Category: National

UBEC Advances Seafood Safety Modernisation in Saint Vincent

Efforts to strengthen seafood safety, quality inspection and export readiness in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have advanced with the completion of a four-day consultation led by Seafood Sanitary Consultant Helder DaSilva under the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project.

The consultations were held during the period 21st – 24th September and formed part of DaSilva’s final mission to the country for the development of a Five-Year Seafood Sanitary and Inspection Services Development Plan.

It follows an earlier visit by DaSilva in June 2026, during which he conducted assessments and engaged stakeholders across the fisheries sector. That work examined areas including sanitary controls, legislation, inspection capacity, laboratory services, seafood establishments, landing sites and fishing operations.

During his latest mission, DaSilva held three days of technical discussions with Fisheries officials, followed by a wider stakeholder session involving representatives from Government and private industry.

DaSilva said the final session generated strong discussion on the future modernisation of seafood safety and quality in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including the requirements associated with accessing the European market.

He noted that participants were actively involved in identifying the challenges, needs and practical difficulties that would have to be addressed as the country strengthens its system.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience, Giselle Myers, said the five-year plan provides the country with a practical strategy for strengthening seafood sanitary and quality inspection services.

According to Myers, the plan combines an assessment of the existing system with a proposed framework for official controls and a phased approach to implementation.

“The five-year Seafood Sanitary and Inspection Services Development Plan is a valuable roadmap for building a safer, more credible competitive seafood sector,” Myers said.

She noted that legislative reform, stronger inspection procedures, staff training, improved food-safety controls and reliable monitoring would help ensure that seafood sold locally is handled safely, while also laying the groundwork for future trade opportunities.

UBEC Fisheries Specialist, Risha Alleyne said Fisheries has now been provided with a roadmap to guide improvements to quality inspection services and strengthen the country’s competent authority over the next five years.

Alleyne said a major long-term objective of the Ministry and UBEC is for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to work towards re-entry into the European Union market for fish and fish products.

She acknowledged that the process will take time but said the consultations have helped identify a pathway forward, supported by continued commitment from Government and private-sector stakeholders.

Ezron John, Manager of the Kingstown Fish Market, Division of the Agriculture Input Warehouse, said the consultation provided greater clarity on policy and the concrete actions that could be pursued over the next six months to two years.

John said improvements to the facility would support greater seafood safety for local consumers while also contributing to the country’s preparations for international export markets.

Meanwhile, Dr. Maren Headley, Programme Manager for Fisheries Management and Development with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat, described the session as comprehensive in outlining a way forward for improving seafood standards, inspection and traceability.

She said strengthening these areas could improve Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ competitiveness in the global market, contribute to development of the Blue Economy and potentially provide useful lessons for other CRFM Member States.

With DaSilva’s final mission completed, attention now turns to implementation of the five-year roadmap.

The initiative is expected to support stronger seafood safety for Vincentian consumers while progressively strengthening the systems, institutions and industry practices required for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to pursue expanded regional and international market opportunities.

The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) is pleased to announce a free virtual training opportunity designed to help entrepreneurs navigate and thrive in the digital economy. The CED is inviting Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to register for its upcoming workshop, “Building an Online Presence,” scheduled for 29 October 2026.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, establishing a strong online presence is essential for business growth, visibility, and competitiveness. This half-day, interactive workshop will be delivered via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and will equip participants with practical tools and techniques to develop a professional, effective, and impactful online brand.

Participants will explore key strategies for creating and maintaining a professional digital identity, developing effective online marketing strategies tailored to a specific target audience, and optimizing social media platforms to increase visibility and engagement. They will also learn about building credibility and strengthening their brand online and leveraging digital tools and platforms to support business growth.

The “Building an Online Presence” workshop is an initiative of the Unlock Opportunities through Climate Change Initiatives (UOCCI) Project, a three-year programme funded by the OAS Development Cooperation Fund (DCF) and running from 2024 to 2027. The project focuses on supporting and recognizing the contributions of women and underserved communities, while promoting a more inclusive approach to climate action. Through this approach, the project seeks to reduce the impacts of climate change while simultaneously enhancing livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for these groups.

According to CED Officer in Charge Keisha Phillips, establishing a strong online brand is essential for businesses seeking to remain relevant and competitive in today’s marketplace.

“Mastering your digital identity is no longer a luxury; it is the cornerstone of modern business success. Our mission with this workshop is to turn digital uncertainty into a competitive advantage by providing local entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to confidently reach and engage their target audiences.”

The workshop is free of charge, and registration closes on 16 October 2026. Interested MSMEs are encouraged to register early to secure their place.

For more information or to register, please visit the CED’s official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages, or contact the CED at (784) 451-2235/6.

Curlan Francis Edwards one of two winners of Super 6 jackpot of $1,048,000 receives her cheque of $524,000 from NLA Chairperson Mrs. Luann Hadaway and NLA Human Resource Manager Ms. Sheena Nanton Child.

POLICE CALL FOR INCREASED VIGILANCE FOLLOWING RECENT ROBBERIES, BURGLARIES

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is encouraging members of the public to be more alert following a number of recent robberies and burglaries, particularly within the South-Central Division.

Police are actively investigating these incidents and taking steps to identify and apprehend those responsible.

At the same time, members of the public are urged to strengthen basic security habits — secure homes, vehicles and businesses, avoid leaving valuables exposed, and remain attentive to suspicious activity.

Community safety works best when police action is supported by public vigilance.

If something appears suspicious, report it.

Stay alert. Secure your surroundings. Work with the police.

Bequia Basketball Association to Host Another Grenadines 3×3 Basketball Competition

The Bequia Basketball Association (BBA), in collaboration with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF), will host a Grenadines 3×3 Basketball Competition on Friday, October 16th and Saturday, October 17th at the Clive Tannis Hard Court in Bequia.

Teams from across the Grenadines are invited to compete, with entry set at $20 EC per player and a cash prize of $400 EC for the winning team, generously sponsored by Sugar and Spice Café.

The Bequia Basketball Association is pleased to once again host a 3×3 competition and looks forward to welcoming teams from throughout the Grenadines for an exciting weekend of fast-paced basketball. The previous 3×3 competition hosted by the Association in May 2026 was won by Union Island’s Ashton Vipers. The BBA is hoping to see a strong turnout of teams as players once again take to the court.

Admission for spectators is free. Patrons are also asked to support the Association’s bar by purchasing food and drinks while enjoying the games.

10 Caribbean Countries Receive Training for Safer Custody, Rehabilitation and Reintegration 

Two projects join forces to strengthen correctional systems in the Caribbean, by combining national, regional and international expertise and a shared commitment to more effective and accountable and rights-based justice.

Responding to the priorities and identified needs of national correctional, probation and parole services, the Partnership of the Caribbean and European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) Project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the European Union and the Government of Canada-funded Judicial Strengthening for the Eastern Caribbean (JES-EC) Project implemented by the Justice Education Society of British Columbia, are collaborating to strengthen correctional, probation and parole practice across the region from September to November 2026.

As part of this partnership, the training initiative will be implemented across 10 Caribbean countries. Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.  Together, these 10 national training interventions will provide opportunities to address country-specific priorities and challenges, while facilitating the exchange of regional and international experience and identifying practical approaches to strengthening correctional, probation and parole services across the region.

These joint sessions recently concluded in Grenada (23 – 25 Sept) and St Vincent and the Grenadines (29 Sept – 1 Oct) brought together correctional, probation and parole practitioners to examine practical approaches to custody, rehabilitation, probation, parole and reintegration. Participants will leverage regional and international experience to identify solutions that can be applied within the Caribbean context, with a focus on strengthening custodial management, advancing effective rehabilitation, improving coordinated case management and creating stronger pathways to reintegration. This collective approach thereby contributes to safer correctional environments and stronger justice systems.

Speaking on the importance of the regional training programme, PACE Justice Project Specialist, Vanessa Untiedt said: “It is important that we look at the justice system as a whole. Prison, probation and parole are an essential part of the justice chain, and the people working in these services face very practical challenges every day. Through this regional training, we want to bring them together, share experiences and provide practical tools that support their daily work, while strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration across the region.”

Head of Cooperation for the Eastern Caribbean, Jennifer Cooper, highlighted the importance of strong justice institutions to regional stability and development. “Regional peace and security is a priority for Canada, and we are proud to support partners working to strengthen justice institutions across the Eastern Caribbean. Effective justice systems uphold the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights, build public confidence and contribute to safer communities. By bringing practitioners together to share expertise and practical solutions, we expect that this initiative will strengthen institutional capacity and support more responsive and effective justice services across the region.”

Project Director of the Judicial Strengthening for the Eastern Caribbean Project, Lyndel Archibald underscored the value of collaboration among justice practitioners. She said: “Bringing practitioners together fosters a collaborative approach to justice and rehabilitation. This collaboration enhances the capacity of practitioners to work together seamlessly to improve outcomes for individuals and communities, ultimately strengthening opportunities for rehabilitation, successful reintegration and reduced recidivism.”

Across the 10 training events, practitioners will have the opportunity to examine existing practices, share experiences and identify practical approaches that can be adapted to their national contexts. The initiative is intended to strengthen the connections between custody, rehabilitation, probation, parole and reintegration, while supporting more coordinated approaches to risk management, case management and the safe transition of individuals back into society.

Ultimately, this initiative seeks to support practical improvements across participating jurisdictions and contribute to stronger, more responsive justice systems throughout the Caribbean.

Ten-year-old Vedant Shetty of Calliaqua Anglican Primary School has achieved international recognition by earning the Candidate Master (CM) title at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Vedant was the youngest competitor in the entire Open field among participants from nearly 200 countries.

Competing on boards 3 and 4, he secured his title after scoring 4 points in his first 6 games, which included a victory over titled player CM Jamie Morgan of Guernsey. He concluded the tournament with 5 wins from 10 games.

The Vincentian squad—captained by CM Brian Cottle alongside Swift Glendon, Oris Robinson, and Gumbs Jahnyiah—recorded team victories over Guernsey and Vanuatu, as well as draws against Burkina Faso and Nauru.

Vedant expressed appreciation to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chess Federation, its president Hon. Israel Bruce, and his teachers and principal for their support.

Vincentian athletes Christian Joseph and Amiyah Bascombe will represent SVG at the World Karate Federation (WKF) Cadet, Junior and Under-21 World Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, from October 14th to 18th.

Joseph will compete in the Men’s Under-21 Kumite, while Bascombe will contest the Women’s Junior Kumite.

Both athletes have undergone months of preparation and previously represented SVG at the 2025 Pan American Championships in Paraguay.

Coach Adrian John is confident in their preparation as they prepare to compete against some of the world’s top young karate athletes.

The four-member delegation will be led by HKF President Claude Bascombe Junior, with Coach John supporting the athletes.

The team departs SVG on October 9th and returns on October 20th.

Christian Joseph and Amiyah Bascombe carrying the Vincentian flag to the world stage

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will observe its official National Day of Prayer on Monday, October 5, 2026.

This year’s observance is structured around the central theme: “Restore, Unite and Uplift Our Nation Through Prayer”. The event is organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Community Empowerment, Ecclesiastical Affairs and National Heritage, working in collaboration with the National Day of Prayer Committee.

A series of spiritual activities and devotions are scheduled across the island throughout the day, including:

• Prayer Rally: A public gathering at Heritage Square starting from 11:00 a.m.
• School Devotions: Dedicated devotions held in schools
• Workplace Devotions: Scheduled prayer sessions in places of employment
• Visits to State Institutions: Outreach visits conducted at government facilities and state institutions
• Interactive & On-Air Prayers: Broadcasted prayer sessions for listeners and viewers across the nation
• Kingstown Prayer Stations: Designated prayer stations established across Kingstown for public access

Ramon Johnson begins basketball coaching in USA

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF) is pleased to announce that its 2nd Vice President, Ramon Johnson, is currently in the United States of America completing the next phases of the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP).

The ICECP is an internationally recognised programme designed to strengthen the capacity of sports coaches and administrators while contributing to the development of athletes, coaches and sport systems around the world.

A key focus of the programme is training participants to identify and develop athletes while equipping them with the skills and competencies needed to educate and mentor aspiring coaches in their home countries.

The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical applications aimed at supporting the continued growth of sport and the Olympic ideals within participants’ respective countries. The intended outcome is for ICECP participants to return home not only as coaches within their sports, but also as foundation builders for the next generation of coaches and athletes, while helping to promote the Olympic spirit.

As part of his ongoing ICECP journey, Johnson recently completed additional sessions at the University of Delaware. He has now arrived at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he will complete the apprenticeship component of the programme, gaining further practical experience in a high-performance sporting environment.

The President, members of the Executive, the Indian community of SVG and in the Diaspora, will, on Wednesday October 7^th 2026, commemorate the 19^th anniversary, since the recognition of INDIAN HERITAGE DAY, by an Act of Parliament on March 26^th 2007.

After the abolition of slavery in 1838, there was a shortage of labour, as many of the newly freed slaves refused to work on the estates. Between the years 1861 and 1880, eight (8) ships arrived from India bringing a total of 2,474 Indians. They lived on twenty- three (23) estates in St Vincent. Of the 2,474 Indians who came to SVG, 1,141 returned to India, because they saw no more prospects for them in SVG.

Indian Heritage Day received its significance when on October 7^th 1882, fifty (50) barefooted Indians from Argyle estate laid down their cutlasses and hoes, and marched all the way to Kingstown in defiance of the estate manager, Mr Mc Kenzie, and the laws of St Vincent, to take their several grievances directly to the Lieutenant Governor.

On their way to Kingstown, seven (7) miles away, they were joined by more Indians from Calder, M Pleasant, Stubbs, Diamond, Ratho Mill, Golden Vale, Harmony Hall, Carapan, Happy Vale, Belair, and Arnos Vale.

When they got to Kingstown, seven of the Indians, called “ringleaders”, were arrested and charged for “vagabondism”; that they had left the estate without permission, and had gone beyond the two- mile limit.

After two months, a petition was sent to the Colonial Office on behalf of the seven Indians, and the Secretary of State ruled that an injustice was done, and they were given the right to return to India. However, the high cost of repatriation was considered, and in lieu of the return passage to India, an offer was made to give them lands. This was turned down by the planters.

The Indians who remained in SVG continued to live on the estates, while buying pieces of land in other areas, to move their families.

The religion of the Indians who arrived in SVG was mainly Hinduism. As they were a relatively small group, they were encouraged to adapt to Christianity. Infants were baptized in Christian churches and given Anglo-Saxon names. There was competition among the Christian churches to baptize the Indians.

The Indian names were changed, so that they could be educated in the Christian schools. Later, there was inter-marriage with other races. There were also changes in the style of dress and cuisine; females no longer wore saris, and curry dishes were replaced by creole dishes, such as ground provision and fish.

The SVG Indian Heritage Foundation has endeavoured, over the past twenty (20) years of its existence, to preserve the identity of their fore-parents, to recognize and understand their heritage and culture, to acknowledge their outstanding contribution to the development of the areas in which they settled, and above all, thank those who remained in SVG, so we can be here now.

We pay tribute to their suffering, fortitude and progress as we try, as far as is humanly possible, to carry on their rich legacy, and hand down what we have learnt to our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, with the hope that they will build on what we so enthusiastically started.

We continue to share the interesting and educational series of “Interviews with outstanding Vincentian Indians in the Diaspora” and “Conversations with our Indian Elders, which are available on YouTube and our website www.svgihf.org. So far, we have featured 27 outstanding citizens.

A Genealogy website is available to persons who are interested in tracing their roots. (Indentured Indians/Girmityas). Please visit our main website www.svgihf.org, click on the “subscribe” button, then select “premium” and follow the prompts to subscribe.

Some of the features include building, or importing and expanding family trees, accessing and sharing information about families, linking up family trees with other Indians of SVG, and printing family trees.

As we continue our mandate:

“to represent the interest of the East Indian community of SVG and those in the Diaspora, instil a greater sense of pride in our heritage and culture, create opportunities for Indo-Vincentians to learn more about, and preserve their history, create and strengthen relationships, improve all other aspects of the Indian community”, we say Happy Indian Heritage Day 2026 to everyone, and ask that you join us as we commemorate this historical day by wearing something Indian, and eating some Indian food on Wednesday October 7^th 2026.

Following fierce competition among eighteen (18) schools across four preliminary rounds held at the UWI Global Campus in Kingstown from September 29th to October 2nd 2026, the judges have selected the six finalists for the 2026 Lions Club St.

Vincent South/FLOW National Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition. The Finalists are:

1. Jinya Pemberton – St. Vincent Girls High School
2. Jolisha Bailey – St. Joseph Convent Marriaqua
3. Tishon Ollivierre – St. Vincent Grammar School
4. Rachel Mitchell – Canouan Secondary School
5. Vonté Horne – Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia
6. Diandra Shepherd – Thomas Saunders Secondary School

The finals will take place on Thursday October 22nd 2026 commencing at 7PM at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.

There will be a meeting with the finalists accompanied by a Teacher on Tuesday October 6th 2026 at 1:30PM at the Computec Conference Room where they will be provided with the topic,briefed about the finals and select their order of appearance.

This year’s competition is being done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and is sponsored by telecommunications provider FLOW.

The finalists will be vying for the Lion Michael De Freitas Challenge Trophy among other prizes.