Category: National

Scouts SVG brought its experience of building a culture of volunteerism to a regional gathering in Nevis, joining participants from several Caribbean territories.

Chief Commissioner Sheron Morgan-Peters, Cub Scout Commissioner Shersita Mc Kie, and Enda Weekes, Scout Leader and Youth Officer with the Ministry of Youth in St Vincent and the Grenadines, represented the association at the fourth Good Deeds Day Regional Caribbean Conference, held from 13–15 October 2026.

The geographic spread of participants created an opportunity to exchange experiences across different Caribbean communities, explore partnerships and consider how local initiatives can inspire action elsewhere.

Delegates Peters and Mckie engaged participants in discussions about the organization’s activities and their impact on promoting volunteerism, strengthening community engagement and inspiring its members to get involved in volunteer service.

Another important aspect of the conference was a panel discussion which focused on volunteerism within small island states. Scout Leader Weekes, drawing on her professional experience with the Ministry of Youth and her training as a scout leader, was able to effectively connect youth development and community engagement with practical voluntary actions, as one of the panelists.

Scouts St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ contributions were grounded in work already undertaken at home. Its Good Deeds Day activities included spending time with residents at Joyview Care Home, sharing original poetry and listening to their stories; working alongside the National Society for the Blind to distribute essential food and personal care items; and bringing Cub Scouts together for the motivational and skills-based “SMILE: Life is Colourful” session.

These initiatives provided practical examples of how young people, adult volunteers and community partners can respond to local needs while developing empathy, confidence and a lasting commitment to service.

For the Vincentian delegation, the regional exchange was a timely and very rewarding experience.

A new locally inspired souvenir brand, Gems of SVG, officially launches today, 20 October 2026, introducing a distinctive collection of keepsakes that celebrates the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and unique identity of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guided by the tagline “Souvenirs That Tell Our Story,” Gems of SVG was established to transform familiar landmarks, cultural traditions, national symbols and treasured Vincentian experiences into meaningful, collectible souvenirs for residents, visitors and Vincentians living abroad.

The inaugural collection features 21 individually designed fridge magnets, alongside a national flag lapel pin and other souvenir products inspired by the nation’s history, people, landscapes and traditions.

From the commanding presence of Fort Charlotte and the majestic La Soufrière volcano to the pristine waters of the Tobago Cays, the collection captures some of the country’s most recognizable attractions. Other designs pay tribute to National Hero Chief Joseph Chatoyer, the iconic Vincy Parrot, traditional Vincentian foods, the Nine Mornings celebration, historic Kingstown architecture and the distinctive character of the Grenadines.

Each design has been thoughtfully developed to evoke a sense of place, belonging and cultural connection.

“Gems of SVG was born out of a simple belief: our stories deserve to be remembered, celebrated and shared. We wanted to create souvenirs that go beyond being decorative items—keepsakes that spark memories, encourage conversations and allow people to carry a little piece of St. Vincent and the Grenadines wherever they go,” said a representative of Gems of SVG.

The brand also seeks to contribute to the development of the local creative economy by demonstrating how Vincentian history, heritage and artistic expression can be translated into marketable cultural products.

With tourism continuing to create opportunities for local entrepreneurship, Gems of SVG aims to strengthen the range of culturally relevant souvenirs available to visitors while providing Vincentians at home and throughout the diaspora with meaningful expressions of national pride.

Retail Locations and Ordering

Gems of SVG products will be available at the following retail locations as of Oct 23rd:

• Common Ground SVG — Cruise Ship Terminal, Kingstown.
• Triple J SVG — Ground Floor, St. Hill Building, Kingstown.

Customers may also explore the collection and place orders through the brand’s website and social media platforms.

The launch marks the beginning of a growing collection designed to celebrate the many dimensions of Vincentian life, with opportunities for future product development, collaborations and expanded retail distribution.

“Whether you are visiting our shores for the first time, returning home after many years, or simply proud to be Vincy, we want every Gem to remind you that our small islands have extraordinary stories worth sharing.”

Gems of SVG invites the public, tourism stakeholders, retailers and members of the Vincentian diaspora to discover the collection, support the brand and become part of its journey.

Gems of SVG — Souvenirs That Tell Our Story.

Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been voted Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026, as Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are celebrating a remarkable week of recognition, earning a combined 27 prestigious awards across the 2026 World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas, World MICE Awards and World Culinary Awards. The honors recognize excellence across the brands’ portfolio of Caribbean resorts and experiences, from all-inclusive vacations and romantic escapes to family getaways, culinary innovation and group travel.

The celebrations began on Sunday, October 11, at the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony held in Jamaica, where Sandals Resorts International was once again named Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand, marking its 33rd consecutive year receiving the title. The company earned 19 honors during the ceremony, including Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort for Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for Sandals Dunn’s River and Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort for Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The momentum continued at the World MICE Awards on Monday, October 12, with six awards recognizing the brands’ offerings for meetings, incentives and group travel. Sandals South Coast in Jamaica earned two distinctions, including Caribbean’s Best Incentive Hotel, while Beaches Turks and Caicos was recognized as Turks & Caicos’ Best Incentive Hotel.

Rounding out the week, the World Culinary Awards on Wednesday, October 14, honored Sandals Dunn’s River as the World’s Best All-Inclusive Culinary Resort, while Mario’s at Sandals Grande Antigua was named Antigua & Barbuda’s Best Hotel Restaurant. Together, the accolades underscore the brands’ continued investment in distinctive dining experiences and culinary innovation across the Caribbean.

World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas 2026

The 19 awards earned by Sandals Resorts International and its affiliated brands include:

• Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2026: Sandals Resorts International
• Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
• Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2026: Sandals Grande Antigua
• Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2026: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
• Caribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2026: Sandals Royal Curaçao
• Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2026: Beaches Turks & Caicos
• Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator 2026: Island Routes
• Antigua & Barbuda’s Leading Adult-Only Resort 2026: Sandals Grande Antigua
• Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Royal Bahamian
• Barbados’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Royal Barbados
• Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Royal Curaçao
• Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Grenada
• Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Montego Bay
• Jamaica’s Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Negril
• Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2026: Beaches Negril
• Saint Lucia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
• St. Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• St. Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading Wedding Hotel 2026: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

World MICE Awards 2026

Recognizing excellence in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, the World MICE Awards honored six properties across the Sandals and Beaches portfolio:

• Caribbean’s Best Incentive Hotel 2026: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
• Antigua & Barbuda’s Best Incentive Hotel 2026: Sandals Grande Antigua
• Barbados’ Best Incentive Hotel 2026: Sandals Barbados
• Jamaica’s Best Incentive Hotel 2026: Sandals South Coast
• Saint Lucia’s Best MICE Hotel 2026: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
• Turks & Caicos’ Best Incentive Hotel 2026: Beaches Turks & Caicos

World Culinary Awards 2026

Celebrating excellence in culinary hospitality, the World Culinary Awards recognized two standout dining experiences within the Sandals Resorts portfolio:

• World’s Best All-Inclusive Culinary Resort 2026: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
• Antigua & Barbuda’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Mario’s at Sandals Grande Antigua

The latest honors come at a particularly meaningful time for Sandals Resorts International, with this year’s award ceremonies hosted in Jamaica, the birthplace of the Sandals brand and the focus of its next chapter of growth. As part of its continued commitment to the island, Sandals Resorts is investing US$200 million to reimagine three of its beloved properties through its Sandals 2.0 vision. Sandals South Coast will welcome guests back on November 18, 2026, followed by Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay, formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean, on December 18, 2026. From elevated accommodations and refreshed resort spaces to new dining concepts celebrating Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage, the transformations mark an exciting new era for the brand while reinforcing its longstanding commitment to the destination it calls home.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards Marks 25 Years of Building National Quality Infrastructure

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards (SVBGBS) proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary of active operations on Wednesday October 14, 2026; marking a quarter-century of dedicated service to national development, consumer protection, and industrial growth.

Since its operational inception in April 2000 under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Consumer Affairs, the Bureau has grown from a single-office entity into a robust, independent statutory body.

Over the past 25 years, SVBGBS has systematically expanded its mandate to include national standardisation, metrology (weights and measures), conformity assessment, and vital testing services that touch nearly every sector of the Vincentian economy.

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Bureau officials and key stakeholders emphasised the collaborative efforts of past and present leaders, government ministries, technical committees, and dedicated staff members who laid the groundwork for the institution’s success.

Key achievements highlighted during the anniversary commemorations include the organisations

Evolution into a Statutory Body, having transitioned through various ministries.  This allowed the Bureau to serve as an objective and competent third-party regulator.  The Bureau over the years, has formed strategic partnerships and gained membership in prominent regional and international standardisation bodies; ensuring that national standards align with global benchmarks.

As the Bureau looks to the future, leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a comprehensive, 360-degree quality value chain approach to economic diversification and consumer safety in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The organisation continues its pursuit of higher international accreditations, including upcoming quality management system certifications, to ensure local businesses remain competitive globally.

CannaBiz SVG Festival 2026 is one week away! Scheduled for October 29 – 31, the festival will bring together local, regional and international stakeholders for three days of industry discussions, business networking, public education and cultural experiences under the theme “Cultivating Strategic Partnerships for Cooperation and Trade”.

The festival officially begins with an opening ceremony on Thursday, October 29, at 9:00 a.m. at Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown, followed by the Medicinal Cannabis Conference from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Conference will feature discussions on regional cooperation, international trade, regulatory developments and the integration of traditional cultivators into the regulated industry. Participants will gain insights into emerging opportunities, industry challenges and potential partnerships. Conference registration is priced at XCD $165 with a discounted price of XCD $100.00 for Vincentian nationals, and interested persons are encouraged to register.

Alongside the Conference, a two-day Exhibition, running from October 29 to 30, between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00

p.m. daily, at the Peace Memorial Hall, and will be open to the general public. The Exhibition will provide opportunities for businesses, cultivators and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, services and innovations, engage with potential partners and increase their visibility. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and learn more about the industry’s development and wider economic opportunities.

On Friday, October 30, the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA), in collaboration with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Pharmaceutical Association Inc., the Pharmacy Council, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy, and the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information, will host a National Youth Symposium, themed “Healthy Minds, Healthy Futures”, at the University of the West Indies Global Campus, commencing at 9:00 a.m.

Targeting primarily students aged 13–15, the Symposium will focus on substance misuse prevention, resilience and healthy decision-making. Through interactive discussions, presentations and breakout sessions, students will explore peer pressure, mental health, misinformation and positive adjustment to secondary school. The initiative aims to equip young people with practical knowledge and skills while informing future prevention and education programmes.

The festival concludes on Saturday, October 31, with the Medicinal Cannabis Tour & Cruise, departing from the Kingstown Cruise Terminal at 10:00 a.m. Participants will journey along Saint Vincent’s scenic leeward coast, visit traditional cultivator farms and gain firsthand insight into the island’s cultivation heritage and the evolving role of traditional cultivators within the regulated industry. The tour concludes at 5:00 p.m., with tickets available for XCD $165.00 per person.

Registration is open at cannabizsvg.gov.vc, and tickets for the Tour & Cruise are available for purchase. Payments are accepted in cash only and may be made in advance. For registration assistance, ticket purchases and enquiries, contact the Medicinal Cannabis Authority at +1-784-456-8113 or +1-784-456-8202.

Whether seeking industry insights, new business connections or a firsthand experience of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ traditional cultivation heritage, CannaBiz SVG Festival 2026 offers opportunities for

meaningful engagement. The MCA encourages industry stakeholders, businesses and members of the general public to register and participate in this year’s Festival.

BODY OF ADULT MALE DISCOVERED ALONG STUBBS BEACH

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the partially decomposed body of an adult male was discovered along Stubbs Beach.

Following the discovery, police officers attached to the Stubbs Police Station launched an investigation into the matter.

A District Medical Officer visited the scene and officially pronounced the man deceased. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is appealing to members of the public who may have a relative or acquaintance who has been reported missing, or who may know someone whose whereabouts are unknown, to contact the Stubbs Police Station at 784-458-4210 or the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 784-456-1810. Any information provided may assist the police in identifying the deceased.

The RSVGPF is also urging anyone with information that may assist with the investigation to contact the police at 784-457-1211 or the CID at 784-456-1810.

Vincy Is A Run Island: All Athletes Run 2026 Set For Saturday, October 24

On Saturday, October 24, from 5:00 AM, the roads from Arnos Vale to Stubbs will come alive as All Athletes Inc. (AAI) hosts the inaugural All Athletes Run 2026, under the theme “Move Your Way.” The event is delivered in collaboration with the Department of Sports and Team Athletics SVG, with the support of corporate and community partners.

All proceeds fuel the AAI Student-Athlete Support Fund, which assists young Vincentians in overcoming financial barriers to educational and sporting opportunities, including tuition-related expenses, accommodation, travel and other essential costs.

Registration is officially sold out, with participants registered across three distances: 5KM, 10KM and Half Marathon. Uniting elite student-athletes, national competitors and recreational runners alike, the event highlights that Vincy is truly a run island. The event will feature participants traveling in from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and Jamaica. The races will start and finish at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

Gold Sponsor: GSD Project Management.

Silver Sponsors: GECCU, Acado SVG, Accent Properties, Facey Trading and SVG Tourism Authority.

Bronze Sponsors: National Insurance Services (NIS), Crave Culture Events, KOSCAB, Massy Distribution and 3rd Element.

AAI invites Vincentians to line the route from Arnos Vale through Calliaqua to Stubbs, cheering on runners as they pass through their communities. All Athletes Run aims to establish a lasting platform for endurance sport, student-athlete development and sports tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Vincy is a run island. On October 24, let’s show it.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is represented by a two -member delegation at the Seventeenth Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Biological Diversity (CBD).

Chief Agricultural Officer (Ag) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Marcus Richards and Superintendent of Marine and Terrestrial Parks, of the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA), Kevin Providence left the state on October 14 for Yerevan, Armenia where the conference is being held.

Mr Richards serves as the Cartegna focal point on biosafety in St. Vincent and the Grenadines while Mr Providence represents the Sustainable Development Unit, which is the CBD focal point.

Their participation reflects the country’s commitment to the biodiversity conservation, suitable resource management and the implementation of global biodiversity targets.

The conference runs from October 19-30. The meetings include CBD COP17, the twelfth meeting of the parties to the Cartagena protocol on biosafety (CP MOP 12) and the sixth meeting of the Parties of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and benefit-sharing (Np-MOP6). The Nagoya protocol aims to prevent the unauthorized exploitation of biological materials and traditional knowledge (often referred to as biopiracy) by establishing a predictable legal framework.

One of the main objectives is the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and its 23 targets.

These meetings address biodiversity protection, biosafety and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.

The meetings also provide an important opportunity for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to strengthen international partnerships, contribute to global discussions and explore technical and financial support for national parties. Participation can help advance the sustainable use of biodiversity, strengthen biosafety and access and benefit sharing approaches and safeguard the country’s natural heritage for future generations.

Sarai Williams Sets New 50m Backstroke Record at Black Sands Tropical Shipping Developmental Meet

Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS) is proud to announce that young swimmer Sarai Williams has established a new record in the Girls 8 Years and Under 50m Backstroke at the Black Sands Tropical Shipping Developmental Swim Meet, held on 26 September 2026 at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre, Ratho Mill.

Sarai clocked an impressive 42.79 seconds, breaking the previous record of 43.23 seconds, set by Eltonique Leonard on 4 October 2019. The new mark represents an improvement of 0.44 seconds on the previous record.

Confirmation of the record was delayed due to technical difficulties encountered during the meet. However, following thorough inquiries, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation (SVGSF) confirmed that Sarai’s time was valid and that the record officially stands.

Black Sands Swim Squad Head Coach Kyle Dougan congratulated Sarai on her achievement, describing it as an encouraging milestone for the young swimmer and the club.

Coach Dougan commented:

“Congratulations to Sarai on this fantastic achievement. Breaking a national age-group record at such a young age is a proud moment for her, her family and everyone at   BSSS. Sarai’s performance is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

We are delighted to see our young swimmers making their mark and demonstrating what is possible through consistent training and commitment. I also want to acknowledge Eltonique Leonard, whose record stood for nearly seven years. We look forward to seeing Sarai continue to develop and achieve even greater things in the sport.”

The achievement highlights the importance of developmental swimming competitions in providing young athletes with opportunities to gain competitive experience, build confidence and reach their full potential.

Black Sands Swim Squad extends its congratulations to Sarai and thanks the SVGSF for its inquiries and confirmation of the record.

The Bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines Ltd. (BOSVG) has announced that card-related services will experience temporary disruptions due to a scheduled system upgrade by one of its service providers.

The outage is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, between 12:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. During this four-hour window, several key banking services will be unavailable, including ATMs and Point-of-Sale (POS) machines. In addition, local and international merchant transactions involving debit and credit cards will not be processed during the maintenance period.

BOSVG acknowledged that the temporary interruption may cause inconvenience and expressed sincere apologies to its customers for any disruption. The financial institution stated that it is working closely with the service provider to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum and full service is restored as quickly as possible.

Customers who have questions or concerns regarding the service interruption can reach out to the BOSVG Card Services team by phone at 784-452-4340 or via email at [email protected].

The Vincy Effect is a six-week destination marketing initiative launched by digital media lecturer Jameliah Crick for second-year students at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

Spanning from October to November 2026, the program divides 44 participating students into eight distinct creative agencies mentored by industry professionals.

Each agency is tasked with promoting St. Vincent and the Grenadines while simultaneously supporting a local social cause through unconventional guerrilla marketing and original digital content.

This experiential learning framework bridges classroom theory with professional practice by requiring students to handle everything from market research to live promotional activations.

The initiative culminates in a final presentation on November 19, 2026, where the student teams compete for awards across multiple categories evaluated by a panel of industry experts.

Ultimately, this collaborative project highlights the creative potential of youth while driving innovative tourism awareness for the nation.