Category: National

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association (SVGTA) has officially released the final results for its National Open & Masters Tennis Tournament, which served as the grand finale of Tennis Fest 2026 at the National Tennis Centre in Villa.

Held from September 21 to 27, 2026, following a nearly three-year hiatus for the National Open, the tournament brought together 29 players competing across seven distinct categories. The event also marked the SVGTA’s inaugural hosting of a dedicated Masters category.

In the Open Men’s Singles division, 21-year-old Afi Lucas achieved a major breakthrough by dethroning multiple-time champion Taj Ballantyne in the final with a 6-4, 6-3 victory. Lucas also captured the Open Men’s Doubles title alongside rising talent Ethan Kent, defeating Ballantyne and Sebastian Cyrus 7-5, 3-6, 10-3 in the final.

Gabrielle Benn dominated the women’s and mixed competitions, capturing three titles across the tournament:

Open Women’s Singles: Benn earned the singles title after her twin sister, Amarlia Lewis, was forced to withdraw from the final due to illness.

Open Women’s Doubles: Benn teamed up with twin sister Amarlia Lewis to defeat Afe Lucas and Zahra Hypolite 6-2, 6-2.

Open Mixed Doubles: Benn joined forces with Taj Ballantyne to defeat Afi Lucas and his sister Afe Lucas 7-5, 4-6, 10-8 in a nail-biting final, denying Afi a triple crown sweep.

The Masters Men’s (Over 40) category featured competitive round-robin action. Omar Wyllie went undefeated across three matches to claim the Masters Men’s Singles title, defeating runner-up Garfield Mayers 5-7, 6-4, 10-7 in their decisive matchup.

Wyllie then paired with Mayers to capture the Masters Men’s Doubles title, defeating Mark Cyrus and Tony Defreitas 6-1, 6-1 in the final.

The SVGTA highlighted key contributions off the court, including debut Tournament Referee Antoniya Haynes, a second-year Sports Science student at SVG Community College, and physiotherapist Saphire Dick, who provided medical care across all five Tennis Fest events.

SVGTA Vice President and Tournament Director Sebastian Cyrus expressed gratitude to event sponsors—including the National Lotteries Authority, Koscab SVG Ltd., MAVCOM, Cyrus Sounds, and Lucanus Ollivierre Photography—for supporting the revival of senior national tennis.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council has issued a strong call for calm, justice, and collective action following a tragic shooting in Green Hill that left four people dead and several others injured.

The incident occurred on Friday, September 25, 2026, claiming the lives of four Vincentians and injuring others in the community. In an official press release, the Christian Council expressed profound sorrow over the event, extending heartfelt condolences to bereaved families while praying for the full recovery of the injured and the comfort of all affected witnesses.

Unequivocally condemning the incident, the Council affirmed that every human life is created in the image of God and that taking a life constitutes a grave assault on human dignity. The organization urged the nation never to become numb to bloodshed or accept violence as a norm, emphasizing that every such tragedy demands a just response and a renewed commitment to preventing further loss of life.

The Council appealed for calm across all communities and urged citizens to reject retaliation. It encouraged anyone with relevant information to assist police in their ongoing investigation. Out of respect for grieving families, the Council also requested that the public refrain from circulating graphic images, unverified allegations, and speculation.

Supporting a thorough law enforcement investigation, the Christian Council called for those responsible to be brought to justice through due process. The Council acknowledged the challenging work of police officers, medical personnel, and emergency responders, urging that they receive all necessary support to protect communities and care for victims.

Highlighting that building a peaceful society is a shared responsibility, the Council called upon the Government, parliamentary opposition, churches, schools, businesses, community organizations, and families to collaborate on sustained initiatives to curb gun violence. Specific measures advocated by the Council include:

• Taking direct action against illegal firearms.
• Offering support to individuals at risk of becoming involved in violence.
• Providing assistance for those seeking to leave violent groups.
• Delivering comprehensive counseling and care for victims and their families.

The Christian Council emphasized that religious institutions must also evaluate how to deepen their impact at the local level. Key efforts outlined include listening to young people, supporting parents, offering pastoral care, resolving local conflicts, and building environments of hope and belonging.

Concluding its message, the Council stressed that prayer must be matched by practical acts of service and love, expressing confidence that with divine guidance and unity, the nation can uphold justice, cherish human life, and restore peace to every community.

Richmond Hill United FC’s Female Development Team will take another significant step in its remarkable debut campaign Saturday when the young squad faces Blossom Unlimited FC in the semifinals of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation National Tier 2 Female Championship.

The semifinal will be played Oct. 3 at the Brighton Technical Centre, with Richmond Hill seeking a place in the championship final after successfully navigating the preliminary stage with a squad comprising predominantly players between 12 and 16 years old.

The achievement represents a significant milestone for a team that has spent the past nine months developing under Head Coach Kendra Isles. Several members of the squad were introduced to organised football only as recently as February, making their progression to the final four an encouraging early result from the club’s investment in female football development.

Richmond Hill United President Dr. Jamal Browne said the team’s progress reflects a broader commitment by the club to create sustainable opportunities for girls and young women through football.

“At Richmond Hill United FC, female football is a key pillar of our work and contribution to the development of the local sport,” Browne said. “We recognise that our girls are just as talented as they are passionate about the sport, and we remain fully committed to further investing in their development as players, students and future leaders.”

As part of efforts to pilot its newly branded Female Development Programme and High Performance Academy, Richmond Hill United partnered with System 3 Academy for the second consecutive year to host and coordinate the female programme.

At the centre of the team’s progress has been Isles, whose work has extended beyond preparing the players for competition to developing their technical ability, tactical understanding, confidence and enjoyment of the game.

Throughout the Tier 2 Championship, the young players have demonstrated an ability to compete against more experienced opposition while showing notable improvements across different phases of their play.

“Beyond this, we cannot ignore the exceptional work that Coach Kendra has done in developing, mentoring and preparing our girls for competition,” Browne said. “We are truly inspired by her leadership and commitment, and our natural posture is to reciprocate, to the extent possible, the investment needed for her coaching development.”

Saturday’s semifinal will provide Richmond Hill with one of its most significant challenges of the season.

Blossom Unlimited FC brings considerable experience to the contest, with several former senior national team players among its ranks. Richmond Hill, however, enters the match encouraged by its record against Blossom during the competition, the improvements made throughout the championship and the confidence instilled in the players by Isles.

The match also represents another opportunity for a young group to experience the demands of knockout football against seasoned opposition.

While reaching the championship final remains firmly on Richmond Hill’s agenda, the club says its measure of success extends well beyond Saturday’s result.

“While winning does offer some consolation for the investments made into the programme these past nine months, we are more focused on growth,” Browne said. “Our priority is seeing these young ladies excel at life, and that means laying the groundwork now.”

That development-first philosophy is also driving the next phase of the club’s plans for its young players.

Through the Richmond Hill United High Performance Academy, the club will implement MOVE360: Beyond the Game, an initiative supported through partnerships involving UNICEF and the OECS Commission.

The programme is designed to support the holistic development of young RHU players, including those seeking pathways into collegiate and professional football as well as participants who ultimately pursue careers beyond the sport.

The initiative will use football as a platform for broader personal development, with an emphasis on preparing young people with the skills, confidence, leadership and sense of purpose needed to make successful transitions into adulthood.

For Richmond Hill, that approach means recognising that player development cannot be measured exclusively by matches won, goals scored or trophies collected.

“We are excited about the future of RHU female football and believe that with partnerships such as those with UNICEF and the OECS Commission, we will be able to make good on our promise to create greater opportunities for this and future cohorts of talented young ladies through football,” Browne said.

Saturday’s semifinal is nevertheless an important opportunity to demonstrate how far the current cohort has progressed.

Nine months after beginning their preparation – and only months after some players first experienced organised football – Richmond Hill’s girls will take the field at the Brighton Technical Centre with an opportunity to earn a place in a national championship final.

They will be seeking victory.

But for Richmond Hill United, the larger objective remains unchanged: giving young female players the coaching, competition, mentorship and opportunities needed to discover how far their talent can take them – in football and beyond.

About Richmond Hill United FC

Richmond Hill United FC is a community-based football club in St. Vincent and the Grenadines committed to using football as a platform for player development, personal growth and positive community impact. Through its senior, youth, female development and High Performance Academy programmes, the club seeks to create structured pathways that support the technical, tactical, physical, educational and personal development of its players.

The club’s Female Development Programme is dedicated to expanding opportunities for girls and young women through quality coaching, mentorship, competitive exposure, leadership development and clear pathways for advancement. The programme forms part of Richmond Hill United’s wider commitment to equity, inclusion and excellence and to strengthening the pipeline of female football talent in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Honourable Daniel Cummings, Minister of Health, Environment and Energy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to this sister nation, Carlos Ernesto Rodríguez Etcheverry.

During the cordial exchange, both sides discussed matters of common interest and reviewed the existing cooperation relations between Cuba and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly in the field of health.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continuing to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between both countries, as well as exploring new opportunities to expand collaboration in various medical specialties.

Ambassador Rodríguez Etcheverry underscored Cuba’s willingness to continue contributing to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and to the well-being of the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He also took the opportunity to brief the Minister on Cuba’s complex energy situation, due to the intensification of the US blockade, with particular severity in the aforementioned sector.

Minister Cummings acknowledged the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two countries and Cuba’s invaluable contribution to different sectors of national development, particularly in the areas of health and professional training.

The meeting took place in a fraternal atmosphere and constituted another opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of both countries to continuing to strengthen their bilateral relations (Embassy of Cuba to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines/Cubaminrex).

During a live radio interview on Hot 97.1 SVG, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Kishore Shallow intervened to directly address questions regarding national crime and visitor safety, stepping past an explicit attempt by a tourism authority official to deflect the topic.

The exchange occurred when show host Chris posed a question asking whether recent public reports concerning “crimes and guns” would have any negative impact on the island’s expanding tourism product.

Before Minister Shallow responded, Alex Barnwell, an SVG Tourism Authority representative present in the studio, stepped in to deflect the query and shield the Minister from the controversial topic.

Deflecting the question, Barnwell stated that issues surrounding crime were “more fitted for the Commissioner of Police to address”. He argued that the official mandate of the tourism ministry and authority is strictly focused on managing tourism sites, developing the product, and ensuring visitors have an enjoyable experience.

Declining to pass on the question, Shallow explicitly bypassed Barnwell’s diplomatic stance to address the host’s inquiry head-on.

“Let me tell you Chris—I mean (Kobe) here is a diplomat; I am, and you know when I come here, I keep it real,” Shallow remarked, acknowledging that he had seen articles and public discussions raising concerns about St. Vincent and the Grenadines following a recent incident.

In his direct response, Shallow strongly pushed back against negative portrayals of the island’s security environment:

Rejection of “Unsafe” Label: Shallow stated unequivocally that he would not accept any characterization of SVG as being unsafe, calling such claims “far removed from the truth”.

Safety Record & Hospitality: He maintained that SVG remains an “extremely safe destination”, highlighting the natural warmth and hospitality of Vincentians and noting that visitors generally feel comfortable and at home.

Global Context: The Minister observed that no country in the world is entirely free of crime, stating, “We are not saying we are perfect, but we are saying that we are ensuring that we work with all our stakeholders, police included, to ensure that our country remains safe not only for our visitors, but for citizens”.

Shallow assured the public that the government is taking proactive steps to protect the tourism sector and broader community. He revealed that authorities have established a dedicated committee aimed at proactively managing safety in close coordination with law enforcement and tourism stakeholders.

SVG POST MARKS 23 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH ANNIVERSARY AND WORLD POST DAY ACTIVITIES

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation (SVG Post) will celebrate its 23rd Anniversary and World Post Day 2026 with a series of activities designed to recognize its employees, engage customers and stakeholders, and highlight the continuing and evolving role of the postal service.

The program will take place from October 1 to October 10, and will include radio interviews, a staff health and wellness program, staff recognition, a customer appreciation day and postal exhibition, as well as a staff and Board picnic.

“As SVG Post marks 23 years of service, we are proud to reflect on the contribution of our employees and the important role the postal service continues to play in the lives of individuals, communities and businesses across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Our anniversary activities provide an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, engage with our customers and stakeholders, and showcase the ongoing modernization and transformation of SVG Post. We look forward to continuing to evolve our services to meet the changing needs of the people we serve.”

October 1 and 2 – Radio Outreach and Public Awareness

As part of its anniversary celebrations, SVG Post will undertake a series of radio interviews on October 1 and 2 to engage the public and provide greater awareness of the Corporation’s work and its contribution to national development.

• Thursday, October 1, 2026: Hot 97 – 8:00 a.m.
• Thursday, October 1, 2026: Nice Radio – 8:35 a.m.
• Thursday, October 1, 2026: WE FM – 9:20 a.m.
• Friday, October 2, 2026: Boom FM – 8:30 a.m.
• Friday, October 2, 2026: NBC Radio – 10:15 a.m.

October 2 – Staff Health and Recognition Day

Employees will have the opportunity to meet with health professionals for one-on-one discussions on non-communicable diseases, while basic health checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar testing, will also be available.

Later that afternoon, SVG Post will host an in-house Staff Awards and Long-Service Recognition Ceremony to recognize employees for outstanding performance and years of dedicated service. The day’s program will conclude with a barbecue and social.

October 9 – World Post Day and Customer Appreciation Day

World Post Day is observed annually on October 9, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 and recognizing the important role of postal services around the world.

World Post Day 2026 Theme: “One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities.”

SVG Post will observe World Post Day on Friday, October 9 with a special Customer Appreciation Day at its Head Office.

A special postal exhibition will also be mounted at the Head Office, providing an opportunity for customers to learn more about SVG Post, its history, products and services, and its continuing modernization and transformation.

October 10 – Staff and Board Picnic

The celebrations will conclude on Saturday, October 10, with a Staff and Board Picnic at Rawacou, providing an opportunity for employees, Board members and management to come together in a relaxed setting for fellowship, recreation and team building.

As the Corporation looks towards the future, the anniversary celebrations provide an opportunity to honor the past, recognize the present and look ahead to the continued development and transformation of SVG Post.

SVG Post invites its customers, stakeholders and the wider public to join with the Corporation as it celebrates 23 years of service and World Post Day 2026.

Flag-Raising Ceremony to Open Month of Independence Celebrations

The National Independence Committee invites the public to the National Flag-Raising Ceremony today, Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Financial Complex, Bay Street, Kingstown.

The ceremony marks the first event in a month of activities celebrating Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ 47th anniversary of independence under the theme “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation.”

The programme will feature remarks by Minister of Sports, Culture and the Creative Industries, Hon. Kaschaka Cupid, along with the feature address by Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday. Special cultural performances will also form part of the celebration, showcasing Vincentian talent and our rich cultural heritage.

This year’s celebrations provide an opportunity for Vincentians at home and abroad to reflect on our journey as a nation, honour the contributions of our people and renew our commitment to working together for the country’s continued development.

The month of activities will culminate with the National Military Parade on October 27, Independence Day.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend today’s ceremony and join in the activities throughout the month in a spirit of unity and national pride. All media houses are invited to cover the ceremony and assist in publicising the celebrations.

As the annual hunting season officially opens on October 1, 2026, the Forestry Department of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has issued an official notice urging hunters and the public to exercise restraint, responsibility, and ethical stewardship. Operating under the national mandate of “Healthy Forests • Healthy Wildlife • A Sustainable Future,” authorities emphasized that careful management is essential to protecting the island’s natural heritage.

The official hunting season for reptiles, mammals, and permitted game birds runs from October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. During this window, licensed hunting is restricted strictly to designated game species, including:

• Iguanas
• Agouti
• Nine-banded armadillos
• Manicou (opossum)
• Ramier and other permitted game birds

To prevent post-season hoarding or illegal commercialization, officials specified that all hunted wildlife and meat in an individual’s possession must be fully consumed or disposed of during a strict three-day grace period from February 1 to February 3, 2027.

To protect animal populations from overexploitation and ensure species remain viable for future generations, the Forestry Department has established explicit legal restrictions:

Minimum Size and Age Limits: Hunting juvenile wildlife is prohibited. Iguanas must meet a minimum size requirement of 13 inches measured from the tip of the nostril to the cloaca.

Protected Zones: Hunting is strictly forbidden in protected Forest Reserves, such as the Kings Hill Forest Reserve, as well as on private property without express permission from the landowner.

Harvest Limits: Hunters are advised to take only what they need and refrain from excessive harvesting.

The Forestry Department highlighted the importance of ethical practices to minimize unnecessary injury and suffering. Hunters are encouraged to employ humane capture techniques—such as nooses or hand-catching where appropriate—and must never leave injured wildlife to suffer in the wild.

Additionally, members of the public are reminded to prioritize personal safety, remain vigilant of their surroundings, and show respect toward fellow citizens, private lands, and public forest ecosystems.

Emphasizing that local fauna forms a vital part of the nation’s identity, the Forestry Department reminded citizens: “Our wildlife is part of our heritage. Let’s conserve it so future generations can enjoy it too”.

For further details, hunting guidelines, or official inquiries, members of the public are requested to contact the Forestry Department at 457-8594.

On Tuesday, 29th September 2026, members of the World Food Day (WFD) Committee travelled to Union Island to distribute seedlings and tree plants as part of activities commemorating World Food Day 2026. The recipients of the donation were the Union Island Secondary School, Celina Clouden Smart Hospital and the Union Island Police Station.

Students of the Union Island Secondary School also benefited from educational presentations delivered by representatives from the Forestry Services within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation and the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience.

Forestry Supervisor (Ag.), Samuel Harry, introduced students to the Ridge to Reef concept and its importance to SVG’s ecosystem, while Senior Fisheries Assistant, Ernie Bracken, presented on Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), explaining their role in fisheries and how they can assist fisherfolk in locating and harvesting fish.

These presentations served to provide students with a broader understanding of the relationship between land and marine resources, while highlighting the importance of sustainable management of SVG’s natural environment.

World Food Day is observed annually on October 16, and it will be celebrated this year under the theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”

The Girl Guides Association of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines brought World Heart Day 2026 to life as more than 200 members, along with their friends, families, and supporters, came together for a walk and wellness event on Saturday 26th September 2026 under the theme “Heart & Sole: Walking Together, Living Stronger.”

World Heart Day 2026 was observed on September 29th 2026, focusing on the global campaign “Don’t Miss a Beat” led by the World Heart Federation. The main goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the world’s leading cause of death and claims over 20 million lives annually.

The event transformed a simple walk into a vibrant celebration of health, wellness, friendship, and community spirit, highlighting the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices and prioritizing heart health. The morning began at the Girl Guides Headquarters in Level Gardens with an energetic warm-up session led by Kevin Young of KY Fitness.

Participants then embarked on a brisk 5K walk through Level Gardens, down McKie’s Hill, onto Murray’s Road, and along the Windward Highway, culminating at Sunset Shores Beach Hotel and Restaurant in Villa. Bimbims, Brownie Guides, Girl Guides, Ranger Guides, and Leaders sang rounds of Girl Guides chants and songs along the way to keep morale high.

At Sunset Shores, participants enjoyed a range of wellness activities designed to promote healthy living and encourage greater awareness of cardiovascular health. A health fair, facilitated by members of the nursing community, provided opportunities for basic health checks and wellness information. Dr. Michael Goodluck also delivered an informative presentation on heart health, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps to protect and maintain overall well-being. The wellness experience continued with a healthy breakfast, complemented by refreshing fruits and beverages generously provided by Role Model Fruits and Tus-T Water.

The “Heart & Sole” committee expressed delight at the success of the event and look forward to next year’s event. The committee comprised of leaders Sylicia Lynch, Daneil Young, Michelle Knights, Ju’Lysa Toney, Wendy-Ann Douglas and Seraphina Howell. They noted that “throughout the event, the spirit of togetherness was evident in every step, smile, and shared experience, reinforcing the message that wellness is stronger when we pursue it together. Furthermore, the event was more than a celebration

of World Heart Day; it was a powerful reminder that every step toward a healthier lifestyle contributes to a healthier, happier, and stronger community.”

The Girl Guides Association of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines extends heartfelt appreciation to all leaders, parents, sponsors, volunteers, and well-wishers whose support helped make the event a success. The Association remains committed to empowering girls and young women to be confident, responsible citizens of the world.

Mr. Omarian Dennie, President of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Youth Parliament Association (SVGNYPA), represented Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA) Regional Youth Panel, held on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the ECCB Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium.

The panel brought together youth representatives from Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to exchange perspectives on the theme, “Unlocking the Orange Economy and Strengthening Civic Engagement: The Role of Youth in the Caribbean.”

Drawing on his background in banking, Mr. Dennie highlighted some of the challenges faced by creative professionals in accessing commercial financing. He underscored the importance of equipping creatives with skills in business administration, financial management, and personal branding to strengthen their financial preparedness and creditworthiness.

Mr. Dennie also noted that limited access to regional financial technology and monetisation tools continues to present challenges to the full commercialisation of the creative sector across the Eastern Caribbean. He emphasised the need for greater awareness, access to appropriate financial tools, and supportive mechanisms to enable young creatives to translate their talents into sustainable economic opportunities.

The Regional Youth Panel provided an important platform for young leaders to share perspectives on issues affecting their generation and to contribute to discussions on the Caribbean’s economic and social development. The participation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines underscores the continued importance of meaningful youth engagement in shaping innovative approaches to development and strengthening civic participation across the region.

Local NGO Hand2Earth hosted a Project Achievement Event in Troumaca to recognise participants who completed its training programmes and to acknowledge the support of its funding partners, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the SVG Conservation Fund and the Sandals Foundation.

The event celebrated the achievements of community members trained in Vetiver Systems Technology, vetiver craft and heritage tour guiding. Nineteen Certificates of Achievement were presented to graduates, while eight micro-grant awards were also presented to support community-based initiatives and sustainable livelihoods.

The event was attended by Dr. the Hon. Kishore Shallow, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development; Kenrick Chambers, Executive Director of the SVG Conservation Fund; Dr. Resa Noel-McBarnett, Head of the UWI Global Campus; Fitzgerald Providence, Chair of the SVG National Trust; and Ike Abbott, Sandals Foundation Ambassador, among other community partners and supporters.

Building on a Legacy of Sustainable Agriculture

Hand2Earth has been working in the North Leeward area since 2022, primarily using Vetiver Systems Technology to address land erosion, restore agricultural land and strengthen sustainable farming practices.

A major focus of the organisation’s work has been the restoration of the vetiver contours forming part of a 100-year-old agricultural system in Troumaca. Through the project, Hand2Earth has also transformed a leased six-acre Vetiver Agri-Heritage Site into an educational and community resource.

The site is now recognised as a globally important vetiver-based agri-heritage system and represents one of the most extensive land-conservation projects of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

At the heart of the initiative is the return of this legacy of sustainable farming to the community — enabling residents to learn from, protect and take pride in their agricultural heritage while creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Achievements Across the Community

Hand2Earth’s work has been made possible through four small grants, including three grants being recognised at the achievement event and a fourth awarded through the GEF Small Grants Programme in 2024.

Since 2022, the programme has achieved:

• 77 farmers trained in Vetiver Systems Technology across seven villages.
• 63 farm sites established with Vetiver Systems.
• 15 vetiver nurseries installed.
• 37 people trained in vetiver craft.
• Seven people supported to become certified tour guides.
• 40 community tours conducted.
• Five tour events hosted for international visitors.
• More than 400 households reached through Hand2Earth’s work across North Leeward.

H2E has also developed a Vetiver Agri-Heritage Coastal Trail hike, accessible by sea and land, that culminates at a vetiver‐thatched Heritage Hut and showcases indigenous flora and fauna, soil‐conservation techniques, traditional farming, cassava processing, craft production and coastal restoration.

These achievements demonstrate how environmental conservation can be integrated with community education, cultural heritage, regenerative tourism and sustainable economic opportunities.

The Power of Community

Hand2Earth attributes these accomplishments to strong teamwork and an inclusive approach to community engagement. The organisation has focused on deepening the impact within the North Leeward communities to achieve a proven model for scaling across the country.

The organisation’s local team has been trained in Vetiver Systems Technology, allowing knowledge and practical skills to remain within the community. This has helped create what Hand2Earth describes as a growing “Vetiver Family” — a network of farmers, craftspeople, guides, community members and partners working together to protect the land and build on its agricultural heritage.

Two key areas of achievement have been the organisation’s training and community education programmes, alongside the integration of agri-heritage and sustainable livelihood creation into project design.

The Project Achievement Event in Troumaca provided an opportunity not only to celebrate certificates and grants, but also to recognise the wider community effort behind the work: restoring the land, preserving a unique agricultural legacy, developing new skills and creating pathways for future generations to benefit from the heritage of North Leeward.