Carib Scope

标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

圣文森特和格林纳丁斯

  • VIDEO: Mopping up after mandate mess

    VIDEO: Mopping up after mandate mess

    In a remarkable turnaround from adversity, Dennis Williams, an educator whose professional life was upended by COVID-19 vaccination mandates, has successfully navigated a path toward recovery and stability. During an interview on September 25, 2025, Williams recounted the severe personal crisis that followed his November 2021 termination, a period that forced him and his son into makeshift housing in the mountainous terrain of Layou, St. Vincent.

    The narrative of hardship, however, has found a hopeful new chapter. As of early 2025, Williams’s circumstances have dramatically improved. He and his son have now secured proper rented accommodation, marking a significant step up from their previous living conditions. Furthermore, his vehicle, essential for mobility and opportunity, is operational again.

    Professionally, Williams stands on the precipice of a formal return to the public sector. He is currently awaiting official communication from the Public Service Commission, which will determine his new placement within a government office. Expressing profound gratitude, Williams publicly acknowledged iWitness News for amplifying his story and extended his thanks to the thousands of individuals whose overwhelming response provided critical assistance during his most challenging times.

  • PM Friday says official residence a fire hazard

    PM Friday says official residence a fire hazard

    Prime Minister Godwin Friday has disclosed alarming safety hazards at the official prime ministerial residence, describing the property as fundamentally uninhabitable due to critical structural failures. During parliamentary debates on the national budget, Friday defended the allocation of EC$1.5 million for urgent repairs, revealing that the roof structure has severely corroded, electrical systems present fire hazards, and guardrails have deteriorated to dangerous conditions.

    The revelation sparked immediate criticism from former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who vacated the property following his party’s electoral defeat last November. Gonsalves contested the assessment, asserting the residence remained “liveable” during his tenure and questioning the substantial funding allocation, suggesting costs would inevitably “balloon” beyond projections.

    Financial records reveal significant historical allocations for residence maintenance, with EC$540,000 budgeted between 2022-2025 for “enhancement” projects, though only EC$241,747 had been expended by November 2024. The previous administration approved EC$75,000 annually in 2021-2022 for improvements, followed by EC$250,000 in 2023 for furniture and minor works.

    Friday detailed his unexpected discovery of the property’s condition post-election, initially anticipating minor cosmetic updates but finding comprehensive structural deficiencies requiring complete electrical system replacement and roof reconstruction. The national infrastructure agency BRAGSA conducted assessments confirming the severity of deterioration.

    Additionally, Friday highlighted deplorable living conditions for security personnel stationed at the residence, describing overcrowded quarters with four officers sharing bunk-style accommodations in single rooms. National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock corroborated these concerns following nationwide inspections of police facilities.

    The Prime Minister emphasized the residence represents national heritage requiring preservation, proposing institutional management through BRAGSA or specialized units to prevent future deterioration. He expressed confidence in securing private sponsorship for heritage conservation, aiming to alleviate taxpayer burden for maintaining historically significant government properties.

  • Vincy history book strengthens case for reparation — UWI professors

    Vincy history book strengthens case for reparation — UWI professors

    A groundbreaking historical publication examining St. Vincent and the Grenadines has emerged as a pivotal academic contribution to the Caribbean reparations movement. The comprehensive volume, titled “St. Vincent and the Grenadines – A General History to the Year 2025, Volume One,” presents meticulously researched evidence of African enslavement and indigenous genocide during European colonization.

    Authored by distinguished Vincentian scholars Dr. Adrian Fraser, Dr. Cleve Scott, and Dr. Garrey Dennie, the work adopts an indigenous perspective that challenges traditional colonial narratives. The publication meticulously documents the systematic displacement and suffering of the Kalinago and Garifuna peoples, whose resistance against European land appropriation forms a central theme throughout the historical account.

    During the official launch at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, academic leaders emphasized the work’s significance. Dr. Rodney Worrell, Head of the Department of History, Philosophy and Psychology, highlighted the publication’s timely contribution to reparations advocacy, noting that it provides crucial evidence precisely when global attention focuses on historical justice.

    Dr. Henderson Carter, Senior History Lecturer, detailed the work’s compelling findings, including the forced relocation of approximately 5,000 indigenous people to the barren island of Balliceaux in the 1790s—an act described as deliberate genocide due to the lethal conditions imposed. The publication further reveals how sugar production expansion directly correlated with the importation of approximately 16,000 enslaved Africans between 1791-1795.

    The historical text incorporates primary source accounts, including testimony from enslaved individuals like Ashton Warner, who documented the brutal working conditions that caused numerous deaths during crop seasons. These firsthand narratives provide unprecedented insight into plantation operations from the perspective of the enslaved.

    Academic authorities assert that this research strengthens the reparatory justice framework advanced by both the African Union, which has declared 2026-2036 as the Decade of Reparations, and the CARICOM Reparations Commission’s 10-point action plan. The work represents a significant advancement in historical scholarship that supports legal and moral claims for reparations through documented evidence of historical atrocities.

  • 2026 Vincy Soccer Premier League roars to life

    2026 Vincy Soccer Premier League roars to life

    The 2026 season of the Vincy Soccer Premier League (VSPL) commenced with spectacular fashion on Friday evening at Brighton Technical Centre, immediately establishing a high-octane standard for the tournament ahead. The opening round featured two distinctly one-sided encounters, producing a remarkable total of fourteen goals that electrified the vibrant local crowd.

    In the headline match of the evening, System 3 FC delivered a devastating performance, overwhelming BESCO Pastures with an emphatic 7–2 victory. The team’s offensive coordination was sharp from the initial whistle, allowing them to establish an unassailable lead by the halftime interval. The attacking duo of Azinho Solomon and Denzel Bascombe proved particularly formidable, each contributing two goals to fuel their team’s relentless offensive pressure. Despite a persistent effort and two consolation goals, BESCO Pastures found themselves thoroughly outmatched against System 3’s commanding rhythm.

    The evening’s second fixture maintained the explosive momentum as Layou FC secured a decisive 4–1 triumph against Jebelle FC. The match saw offensive contributions from Oryan Velox and Koby Mingot, but it was Mozranny Harry who emerged as the standout performer, netting an impressive brace with precision finishing. Jebelle FC managed a solitary response through Mekeal Williams, yet they were unable to disrupt Layou FC’s composed and clinical execution throughout the contest.

    The successful opening night, marked by enthusiastic fan support and prolific scoring, has generated significant anticipation for the remainder of the 2026 VSPL season. Early indications strongly suggest a campaign defined by rapid pace and intense competition among the league’s contenders.

  • Supply of prefab houses stalled as ULP gov’t owes US$200k

    Supply of prefab houses stalled as ULP gov’t owes US$200k

    In a dramatic parliamentary address on Thursday, Housing Minister Andrew John revealed that Trinidad-based prefabricated housing deliveries to St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been suspended due to substantial unpaid debts inherited from the previous administration. The disclosure came during debates on the 2026 Estimates, where Minister John provided lawmakers with a comprehensive update on housing recovery efforts for victims of Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in July 2024.

    Minister John characterized the housing ministry under the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) government as “one of the most corrupt institutions” in the country. He detailed how housing assessors’ contracts had lapsed without renewal last year, though some workers would soon be reinstated. The minister issued stern warnings to those involved in previous corrupt practices, suggesting they reconsider returning to their positions.

    The housing crisis extends beyond political controversies, with Minister John describing heartbreaking conditions in the Southern Grenadines. During a fact-finding mission with Parliament members and state journalists, he witnessed residents still living in tents with damaged, uninhabitable structures months after Hurricane Beryl. He expressed particular distress over an area known as “Tent City,” where residents lack basic security and privacy.

    Financial revelations underscored the depth of the crisis. The previous government’s much-publicized initiative to import 300 prefabricated homes resulted in only 40 units actually arriving in St. Vincent. Of these, just three have been erected, while the remainder sit idle in containers at Arnos Vale Tarmac and Orange Hill. The Trinidadian supplier has suspended further deliveries until outstanding debts exceeding US$200,000 for the initial shipment are settled.

    Minister John, a retired educator, emphasized the profound social impact of adequate housing on community wellbeing, educational outcomes, and crime reduction. He pledged to transform housing from a political tool into a genuine public service, vowing to eliminate wastage and prioritize the people’s needs. The minister wholeheartedly endorsed the new government’s fiscal package, committing to transparent management of housing resources and urgent action to address the nation’s shelter crisis.

  • Opposition Leader says NDP gov’t looking for CBI ‘mirage’

    Opposition Leader says NDP gov’t looking for CBI ‘mirage’

    In a heated parliamentary session debating the EC$1.89 billion revenue and expenditure estimates, Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves launched a scathing critique against the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program ambitions. The former Prime Minister characterized the initiative as fundamentally unworkable, declaring “the end of CBI is nigh” and accusing the government of pursuing “a mirage.”

    Gonsalves highlighted structural deficiencies in the program’s implementation, noting the allocated budget of merely $10 and the absence of dedicated staff or operational framework within the Prime Minister’s Office. He speculated that outsourcing might be the government’s only viable option, while expressing skepticism about revenue projections reaching EC$200 million.

    The opposition leader extended his criticism to broader economic concerns, predicting imminent difficulties in meeting public sector salary obligations and funding essential programs. He specifically noted the EC$270 million capital program—EC$4 million less than revised 2025 estimates—as insufficient for driving meaningful economic growth.

    Prime Minister Godwin Friday countered these assertions, affirming the program’s realism and operational readiness. Having secured plans during their 24-year opposition period, the NDP administration emphasized leveraging regional experiences and established best practices. Friday referenced the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s newly assumed regulatory role and ongoing consultations with EU representatives as evidence of program legitimacy.

    The Prime Minister positioned CBI as a global phenomenon rather than a Caribbean-specific initiative, acknowledging potential adjustments to address international security concerns while maintaining the program’s fundamental viability. This exchange occurs against the backdrop of recent OECS-wide reforms establishing standardized regulatory frameworks across five member states, with implementation deadlines set for October 2025.

  • Preschoolers among students in ‘Early Pages Programme’

    Preschoolers among students in ‘Early Pages Programme’

    In a significant boost to early childhood education, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has launched the Early Pages Programme through a collaborative partnership between Hands Across the Sea and the Mustique Charitable Foundation. This groundbreaking initiative specifically targets preschool education by delivering over 5,000 brand-new books and educational materials to 20 preschool centers across the nation.

    The comprehensive donation, valued at approximately US$40,000, reaches 17 government-operated and three private early childhood centers. The program represents a strategic expansion beyond the organization’s traditional focus on primary and secondary education, marking a deliberate shift toward foundational literacy development.

    During a formal handover ceremony at the National Public Library in Kingstown on Friday, education officials emphasized the transformative potential of early literary exposure. Literacy Link representative Enna Bullock articulated the program’s core mission: “We want preschoolers to receive the treasures found in libraries and literacy initiatives in preparation for kindergarten.” She highlighted how the program seamlessly integrates with the ministry’s existing early childhood curriculum by making literacy an explicit component of the preschool environment.

    Chief Education Officer Kay Martin Jack acknowledged Hands Across the Sea’s enduring impact on educational development, noting that literacy development begins long before primary education and establishes the foundation for lifelong learning. The initiative also provided additional resources to 14 schools (12 primary and 2 secondary) to support recovery from Hurricane Beryl’s impact on educational infrastructure.

    Education Officer Jane Farrell from the Ministry’s Early Childhood Department expressed enthusiasm about the program’s timing and potential to cultivate authentic reading engagement among the nation’s youngest learners. Beneficiary representatives including Rochelle Tannis of Bequia Anglican Early Childhood Centre and Joy Haynes of Barrouallie Government School conveyed appreciation for the resources that will create literacy-rich environments for exploration and development.

    This donation extends Hands Across the Sea’s 18-year partnership with St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which has now distributed over 145,000 books throughout the Eastern Caribbean nation.

  • National debt at $3.5b as ULP gov’t spent ‘like a drunken sailor’ in 2025

    National debt at $3.5b as ULP gov’t spent ‘like a drunken sailor’ in 2025

    Prime Minister Godwin Friday has disclosed a staggering national debt of EC$3.54 billion (US$1.31 billion) as of December 31, 2025, painting a dire fiscal picture during his presentation of the 2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure to Parliament on Thursday. The revelation came as Friday’s New Democratic Party administration, elected in a landslide victory on November 27, 2025, took office after unseating the Unity Labour Party that had governed for nearly 24 years.

    The debt figure represents a substantial EC$400 million more than previously estimated by the new government and shows a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Friday characterized the previous administration’s spending patterns as irresponsible, stating they had spent “like a drunken sailor” during the election year.

    Breaking down the debt structure, domestic debt reached EC$993 million, marking a 1.1% year-on-year increase, while external debt surged to EC$2.55 billion, representing an alarming 18.7% increase. A particularly concerning element was the public sector overdraft, which ballooned to nearly EC$200 million despite parliamentary authorization limiting it to EC$85 million.

    The 2026 budget of EC$1.89 billion, approved by lawmakers, represents a 2% increase over the 2025 budget. It includes recurrent expenditure of EC$1.31 billion and capital expenditure of EC$577.2 million. Financing will come from current revenue of EC$906.9 million and capital receipts of EC$978.7 million.

    Friday emphasized the severe debt servicing burden, revealing that 39.5 cents of every tax dollar collected will be allocated solely to debt repayment, totaling EC$358 million for 2026. This includes interest payments of EC$120.7 million, amortization of EC$215.4 million, and sinking fund contributions of EC$22 million.

    The Prime Minister defended his government’s approach, stating they must first address the cost-of-living crisis while gradually cleaning up the fiscal mess inherited from the previous administration. The disclosure has sparked intense parliamentary debate about the nation’s economic future and the challenges facing the new government.

  • RFHL records US$89m in first quarter profits

    RFHL records US$89m in first quarter profits

    Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has demonstrated robust financial performance in its first fiscal quarter, reporting substantial growth across key metrics. Chairman Yashmid Karamath revealed the Group achieved $89 million in profit attributable to equity holders for the three-month period ending December 31, marking a significant $7 million (8.9%) increase compared to the $82 million recorded during the same period in the previous financial year.

    The financial institution’s total assets reached $19.6 billion as of December 31, representing a $1.1 billion (6%) expansion over December 2024 figures. This asset growth was primarily driven by increased lending activity across RFHL’s subsidiary network, despite persistent economic headwinds in certain operational markets.

    Karamath attributed the strong quarterly results to ‘steady core earnings, supported by stable asset quality and disciplined cost management.’ He emphasized the Group’s ‘robust capital and liquidity positions’ which provide a solid foundation for sustained future expansion.

    Reflecting this positive performance, RFHL’s board declared a quarterly interim dividend of $0.08 per share, maintaining the same distribution rate as the previous year. The dividend will be payable on February 27, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 13, 2026.

    Regarding strategic direction, Karamath highlighted the Group’s continued advancement of key initiatives focused on strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and investing in digital transformation capabilities. ‘We remain focused on sustainable growth,’ he stated, ‘ensuring that innovation and expansion align with our long-term value creation objectives and our commitment to sound governance.’

    The Chairman expressed gratitude to RFHL management and staff for their professionalism and dedication, and thanked shareholders for their ongoing trust. He also acknowledged the contributions of former Chairman Vincent A. Pereira, recognizing his ‘exemplary leadership, commitment and outstanding service to the Board and the organisation during his tenure.’

  • Housing ‘one of the most corrupt institutions’ under ULP

    Housing ‘one of the most corrupt institutions’ under ULP

    In a fiery parliamentary address, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ newly appointed Housing Minister Andrew John delivered a damning indictment of his predecessor’s administration, characterizing the housing ministry as “one of the most corrupt institutions” in the nation’s recent history. The allegations emerged during Thursday’s debate on the EC$1.886 billion fiscal package for 2026.

    Minister John, who secured his parliamentary seat in the November 27 elections that ousted the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government, presented compelling evidence of systematic mismanagement. He revealed significant discrepancies between officially reported housing repairs and actual on-ground assessments, stating that claimed repairs to 5,034 homes were entirely fictional upon physical inspection.

    The minister detailed how the previous administration allegedly utilized housing resources as “political footballs,” strategically positioning over $6 million worth of construction materials in key constituencies to manipulate electoral outcomes. These tactical depots were established across multiple regions including North Leeward, Central Leeward, and various Windward constituencies.

    The parliamentary session grew increasingly heated when opposition senator Carlos James challenged the current government’s fiscal priorities, particularly questioning the allocation of EC$2.1 million for prime ministerial vehicles and official residence repairs while temporary housing assessors faced layoffs. James presented documentation showing termination notices issued to workers involved in post-Hurricane Beryl reconstruction efforts.

    Minister John countered by producing a July 2024 Cabinet memo that established the temporary nature of these positions, emphasizing that his administration inherited expiring contracts rather than initiating dismissals. He contrasted this with the ULP government’s termination of over 500 workers during COVID-19 vaccine mandate implementations.

    The housing minister committed to presenting photographic evidence during the formal budget debate commencing February 9, promising visual documentation of the alleged mismanagement and unfinished projects that have left citizens in inadequate housing conditions across the nation.