标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines–Cuba Friendship Society has initiated a nationwide fundraising drive to provide critical assistance to Cuba during what has been described as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the nation’s recent history. This solidarity movement emerges as Cuba grapples with acute shortages of fundamental necessities including food, medical supplies, and energy resources—conditions substantially intensified by strengthened economic sanctions from the United States.

Dexter Rose, former Vincentian ambassador to Cuba and spokesperson for the Society, articulated that the campaign represents more than mere financial support. It symbolizes the reaffirmation of a deep-rooted bond of mutual solidarity between the two nations. “Cuba has consistently supported us during our times of need—particularly in healthcare and education sectors. Now, it is our moral obligation to extend our support to Cuba,” Rose stated, highlighting decades of cooperation that included deployments of Cuban medical professionals, educators, and specialists throughout Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The initiative encourages contributions from individuals, private enterprises, and organizations across the country. All collected funds will be allocated to procure essential supplies for direct shipment to Cuba, aiming to alleviate the daily struggles faced by Cuban families. Beyond material aid, the campaign seeks to raise international awareness about the human consequences of prolonged economic restrictions.

Community leaders and activists are mobilizing public participation, emphasizing that even modest donations can generate significant impact. The movement underscores the principle that compassion should transcend geopolitical boundaries during periods of adversity. Through collective action, the Friendship Society aspires to deliver not only tangible support but also a powerful message to the Cuban people: they remain remembered and supported by the global community.

A homicide investigation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has resulted in murder charges against 41-year-old Barrouallie resident Keon Dennie. The charges stem from the brutal chopping death of Munti Thomas, a locally recognized street personality known mononymously as Munt-I, who succumbed to multiple chop wounds on Monday.

The fatal altercation occurred in the Central Leeward town, marking the nation’s eighth homicide this year. While official investigative details remain limited, preliminary reports indicate the violence may have originated from a dispute involving a small quantity of crystal methamphetamine, commonly called “ice,” and a sum of EC$60 (approximately US$22).

Graphic footage circulated extensively on social media platforms depicted the mortally injured Thomas lying on the ground with severe lacerations across his body. Despite being rushed to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Thomas, originally from North Leeward, was known for his improvised lyrical compositions, which he performed using distinctive percussive vocalizations. His life involved periods of homelessness in Kingstown, where he reportedly developed substance abuse issues. Community sources suggest he relocated from the capital years ago following allegations of stolen cocaine.

The accused, Keon Dennie, is scheduled for an initial court appearance before a magistrate to face the formal reading of the indictable murder charge.

Oswald Robinson, the outgoing president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU), has initiated a formal police investigation concerning a Facebook post that explicitly incited violence against him. This alarming development follows Robinson’s recent public statements regarding teacher mobilization against unresolved educational issues.

The controversial social media post, attributed to an individual named ‘Doug King Howard,’ emerged within 24 hours of Robinson’s appearance on the union’s BOOM FM program last Sunday. During his radio segment, Robinson had emphasized the union’s intent to mobilize educators amid ongoing governmental inaction on critical teacher concerns.

Howard’s post contained a severe political critique, contrasting the union’s approach toward previous and current administrations. It specifically referenced the 24-year tenure of the Unity Labour Party before launching personal attacks against Robinson. The most disturbing segment explicitly advocated for violent retaliation should Robinson lead protest actions, including threats of firearm violence.

In his response during a Hot FM interview Tuesday, Robinson revealed he had consulted law enforcement officials who deemed the matter extremely serious. The union leader emphasized the imperative of maintaining public order and preventing incitements to violence. Robinson, whose presidential term concludes this month before assuming the vice-presidency, acknowledged police resources are stretched thin due to existing violent crime investigations, including a recent fatal chopping incident in Barrouallie.

Despite the threats, Robinson maintained a principled stance, affirming his commitment to lawful conduct and non-violence. He expressed particular concern that such threats could potentially extend beyond himself to others. While acknowledging having heard Howard’s generally reasonable radio commentary previously, Robinson expressed shock at the violent nature of these specific threats and emphasized they must be treated with utmost seriousness.

A 31-year-old Mesopotamian man narrowly avoided incarceration after admitting to drug trafficking charges motivated by an unusual circumstance: funding his daughter’s fourth birthday celebration. Chinglee Dick appeared before the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to dual charges of cannabis possession with intent to supply and drug trafficking.

The case unfolded at Grenadines Wharf last Friday morning, where law enforcement officials were conducting randomized vehicle inspections. Dick, operating a white Nissan vehicle registered PE378, consented to a search of his automobile after being stopped by authorities. During the examination, officers discovered a green-and-white Coreas shopping bag containing three transparent plastic packages secured with brown tape within the trunk compartment.

Subsequent analysis revealed the packages contained six separate bags of cannabis with a total weight of 2,119 grams (approximately 2.5 kilograms). When questioned by Chief Magistrate Colin John regarding his intentions, Dick disclosed he was transporting the controlled substance to Bequia, where he typically sells provisions and coconut water.

In a heartfelt mitigation plea, the defendant explained his criminal actions stemmed from financial desperation to organize a surprise birthday party for his daughter, whose fourth birthday was scheduled for the following day. Dick additionally referenced another child born in December, emphasizing his familial responsibilities.

Following the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s Sentencing Guidelines, Chief Magistrate John imposed an immediate fine of EC$890 rather than a custodial sentence. Dick complied with the financial penalty promptly and was released from court proceedings.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded its eighth homicide of 2026 following a violent chopping incident in the Central Leeward town of Barrouallie. The victim, known locally as ‘Munt-I,’ succumbed to severe chop wounds while en route to medical facilities on Monday.

Social media platforms circulated graphic footage showing the man with critical injuries, which multiple sources confirmed to local news outlet iWitness News preceded his death. Preliminary investigations suggest the attack stemmed from an alleged monetary theft that occurred on Sunday. Law enforcement authorities have subsequently taken one suspect into custody.

The deceased, previously a recognizable figure on the streets of Kingstown, had relocated to Barrouallie several years ago. His move followed allegations of stealing crack cocaine in the capital city. Munt-I had gained minor social media notoriety for his musical performances, particularly his soca compositions and percussive vocal techniques.

This lethal incident follows closely after Friday night’s shooting death of 66-year-old shopkeeper Winston Williams, locally known as Zeke, in the Diamond area. With eight recorded homicides in early 2026, the nation demonstrates an increased violent crime rate compared to the same period in 2025, which had documented five killings. The country concluded 2025 with a total of 40 homicides.

The Diamond community in St. Vincent is confronting its third fatal shooting in recent months following the tragic death of 66-year-old Winston Williams, locally known as Zeke. The incident occurred late Friday evening, just days after Williams had celebrated his birthday.

According to accounts from his common-law wife, Cylethta Bowens, the events unfolded around 9:06 p.m. while she was watching a movie in their bedroom. Williams, who operated a small shop adjacent to their residence, initially came inside before being called back to attend to a customer.

Bowens recounted to iWitness News that Williams informed her a man had come to purchase three Carib beers. Following standard procedure, he intended to remain open briefly to complete the transaction before closing for the night. Their shop typically ceased operations at approximately 9 p.m.

Moments after Williams returned to the shop, Bowens heard approximately five gunshots that sounded alarmingly close. Rushing outside, she encountered Williams moving toward the bedroom while bleeding profusely from wounds between his left chest and shoulder.

In their final exchange, Williams managed only to utter “Babes” before collapsing beside their bed. Despite Bowens’ attempts to revive him, Williams appeared lifeless and passed away shortly thereafter. The assailant, reportedly the same individual who came to purchase beer, remains unidentified and at large.

This tragedy marks the third shooting homicide in the Diamond area within months. Previous victims include Uriah Fields, a 42-year-old security guard and fisherman found dead near the “race track” last October, and Lenford Peters, a Richland Park resident whose body was discovered along the Brighton-Diamond roadside last month. Notably, both Williams and Peters were originally from Richland Park, raising concerns about targeted violence in the region.