Author: Mark Doyle

Two documents circulating online and purportedly originating from the Ministry of Finance have sparked renewed public debate over the transparency of duty free concessions granted in 2025. The papers, dated early November 2025, outline significant tax waivers approved for several individuals including a former Member of Parliament raising questions about eligibility, oversight, and consistency in government concession policies. Former MP Listed for 75% Duty Waiver One of the leaked documents, addressed to former parliamentarian René Baptiste, confirms Cabinet approval for a 75% waiver of Import Duty, Excise Duty, and VAT on a 2021 Jeep Wrangler for personal use.Though Baptiste no…

A political clash intensified today after the Unity Labour Party (ULP) launched public accusations against Cliplet News — claims that quickly triggered backlash and raised questions about why the ruling party chose to target an independent media outlet so aggressively. The ULP publicly labelled Cliplet News as “fake,” alleged it was operated by NDP operatives, and suggested the outlet misrepresented political advertising. These accusations surfaced just as Cliplet News published reporting related to matters of public interest. Cliplet News Pushes Back: “We Will Not Be Silenced” Cliplet News swiftly rejected the ULP’s allegations, describing them as false, misleading, and damaging.…

The newly surfaced dispute between the Unity Labour Party (ULP) and Cliplet News has intensified, after the ULP publicly accused the digital outlet of publishing “fake allegations” and displaying an unauthorised political advertisement. Cliplet News has firmly rejected all claims, stressing that its reporting is legitimate, evidence-based, and aligned with accepted journalistic practice. In its statement, the ULP alleged that a political advertisement appearing under “Paid Political Ad” on the Cliplet website was neither purchased nor approved by the party. It also questioned the authenticity of the platform itself, suggesting foreign involvement and implying that the site was created to…

With general elections just days away, the Office of the Prime Minister has issued a firm clarification that the Prime Minister remains fully empowered to carry out his duties despite the dissolution of Parliament. The statement comes after the Prime Minister signed several official documents earlier today, prompting renewed public debate about executive powers during the election period. Government officials explained that the dissolution of Parliament affects only the legislative branch, not the executive. Under the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Prime Minister and Cabinet continue in office until a new government is sworn in following elections.…

A recent graduate is raising concerns about an academic scholarship she says was promised to her after being publicly highlighted in political campaign material during the last general elections. Skye Baptiste — daughter of former New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Lauron “Shearer” Baptiste — was prominently featured on the cover of the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) election manifesto. The inclusion celebrated what the manifesto described as outstanding academic achievements by young Vincentians, with Baptiste’s graduation photograph used as a symbol of educational success. However, Baptiste says that despite her academic record and assurances she understood to be related to scholarship…

For nearly a decade, Vincentians have heard a familiar refrain return with every election cycle and major national speech:“A modern city will rise at Arnos Vale.” The declaration surfaced shortly after the closure of the E.T. Joshua Airport. It reappeared in the 2018 Budget presentation. It resurfaced during the 2020 general election campaign. It echoed again during celebrations of the Argyle International Airport, and it has been repeated in several Budget Addresses since then. Now, in 2025, the proposed city is back once more — this time placed prominently in the Unity Labour Party’s manifesto as part of its long-term…

The Unity Labour Party (ULP) has officially unveiled its new political manifesto, a comprehensive document that outlines the party’s developmental agenda, achievements, and national vision ahead of the upcoming general election. While the digital version is still pending upload, the manifesto is being printed and is set to be physically distributed at the ULP’s major concert and launch event later today. At the heart of the manifesto is a detailed letter from Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, who reflects on the party’s journey, its record of governance, and the direction it intends to take the country in the years…

North Leeward came alive Sunday night as Dr. Kishore Shallow, the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate, delivered a fiery and uncompromising address aimed squarely at incumbent MP Carlos James of the Unity Labour Party (ULP). Throughout the more than 30-minute presentation, Shallow framed his candidacy as a response to what he described as years of unfulfilled promises, political favouritism, and a widening disconnect between James and his constituents. Shallow opened with a message he repeated throughout the night: “ONEY” — 1 Vote Carlos. Come answer your judgement.” This Election Is Not About Me and Carlos Shallow told supporters that he…

As the political temperature rises across the country, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) election campaign is shining brighter than ever — complete with high-profile concerts, big-budget staging, and talk-generating performances from international artists, including a popular act flown in from Jamaica. But while supporters cheer the entertainment, a new conversation is taking shape across the islands: Where is all this campaign money coming from? A Campaign Turning Heads This year’s political season has seen events that feel less like rallies and more like full-scale productions—lighting rigs, professional sound systems, branded merchandise, and now big-name artistes. The level of spending has…

Georgetown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Olliver, a man widely known as “Popeye,” is speaking out about what he says has been years of harassment from his neighbour in Georgetown. According to Olliver, the situation has escalated to the point where he fears for his peace of mind, and he claims police have refused to properly take his complaints. Olliver says the harassment has been ongoing for many years. He alleges that the neighbour has thrown urine and old items onto his property, practiced obeah at night in his yard, and even tossed chicken bones in his garden. “Is…