Category: National

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday has unveiled a 90-day Crime Reduction, Border Protection and Citizen Security Action Plan set to begin on December 7, 2026, aiming to suppress escalating gun violence and restore public safety across the country.

At the center of the administration’s plan is the newly established National Crime Reduction Task Force, created by Cabinet to unite key state security and judicial bodies. The multi-agency body integrates leadership across law enforcement, border protection, maritime security, financial intelligence, customs, immigration, the coast guard, the judiciary, and senior police commanders.

Starting December 7, 2026, law enforcement agencies will operate at their highest operational level under the 90-day Action Plan. Operations will center around six priority pillars:

Suppressing illegal firearms and gun crimes.

Tackling the gang problem.

Strengthening border and port security.

Enhancing intelligence and information sharing.

Expanding visible community policing and outreach.

Providing youth protection and social intervention

The task force will be co-chaired by Hon. St. Clair Leacock, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, alongside Attorney General Hon. Louise Mitchell.

Prime Minister Friday highlighted that the body is intended to maintain constant inter-agency communication and close coordination.

In addition to state law enforcement, the government is mobilizing civil society. The Ministry of Social Mobilisation will establish a Citizen Security Task Force to engage non-governmental organizations, social workers, school principals, teachers, clergy, and community workers in crime prevention efforts.

As Bloomfield residents prepare to head to the polls on November 3rd, six-year Board of Education veteran Nadeisha Greene is campaigning for a third term. Running on the “Bengal Pride United” platform alongside slate mates Kasey Dudley and Stephanie Parry, Greene is seeking another three-year term to continue advancing district policy and educational initiatives.

Born in St. Vincent, Greene spent her early childhood in Arnos Vale before moving at age ten, and she has resided in Bloomfield for the past twelve years. She has one son who attends Demarest Elementary School in the 6^th grade and one son who attends Bloomfield Middle School in the 8^th grade. 

Professionally, Greene serves as Director of Operations at a charter school, managing operational systems, purchasing, finance, event planning, NJDOE compliance, facilities, technology, safety, and recruitment for over 300 students.

With 15 years of professional experience in elementary education, she has also completed over 50 hours of New Jersey School Board Association (NJSBA) training.

During her six years on the board, Greene chaired the committee responsible for crafting Bloomfield’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, developed with input from faculty and community members.

Her leadership roles include serving on the hiring committee for principal searches at Demarest and Oakview Elementary Schools, and Forest Glen Early Childhood Center and helping to plan Bloomfield’s inaugural Juneteenth Celebration, and serving as the board representative to the Demarest, Oak View, Carteret and Berkeley Home School Associations (HSAs).

She currently serves on the Personnel Committee and has served as liaison to the Township of Bloomfield’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee, having previously served on the Finance and Facilities, Curriculum and Instruction, Community Outreach, Budget, Policy and Technology Committees. Greene pointed to the district’s recognition as a “High Performing District” by the New Jersey Department of Education as a major achievement reflecting the dedication of educators, staff, and families.

She also highlighted community-building academic initiatives such as “One District One Book,” which encourages literacy across Bloomfield schools.

Looking ahead to a potential third term, Greene outlined several key priorities aimed at continuous improvement and closing the achievement gap: 

Fiscally Sound: Although the district is fiscally sound with no audit findings, reduced state aid presents significant financial challenges that must remain a top priority. Continuing to address these challenges by partnering with the administration to pursue expanded grant opportunities and identify cost savings across capital projects and facility vendor contracts.

Strategic Plan: Another core priority is achieving the goals and objectives of the district’s five-year strategic plan for 2023–2028, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the next five-year plan.

Addressing Unfinished Learning: Expanding academic support through High Impact Tutoring.

Post-Secondary Preparation: Strengthening district partnerships with colleges and universities to prepare students for critical thinking and higher education. 

Equity & Inclusion: Ensuring all students have access to a diverse, equitable, and rigorous learning environment. 

“I am eager to continue our work and serve another three-year term,” Greene stated, reaffirming her dedication to working alongside administrators, fellow board members, and residents to move Bloomfield schools forward.

UBEC Partners Discuss Sustainable Management of Fish Aggregating Devices

Representatives from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Saint Lucia participated in a regional discussion on the management of fish aggregating devices (FADs) under the World Bank-funded Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project on October 30, 2026.

The hybrid session focused on strengthening cooperation and management practices to support sustainable fishing, improve fishers’ livelihoods and contribute to regional food security.

FADs are structures deployed at sea to attract fish, including tuna, to identifiable locations. Their strategic placement can help fishers reduce the time and fuel spent searching for fish and may reduce the need to travel farther offshore.

UBEC Fisheries Specialist, Risha Alleyne highlighted the importance of managing these devices responsibly and ensuring that national practices align with relevant international fisheries commitments and procedures.

She explained that while FADs offer benefits to fishing communities, effective management is essential to support the sustainable use of marine resources.

“We’recertainly happy that we are working with this World Bank project to ensure that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines conduct its fisheries in a sustainable way,”Alleyne said.

The regional exchange provided an opportunity for participating countries to share perspectives on FAD management and identify areas for continued collaboration and capacity building.

Alleyne expressed optimism about further cooperation with UBEC partners to strengthen fisheries management across the region.

Through these exchanges, the UBEC Project continues to support a coordinated approach to sustainable fisheries, recognising the importance of healthy marine resources to livelihoods, food security and the development of the Caribbean’s Blue Economy.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Consul General to the United States, Roland Patel Matthews, delivered his maiden address at the fifth annual flag-raising ceremony held at historic Bowling Green in New York City to commemorate the nation’s 47th anniversary of independence.

Addressing an audience of city officials, diplomatic representatives from Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, members of the Garifuna community, Monroe College students, and Vincentian nationals, Matthews extended greetings on behalf of the government, the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the staff of the New York consulate.

Reflecting on the country’s trajectory since gaining independence on October 27, 1979, Matthews paid homage to past generations of farmers, public servants, teachers, cultural pioneers, and community leaders whose sacrifices laid the nation’s foundations. He commended the enduring spirit and resilience of the Vincentian people through economic challenges, natural disasters, and the severe disruption caused by the 2021 eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

Highlighting this year’s national theme, “Hand in hand and rebuilding our nation,” Matthews emphasized that national recovery extends beyond physical infrastructure. Rebuilding, he noted, involves restoring confidence, strengthening social unity, and ensuring that every Vincentian has a stake in the country’s future.

A significant portion of the address was dedicated to honoring Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, the Garifuna leader who spearheaded resistance against British colonial expansion during the First Carib War in 1795. Matthews recognized the historical plight of the Garifuna people following their mass forced deportation in 1797 to Central American regions—including present-day Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua—praising their preservation of language, music, dance, and traditions over centuries of exile. Addressing Garifuna representatives directly, he declared that their ancestral homeland remembers them and welcomes their ongoing collaboration and involvement in national development.

Matthews also called upon the Vincentian diaspora across the United States to deepen their connection with their homeland by investing, sharing professional expertise, mentoring youth, and engaging in community development projects.

He concluded the event with independence greetings and a call to move forward collectively toward a brighter future

St. Vincent and the Grenadines authorities have issued a stern directive warning that uncontrolled livestock could cause permanent damage to irreplaceable indigenous rock carvings at Martin’s Petroglyph Park.

In an urgent public notice, the SVG National Trust instructed livestock owners in Argyle to immediately remove or pen their animals. Unrestrained livestock roaming the grounds have been trampling newly landscaped areas, destroying site signage, and physically threatening the ancient petroglyphs themselves.

Officials cautioned that owners who fail to secure their stock face the impoundment or culling of their animals. Furthermore, animal disruptions have required additional maintenance work, significantly delaying restoration teams.

The conservation alert coincides with an ongoing revitalization project at the site.

Describing the carvings as irreplaceable records of national history, officials warned that deliberate or avoidable damage risks losing a crucial piece of Vincentian heritage forever. Calling conservation a “shared responsibility,” the Trust appealed for full community cooperation to safeguard Martin’s Petroglyph Park for present and future generations.

Vincy Escape Weekend was officially launched on Thursday, October 22, at Myah’s Hotel, unveiling a five-day destination experience scheduled for November 4–8, 2027. The weekend will feature eight events and experiences designed to celebrate St. Vincent and the Grenadines through music, culture, entertainment, wellness and island exploration.

The launch brought together event partners, tourism stakeholders and members of the media, with remarks delivered by founder Jonell Goodluck, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Shafia London, and representatives of the weekend’s partner organizations.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority is among the key partners supporting the initiative, with two tourism experiences forming part of the weekend’s programme. This collaboration reinforces the vision of positioning Vincy Escape Weekend as more than an entertainment event, but an opportunity to encourage regional and international visitors to discover the destination, experience Vincentian culture and contribute to the local economy.

The weekender brings together a diverse mix of experiences, including Brunch and Soca Global, Dreamland J’ouvert from the United Kingdom, I Love R&B from New York, WellInMotion – a wellness event, Reminisce and SunDaze alongside the two tourism experiences Rum Island and Sail Away. Together, the events are designed to offer visitors a balance of entertainment, cultural connection and opportunities to explore St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Myah’s Hotel, which hosted the official launch, is also a Platinum Partner of Vincy Escape Weekend, highlighting the important role of local hospitality partners in supporting the overall visitor experience.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, founder Jonell Goodluck shared:

“We wanted to create something that gives people another reason to come to Vincy — not just to attend an event, but to stay, explore, spend locally and experience our culture. By bringing entertainment and tourism together, we want to create meaningful opportunities for our people and businesses, contribute to the local economy, and give visitors an experience that makes them want to return to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Guided by the tagline “Escape the Ordinary. Experience Vincy.”, organisers are inviting Vincentians at home and abroad, Caribbean travelers and diaspora visitors to be part of this new destination experience.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association (SVGTA) has officially concluded a comprehensive six-day Tennis Development Clinic, bringing international expertise to local players, coaches, and school students across the country.

Held from October 13 to October 18, 2026, the initiative was conducted in collaboration with three visiting Canadian tennis professionals: Lionel Eli, Sasha Gomelyuk, and Arthur Searles.

The clinic covered all levels of the sport, ranging from introductory grassroots programs to high-performance training tailored for elite youth athletes. The visiting professionals delivered specialized coaching for junior competitors across the Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 age brackets, focusing on refined technique, court movement, tactical strategy, and match preparation. Dedicated sessions were also hosted for adult players to foster participation across every age group.

Beyond court training, the clinic extended directly into classrooms with sessions at Calliaqua Anglican School and Fairhall Government School as part of the SVGTA’s ongoing schools initiative. Demonstrating a strong commitment to accessibility, the association organized a specialized session for students with special educational needs.

The week also featured structured engagement with parents of junior players to outline long-term player development pathways and highlight the essential role of parental support in a young athlete’s journey.

Reflecting on the program’s impact, SVGTA President Dr. Preye Griffith hailed the week as a major milestone for local tennis.

“To have three international professionals invest six days in our players, our schools, and our tennis community is something we do not take for granted,” Griffith stated, noting that response from parents, players, and schools has been overwhelmingly positive.

In addition to providing instruction, Eli and his coaching team donated new tennis nets to replace the association’s old equipment, which was beyond repair.

The SVGTA acknowledged its ongoing relationships with key institutional partners, including the National Sports Council, the Ministry of Education, the Division of Sports & Physical Activities, and the National Lotteries Authority, reaffirming its commitment to advancing tennis across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Monroe University, the New York-based institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs from its campus in Castries, held its annual Commencement today for graduates from across Saint Lucia and the Caribbean region. Nearly 100 of the new graduates are from Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.

The joyful event took place at the Royalton St. Lucia Resort & Spa Auditorium in Gros Islet. Monroe President Marc Jerome and other senior University leaders joined local campus administration, faculty, and staff, as well as special dignitaries, at the graduation ceremony, which recognized and celebrated the academic achievements of 318 students in the Saint Lucia campus Class of 2026.

In addition to students from Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and the United States, the graduating class included students from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Nicaragua, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Sint Maarten.

One student from each country proudly carried their nation’s flag as part of the opening processional. The Saint Vincent & the Grenadines flag was proudly carried by Trevique Johnson, an undergraduate Business Management major who graduated with summa cum laude honors.

Monroe is proud to have partnered with the Government of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines since 2024 to make a university education more accessible and affordable for local students through a First-Generation Scholarship Program that supports students who are the first in their families to attend university.

Professor Antonia Laurent-Goodman served as Grand Marshal for the opening processional. Nathalie Jolie-Fanis, faculty with the General Education department, served once again as emcee. Saint Lucia’s national anthem, Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia, was sung by Linda Berthier, an adjunct faculty member with our School of Allied Health Professions. Rohan Bennett, a member of the graduating class, sang The Star-Spangled Banner.

Among those offering welcoming remarks to the graduates and their guests were President Marc Jerome and Senior Vice President Dr. Alex Ephrem. Graduates were also honored to hear from The Honorable Kenson Casimir, Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation, who shared a wonderful congratulatory message on behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Damian Eisenghower Greaves, a distinguished Caribbean scholar, educator, public health specialist and executive leader. His illustrious career spans the fields of education, government, parliamentary services, healthcare policy and administration, and cultural development.

Dr. Ernest Ottley, Dean of Academics in Saint Lucia, announced students earning academic awards. Dr. Jacinth Coultman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, proudly presented the graduates to President Jerome for the formal conferring of degrees.

In addition to those mentioned, the University community was joined at Commencement by a number of special guests and dignitaries, including: Governor General H.E. Felix Finistere and his wife Lady Selma Finistere; Her Excellency Lieff Escalona, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Saint Lucia; Ms. Dina Melehi, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Winston Phulgence, Principal of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College; and Monsignor Patrick “Paba” Anthony, who gave the invocation.

The House of Assembly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines officially approved the nation’s entry into the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Prime Minister Godwin Friday championed this legislative move as a vital strategy to diversify national financing streams, strengthen the economy, and safeguard vulnerable citizens.

To formalize this partnership, the government must purchase 141 shares totaling over two million dollars within a strict thirty-day window.

While this initial investment does not automatically guarantee immediate project loans, it establishes eligibility to borrow significantly larger sums for critical infrastructure and sustainable development.

Although opposition lawmakers ultimately backed the measure, they raised valid financial anxieties regarding potential market-rate borrowing costs and how future funds will be deployed.

UWI Global Campus St. Vincent Guild Hosts Fifth Annual Honour Roll Recognition Ceremony

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the UWI Global Campus Guild of Students, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chapter, hosted its fifth annual Honour Roll Recognition Ceremony, celebrating the outstanding academic achievements of students across the island.

While the ceremony has become a much anticipated fixture on the Guild’s calendar, this year’s milestone carried an even greater significance, marking five consecutive years in which St. Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded the highest number of Honour Roll students across the entire UWI Global Campus.

Since its inception in 2022, the ceremony has grown into a powerful symbol of the nation’s commitment to academic excellence. In its inaugural year, more than 200 students earned a place on the Honour Roll, the highest number recorded across the Global Campus at the time. That remarkable achievement was followed by continued growth, with more than 270 students recognised in 2023, over 370 in 2024, and an impressive 502 in 2025.

This year, the nation raised the bar once again, with more than 560 students achieving Honour Roll status, further cementing St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ position as a regional leader in academic achievement.

In recognition of the growing accomplishments of its student community, the Guild also extended its celebrations this year to postgraduate students, acknowledging their academic excellence and dedication. This initiative provided an opportunity to recognise postgraduate achievement alongside the undergraduate accomplishments traditionally celebrated through the Honour Roll.

The island’s academic success extends beyond the walls of the UWI Global Campus. On October 17, 2026, a Vincentian student was named valedictorian at the University of the West Indies’ graduation ceremony at the Cave Hill Campus, offering yet another testament to the calibre of talent and determination emerging from the nation.

Though small in size and sometimes overlooked on the regional and international stage, St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to make an unmistakable mark through the achievements of its people. The continued success of its students demonstrates that excellence is not determined by the size of a nation, but by the ambition, perseverance and dedication of its people.

As the Guild celebrates five consecutive years at the forefront of academic achievement across the UWI Global Campus, the message is clear: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not simply participating in the pursuit of academic excellence; it is helping to set the standard.

A five-day celebration of Vincentian culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship officially kicks off today as the Independence Night Market opens at Heritage Square.

Organized by the National Independence Committee and the Department of Culture, with support from Invest SVG, the event forms part of a national initiative to renew patriotism and cultural pride throughout the Independence season.

Running from Friday, October 23, through Tuesday, October 27, the Night Market serves as an extra feature on the holiday weekend calendar.

It provides a central venue for local residents, visiting tourists, and returning nationals from the diaspora to reconnect and sample Vincentian food, craft, music, and hospitality. Each evening, Heritage Square will fill with live music, local cuisine, entertainment, and exhibitor showcases spotlighting local artisans and entrepreneurs.

Members of the public are encouraged to stop by after work or bring their families to enjoy the festivities and support local businesses.

Event Schedule & Visitor Information

• Venue: Heritage Square, Kingstown
• Friday, October 23 – Monday, October 26: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 27 (Independence Day): 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

NCTI and NTRC Fibre Optics Training Programme

The SVG National Centre of Technological Innovation (NCTI) and National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) have successfully concluded their first Fibre Optics Technician – Outside Plant training programme, equipping 23 participants with knowledge and practical skills in fibre optic technology.

The programme commenced on Monday, September 14, 2026, and concluded on Friday, October 23, 2026. It consisted of four weeks of online instruction, followed by a final week of face-to-face practical training at the NCTI office in Kingstown. This blended approach allowed participants to develop their theoretical understanding while gaining hands-on experience with fibre optic equipment and techniques.

The training was facilitated by three instructors from General Communications & Networking Services (GCNS), a company based in Trinidad and Tobago: Mr. Anselm Barrett, Ms. Chrystal Shepherd, and Mr. Paul Dominique. Their expertise and guidance supported participants in developing their knowledge and practical skills in fibre optics technology, with an emphasis on competencies relevant to the telecommunications industry.

The 23 participants represented a diverse group, including individuals attending on behalf of their respective organisations and those pursuing the training for personal and professional development. Four students from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) also participated through scholarships awarded to them by the NTRC to attend the programme. This opportunity provided the students with access to specialised training and an internationally recognised certificate from Electronics Technicians Association, International, Inc. This certificate will allow participants to work locally and internationally with any organization of their choice and can contribute to their future career development.

Fibre optic technology plays a vital role in modern telecommunications infrastructure, supporting high-speed internet connectivity and reliable data transmission. As demand for digital connectivity continues to grow, developing local expertise in this specialised field is important to strengthening the technical workforce and supporting the country’s digital transformation.

Through this programme, NCTI and NTRC continue to demonstrate their commitment to expanding access to technology-focused training and creating opportunities for individuals to acquire industry-relevant skills. As highlighted by the director of the NTRC, Mr. Apollo Knights, the participation of the four SVGCC scholarship recipients further highlights the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop specialised technical competencies.

The successful completion of the programme represents another step in NCTI’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with different institutions and organisations to bring the necessary skills to our shores and to build technical capacity and prepare individuals to contribute to the evolving information and communications technology sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The CEO of NCTI, Mr. Petrus Gumbs, stated that this is just the beginning of a committed partnership among NCTI, NTRC and GCNS to make certain that quality training is made available to the entire Vincentian population as well as neighbouring countries so that our countries can be more resilient and self-sufficient in this technological age.