标签: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

圣文森特和格林纳丁斯

  • Bookstore donates local book to Grade 6 students

    Bookstore donates local book to Grade 6 students

    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.

  • Brewster tells untruths while saying NDP ‘lie’

    Brewster tells untruths while saying NDP ‘lie’

    In a heated political exchange, Central Leeward MP Orando Brewster of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) accused the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) of distorting facts and failing to collaborate on critical national issues. Speaking at a ULP campaign rally in Layou on October 11, 2025, Brewster criticized the NDP for its approach to crime, claiming the party erected a billboard to ‘advertise crime’ rather than working with the government to address the issue. This accusation comes despite Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ repeated rejection of the NDP’s offers to collaborate on crime prevention. Brewster also misrepresented Central Kingstown MP St. Clair Leacock’s stance on parliamentary salaries and hospital financing, further escalating tensions. The NDP defended its actions, stating the billboard aimed to spark a necessary conversation about crime. Meanwhile, Brewster faces a challenge from NDP candidate Conroy Huggins, a former educator who lost his job due to the ULP’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The political rivalry underscores deep divisions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with both parties vying for public support ahead of the upcoming elections.

  • The price of spite: when politics cancelled cricket

    The price of spite: when politics cancelled cricket

    The cancellation of the international youth cricket matches scheduled to take place at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has dealt a severe blow to the nation’s economy, culture, and national pride. The matches, which were set to feature the Under-19 teams of England, the United States, and the West Indies, were abruptly called off due to what officials described as ‘changes in international scheduling.’ However, many Vincentians remain skeptical of this explanation, suspecting political interference instead.

  • Life in Indian Bay no longer a pleasant experience

    Life in Indian Bay no longer a pleasant experience

    Indian Bay, a once-idyllic coastal gem on the south coast of St. Vincent, has become a battleground for its permanent residents due to rampant environmental degradation and noise pollution. Known for its breathtaking sunsets and pristine sunrises, the bay has recently been marred by the careless actions of visitors who leave behind a trail of garbage and disrupt the peace of the community. The beach, once a serene escape, is now littered with condoms, alcohol bottles, plastic wrappers, and food containers, turning it into an eyesore and health hazard. While some conscientious visitors take their trash with them, the majority abandon it on the sand, roads, and gutters, forcing residents to clean up after them. The situation is compounded by unbearable noise pollution, with loud music blasting from vehicles and portable speakers from early morning until late at night, disrupting sleep and daily life. Residents have repeatedly reported these issues to the police, but the noise often resumes once authorities leave. Additionally, smoke from uncontrolled fires exacerbates health concerns, particularly for asthmatic individuals. Parking chaos further adds to the residents’ woes, as visitors block driveways and park illegally, ignoring local traffic laws. The author laments the growing selfishness in society, urging a collective shift in mindset to preserve the environment and community harmony. The piece concludes with a desperate plea for change, emphasizing the long-term consequences of such neglect on both the environment and the well-being of Indian Bay’s residents.

  • Friday’s youth pledge includes 1 ULP says it implemented

    Friday’s youth pledge includes 1 ULP says it implemented

    In a bold move to secure the support of the nation’s youth, Opposition Leader Godwin Friday has introduced a comprehensive five-point pledge aimed at addressing key issues affecting young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The announcement was made during the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) DJ Sound Clash event in Campden Park on Saturday, where Friday urged the youth to vote the NDP into power and hold them accountable for their promises. The pledge includes significant measures such as reducing student loan interest rates to 4-4.5%, increasing public assistance to EC$500 monthly, and cutting VAT on essential goods and residential electricity. Additionally, the NDP plans to establish a National Athlete Programme, a national development bank, and an innovation hub to support young entrepreneurs and athletes. Friday emphasized the party’s commitment to creating job opportunities, training programs, and internships for the youth, as well as improving e-commerce payment gateways to help young people monetize their online ventures. The opposition leader’s pledge comes as the Unity Labour Party (ULP) seeks a sixth consecutive term in office, with general elections expected by November 2024. Friday’s vision for a brighter future for St. Vincent and the Grenadines resonated strongly with the audience, as he called on young people to register and vote for change.

  • Walters still battling perception of disconnect from North Windward

    Walters still battling perception of disconnect from North Windward

    Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate for North Windward, has been actively engaging with voters to solidify her connection to the constituency she aims to represent. Despite accusations of distancing herself from the community, Walters emphasized her deep-rooted ties to Sandy Bay, where she was raised and began her career in healthcare administration. Speaking at the ULP’s first major campaign rally in Layou, Walters highlighted her long-standing service to North Windward, including her efforts to address community challenges such as alcoholism and illicit drugs. She also outlined her vision for the constituency, which includes improving healthcare, housing, and agricultural support, as well as launching mentorship and cultural programs for the youth. Walters, who holds a doctorate in healthcare administration, is set to face off against the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Shevern John in the upcoming general election. She urged voters to focus on the ULP’s achievements, including infrastructure development and educational opportunities, and to continue supporting the party’s vision for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The election is expected to take place by November, ahead of the February 2025 constitutional deadline.

  • Caesar promises ‘blue school to train young fishers’

    Caesar promises ‘blue school to train young fishers’

    In a recent rally held in Layou, Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar outlined a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at bolstering the agricultural and fisheries sectors in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Speaking to supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), Caesar emphasized the party’s commitment to establishing a ‘blue school’ to train young fishers in longline fishing and operate a dedicated fishing fleet if re-elected for a sixth term. Additionally, the ULP plans to set up an abattoir for livestock farmers and expand buying depots in key locations such as Langley Park, Lauders, La Croix, Vincy Fresh at Diamond, and Belmont. These measures are designed to enhance the competitiveness of local farmers and fishers both regionally and globally. Caesar, who has led the agriculture ministry since 2010, highlighted the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Food Traders Ltd., which aims to purchase produce from local farmers, ensuring they can compete effectively in international markets. The minister also underscored the ULP’s achievements in education, healthcare, and disaster recovery, including the successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the La Soufriere volcanic eruption. Caesar expressed confidence in the ULP’s ability to secure another term, citing the party’s track record of delivering tangible benefits to the people of SVG. He urged supporters to remain steadfast in their commitment to the ULP, emphasizing the party’s role in advancing the nation’s development and improving the livelihoods of its citizens.

  • Student still in ICU 1 week after being stabbed at school

    Student still in ICU 1 week after being stabbed at school

    A 15-year-old student from North Union Secondary School remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, a week after being stabbed in the head by a fellow student. The incident occurred on October 3, when a 16-year-old classmate allegedly attacked the victim, leaving him unconscious. The injured student, a Form 2 pupil, has since regained consciousness but has been transferred to the Paediatric ICU for continued care. His aunt, Joy Ballantyne, described his recovery as slow and uncertain, noting that he suffers from short-term memory loss and physical weakness. Bright lights also affect his eyes, further complicating his condition. Ballantyne revealed that her nephew had been a victim of bullying at the school, with the alleged attacker repeatedly taunting him about a condition linked to his mother’s death. Despite prior complaints and interventions by his guardian, the bullying persisted. On October 2, the suspect reportedly threatened to stab the victim if he attended school the next day. The attack unfolded in the schoolyard, where the assailant allegedly stabbed the victim in the head after a brief chase. A video circulating on social media showed the injured student being supported by classmates, his clothes bloodied. Ballantyne disclosed that the stab wound penetrated approximately five centimeters, cracking his skull and causing brain hemorrhaging. Police have taken the suspect into custody but released him without charges. Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor “Buju” Bailey stated that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will determine whether charges will be filed.

  • Man gets 20 years for killing his grandpa, 94

    Man gets 20 years for killing his grandpa, 94

    A 25-year-old man, Jareth Jamala John, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal assault of his 94-year-old grandfather during a psychotic episode in 2020. The tragic incident occurred at their family home in Collins, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. John, who began using marijuana at age 13, has consistently refused to quit the drug, despite evidence linking it to his mental health issues. During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Kingstown, Justice Rickie Burnett revealed that John expressed a desire for more marijuana, claiming it helps him stay calm. Mental health assessments indicate that John remains a danger to others without continued psychiatric treatment. The court granted a one-third sentence reduction due to his guilty plea, resulting in a remaining term of seven years, nine months, and nine days. John was initially charged with murder and assault but pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The case highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and substance abuse.

  • Gonsalves urges Dominicans to remain faithful to Labour

    Gonsalves urges Dominicans to remain faithful to Labour

    In a compelling lecture delivered in Roseau, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves lauded Dominica’s remarkable economic recovery amidst decades of adversity. Speaking on Thursday night to honor the 25th anniversary of former Prime Minister Roosevelt Douglas’s passing, Gonsalves emphasized the significance of the island’s resilience in the face of numerous challenges.