标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking to iWitness News, Bailey highlighted the urgent need for young people to adopt de-escalation strategies, noting that impulsive behavior often leads to severe consequences. He revealed that a significant portion of these incidents involve young girls, though boys are also culpable. Bailey’s remarks followed a recent stabbing at North Union Secondary School, where a 15-year-old student was critically injured by a 16-year-old classmate. The incident underscores the growing problem of school violence, with reports emerging almost weekly. Bailey emphasized the importance of early intervention, urging parents, counselors, and community institutions to play a proactive role in guiding students. He stressed that addressing behavioral issues before they escalate into serious offenses is crucial for rehabilitation, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Bailey called for a collective effort to transform troubled youth into model citizens, advocating for counseling and support over punishment.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey, a key figure in crime prevention, emphasized the importance of exercising heightened care when dealing with individuals suffering from mental illness. His testimony came during the trial of Christopher ‘Too Cool Chris’ Jones, a prominent DJ and radio personality, who is facing charges of wounding in connection with the shooting of Kevin Patterson in Kingstown on July 4, 2024. Jones claims he acted in self-defense, alleging that Patterson was reaching for a weapon in his bag, which was later found to contain a knife and a box cutter. However, the prosecution argues that Jones’ actions were malicious and did not constitute self-defense. Bailey, summoned by the defense, shared insights into police protocols when interacting with mentally ill individuals. He noted that police recruits are trained by the Ministry of Health on how to handle such situations, and workshops are regularly conducted for frontline officers. Bailey stressed the need for calm communication and assured assistance when dealing with mentally ill persons, acknowledging that reasoning may not always be possible due to incoherence. He also discussed the use of licensed firearms, stating that their primary purpose is protection and crime prevention, and that any use of a firearm in such situations would be subject to investigation. The trial, presided over by Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie, is set for a verdict on December 10, with the possibility of an earlier decision.

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.