Category: National

Division of Teacher Education Inaugural Educational Conference and Call for Papers

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), through its Division of Teacher Education (DTE), will host its Inaugural Educational Conference on Friday, 20 November 2026, at the College’s Villa Campus, as the Division celebrates 62 years of teacher education.

The conference will be held under the theme “Acknowledging Our Voices: Practical Solutions Based on Classroom Research.”

Educators, teacher-researchers and other education professionals are invited to submit abstracts showcasing research, professional experiences, innovative practices or practical solutions that can contribute to improving education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Presentations should align with one of the following subthemes:

1. Early Childhood Education: Ensuring Well-Rounded Students Through Effective Strategies in the Early Childhood Classroom
2. Language and Literacy: Transforming the Language and Literacy Classroom
3. TVET Education: The Changing Face of TVET Education
4. Mathematics, Science and Technology: Real-World Approaches in Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Abstracts must be submitted to [email protected] by 31 October 2026.

Educators and other education professionals are encouraged to share their work and contribute to discussions on practical, research-informed approaches to teaching and learning.

Blazin’ Ballers Win Grenadines 3×3 Basketball Competition

Bequia’s Blazin’ Ballers were crowned champions of the 3×3 Grenadines Basketball Competition after defeating Union Island’s Ashton Vipers in a thrilling 17–16 final on Sunday, October 18th, at the Clive Tannis Hard Court in Bequia.

The competition, held on October 17th and 18th in collaboration with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF), featured first-round games on Saturday, followed by the semi-finals and finals on Sunday.

The Blazin’ Ballers (the 3×3 team name of the East Blazers club) claimed the EC$400 cash prize generously sponsored by Sugar & Spice Cafe. Their victory also ended the Ashton Vipers’ previously undefeated 3×3 record.

The Bequia Basketball Association recognises the importance of developing 3×3 basketball in small developing countries such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The format offers an accessible and cost-effective way to expand participation, develop emerging talent and create more competitive opportunities for athletes across the islands. The Association remains committed to promoting both 3×3 basketball and the traditional 5v5 format as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the sport throughout the Grenadines and the wider country.

The BBA extends sincere thanks to all participating teams, patrons and the SVGBF for their continued support. Special thanks are also extended to 3×3 Basketball Coordinator Wayne Williams for his valuable assistance throughout the weekend’s games.

The Association looks forward to building on this success and continuing to create opportunities for basketball development across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

ATTEMPT BURGLARY LEFT ONE DEAD IN GEORGETOWN

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is investigating a shooting incident that left one male dead in Georgetown on October 16, 2026.

At approximately 12:10 a.m., police officers received information that two masked men, allegedly armed with firearms, entered the property of the CANNASVG cannabis farm located in Georgetown.

Upon arrival at the scene, police met one male who was later identified as Joel Williams, a 23-year-old resident of Ottley Hall, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Officer.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

The other alleged intruder, whose identity is currently unknown, reportedly fled the scene and is believed to be armed and dangerous.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Anyone with information that may assist the police with this investigation is urged to contact:

Major Crime Unit: 456-1810
Police Control: 457-1211 ext 4876

All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.

 SVG Agriculture Minister visits farms in Canada to strengthen farm workers’ programme

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Hon Israel Bruce is presently in Canada on a visit to farms that are participating in the Seasonal Workers Programme.

Minister Bruce is accompanied by Agricultural Officer, Research and Development-Camille Walsh DeJong and Executive Officer, Ministry Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning, Candice Bullock Seargeant.

The purpose of the visit is to assess prospective farms to expand the programme so that more Vincentians can have the opportunity to participate in the programme.

While in Canada, the delegation is expected to meet with Deputy Minister of Labour, Employment, Social Development Canada-Temporary Foreign Worker Programme Directorate.

Meetings are also scheduled with the Foreign Agricultural Resource Management Services (FARMS) & CanAg Travel Agency and President, CEO and Labour committee of the British Columbia Fruit Growers Association (BCFGA).

Also on the agenda is a visit to potential employers in Kelowna, a city in the south of Canada’s British Columbia province, as well as potential employers in Surrey and Abbotsford.

The delegation will also participate in activities staged by the Consulate in Canada to mark St Vincent and the Grenadines’47^th anniversary. The delegation will also meet with the SVG Consulate General in Canada, Dr. Roderick McKree.

The delegation left the state on October 14 and will return on October 28.

On October 12, Taiwanese Ambassador Fiona Huei-Chun Fan convened a high-level bilateral meeting with senior leadership from the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) to explore structured opportunities for expanding security cooperation and enhancing local law enforcement capacity.

The diplomatic dialogue focused on addressing core operational priorities in the Caribbean nation through targeted institutional support, technical assistance, and potential training frameworks. Highlighting the enduring partnership between Taipei and Kingstown, the meeting established an operational baseline for expanding police capabilities across several operational domains.

To advance these objectives, Ambassador Fan engaged directly with the executive command structure of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ police force.

During the October 12 session, bilateral discussions centered on evaluating four strategic operational sectors targeted for potential technical collaboration and capacity development:

Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation, Police Canine Training, Drone Technology.

Providing an immediate boost to front-line enforcement, Ambassador Fan presented more than 300 rapid drug test kits—manufactured directly in Taiwan—to Commissioner Bailey and the RSVGPF delegation.

This direct handover addresses immediate field-testing requirements by equipping officers with rapid chemical screening tools. In an archipelagic law enforcement environment where rapid interdiction is critical, on-site reagent testing allows officers to conduct preliminary substance identification during field stops and border checks, streamlining evidence processing and supporting immediate counternarcotics operations.

The bilateral session brought together Ambassador Fan and the senior decision-makers of the RSVGPF, ensuring direct command-level alignment on national security priorities and agency needs.

The RSVGPF delegation in attendance included:

Trevor Bailey, Commissioner of Police

Junior Simmons, Acting Deputy Commissioner

Benzil Samuel, Assistant Commissioner

Hesran Ballantyne, Assistant Commissioner

POLICE APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING DECEASED MALE

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is appealing to members of the public for assistance in establishing the identity of the adult male whose body was recovered from the sea off Cane Garden at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Persons who have a male relative or loved one who is currently unaccounted for are encouraged to contact the police and, where appropriate, assist with the identification process at the mortuary.

Due to the condition in which the body was recovered, establishing the deceased’s identity through ordinary visual means has proven difficult. The cooperation of relatives and members of the public may therefore be critical in helping investigators determine who he is.

Anyone who believes they may be able to assist is asked to contact the police at (784) 457-1211 or (784) 456-1810 as soon as possible.

The RSVGPF thanks the public for its cooperation as investigations continue.

RSVGPF ANNOUNCES PROMOTION OF 51 OFFICERS

October 15, 2026 – Kingstown: The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is pleased to announce the promotion of fifty-one (51) officers across several ranks within the organisation.

The Police Service Commission approved the appointments on promotion of twenty-one (21) officers, with effect from October 2, 2026, while the Commissioner of Police approved the promotion of a further thirty (30) officers to the ranks of Sergeant and Corporal, with effect from October 13, 2026.

Superintendent of Police

Nigel Butcher, formerly Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Assistant Superintendents of Police

Desrine Daize and Biorn Duncan, formerly Inspectors of Police.

Inspectors of Police

Daniel Prescott, Nicola Williams, Hanif Johnson, Dwight Lewis, Mark Billy, Wendell Corridon and Desrick Quashie.

Station Sergeants of Police

Glendon David, Gerald Gould, Marle Lewis, Shawn Chandler, Henry Hoyte, Kaywana Gibson, Alex Primus, Dwight James, Rohan Giles, Winston Maloney and LaFleur Williams.

Sergeants of Police

Osbourne McKie, Nevris Samuel, David Wright, Calvert Cuffy, Renetta Millington, Romancia Jordon, Gibbs McDowall, Judy Franklyn and Kellon John.

Corporals of Police

Roycel Davis, Germano Douglas, Shevy Miller, Oscar Hackshaw, Jeremain Roberts, Andy Trimmingham, Darell Sam, Kenviel Huggins, Nicos Hope, Sean Roache, Marc Williams, Tamika Spence, Jemmy Arthur, Noriesiah Shallow, Theon Ollivierre, Cliseena Butler, Karla Burgin, Andrea John, Twana DaSilva, Delano Bristol and Lorcan Webb.

These promotions strengthen the supervisory and command structure of the RSVGPF while providing officers with the opportunity to assume greater responsibility in service to the organisation and the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The RSVGPF extends sincere congratulations to all fifty-one officers on their promotion. The organisation recognises the service, experience and commitment that have brought them to this stage of their careers and encourages each officer to approach the responsibilities of their new rank with professionalism, fairness, discipline and a continued commitment to public service.

The Commissioner of Police (Ag.), Mr. Trevor Bailey, also joins in congratulating the newly promoted officers and wishes them every success as they undertake their new responsibilities.

The RSVGPF looks forward to the contribution each officer will continue to make toward strengthening the organisation, supporting those under their supervision and providing effective policing services to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The newly constituted Converted National Ecumenical Council (C-NEC) has formally announced its inception, reaffirming a renewed commitment to unity, heritage preservation, and cultural development within the Converted/Spiritual Baptist faith across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Operating under the motto “Maintaining Our Heritage – Advancing Our Faith,” C-NEC establishes a structured, coordinated platform connecting churches, dioceses, ministries, missions, chapels, prayer houses, youth organizations, and other religious entities across the nation.

Following a formal election and constitution of its Executive body, Bishop Vernon Douglas has been elected President of C-NEC, with Bishop Philomena Tittle serving as Vice President. The broader Council structure incorporates leaders representing various ministries and specialized work areas across the faith.

The Executive Council formally convened in Kingstown on Saturday, October 3, 2026, bringing together leadership members along with visiting Apostolic Bishop Lennon Diaz to finalize organizational directives.

According to the Council’s media release, C-NEC represents a continuation of earlier efforts to bring greater cohesion to the faith, providing a modernized structure, clear direction, and organizational focus.

At the core of C-NEC’s mandate is a dedicated effort to document, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage generated by the Converted/Spiritual Baptist community. Council leadership highlighted that the faith’s music, oral traditions, worship styles, leadership frameworks, and spiritual expressions constitute a foundational pillar of Vincentian society.

Furthermore, C-NEC has positioned youth engagement as a strategic priority, championing youth participation and leadership development to ensure the preservation and continuation of the faith across generations.

To engage the wider Vincentian public, C-NEC is launching a nationwide awareness campaign to introduce its executive leadership, mandate, and long-term objectives.

An official public launch is scheduled for the coming months, during which the Council will formally unveil additional details regarding its executive structure, project initiatives, and strategic plans. C-NEC Secretary Ms. Antonette Commissiong has extended an invitation to media houses for interviews and public engagements leading up to the official unveiling.

SVG Postal Corporation Pursues Shipping Growth to Support Vincentian Enterprise and Employment.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation will participate in the 15th EMS Global Workshop in Berne, Switzerland, on 15 and 16 October 2026, as part of its drive to strengthen delivery services, grow revenue and contribute more actively to the Vincentian economy.

Chairman Marlon Bute and Assistant Director, Business Development and Operations, Raffique Samuel will represent the Corporation. Their participation will combine strategic and operational perspectives, with a focus on translating international expertise into practical opportunities for the Corporation and the businesses it serves.

Organised by the EMS Cooperative, the workshop will explore “Future of EMS: Ensuring sustainable business through volume growth”. The programme will examine international market developments, practical revenue-generating strategies, cross-border e-commerce and changing customer expectations.

Invited speakers include UPU Economist José Anson, global parcel transportation research consultant Mark Schoeman and Wim van de Sande, Director of International Network Solutions at PostNL. Expected contributors also include Derek Sun, a senior executive from AliExpress Logistics, Alibaba Group, and Yongping Jin, Deputy Managing Director of China Post.

The interactive sessions will allow members to exchange experiences, contribute ideas and identify strategic priorities and follow-up actions for EMS. The organisers have encouraged in-person attendance to take full advantage of discussions, networking and collaboration across the international network.

For the SVG Postal Corporation, the emphasis on increasing shipment volumes and generating revenue aligns with its mandate to develop new services, strengthen existing operations and become a profitable institution.

Bute said this direction reflects the mandate of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, Major the Honourable St. Clair Leacock, who has responsibility for the Postal Corporation.

“The Minister’s mandate is to make the Corporation a profitable proposition, but its importance goes beyond its own revenue. We want it to play a stronger role in building the Vincentian economy by helping small and medium-sized businesses, self-employed people, creatives and other entrepreneurs reach customers and grow,” Bute said.

“When businesses can sell more and reach wider markets, they improve their ability to sustain employment, pay good wages and employ more Vincentians. Reliable shipping is an important part of that. We want the Postal Corporation to become a practical partner in making those opportunities possible.”

Bute said the Corporation has a foundation upon which to build, including its employees’ knowledge and experience, its logistics infrastructure and its relationships throughout the region and around the world.

“The Corporation has considerable capacity, but there is room to make much more of it. Historically, that potential has not been fully developed. The direction now is to give the institution the mandate, support and scope to build on its strengths and respond to the needs of a changing economy,” he said.

“EMS is an area where we see great potential. There are resources and partnerships within the international network that we intend to tap into. Our task is to turn that potential into dependable services, increased business and tangible value for Vincentians.”

He added that his experience in business informs his approach to the chairmanship, particularly the importance of understanding customers, managing resources and turning ideas into workable services.

“Businesses need services they can rely on. As Chairman, I want to help ensure that the Board provides the direction and support management needs to build those services, develop our people and pursue opportunities with purpose. That is consistent with the Minister’s mandate for a more enterprising and commercially sustainable Corporation,” Bute said.

Samuel emphasised the opportunity for SVG Post to contribute to the international network’s strategic development.

“This workshop also gives SVG Post a voice in shaping the future direction of the EMS Cooperative. By engaging directly with postal operators and industry experts, we aim to strengthen relationships and explore partnerships that can improve international shipping connectivity for Vincentian businesses,” Samuel said.

The Corporation is also working towards introducing same-day delivery throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines and developing expedited shipping services to North America, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. The workshop will help inform the international component of these plans through its focus on business growth, customer needs and cooperation across the EMS network.

These initiatives form part of a wider effort to reimagine the Postal Corporation’s contribution to national development, building on its people, infrastructure and international relationships to support enterprise, employment and economic growth.

The National Nine Mornings Festival Management Committee will be holding a meeting with all groups, organizations and individuals involved in Community Christmas Light Up and Nine Mornings activities. 

This meeting is scheduled for Saturday 17^th, October, 2026 at 9:00am at the Peace Memorial Hall, with a focus on plans and preparations for the 2026 National Lotteries Authority Nine Mornings Festival.

A strong call for enhanced operational cooperation, intelligence sharing and maritime surveillance has been issued as Coast Guard Commanders from across the Regional Security System (RSS) convene in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to strengthen the Caribbean’s collective response to evolving maritime security threats.

The two-day RSS Coast Guard Commanders Conference, being held October 12–13, brings together senior maritime security officials to examine emerging threats, strengthen operational coordination and develop practical strategies to safeguard the region’s waters.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Acting Commissioner of Police of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Mr. Trevor Bailey, underscored the importance of protecting the region’s maritime domain against increasingly sophisticated transnational criminal networks.

“Our internal, coastal and offshore waters are not merely geographical features; they are economic arteries, environmental treasures, and frontline defences of our islands and nations,” Mr. Bailey stated.

Highlighting threats posed by narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms smuggling, human trafficking and irregular maritime movements, he warned that no Member State could effectively confront these challenges independently.

“No single force, nation or vessel can police these vast waters alone,” he declared.

Mr. Bailey identified three critical priorities for strengthening regional maritime security: enhanced surveillance and maritime domain awareness, real-time intelligence sharing, and strategic deployment of maritime assets.

He advocated greater integration of radar systems, aerial surveillance capabilities and intelligence-led operations to improve the detection, tracking and interception of suspicious vessels.

The Acting Commissioner also stressed the importance of harmonising maritime safety regulations, particularly those governing vessel licensing, safety equipment and communication requirements, to address vulnerabilities exploited by criminal networks.

“We must seamlessly integrate our operational capabilities, align our doctrines, and optimise every available resource,” he urged.

Meanwhile, Conference Chairperson Commander Deon Henry reinforced the need for sustained regional cooperation, operational interoperability and shared responsibility in confronting maritime security threats.

“These challenges demand a sustained, coordinated regional response, built on trust, interoperability, and shared responsibility,” Commander Henry emphasised.

He noted that strengthening monitoring, control and surveillance capabilities, alongside consistent enforcement of maritime laws, would be essential to protecting territorial sovereignty, maritime resources and lives at sea.

Commander Henry further underscored that the effectiveness of the RSS depends not only on individual Member States’ capabilities but also on their willingness to pool resources, harmonise strategies and strengthen strategic partnerships.

“This RSS Coast Guard Commanders Conference is not just about identifying challenges, but building solutions together,” he stated.

Throughout the conference, delegates will review operational priorities, identify capability gaps and explore opportunities to enhance maritime interdiction, search and rescue, surveillance and maritime safety enforcement.

Both speakers challenged participants to translate discussions into actionable strategies and measurable improvements in regional maritime security.

The conference reaffirms the RSS’s commitment to strengthening the Caribbean’s security architecture through coordinated action, mutual assistance and collective responsibility.

As Commander Henry reminded delegates, the organisation’s guiding motto, “Strength Through Unity,” remains central to building a safer, more secure and resilient Caribbean.

The St. Vincent Coast Guard retrieved a body, which was found floating midway between Cane Garden Point and the northern tip of Bequia.

The discovery was made sometime around 11.25 on Tuesday morning.

Following the retrieval, the body was brought to the mainland and transferred to a funeral home for storage until a postmortem examination can be conducted.

The identity of the individual cannot be confirmed at this time; however, St Vincent Times understands it was the body of a male.

Further details regarding the incident remain unavailable as the situation continues to develop.