Argyle International Airport, which opened in February 2017, continues to face persistent runway issues as sections of the tarmac break apart during aircraft landings and takeoffs. These problems have necessitated ongoing repairs, with the most recent incident occurring on Monday when a Virgin Atlantic flight departing for London tore up a section of the runway. Although repairs were completed that night, the same area was damaged again when the same airline landed on Wednesday, causing delays for other international flights. Sources revealed that planes were forced to hold in the air while emergency repairs were conducted. The recurring issues have sparked criticism, with an aviation sector worker earlier this year urging the government to address the problems transparently rather than dismissing public concerns. The government has remained largely silent on the root cause of these issues at the EC$700 million airport. However, a team of Cuban engineers, led by Juan Carlos Quintana, Director General of the Cuban Airports and Air Services Company, arrived in St. Vincent on September 5 to assist with expansion and modernization efforts. The team is expected to provide hands-on training, technical guidance, and structured programs to enhance the airport’s internal capacity over the next 12 months. Notably, runway issues were identified even before the airport’s opening, with then Minister of Transport and Works, Sen. Julian Francis, acknowledging ‘weak areas’ that were addressed just days before operations began. Despite these efforts, the runway’s durability remains a pressing concern.
标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
圣文森特和格林纳丁斯
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PM suggests he was going to increase ‘Poor Relief’ next year
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has revealed plans to announce a significant increase in Public Assistance during his Independence Day address on October 27, with the changes set to take effect in January 2026. This announcement comes amidst a heated political climate, as the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) has pledged to raise monthly payouts to EC$500 if elected in the upcoming November elections. Currently, Public Assistance recipients receive between EC$275 and EC$300 monthly, depending on their age. Gonsalves criticized the NDP’s policy, labeling it as a desperate move influenced by foreign strategists. He emphasized that his government has already expanded the social safety net, including free or subsidized school meals, housing grants, and healthcare benefits. The Prime Minister also highlighted the NDP’s use of the term “Poor Relief” as demeaning, insisting on the formal term “Public Assistance.” Gonsalves further accused the opposition of misrepresenting the country’s social programs and warned of the risks of privatizing healthcare. The announcement underscores the intensifying political rivalry as the nation approaches a critical election.
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Ras John says Bing invited him on Boom; nobody paid him
In a recent political controversy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, landscaper and activist Aster ‘Ras John’ John has refuted claims by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves that he was paid to appear on Boom FM’s OMG programme. John, a former supporter of Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP), made headlines in August for his critical remarks about MP Saboto Caesar’s management of the agricultural sector. Gonsalves later alleged that both John and the radio station were compensated for the appearance, a claim John vehemently denies.
John stated that he was invited by the show’s host, Dwight ‘Bing’ Joseph, a personal friend, and did not receive any payment. He explained that his appearance was prompted by a public statement he made at a UWI Global Campus event, where he criticized Caesar’s handling of agriculture. Joseph confirmed that neither John nor lawyer Jomo Thomas, who also appears on the show, paid for their segments.
The controversy deepened when Thomas, a former ULP candidate and Speaker of the House of Assembly, threatened legal action against Gonsalves for suggesting that China was involved in efforts to unseat the ULP government. Thomas denied any involvement in such efforts and challenged Gonsalves’ claims as defamatory and politically motivated. He accused the Prime Minister of stifling dissent and resorting to desperate tactics to maintain power.
Thomas also addressed Joseph directly during his commentary, emphasizing that he had never paid for his appearances or facilitated John’s. He criticized Gonsalves for his intolerance of criticism and accused him of damaging the political discourse in St. Vincent. Thomas announced that he had instructed his lawyers to send a pre-action letter to Gonsalves, signaling potential legal repercussions for the Prime Minister’s statements.
John, meanwhile, reiterated his long-standing opposition to the ULP, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s agricultural policies since 2015. He emphasized that his criticisms were driven by a desire for the country’s progress, not financial gain. The ongoing dispute highlights the growing political tensions in St. Vincent as the ULP faces increasing scrutiny and opposition.
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Jomo Thomas threatens to sue PM Gonsalves
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.
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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.