Jomo Thomas, former Speaker of the House of Assembly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has announced his intention to sue Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves over allegations of Chinese interference in Vincentian politics. Thomas, a prominent lawyer, journalist, and social commentator, claims that Gonsalves has made defamatory statements implicating him and his law firm in facilitating payments to media personnel allegedly funded by China. These accusations, according to Thomas, were made during a recent Unity Labour Party (ULP) event in West Kingstown and reiterated at Taiwan’s 114th National Day celebrations in Kingstown. Thomas vehemently denies the claims, stating that he has had no contact with Chinese agents or received any funds from China. He has instructed his attorneys to send a pre-action letter to Gonsalves, warning of legal consequences. Thomas also highlighted that Gonsalves has previously threatened to sue him but backed down due to lack of evidence. The former Speaker’s relationship with the ULP has been strained since he resigned from the party in 2019 and called for Gonsalves’ removal from office. Thomas continues to be a vocal critic of the ULP administration, which secured an unprecedented fifth consecutive term in 2020. The controversy underscores the deepening political tensions in the country, with accusations of foreign influence and defamation taking center stage.
标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
圣文森特和格林纳丁斯
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Spragga Benz disrespected Caribbean women at Cannabliss 2025
Cannabliss 2025, a prominent event in the medicinal cannabis and cultural calendar, faced significant criticism this year due to controversial lyrics and organizational delays. The festival, now in its second year, aimed to blend cannabis education, cultural events, and entertainment into a cohesive experience. However, the performance by Spragga Benz, featuring lyrics deemed offensive and disrespectful, overshadowed the event’s achievements. Attendees, including regional government officials and CEOs, expressed disappointment, particularly given the mature and professional audience. The Rastafarian community, present at the event, also voiced their displeasure, emphasizing the inappropriateness of the song in such a setting. Beyond the lyrical controversy, the festival struggled with punctuality, with key events starting over 30 minutes late, some delayed by up to an hour and a half. Despite these setbacks, many visitors appreciated the overall experience and expressed enthusiasm for future editions. Organizers have acknowledged the issues and are committed to refining the event for Cannabliss 2026, promising a more polished and respectful celebration.
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Tension boils over in Sports Department meeting
The Sports Department has recently become the center of attention for troubling reasons, as internal conflicts and inefficiencies continue to plague its operations. Earlier this week, a pivotal meeting intended to address these challenges and enhance departmental performance took an unexpected and dramatic turn. Tensions between two senior leaders escalated into a heated verbal altercation, witnessed by other staff members, leaving many shocked and disheartened by the unprofessional conduct during such a critical session. This incident underscores deeper issues within the department, including management inefficiencies, poor coordination, and a growing lack of confidence among athletes and sporting organizations. In the wake of the confrontation, numerous staff members have expressed frustration and called for immediate leadership changes, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, stronger teamwork, and structural reforms to restore unity and public trust. The fallout has also prompted demands for intervention from higher authorities, as the sporting community eagerly awaits the department’s next steps to rebuild its credibility and vision. As one concerned administrator aptly stated, ‘We can’t fix sports if the people leading it can’t work together.’ The focus must now shift from personal disagreements to meaningful progress.
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Cop summoned by defence contradicts Too Cool’s evidence
In a dramatic turn of events during the trial of popular DJ Christopher ‘Too Cool Chris’ Jones, a police officer’s testimony has contradicted the defendant’s account of a shooting incident in Kingstown. Police Constable Jahshem Lynch, who was summoned by the defense, testified that he witnessed the shooting but disputed crucial details provided by Jones. Lynch stated that Jones did not cross the street during the incident nor stand over the victim after firing three shots, directly opposing Jones’s claim of self-defense. The prosecution has argued that the shooting was malicious and that Jones should be found guilty. Senior Magistrate Tamika McKenzie is expected to deliver her verdict on December 10, though she may announce it earlier. Lynch, who has served as a police officer for eight years, provided two statements regarding the incident. He recounted hearing a death threat from the victim, Kevin Patterson, moments before the shooting occurred. Lynch also described the chaotic scene that followed, including the gathering of a crowd and the arrival of other officers. Despite his detailed account, Lynch admitted he did not report the shooting immediately and only prepared statements upon request. The trial continues to unfold as both sides present their evidence, with the court awaiting the final decision.
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Scores of people seeking ‘vouchers’ shake Financial Complex
An unexpected evacuation occurred at the Financial Complex in Kingstown on Monday, triggered by what employees described as ‘tremors.’ However, investigations suggest that the unusual vibrations might have been caused by an unusually large crowd gathering inside the building. Witnesses reported that a significant number of people were on the upper floors seeking vouchers for household appliances such as fridges and stoves, part of an ongoing giveaway event. ‘The traffic up there was extremely heavy,’ a public servant told iWitness News. ‘The area was packed with people collecting vouchers for appliances.’ The five-storey building, which houses the Office of the Prime Minister on the top floor and the ministries of finance and foreign affairs on other levels, was evacuated around noon after employees reported feeling tremors. Despite the incident, no seismic activity was recorded in or near St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday. The government has yet to issue an official statement, and normal operations resumed by Tuesday morning. The Financial Complex, commissioned in the early 1990s, stands on land reclaimed over 50 years ago.
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Sandals to pay $42m for lands at Mt Wynne
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has unveiled key details of a confidential agreement signed with Sandals Resorts International for the construction of a Beaches resort at Mt Wynne. The deal, finalized on Monday in Buccament Bay, includes stringent confidentiality clauses covering all past and future negotiations, with limited exceptions for managerial staff, contractors, and legal representatives. The government has committed to registering and disclosing investment incentives to Parliament, ensuring transparency. Sandals will invest EC$41.66 million in acquiring 51 acres of land, marking a significant financial commitment. The resort, designed as a 500-room, family-oriented, all-inclusive hotel, will require a $500 million investment, equating to $1 million per room. The agreement prioritizes local procurement of agricultural goods and seafood, with duty-free concessions for imports only when local products are unavailable or insufficient. Gonsalves emphasized the government’s streamlined work permit system and mandated that at least 50% of construction workers be Vincentians. The project is expected to create 1,700 jobs, with 70% reserved for locals, and will proceed in phases, beginning with 350 rooms. Gonsalves highlighted the broader economic benefits, including job creation, tourism growth, and VAT revenue, while addressing concerns about non-national workers by stressing the international nature of the resort and the Caribbean-wide employment opportunities it provides.
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Sandals to begin designing new resort for St. Vincent next year
Sandals Resorts International, under the leadership of CEO Adam Stewart, has unveiled plans to construct a state-of-the-art Beaches resort at Mt Wynne in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The project, slated to begin design work in 2026, represents a $500 million investment and is expected to feature 500 bedrooms, a world-class spa, and extraordinary water park facilities. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Buccament Bay, where Stewart emphasized the resort’s potential to employ nearly 2,000 Vincentians at full capacity.
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SVG’s tourism pitch emphasises festivals, adventure
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Annette Mark, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), highlighted the nation’s vibrant festivals and innovative tourism initiatives during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference in the Caribbean. Mark emphasized the significance of Vincymas, the country’s premier carnival, which she confidently described as one of the best in the region, rivaling even Trinidad’s renowned celebration. She revealed that Vincymas has seen a remarkable 56% increase in arrivals since 2019, with a 30.6% year-over-year growth in 2025, despite setbacks from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Mark also spotlighted Nine Mornings, a unique pre-Christmas festival, and its integration with Nine Nights, a festival of lights held at the historic Botanical Gardens in Kingstown. Additionally, she announced the continuation of the Emancipation Cricket Festival, introduced this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the West Indies Men’s Cricket team’s first ODI World Cup win. Looking ahead, SVGTA plans to launch a Music Festival in October, featuring Garifuna culture and local cuisine, and expand extreme tourism offerings, including the Joseph Chatoyer Run and a new zipline in Diamond. The destination is also developing an underwater park, which will feature Garifuna statues and a sunken ship, while promoting marine conservation. These initiatives aim to attract both diaspora and international visitors, solidifying St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier Caribbean destination.
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US unseats UK as Barbados’ main tourism source market
In a significant shift in tourism dynamics, the United States has surpassed the United Kingdom as the primary source of visitors to Barbados. According to Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the US contributed 179,753 visitors this year, marking a pivotal change for the island nation. Historically, the UK has always been Barbados’ leading market, but recent economic shifts in the UK prompted the BTMI to diversify its strategy, focusing heavily on the US market. Franklin highlighted the success of their airlift strategy, which included adding over 60,000 seats from the US during the 2025 winter season, including a direct flight to New York—a service absent for 14 years. This strategic move has not only increased visitor numbers but also altered the demographic profile of tourists, with a notable rise in Black American travelers, particularly from Atlanta and its feeder cities. American visitors tend to stay shorter durations (7-10 days) compared to UK tourists but spend more, contributing significantly to the local economy. Barbados also saw strong performances from the Caribbean market (70,984 visitors), Canada (59,332 visitors), and Europe (21,000 visitors), with emerging markets like Central and South America showing potential. Franklin emphasized the importance of these trends, noting that Barbados is not only attracting more visitors but also solidifying its position as a regional hub for airlift and tourism. Cruise tourism also saw a 24% year-on-year growth, with 599,826 passengers visiting between January and July 2025. The island’s accommodation sector is thriving, with 6,000 hotel rooms and over 13,000 vacation rental rooms, supported by 10 new hotel projects in the pipeline. Culinary offerings range from street food to fine dining, with over 400 eateries catering to diverse tastes. Barbados’ pristine beaches and calm waters remain a major draw, with over 80 beach spots enhancing its appeal. Additionally, the BTMI is launching a community tourism initiative, ‘Dine With A Bajan,’ this winter, allowing visitors to experience authentic Barbadian hospitality. Looking ahead, Barbados will commence year-long celebrations on December 1, 2025, leading up to its 60th anniversary of independence from Britain on November 30, 2026.
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Yet another clear case of political victimisation
In a striking revelation, Kenrick Quashie has brought to light what he describes as a glaring case of political victimization within the St. Vincent and the Grenadines police force under the current ULP administration. His brother, Desrick Quashie, a seasoned police officer with 19 years of distinguished service, has been repeatedly overlooked for promotion, allegedly due to Kenrick’s political affiliations.
Desrick Quashie, who holds a Master’s Degree in security and intelligence, has an exemplary service record, including commendations from numerous high-level dignitaries for his close protection services. Despite his qualifications and dedication, he has remained at the rank of corporal for over seven years since returning from studies in the UK.
Kenrick Quashie asserts that senior police officers, including commissioners, have the authority to promote up to the rank of sergeant but have failed to act, fearing political repercussions. This inaction, he argues, is a clear indication of the politicization of the promotion process within the police force.
The situation raises serious concerns about the integrity of the promotion system and the broader implications for democracy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Kenrick Quashie calls for an end to such victimization, emphasizing that it has no place in a democratic society.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of iWitness News.