that outstanding achievements are seldom the result of a single, enormous action but instead are the culmination of numerous small activities taken over time. This demands patience, commitment, and focus. The individual who is determined to learn to play a musical instrument, lose weight, or learn a new language must be prepared to “hang in there for the long haul”. Success in these areas will not happen overnight. The process involves patiently taking the incremental steps. For example, in learning to play the flute or recorder (often considered to be “simple musical instruments”) it is imperative to concentrate on finger placement, scales, and rhythm before advancing to more complex musical pieces. This can then be followed by developing skills in playing more advanced musical instruments such as the saxophone, trumpet, or trombone. Mastering the incremental steps becomes foundational to the eventual success and accomplishments. These smaller milestones are forerunners to the larger success.

Likewise, in the realm of personal growth, change often happens gradually. Weightlifters know this to be true. Muscle development demands consistent exercise and a commitment to increasing the number of reps and the weights as the strength of the muscles improve. Attempts to engage in rapid advancement could be detrimental. Similarly, someone looking to improve their physical fitness may not see overnight changes. The transformation may occur by incremental steps as they incorporate regular exercise, commit to an improved diet, maintain a hydrated body, and make sure that they get enough deep sleep.

Whether it is a weight loss programme, an academic pursuit, quest along a career path, or a goal that is related to enhanced financial savings, it is important to realize that the process of gradual improvement can

generate profound results. It is therefore imperative to develop the discipline to retain the focus and to commit to the long haul. Napoleon Hill (1883-1970), the accomplished American self-help author and motivational speaker reminds us that, “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” These are critical ingredients as we make the incremental steps.

Nestled among the many advantages of taking incremental steps is the realization that it makes progress feel more achievable. Sometimes it appears difficult and daunting to see the light at the end of the tunnel; big goals can seem overwhelming and intimidating. However, breaking these goals down into smaller, manageable tasks can generate confidence and ignite courage as evidence appears to indicate that success is possible. Such a realization can prove to be very inspiring, providing hope that the task will be accomplished. Steps along the selected path can also be quickened when onlookers observe the progress and comment favourably. Marathon runners, for example, can testify to the inspiration they receive when being cheered on although their legs are tired and their bodies reek with pain from the exhaustion. They know that each step takes them closer to the finish line. Beginning the journey may take courage. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) reminds us to, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” This approach was reflected in his life as he championed societal changes in the United States of America in the 1950s and 1960s. He was convinced that while social movements for societal justice, and equality advance slowly, they are often driven by a series of small, yet significant actions; each step taking us closer to the desired goal.

Dr King was not alone as he embarked on those incremental steps. He was ably assisted by the efforts of individuals like Rosa Parks whose arrest in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which launched King into national leadership; Ralph Abernathy, King’s closest friend and confidant; Coretta Scott King, his wife and lifelong partner in activism; John Lewis, a key organizer of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SBCC); Bayard Rustin, the chief organizer of nonviolent the 1963 March on Washington; Andrew Young, close advisor to King; and Medgar Evers, the NAACP leader who fought racial segregation in Mississippi. These provide a useful reminder that there is value in having like-minded individuals as company on the march to personal and communal enhancement. The incremental steps appear more bearable when there is “refreshing company” along the way. They remind us that the journey may be slow, but it is the cumulative effect of each incremental step that leads to lasting and meaningful change.

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

West’s reckless is wrecking the world

RAFAEL GROSSI, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, rejected American/Israeli allegations claiming that it found no credible proof that Iran intended to develop nuclear weapons.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the US President Donald Trump was playing Russian Roulette with millions of lives by coordinating military aggression with Israel against Iran.

In the propaganda war for the hearts and minds of people across the world, Donald Trump, one of the evilest men alive, claimed that the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saw the removal of the “most evil” man. Meanwhile, pay attention to word choice in the mainstream media. The American/Israeli continuous unprovoked military assaults on Iran are described as military strikes. Iran’s defensive responses to the aggression are characterised as military attacks.

What is unfolding across West Asia is the final piece in the American neocon plan to remake this troubled part of the world to allow the completion of the zionist Israeli plan for a greater Israel, with borders from the Nile to the Euphrates.

In a 2004 book titled Clark Critique by General Wesley K. Clark, the former commander of NATO’s forces in Europe claimed he met a senior military officer in Washington in November 2001 who told him the Bush administration was planning to attack Iraq first before taking action against Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iran, Somalia and Sudan.

Clark says after the 11 September 2001 attacks, many Bush administration officials seemed determined to move against Iraq, invoking the idea of state sponsorship of terrorism, even though there was no evidence of Iraqi sponsorship of 9/11 whatsoever.

Clark criticised the plan to attack the seven states, saying it targeted the wrong countries, ignored the ‘real sources of terrorists,’ and failed to achieve ‘the greater force of international law’ that would bring wider global support.

President Trump reinforced Wesley Clark’s dark fears on January 9 when he told listeners that he is ‘restrained not by international law or treaties but by his own morality.’

These statements prompted Canada’s Mark Carney to declare that the rule-based order, which he admitted had never applied to powerful Western societies, was dead, and that the world had reverted to the days when the powerful did what they could, and the weak suffered what they must.

Such reckless actions, especially the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and the American/Israeli invasion, have prompted the celebrated Australian journalist to argue in a March 4, 2026, column that Iran is morally superior to the United States. Johnstone says:

‘Iran is better than the United States. The United States is worse than Iran.

This is true not because Iran is especially good, but because the United States is especially evil.

Iran isn’t blanketing a major metropolis with military explosives, killing over a thousand people, including hundreds of children. The United States is doing this with its partner in crime, Israel.

Iran isn’t continuously bombing and invading countries around the world, toppling governments, circling the globe with hundreds of military bases, targeting civilian populations with siege warfare and brandishing nuclear weapons at its enemies in the name of securing planetary domination. Only

the United States is.

The US empire is the single most murderous and tyrannical power structure on earth, by an extremely massive margin. No one else comes anywhere remotely close. Not Iran. Not anybody. Every government in the world is morally superior to the “most evil” government, and the most evil government is the United States.

In response to these charges, US empire apologists say, ‘We’re only the ones fighting the wars and dropping the bombs because we happen to be the ones with the power to do so!’

But that’s false. The US isn’t the world’s most vicious government because it happens to be the most powerful; it’s the most powerful government because it’s the most vicious. It’s the power structure which was willing to do whatever it takes to rule the world, no matter how profoundly evil.

Genocides. Starvation sanctions. Nuclear brinkmanship. Imperialist extraction. The deliberate creation of failed states and humanitarian catastrophes. Policies designed to keep entire regions in a continuous state of division and strife. The United States and the globe-spanning empire structured around it have inflicted depravities upon our species which cry out to the heavens for vengeance. If you could truly comprehend the scale of the suffering it has created over the years, even for a second, you would never stop screaming.

When these observations are made, the usual response is ‘Well, I’d rather live in the US than Iran!’

And it says so much about the Western worldview that people think this is an argument. Sure, it’s probably nicer to live in the United States than Iran, especially now, and certainly ever since the US has been deliberately strangling the Iranian economy with the explicitly stated goal of making its citizenry so miserable that they wage a civil war against their government.

But it’s so revealing that westerners see someone saying Iran is better than the United States and think it’s a statement about where they personally would prefer to live, because it shows how completely invisible US warmongering is in their worldview. Washington’s acts of mass military slaughter simply do not count as immoral or abusive behaviour in their eyes, because they are being inflicted on foreigners overseas. So they automatically assume the comparison is asking which country would make your feelings feel nicer to live in as an individual.

The fact that the US government happens to export the majority of its abusiveness to other countries outside its own borders doesn’t make it any less murderous and tyrannical; it just means the people bearing the brunt of its savagery happen to live in other places. Their lives don’t matter any less than American lives, and only a warped, American supremacist worldview would feel otherwise.

The US government is quantifiably morally inferior to the Iranian government. It is quantifiably more tyrannical, more murderous, and more destructive. It is the very last power structure on earth that should have any say in who leads Iran and how the Iranians ought to conduct their affairs. It is not morally qualified to be making those decisions.’

Until we take a clear-eyed view of the world and all that is happening around us, we will always support wrong and celebrate evil.

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

Dr. J. P. Eustace for National Hero

by Luke Browne SINCE

WE ARE

INNATIONAL

HEROES ANDHERITAGE MONTH,I am once again recommending Dr. John Parmenas Eustace for the award of National Hero. He deserves it! Dr. Eustace satisfies the criteria in the relevant Act in that he –i) gave outstanding service to our nation that was exemplified by visionary and pioneering leadership, extraordinary achievement and the highest excellence which has redound to the honour of SVG; and ii) made a contribution that altered positively the course of our history and improved the economic, social and political conditions of SVG and Vincentians generally.

J. P. Eustace was a pioneer in the field of education. He set up the 1st non-government secondary school in this country in 1926 at the height of colonialism — the Intermediate High School (IHS). Remarkably, he was just 20 years old at that time. The Intermediate High School was only preceded by the SVGS and the GHS, both of which were highly elitist institutions. The IHS extended the opportunity for a secondary school education to children from all socio-economic backgrounds. The IHS was the first co-ed

secondary school in this country. J. P. Eustace did not believe that males and females should be separated from each other at school.

The IHS will turn 100 years old in April. How fitting it would be for J. P. Eustance to be named a National Hero on the occasion of IHS’s centenary!

Dr. Eustace also started the Emmanuel High School Kingstown in 1952 and the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia in 1963. He took secondary school education to rural SVG. The Emmanuel High School Kingstown was the largest secondary school in this country for many years.

J. P. Eustace made many sacrifices to keep his schools going and overcame many challenges.

In the 60-year period between 1911 and 1971, the government of SVG did not open a single secondary school in this country! In that same period, J. P. Eustace singlehandedly opened 3 secondary schools. I find this to be an absolutely remarkable fact! This means that there was a point in the history of this country at which J. P. Eustace had started more secondary schools than the government!

Dr. John Parmenas Eustace - optometrist and optician, educator, Minister of Religion, human extraordinaire.

foundation for successful careers and lives. He empowered them with knowledge and skills to pursue and achieve their dreams and goals. He helped to create a country in which “where you are from” was not a barrier to your success. He helped to create a country in which “who your parents were” was not a barrier to success. He helped to build an education system based on equity, inclusion and social justice.

J. P. Eustace was not just an extraordinary educator. He was also an eye-doctor and a minister of religion. He was actually SVG’s first optometrist and optician. He was a leader and erudite preacher in the Christian Brethren Movement that built Gospel Halls and Chapels in many parts of SVG. He addressed the educational needs of our nation. He addressed the physical or healthcare needs of our nation. He addressed the spiritual needs of our nation. Incidentally, he saw his work in education and healthcare as an outgrowth of his Christian Ministry.

J. P. Eustace gave many children in this country the hope of a bright future by providing them with the

Dr. Eustace made a massive contribution to poverty reduction, upward mobility, economic growth and national development. He altered positively the course of our history and improved the general condition of life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The story of his life and special achievements is even more remarkable because of the fact that he made his accomplishments as a private citizen. He never held public office. He had no political motivations and no access to public resources. He was simply inspired by a genuine desire to help improve the lives of Vincentians. He is an excellent role model for all of us. We should try to be like Doc. For me, J. P. Eustace made the greatest individual contribution to national development. He is the best candidate for the award of national hero. He might even be the greatest Vincentian who has ever lived.

Fraser makes plug for Football Tourism

Candy Fraser, Tourism enthusiast- points to football being a potential money-earner, if packaged as part of the Tourism product.

TOURISM

ENTHUSIASTCandy Fraser, believes that St. Vincent and the Grenadines should intensify its effort in Sports Tourism, with Football being one of the vehicles to do so.

Sparked by the frequency and number of cruise tourists who use

cycling as a means of traversing St. Vincent and the Grenadines on their visits, Fraser proposes that Football can follow suit.

According to Fraser, Football in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a “culture, community, and identity”, and questions why the sport isn’t being integrated with that same energy into our cruise Tourism product.

“The infrastructure, talents and Culture certainly exists. Tourism remains one of our strongest industries. Football remains one of our greatest passions. The opportunity lies in intentionally connecting the two”, she added. Fraser is convinced that her ideas if activated can be a winwin situation for several stakeholders.

“Imagine curated football stops across the island in communities like Cumberland and Brighton, with a featured

Devron E. Poyer introducing Devron E. Poyer Sports Strategies (DEPSS), a consultancy service aimed primarily at enhancing sports administration and execution at all levels.

AFTER MONTHS OF INCUBATION, the Devron E. Poyer Sports Strategies (DEPSS) has illuminated, promising an improvement and newness to sports administration and execution. DEPSS was launched and presented to a cross section of the Vincentian landscape at a ceremony last Tuesday night, March 3, 2026, at the Paradise

activation at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, where visitors could meet local players, watch short skills exhibitions, and even participate in a light, friendly kickabout if they choose. It would not be about competition, but connection”, Fraser highlighted.

Expanding her vision, Fraser underlined the need to extend the tour to the Grenadines, namely Bequia, given its close proximity to the mainland, complemented by a regular ferry service.

“The experience could extend even further. A scenic trip to Bequia could combine breathtaking views with a relaxed cool-down football session, followed by local food, fresh coconut water; maybe the taste of our snow cone and craft vendors showcasing auth entic Vincentian

As recent as last Sunday, March 01, 2026, a large contingent of cruise tourists smilar to this, was seen using bicycles to criss-cross mainland St. Vincent.

products. The day could end with a beach stop or a smooth return to the cruise ship for guests leaving with memories that go beyond photographs”, Fraser proposed.

Detailing some of the trickle-down effects to the Tourism sector, Fraser outlined some of the notable beneficiaries.

“This concept is about more than sports. It creates economic opportunities for local footballers, particularly unemployed youth, as well as vendors, drivers, and small entrepreneurs. It also increases visibility. We never truly know who is visiting our shores; it may be a scout, a sponsor, a business

owner with connections. Cycling has been successfully packaged as a cruise excursion. Football can be packaged too”, Fraser emphasized. Fraser recognized that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is rife with opportunities, but admits there is a need for that will to transform ideas into successes.

DEP Sports Strategies officially launched

Inn Hotel, Villa.

The brainchild of Poyer, DEPSS’ came about to address a void in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that being the lack of a sports related consultancy agency.

Hence, DEPSS was established to provide expert services to clubs, associations, leagues, churches, along with other organisations, so that they can operate with a higher level of excellence and professionalism.

Giving an outline of the operations of DEPSS, Poyer said, “We are here to help your executives, help your committees, formalize strategic plans, policies, regulations so that you can move from one stage, from one level to another.”

Planning to use his years of experience as General Secretary of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation and accumulated acumen as a Concacaf Venue Coordinator and Match Commissioner, Poyer further informed of the services on offer by DEPSS.

“We can also do project funding, event coordination, venue management, all those

is

and equipped

help sport and other administrators take their programme to an improved level of operation.

things that are necessary to make an association thoroughly and properly function,” Poyer added.

Poyer though, has an exclusive offer for activities connected to the church. Such organisations can access DEPSS’ services with no cost attached.

“The plan we are offering for the church is to make them excellent, to present God in an

excellent way. So, whether you have crusades, youth services, anniversary services, or any other event, we will help you with coordination, planning, and execution”, he underscored.

Poyer, however, pointed out that DPSS will be tapping into other professionals to deliver an exceptional product.

“There are persons I am going to tap into. For example,

there are professionals who I know, who are versed on governance matters, on financial aspect, safeguarding, who can conduct workshops for us,” Poyer informed. Poyer revealed that DPSS will be operating from its Murray’s Village base, whilst contact can be made through all social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

No technical issue, says petitionersÊ lawyer

A LAWYER FOR THE PETITIONERSchallenging the eligibility of the current Prime Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister to contest general elections, has dismissed suggestions that there might be a technical issue given Friday’s long tenure as an MP (since 2001) without previous objections.

When asked by THE VINCENTIAN newspaper whether there might be a technical issue given Friday’s long tenure as an MP without previous objections, Stuart

Young, who served as Prime Minister from March 17 to May 1, 2025, and is legal counsel for the Unity Labour Party petitions in an election matter here, dismissed the suggestion.

Young said that the matter centres on the interpretation of the Constitution and relevant electoral legislation, and went on to explain that the case involves the application of Section 26(1)(a) of the Constitution, along with Section 35 of the Representation of the People legislation, noting that the Constitution ultimately takes precedence.

The first case management hearing in the election petitions challenging the

eligibility of Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Foreign Affairs Minister Fitzgerald Bramble to contest general elections in SVG, was held Thursday at the High Court, Bedford Street, Kingstown.

The petitions, filed in December 2025, question the right of both men to serve in Parliament on the grounds that they allegedly hold dual citizenship. Friday represents the Northern Grenadines constituency, while Bramble serves as Member of Parliament for East Kingstown.

In December 2025, the opposition Unity Labour Party filed two election petitions challenging the election of Friday and Bramble following

the November 27 general election.

Both MPs attended the hearing with strong support from Cabinet colleagues and other supporters.

Stuart Young was one of at least five overseas attorneys called to the Bar in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday, and who will be involved in the case.

In December 2025, two unsuccessful Unity Labour Party candidates filed two election petitions challenging the election of Friday and Bramble following the November 27 general election.

Carlos Williams petitioned against Dr. Friday and Luke Browne did likewise against Bramble. (KH)

SVG addressing fallout from Middle East conflict

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said, “faces “the high likelihood of experiencing a severe energy and fuel-cost shock over the next 12 months.”

This, he posited “… depends on how this conflict plays out, whether it’s terminated fairly quickly, but we anticipate that there is going to be a very high risk of us experiencing increasing fuel costs.

The Prime Minister explained that rising fuel and energy costs could have far-reaching consequences across multiple sectors, particularly tourism. He noted that higher travel expenses may result in a downturn in long-haul arrivals and reduced hotel occupancy rates, developments that could place additional strain on the economy.

PRIME MINISTER DR. GODWIN FRIDAYsays Government is taking proactive steps to shield St. Vincent and the Grenadines from possible economic fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Dr. Friday warned that while the country is not directly involved in the war, it is unlikely to escape the global ripple effects.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the risk of imported inflation, which could drive up the cost of living.

ID crisis

He said Government will be closely monitoring early warning indicators such as freight and insurance rates, as well as supermarket prices, to assess the extent of any increases.

While acknowledging that measures are already in place to cushion rising living costs, the Prime Minister

indicated that Cabinet will revisit its strategy to determine what additional interventions may be required. He also raised concerns about potential shortages of key goods, including building materials, oil and other supplies, noting that global trade disruptions could affect availability.

Dr. Friday emphasized that as a responsible government, officials must remain vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly to any economic shocks, even though St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not directly involved in the conflict.

Meanwhile, CARICOM

has expressed grave concern regarding the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, with member states exhibiting varied, and sometimes split, responses to recent US and Israeli actions against Iran.

Continued from Backpage.

He stressed that the distribution of materials will no longer be tied to election cycles but will instead be based strictly on the needs of citizens. According to the minister, assessors in each community will review housing conditions to determine eligibility for assistance.

Additionally, Stephenson indicated that the programme will not be limited solely to persons affected by Hurricane Beryl.

Residents facing urgent housing challenges, even if unrelated to the storm, will also be considered under a broader national housing support initiative.

Message from the Commonwealth Women’s Network on the occasion of International Women’s

Day – 8th March, 2026

Theme: When Sleeping Women Awake, Mountains Will Move‰

THE ROOTS OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAYtrace back to the early 20th century, when labour movements protested against poor working conditions amid rapid industrialisation. Key milestones include the 1908 march of 15,000 women in New York City demanding better right, and the establishment of National Women’s Day in the United States in 1909.

In 1910, Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of International Women’s Day, leading to its first celebration in multiple countries. Many countries observe International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, with some countries declaring it a national holiday.

Areas of concern

The goal of Women’s Day is to celebrate women and address the challenges they face worldwide. This goal was addressed through four World Conferences, the last of which was held in Beijing, China in 1995. The fruitful outcome of this Conference was a Platform of Action for the Advancement of Women to address 12 critical areas of concern, as follows:

* women and poverty;

* education and training of women;

* women and health;

* violence against women;

* women and armed conflict;

* women and the economy;

* women in power and decision-making;

* human rights of women;

* women and the media;

* women and the environment;

* institutional mechanisms for advancing women;

* the girl child.

The areas of concern represent a comprehensive list of issues requiring urgent attention and action by governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve gender equality. These are not independent issues, but interdependent, as the success or failure of one, affects the others.

In the thirty years of its existence, the Beijing Platform for Action has experienced slow achievement in several areas, and high levels in others, but the imbalance has led to several critical outcomes affecting women and their families.

For this Women’s Day, March 8, 2026, the focus of the Commonwealth Women’s Network, is “Women in Power

and Decisionmaking, and “The Girl Child”.

The Caribbean and The Girl Child

Here in the Caribbean, there is a notable increase in the number of women in Power and decisionmaking. From leadership in religious denominations, Educational Institutions, Business United Nations Departments, Business, Sports to Representation of the People, women are emerging into equality as citizens in their countries. In Trinidad and Tobago, both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are women. Here in St. Vincent, at one time a woman had the Office as Deputy Prime Minister and more recently two Indigenous Women vied for success in the same seat. It is also important to salute those women who offered themselves as candidates, either as independent or within small parties, and in the process made their voices heard.

enforce laws, girls are more vulnerable to all kinds of violence, particularly sexual violence, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking, possibly the sale of their organs and tissues, and forced labour.

The girl child with disabilities faces additional barriers and needs to be ensured non-discrimination and equal enjoyment of all human rights and

fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities”.

The Challenge

What can be done? What can Women contribute to this struggle for survival?

The call for women to be present in power and decisionmaking was not merely to elevate women, but to place

“Give to gain’

However, as mentioned earlier, the Critical Areas of Concern, are inter-dependent, and while Women are rising in certain areas, there is need to focus on the Girl Child — the Future Women — who continue to face great challenges in their formative years. The Girl Child was the 12th Critical Area of Concern, and its inclusion was a hard-won victory.

Certain issues mentioned in the narrative, such as Genital Mutilation, are prevalent in certain countries, but the issues that affect the Caribbean must be researched and addressed, for example, what lies within this general statement quoted below:“Sexual violence and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, have a devastating effect on children’s health, and girls are more vulnerable than boys to the consequences of unprotected and premature sexual relations. Girls often face pressures to engage in sexual activity.’

Due to such factors as their youth, social pressures, lack of protective laws, or failure to

National Council of Women message on the occasion of International Women’s Day

“GIVE TO GAIN”, emphasizing support and reciprocity for women’s empowerment, is the theme for International Women’s Day 2026. It is celebrated globally with various events, such as marches focusing on women’s rights and safety, award ceremonies and showcasing inspiring stories about women. Generally, the campaign’s focus is on women’s achievements and their contributions to society, women’s empowerment and equality, reproductive rights and violence against women. It is observed on March 8th every year. The day has a rich history dating back to 1908 when 15,000 women marched in New York City

demanding better pay and voting rights. The United Nations recognized the day officially in 1975, and since then it has been observed in many countries.

As we focus on women today, let us be reminded that there can be no true development without the total involvement of women in the process. Empowering and supporting women will lead to substantial growth and benefits for all.

The government policies, plans and programs will affect women and men differently therefore, it should be set to satisfying the individual needs of women and men. Through partnership between women and men gender equality will be achieved, thus the elimination of inequalities, and the promotion of equal opportunities and participation in

them in areas where their representation would bring an equality in governance. It is incumbent on the non-governmental organizations, through their advantage of “having their ears to the ground”, to ensure the grass roots spread of information to their communities and bring an understanding of the issues affecting women. Those in authority would have the relevant information to shape effective policy, leading to meaningful change.

At the time of preparation for the 4th World Conference on Women, a soul-searching ancient Chinese Proverb emerged — “When Sleeping Women Awake — Mountains will move”.

This Women’s Day, can we rise to this Challenge?

Nelcia Robinson, Chair Commonwealth Women’s Network

political, social and economic processes.

Through technical and financial assistance, individuals will be empowered to take control of their lives; to promote sustainability and safety nets for themselves and their families.

The call for skills training, capacity building opportunities, increased access to information and technology, access and increased utilization of basic social services are critical for the removal of gender inequality and the elimination of poverty.

While we seek equality and empowerment, we also advocate for the resilience of our girls and boys through “Give and Gain”. Giving support, providing opportunities and resources will generate positive outcomes for girls and boys, communities, and societies.

The theme suggests that we “Give and Gain” through mentorship, support networks, skills sharing, lift other women ideas and achievements and voluntarism.

Happy International Women’s Day! You are amazing, strong and confident, ladies! Keep shining, keep pushing boundaries, and remember, your strength is everything.

Beverly

March is WomenÊs Month

celebrates the arts in SVG. During the month of March it makes a special effort to celebrate the women artists of SVG in their own way. Youlou Arts features the artwork by local women.

MARCH IS HERE. March 8th is Women’s International Day!

It’s the month when we recognize women for their endurance, impact and leadership that often goes unnoticed by the public. Women are our Heroes.

Women are deemed Heroes because they carry more than their share. They have had to fight for basic rights and continue to do so.

It is a fact that women across cultures disproportionately shoulder caregiving, emotional labour and community work - often while working full-time. They have done this without

applause and great fanfare. It takes quiet strength to do this.

Women are resilient. They face systemic barriers such as unequal pay, violence, and restricted education. But they carry on, they build businesses, raise families, create art, are innovative and lead movements. The women of SVG have courage and demonstrate it every day. They are heroes!

For months Youlou Arts has been making plans to celebrate women during the month of March. This tradition was started several years ago. Youlou Arts Foundation

This year Youlou Arts will be featuring 16 local women artists and crafters at the Youlou Art Centre. The Opening Reception for this event happens to be the day, March 14, we celebrate the Right Excellent Joseph Chatoyer, our national hero. It will be a day of celebration for all heroes.

This event is slated to open on Saturday, March 14 from 12 noon to 6 pm at the Youlou Art Centre, Indian Bay.

The 2026 theme is “Open Your Mind - Express Yourself Through Art.”

The Opening Reception will feature paintings and a display of crafts made by local craft women. The public is encouraged to attend and support the arts. There will be food and drinks on

sale.

The show will run from March 14 through to the end of June 2026. The Craft Fair will be happening only during the opening reception March 14.

For more information call or email the Youlou Art Centre: youlouartcentre@gmail.com WhatsApp 497-7811, landline 457-4493

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Another theft charge for driver, conductor

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

JUST HOURS AFTER BUS

DRIVER Romano Jackson and his conductor Mathew McFee were jailed and ordered to pay compensation for the theft of two motor vehicle side mirrors valued at EC$1,500, they are again before the court on a similar charge.

Jackson, 37, of Frenches, and McFee, 31, of Redemption Sharpes, were brought before Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie on Thursday, February 26, after being charged with, that between December 20, 2025 and January 31, 2026, they stole a front bumper valued at EC$3,000 and two fog lamps valued at EC$900, from motor vehicle RK73, the property of Anthony

John of Questelles.

The men pleaded not guilty when they made their appearance at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on February 26, and each was granted $2,900 bail with one surety, on condition that they report to the Central Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit and they are not to leave the state without the Court’s permission.

The Prosecution is to disclose all relevant material to the case by March 20 and a case management hearing is set for June 12.

The trial date is slated for September and Jackson and McFee will remain in custody as they are serving prison time for a similar offence.

Cop for High Court trial

POLICE CONSTABLE

Kyle Nimblet has been committed to stand High Court trial for the attempted murder of his former lover Rafi Sardine of Villa.

The 22-year-old Byera man is accused of stabbing Sardine with a knife during an incident at Glen on September 6, 2025.

The Committal came at the Serious Offences Court yesterday (Thursday).

PC Kyle Nimblet now faces a High Court trial. (Facebook photo)

The first part of Nimblet’s Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was done orally where witnesses were called to testify, while the other part was done via Paper Committal Procedure, where the remaining evidence was reviewed by the Chief Magistrate, the Prosecution and the defence, following which the Magistrate made the determination.

Attorney Grant Connell represented Nimblet at the trial.a

What a friend!!!

Dear George,

CAN YOU IMAGINE MY CHILDHOOD FRIEND,a male, sabotaging my efforts to get a much-needed job?  Both of us have been actively sending out job applications for the past three years with no success.  Recently, I found out that one of the businesses to which I had I applied called for me, but he never gave me the information.   You see, I was having trouble with my phone, so I used his number as a point of contact. His excuse? His phone battery was dead and had to be replaced.

A friend of his later told me that he never wanted me to have that particular job which was why he never notified me. When I did contact the company they had already hired someone else. His friend begged me not to let him know he told me about my friend’s deceitfulness but I’m not sure I can hold this one. What do you think I should do?

Highly Disappointed.

Dear Highly Disappointed,

Sometimes we encounter people who do not have our best interest at heart and would do devious things to ensure their agenda is the one that gets pushed.

There is no need to cause any upheaval over this, just use the information you are now privy to and proceed wisely and quietly. You can now contact those companies from whom you have had no reply to your application to find out your status.

Make it a top priority to get your phone up and running and take charge of your own destiny. Your friend, in time, will discover you are on to him.

George.

Come clean with your church

Dear George,

IT HAS BEEN A MONTH since I last attended church and questions are beginning to arise.

You see, George, I have stayed away since one of three sisters in the church with whom I have been fooling around, informed me that she believes she could be pregnant. She also said my name was also being called by another sister who happens to be married. I do not want to face that kind of music and I have been declining calls

from anyone who attends that church. Now the possibility exists that nobody could be pregnant in the end though, I was not given full blown proof of anything. What do you think I should do?

Terrified.

Dear Terrified,

Actions are followed by consequences and in your case, you should be ready to face the consequences that are associated with your actions.

The Church is

A wife for a wife

Dear George,

I HAVE NO PROBLEM indulging in a Tit for Tat this time around. This guy, no friend of mine, slept with my wife. I have the proof (pics). I have not confronted him and do not plan to. I am bent on getting back at him by sleeping with his wife, and this is close to happening. His wife does not know her husband slept with mine but if in the end this comes out in the wash, I will produce my proof. My wife, meantime, is acting innocent and holy not knowing I am on to her.

This is the only thing that is going to give me full satisfaction. It is either I do this or out his light period. I think he is getting a good deal. What do you think?

Ready to Roll.

definitely not the place to be carrying out that kind of behavior. This would be a good time to turn yourself in and have a conversation with the leadership of the church. This step is necessary if you wish to get back in good standing, not only with the church but your God.

However difficult this might seem to be, it is absolutely necessary. Staying away is not going to solve the issue, it merely prolongs the inevitable.

George.

Dear Ready to Roll,

Getting back at this individual the way you plan to, is not going to bring you lasting satisfaction. This is something that must be dealt with head on and you need to have a sit down with your wife. For her to allow what happened to happen is a clear indication that things are not completely A-OK in the marriage. Two wrongs can never make a right and I am not going to encourage to go down that road. Be the better man and deal with this maturely. Taking the wrong approach can result in the demise of your marriage altogether. Think again and take the high road.

George.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Stretch the truth, and you may get blamed for something you didn't do. Try to keep a low profile. Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects this week. You are best to move quickly and to get in good with the boss.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't allow your personal problems to interfere with your professionalism. Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests. You will have no problem getting your point across to those in a position to help you. Don't be taken advantage of by any fast talking salesperson trying to part you from your cash.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) New partnerships will develop if you join investment groups. You will have to check your cash flow before you decide to indulge in hobbies or entertainment that may be beyond your budget. Try to visit a country that excites you. Renovations or purchases made for your home will pay off.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Do a little shopping. You're likely to find a real bargain. This is a great day for a trip. Involvement in groups of interest will bring you in touch with important individuals. Make plans to do the things you enjoy.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You may be out of sorts. If you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially. Get busy making those changes to your home. Alienation may be the result of a misunderstanding. Try not to judge too quickly.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Property investments, insurance, taxes, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. One of your female friends may try to disrupt your day. Stand up for your rights. Take the time to help those less fortunate. You will be able

to close any deals successfully.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Do whatever your mate wants; it really doesn't matter as long as you're together. Communication will be your best bet. Travel for business or pleasure will be enlightening. Your dramatic approach to life has probably gotten to your mate.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Make creative changes to your living quarters. Some time spent with that special someone should be your intent. You can bet officials will be waiting for you when you do. Get promises in writing or you will be disappointed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You may find a rare antique this week. Update and review your personal investments. Find out what they're up to, and see if you can pick up where you left off. Take time to relax. Stress and pressure at home may have worn you ragged.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Some of the best opportunities will crop up if you keep an open mind. Compromising could be on the agenda this week. You might not accomplish all that you want to at home this week. Relatives will not agree with the way you are dealing with your personal problems.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Get thinking about prolonging longevity. You really can't do anything to change matters this week. Be careful when using machinery or electrical equipment. Get ready to discover love, passion, and the desire to enjoy all that life has to offer.

ACROSS

1.Lincoln, for short 4. Make a cartoon 8. Ship’s letters

11. Baseball legend Gehrig

12. Lower edges of a roof

14. Comic Gilliam 15. Champagneopening sound

16. Bible passage 17. Penpoint

18. Hula-__ 20. White Owl product

22. “Mad __ You” 24. Pineapple name

25. Chipper

26. Root, root, root for them (2 wds.)

30. Angle starter

31. Did needlework

32. NYC transit org.

33. 1977 sci-fi classic (2 wds.)

35. Not Reps. or Inds.

37. Leading 38. June or May 40. __ of the hill 41. Scrap 42. Slugger Prince Fielder’s father

44. Suffix for a doctrine 47. Portugal’s cont. 48. Terre __ 49. Hound constantly 50. Struggle 51. Take a nap 52. Aerobics area

DOWN

13. Looked happy 19. Three strikes 21. Fetch

36. Like meringue

1.Yodeler’s location 2. 10/31 shout 3. Bliss 4. Bus terminal 5. Grate 6. Actress Gardner 7. Greetings 8. Milit. Academy 9. Waken 10. Hero

22. Rental units (abbr.)

23. Emcee Parks

24. Bride’s portion

26. Post-toast

phrase (2 wds.)

27. Coming forth

28. Bank machines (abbr.)

29. Sail support

31. Change sides

34. Moved swiftly

35. Continued

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Nagging has never been something that you could tolerate, and it's once again driving you into a lonely state of affairs. Jealousy may get in the way of a good relationship. Travel will be enjoyable but could be expensive. Physical activity will help defuse your frustration. sandwich

Roban cops another gold

HANDAL ROBAN represented Penn State University well at the 2026 Indoor Big Ten Track and Field Championships, which ran from February 26 to 28, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion in Indianapolis, USA.

The Vincentian ran 1:46.44 to win the 800m on Saturday and led Penn State to a podium sweep with Allon Clay second in 1:46.65 and Niko Schultz third in 1:46.75.

It was Roban’s second Big Ten title, his first being in 2024. He missed out in 2025 because of injury. In 2023 he earned a bronze.

Also last Saturday at the Big Ten Championships, Roban added to his medal cabinet when he took silver in the 600m, stopping the clock at 1:15.59.

Earlier in the season, Roban timed 1:44.03 at the ASICS Sound Invite, which placed him ahead of the field going into the championships.

In another record-breaking time for Roban in 2026 thus far, the 23-year-old on January 30, set a new school record in the Indoor 800m event by clocking 1:44.91.

In the process, he reset his own St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ record, as well as in the history of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

He returned on February 14, 2026, to lower the record to 1:44.73.

And, on January 17, 2026, Roban timed 1:18.72 to better the St. Vincent and the Grenadines record in the Men’s Indoor 600m.

National Indoor Long Jump record broken

UROY RYANhas broken his own St. Vincent and the Grenadines Indoor Long Jump record of 7. 88m achieved in 2025. He did so when he leapt to 7.90m on Friday, February 27, 2026, while competing for Kansas State, at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championship, in

Texas, USA. Ryan also became the first athlete from Kansas State to earn the Big 12 Indoor Long Jump title since the 2016 season.

The 21-year-old Ryan holds the St. Vincent and the Grenadines U-20 Male Long Jump record, 8.01m, accomplished in 2023 as a student at the Jamaica College.

A Carifta and Penn

Uroy Ryan –making his school, his country and himself proud.

Relays Long Jump silver medallist, Ryan reached the final at the 2022 World Athletics Under20 Championships in Cali, Colombia. Ryan took Under-18 gold in the Long Jump at the 2021 NACAC Championships. He won the Class One Long Jump title at the 2023 Boys and Girls Champs in Jamaica and placed fourth at the 2023 NACAC Under—23 championships. He is expected to feature for St Vincent and the Grenadines at upcoming regional and international championships in 2026.

Marks Dasent competes at Miami Regatta

KAI MARKS DASENTcompeted at the ILCA 6 Midwinters East Championships in Miami. Hosted by Key Biscayne Yacht Club, the 6race series was run over 4 days and attracted sailors from across the United States and the wider Central American and Caribbean region.

It is one of the most competitive regattas on the North American sailing calendar. It serves as a key regatta for sailors on Olympic and regional sport pathways, including the Central America and Caribbean Games, CAC Games, underlining the strength of the 100 plus fleet Marks Dasent faced in Miami.

The racing in Miami was held in mainly light breezes with a steep chop typical of Biscayne Bay, placing a premium on boat handling and tactical positioning.

These conditions tested sailors’ adaptability, particularly transitions between lightair technique and poweredup sailing modes.

Kai delivered his strongest results on the higherwind day, demonstrating confidence, speed, and control when the breeze increased. The event also highlighted a clear development focus, as Kai identified that continued improvement in lightwind technique will be a priority as he prepares for future international qualifiers and championship racing.

“Racing in Miami was an awesome experience,” said 15yearold Kai Marks Dasent. “I sailed best when it was windy, which gave me a lot of confidence. I know I still have work to do in light winds, and that’s something I’m focused on improving.”

Jenny Trumble, President and Head Coach of the SVG Sailing Association, added “The North

American Mid-Winter Series attracts the region’s top sailors as it is a World Ranking event. Kai is a young athlete, determined to grow in this highly competitive Olympic-class boat. His result–82nd out of 106–may seem modest to some, but it is an important step in his Olympic training pathway. Competing in regattas like this, where you line up against more than 100 world-class sailors, is an experience we simply cannot replicate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Kai has returned inspired and even more focused on his training plan, so our objectives for this regatta have been achieved.”

To get involved in youth sailing in SVG please email Jenny at svgsailingassociation@gmail.com (Source: SVG Sailing Assoc.)

Blue Marlins complete beaver trick

THE BLUE MARLINS SWIM CLUB has once again laid down their marker in the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre (SAC) Gallagher Invitational Swim Championships.

Right: Black Sands winners: From leftIra Hadley, Kione De Shong, Sarai Williams, Eltonique Leonard.

When the four-day championships concluded last Sunday, March 1, the club etched their fourth straight lien on the title.

Blue Marlins amassed 1455 points, ahead of second place- Black Sands Swim Squad with 1357 points.

H2o Lions Swim Academy, an emerging group from South Leeward put together 587 points.

Apart from being crowned champions, Blue Marlins outdid Black Sands copping six individual titles.

Jace Thomas won the Boys 8 and Under title; Zid Toney- the Boys 9 to 10; Saj Caesar, the Boys 11 to 12 and Hazen Dabriel, the Boys 15 and Over.

Blue Marlins also pouched two Girls titles, as Skylar Byron won the 11 to 12 age group and Belle Adams, the 13 to 14.

The other four titles went to the Black Sands Swim Squad: Sarai Williams was the Girls 8 and Under champion; Ira Hadley- the Girls 9 to 10; Eltonique Leonard- the Girls 15 and Over and Kione De Shong bossed the Boys 13 to 14 age category.

Blue Marlins team was prepared by Coaches Tamara St. Hilaire, Alyssa Davis and Rickydene Alexander.

Azinho Solomon keeps on target

AFTER FIVE MATCHES

System Three’s Azinho Solomon is establishing daylight between him and the other strikers in the 2026 Vincy Soccer Premier League (VSPL). Solomon added five goals in his team’s 6-0 trouncing of Bequia United on Friday, February 27, at the Brighton Technical Centre.

With strikes in the 20th, 28th, 51st, 78th and 81st, minutes, Solomon took his tally to thirteen goals. Isaiah Charles scored in the 76th minute, as System Three went to 13 points maintaining their lead in the points standing.

Trailing them is

Layou United, who also on Friday night jumped BESCO- Pastures to take second place on 11 points.

BESCO Pastures got off to a flying start in the 6th minute through D’ Nelson Lewis, but Layou responded quickly when Kenvie Polius levelled the score in the 10th minute.

Garrett Leigertwood then struck twice in the 22nd and 28th minutes and Koby Mingot’s 45th minute goal as Layou ran out 4-1 winners.

Je Belle moved up the table to fourth place on 10 points, after a 3-0 win over Hope International in the first of Sunday’s triple header.

Raysean Mathias did Je Belle a favour by scoring an own goal in the 37th minute. Jahva Audain doubled the lead in the 77th minute and Zinda Grant completed the one-way traffic with a goal in the 85th minute.

On the other end of the table, Avenues and Camdonia- Chelsea drew one goal apiece.

Jodamo Slaters netted for Camdonia- Chelsea in the 75th minute, before Kadel Hector found the equalizer for Avenues United in the 86th minute.

Camdonia- Chelsea remains in 10th place on 1 point, whilst Avenues United stays 9th on 2

points.

And, rounding off week four, North Leeward Predators moved into third place with a 2-0 win over Awesome. Jovan Cato’s 76th minute strike was doubled by Diel Spring in the 90+3 minutes.

Predators thus goes to 10 points, with Awesome still on six points and in 6th place.

Week six matches set for this weekend pits

Camdonia- Chelsea against Je Belle from 7pm this Friday, March 6, and Awesome against Hope International from 9pm.

Sunday’s match ups feature Bequia United against Avenues from

3:30pm, followed by BESCO Pastures against North Leeward Predators from 6pm, and Layou faces System Three from 8pm. All matches are scheduled for the Brighton Technical Centre.

H20 Lions Swim Academy looking to compete

THE TWO-YEAR-OLD H20 Lions Swim Academy plans to challenge the Blue Marlins Swim Club and the Black Sands Swim Squad on the local Swimming scene.

That bold ambition was expressed by Josel Williams, the H20 Lions Swim Academy’s Head Coach.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 2026 SVG Gallagher Invitational Championships last Sunday, March 1, at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre, Williams sees only upwards for her charges.

Despite having accumulated 487 points,

some distance behind Blue Marlins and Black Sands, Williams and her other coaches are proud of their efforts.

Working towards a podium finish soonest, Williams assessed, “We are very proud. Our swimmers came out, did their best, so we are going back to the drawing boards, look at some videos”.

Not deterred by the fact that her swimmers train in the sea, but compete in the pools, Williams said that they are determined to leave an imprint on the sport.

“We are trying to get all the youngsters on the Leeward side involved so you are free to come and

see what we are offering. We train at Questelles Beach on Mondays and Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm”, Williams disclosed.

Growth of the Academy

Williams, in expressing satisfaction with the growth of the Academy, cited an incremental increase in the numbers.

“We are a young team, we are twenty—two strong now, but we first started with three swimmers at the Buccament Beach”, Williams lauded.

She reiterated that they are open to welcome new swimmers to the fold.

Beyond Swimming

Set up to do more than just teach youngsters how to swim, Williams, who is an educator, emphasised that it is part of the Academy’s mantra to go beyond the sport.

“Our long-term plan is to build children holistically, not only as swimmers. When they come, different behaviors will show and you try to curb those also. We try to reach the children holistically; we encourage them in their schoolwork, and we reward them for different achievements”, she related.

And the H20 Lions Swim Academy is courting support from anyone as they pitch to venture out regionally.

“We are hoping to take some of our swimmers to St. Lucia for the Rodney Heights Aquatic Invitational, so anyone out there who can assist, we welcome their help”, Williams concluded.

T20/ODI series is on: Arnos Vale in the mix

The West Indies Senior Women team – the Maroon Warriors –will spend the next few months in intensive preparation for the T20 World Cup.

CRICKET WEST INDIES (CWI) has called off the Australia Test, scheduled for March - April 2026, to focus on white-ball cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup. Towards this end, CWI confirmed that the Maroon Warriors will host Australia Women for three T20

Internationals and three One Day Internationals in March and April 2026, in what is expected to be one of the most significant home series in recent years.

All three T20 Internationals will be played at Arnos Vale in St. Vincent - March 19, 21 and 23, while the One Day Internationals will take place at Warner Park in St. Kitts,March 27, 29 and April 2.

Fans in both territories will be able to attend matches free of charge, with CWI encouraging strong public support for the regional side.

Australia currently sits atop the ICC rankings in both formats, while the West Indies Women are ranked fifth in T20 Internationals and ninth in ODIs — setting up a compelling contest as the Caribbean side is eager to sharpen its edge ahead of a

West Indies Exits T20 World Cup

ON COURSE to possibly lifting their third T20 world cup title, with five straight wins, before the semifinal stage, the West Indies were eliminated from the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup following a 5-wicket loss to India at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

The Caribbean side overcame a slow start to set India 196 for victory, before a monster innings from Sanju Samson set up an India win. The opener’s 50-ball unbeaten 97 meant he featured in every partnership before taking 10 runs from the first two deliveries of the

20th over to secure a semi-final spot for his team.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Hope admitted that while the team was disappointed with the defeat, he said they had nothing to be ashamed of.

Shai Hope, the regional captain said the guys represented the region well.

“There are always positives we can take away. I thought the guys represented the region well, and I think we all can go home with our heads held high,” the captain added. Scores: India 199 for 5 (Samson 97 not out, Varma 27; Jason Holder 2-38). West Indies 195 for 4 Royston Chase 40, Jason Holder 37; Bumrah 2-36 by 5 wickets.

As per the semi-finals, South Africa and New Zealand played at Eden Park on Wednesday, March 4, in the first semi-final, while India opposed England in the other half on March 5, at Wandkede.

The winners of the semifinals meet on Sunday, March 8, in the grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

by: I.B.A ALLEN

major global tournament.

The Maroon Warriors are fresh off a 2-0 series loss to Sri Lanka and will want to quickly put that behind them, as they prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Kingdom.

This is the 10th edition of the World Cup and will take place from June 12 to July 5 this year, with 12 teams vying for the title in what is the biggest field in the tournament’s history so far.

“With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup just a few months away, this series against Australia is a pivotal benchmark in our preparation.

It gives our players the opportunity to challenge themselves against the very best and to elevate their performance under pressure,” said Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket for Cricket West Indies (CWI).

Compiled by: I.B.A ALLEN

Guyana, Anguilla U20 footballers disqualified

THE CONCACAF DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE has imposed sanctions on the Under-20 Men National Teams of the Anguilla Football Association and Guyana Football Federation, as well as several of their players.

This actions follows a brawl that broke involving players from Anguilla and Guyana during their Concacaf U20 Qualifiers match on Saturday, February 28, 2026, played at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Curaçao.

A statement from the Concacaf secretariat said: “After reviewing the evidence and documentation gathered during its investigation, and in accordance with the applicable Disciplinary Code, the Committee has declared the match a forfeit in favor of Guyana. This decision was taken after Anguilla received five red cards, leaving the team with fewer players than the minimum required under Laws of the Game to continue the match. As a result, the 5-0 score in favor of Guyana stands.

“Furthermore, the Committee has disqualified both teams from the

competition, with their remaining matches to be recorded as 3—0 forfeits in favor of their respective opponents, imposed undisclosed fines, and issued the following four-match suspensions to players from both teams: Anguilla - Keondre Belle, Keante Brooks, Shemor Browne, Khalique Jackson, and Cardinae Rennie; GuyanaMateo Clark, Shaquan David, Sheldon Kendall, and Max Robinson.

“The suspended players must each serve their four-match suspensions during the following official matches of their representative team in the same age group in a Concacaf or FIFA competition. Where the suspension cannot be served in the same age group, they will be carried over to the next highest age category in a Concacaf or FIFA competition.”

SVG who is in Group D of the U20 Concacaf Qualifiers, beat Anguilla 6nil in their opening game, but lost to Curacao 6-nil and to Haiti 4-nil.

by: I.B.A ALLEN

LAND FOR SALE

Building Lots for sale at North Union Tel: 593-9787

TWENTY YEARS AGO OUR WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN!!!

\We Thought of You Today But that is nothing new We thought of you yesterday And we will tomorrow too.

We think of you in silence And make no outward show. For what it meant to lose you Only those who love you know.

ututtwatwa wawaardard rdrd ss shshhowhow owow

Remembering you is easy I do it every day, It’s the heartache of losing you, That will NEVER go away.

ER gogo awaw awaawawaywayay.ay. y.y.

InIn ll lovlov ovovviviininng mm memeemoemo momooryory ry oo of a huhuusussbsbhus yo showw.w. oo ouou yoyoououu,u, bb babaananndndd, fafa fatfatathath ththheheer,er, r, ss sosoononn, bb brobro roroototthethe heheer,er, r, band, father, son, brother, you,you, gg yy neneephephphephew,w, uu unun

day, nephew,

In loving memory of a husband, father, son, brother, nephew, uncle, friend.

GLENN

GLGL GLEGLELENLEN ENENNN IAIAANAN

IAN JACKSON

YoYoou wawa walwal alallk a ll liliineine ne tthaha hathat at nn bubu butbut ut yoyoououur imimmpmppripri ririintintntsnts ts weweerer ThTh TheThe he yoyo youyou ououununng aa andand nd oo oldold ld aa areare rere tt thathahathat at ll liliineine nene MM MiMiississ ss yoyoouou hehe eeww unw,un nephenephe gyb youMiss thatlinethatline wer nhatn You walk a line t ,, ,, ,, ,, ncnc nclnclcleclele,le, e, frfrrierie ieieendend ndndd.d. N JAJA JACJACACKACKCKSCKS KSKSSONSON ONON nono oo oneone ne dadaareare rereed toto cc crocro roroossoss sssss, rere lele leflefefteft ft toto VV VinVinincinc ncncceceentent ntnttiatia iaiaanannsnss. e wawaalkalk lklkkinkin ininng aa andand nd cc crocro roroosossssssisiininng e totoodaodadaydayay.ay. y.y. u dedeeeeeepleplplyplyly.ly. y.y. ncle, b,,,b, udeeply.u etoday.e e re left to Vincentians.

You walk a line that no one dared to cross, but your imprints were left to Vincentians. The young and old are walking and crossing that line today. Miss you deeply.

Camillo Gonsalves, former Finance Minsiter, declared that ‘his view was not necessarily that of his party – the Unity Labour Party.

byDAYLE DASILVA

FORMER MINISTER OF FINANCE, Camillo Gonsalves said that the current Value Added Tax (VAT) Act does not make provisions for a VAT free day.

Speaking on STAR Radio on March 02, emphasised “Nothing in the law authorizes anybody to suspend the law, so you can’t come in and say I hereby declare that the law does not apply today, you can’t just come in and say there shall be no VAT today,”

Nigel Stephenson, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning, confirmed that the Beryl-related housing rebuilding and repair programme will continue with improved checks and balances.

byKENVILLE HORNE

AI REAL ESTATE

VAT-FREE DAY WAS ILLEGAL

Gonsalves contended.

To do as, as the NDP government did, was a violation of the law, Gonsalves declared.

“I don’t want to turn this into a court room, but there isn’t anything in another law that would justify you simply declaring in Cabinet that you will be suspending a law — that will be illegal.”

He explained that what the government ought to have done was to amend the VAT Act to make provisions for the finance minister to declare a VAT free day.

“So, you adjust the law,” Gonsalves said. “You have the majority, go to Parliament and change the law,” adding, “And you would have been able to do it, but it would not have been inconvenient because you promised to do it.”

The decision was also made by the highest level in authority to ignore the law and legislate from Cabinet and while the Parliament can assign certain responsibilities to Cabinet, the Cabinet could not pass laws on taxation, Gonsalves stated.

“There is a law on VAT that does not allow for a VAT-Free Day. I challenge anybody to go in the VAT Act and show me where it says have a VAT-Free Day because you break this one, you bend this one you start getting in the habit that you can govern from Cabinet,” Gonsalves said.

All in all the former

November 19, 2025 was the first ever VAT-Free Shopping Day in SVG and there was a remarkable surge in retail activity at most commercial outlets in capital Kingstown.

HOUSING PROG. ONGOING

said that following a comprehensive review of housing records, the government had discovered that” hundreds of families were incorrectly categorized as displaced due to previous political mismanagement.”

Housing Minister Andrew John is credited with making the statement ibn which he also revealed that “the official count of those in need was reduced by half,” this after identifying individuals who already possessed

permanent residences.

But even as the Minister of Housing moved to disclose the challenges that exist in sanitizing the home rebuilding, repair progamme, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning Nigel Stephenson confirmed that the housing recovery programme introduced following the passage of Hurricane Beryl “remains active.”

Addressing a recent constituency meeting in the West St. George, Minister Stephenson

rejected suggestions that the initiative had been halted. He explained that the current administration has reinstated the quarterly distribution of building materials to assist residents impacted by the hurricane.

The minister further stated that support will continue for individuals seeking help with housing repairs and construction. However, he emphasized that assistance will only be

The housing rebuilding and repair programme focused initially on the Southern Grenadines.

granted after assessments are carried out by designated evaluators within each constituency. Stephenson noted that under previous New Democratic Party (NDP) administrations, building materials were distributed on a quarterly basis throughout the year, ensuring ongoing support for those in need. He said the government intends to return to that structured approach.

Continued on Page 12.