THE VINCENTIAN PDF-23-01-26

TWO MALES SHOT TO DEATH: SPECIAL POLICE TEAM SET UP

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING a fatal shooting that occurred late Friday night in the Georgie Gutter area of Belair.

According to preliminary reports, officers responded to information that multiple gunshots were heard at a shop/bar in the area shortly before midnight on January 16.

Upon arrival, police found 22year-old Anil Greaves, a vendor from Belair, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical practitioner.

Two other men, Quinn ‘Huncho’ Greaves, 23, son of radio personality Donnie Prince

Collins, and Shamar Bulze, 24, both also from Belair, were injured during the incident and taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Greaves later died from his injuries, while Bulze remains hospitalised in stable condition.

An eye witness shared that there were at least nineteen to twenty persons in the shop/bar which had a designated area (in the back) for gambling, when the gunmen entered and opened fire.

The gunmen, the eye witness said, seemed to know ‘who dey were looking for”.

Post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted at a later date as investigations continue.

In a statement following the fatal shootings, the Royal SVG Police Force assured that “..the offenders will be rigorously pursued,” warned that “those responsible are not beyond reach, not beyond identification and accountability,” and committed to pursuing the investigation relentless, “as the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force applies every lawful

measure available to identify those involved and bring them to justice.”

In this regard, the statement said, “The Commissioner of Police Mr. Enville Williams has established a special investigative

Continued on Page 3.

VINCY WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN ANTIGUA

IN

AND

are investigating what they said, preliminarily, was a suspected suicide of a 24-year-old woman from St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The woman, whose named was given by sources in Antigua to be Makala Williams, was found unresponsive at a residence in Peas Alley, Jennings Village on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, when police responded to information regarding the residence.

The woman’s live-in male partner was questioned as the police mounted their investigation.

He is reported to have told the police that they had had an argument the night before.

He said that he left for work and during the day made several attempts to contact her by phone, to remind her about a job interview she was scheduled to have that day. All attempts to contact her failed.

According the Antigua Observer newspaper, the man returned home later that evening and found the woman unresponsive.

She was subsequently pronounced dead by a medical doctor and the body was transported to a Funeral Home.

Concern was expressed, following news of the suspected suicide, of the number of vulnerable young females in the country. (KH)

IHS receives musical instruments

JANUARY 20, 2026was a great day for the students and staff of the Intermediate High School

(IHS), fondly known as “Timmy School”, the name drawn from the school’s longest serving Principal,

Bertram “Timmy” Richards. The joy came as the school received a

donation of musical instruments and equipment, including an electronic drum set, a PA system, a laptop and several recorders.

The donation came compliments alumnus Harold “Ploomie” Lewis, renowned musician/bassist currently residing in the US. His older brother Wendell Lewis handed over the gift during a formal handing over ceremony at the school.

In October last year when the IHS Alumni group was formed and launched, “Ploomie’: was one of the mentors who spoke to the students about the importance of learning music, and pledged to donate some equipment to the school. As soon as he returned to the US, Harold Lewis made good his promise and shipped the instruments without delay.

Wendell ‘Magoo’ Lewis, on handing over the instruments, noted that this was not the first gift of instruments the school received from other alumni, neither would this be the last from “Ploomie”, as the next gift, a bass guitar, to be shipped will be to ensure that his brother’s dream of the launch of a school band becomes a reality.

Principal of the HIS,

Mona Green, thanked the IHS alumni for their continuing generosity, and noted that their music teacher now has the ‘tools’ to teach music and allow students to gain practical experience playing instruments.

2026 also marks the 100th anniversary of the school, which was founded by the late Dr. J. Parmenas Eustace, in April 1926. Dr. Eustace would go on to have his name attached to three secondary schools, having also founded the Emmanuel High School, Kingstown, (now the JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School, Edinboro) and the Emmanuel High School, Mesopotamia.

The Chairman of the IHS Alumni Association, Wayne Williams, used the opportunity to publicly thank Harold

“Ploomie” Lewis for an extremely important contribution to the development of music in the school. He noted that IHS was one of the best secondary schools on the island and therefore also deserves the best from its past students.

The IHS anniversary calendar includes a church service, public speaking competition, visits to the school by alumni, sports day and bus tours among other events.

Williams is reminding that membership to the HIS Alumni Association is open to all past student, resident at home and abroad. In fact, the executive of the Association includes representation from the Diaspora.

Reported by Donald De Riggs

V News 3

US visa pressure mounts for Caribbean

The move comes even as four Caribbean countries–Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia–have controversially agreed to accept asylum seekers and third-country migrants expelled from the US.

Other countries such as Guyana are in talks with the US, while Barbados has not ruled out a similar agreement.

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit acknowledged that his government “has entered into an agreement to facilitate third-country refugees to be sent to Dominica.” He tied the decision to the 16 December executive order that placed Dominica under partial travel restrictions, saying, “This engagement is based on our responsibility to safeguard the well-being of our people… while strengthening cooperation between our two governments.”

was a need for 70,000 to 80,000 skilled workers.

St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip Pierre also confirmed his government approved an MOU to potentially accept third-country nationals. However, the government stressed that no agreement had been signed and that the MOU is “non-binding” and “does not trigger any immediate transfer.”

As for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for National Security St. Clair Leacock, while speaking on radio that the country has been approached by the United States government, to accept refugees and migrants from third countries.

Diplomatic posts filled

Continued from Backpage.

She has been named Ambassador to the United Nations , replacing Inga Rhonda King.

Her Excellency Inga Rhonda King served as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations since September 2013, engaging in multilateral diplomacy and serving in leadership positions within the UN system. She was among the senior envoys recalled by the Government in early 2026, and Vynnette Frederick is now appointed to lead the mission at the UN in New York.

With Cenio Lewis bringing an extended tenure to an end, Brereton Horne has been named High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

High Commissioner Lewis served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, representing SVG’s interests with the Commonwealth partner, and assisting Vincentians in the UK.

He was recalled in early 2026 as part of a diplomatic personnel reset.

PRESSURE IS MOUNTING on Caribbean governments after the US announced that it will suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries including several from the region.

The list, published by several international media outlets, includes Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but notably excludes Trinidad and Tobago which has become a closer US ally in the ongoing US tensions with Venezuela.

The US State Department, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced that as of 21 January, consular officers will pause immigrant visa processing for nationals deemed likely to become “public charges.”

“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said. The pause will not apply to applicants seeking nonimmigrant visas for temporary travel such as tourism or business.

Accepting asylum seekers

Skerrit admitted that these are “careful deliberations,” though opposition leader Joshua Francis strongly criticised the lack of transparency. “The UPP believes this agreement has the potential to further destabilise our nation economically, socially, and from a security standpoint,” said Francis.

Antigua and Barbuda, meanwhile, framed its arrangement as a “non-binding Memorandum of Understanding.”

Prime Minister Gaston Browne stated his country would consider no more than 10 asylum seekers per year, with strict case-by-case assessments and rejection of individuals with criminal records.

“This was not a concession, nor an attempt to trade people or curry favour. It was a measured diplomatic gesture,” the government said.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew confirmed a limited agreement–but explicitly excluded Haitians. “This does not involve anybody outside of CARICOM,” Drew said, adding that “because of security matters, it does not include Haiti at this time.” His comments have sparked backlash, particularly as St Kitts currently chairs the CARICOM bloc.

Similarly, oil-rich Guyana is working toward a “unique” framework to accept skilled migrants with no criminal records, to address what it said

He, however, assured that this country had not yet made a decision on whether to accept United States deportees and refugees, and added that the matter will require a collective response from the OECS.

The CBI Issue

And as if that pressure of was not enough, Caribbean nations remain under mounting scrutiny. The US cited security concerns around Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes in countries like Dominica and Antigua–accusing them of offering “golden passports” to nationals of Russia, Iran, and China without proper vetting.

The US and the region will keep a close eye on St. Vincent and the Grenadines where the New Democratic Party, which has formed the government after the November 27, 2025 general election, had promised in its campaign to introduce a CBI programme.

As US deportations intensify, Caribbean nations are caught in a bind; forced to balance their economic and diplomatic ties to the US against internal public backlash and fears of destabilisation. With new agreements multiplying and visa restrictions deepening, the region must confront how to maintain sovereignty and stability while navigating an increasingly transactional US immigration policy. (Source: Caribbean Insight)

Two males shot to death

Continued from Frontpage.

team that is working assiduously on this matter, under the direct oversight of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr. Trevor Bailey, who holds responsibility for crime-related investigations.”

In an added caution, the statement said, “Persons involved in violent crime should

understand this: silence will not shield offenders, and time will not work in their favour.”

The death of cousins Anil and Quinn Greaves, bring the homicide count for the year so fat to

three. The other being the Earol Richards, a 69year-old farmer of Park Hill, whose partially decomposed body was discovered around 7:02 p.m. on January 7, 2026.

Having to combat a perception that a New Democratic Party government would sever relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan), the new government has moved to consolidate the relationship between the two countries.

This is further entrenched with the appointment of Kenton Chance as Designate Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Chance, Taiwan trained and a practicing journalist, replaces Andrea Bowman who served as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first Ambassador to Taiwan from August 2019, strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.

Bowman was recalled in early 2026.

The position as Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba is to be filled by Angella Ideisha Jackson (Designate) who replaces Ellsworth John.

His Excellency Ellsworth John served as Ambassador to Cuba, overseeing cooperative relations in key areas including health, education, and bilateral development.

He was among the ambassadors recalled in early 2026, and Angella Ideisha Jackson, the first women to do so, has been designated to lead the mission in Havana.

Still to be named is an ambassador to Caracas, Venezuela.

Among those who continue in their posts are: Lou-Anne Gaylene Gilchrist who has served as the Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) since October 2016. She is also the non-resident ambassador to Canada; and Lasana Andrews who was appointed in early October 2025 as the Consul General to Canada. (Partial Source: The Vincy Brief’s post)

Continued from Backpage.

Small axes are known to “cut dong big tree” and this was borne out in real time when Vedant disposed of his seniors in the Male category of the referenced Chess Tournament.

The question on everyone lips: Do we have a Grandmaster (the highest title in chess) in the making?

Only time, and consistent discipline and dedication to exacting Vedant’s development will tell.

In the meantime, we can enjoy his exploits on the chess board and wish him the best as he pursues the highest heights of the sport.

Diabetic jailed despite vigorous mitigation

Stories by HADYN HUGGINS

JOEL GARRICK,a 68-year-old man who is to be diabetic, was jailed for three months for theft on Monday, despite a vigorous effort by his lawyer J’Lany Williams, to save him from immediate jail time.

The Pauls’ Avenue resident was sentenced to three months in prison for stealing a bottle of strong rum and two tins of Naisa corned beefs, from H and H Supermarket on Grenville Street, Kingstown on September 25, 2024.

Garrick had initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea to guilty, when his trial was about to commence on Monday.

The three month sentence is to run consecutively to a 23-month sentence he is already serving for two counts of theft.

In a sterling mitigation plea on Monday, J’Lany Williams pleaded with the Court not to sentence Garrick to prison.

Williams told the Court that Garrick is 68, and according to the Bible, a man’s lifespan is about three scores and 10, so if we are to go by that, Garrick has only a few years to get there.

“He is fast approaching those years and we do not want to see him spend that time in prison,” Williams said, and pleaded with the Court to impose a suspended sentence.

Williams acknowledged that “it is not desirable for anyone to leave the public road and go into a business place and take what does not belong to them.” But he explained that “he (Garrick) would have succumbed to the weakness of alcohol, which led him to the temptation of going to the supermarket and stealing.”

Garrick had no fixed place of abode, Williams noted, and did odd jobs around Kingstown. He

Dwayne Bailey, Superintendent of Prisons (S0P), assured that all prisoners had access to the health services available St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

THERE IS NO ISSUE when it comes to accommodating diabetics at both the Belle Isle

added that the incident occurred since September 24, 2024, and Garrick was currently serving time for similar offences.

The lawyer said that Garrick is remorseful for his actions and is actively participating in a rehabilitation programme at the Belle Isle Correctional Facility, where he is learning to become a mason.

Joel Garrick leaving the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court in police custody last Monday, after receiving a prison sentence for theft.

At this point, Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie reminded Williams that Garrick was on record as being a diabetic.

Williams accepted the reminder, and asked the Court to also consider Garrick’s medical condition.

But Magistrate McKenzie opted for a Custodial sentence, despite all the factors Williams highlighted.

“He was given a non-custodial sentence in 2025 and within a week he was back. Tell me how does that work?” Mc Kenzie said.

But Williams insisted that Garrick’s circumstances were exceptional, including his medical conditions.

In his submissions, Prosecutor Aliston Stapleton recommended a prison sentence, and compensation.

The Senior Magistrate told Garrick that she understands there were plenty fruits and vegetables at the Belle Isle Correctional Facility.

But Garrick told her that the prisoners were fed with plenty rice and bread, and there is no milk in

‘Diabetics

the evening.

“How is that harmful to the prisoners?” Senior Magistrate Mc Kenzie asked the defendant, who responded, “Very harmful, I drop down twice.”

But Garrick admitted that at the area of the prison facility where he is working, he usually gets mangoes and plums to eat.

“So isn’t that better that drinking rum?” Mc Kenzie asked the defendant, who didn’t respond.

The Magistrate concluded that for the offence, the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating. With regard to the offender, she said that Garrick’s conviction record outweighed the mitigating factors, including his medical conditions.

Garrick had 42 previous convictions, mostly for theft.

A prison report on Garrick, requested and received by the Court, revealed that the sentence he is currently serving is expected to be completed in December of this year, but if he behaves himself, he could be released earlier.

The Magistrate said that in sentencing Garrick, she will consider that fact that he is a diabetic. She handed down a three month sentence which will begin after Garrick’s current sentence is completed.

Garrick has shoplifted the items at H and H Supermarket at around 7pm on September 25, 2024.

Theft carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison on summary conviction.

well accommodated’

says prison boss

Correctional Facility and his Majesty’s Prison in Kingstown.

Superintendent of Prisons (SoP) Dwayne Bailey made this clear while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN yesterday (Thursday). The publication had contacted the prison boss following the sentencing of 68-year- old Joel Garrick of Paul’s Avenue, said to be diabetic.

Garrick was sentenced to three months in prison for theft on Wednesday, to run consecutively with a prison term he is

currently serving for similar offences.

Garrick’s diabetic condition was highlighted during a mitigation plea by his lawyer J’Lany Williams, who unsuccessfully requested a suspended sentence.

Bailey, however, told THE VINCENTIAN that all prisoners have access to the entire health services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He noted that the Ministry of Health sends a medical doctor to both facilities once a week, and prisoners with any

Murder accused receives legal assistance

MURDER ACCUSED

VENOL DELPESCHEwill receive legal assistance at his Paper Committal Procedure scheduled for February 3.

Attorney Carl Williams informed the Serious Offences Court on Monday that he will be assisting Delpesche.

Delpesche, a 22-year-old labourer, is charged with the murder of Osley Delpesche, a 57-yearold carpenter, who was discovered lying motionless in his bedroom with multiple chop wounds to his head and other parts of his body.

The incident reportedly occurred between 7:30pm and 9:45pm, on July 2, 2025 at Gibson Corner, where they were living together. Persons facing charges of murder are usually provided with a lawyer by the state at the High Court, if they cannot afford to hire one. However, this was not one at the magisterial level.

The Bar Association has however been providing such assistance in recent times.

In a Paper Committal Procedure, the Magistrate, Prosecution and defence reviews the evidence to determine where there is enough evidence to send the matter to the High Court.

The Magistrate makes that determination.

Student charged with having offensive weapon

A 17-YEAR-OLD MALE STUDENTis expected to appear at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 26, to be sentenced for possession of an offensive weapon.

medical issues or complaints can see the doctor. He said that in cases of emergency, they are taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital or any of the polyclinics, depending on the nature of their illness.

Bailey said that prisoner with diabetes, hypertension and other diseases are provided with a special diet, as prescribed by a doctor. He added that fresh fruits and vegetables are available to all inmates and they are allowed meals from their relatives and loved ones on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The student who was unrepresented, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, to wit, a knife.

The charge stemmed from an incident which occurred during a sporting event at the Chile Playing Field on January 20, 2026.

When the issue of sentencing arose, prosecutor Akeem Soleyn informed the Court that the Director of Public prosecutions (DPP) has directed that request to be made to the Court, for the matter to be adjourned and transferred to the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Soleyn also asked that bail be granted with sufficient surety and conditions.

Prosecutor Aliston Stapleton who was also at the Bar table, added that the DPP has indicated that he had not received sufficient information on the matter from the Georgetown Police Station.

Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie granted the adjournment, as well as the transfer, and set bail in the sum of $1,000 with one surety.

As part of his bail condition, the student will report to the Georgetown Police Station on Tuesday and Friday, and he is not to leave the state without the permission of the Court.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Facing up to the Maduro’s abduction

THE VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT Nicolás Maduro was abducted… nothing less. He was removed against his will from the ‘safety’ of his residence.

His abduction by the United States breeds nothing short of a dangerous escalation this side of the world — an escalation that unsettles every Caribbean nation, regardless of Maduro’s political preferences, and regardless of what view of him some Caribbean leaders might harbour.

There was nothing diplomatic about the action against Maduro and Venezuela; it was an unadulterated, unilateral military action successfully aimed at seizure of a sitting head of state on foreign soil, carried out in the dark of night by the world’s most powerful military.

As expected, Caribbean Heads of Government had their say… denouncing the action as total disregard for a people’s sovereignty and the rule of law.

But Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali’s comment that his country supports “efforts that uphold democratic norms” and welcoming U.S. leadership, raised concerns about how small Caribbean states interpret sovereignty when power intervenes.

Yes, Caribbean people want stability and true democracy but we must not forsake the rule of (international) law towards achieving these, because then we are in fact supporting the use of the gun as a means of delivering stability and democracy, a thought that is ill founded… a ridiculous affront to the expectations of our people.

No President Ali, this is not a case of what Maduro stands for, his record and how his leadership and administration bear down on Guyana’s own stability. Whatever the assessment of Maduro’s administration, the principle inherent is larger than the man.

It’s a frightening thought but if the United States can so “easily” seize Venezuela’s President in the name’ of safeguarding democracy and security, what is there to insulate others (leaders) from similar treatment?

Somewhere in time, someone advanced the thought that “international law does not bend according to the moral judgments or strategic interests of powerful nations.” If we accept that then we have to conclude that once that line is crossed, all sates become vulnerable.

CARICOM’s response can be described as cautious but concerned. Whatever, it reflects an understanding of this reality.

The regional body is not blind to the fact that the United States’ military action hold implications for other mainland and island nations in the hemisphere.

Interestingly, Trinidad and Tobago, recently fingered as being in the United States’ hands, was diplomatic in its response and, if the truth be told, one that asserted the sovereignty of that Caricom nation, the closest geographically to Venezuela.

What Caricom has to assert is that no one, regardless of how powerful they might be, must assume that the Caribbean is a launching pad for any military action against any country in the Caribbean and the wider hemisphere.

And the Caricom nations must recognize that the region has experienced before the wrath of the United States — its manipulations in the Dominica Republic, the machinations sowed throughout 20th century Haiti, the countless attempts on the life of Fidel Castro, and the invasion of Grenada.

With the exception of Cuba, where the United States has failed to influence regime change, in all other territories where the United States has found it fit to intervene in the name of democracy, it has left behind disarrayed societies, broken institutions and instability.

The abduction of Maduro by unadulterated military means could well open another chapter, one in which, in the case of Venezuela, the future of a people is informed not by their own doing, but by a foreign force or foreign interest with the intent of increasing their geopolitical leverage. Democracy imposed through force is not democracy at all; it is domination.

Of particular concern is the precedent this action sets for “Zone of Peace” rhetoric in the Americas. Guyana has long championed the Caribbean as a region committed to peaceful resolution of disputes. This commitment comes into question when military seizures are applauded rather than questioned.

True peace and democracy require restraint, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty, not selective enforcement of values by those with overwhelming power and intent to dominate. Take it or leave it, the region’s sovereignty is fragile but this does not preclude the Caribbean, if it truly believes in peace, from finding the courage to stand firm even in the face of a powerful and seemingly friendly offender.

Citizen Responsibilities: The Thrill of Democracy

AFTER MORE THAN TWENTY-FOUR YEARS of having the same party in government, the people of SVG voted overwhelmingly for the NDP, last month. Once again, congratulations are in order. One of the biggest challenges during the latter years of the previous administration was complacency. The idea that governments should work for the people seemed to have been lost. It was replaced by the arrogant thinking that “the party knows what’s best”. Too much focus on legacy projects.

Don’t get me wrong; I had no issue with some of these projects. However, I felt that the government was taking the people for granted and not fully explaining or justifying these projects to the public. Spending millions of dollars on capital projects while workers’ wages lag behind inflation is always tricky. After so many years in office, they had become too indifferent to the issues and concerns of ordinary citizens. You know, “we’ve been there before, and have done that already,” or “heard that before.” To everyone who participated in the election, I sincerely thank you for your involvement.

In a democracy, the government is the servant of the people, and the people truly hold power. The problem is that most citizens only find their voice when they are personally affected by government or authority decisions. Too many of us adopt the attitude that if it doesn’t affect me, it’s not my business. You know, “Drink water and mind my business.” To most Vincentians, our democracy remains alive as long as we have the right to vote every five years.

The temptation to engage in revenge politics will be strong, and in some ways, who could blame you? Still, I encourage you to resist it. As one famous American president once said, “elections have consequences.”

Remember, every personnel change would be seen as victimization. For example, replacing a critical administrative official with someone else would be criticised as partisan or political patronage. I hope the NDP dares to make these appointments regardless of what some people say. Be aware that all your actions will be perceived as political revenge. Stay focused, check yourself, and act for the right reasons, and you will be okay. To succeed, you must have the right people in the right places.

This election outcome marks another

turning point in our nation’s history and tests our commitment to maintaining a robust democracy. We, the people, must be ready to remind our leaders that democracy exists to serve us. Now is a great time to reset our effort to preserve our democracy. Citizenship in a vibrant democracy is not just about enjoying rights; it’s about active participation, respectful conversations, and patience. After all, democracy’s heart beats louder when its citizens make the effort. Imagine a society where your voice truly counts – because it does. As a citizen, your choices and actions can influence history. You play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy. It’s not just a duty but also your opportunity to contribute to a greater good. As one of our famous calypsonians sang, “We have a nation to build.”

Having elected a new slate of leaders, let’s remember some lessons from the past twenty-five years. Democracy isn’t just about voting; it requires ongoing commitment, time, effort, and passion from all of us. It’s also important to recognize that not everyone who voted in the last election belonged to a political party. That doesn’t matter. Some supported individuals who inspired them, while others wanted a change. Now is the time to embrace our role within our democracy. Your participation shapes our future and strengthens the foundations of freedom for everyone. Your contributions are vital, so let’s make the most of this exciting opportunity. Let’s raise our voices in a free press. Get involved in rebuilding independent labour unions, community organizations, and private groups that align with your passions–whether in sports, arts, culture, or academia. Each group adds a vibrant thread to the rich fabric of our democracy.

After years of watching these organizations falter and neglect democracy in favor of party politics, the moment for a fresh start has arrived. These groups must stay truly independent, energize our communities, and hold those in power accountable to the people. The reorganization of these organizations is not the government’s task–it’s a call for us all to rally behind a renewed vision.

Horatio.

Opportunities abound

DURING THE 1998 GENERAL ELECTIONS campaign, a constituent reported to me that his gas ran out. I suspected that he was expecting me to purchase it for him because my brother, Glenford, was a candidate that year. When I enquired of a hardworking young woman why she was on public assistance, she replied that, “Gonsalves

has to pay for her vote.” The question is whether what constituents expect from their representatives is reasonable, and is it reasonable for the representatives to fulfill those needs?  Supplying the wants of voters is an impossible task and inevitably would result in disappointment by

both the giver and the recipient. What people need is empowerment to work to supply their own needs.

With scarce resources, emphasis should be placed on the productive sectors. People should be hired there to work rather than giving them handouts. Freeness creates a

dependency syndrome an d encourages laziness. There is a need to plant flowers and trees to beautify the country. Our beaches need daily cleaning. Many ablebodied persons on Public Assistance should be gainfully employed to beautify the country. Agriculture needs a boost

Is our football developing?

VINCENTIANS ARE GETTING READYto celebrate as the SVGFF U-17 males are heading to Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup. The SVGFF will host a group consisting of and playing the U.S.A. on February 05, the Dominican Republic on 7th February 07 and St. Kitts on the February 10, 2026. SVGFF U-17s have participated or competed in many U-17 World Cup Qualifiers, but this time they are confident of reaching the finals. Having to play at home, they believe it would be easy to qualify.

The U17 females will travel to Aruba to meet Honduras on January 27, Jamaica on January 29, host Aruba on January 31. They then travel to Trinidad to play Guyana on February 02. The coaches and players believe history is in the making when the teams win these games or place second in the Group. Their coaches are the best in SVG, and they are going to make the SVGFF executive, affiliated clubs and supporters proud. Celebrate we all must, as this will encourage more females to continue playing.

What we are lacking

Having looked at the men’s World Cup Concacaf qualifying games 2025 and before, I believe if our coaches do not spend some time at professional clubs to get hands-on experience in preparation, they will not make the necessary changes for progress.

Caribbean coaches are stuck with drills (technical and physical) and not instructional about the philosophy of how they can improve the abilities of the players they are coaching. I also believe outstanding players would make the best coaches, as they are very experienced and knowledgeable of the time it took them and others to develop their abilities overall.

Foreign coaches come to the Caribbean and change the system and philosophy, our playing style and local coaches’ views in a matter of months, rather than gradually allowing time for their philosophy to be understood and adopted.

Changing grown men’s habits is costly and difficult to achieve in months; worse if players are not ‘soccer fit’ and technically savvy. Tactical instructions would be difficult to relay effectively and consistently, especially as under pressure, old habits surface.

Let’s look at ‘precision’ passes which are scarce, as are ‘chip’ passes, and these passes create the greatest opportunities in every game. Insufficient skills and technical abilities are the reasons why Caribbean teams lose. Take a serious look at the next games carefully and you will see and recognize opportunities which get

and assistance (low interest loans) should fund vegetable production.

The main thing that people need is good advice, preferably from proactive community development workers who would guide and advise on production. Overseas funding agencies need to be tapped for grant aid. Those with the skill to access such funds should be facilitated.

lost because of poor passing and wrong technical deliveries.

Let’s wish our females the best in their upcoming task, and Happy New Development Year.

The ‘constituency clinics”should mainly be about linking workers with employers. Then people will be able to reasonably identify job opportunities and employers can reasonably find workers.

Positions of power sometimes allow for job creation. St. Vincent lost some jobs due to cricket

Where is

MR. EDITOR,here is what Darren Sammy, our Head Coach and sole selector of West Indies Cricket teams in all formats, had to say before a “put together” squad left our shores for Afghanistan. He said he believes, “..the Afghanistan series provides West Indies with crucial subcontinental exposure – a key step in refining World Cup strategies and assessing squad combinations ahead of final selection.”

As all cricket-lovers across the region know by now, the squad is captained by Brandon King and as I write this, we have lost the opening T20 match against Afghanistan by 38 runs.

Now, I am not sure Sammy was in a proper state of mind when he said what he said as I have quoted, when more than half (if not more) of the squad selected for the series against Afghanistan will not feature in selection for the T20 World Cup.

Further, the matches against Afghanistan are being played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and as far as I have gathered from the internet, “geographically and culturally, the UAE is part of the Arabian Peninsula in West Asia (Middle East),” not the

in 2025. Now that Dr. Shallow is empowered, it is reasonable to expect that some jobs will be created. If people start with whatever resources they have, they would be more likely to receive support to help them succeed.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

Sammy’s mind?

“subcontinent”, which in cricketing terms usually refers to India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. And, the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. So what is this talk about “subcontinental exposure”? Maybe Sammy needs a lesson in Geography.

Maybe Sammy was referring to himself and the rest of the technical

team - Floyd ReiferAssistant Coach (Batting), Ravi Rampaul - Assistant Coach (Bowling) and Rayon Griffith - Assistant Coach (Fielding) — as being the ones who will benefit from this tour. We wish them well. See why West Indies cricket leaves much to be desired. Leadership is crucial.

Charles, Edinboro.

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* CAN THE NATIONAL LOTTERIES AUTHORITYdonate some cash to each Calypso tent to assist them to have at least four shows before judging night?

* Is it true that the boys who are accused of setting the fire at Questelles Primary School are on the compound daily but are not allowed in class?

* How can we build an effective police service if we keep changing the Commissioner like a susu (or sou sou) hand?

* Is the NDP government going to take a look at all those government Corporations and Companies that the ULP government set up to see if any of them were simply avenues for employment of party members and supporters?

* When is the Police going to insist that public service vehicles (mini buses, etc.) commercial type vehicles, trucks and haulers are thoroughly and professionally inspected, i.e. assessed for safety and road worthiness, twice a year?

* Does the Kingstown Town Board still have a maintenance and repair crew?

* Is the CDC not sending a “marketing team” to Trinidad and Tobago carnival to promote Vincymas 2026? If no, why?

* Will the NDP government move in the first year of its administration, to name another National Hero?

Reading: Irrigating the mind

“Reading is what irrigates the mind.” –Professor P.L.O. Lumumba (born 1962)Lawyer and former Director of Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission

READING HAS HAD A POSITIVE INFLUENCE on the lives of many outstanding individuals. The ones that readily come to mind are USA’s President Abraham Lincoln (18091865), Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014), and Dr. Benjamin Carson (born 1951); South Africa’s President Nelson Mandela (19182013); India’s Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi (1869-1948); St. Lucia’s Sir Arthur Lewis (1915-1991), and Sir Derek Walcott (19302017); and Trinidad and Tobago’s Sir V.S. Naipaul (1932-2018). Be assured that there are many others that can be added to this relatively short list. Many of this column’s readers could so easily add other names. However, the ones mentioned in this introductory paragraph have carved out their respective places in history and, in many instances, highlight the positive impact that reading has in propelling us to success in a variety of disciplines.

Professor Lumumba’s quotation comparing reading as nourishment for the mind is pregnant with wisdom. It helps us to appreciate how reading can be compared to a life-giving flow that keeps the inner landscape fertile and capable of growth — providing critical and often lifechanging nourishment to the mind. This analogy provides a beautiful life lesson as we better understand and appreciate that just as the dry soil cracks and hardens without water, the mind can become barren and unproductive if starved of exposure to stories, anecdotes, perspectives, and ideas. Reading irrigates the mind by providing varying perspectives of situations, sustaining curiosity, encouraging reflection, and stimulating intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Agricultural students, farmers, and backyard gardeners can testify that irrigation creates and sustains conditions in which growth becomes possible; plants flourish when they have adequate amount of water. Conversely, they wither and often die when deprived of this life-sustaining element. Like water to a plant, reading supplies the raw materials (i.e., language, imagery, and experiences) that allow thoughts to flourish. Readers of biographies, autobiographies, and history books testify to appreciating revelations of how past decisions influence present realities at the personal and communal levels. Individuals who read novels readily observe how emotional complexities can emerge as they observe the intricacies of the thoughts and actions inside the lives they have never lived. Publications that are considered to be philosophical enable readers to challenge assumptions and foster a greater understanding. Appreciation of the natural world emerges from books and magazines dedicated to the sciences. Each category acts like a different channel of water, nourishing different areas of the mind. In its own very special way, reading stimulates mental agility and prevents intellectual drought.

Furthermore, reading irrigates the imagination. Innovators, scientists, and writers often draw unconsciously from what they read. The richer and more varied the reading, the more diverse the creative growth that will emerge and/or be sustained. Individuals who are widely read develop skills in absorbing, transforming, and recombining literary and knowledge content. It is therefore not surprising that many of our most accomplished innovators have also been avid readers. Leonardo Di Vinci (1452-

1519) kept extensive notebooks filled with references to books on anatomy, engineering, geometry, and philosophy; Isaac Newton (1643-1727) read deeply in mathematics, theology, and classical philosophy; Thomas Edison (1847-1931) read constantly across science, literature, and history; Albert Einstein (1879-1955) read philosophy (Kant, Hume), science, and literature. More recently we discover that Steve Jobs (1955-2011), Bill Gates (born 1955), Oprah Winfrey (born 1954), Elon Musk (born 1971), and Warren Buffet (born 1930) testify to the benefits of reading widely and regularly.

Reading also provides avenues for emotional and moral growth. Literature, in particular, nurtures empathy by allowing readers to imbibe the inner worlds of others. By doing so, it provides opportunities for softening judgement and deepening understanding. In this way, reading irrigates the moral imagination, enabling individuals to observe and appreciate shared humanity across differences of culture, belief, and class.

Consistent engagement with books and texts assists with maintaining mental vigour over time; developing and sustaining a habit of regular reading is considered critical. In the plant world, irrigation must be continuous; a single rainfall cannot sustain a field through a long dry season. Similarly, reading and other forms of mental stimulation (e.g., word puzzles, picture puzzles, discussions, debates, etc.) must be maintained as efforts are made to ensure vibrant mental and emotional wellbeing.

Historians note that President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), their 16th President, never traveled outside the United States of America but kept abreast with developments taking place around the world through his reading. He was therefore able to obtain valuable insights into the economic and cultural developments taking place outside America.

Based on the foregoing, parents, teachers, and other concerned adults are challenged to motivate the younger generation to develop the discipline to extract value from reading. In so doing, this writer, encourages young minds to focus on reading the Bible as efforts are made to pursue wisdom, knowledge, and to be morally grounded. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, for example, provides numerous pearls of wisdom and knowledge that, if followed, strengthen the moral fabric of individuals and communities. In addition to strengthening the moral fabric of society, reading the Bible enables readers to have a much closer relationship with our Creator and to have a better understanding and appreciation of our need to do justice, show mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. With the ever-increasing levels of distractions via the Internet, deliberate reading remains a vital act. A concerted effort must be made to develop and sustain the habit of reading. It will not happen by chance; it must be pursued with intent. By irrigating the mind, reading preserves its potency, ensuring the ideas can take root, grow, and bear fruit for a prolonged period.

criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

The Power of Words: Kidnap, Arrest and Capture

BY USING WORDS like ‘arrest’ (BBC, 1/3/26) and ‘capture,’ the media evoke a framing in which the ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ are preordained.

Corporate media have deployed a jargon of legitimation in their coverage of the deadly US invasion of Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores. Major news outlets have routinely described these events using words like ‘capture’ (New York Times, 1/3/26) or ‘arrest’ (BBC, 1/3/26), which presents them as a matter of enforcing the law against fugitives or criminals, and carries the built-in but false assumption that the US had the right or even duty to conduct its operation in the first place.

The false premise is that any time an arrest warrant is issued somewhere in the United States, the US has the right to do anything, anywhere in the world, in pursuit of the subject–including bombing another country, invading it, killing its citizens, and spiriting away its president and first lady. Cornell Law School professor Maggie Gardner rebuked the idea that the US merely enforced the law in Venezuela, pointing out:

“Under customary international law, a sovereign can only exercise enforcement jurisdiction in the territory of another sovereign if it has that sovereign’s consent. This hard line limiting enforcement powers to a sovereign’s own territory is clear and well-established.”

Venezuela didn’t consent to being bombed or to having Maduro and Flores taken from the country at gunpoint. Accordingly, what happened in Caracas is best understood not as the US enforcing the law, but as the US breaking international law. It’s misleading, therefore, to use language like ‘capture’ and ‘arrest,’ which evoke the US upholding the law, to describe heavily armed US forces taking Maduro and Flores prisoner in the middle of the night.

‘Abducted, so to speak’

The New York Times (1/3/26) described supporters of Maduro’s rendition as ‘the capture’ or ‘celebrating Mr. Maduro’s arrest.’

The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post coverage from January 3 through January 5, published a combined 223 pieces that featured Maduro’s name, and 166 of these (74%) used the term ‘capture’ or a form of it, such as ‘captured’ or ‘capturing.’ Sixty of these pieces, or 27%, included the word ‘arrest’ or variations on the term, like ‘arrested’ or ‘arresting.’

‘Abduction’ or ‘kidnapping’–synonyms that mean to take someone away unlawfully and by force–are far more suitable words for what the US did to Maduro and Flores. Only two pieces in the Post and one in the Journal used any form of ‘abduct’ (such as ‘abduction’) in articles that refer to Maduro, 1% of the combined total. In each case, the term appears in quotation marks. The Times ran no pieces that included the word.

The Post (1/3/26) and Wall Street Journal (1/5/26), quoted Democratic Senator Mark R. Warner: If the United States asserts the right to use military force to invade and capture foreign leaders it accuses of criminal conduct, what prevents China from claiming the same authority over Taiwan’s leadership? What stops Vladimir Putin from asserting a similar justification to abduct Ukraine’s president?

Even as Warner is sceptical about the US’s actions in Venezuela, he still

uses the language of ‘capture’ for Maduro, while using ‘abduct’ for a hypothetical scenario in which the official enemy, Putin, carries out a parallel crime. None of the articles that included Warner’s quote commented on this linguistic inconsistency.

‘It’s not a bad term’

CBC co-anchor Andrew Chang (1/5/26) grapples seriously with the best word to describe the US action against Maduro.

Venezuelan officials, including Maduro himself (New York Times, 1/5/26), say that he was ‘kidnapped’ by the US. They’re not the only ones. On Democracy Now! (1/3/26), Venezuelan journalist Andreína Chávez and USbased Venezuelan historian Miguel Tinker Salas both used that word to characterise what the US did to Maduro and Flores.

Canada’s national broadcaster, the CBC (1/5/26), regarded the idea that Maduro was ‘kidnapped’ as at least meriting serious discussion. Co-anchor Andrew Chang asked:

Did the US military just kidnap Nicholas Maduro?... ‘Kidnap’ is a loaded word because it implies illegality. Maybe a more neutral way of describing Maduro’s capture is as an ‘abduction,’ but the US government calls it an ‘arrest.’...

This isn’t some nerdy question about semantics. It’s a question about law, and whether the US has the legal right to extract world leaders from their homes, and maybe even whether other countries might have that right, too.

Notably, when Trump was told that Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said it was a ‘kidnapping,’ he didn’t push back, saying, ‘It’s not a bad term.’

However, the only times ‘kidnap’ appeared in the Times, Journal or Post in relation to Maduro and Flores–in 10 pieces, or 4% of the coverage–came when that term was attributed to representatives of the Venezuelan state. Suggesting to readers that a government that has been demonised in the US media for decades is the only source that regards Maduro and Flores as having been ‘kidnapped’ is tantamount to suggesting that no credible sources take that position.

The three papers combined to run zero articles treating as an objective fact the view that America ‘abducted’ or ‘kidnapped’ a sitting head of state in defiance of international law, while they regularly used ‘captured’ and ‘arrested’ outside of quotation marks, as if those word choices are merely flat descriptions of reality.

These linguistic choices matter. ‘Capture’ and ‘arrest’ paint Trump, Delta Force and the CIA as righteous heroes protecting their country–as well as Venezuela and the rest of the world–from the villainous Maduros. ‘Abduct’ and ‘kidnap’ morally invert the good guy and bad guy roles, and would portray US actors as the wrongdoers.

This particular form of wordplay is part of a pattern for corporate media. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) round-ups of migrants is similarly described as arrest rather than abductions or kidnappings of people.

The language is freighted in the same way, whether it is migrants under attack from US jackboots, or those same forces unleashed against socialist politicians in Global South countries seeking to escape imperial domination. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions

Man Up⁄ Whatever that means

by Shimano Bailey “MAN UP.”

“Be a man about it.”

“Stop acting like a girl.”

In many Caribbean societies, these phrases are often delivered casually, sometimes even jokingly. Yet for many men, they are among the most damaging messages they will ever receive. To tell a man to “man up” is not encouragement; it is often an instruction to suppress emotion, deny vulnerability, and endure suffering in silence.

The emotional cost of this expectation is devastating.

Consider John Doe. When John’s father died, he did not cry. When his girlfriend left him, he did not cry. When his mother died, he did not cry. John had learned well what it meant to “man up.”

Masculinity is not defined by adulthood, nor is there any enduring standard by which it can be proven once and for all. Yet from a very young age, boys are taught rigid expectations about what it means to be a man. Boys are told not to cry. They are conditioned to believe that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness. When their behaviour does not align with society’s narrow definition of manhood, they are often punished, emotionally and sometimes physically.

This punishment can take many forms: namecalling, such as “sissy,”

“weak,” or “soft”. In the Caribbean context, phrases like “you fighting like a girl” or “you is a soft man” are common. For some boys, it goes further, such as bullying, aggression, or physical violence. Acts such as asking for help, showing compassion, or expressing vulnerability are undermined by social attitudes that devalue empathy and glorify the idea of the “alpha male”. Asking for help, especially medical or mental health care, is therefore seen as a failure of masculinity. For many Caribbean men, even visiting a doctor is a challenge. Seeking medical attention is delayed or avoided altogether because illness, emotional distress, or mental health struggles are perceived as signs of weakness. As a result, men often present late to healthcare services, when conditions have already worsened, physically and psychologically.

Yet society continues to expect men to have their lives together at all times. When men experience pressure, they are told to “tough it out” or “hold strain.” Breaking down is seen as weakness, and vulnerability is often labelled as effeminate.

So, when John later took his own life, people asked in disbelief: Why didn’t anybody see the signs? Why didn’t he cry?

Men’s pain is often invisible because they have been taught to hide it. Their struggles are frequently ridiculed, dismissed, or ignored. When men do speak, they are told to “pray about it,” “drink a rum,” or “go clear yuh head.” Rarely are they told, “I hear you,” or “It’s okay not to be okay.”

Men’s mental health is not a weakness; it is a public health issue. In the Caribbean, where male suicide rates remain high and men are less likely to access mental health services, we must confront the harmful narratives we continue to perpetuate. “Man up” cannot be the response to men’s mental health struggles. We need to redefine masculinity, one that allows men to feel, to grieve, to seek help, and to access medical care without shame. Strength is not silence. Strength is knowing when to ask for support.

If we truly want healthier men, healthier families, and healthier Caribbean societies, we must stop telling men to “man up” and start permitting them to be human.

Counselling & Wellness Centre Launched

REDROOT SVG INC. has successfully launched the Desrie J.K. Richards Counselling & Wellness Centre, on her birthday 5th January, marking a historic milestone as the first dedicated counselling and mental wellness centre in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Plans point to a location likely tied to Redroot SVG’s operations, possibly in the Biabou area.

The launch brought together family members, community leaders, partners, advocates, and supporters to honour the life and legacy of the late Mrs. Desrie J.K. Richards, educator, public servant, mentor, and nationally respected mental health advocate.

The Centre is named

in recognition of Mrs. Richards’ lifelong service and her courageous decision to live openly with bipolar disorder, using her lived experience to challenge stigma and promote compassion, understanding, and inclusiveness. Through her advocacy, she inspired countless individuals to seek help, speak openly, and embrace healing.

The Desrie J.K. Richards Counselling & Wellness Centre offers a range of confidential, trauma-informed, and client-centred services, including:

* Individual counselling for adults and young people experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief,

and emotional distress;

* Crisis and shortterm intervention support for individuals facing acute emotional or psychological challenges;

* Family and couples counselling to strengthen relationships and promote healthy communication;

* Mental wellness education and psychosocial support programmes for schools, churches, and community groups;

* Support services for women and survivors of abuse, including emotional support and referrals;

* Mentorship and guided support for individuals living with mental illness;

* Referral pathways to medical, social, and legal services where additional

Questelles School gets a projector

“THAT WAS QUICK.”

That was the response from Principal Donnette Abbott-Ferdinand of the Questelles Government School, as Shafana Williams, Nyron Chance and Carlyle Douglas handed over a state of the art Multimedia Projector, to replace one that was lost in the recent fire, Monday 29th December, 2025, that gutted a complete section of the primary learning institution.

According to Douglas, the idea of making the donation morphed as he was hosting the CTVIEW Saturday Show (currently celebrating 14 years on NICE Radio) with co-host Orde Ballantyne, a former principal of the school, Douglas Howard, US-based philanthropist, and Dr. Alwayn Leacock, clinical teaching fellow in obstetrics and gynaecology at Dumfries and Galloway NHS Trust, UK, and regular commentator on issues affecting SVG.

its listening audience base was already making that programme a success.

Douglas then moved to purchase the projector himself, for which for Nyiee’s Shipping forwarded to SVG free of cost.

care is required.

The Centre builds on RedRoot SVG Inc.’s longstanding work in counselling, legal aid, advocacy, and community empowerment, and serves as a safe, welcoming space where individuals can seek help without fear of judgment.

“This Centre reflects Desrie’s belief that mental wellness is a human right,” said a representative of RedRoot SVG Inc. “Her legacy reminds us that mental illness does not diminish a person’s value, purpose, or ability to lead. Through these services, her work continues.”

The launch event featured tributes, reflections, and video presentations of Mrs. Richards sharing her story in her own words, reinforcing the Centre’s mission to promote openness, inclusiveness, and healing. The establishment of

Batch 15 RN SVG

represents a significant advancement in national mental health support services and a critical step toward fostering a more compassionate and mentally healthy society.

(Submitted)

celebrate 42 years

Members of Batch 15 Registered Nurses of SVG at their allwhite party.

BATCH 15

REGISTERED NURSES OF SVG, celebrated their 42nd anniversary 2025 in Georgia USA.

members were able to visit many historical sites, including the Martin Luther King Museum.

The discussion revolved around what the incoming New Democratic Party government, can do for the school after the fire.

Douglas broaches the idea of doing something tangible for the school, and suggested that a donation of a projector be considered.

He thought initially of appealing to the 96.7 thousand pairs of ears to assist (the school), but remembered his Christmas Day programme with

Interestingly, Nyiee’s Shipping’s Nyron Chance, Owner/Managing Director, and Shafana Williams Operation Manager/SVG, are both alumni of the Questelles Government School.

They shared cherished memories especially of the Mango Tree, still in position on the school compound as they left it years ago, as they joined with Douglas in giving to a worthy cause. (CD)

Although the anniversary is 1st November, the celebration was held earlier from Sunday, 7th September-Saturday, 13th September. It was a joyous occasion full of fun and excitement.

The week of activities began with fellowship at the Christ our Hope Catholic Church in Lithonia on Sunday.

Also on the programme of activities was a bus tour to Atlanta during which

Fun and laughter filled the air as activities continued with a games day, with Batch15 members participating in games such as sack and egg and spoon races.

The anniversary dinner followed and offered members an opportunity to reminisce about the good old days.

The unanimous opinion was that it was a resounding success.

The week of activities culminated with an all-

white party and celebration of one of our group members’ 60th birthday.

On our official anniversary Saturday 1st November, we had prayers offered up for the group from some SDA churches in SVG and the Diaspora, as members have fellowship with these churches.

During 2025, Batch 15 Registered Nurses of SVG made donations of undergarments to the Nurses Association of SVG, to assist where there was need.

(Submitted)

ÂRollyÊ Bowman takes over

ROLAND ‘ROLLY’ BOWMANwas adjudged to have released the Most Popular Local Christmas Song for the 2025 Christmas season, here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This was announced last Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown, when the National Nine Mornings Committee held its annual Prize-Giving Ceremony.

Doing the trick for Bowman was his ‘Christmas Vibes’, which notched up his seventh such title.

His song outplayed Carlton CP Hall’s ‘Yo Selling’. In so doing, Bowman prevented Hall from taking a fourth straight title in that segment of adjudication.

Another previous winner- Rondy ‘Luta’ Mac Intosh, with his ‘Leave It to

THE FORMAT OF NINE

MORNINGSwill remain a “family oriented”, event once Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles is the Chair of the committee that spearheads the execution of the national festival. Held annually December 16 to 24, Nine Mornings over the past three and half decades evolved into a staged cultural festival, moving away from the staging of fetes and other street activities in the wee hours of the morning.

However, according to Charles, there are whispers in some quarters of persons wanting to promote fetes and similar types of activities

Jesus’ was third in the running, and crowning out the top four was ‘Send Down Barrell’, performed by Kevin Sick-O Shallow.

The Most Popular Local Christmas song is tabulated by the number of rotations as compiled by local radio stations.

Meanwhile, Uriah Lyttle added another lien on the BOSVG Bring Your Song and Come Competition.

Lyttle’s ‘Christmas Whopper’ was a big hit, as he lamented not getting a double salary for Christmas 2025.

Second to Lyttle was Allanzo Edwards with Kenley Baptiste placing third.

The winners and the runners-up revealed on Saturday, joined those previously announced on December 25, 2025.

Taking the top awards were Hull’s residence, at Villa Top that won Best Lit Garden accolade, with Coreas City Store taking the Best Lit Commercial Building.

Champing for the first time was Moteko Stanley, who copped the Best Lit Private Home and in the process, displaced perennial winner Olivia Da Silva, who won the Best Nativity Scene.

Taking the overall National Community Lighting title was Town Hill.

Dethroned National Lighting winners Richland Park, made up by retaining titles of Best Nine Mornings Community as well as the Best Christmas Community.

Apart from the winners in each category, there were runners-up as well.

And, in the categories of Community Lighting and Best Lit Private Homes, there were zonal winners and runners up.

Charles: “Nine Mornings is Nine Morning”

during the Nine Mornings period.

Charles, speaking at the Prize-Giving for the 2025 festival, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Peace Memorial Hall, hammered home that he is diametrically opposed to that type of change in the Nine Mornings format.

“I have been hearing some of the comments in the communities in relation to the directions of Nine Mornings. I want to make it absolutely clear that I believe Nine Mornings as a unique Vincentian tradition ought to have a spirit that is distinct; features that are distinct and separate from our major cultural festivals. In other words, Nine

Mornings is Nine Mornings and Vincy Mas is Vincy Mas”, Charles underlined.

Strengthening his stance on the matter, Charles added: “I will not be associated with any attempt to turn Nine Mornings into one big, massive fete. I think we have to strive to maintain that cultural expression that was born over a hundred and something years ago. I have no qualms in somebody having a

fete in Nine Mornings, but Nine Mornings as a production should resemble our unique heritage, our practices, our expressions that we create in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”.

Instead, Charles proposes that exploration should take place in creating other festivals, rather than infiltrate others.

“I believe we should engage in creating more festivals with unique properties and expressions and I hope that I have your support in ensuring that Nine Mornings remains a

Christmas Festival, family oriented and something for everyone”, Charles proposed. Nine Mornings commences nine mornings before Christmas. Activities generally begin at 4am, with street concerts, sporting activities, Novenas, whilst some take the opportunity to go to the beach.

Now an entrenched feature of the Annual Cultural Festival Calendar, the annual Nine Mornings Festival has been held under the theme: “Celebrating a unique Vincentian tradition”.

Cambridge, Chairperson of the 90th Anniversary Committee, outlined the programme of activities for the year.

SVG Cadets mark 90

THIS YEAR, 2026, will usher in a new era for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force, as the school-based institution celebrates its 90th anniversary with a year-long programme of activities.

The celebrations will be held under the theme ’90 Years of Discipline Patriotism Honour: Celebrating Our Past, Strengthening Our Present and Shaping Our Future’.

A Band Concert, Cadet Social, and Regimental Dinner in December 2026 will bring the birthday party to a climax.

Major Phillip Cambridge, Chairperson of the Anniversary Committee, highlighted plans on Monday January 19 at a Media Launch held at the National Insurance Services Conference Room.

A Church Parade and Service mark the February activity. Protocol and Etiquette Training along with National Heroes Day Parade are planned for March.

A Public Speaking competition is earmarked for May and Reunions are part of the commemorationone ‘Virtual’ in April, followed by a ‘Face to Face’ in June.

The King’s Birthday Parade is also scheduled for June.

The 90th Anniversary Training Camp is set for July, and that will be followed by a Drill Competition, in August.

A Commandant’s Awards Parade in September embellishes the anniversary package. And there is no Independence Parade without the Cadets, and this year’s 47th Anniversary event is no exception.

The Armistice Day Parade (Remembrance Day Parade), and the D.S. Cozier Memorial Lecture are scheduled for November. (Stories by WKA)

SVG Cadet Force: Opportunities are endless

Major Dr. Idelia Ferdinand, Commandant (Ag) of the SVG Cadet Force, was tasked with giving a historical overview of the Force.

MAJOR DR. IDELIA FERDINAND, the first female Commandant of the SVG Cadet Force, albeit acting, needs no convincing that the institution is vital to this country’s progress, especially given that, as she said, the opportunities that the Force offers “are endless.”

Major Ferdinand gave an Historical Overview last Monday at a Media Launch of activities to mark the 90th Anniversary of the Force, guided by the theme “90 Years of Discipline, Patriotism, Honour: Celebrating our past, strengthening our present, and Shaping our future.” (See accompanying article for details on activities.)

She recognised the “challenges” that lie ahead but having been guided by a wide and varied experience along the journey, she stands, ready to help “to deepen its role,” which, she suggested could come from forming “units of the Force” in schools.

The Commandant identified the acquisition of a permanent home (headquarters) for the Force and Band as a goal to which the Cadet Force remains committed and steadfast in its effort to realise.

Major Vulon Harris expounded on the Marine Unit, started in 2006. This Unit’s sphere of operation covers the mainland and Bequia. Harris viewed this Unit as contributing to “building rounded cadets.”

Second Lieutenant Tyson Haynes highlighted the growth of the Cadet Band which was formed in 1967, ensuring to reference roles of Lennox John and Allan Kirton in this regard.

He cited Stanley Campbell as the first Bugler at regular Cadet

Major Vulon Harris highlighted the role of the Marine Unit and referred to it as making a vital contribution to building “rounded cadets.”

meetings in the midsixties.

It was June 8, 1968 that a Drum Corps made its debut appearance at Independence Park (i.e. Victoria Park). The Corps featured St. Clair Leacock, Garth Williams, Michael Ollivierre, John Daisley, Everton Weeks, Calvert Ferdinand, Timothy Hazell, Peter Fraser, Val Lawrence, Denzil Stewart, Don Bobb, and Greg Richards. Haynes pointed to Kenlyn Clouden and Dian Hall as the first females enlisted 1977.

The band expanded to include the use of wind (e.g. saxophone) and brass instrument (e.g. trumpet) and today is able to share duties with the Police band, even as autonomy is maintained. Haynes named the Cadet Band as the first on a Nine Mornings Procession.

Second Lieutenant Tyson Haynes was visibly upbeat as he traced the development of the Cadet Force Band, from Drum Corp to a full Parade Band.

Second Lieutenant Jared Soleyn spoke of the Search and Rescue Medical Unit (SARMU) as just one expression of the Force’s readiness to respond to national needs/crises.

Second Lieutenant Jared Soleyn outlined matters related to the Search and Rescue Medical Unit (SARMU), in operation since 2023. Its existence speaks of the institution’s readiness to embrace civic duties.

The SVG Cadet Force focuses on training individuals aged 11 to 20 in citizenship, discipline, and various technical skills. It was formed on November 11,

1936, under the founding leadership of Dowding Stuart Cozier., and involved students from the then Boys Grammar School. Fourteen students from that school were enlisted as the first complement of the Force that was originally known as the Boys Grammar School Cadet Corps.

Safe Sports Commission launches talk show

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (SVGOC) Safe Sports Commission will host a podcast, dubbed Safety Bridge, every second Thursday of each month.

The monthly podcast had its first airing January 8, 2026, which focussed on Building Safer Sporting environments.

Hosted by Neeka Anderson-Isaacs, the maiden episode brought together key regional and national sport leaders for an engaging and timely discussion on safeguarding in sport.

The featured guests included, Erin Kennedy, Regional Development Manager, Rugby Americas North, along with Dellon D. Durrant, President, SVG Rugby Union and Natasha Baptiste-Samuel, President of the SVG Netball Association.

The trio zoomed in on building safer sporting environments, whilst discussing the responsibility of sporting organisations, and the importance of leadership in promoting athlete welfare, inclusion, and accountability.

Chair of the Safe Sports Commission- Shimano Bailey related, “The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between sport and safety

across the sporting community. We are providing a consistent platform for open dialogue, education, and awareness around safeguarding and safe sport practices in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider region.”

Looking ahead, Bailey who will host the next episode on February 12, revealed that the theme is ‘Beyond the Game: Sport as a Platform for Safety Education’.

The panellist will be Keith Joseph, Secretary General of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC); Akin John, attorney-at-law and a manager and key administrator of Hope International Football Club of SVG; and Roxell John, Physical Education Lecturer at the SVG Community College.

According to Bailey, “This episode will examine how sport can be intentionally used as a tool to educate athletes, coaches, parents, and communities about safety, life skills, values, and personal development beyond competition.

The SVGOC Safe Sports Commission was officially launched in December, 2024.

SVGOC to host Sports Fair

THE ATHLETICS

COMMISSION of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC) will host a Sports Fair at the Diamond Track Facility, this Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10am to 4pm.

The Sports Fair is seen as an activity to provide an outlet to affiliates of the SVGOC, to share with the general public and one another their history and operations and showcase current athletes through demonstrations of specific skills relative to the various sporting disciplines.

Additionally, the Fair will provide a platform for affiliates to learn about one another.

Athletes from different disciplines getting the hang of Squash.

Each affiliate will have a booth to display trophies won, literature, videos and chat with members of the public as well as athletes.

The overall objective of the Sports Fair is to “promote sports participation, build community, expose

athletes, showcase innovations, drive sponsorship investment and connect sports industry”.

The Sports Fair coincides with the hosting of Team Athletics SVG’s National Relay Classic, giving patrons the chance to attend both as they will be in the same locale.

My fiancé disappeared

Dear George,

MY FIANCÉ PROMISEDto marry me six months after our engagement.  One month before the wedding, he disappeared without a trace.  However, a friend of his later informed me that he was spotted in Philadelphia with another woman.

About three weeks ago he contacted me, apologised for what happened and gave me one of those sad stories. He denied being with another woman but has not given a sensible reason for disappearing, yet he begged for a second chance.

George, he hurt me deeply and even though my friends are saying that I would not know if he has changed unless I give him another chance, I am not willing to do so.

I may be in love but I’m not stupid. My friends cannot understand that.

Still hurting, still mad

Dear Still hurting/mad,

That sudden and unexplained disappearance by your fiancé is not something that must be taken lightly. He has proven that he is not the material you are looking for and does not deserve to take up valuable space in life.

Stand firm in your position and let him know you have moved on and so should he.

George

Giving up on love

Dear George,

I VOWED NEVER to love again. I have been hurt time and time again and I promised myself never to say I love you to another man. But, I must confess, it is a struggle to remain single and I am even considering trying the opposite sex.

To totally honest I want to change my status from single to being in a relationship, but I am afraid. I simply

do not trust men! How can I be guaranteed not to be hurt again? What am I doing wrong?

Questions and more questions

Dear Questions...,

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of not getting hurt once you enter into a relationship. There is no perfect relationship but having said that, you need to do your due

diligence before making that decision to love and trust an individual. Placing all the cards on the table at the beginning and discussing both your expectations, etc. would be a good start.

The last person who hurt you does not in any way represent the next person you’ll meet. There is no magic formula. All of it is based on trust.

Long distance love

Dear George,

MY BOYFRIENDand I have been in a long distance relationship for over a year… he is in Boston and I’m in Vincy. My last of two visits to him left me with lots of questions.

While at his house, there was this girl who kept coming by and even wanted to stay until after midnight. When I asked him who she was he just rambled something but eventually said “she was just a friend”. Apparently he never told her I was his girlfriend.

I had to ask her upfront what was the nature of her relationship with him. She told me they were intimately involved.

She cursed him out for ‘two-timing’ her and left the house. He then came crawling back to me begging for forgiveness.

I have always heard that long

distance relationships can never work and I’m now seeing that it’s true. Men!

Terribly disappointed

Dear Terribly disappointed,

Don’t blame your experience entirely on a long distance relationship. There are many stories of successfully long distance relationships. Much has to do with the foundation of those relationships. Do not let that experience prevent you from believing that all long distance relationships do not stand a chance. A relationship that is grounded in love and trust would have a better chance of survival than one that is built on lies, deception and fantasies, which are the ones that would easily fold from a distance.

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20)

Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require. Don't sign up for too many extra activities or you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations. Let others know what your intentions are and be honest in your approach. You may have been too nice to a friend who just wanted to take advantage of you.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21)

Not everything you hear will be legitimate. Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident. Get together with friends and do something entertaining but not too expensive. Travel will be favorable. Resist overspending on luxury items.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You may end up being blamed if anything goes wrong. You need to spend some time reflecting on past experiences and involvements. You have to believe in yourself and your talents. You may find yourself changing crowds.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

After all, they may have valuable information to pass on. Think of changes to your home that will please and add to everyone's comfort. You'll be able to discuss your ambitions with your mate. Try to include friends and relatives in your activities.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22)

Minor fevers or infections will develop if you're over-stressed. You will find that uncertain individuals will want to draw you into joint ventures. Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting. Take care of your personal needs.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Work diligently and you will get ahead this week. Plan a nice evening for two. You may find that romance will unfold through business connections. Your ability to do detailed work will dazzle those who are less creative.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) They won't get away with it. Your intellectual charm will entice new love interests. You will be quite excitable this week. Take care when dealing with older relatives.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Short trips to visit others will do the whole family a world of good. Try to avoid any drastic/ decisions concerning personal legal matters. You can get ready to celebrate your new direction. You will impress new friends and acquaintances with your intellectual wit.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Compromising could be on the agenda this week. Try to take some time to listen to their complaints, and in turn, do something to appease them. You may find that others do not do things the way you want; however, if the job gets done, let it pass. Don't let your boss make you feel guilty enough to take work home with you.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. You can enjoy social events and meet new potential mates; however, avoid being lavish. Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. Be sure that you have all the facts before you take action.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Make arrangements to meet friends at your local dance club. Relatives will want to get together. Club memberships or donations could be expensive and prove unnecessary. Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

This may not be the day to get involved in risky joint financial ventures. Attempt to face key issues with lovers or problems could escalate. Do something that will be stimulating and creative. Mingle with those who can help you get ahead.

ACROSS

1.R.E. Lee’s gp.

4. Large ocean (abbr.)

7. Janitor’s tool

10. Chewbacca pal Solo

11. Parsley piece

13. __ carte (2 wds.)

14. Self-esteem

15. One with top billing

17. Swordsman 19. Bro’s female sib

20. Thanksgiving treat

21. Makes a hole

24. __ truck

26. Tarzan’s hang outs?

30. GI’s hangout

31. Uses as clothing

32. Narc’s org.

33. Imitates

35. Small whirlpool

36. Like (2 wds.)

37. Pub drink

38. Provided snacks

40. Goes upward

43. Deduction

47. Bando or Maglie

48. “In __ beginning…”

49. Thin boards

50. Wind dir.

51. Common tree

52. “__ My Party”

53. Do needlework

DOWN

1.Cook

2. Fragrant herb

3. Of unknown Authorship

4. Mimic

5. Melodic syllable

6. Trunk tops

7. Big boy

8. Grand __ Opry

9. Golfer’s goal

11. Son Noah 12. Coasts easily 16. “__ soup yet?” (2 wds.)

18. Graduate’s topper 22. Female deities 23. Moved rapidly 24. Owing

25. West Point (abbr.)

26. Asian holiday

27. “Norma __” (Sally Field movie)

28. Hesitation sounds

29. “You don’t __!”

31. Ultrathin crackers

34. “This Is Your __”

35. Quarterback Manning

37. Greek war god

40. Makes believe

41. Well-being

42. Killed a dragon

Ten-year-old scalps Chess title

TEN-YEAR-OLD VEDANT

SHETTy belied his age and won the Male Open Category of the 2026 Tyrone Jack Memorial

Chess Tournament, held January 17 and 18, at the UWI Global Campus, Murray’s Road. Shetty ended with a

FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD WRISTSPINNER SHRIYA JAIRAM

dismantled the Guyanese middle order on her way to figures of 4/11 and ensured that Trinidad and Tobago earned their second victory in Round

score of five, ahead of Raymond Osakwe and third placeTerry Latchman.

The young man was fresh from taking gold in the Under-10 Absolute category and silver in Classical segment in the 20th edition of the Central American and Caribbean Youth Chess Festival, December 2025 in Puerto Rico.

Joining Shetty on the title holders’ podium was Nathaniel Lawrence who claimed the Junior Male title. Second to Lawrence was Le’ Mar Abbott and third was Lucas Huggins.

Meanwhile, Stacy Baptiste-King copped the Junior Female title, leaving Arianna Balcombe to settle for the runner-up spot. And Ronnia Durham-

Balcombe, Speaker of the House of Assembly, copped the Senior Female title. Molissa Ashton was second and third was Kazene Pierre.

The fifth edition of the Tournament, which was sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the National Lotteries Authority and The UWI Global Campus, saw an increase in youth participation especially from students from a number of schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Federation has assured that there will be a sixth edition later this year.

According to the SVG Chess Federation, this growth “reflects the ongoing expansion of the Chess in Schools Programme”.

Postponed from last December, the Executive of the SVG Chess

The Tournament is named in honour of the late Tyrone Jack, who was one of the persons who worked tirelessly to ensure that Chess returned as a staple in the country’s sports landscape.

The 2025 Championship was arbitered virtually by Chief Arbiter Mr. Brian Cottle, with Dr. Pushparaj Shetty serving as the inperson arbiter.

Women 20 Blaze: 15-year-old humbles defending champs

Four matches in the ongoing 2026 Women’s T20 Blaze, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, here in SVG.

Joined by Samara Ramnath, 3/10 and veteran Anisa Mohammed, 2/8, the Trinbagonians humbled the defending champions, Guyana, for 57 in 17 overs, in a match played on Mon. Jan. 19.

T&T replied with 58 for two to earn an 8-wicket victory.

In Monday’s opening match, Jamaica earned their first win of the 2026 T20 Blaze by defeating the winless Windward Islands by 7 wickets.

Jannillea Glasgow, 37 off 47 balls, held out as wickets fell regularly around her and saw the Windwards to 99 for 7.

Jamaica cruised to 100 for 3 to claim an easy 3-wicket win.

In the other match played on Monday, an outstanding all-round performance from Qiana Joseph helped the Leewards to a welcomed victory over Barbados.

Joseph smashed two sixes and three

fours before falling for 27 in 17 balls, to be the primary contributor to the Leewards’ 119 for nine. Naijanni Cumberbatch, off spinner, returned the outstanding figures of 5/15. Her effort was in vain as Joseph returned with the ball to claim 2/10 to help hold Barbados to 87 for 9, and hand the Leewards victory by 31 runs.

As it stood going into the final round of the preliminaries, the Leeward Islands led the points standing with 24, having played unbeaten to date. Their final preliminary match is against bottomof-the-table Windwards. I.B.A. ALLEN

Vincy Premier League launched: Promises much

embrace. We believe that this thrust will provide an improved product for our Tier One clubs and our footballers and football lovers in general.”

He referenced working for past five months to enhance the operations of the clubs, describing it as a journey that was smooth, and notwithstanding the challenges feels confident that “we are ready to give you a production better than you may not have seen before.”

And as if that was not all, John spoke of keeping abreast of the global changes aimed at enhancing the sport, not least being marketing and sustaining it.

The SVPL, in the long run, “will transition into a major productive event, opportunity and livelihood for all stakeholders,” John posited.

U17 coach aims to improve ranking

KENDALE MERCURY, head coach of the National U17 Male Football Team, is committed to a programme that is aimed at improving the Concacaf ranking of the team/country.

Kendale Mercury, Coach of the U17 National Football team, emphasized that his aim is to work towards improving the team’s FIFA ranking.

The opportunity to begin this climb is offered up by the Concacaf U17 Qualifiers for the World Cup, in which SVG is scheduled to play the USA, St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominican Republic at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on February 5th, 7th and 10th respectively.

AT THE MEDIA LAUNCH,Jan. 20, 2025, of the Vincy Soccer Premier League (VSPL) and the Concacaf U17 Boys World Cup Qualifiers, Lead of the VSPL Roxell John, gave what could be described as a glimpse into where football is going in SVG.

The Concacaf U17 Boys World Cup Qualifiers aside, John introduced the Vincy Soccer Premier League (VSPL) - that is set to bring together the island’s top clubs — Premier and Tier One - to compete on one stage, beginning Jan. 30, 2025.

The VSPL will feature: Avenues United, Awesome FC, Bequia United, Besco Pastures, Camdonia Chelsea, Hope International, JE Belle FC, Layou FC, NL Predators, and System 3.

John described the initiative as marking “a new and exciting vision,” with the hope that “..in the not too distance future can evolve into a full-fledged semiprofessional football league.”

He added, “This is a period of change that we

Meanwhile, Otashie Spring, President of the SVGFF, expressed full support for the venture. “It’s an initiative that is destined to propel and empower our competitive efforts here on the local scene where senior men is concerned. It’s our flagship tournament that would involve our Tier One clubs’

senior men’s team. It is the highest level of domestic football in the country.”

The SVPL will begin on January 30th with matches down to be played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, at Independence Park (Victoria Park), Brighton and Cumberland.

Stories by I.B.A. ALLEN

Mercury made his intention known at the media launch, Jan. 19, of the Vincy Soccer Premier League (VSPL) and the CONCACAF U17 Boys World Cup Qualifiers.

“We have a vision statement which is to improve the SVG U17 Boys ranking in Concacaf. Last year we came last in our group, so hence we are playing in the same group with the USA who are ranked second, so we are trying to improve our ranking so next year we can get a favorable draw. Of course, the real mission is the qualify for the U17 Boys World Cup,” Mercury said.

With respect to the team’s preparation, the coach explained that part of his job is to study the coach not the team. “So, if I know the USA from the previous games, how he works and his pattern, I can have a better sense of what to plan for. We haven’t had anything on the other teams yet, but we are going to do what we can control.”

U20 footballers wind up friendlies tour

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Men’s Under20 football team will wrap up their three international friendly’s series tour today, Friday 23, in Trinidad and Tobago as part of their preparations for Concacaf Qualifiers and ongoing development programme.

The young Vincentians were scheduled to do battle against AC Port of Spain at the Ato Bolden Stadium from 8:00pm in their final match. They were scheduled to play Trinidad and Tobago at the Ato Bolden Stadium in their opening fixtures followed by Grenada at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson, who was appointed head Coach of the

U20s in October 2025, pointed to the friendlies as forming an important component of the SVG Football Federation’s youth development pathway, offering players the opportunity to gain competitive experience against regional opposition, while building confidence, discipline, and match readiness ahead of future competitions.

Candy Fraser, Marketing and PRO of the SVG Football Federation, expressed full confidence in the team, noting that the tour is designed to support both performance and personal development. “This experience will help build character, resilience, and unity among the players while

reinforcing the standards expected at the national level,” Fraser said.

The squad includes goalkeepers David Butler and Darius Hamilton. The defensive unit features Glenroy Layne, Dimitri Thomas, Keron Thomas, Shaquan Hooper, Donnell Thomas, and Darson Joseph. The midfield is anchored by Taariq Small, Ashni Henry, Zibeon Cunningham, Shane Miller, Imani Miller, Lazaro Lynch, Javan Cato, Gabriel Doyle, and Kevonte Clarke. The attacking options include Tyler Lewis, Deshad Simmons, Jordan McKenzie, Malique King, Ashni Henry, and Juari Chance.

Candy Fraser, Marketing and PRO of the SVG Football Federation, says the tour, among other things, will help to build character.

West Indies youths rebound High Jumpers attain Carifta Qualifying standards

WEST INDIES UNDER-19cricketers restored pride with a 55-run win over South Africa yesterday Thursday January 22., in the ongoing ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The W.I. scored 234 in their turn at the crease, helped by Zachary Carter 114 off 104 deliveries. Shaquan Belle had impressive figures of 6 for 40 from his ten overs to keep South Africa at bay.

It was a must win situation for the West Indies youngsters. They overcame Tanzania in their first match and were blown away by the Afghanistan. Afghanistan played unbeaten in the Group. Another slip could have seen the West Indies out of the reckoning. Sixteen teams in four Groups began the preliminary round.

Sri Lanka and Australia kept their fortunes alive in Group A, with Ireland and Japan unlikely to make it beyond position number eight.

India and New Zealand seemed poised to progress, New Zealand without completing a match. Bangladesh and the United States of America are the other teams in Group B.

England and Pakistan are poised in Group C with host Zimbabwe raising the prospects of home fans for ongoing impact.

The ICC Men’s T/20 World Cup is throwing up some Sub-Continental intrigues. India and Bangladesh are embroiled in a conflict.

Bangladesh is insisting on playing Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, but the rest of the cricketing world seems to support the ICC’s position of replacing Bangladesh in the World Cup with Scotland if they refuse to play in India.

This issue is causing a rift in cricket. Pakistan is standing with Bangladesh in this scenario highlighting the drama that is being played out on the international stage.

Cricket West Indies President Kishore Shallow endorsed the ICC’s position regarding Bangladesh.

This issue is a loaded canon on the World Cricket platform.

The CG United Super 50 Cup is starting a shortened version right here.

Shallow still straggles the roles of Tourism Minister on the heels of his success at the polls following the November 27 general elections. His decision to carry on as the CWI President seems to have landed him in some conflict. Shallow might be concerned about strutting the world stage as CWI President at the expense of his appointment as a government Minister. How he fills those roles is outside his ambits. He may be keen on being where the cricket action is, and that could be at any location.

He may want to be around the Under 19 Final, and find enough time to cater for the ICC T/20 showpiece. His presence could be justified with participation of the West Indies’ outfits. But that could be bordering on optimism. Additionally, juggling time to be at the handing over ceremony of the West Indies Women’s Cricket is another item on Shallow’s agenda.

Hints of Arnos Vale becoming a base for the 2026 Caribbean Premier League raise the possibility of St. Vincent and the Grenadines announcing itself as a new venue.

That will be another juncture of regional cricket expansion.

TREVEL SYLVAN, Evonte Nimblette and Ethan Kent have made the respective standards in the High Jump, as set by Team Athletics for the 2026 Junior Carifta Games. They did so at the 2026 Pamenos Ballantyne Distance and Jumps Classic staged last Saturday, January 17, at the Diamond Track Facility.

Sylvan, who made the then B standard in 2025, but did not make the trip to the Trinidad and Tobago staged Junior Carifta Games, cleared the bar last Saturday at 1.90m, to make the Under-20 Male standard.

Sylvan is the current National High Jump Champion, having cleared the bar at 1.96m at the 2025 Wendell Hercules National Championships.

Meanwhile, the pair of Nimblette and Kent did so at 1.80m, putting their names in the mix for selection to the 2026 Carifta Games set for the Kirani James Stadium, Grenada, April 4 to 6.

Kent is also one of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ emerging young Tennis players.

Last Saturday’s qualifiers make it four for St. Vincent and

SVGBF: Retuning B-ball to its rightful place

SUZETTE JACKSON, President of the SVG Basketball Federation, needs no convincing that her executive has embarked on initiatives aimed at returning basketball to the place of pride it once enjoyed among sports here.

Jackson expressed this assessment in an address at the closing of the 2025 National Basketball Championship at the New Montrose Hard Court last month.

“When we took office in 2023, we embraced that task around a theme ‘Rebound’,” Jackson said. “We understood ‘Rebound’ to mean not only the physical aspect, but also to mean encouraging players when they might

have felt discouraged, by offering them support.”

Jackson appealed, “As the SVGBF continues to advance basketball, we require the hands and the assistance of everyone, not just the players or the executive but the communities, the parents, everybody. We all need to work together to see basketball grow to a stage where it once was or even further.”

She made a special appeal to the young players to keep on playing the sport and pointed to opportunities for basketball scholarships, and referenced her own case of being a beneficiary of a scholarship some 20 years ago.

“Keep on playing and

the Grenadines, following on the heels of J’avair Cato’s reaching the standards in the Male Under20 Long Jump and Triple Jump. Cato, who is based in Jamaica, competes in events in that country for the Jamaica College. St. Vincent and the Grenadines last medalled at the Carifta Games back in 2023, held in the Bahamas, when Amal Glasgow took bronze in the Under-20 Male 400m.

when there are times when you may feel defeated, you can rebound,” she directed at the young players. The president also spoke of FIBA., basketball’s (international) parent body, which has mandated that the sport be used to promote positive attitudes and changes in our communities, especially as it relates to keeping the environment clean and tidy.

Suzette Jackson, SVGBF President, says her executive is committed to returning the sport to the forefront of the sports calendar.

Towards this end, the SVGBF has launched ‘Climate Hoops’, a project structured around implementing basketball alongside climate activities, which include clean-up campaigns, consultation and workshops.

I.B.A. ALLEN

AI REAL ESTATE

DIPLOMATIC POSTS FILLED

THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES officially announced Heads of Missions and Consulates at a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room, on Thursday 22nd January 2025.

In early 2026, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines recalled several senior overseas

diplomats – including the Permanent Representative to the UN (Inga Rhonda King), High Commissioner to the UK (Cenio Lewis), Ambassador to Cuba (Ellsworth John), Ambassador to Taiwan (Andrea Bowman), and Consul General in New York (Rondy McIntosh) – as part of a strategic foreign policy realignment.

Their successors were appointed and officially announced at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room, Thursday 22nd January, 2026.

Among those appointed is Roland Matthews, who replaces Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh as Consul General in New York.

A GRANDMASTER IN THE MAKING?

IT WAS A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY when the 2026 Tyrone Jack Memorial Chess Tournament, was held January 17 and 18, at the UWI Global Campus, Murray’s Road.

In what is undoubtedly a resurging sport here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that resurgence could well be led by the precision, deep strategic understanding, and high-level efficiency of a diminutive ten-year-old - Vedant Shetty.

The recent regional and hemispheric success of the young man and now his recent success in the Open Male Category of the Tyrone Jack Memorial Chess

Continued on Page 3.

Tournament, has caused the custodians of the sport him to decide unanimously that the young Vedant must no longer compete in his age group; he has not only superseded the ability of his peers in terms of the mastery of the sport, but he, but he has risen to a level of conversation about the sport that belies his tender age.

The long and short of the top three finishers in the 2026 Tyrone Jack Memorial Chess Tournament, Terry Latchman (2nd Place). Vedant Shetty (Ist place) and Raymond Osakwe (3rd place).

Rondy “Luta” McIntosh served as Consul General in New York until he was recalled along with other senior diplomats as part of the Government’s foreign policy realignment.

McIntosh had taken over the New York post in 2022 after Howie Prince’s tenure.

Roland Matthews, a former Member of Parliament

new diplomatic appointees and others

Minister

Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fitzgeralf Bramble, Horne, Friday, Bramble, Angella Ideisha Jackson, Kenton Chance Jackson Chance and PS Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sandy Peters-Phillips.

representing the North Leeward constituency, now assumes the role as the official Consul General, representing Vincentian interests and supporting the Diaspora in the United States. Also appointed is Vynette Frederick, a lawyer by profession.

Continued on Page 3.