标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Rakiesha Joseph, also known as Bim Bim, a 27-year-old from Layou, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for assaulting John Mofford outside the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on August 23. Joseph was already serving a suspended sentence for a similar crime when the incident occurred. The altercation began when Mofford, accompanying a young woman who had been injured by Joseph and another female, remarked that jail was Joseph’s home. Enraged, Joseph struck Mofford above the right eye, causing him to fall, and proceeded to beat him with the help of another woman. Joseph fled the scene but was later arrested and charged. During the trial, Joseph pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm. In mitigation, she cited personal frustrations and concerns for her children, aged 10 and 8, who had previously suffered due to her incarceration. However, Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie activated Joseph’s suspended sentence, emphasizing her repeated offenses. Joseph’s sentence for the assault was ordered to run concurrently, sparing her additional prison time. The magistrate noted Joseph’s history of violent behavior, including stabbing an officer, and expressed concern over her pattern of reoffending. Joseph is also facing charges related to an alleged robbery and attempted murder in South Rivers.

The Union Island Environmental Alliance (UIEA) Rangers Team has been awarded the prestigious International Ranger Award at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. This accolade recognizes their unwavering commitment to protecting the unique wildlife of Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The team, composed of local members Roseman Adams, Junicia Gellizeau, Millesia Gellizeau, Roxanne Forget, Ricardo Gellizeau, Kayroy Baptiste, and Esrome Durant, has played a pivotal role in the recovery of endangered species, including the Union Island gecko and the Grenadines pink rhino iguana. Their daily efforts encompass forest patrols, wildlife monitoring, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts. Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which destroyed 90% of the island’s homes and left the team without essential resources, they demonstrated remarkable resilience. They adapted their strategies, leveraging their deep understanding of the local environment and community to continue their conservation work. The team also played a crucial role in post-hurricane recovery, assisting with debris clearance and supply distribution. Their achievements include a significant increase in the Union Island gecko population, from 10,000 in 2018 to approximately 18,000 today. Supported by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, Fauna & Flora, and Re:wild, the UIEA Rangers have become a beacon of hope for both wildlife and the local community. Arica Hill, Fauna & Flora’s Caribbean lead, praised the team’s dedication, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to the island’s recovery and conservation efforts. The award includes financial support, which is expected to enhance their ongoing work and improve their living conditions.

The passing of Solomon Fairbairn, a beloved resident of Lowmans Hill, has left the community in mourning. Sol-o, as he was affectionately known, succumbed to cancer, marking yet another loss for this tight-knit village. His life was a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Lowmans Hill.

In a commendable effort to foster literacy and educational development, Jujube Bookstore in Kingstown has generously donated copies of the locally authored book “Let’s Write” to the Grade 6 class of Evesham Methodist School. The book, penned by graduate teacher Adriana S. King, serves as a comprehensive guide to composition writing, aiming to enhance students’ writing skills through structured and engaging methods. Telbert Samuel, the owner of Jujube Bookstore, emphasized the importance of community involvement in education, stating, ‘Improving education and literacy is a collective effort, and we are proud to contribute to this cause.’ Damaris Martin, the school’s principal, expressed deep gratitude for the donation, highlighting its potential to bolster the school’s literacy initiatives. She described the book as an ‘invaluable resource’ that aids students in mastering various writing structures. A Grade 6 teacher also praised the book for its simplicity and effectiveness in teaching thesis statements, calling it a ‘valuable resource’ that builds students’ confidence and writing proficiency through practical exercises.

Indian Bay, a once-idyllic coastal gem on the south coast of St. Vincent, has become a battleground for its permanent residents due to rampant environmental degradation and noise pollution. Known for its breathtaking sunsets and pristine sunrises, the bay has recently been marred by the careless actions of visitors who leave behind a trail of garbage and disrupt the peace of the community. The beach, once a serene escape, is now littered with condoms, alcohol bottles, plastic wrappers, and food containers, turning it into an eyesore and health hazard. While some conscientious visitors take their trash with them, the majority abandon it on the sand, roads, and gutters, forcing residents to clean up after them. The situation is compounded by unbearable noise pollution, with loud music blasting from vehicles and portable speakers from early morning until late at night, disrupting sleep and daily life. Residents have repeatedly reported these issues to the police, but the noise often resumes once authorities leave. Additionally, smoke from uncontrolled fires exacerbates health concerns, particularly for asthmatic individuals. Parking chaos further adds to the residents’ woes, as visitors block driveways and park illegally, ignoring local traffic laws. The author laments the growing selfishness in society, urging a collective shift in mindset to preserve the environment and community harmony. The piece concludes with a desperate plea for change, emphasizing the long-term consequences of such neglect on both the environment and the well-being of Indian Bay’s residents.