THE VINCENTIAN PDF-27-03-26

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026

FOUR MURDERS

IN FIVE DAYS

byKENVILLE HORNE

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, in a month given over to celebrating its heritage, has racked up its tenth homicide victim for the year. In a span of five days, between Friday March 20 and

Wednesday March 25, five males went to the great beyond at the hands of others.

Another killing in Diamond

The spate of murders began on the night of Friday, March 20 when, not for the first time, the Diamond community was the scene of a fatal shooting. Then the sound of bullets being discharged had ceased and the dust had cleared just after 10:00pm, 61-year-old Winston ‘Zeke’ Williams, a shopkeeper, lay dead in a

bedroom in his residence attached to his shop.

Reports are that Williams was called out by someone to sell him some beers. It was apparently during the course of making that transaction that Williams was shot.

One resident said that he heard at least five gunshots.

What followed was the usual speculation with nothing forthcoming as per a motive for the killing, save and except that some residents confirmed that the shop in the past, had been the target of robberies.

No arrests have been made with respect to Williams’ murder and his death was recorded as homicide number 7.

‘Munt I’ does his last act

What counted next on the homicide chart for 2006 was an act of sheer brutality, when Monty ‘Munt I’ Thomas was chopped to death in Barrouallie on Monday March 23. Preliminary police reports indicate that the incident may have stemmed from a dispute involving a small sum of money, EC$60, and ice.

A reliable source told THE VINCENTIAN that the day

before Munt-I was killed, the alleged attacker had stolen his rum. The source also claimed that the suspect had purchased a cutlass and reportedly told others earlier that day that he intended to kill someone.

A video that captured Munt I, clearing showing chops wounds literally from head to toe and rolling on a public roadway, surfaced on social media platforms almost immediately after the incident occurred. That video was met with mixed reactions, with a strong reaction being that to have filmed and circulated a man literally on his last breath and in that state, was a callous and mindless act.

ÂTaiwan will deliver,Ê Minister Leacock

While he refrained from given details with respect of what this country can expect from Taiwan, Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock said he was confident that Taiwan would be forthcoming with what was requested.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER and Minister of National Security, St. Clair Leacock says that he had no doubt that Taiwan will be forthcoming with all that he asked for, during his recent visit to that country.

Leacock told members of the media on March 25 that while he was confident that this country will receive all

that was requested, protocol prevented him from letting the public know the extent of the assistance.

He had announced during a consultation on violence in schools on March 10, that he was going to ask the Government of Taiwan to donate some vehicles to be used by the Cadet force, the Police Force and the National Commission on Crime Prevention’s DARE programme.

Leacock said that that representation was made before he left the state through the resident Ambassador, H.E Fiona Fan.

“When I arrived in Taiwan, that was reiterated and I would not indicate at this press

conference how many vehicles I asked for, but I expressed a request for some vehicles to assist the police force, the cadet force and the National Commission for Crime Prevention, and also some other hardware,” Leacock shared.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves criticised the visit led by

Leacock and which included his wife, Margaret Leacock, Shevern John, Minister of Social Welfare etc and Lavern King, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education.

Dr. Gonsalves was of the view that the first state visit by the newly elected government should have been made by either Prime Minister

NCSVG – UK welcomes H.C. Horne

In a release made available to THE VINCENTIAN earlier this week, the Council said that His Excellency Horne was already settled in the United Kingdom, he having pursued studies in law and had already built an esteemed career as a barrister (in England and Wales) spanning over 25 years.

The release said HE Horne was both husband and father.

and enhance diaspora activities in the United Kingdom”, the Council stated in its release.

The National Council said it had every confidence that under His Excellency, High Commissioner Horne’s leadership, the longstanding relationship between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the United Kingdom will continue to deepen and flourish.

Dr. Godwin Friday or Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, Minister of Foreign Affairs. He further criticised Leacock for indicating his intention to make the request for vehicles saying that those items could have been negotiated through the local Ambassador.

“You don’t need a visit for that,” Dr. Gonsalves said. (DD)

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES ASSOCIATIONS UK(NCSVG — UK) said that it was pleased to welcome His Excellency J.M. Brereton Horne, High Commissioner of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Kingdom, during a Reception in Honour of The Honourable Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, SVG Foreign Affairs Minister, held at the High Commission in London on 7th March 2026.

“High Commissioner Horne has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to professionalism, cooperation, and mutual understanding throughout his career, and he brings a wealth of legal expertise to this distinguished office. His appointment includes the important responsibility of strengthening existing diplomatic ties while forging new relationships between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the countries to which he is accredited, and to engage

Addressing attendees at the High Commission event on the 07/03/2026, His Excellency Horne expressed heartfelt remarks, stating:

“I am deeply honoured to serve our people — all our people. I look forward to engaging with the Vincentian community, listening to your perspectives and experiences, and working together as we continue to strengthen our connections both here in the United Kingdom, and at home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. My intention is to lead the work of the High Commission in a spirit of openness – we are here to serve you.”

He added, “The event

underscored a renewed sense of unity and collaboration, as members of the Vincentian diaspora and community leaders gathered in support of a shared vision for continued partnership and progress.”

V News 3

Cocaine still ÂfloatingÊ around

INVESTIGATIONS ARE SAIDto be ongoing as it pertains to a quantity of cocaine that surfaced in St Vincent, following a United States drone strike off the coast of Bequia on February 13, 2026 when three St Lucian fishermen were killed.

St. Clair Leacock, Minister of National Security said on March 25 that he was unable to say how much of the controlled substance was still out on the market, but information had been presented to him and law enforcement authorities that indication that some was in circulation.

“I can say to you that we know that subsequently people have been arrested for trafficking in cocaine which is believed to have come from that source,” Leacock said.

“I can also share with you

that the police have their own intel and that is also not for public consumption as it will compromise the work of the police,” he continued.

According to the national security minister, there were elements of the investigation that made it inappropriate to be discussed at a press briefing.

“So, I think we will be well advised to leave those matters to the authorities who are best positioned to speak to it,” Leacock said.

There have been ‘tales’ galore of the discovery of cocaine floating in the territorial waters of SVG.

He added that as the Minister of National Security, he was better placed regarding

intelligence to determine what information should or should not be put out in the public in order not to compromise the police and their work.

In the days following the deadly drone strike, Sebastian Audain and Alvin Cyrus, both fishermen were charged with possession and trafficking of

22.9 pounds of cocaine. It has been suggested that the men came into contact with the quantity of drugs while on the high seas. (DD)

Four murders in Five days

Continued from Frontpage.

Police investigations into this incident led to the arrest of Barrouallie resident Keon Dennie, who was taken before the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday, after being charged with Thomas’ murder. (See Story on Page 23.)

Originally from Rose Hall, ‘Munt I’, according to information received, had moved to Barrouallie.

He was widely recognized as a vibrant cultural figure, known for his songwriting ability and energetic performances.

The violent nature of

the attack has left residents of Barrouallie and surrounding communities in shock, and in Rose Hall, residents expressed deep sadness at his passing.

Munt I’s death was recorded as this country’s eight homicide for 2026.

Focus on Ottley Hall again

And as if that was not enough for Vincentians to absorb, news broke on Wednesday afternoon of a shooting incident in Ottley Hall that left one man dead. Not long after the news broke and the photograph of the dead man lying in a pool of

blood was posted on social media, the police confirmed that they had mounted an investigation into the death of a 41year-old man, whose body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in the Ottley Hall community.

Police also confirmed that the victim, identified as Sebastian John, was found inside a residence.

According to early reports, John’s body bore what appeared to be gunshot wounds with one of many to his head. There were expressions of relief among sections of the Ottley Hall community with those persons

reminded others that John had been at the centre of an incident involving a three-yearold-girl. He had served a three-year sentence having been found guilty of lewd and insinuating behaviour in front of the girl.

John’s death brought the number of homicides recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to nine for the year.

A son dies – a mother grieves

Before the air cleared in Ottley Hall with respect to Sebastian John’s demise, a mother had to watch her son die in Lowans Hill.

Collis ‘Cally” Charles, also known as “Brain,” the fourth of five children, was reportedly accompanying his mother home around 7 p.m., when he was attacked and shot by a lone gunman.

The victim’s mother, visibly shaken, said her son had been walking a short distance behind her when she heard several loud explosions. When she turned around, she saw him lying motionless in a pool of blood while the attacker fled through a narrow alleyway between two houses.

A witness reported seeing a man dressed in a black hoodie and black pants leaving the area shortly after the shooting.

The killing sent shockwaves through the Lowmans Hill community. As family members and friends gathered at the scene, many overcome with grief. A circulating video showed one of Charles’ brothers cradling his lifeless body, underscoring the emotional toll on the family.

The motive for the shooting remains unclear. Relatives denied any connection to the homicide reported earlier the same day in Ottley Hall.

The death of Collis ‘Cally” Charles was accorded the number 10 for the year.

UK gardener fine $60,000 for cocaine

Stories byHAYDN HUGGINS

A 19-YEAR-OLD GARDENERof the United Kingdom, said to have been holidaying here, was fined a total of $60,000 yesterday (Thursday), for three cocaine offences.

Warren-Lee Davies was fined $20,000 forthwith or one year imprisonment for possession of $2,500 grams (2.5 kilos) of cocaine with intent to supply; $20,000 forthwith or one year imprisonment for possession of the drug for the purpose of drug trafficking, and $20,000 forthwith or one year imprisonment for attempting to export the drug.

Chief Magistrate Colin John handed down the penalties at the Serious Offences Court, following a mitigation plea from Davies’ lawyer Grant Connell, and response from prosecutor Renwick Cato.

Davies had pleaded guilty to all three charges when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on March 20. He was remanded and the matter was adjourned and transferred to the Serious Offences Court for sentencing.

Up to press time yesterday, Davies had not paid the fines and was taken away from the Serious Offences court in police custody.

The facts showed that at around 4pm on March 18, 2026 at the Argyle International Airport (AIA), Sergeant 756 Kenton DaSouza was on duty at the AIA when he received certain information about a male passenger scheduled to travel on Virgin Atlantic flight VS198 to Barbados, with onward connections to the UK.

Another officer PC John, kept that passenger under observation, as he (passenger) checked in at the Virgin Atlantic counter.

The passenger had a red and black suitcase and a black duffel bag over his shoulder, and proceeded to clear with Immigration and Security.

While at the main security checkpoint, the passenger was reluctant to open the lock on the suitcase upon request by airport security personnel.

The lock was ultimately removed by security with the use of a bolt cutter and airport security supervisor Billingy requested the presence of Sergeant DaSouza.

DaSouza identified himself as a police officer dressed in plain clothes, by showing his police

identification card to the passenger.

The passenger’s passport was requested and upon perusal, his name was revealed as Warren-Lee Davies of the United Kingdom. He also had a boarding pass bearing his name for Virgin Atlantic Flight VS198. The suitcase was searched in his presence and DaSouza found a transparent taped package containing a whitish substance resembling cocaine. A further search of the suitcase revealed to more taped packages which when cut opened revealed more whitish substance resembling cocaine.

A field test was done on some of the substance using NIK Cocaine wipes, and it tested positive for cocaine.

DaSouza cautioned the defendant and pointed out the offences to him, but Davies made no reply. He was arrested and taken to the narcotics base, along with the suitcase and its exhibits.

Connell told the court in mitigation, “This case is very interesting. A young man came here on holiday and was given a package. He acted under duress. According to my instructions, he was threatened. The suitcase came with a combination and he did not even know the combination.”

Connell expressed the view that the cocaine before the court did not have the usual appearance of the cocaine which is usually seen here. “This was repackaged locally,’ he said. He also noted that the t-shirts, the only clothes found in the suitcase was double the size of the defendant.

Connell requested a fine and deportation, or a suspended sentence with a fine added.

But the lawyer added, “We do not have a system to pay for deportation. If he cannot pay his passage, he will remain in the prison system.”

But the Chief Magistrate did not agree that a suspended sentence was practical. He was also of the view that such a penalty was not sufficient to reflect the seriousness of the charges. He concluded that a fine was appropriate in the circumstances.

The Magistrate pointed out that, “The Court cannot make it

Foreign drug offenders, not SVG’s problem

ATTORNEY GRANT CONNELL

is of the view that this country should not be burdened with having to incarcerate overseas nationals who are convicted of drug related charges here.

Connell made the point while mitigating on behalf of UK national Warren-Lee Davies, who was yesterday ordered to pay the court $60,000, for three cocaine offences.

Attorney Grant Connell questioned why the state had to be burdened with caring for convicted foreigners.

Connell noted that it would cost the state between $34,000 and $36,000 to maintain Davies if he was to be sent to prison, and he successfully requested a non-custodial sentence.

Connell pointed out that SVG was once a colony of England. “They exploited this country’s cotton, arrowroot, sugar and other resources, then got rid of us in 1979 when we received political independence, but we still have to borrow money.”

“If England got rid of us as a burden, why should we take him (Davies) as a burden? He is their problem, not ours.”

Warren-Lee Davies (left) as he was led away on remand from the Kingstown Magistrate Court.

appear that anyone can come to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, collect drugs and leave, then get a slap on the wrist.”

“We have a cocaine problem, we no longer seem to have a marijuana problem, and how we fix our cocaine problem is that we don’t fill the jail with young people like him.”

“SVG is a lawless society, but we don’t have a drug fighting arm to fix the problem. We can’t resort to the pillars of sentencing when the pillars of society are falling apart,” Connell added.

Ganja funds daughter’s birthday

CHING LEE DICK’S explanation that the marijuana with which he was found recently was to raise funds to give his fouryear-old daughter a birthday surprise, could not save him from two financial penalties on Monday.

The 31-year-old labourer of Mesopotamia was fined $500 forthwith, or six months imprisonment for possession of 2,119 grams of marijuana for the purpose of drug trafficking. He was also fine $390 forthwith or six months imprisonment for possession of the drug with intent to supply.

Dick pleaded guilty to both charges when he

Ching Lee Dick had a creative explanation as to why he was in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

appeared before Chief Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He was unrepresented.

Responding to questions from the Chief Magistrate, Dick told the court that his daughter’s birthday was coming up and he intended to sell the marijuana because he wanted to give her a surprise for her birthday.

He said he would normally travel to Bequia to sell provisions and water, and that the child’s mother was unemployed.

In presenting the facts earlier, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the court that around 9:30am on March

20, Corporal 340 Clint Dasouza was on duty at the Grenadines port dressed in the uniform of the Port Security Unit of the police force. He was at the entrance of Gate No.14’s (lower gate) security check point, conducting searches on motor vehicles travelling to various Grenadine islands.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Editor: Cyprian Neehall

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

Editorial

Where are we heading?

ID WE HAVEanother homicide today?” someone asked.

“Sure bet,” was the response.

“Well, we really getting on,” retorted the inquirer.

“Not so fast — that air so bad. You remember we had six deaths recorded in just seven days late last year?

“Same thing. We really, really getting on. Different year same thing?”

Its nearing the end of March 2026 and if the records are correct, we have already recorded ten homicides.

That figure was attained after four homicides between Friday of last week and Wednesday evening.

Three of these recent entries into the record book followed the trend of recent years, i.e. the use of firearms. The other was a horrendous act of brutality inflicted on a human being through the use of a “sharpened cutlass.”

Yes, admittedly times have changed and the temptations that lurked around each street corner a few decades ago, generally speaking, were easily side-stepped.

It seems that today, the slightest disagreement erupts into a state of violent aggression that sometimes leads to results not intended. On the other hand, given the “industries” that operate today, some say below the radar other say in broad daylight — like the drug trade — the dynamics therein allow for a wanton use of violent action.

That is our reality regardless of which political party is in power. The divisiveness encouraged by the political parties is of a different nature than that which propels us to violent action/reaction that result in death.

The question we need to ask ourselves: Have we descended to a state of barbarism, a state of evilness that encourage us to act with violence against “neighbour” and to turn our eyes away from the results of this evilness thus allowing it to meander along an unperturbed path with increasing attractiveness?

And this barbarism is not simply made manifest by the use of fatal action by one person against another or one gang against another. The barbarism and evilness have taken on a new look this state of behavior has permeated the mindset of the onlookers, the so

Of This and That

called uninvolved citizens who today relishes in filming a man with multiple chop wounds, half dead and rolling on the ground, while others make conversation and remarks that speak to a sense that this is an everyday occurrence, so why bother.

Can it get any worse?

We have now, it seems, resorted to a stance of not getting involved. We are not prepared, it seems, to cooperate with the law enforcement, investigating authorities whom we expect to “do their jobs” and work towards getting justice for the families of those affected.

To take this discourse to another level. The state in which we find ourselves, brings to mind Friedrich Engels, co-author with Karl Marx of The Communist Manifesto, an 1848 pamphlet regarded as one of the world’s most influential political documents, who once said “Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism.”

Of course Engels might have had a different agenda. But his warning that if mankind continued in its embrace of unbridled capitalism that he would descend into barbarism, was spot on because it is that very system that has bred the evilness that abounds among our people, which we must curb if we are to remain among the civilized world.

Yes, we must ask are we stoic enough to reflect on the likelihood that we are descending to a state of savagery, a state we can describe as contemporary barbarism, which by any other name leads not only to an abuse of state power, the erosion of empathy but also to a sad decadence that ignores the suffering of others and the right of every man to a life.

We are still in the month when we celebrate our heritage, moreso our Garifuna heritage — a heritage that speaks of torture, starvation, ridicule and treatment like animals and eventual banishment, all of which was endured so that we may enjoy the life of peace and solidarity with one another.

The Garifuna heritage speaks to hundreds who went to their graves so as to enable their descendants and today’s St. Vincent and the Gereandines to live a happy and free life. Can we say that we are?

THIS WEEK,I want to share some concerns about a few small but meaningful issues that have been on my mind. Don’t misunderstand– I describe these issues as small, mainly because I don’t have the full context or all the details.

First, I wonder when we will decide to move the official National Heroes Day celebration. When will we start honoring our Garifuna Cultural Heritage outside the boundaries of this national holiday? Perhaps it’s time to consider renaming March 14th to Garifuna Day and add another holiday to our calendar for Heroes Day.

It’s important to recognize that someday the government might declare another person or two as national heroes with little or no direct link to Chief Chatoyer, the historic leader of the Garifuna people. In fact, many of these figures, under consideration, may have historically contributed to the oppression or marginalization of the Kalinago and Garifuna communities in SVG. How will we reconcile these diverse figures and their legacies when we host the ceremony at this relatively small site, the place of Chief Chatoyer’s death? One challenge will be to ensure that the celebration remains meaningful and inclusive.

If you think the slight tension displayed at this year’s celebration was uncomfortable, wait for it.

Another thing, Mr. Prime Minister: while I appreciate your enthusiasm and desire to set yourself apart from the previous administration, your announcement to incorporate the Garifuna language into our school curriculum is a novel idea that will require careful planning. This idea will have a significant impact on our school budget, which is already filled with competing interests. Maybe a safer place to introduce this idea is in partnership with the Garifuna Heritage Foundation. Your initiative would have more meaning to me if it were complemented by a $250,000 budget supplement and a license to bring in at least two teachers from Belize to spearhead it.

Secondly, why does VINLEC continue its perplexing practice of imposing an electricity surcharge exceeding 100% of the base consumption charge? The answer is that the politically charged board of directors does not want to make the necessary base-rate adjustment to reflect the true, tested, and proven cost of electricity.

They would much rather continue the laughable explanation that this is

VINLEC being transparent about the components driving their costs. The fact is, if gas prices were to fall to $6 today, we would still have an electric fuel surcharge on our bills, albeit not as high.

I have publicly asked VINLEC to adopt a systematic hedging strategy for diesel purchases, rather than relying on the current rolling-average pricing method. We are now approaching a critical point where their decision to persist with this short-sighted practice will likely result in higher surcharges for consumers in the coming months.

So, why do I think hedging our diesel and gas purchases is a viable alternative? Hedging provides significant economic advantages by reducing price volatility, stabilizing costs for budgeting, and protecting cash flow against sudden market fluctuations. Using financial derivatives such as futures contracts and options would allow us to shield ourselves from adverse price movements, thereby supporting operational stability and more accurate financial planning.

One more time, the economic benefits of hedging are: price certainty, risk management, cash flow stability, and operational continuity. Price certainty would allow us to lock in fuel prices for the power plants, eliminating the risk of unexpected cost increases. It will also allow us to manage any risks associated with exposure to market conditions, like the impact of wars. As for cash flow stability, hedging helps facilitate a predictable revenue stream. With a steady revenue stream, managing debt and obtaining favorable financing rates for capital investments become easier. The worst-kept secret in SVG is how close to the edge of total collapse we operate this vital utility.

Now, to be clear, hedging is not the all-saviour, because if not studied carefully, we could miss opportunities to benefit from declining prices. Its primary value lies in providing financial insurance that promotes long-term economic stability.

It is now time for the partisan board of directors of this quasi-governmental organization, VINLEC, to be strategic and initiate a long-overdue rate review. Now is the best time to protect the government’s political interests. The rate review should include a comprehensive long-range capital improvement plan with an alternative energy component. Horatio.

Unhappy feelings amongst some NDP supporters

IT IS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE that some NDP supporters are not happy with the government’s approach

relative to the Public Service. Some alleged that the former administration deliberately victimized

NDP supporters, and placed ULP supporters as head of government boards, statutory bodies

Female Soccer Awareness

THE VINCENTIAN NEWSPAPER

wishes to make a correction to an article headlined “Soccer Awareness, carried in our issue of Friday 6th March, 2026.

In that article, the opening sentence “We have been a member of FIFA for seventy years” should have read “…. thirty-six years”.

As this writer continues his awareness campaign, he wishes to record appreciation of Comsport’s continuing (ongoing) sponsorship/hosting of soccer tournaments. The effort and encouragement required to get someone away from their TV and phone, in order to socialize, play and learn about soccer, is priceless. Through it all, companionship and fair play in a good environment, even though it has a small intrinsic value playing for a financial prize, should be seen as an incentive to be used wisely while the performers improve.

I am reminded of some people who, when they developed the confidence to embark on a programme to become referees, they did so at a time of ninea-side competitions, 1979. There were many outstanding performers.

My wish is that those who organize the Comsport games, that they would consider introducing a female competition or one that involves teams comprised of equal numbers of males and females.

This should help with developing “The Speed and Play” and “The Speed of Thought”, which are of utmost importance.

Our females need that knowledge of the various speeds necessary to perform competitively.

Dreaming of playing, but playing without purpose and proper coaching will remain a dream that cannot be fulfilled.

Comsport, the love you show should also be for female development, and all those organizers of small-side games must invite and encourage females so their game can improve. If you don’t do it, who will? Those responsible cannot do and that is why we are in this sad state.

So let’s start now in 2026. By next year’s World Cup, the performance of our females will be much better. Agree, then support.

Seymour Walrond

and departments, etc.

In an article entitled, “Who is really advising the Minister of the Public Service,” published in the Vincentian Newspaper, dated February 20, 2026, the writer said, “And for the next twenty-five years of ULP rule (20212025), the public service has never in its history seen such mayhem, vindictiveness and utter wickedness committed against all NDP supporters…” . If it is true that all NDP supporters were victimized by the ULP government, something is wrong with our political system. Perhaps the time has come for it to be revamped. Given the alleged victimization by the previous government, some NDP supporters think that the present administration should do the same as their predecessors. Objectively speaking, this kind of thinking is vengeful and egoistic. In fact, it’s a recipe for disaster. Here are four reasons why this approach is

From Invasion, genocide and what – Part 11

THE EDITOR,

As we know this is scarcely a preface to what went on in our beloved Hairoun.

However, we have turned a new page in our history. But if those in authority fail to seek wisdom from whom giveth, God will sweep them out of office and replace them with others. Any opposition who tries to use the “ass” (the law is an ass) to turn back the clock of history, will be in hell fire. The voice of the people is the voice of God. The people spoke in their electoral voices on the 27.11.25.

The preamble of our constitution indicates that we, Vincentians, believe in the “supremacy of God and the freedom and the dignity of man. .. that

our society be so ordered as to express our recognition of the principles of democracy, free institution, social justice and equality before the law”. The NDP is democratically elected to serve us for five years and no court of law is going to override that like the dark night of the COVID-19 law. Friday and Bramble are Vincentian by birth — their birth certificate carries the Amazona Guildingii, Vincy’s national bird, as its water mark. Camillo Gonsalves was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America on June 12, 1972; his birth certificate does not have our national bird imprinted, yet he served in parliament for years. We know the motive

behind the challenge of dual citizenship is to try to distract and destabilize the people’s government, and cause another ‘road block revolution’.

The NDP is the backbone of Joshua’s People’s Political Party and the Major is in charge of our national security.

We are going forward in skills training, food production and processing towards easing the economic burden and creating affordable education and health services.

But we need to advance in manufacturing and … reactivated the Ottley Hall projects is reactivated so that many of the vehicle parts we import could be rebuilt here.

Finally, we must return to our Garifuna language and a style of

wrong in every sense of the word: One, it’s not a measured or workable solution. Admittedly, the past government did not get everything right. Mistakes were made. And it is probably those mistakes that led to their defeat at the polls. Nonetheless, we must still be guided by ethical values, biblical and moral principles. Our focus should be centred on healing the alleged hurt, not perpetrating it. Further, we should focus on national development that will benefit all Vincentians regardless of political affiliation.

Two, it will prove that the present government is no different from the previous one. Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” The government’s levelheaded approach to political governance is commendable. There’s intention to right the alleged wrong. It is only when the government does what is right, that it has the moral authority to speak against wrong.

other. We build a stronger nation when everyone is respected and treated justly, regardless of political connection.

Four, it will only widen the social, economic and political divide. Human beings are by nature prone to divisiveness. Sadly, our inherited colonial system of politics adds to the fiasco. We owe it to ourselves to foster camaraderie, togetherness, and to provide opportunities for every Vincentian to succeed.

government where all of us are working together for the total development of Hairoun . building the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

Christian Democrat.

Three, it will disadvantage some faithful and dedicated civil servants. Nepotism and hegemony never benefit the masses. The government is obligated to serve everyone, not a selected few. History shows what can happen when one class of people is favoured over the

It is clear that with respect to the Public Service, some NDP supporters expected redemption for the alleged victimization perpetrated by the ULP regime. That it has not materialized, left them unhappy and disgruntled.

The Watch Dog

Embracing the Cross: Finding Hope in the Depths

“The cross is the way God chooses to conquer the world, not with power or might, but with love, sacrifice, and hope.” – Max Lucado (born 1955) –Pastor, speaker, and best-selling author.

Easter is celebrated in various ways around the world. These activities have been influenced by religious traditions and cultural customs. Throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and many of the other Caribbean countries, citizens (especially the young ones) look forward to munching on hot cross buns (spiced buns with a cross on the top). In some households, beef, pork, and processed carbohydrates (e.g., rice and flour products) are avoided and the main meals revolve around fish (e.g., mackerel, herring, and saltfish) combined with cooked green bananas and ground provisions such as sweet potatoes, eddoes, and dasheen.

The Easter tradition varies in Europe. For example, in Italy families enjoy a feast with lamb, artichokes, and a special Easter cake called Colomba di Pasqua (dove-shaped bread). In Greece the citizens look forward to a feast of roasted lamb and tsoureki (sweet bread) after attending midnight church. In Spain the Holy Week (Semana Santa) is celebrated with elaborate parades, where citizens dress in traditional robes and carry religious statues. In Germany it is traditional to have Easter Trees that are decorated with painted eggs. In the United Kingdom and many of the Commonwealth countries children enjoy Easter egg hunts and receive chocolate eggs.

There are equally unique and interesting traditions in North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Each country has its own way of celebrating Easter, blending religious traditions with local customs. However, these should not distract us from the true reason why we celebrate Easter. It is then that we reflect on the suffering, sacrifice, and pain that Jesus Christ endured for the salvation of mankind; He was crucified on a cross at Calvary over two thousand years ago. For those who follow Jesus, the cross of Easter is a symbol of victory, redemption, and hope. But equally important is the Easter Sunday celebrations when we recognize and celebrate His resurrection — He rose from the dead as He promised that He would.

As we go through life, we will periodically encounter moments of deep struggle. This may take the form of health challenges, emotional pain, relational conflict, or personal hurt. Such situations can invoke painful periods of grief and loss. However, it is often out of such depths that priceless insights about life and living can emerge and an enhanced appreciation of to power and value of faith and hope. As we reflect on the Easter records, we note the tremendous suffering that Jesus Christ encountered (leading to and through Good Friday) but we rejoice in the realization from the depth of such suffering emerged a good reason for hope as we note His resurrection from the dead on that glorious Easter Sunday.

The cross reveals God’s love in the midst of our pain. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, chose to endure the ultimate suffering on the cross for us. This was His way of relieving us of our sin and shame. He paid the price that we could not pay; He took it upon

Himself. Jesus knows what it is to suffer. In the New Testament book of Hebrews, the writer records, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). This verse provides a useful reminder that Christ understands human suffering and that believers can approach Him with confidence; He understands our weaknesses, fears, and failures.

As we reflect on His suffering and death on the cross, we understand and appreciate God’s love in the midst of our pain. The cross stands to remind us that God understands our suffering. Jesus Christ did not merely observe our pain — He took it upon Himself. He who knew no sin bore our sins on Calvary’s cross.

However, we understand and appreciate that the cross is not just about suffering; it encourages us to reflect on redemption and transformation. Through Jesus’ sacrifice we can be reconciled to God. The cross is therefore not merely a reflection of suffering and pain of Good Friday; it draws our attention to the victory that is possible through Easter Sunday’s resurrection. This becomes a timely reminder that through the painful and traumatic experiences of life we can anticipate eventual victory. Jesus endured the ridicule and physical torture prior to his crucifixion on the cruel cross but that was not the end of the story. He rose again. And because He lives, we can face tomorrow with hope — regardless of the present circumstances.

The apostle Paul, writing to the saints in Rome reminded believers that, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5). We can therefore reflect on the fact that in embracing the cross, we hold on to the hope that our suffering will never be in vain. God uses our sufferings and pain to strengthen and shape us. Even our most traumatic experiences can teach us valuable life lessons. We do not suffer in vain.

The cross provides good reason to hope — even as we transit our darkest days and seek to find value and purpose in life’s most dangerous and painful circumstances. In Matthew 16:24 Jesus reminds us that His followers should be prepared to endure suffering even as they follow him when He noted that, “Whosoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” We should therefore not think it strange when His followers experience pain and loss. We should not lose hope when such situations emerge. There is still good reason to hope when enduring the cross noting that His power is magnified in our weakness.

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

Gravest Crime against Humanity

THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY adopted an important resolution on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, recognising transatlantic Slavery as the ‘gravest crime against humanity’ and calling for reparations. While the World Body did not quantify the claim, it urged UN member states to consider apologising for the slave trade and contributing to a reparations fund and returning historical artefacts stolen from the continent. Advocates hope that this will pave the way for healing and justice.

The vote represents a major step forward for those seeking reparations for the hideous crimes committed against Africans, and the resulting underdevelopment that continues to plague the African continent and ‘New World’ countries like ours in the Caribbean.

The resolution, pioneered by Ghana and supported by 123 member states, signals growing support for the cause of reparations.

‘Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice,’ said Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, speaking ahead of the vote on behalf of the 54member African Group — the largest regional bloc at the UN.

The resolution was opposed by the usual suspects, the USA and Israel. Argentina’s reactionary Milei administration joined the governments in Washington and Tel Aviv. Fifty-two countries abstained, including the United Kingdom and European Union member states.

The resolution was adopted on March 25, 2026, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. With the measure now adopted, Ghana signalled that it would continue pursuing reparatory justice within the framework of the African Union’s Decade of Action on Reparations and African Heritage (2026-2036), while urging member states to remain, in its words, on the right side of history and justice.

To this day, many do not understand the African story and the demands for reparations. The truth is this: For more than 400 years, millions of people were stolen from Africa, put in shackles and shipped to the New World to toil in cotton fields and sugar and coffee plantations, under scorching heat and the crack of the whip.

Denied their basic humanity and even their own names, they were forced to endure generations of exploitation with repercussions that reverberate today, including persistent anti-Black racism and discrimination.

The resolution emphasised ‘the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity by reason of the definitive break in world history, scale, duration, systemic nature, brutality and enduring consequences that continue to structure the lives of all people through racialised regimes of labour, property and capital.’

Esther Phillips, Barbados first Poet Laureate, said, ‘There are spirits of the victims of slavery

present in this room at this moment, and they are listening for one word only: justice.’

The resolution should please those who have struggled long and hard over the many decades to bring into sharp focus the horrors of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery. The resolution is a reminder that all of the areas where chattel slavery was widespread remain a crime scene demanding research, redress, justice and compensation. It was the exploitation of the labour, sweat and sacrifice of Africans that the former enslavers and colonisers built their wealth.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for confronting slavery’s lasting legacies of inequality and racism. ‘Now we must remove the persistent barriers that prevent so many people of African descent from exercising their rights and realising their potential. We must commit – fully and without hesitation – to human rights, equality, and the inherent worth of every person,’ he said.

Another pivotal point in the United Nations’ vote is that the African continent is now fully on board with the just demands. This is significant because Ghana’s efforts at the UN offer new impetus for Caricom’s reparations demand, which was issued in June 2013. When Caricom issued its reparations demand, many questioned its importance and utility, while others lampooned the call as hopeless grandstanding. Since then, there has been a revival of the reparations movement in the United States and a rekindling of contacts between diasporan Africans worldwide and the African continent.

With the UN vote behind us, one can only hope that PM Friday and his team will lend total and complete support to the reparations cause and establish a reparations commission with a budget and office that enable its members to take the cause to all corners of the country and the diaspora. We must never forget that our country played a seminal role in the revitalisation of the reparations cause. Former PM Gonsalves and UWI Vice Chancellor Dr Hilary Beckles were instrumental in convincing regional leaders. They made a convincing case that regional underdevelopment and poverty were a direct result of the slave trade and slavery.

As Dr Hilary Beckles, chair of the Caribbean Reparations Commission, frequently says, the 21st century will be the age when the just demand will be recognised and honoured. However, we have to be clear-sighted on these issues. The reparations struggle is akin to a marathon rather than a sprint. The least we can do is continue to raise the call for reparations in our lifetime.

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

The economic and devastating consequences of war

I AM WRITING TO REITERATE IN PART, the concerns raised by Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Godwin Friday, in the March 06, 2026 edition of THE VINCENTIAN. The PM’s comments that emanated from his Tuesday, March 03 press conference were right on target. They warned of the “farreaching consequences of rising fuel and energy costs,” and “the risk” of what he described as “imported inflation.”

The implications of a Middle East war, in a region that commands 50 percent of the world’s oil reserves and 40 percent of oil exports, can undoubtedly be expected to cause an increase in global oil prices and gas at the pumps.

The destruction of energy infrastructure, and closure of the Strait of Hormuz both caused disruption to oil production and transportation respectively. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil exports pass through The Strait of Hormuz.

As a result of these factors, oil prices on the world market increased 35 percent from US$72 per barrel before the war to over US$97 per barrel in just six days after the bombings started.

The current price is now way over US$100 per barrel.

These increases in oil prices not only impact gasoline prices at the pump but also the supply chain and ultimately consumer prices.

This is the potential inflationary effect that the PM warned of. Rising oil and consumer

prices can no doubt trigger global economic instability. Fortunately, the industrialized nations can tap into their oil reserves to increase their oil supplies to offset rising prices. Less developed countries do not have the benefit of that luxury.

Beyond the economic chaos and global inflationary risk, wars inflict the utmost destruction of both business and government infrastructure, and the killing of innocent people. The United States (US) and Israeli bombings of schools, hospitals and businesses in Iran impose devastating consequences on Iran’s civilian population. The killing of over 150 girls and the wounding of others at the Iranian girl’s primary school was horrific. Israeli military strikes in Lebanon are reported to have already killed about 700 people and the displacement of over 750,000. This includes almost 100 children. Do these instigators and perpetrators of war express remorse for the killing and displacement of the civilian population? Absolutely not! They just simply accept death and destruction of innocent people as a consequence of war.

No different is the retaliatory actions of Iran in targeting its Gulf States neighbours’ airports and cities for destruction, and the indiscriminate launching of missiles at Israel. This too results in the killing of innocent people.

Wars are not warranted and world leaders should resist instigating them. Seeking solutions through dialogue and diplomacy, no matter how difficult this may be, must be pursued at all costs. This would avoid potential economic instability, the devastation of the civilian population and the unwarranted depletion of scarce resources that will be indispensable to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure.

B-Das

National Netball Honouring Legacy

THE YEARS OF HARD WORK by Netball’s trailblazers will be the focus of attention and acknowledgement, as the 2026 Bank of SVG National Netball Tournament unfolds.

Towards this end, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association has given the Tournament special emphasis as it is dubbed, “Honouring Netball’s Proud Legacy”.

This was enunciated in blazing sunshine, complemented by a healthy serving of resplendence from the participating outfits, when this year’s edition of the National Tournament had its formal opening last Saturday, March 21, at

the Kingstown Netball Centre.

From the march off from outside Independence Park (formerly Victoria Park) to the iconic venue, that legacy was maintained.

At the Opening Ceremony, President of the SVGNA- Natasha Samuel did not spare a moment to highlight the progress of the sport over the years, inclusive of endeavouring to better the Netball product through “structured transition”.

Connecting the past to the present, Samuel lauded the decisive measures towards development.

“When we speak about legacy, we must also speak about

responsibility –particularly our responsibility to the next generation. The Association has always maintained a Division Four, which traditionally provided an entry point for players and teams just getting into the game. However, we have taken a deliberate step forward by reimagining that space”, Samuel emphasised.

She added, “We have now dedicated that Division exclusively to youth development, rebranding it as the Youth Development Division. We have eleven teams participating in this Youth Development Division. This is more than a number; it is evident that the future of

the sport is alive; it tells us that the interest is growing, and it reinforces our commitment to investment in structured Youth Development in the months ahead”.

Apart from Samuel, Rochelle Williams of the Bank of SVG, Kashchaka CupidMinister of Youth, Culture, Sports and the Creative Industries, Daniel Cummings —Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Wellness and Energy, along with Micheline John of the St. Vincent Brewery, addressed the Opening Ceremony.

In the two areas of adjudication, Dutch Lady Clinchers copped the Best Dressed Team award and Maca Crushers scalped the Best Banner honours.

Participating Teams

The tournament consists of thirty (30) teams stashed into five Divisions.

The eleven teams in Division Four are S & D

Success Netters, Valley Bakers North Leeward Stars, Nature Care Netters, Bargain Auto Police Youth Club, Country Meet Town Maple, Sion Hill Netball Team 3, Chachara Stars, X- Ceed Sports Club 4, Bishop’s College Kingstown, BSS Warriors and Police Welfare Association Youth Club. Lodged in Division Three are X- Ceed Sports Club 3, Fun Size Success Netters, Sion Hill Netball Team 2, Dutch Lady Clinchers, SVG General Services Maple, and RSVG Police Elite Netball Team; while in Division Two are Bagga United, Nature Care Netters 2, Prime

Consulting 3 J’s Valley Stars and On Trac XCeed, Constituting Division One are Sion Hill Netball Team 1, Inter Island Trading Inc. Mitres, On Track X- Ceed Sports Club 1, Oscar Machine Centre Maple Team 1, National Properties Netters 1 and DHL Mitres. Completing the lot are three teams in the Male Division-Maca Crushers, AM Shottas, and H & H Oral Advent Ballers. In matches played on opening day, North Leeward outplayed S & D Success Netters, 35-7 in Division Four and in Division Three, X- Ceed Sports Club 3 doubled up Fun Size Netters, 26-13.

Vincentian history chronicled

THREE LUMINARIES IN HISTORY,

Dr Adrian Fraser, Dr Garrey Dennie and Dr Cleve Scott, have combines their catalogues of studies, to produce a book entitled: ‘St Vincent and the Grenadines: A General History to the Year 2025’.

The book, the first Volume of a three-part series, deals with Native Peoples, Genocide and African Enslavement in St Vincent and the Grenadines. It was officially launched on Friday, March 20, 2026, to a packed audience at the University of West Indies Global Campus, Murray’s Road, Kingstown.

Containing five chapters chronicling the history from BP 5000 to 1838, the volume contains five chapters: From Virgin Land to Settled Communities; Resistance to European Colonisation; War, Genocide and the destruction

of the Garifuna Sovereignty; Sugar Plantations, Conflict and Chattel Slavery and the meaning of Freedom and unfreedom.

In reviewing the Volume, Governor Genera- His Excellency Stanley John KC, assessed the work of the trio as being thorough.

“One found the analyses, the explanations, propositions and assertions made by the authors in their introduction to the presentation of the work most elucidating, instructive compelling,” John assessed.

In noting further the body of research done by Drs. Fraser, Dennie and Scott, the Governor General posited, “What is remarkable is the number of sources that accompany each chapter in this book. It demonstrates the tremendous amount of work that was indeed carried out by

these three learned scholars, and we are and will be enduring grateful to them for this contribution”, John commented.

John concluded that the publication would serve as a repository for others.

“Clearly this work is seminal. The information which it contains provides a basis from which future historians and other researchers and writers may draw”, John proffered.

Another reviewer- Dr Henderson Carter, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies and Chair of the Caribbean Examination Council’s opined that the book is a “political and economic asset.

“I was particularly honoured to review the book over a year ago, and as a reviewer, I found the text a

Trio of authors recognized

Ms.

IN

Writers and Producers Inc. (VAAWP), in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Global Campus, St. Vincent and the

very exciting journey. I felt then, as I still feel now, that the text is a significant political and economic asset. This book is another block in building a nation, and indeed to me, having a book on St Vincent and the Grenadines written by professional historians of the country is a remarkable achievement”, Carter evaluated.

Carter disclosed that the book will be part of the regional examinations’ syllabus. And referenced a meeting of the council (CXC), during which, “We added this book to the syllabus that is forthcoming, so that students all over the Caribbean here in St Vincent could now do a proper SBA on any topic in this book”.

Clearly the launch, the response and the demand by persons to get copies of the

Awards to

Grenadines, presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to authors of the book “St. Vincent and the Grenadines: A General History to the Year 2025:

Volume One.

The presentations to the trio, Dr Cleve Scott, Dr Adrian Fraser and Dr Michael Garrey Dennie, were done on

The cover of the book is simple and inviting.

book, seemingly overwhelmed the authors.

Dennie, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, stated: “The hall was absolutely filled, and so we had no idea, because we are in the room; we had no idea that outside in another room, that it was being shown on a big television”.

The launch saw a brisk sale of the books, as persons sought to get the first read.

The book will be available for sale at local bookstores as well as online.

Friday, March 20, 2026,

and coincided with the book’s launch.

The book, the first of three volumes, tells the history from the very

first arrival of the first

peoples in St.

up to 1838.

Continued on Page 13.

More training in pharmacology and IT

King.

GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN STEPSto address the shortage of pharmacists in the country.

Senator Lavern King, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Digital Transformation said that this was one of the discussions that took place during a recent visit to Taiwan.

“There exists a deficit in the number of persons doing pharmacology,” King said during a press briefing on March 25.

“And we know this because every week in Cabinet, Leacock (St Clair Leacock) who is the minister responsible for immigration has had to be approving work permits and visas for persons to come here to work as pharmacists,” she added.

The existing problem was also identified during a consultation between the government and the local private sector back in February this year, King said.

One of the things that the New Democratic Party administration is doing, according to King, is conducting uct an audit to determine in what sectors the country needs trained individuals now and for the next 5 to 10 years.

“So, we are taking a pragmatic and strategic approach into how we do

Trio of authors recognized

Continued from Page 12.

Friday’s presentation and acknowledgement to the three noted historians, followed VAAWP’s hosting of a Literary Fair & Performing Arts Festival.

The three-day observance, held under the theme, “Echoes of our Heritage: Roots, Rhythm and Reels”, saw two awards presented by VAAWP’s President- Rene Baptiste.

Dr Richard Byron-Cox received the Author of the Year for his book, “The Story of Paulene Bramble Book One: Spring Blossoms and Young Thorns,” while Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams was awarded Poet of the Year for his poem “Riverstone Prayer.”

Speaking during the opening of what was a three-day journey of the Literacy Fair and Performing Arts Festival, Dr Resa Noel-Mc Barnett, Head of the UWI Global Campus SVG, expressed that their goal is to support the inclusive development of the Caribbean region–socially, economically, and culturally.

“This festival is a living embodiment of that mission. By celebrating the arts, we are not just

putting on a show; we are fostering intellectual leadership and honouring the heritage that defines us,” Noel-Mc Barnett said.

An Exhibition featuring visual artists, writers, craft artisans, and local bookstores, was also part of the festival.

A Book Launch and Signing by two Vincentian women featured Nashida White-Ballantyne, who launched her memoir, “Between Diapers and Degrees”; and New York based- Caren Charles-De Freitas, who launched her children’s book, entitled “Little Girl in a Pretty Dress”. Also forming part of the festival was an ‘Evening of the Arts’ theme, featuring drumming, the steelpan, dance and poetry, as well as three short Vincentian films contributed by the Hairouna Film Festival: “A Vincentian Cassava Story” (2023), “I am Garifuna” (2023) and “CartMan” (2024).

The festival culminated with a “Children’s Village” which saw several schools showcasing their talent along with the launch of Margaret Soleyn’s work, “Call it Our Village”.

SVG will be looking to benefit from Taiwan’s advancments in Digital Transformation.

distribution of scholarships over the next couple of years, so as to ensure that we are providing opportunities for what the country needs for its best functioning,” she explained.

In addition, King said that she was involved in discussions aimed at providing scholarships in the areas of innovation and digital transformation.

“We recognise that at this time, we are currently undertaking a major project in the ministry of digital transformation, and so we held lots of discussions about best practices and we do know that Taiwan is one of the leaders in the world in terms of the manufacture of semi-

conductors, artificial intelligence and so forth, and so we had fruitful discussions about how we can for partnerships about this,” King said. (DD)

Team SVG Robotics take Global Challenge

TEAM SVG ROBOTICS continues to delivering brow-beating and commanding performances.

It most recent accolade performance was at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge, held from March 16—20 in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The team, comprising Rian Veira and Matthew Wilson of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Community College, under the mentorship of Mr. Brodlon Daniel, from all reports, “.. rose above the competition in spectacular fashion,” earning the team “a decisive first-place finish, outpacing competitors by an extraordinary margin.”

Final Standings: 1st Place: St. Vincent and the Grenadines — 4653 points; 2nd Place: St.

Maarten — 536 points; 3rd Place: Antigua — 436 points

The competition brought together teams from eight(8) countries for an intense three(3)day robotics challenge build, centered on the theme of land and sea pollution.

Participants were tasked with designing and programming robots capable of cleaning

coastlines by collecting sargassum, recycling materials, and properly sorting debris into designated storage units.

According to a release from Team SVG Robotics, the St. Kitts and Nevis performance not only secured victory” but also highlighted the ingenuity and determination of the nation’s young talent. Their success stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through dedication, creativity, and strong mentorship.”

The team thanked the Ministry of Education, NTRC, Flow, Bickles, and the Digital

Young Bequia artists rewarded

Photo courtesy BAPA

EARLIER THIS YEAR, the Bequia Animal Protection Alliance (BAPA) invited schools across Bequia to take part in a special art competition, challenging students to create drawings of the island’s animals for the 2027 BAPA Calendar.

BAPA announced earlier this week that 12 talented young artists were selected as winners! Each received a cash prize and a goody bag, presented by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Friday, at the playing field last

Monday.

BAPA volunteers were also there with their lovable doggy mascots, spreading joy and handing out cupcakes to celebrate the occasion.

BAPA acknowledged in a special way the youngest winner, 6-yearold Zu Kyddlu, who was on hand on Monday to showcase his winning entry.

One hundred percent of proceed from the 2027 calendar will go directly to BAPA, to support their work of safeguarding the welfare of animals on the island.

The Bequia Animal Protection Alliance

Zulu Kydd proudly displays his winning entry in the BAPA competition.

(BAPA) is a non-profit organisation that has been created in response to the growing number of stray dogs in Bequia (Grenadines), and to the numerous enquiries of concerned visitors to the Island. (Source: BAPA)

Duvalle. A National Hero?

THE FOLLOWING IS PROVIDEDto this publication by the Caribbean Organisation of Indigenous Peoples. It is the result of research undertaken by members of the Organization and is presented with the intention not only of embellishing the place of Chatoyer in our history, but also to give recognition to and cause further ‘investigation’ into the life and contribution of Duvalle.

Surviving Records of Duvalle

In the British Colonial Office records (CO 260), there are letters from British officers expressing a mix of fear and respect for Duvalle.

One dispatch mentions: “Duvalle is a man of great cunning and influence... his knowledge of the woods makes him a shadow we cannot catch.”

After the surrender, Duvalle was among those sent to the barren island of Balliceaux. It is believed he was one of the survivors who eventually reached Roatán, helping to establish the Garifuna nation in Central America.

The Mystery of the Burial

There is a persistent oral tradition in the Leeward villages (like Walliabou and Chateaubelair) that when the British claimed they killed Chatoyer, Duvalle’s men actually recovered the body and brought it back to the Duvalle/Richmond Red Zone to be buried in a “Round Mound” or a sacred cave, ensuring the British could never display his head as a trophy

The Place: Duvalle (Hairouna)

The area named after him is located on the Northwest (Leeward) coast, near the foothills of La Soufrière.

The Stronghold: Historically, “Duvalle” was a fortified settlement. Unlike the flat plains of Grand Sable, the Duvalle territory was rugged, filled with deep ravines and dense forests, making it nearly impossible for British redcoats to navigate.

Strategic Location: It sat between Chateaubelair and Richmond. This allowed Duvalle to control the mountain passes leading to the Windward side, ensuring that the two brothers could communicate and move troops across the “Red Zone.”

The “Richmond Round Mound” Connection: The mounds and earthworks mentioned earlier are frequently found in this specific Leeward corridor (Duvalle/Richmond), where the Garifuna built lookouts to watch for British ships approaching from Kingstown.

The “Two Brothers” Strategy

Records from onlookers and French officers describe a sophisticated “pincer” strategy used by the brothers: Chatoyer would draw the British forces toward the hills overlooking Kingstown (Dorsetshire Hill).

Duvalle would strike from the Leeward side, cutting off British supply lines from the coastal ports

Duvalle: The Warrior Brother

While Joseph Chatoyer was the “Grand Chief” based at Grand Sable (Windward), Duvalle was a powerful chief in his own right, commanding the Leeward Garifuna.

Military Command: During the Second Carib War (1795—1797), Duvalle was responsible for the western front. While

Chatoyer fell early at Dorsetshire Hill, Duvalle continued the fight for over a year.

The French Connection: Duvalle was the primary contact for the French revolutionaries from Guadeloupe (Victor Hugues’ forces). He was known for being highly skilled in European-style warfare while maintaining the traditional guerrilla tactics of his people.

The Surrender: After Chatoyer’s death, Duvalle eventually had to negotiate. British records from October 1796 note that Duvalle and his followers were among the last to surrender, only doing so when the British implemented a “scorched earth” policy, burning all the cassava crops to starve the Garifuna into submission.

In the history of the Garifuna resistance on Hairouna (St. Vincent), Duvalle is a figure of immense importance, often described as the “military strategist” to Joseph Chatoyer’s “political visionary.”

The place name Duvalle (often spelled Duvalier or Du Vallé in older French maps) remains a significant marker of the family’s influence over the Leeward side of the island.

She threatened me

Dear George,

THIS INDIVIDUAL, with whom I am acquainted, came to my house insisting that I pay her a certain amount of money she claimed my husband owed her.  My husband never mentioned any of this to me, and I told her I knew nothing about what she was claiming.

On that note she threatened me. She gave me one week to give her the money or else she would do something to me I wouldn’t like.

I’m feeling very uneasy about this and wondering what to do next.

Worried.

Dear Worried,

The first thing you do is to verify with your husband whether or not he is owing any money to this individual. If he is, then it’s just a matter of doing what needs to be done.

Regarding the threat, you should report it as soon as possible to the police. Once you cover these two bases you should be able to rest more comfortably.

An offer from my ‘EX’

Dear George,

MY EX-GIRLFRIEND won some money playing the lottery and she wants to take me on a trip overseas. It is a trip for four and her cousins are also going. My girlfriend is all up in arms stating that once I made any move to go I can consider the relationship over. I know my ex girlfriend and she means well. When we were together we couldn't have afforded to go anywhere because things

were tight. I know she just wants to make up for those times. She means no harm. Why can’t my girlfriend get that?

About to blow

Dear About to blow,

The answer to your question may be easily found if you try putting the shoe on the other foot. Just suppose it was your girlfriend’s ex who wanted to take her on that trip. Your ‘ex’ or any ‘ex’ should never be allowed

to intrude under any circumstances. They are ‘exes’ and should remain ‘exes’. It is not a question of whether or not her Intentions are good or well meaning. She should not be allowed to have any say as far as your life is concerned and especially when moves irritate your girlfriend. Do what is pleasing to your partner and leave your ex to discuss her good intentions with someone else.

You are not dead yet

Dear George,

MY HUSBAND ADMITTED to me that should I prematurely depart from this life, he would marry my next-door neighbour. She is around my age, single, attractive and financially stable.

When I asked him for reasons for his plan to marry her, he never answered. Should I be concerned about her now?

Suspicious.

Dear Suspicious,

Discussing hypothetical situations can backfire and I would discourage such engagements.

Focus on what is true and real and work from there. Who your husband marries after you are gone is not something you should be worrying about. You are here now and once he is giving you his undivided attention and loves you the way you want him to love

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn't been well. Be cautious of making any residential changes this week. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) You will be able to talk about emotional problems with your partner. Visit those less fortunate than yourself; be sure to help them with their personal problems. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. Use your added discipline to get what you want.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Friends from your past may come back into your life. You may be angry if someone tries to take credit for something you did. You can get support from groups that you belong to if you're willing to step out on a limb and voice your opinions. Your communication skills are at an all-time high.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume this week. Do not make rash decisions about your personal life. You should consider getting into selfimprovement endeavors. Romantic relationships could be under pressure.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) You should consider getting into self-improvement endeavors. Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling. If everyone wants to do their own thing, let them. In return, the satisfaction you get is enough for you.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your temper could be short if someone criticizes your efforts. You can expand your circle of friends if you get out and socialize. Don't let anyone take credit for a job you did. You're in the mood for love.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Acknowledge your lover's needs. Don't allow someone to do a job that was designated specifically for you. When the work is done, they may serve you for a change. Family members may want you at home, when your heart is telling you to spend time with someone you recently met.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship. You may find that female colleagues will be more help than you anticipated. Don't hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home. Relationships will become stronger.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow. Friends and relatives can give you good advice. Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what's been going on. Avoid too much discourse with colleagues this week.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. Do your job and then spend some time with family; you'll be glad you did. Things aren't as they appear. You have a lot to offer.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can expect insincere gestures of friendliness this week. Get back down to earth and to basics. You could be attracting individuals who are anything but good for you. Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items. Try not to donate to organizations if you can hardly afford to take care of yourself. Don't be too open or put your faith in unreliable co-workers.

ACROSS

1.Public television letters

4. Outer covering 8. Mouth surrounders

12. “Electric” fish

13. Demanding walk

14. Liberal __

15. Eastern “truth”

16. Served perfectly

17. “Giant” star James

18. Venture forth

20. Fa’s follower

22. Wedding vows (2 wds.)

24. Bookkeeping entry

28. One of the Reiners

31. Repute

33. Street (abbr.)

34. “Trinity” author

35. Winter ailment

36. French islands

37. Pen-making name

38. Employs

39. Shopper’s item

40. Cigar leftovers

42. Roosts

44. “__ so fast…”

50. Fleming and Hunter

53. “Band of Brothers” event (abbr.)

55. Hoagie

56.Commandment word

57. “Terrible” czar

58. “__ Man” (2 wds.)

59. Mentally healthy

60. Armored vehicle

61. Bean-curd bean

DOWN

1.Tennis legend Sampras

2. Ray

3. Untidy person

4. Pottery fragment

46. __ longue (garden chair)

5. Bowl openers

6. Mike and __ (candy)

7. Actor Beatty and others

8. Soup spoon

9. Wrath

10. School org.

11. 9-digit item (abbr.)

19. Is sickly

21. Poem that

praises 23. Shopper stoppers

25. Indonesian island

26. “Big Daddy” Burl

27. Tryout

28. Oscar winner Gooding, Jr.

29. Onassis et al.

30. Having megabucks

32. Guitar player, e.g.

36. Ingrid’s “Casablanca” role

38. Troop entertainment org.

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

KPS: Primary Schools Athletics Champ AGAIN

The Kingstown Preparatory School retained bragging righrts when they took the 2026 Inter-Primary School Athletics Championship title.

KINGSTOWN PREPARATORY

SCHOOL retained their NLA Inter-Primary School Athletics Championship title when the finals of the 36th edition of that meet was held at the Diamond Track and Field Facility, on Wednesday 25th March, 2026. The repeat champions

amassed a combined (male and female) total of 301 points to put a comfortable gap between themselves and second placed Georgetown Government School on 172 points. Canouan Government finished third with 167 points.

Kingstown Preparatory also

took the female team segment with 201 points ahead of Georgetown Government with 128 points and Chateaubelair Methodist 79 points. Sandy Bay Government was fourth with 64 points.

Canouan Government ran away with male segment with 136 points, ahead of Layou Government and Kingstown Preparatory both on 100 points, Brighton Methodist followed with 78 points.

Divisional Champions:

J’Colliah Robinson of the Fitz Hughes Government took the female title in the 4-6 age group with 17 points. Liam Browne of the Lodge Village Government was the male champ in this category with 18 points.

Jarelle Thomas of the Sandy Bay Government took the female 7-8 category with 26 points. Omarion Author of the Lodge Village Government was the male champ with 30 points.

Omarion Author (left) and Kesron McFee shared the Victor Ludorum title.

Khalish George of the Kingstown Preparatory took the 9-10 female division with 26 points, with Kesron McFee of Brighton Methodist dominating the male category

with 30 points. In the 11-13 age group, Sky Caine of the Georgetown Government took the female title with 36 points. Sahin Jack of the Canouan Govenment took the male title with 26 points. Sky Caine was the Championship’s Victrix Ludorum. Omarion Author and Kesron McFee shared the Victor Ludorum title.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Twelve-year-old selected for Junior Carifta

JADA DAVIS, a twelveyear-old Form One student of

Barrouallie Secondary School, has been included in a 15-member St.

Vincent and the Grenadines team for the 53rd edition of the Junior Carifta Games, set for the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, April 4 to 6, 2026.

Davis got a special dispensation to compete from the organisersNACAC, as the stipulated minimum age for participation is 14 in the year of competition.

Davis who is listed to run the Under-17 Females 3000m, joins three others in that age group, from the Barrouallie Secondary. They are Ayah Stapleton, who is listed to run the 800m and

1500m, Ariel StephensHigh Jump and Triple Jump and Tashanique Francis- Shot Putt.

The Male Under—17 selectees are Ethan Kent and Evonte Nimblett, both of the St. Vincent Grammar School, in the High Jump; St. Kitts and Nevis based -Kevonte Poilin, who will throw the Javelin; Jeremiah Wright of the West St. George Secondary- 800m and 1500m and St. Martin’s Secondary’s Joranny Welcome- the 200m.

The Under-20 age group comprises six athletes, all of whom will compete in Field events. Jamaica College’s J’avair Cato is in the Long Jump and Triple Jump. Trevel Sylvan, who attends the SVG Community College, will

Ayah

compete in the High Jump as will the St. Vincent Grammar School’s Isaiah Patterson. Reine Lau Browne of the SVG Community College, runs the Females 100m Hurdles.

And the Barrouallie

Jeremiah Wright is down to do the 800m and 1500m in the U17s.

Secondary’s Jaheim Williams and Kesiann John are in the Decathlon and Hepthalon, for males and females respectively.

Francis, Cato, John and Williams comprise a quartet with previous Carifta experience.

A release from Team

Joranny Welcome will do battle in the U17 200m.

Athletics SVG shows the four officials travelling with the team, are Rawlson Morgan, Godfrey Harry, Chester Morgan and Kelesha Ashton-Yorke. The team is scheduled to depart St. Vincent and the Grenadines, April 2 and return April 7, 2026.

Maple Club: All about longevity

MAPLE NETBALL CLUB marks its seventy-fifth anniversary this year, 2026.

Founded in the same year that St. Vincent and the Grenadines attained Universal Adult Suffrage, 1961, Maple is the oldest sporting organization in the country, and the oldest Netball Club in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

At the opening of the 2026 Bank of SVG National Netball Tournament, last

Saturday, March 21, the Maple institution did not conceal their milestone, as their banner aptly read: ‘75 years and still going strong’.

The club has three outfits in the 2026 tournament: Country Meet Town Maple, which is in the Development Division 4; SVG General Services Maple in Division 3, and the flagship team- Oscar Machine Centre Maple Team 1, that is lodged in Division One.

Maple was founded in July 1951, after the

Kingstown Netball Club became defunct.

Pioneers of the club were inclusive of its first President- Vilna Cox, along with Joyce Maloney-Frank, Marlene Wilson-Arthur, Thelma Brown, Noreen Simon, Sydney Morris and Joyce Nile.

Almost immediately, Maple began producing top national players. Among them being Peggy Ince-Hull and Gloria Ballantyne.

Ince-Hull had the distinction of captaining the West Indies Netball

team to the inaugural World Netball Tournament held in England, 1963. Thereafter, Stella Boyea, Skiddy Francis, Elizabeth Matthews,

System Three back on track

SYSTEM THREE returned to winning ways as week eight of the 2026 Vincy Soccer Premier League (VSPL) concluded last Sunday night, March 22, 2026, at Independence Park.

System Three blanked Hope International, 5-0. Zibeon Cunningham with two, and a goal each from Lazaro Lynch, Azhino Solmon and Jahvin Sutherland accounted for System Three’s tally.

Also on Sunday, Awesome edged out BESCO Pastures, 3-2. Chad Strough hit a brace, and Jeovanny Enville, gave Awesome the come-from-behind victory.

Cordell Theobalds and Dillon Moore had put BESCO- Pastures in front.

Sunday’s other fixture resulted in a 1-1 draw between Camdonia- Chelsea and Layou. Juemar Luke netted for CamdoniaChelsea, with Emroy Gloster providing the tying goal.

When the weekend began, North Leeward Predators beat Avenues 4-2. Diel Spring registered two of Predators’ goals, while Ezra Glasgow and an own goal pushed the tally to 4. Kadel Hector scored both goals for Avenues United.

In Friday’s other match, Bequia United and Je Belle eked out a 1-1 draw.

Carlos Simmons scored for Bequia United and Mitchran John for Je Belle.

Jose Providence, Thelma Foster among others, kept the Maple brand conspicuous at national representation.

Francis and Foster are

still active players with Maple, both serving the club for 40 years.

In the case of Francis, she too, is celebrating with Maple, having joined the club in 1986, hence this is her fortieth year as a Maple player.

Following the completion of week eight, System Three remains perched at the top of the standings on 19 points. Second is North Leeward Predators on 16, and Layou on 15 points in close surveillance.

BESCO Pastures trail the top three on 13 points.

Next is Je Belle- 12 points; Awesome-

Vincy Heat off to Bonaire

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES senior men’s national football team, Vincy Heat, are presently in Bonaire, where they will participate in two international friendly matches.

The Vincentians were scheduled to face host nation Bonaire on March 26th at 8:00 PM, followed by a match against Barbados on March 29th at 4:00 PM, both matches to be played at the Antonio Trinidad Stadium in Bonaire.

President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, Otashie Spring, stated that despite the recent resignation of Ezra Hendrickson as the teams Head Coach, whom he commended for a job well done, he was confident the team will continue to perform at a high level under the current leadership.

Wayde Jackson replaced Hendrickson as acting Head Coach and Spring feels confident

that he will guide the team to positive results in the against Bonaire and Barbados.

The president further noted that the tour was an important part of the Federation’s ongoing efforts to expose Vincentian players to higher levels of competition and provide valuable international match experience.

11 points, Camdonia- Chelsea- 8, and Hope International — 6.

In the relegation zone are Bequia United — 4 points and Avenues United- 3 points.

The VSPL takes a break for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the Concacaf International Friendly Series. It resumes after the Easter festivities.

Over the years, Maple has won several national titles, as well as a few liens on the sub-regional OECS Club championships.

Maples last stood tall above the others, winning the 2024 National Fast Five Competition.

The current setup of Maple sees Joan FosterBaynes, Thelma Foster and Skiddy Francis as comprising the core of the club’s leadership. Francis has the responsibility of nurturing the young netballers of the club for participation in the Development Division.

A source from the Maple Netball Club indicated to the VINCENTIAN, that activities for the milestone will be unveiled in due course.

The matches will also give the technical staff an opportunity to assess both locally based and overseas-based players as the Federation continues to build and

These are the

days

PEOPLE LIKE TO REFLECTand come to the conclusion that their youth days were the best. And the saying “those good old days” ring constantly on the lips of many who will see their past in pure and innocent fashion.

They were indeed, for there was this air of natural splendor. Things like electricity were scarce, non-existent for themmnost part, or in the phase of being installed.

Don’t compare that to the pace today which our generation are experiencing. For them, perhaps as rapidly as ‘innovations’ were introduced, they will become obsolete in time to come. They will be influenced by other innovations.

Devices or not, there is a sense of normalcy which can never be replaced. And it embraces that same innocence, almost to the point of naivety that characterised the past generation. We were not saints, incapable of wrong, but there was a sense that “God was always watching you.”

In the village of Troumaca where I grew up, there was a driving force of community interaction which knit the surroundings.

I mention John Smith, Emmanuel Joslyn, Enos Lewis, Herbert Lewis, Gerald Robertson, Grafton Slack, George Akers, Allan Dennie, Claude Smith, Ezra Smith, Cal Samuel, ‘Boney Mack’ McKenzie, Duncan Providence, Grafton Codogan, Mervin Smith, Julius Samuel, Alstar Mars, Monty Providence, Hermus Cyrus, Jim and Jimmy Farrell, and Bilton Dennie. Many have passed on.

Attempting to include names leaves you short of the real list. There are obvious omissions.

Times like those had logical obstacles. But there was interest in the affairs. It might have taken months, perhaps years, to see a black and white clipping of a famous encounter. When it appeared it was viewed with freshness as when it was made.

The village interaction was vibrant as well. Competitions thrived, and there were the traditional ‘goat’ matches which added social cohesion.

Don’t forget those “Challenges,” not what we call difficulties today. That was a letter sent to any village inviting the Cricket team to a friendly showdown. Many a Vincentian will recount their visit to Troumaca. Sometimes it involved teams from Trinidad where interisland cooperation defined the regional pattern.

The daggers of hemispheric super-power dominance are ensuring a return colonial occupation.

A diaspora outlook had formed in places where the Federation was seen as a practical endeavor.

Youngsters today have exposure to heights untold. Cricket is one of those outlets. The prevalence of Leagues worldwide is reason for ones to be excited. A reservoir of talent on the intentional sphere will benefit the West Indies. With technology, there are added bases for elevation. The commitment and will must round off the purpose. Those charged with rolling out programmes must fulfill their duties.

Australia sweeps WI in T20 Series

AUSTRALIA ARE REGAINING their ruthless edge ahead of the T20 World Cup, captain Sophie Molineux says, following their 3-0 series sweep against West Indies.

Georgia Voll’s blazing century — a 53-ball 101 that included hit nine 4s and six 6s - headlined Australia’s most comprehensive batting display (221) of the series in Monday’s third T20I, played under lights at the Arnos vale Playing Field.

Her effort was particularly significant as it became the first T20I century recorded against West Indies Women, and the third fastest of an Australian, behind Healy against Sri Lanka in 2019 and Meg Lanning in that year’s Ashes.

Despite limited support from the top order, captain Sophie Molineux provided late impetus with a quickfire 25, guiding Australia to a formidable 211-7 For West Indies, Hayley

Matthews delivered a commendable allround display, claiming 3-29 and later remaining unbeaten with 30. However, her efforts lacked support as the bowling unit struggled to contain Australia’s aggressive approach. Chasing 212, West Indies faltered early, losing wickets at regular intervals. At 33-3 by the end of the powerplay, the required rate escalated beyond control.

Twenty-twoyear-old

Matthews and Deandra Dottin attempted a recovery, but persistent rain halted play with the hosts at 61-3 after 10 overs.

Following a prolonged delay, officials declared Australia winners by 40 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

The scoreline was a welcome return to Australia’s winning ways following their rare T20I series defeat to India on home soil last month.

Outstanding in the series were Voll, who scored the most runs, 140 with an average of 49.33, while leg spinner Alana King of Australia and Deandra Dottin of the West Indies were joint top wicket takers with 5 wickets apiece, with an average of 11.00 and 20.80 respectively.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Bagga man charged with Munt I’s murder

byHAYDN HUGGINS

A 41-YEAR-OLD LABOURER of Barrouallie is behind bars pending a status report, in connection with the brutal slaying of popular street character and calypsonian/soca artiste, Monty ‘Munt I’ Thomas of Rose Hall.

Keon Dennie was taken before the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday, after being charged with Thomas’ murder.

Thomas, 59, of Rose Hall, died after being chopped several times about the body, during an incident at Barrouallie on March 23, 2026.

Dennie was not required to plead when he stood before Chief Magistrate Colin John on Wednesday. He was remanded, as bail is not usually granted in cases of murder.

The Prosecution intends to call about 15 witnesses.

Corporal 5022 Renetta JordanMillington of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) is leading the investigations.

The matter has been adjourned to April 27 for a status report.

Thomas had frequented the streets of Kingstown for some time, before moving back to North Leeward some years ago. He was a former member of the North Leeward Calypso tent, which came on the scene in the late

Murder accused Keon Dennie (right) being escorted from the Serious Offences Court last Wednesday, by investigating officer Corporal 5022 Renetta Jordan-Millington.

1980s, and continued into the early 1990s.

He was a crowd favourite, and produced several popular tunes, including the song ‘One body kill Codery.’

He was also known to have done several collaborations with other artistes.

Unfortunately, Thomas’ life took a downhill turn in the 2000s, though he continued to stir up audiences.

Many people whose lives he touched are still trying to come to grips with his sudden passing.

Continued from Page 4.

While there, Corporal Dasouza observed vehicle PE378, a while Nissan car, entering through that gate, driven by the defendant, later identified as Dick. He was its only occupant.

Dasouza stopped the vehicle and requested a search of Dick’s person and the vehicle, to which he consented. He exited the vehicle.

Dasouza and another police officer went to the back of the car, and Dick opened the trunk.

Dasouza observed a green and white Coreas labelled shopping bag. It was searched in Dick’s

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presence, and a black plastic bag containing three transparent plastic bags and another black plastic bag with brown tape were observed. They were searched and found to contain marijuana.

When cautioned, Dick replied, “Is weed, I am responsible.”

He was arrested on suspicion, and taken to the Narcotic base, long with the exhibits, where the drugs were weighed in his presence. He was cautioned, but made no statement. He was then formally charged with marijuana possession and trafficking. Dick had no previous convictions.

STUDENTS NOT RETURNING

STUDENTS NOT RETURNING

by DAYLE DASILVA

TOO MANY STUDENTS are not returning home upon completion of their state-funded studies overseas.

Senator Lavern King, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education said that while the government was providing scholarships to Vincentians, there was a worrying trend with most students opting not to return.

King, speaking at a press briefing on March 25 upon her return to the state following a visit to Taiwan, said that providing scholarships to the nation’s students was in fact making an investment in them.

clear messages given to the Vincentian students presently studying in Taiwan.

proposed Development Bank. to encourage Vincentian students to return home.

She reported that during the recent visit to Taiwan, she was involved in discussions with officials in that country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about encouraging students to return home after graduation.

This was also one of the

“It was one of the strong messages which we sent, and we spoke candidly,” King said.

According to King, the Vincentian delegation held discussions with officials in Taiwan about providing incentives, through the

One such incentive she highlighted was the setting up of a funding window to provide returning students to start their own business.

“We have gone ahead to connect the dots across different ways that when

whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com

Senator Lavern King, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education sought to show the scholarship recipients that their scholarship were investments from which the country hopes to benefit in the long run.

Senator Lavern King (Standing centre) engaged with Vincentians students studying in Taiwan.

persons leave to study that they are studying in areas that the country needs and if it is a matter of coming back, we know sometimes job security is a cause for concern, so one of the things we are going to do is figure how we will make it more attractive to get Vincentians to come back home.”

She added that discussions

HEALTH MINISTER ABHORS “MOB MENTALITY”

THE ACTS OF VIOLENCE committed by young Vincentians have not escaped the attention of Minister of Health, Wellness and Energy — Daniel Cummings.

The West Kingstown Parliamentary Representative expressed his disgust with the situation whilst addressing the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 National Netball Tournament, last Saturday, March 21, at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

An evidently concerned Cummings, who was serving as Acting Prime Minister, pointed to an apparent lack of understanding by the youth of their actions.

“One cannot miss the growing level of violence among young people. Those of you who watch social media, especially the older ones of us, are appalled at the way we descend on one of our youngsters like a mob, sometimes not even understanding why they are doing it but participating in an event that brings shame on us as a people”, Cummings rendered.

In recent times, several videos have surfaced exposing several young people of both genders involved in fights.

Not mincing his words nor sugarcoating the matter, Cummings thought humans should take up their roles as

Daniel Cumming, Health Minister, made his feelings known about the ‘depths’ to which we are heading with the mob mentality that has become prevalent.

top of the phylum.

According to him, “Not even the wild animals do that these days; we are human beings, we have a brain; our job is to love one another, to care for one another, not to be involved in mob mentality”.

Cummings thus lauded the organizers of sporting events here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I want to thank members of this society who see sports as an important component of your life”, Cummings underscored.

He also noted his pleasure in seeing

were also held aimed at increasing the number of scholarships and to obtain funding to promote entrepreneurship.

She however, made it clear to would be scholarship recipients, “It was counterproductive to get this investment of a scholarship and then not return to us to get the benefit of it,” King said.

several young females who are part of teams in the National Netball Tournament, highlighting that such physical engagements can assist in the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases.