标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

A significant discrepancy has emerged between the St. Vincent government and the Public Service Union (PSU) regarding the reinstatement of public sector workers dismissed for non-compliance with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. While Attorney General Louise Mitchell announced that nearly all of the 100 workers who resumed duties by the January 31 deadline have been placed, PSU President Elroy Boucher contends that 44 healthcare workers from the Ministry of Health remain in professional limbo, unable to return to their posts.

The contentious issue stems from the November 2021 termination of hundreds of public workers under the previous Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration. The current New Democratic Party (NDP) government, elected on November 27, implemented a reinstatement policy with a January 31 deadline, resulting in 100 workers returning for reinstatement.

Attorney General Mitchell stated that 92 of these 100 workers have already been placed in positions equivalent to those they held before dismissal, with official letters of resumption issued. However, Boucher’s investigation reveals a different reality within the healthcare sector, where 44 professionals—including three doctors, 11 staff nurses, multiple midwives, and various technical staff—face bureaucratic obstacles preventing their return.

The union leader expressed particular frustration with the Ministry of Health’s handling of the reinstatements, noting that other sectors including education and police services experienced smooth transitions. Boucher described encountering “deliberate roadblocks” including outdated forms from the previous administration and concerns about legal implications raised by the Chief Medical Officer regarding positions not formally released by the Ministry of Finance.

A special committee chaired by Mitchell and including union representatives has been established to address implementation issues. Despite consensus reached during the committee’s January 9 meeting and subsequent Cabinet approval of recommendations, healthcare workers continue to face reinstatement challenges. Boucher characterized the situation as “beyond ridiculous” and suggested deliberate efforts to frustrate the new administration’s policy implementation within the health ministry.

In a stern judicial ruling from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Senior Magistrate Tamika McKenzie has sentenced 58-year-old carpenter Peter Dasouza to eight months and six days imprisonment for retail theft. The defendant appeared before the Kingstown court on Tuesday, just one day after committing the offense.

Dasouza pleaded guilty to stealing two containers of HS Ultra Gloss Tire Shine valued at EC$69.99 from a Kingstown establishment. The Campden Park resident admitted to the charges without contestation during court proceedings.

Beyond the custodial sentence, Magistrate McKenzie issued a restitution order mandating the return of the stolen automotive products to the retail store. The swift judicial processing—with sentencing occurring merely 24 hours after the crime—demonstrates the efficiency of the local justice system in handling straightforward criminal cases.

The case highlights the judicial system’s approach to property crimes, particularly those involving admission of guilt. While the stolen items’ value might appear modest, the sentence reflects the court’s consistent methodology in applying penalties for theft offenses regardless of the merchandise’s monetary worth.

In a solemn private visit to the community of Fancy this Saturday, newly appointed Governor General Stanley ‘Stalky’ John, KC, met with families and survivors affected by the devastating Rock Gutter Tragedy of January 12, 2015. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on a treacherous coastal road between Owia and Fancy, claimed the lives of seven students when their school transport veered off the roadway and plunged into the ocean.

The Governor General’s delegation, comprising two counsellors, engaged in private conversations with bereaved families and those who survived the horrific accident. North Windward MP Shevern Stewart joined the discreet gathering, which specifically included community members directly impacted by the tragedy.

His Excellency explained that his visit near the anniversary date was intended to demonstrate solidarity and gain deeper understanding of the community’s ongoing grief and resilience strategies. The visit provided a platform for survivors like Maxroy ‘Danny’ Michael to recount his heroic actions during the disaster, including how he saved several peers before running two miles to Fancy to alert residents.

The students who perished were identified as Racquel Ashton, Simonique Ballantyne, Glenroy Michael, Chanstacia Stay, Annique Alexander, and brothers Jamarl and Jarmallie Edwards. Notably, the bodies of Stay and Ballantyne were never recovered from the sea.

The tragedy’s aftermath continues to resonate through the community. The vehicle’s conductor, Ehud Myers, passed away in April 2023 from unrelated causes. The only adults present during the accident were nurse Shelland Hoyte and driver Ravanon Nanton.

Surviving students Onique Michael, Christie Bowens, Odesia Stay, Teyahna Bowens, Terril Thomas, Israel Roberts, Ruthann Bowens, Orlando Lewis, Shemroy Yorke, and Candi-Ann Sterling continue to live with the trauma of that day. Memorial activities included a January 12 commemorative service and candlelight vigil this year, while a permanent monument was erected at Rock Gutter in March 2017 to honor those lost.

Law enforcement authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have successfully removed another illegal weapon from circulation following the arrest of Nicholas Charles, a 41-year-old construction worker from Campden Park. The suspect faces serious charges related to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The arrest occurred on Saturday as part of coordinated police operations targeting illegal weapons. According to official reports, Charles was found in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol along with ten corresponding rounds of ammunition. Neither item was registered under the proper licensing procedures mandated by the national Firearms Act.

Charles appeared before the Serious Offences Court on Monday where he entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The court granted conditional bail set at EC $10,000 with stringent requirements. These conditions include mandatory court approval for any international travel, complete surrender of all travel documentation, and restrictions at all points of entry and exit. Additionally, Charles must report to the Questelles Police Station twice weekly as part of his bail agreement.

The case has been formally adjourned until March 2 for further proceedings. Police officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to weapon removal initiatives, stating: “The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force continues focused operations aimed at removing illegal firearms from communities and disrupting criminal activity that threatens public safety.” Authorities have encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement personnel.

In a landmark ruling at the High Court in Kingstown, 27-year-old footballer Aaron Miller has been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment for a brutal assault that left his former coach with permanent injuries. Justice Rickie Burnett delivered the stern verdict on Friday, emphasizing the necessity of prolonged incarceration for repeat offenders who demonstrate persistent criminal behavior.

The case stemmed from a violent incident on January 4, 2023, in Layou, where Miller attacked Wade Jackson, his former football coach and longtime acquaintance, with a glass bottle. The assault rendered Jackson unconscious and caused significant head trauma. Medical reports confirmed lasting neurological damage, including recurrent headaches, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.

Court proceedings revealed the attack was precipitated by an earlier altercation on January 1, 2023, when Miller allegedly assaulted Jackson’s son at a public event. Three days later, Jackson confronted Miller about threats made against his children, escalating into physical violence. Witnesses testified that Miller pursued Jackson and his children, hurling stones and bottles before ultimately striking Jackson multiple times in the head while he lay defenseless on the ground.

Justice Burnett referenced former Chief Justice Byron’s sentencing philosophy, noting that some offenders only respond to extended removal from society. The court established a 15-year starting point (50% of the maximum 30-year sentence) before adding four years for aggravating factors, including Miller’s previous convictions for assault occasioning bodily harm (2021), escaping lawful custody, and property damage.

Despite Miller’s self-representation and offers to sell his cattle (valued at EC$19,000) for compensation, the court found no mitigating circumstances. The judge emphasized the attack’s premeditated nature, its occurrence before minor children, and the severe lasting impact on the victim’s health and psychological wellbeing.

Miller will serve 18 years, 9 months and 11 days after accounting for time already spent in remand. Crown representative Devon Bute prosecuted the case, which resulted from an 8-1 guilty verdict by a nine-member jury in November 2023.

A compelling academic movement is gaining momentum across the Caribbean as distinguished scholars advocate for mandatory history education throughout the region’s school systems. The push comes amid concerns that generations are graduating without fundamental knowledge of their historical identity and struggles.

During the official launch of “St. Vincent and the Grenadines – A General History to the Year 2025, Volume One” at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus, historian Henderson Carter delivered a powerful address emphasizing history’s critical role in national development. The newly presented volume, authored by Vincentian scholars Cleve Scott, Garrey Dennie, and Adrian Fraser, provides an indigenous perspective on Caribbean history, covering topics from native civilizations and European conquest to slavery, resistance movements, and reparatory justice.

Carter articulated that history serves as the foundation for understanding collective identity, direction, and potential. He expressed alarm that students can complete secondary, community college, and even university education without substantive engagement with historical studies, potentially creating leaders unaware of foundational doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine and its impact on regional politics.

The academic highlighted concerning societal trends, including disengagement from democratic processes and rising crime rates, which he attributes to historical illiteracy. Carter specifically referenced voting patterns, noting that while only 3,500 people voted in 1935, approximately 95,000 participated in the 1951 elections following intense struggles for black voting rights. This historical context, he argued, remains unknown to many contemporary citizens who disregard their hard-won democratic privileges.

Supporting Carter’s position, Rodney Worrell, Head of the Department of History, Philosophy and Psychology at UWI Cave Hill, emphasized that proper historical understanding would provide crucial context for current geopolitical developments. He pointed to recent resource disputes involving Venezuela as continuations of historical patterns of external intervention in Caribbean affairs.

Worrell praised the Vincentian authors for addressing the historical neglect of Eastern Caribbean narratives, particularly compared to the more frequently documented histories of Jamaica and Trinidad. The new volume represents a significant contribution to Caribbean historiography by utilizing indigenous perspectives and previously overlooked sources, focusing on native peoples, genocide, and African enslavement from BP 5000 to 1838.

The consensus among scholars is clear: integrating comprehensive history education across all academic levels is essential for fostering informed citizenship, national pride, and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean region.