Author: Mark Doyle

The curious case of the Southern Grenadines “The Unity Labour Party (ULP) won the popular vote on the mainland.” These are the words of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as he offered his post election analysis after the 2020 election. His words were often repeated because the New Democratic Party (NDP) secured 32,900 votes to win the popular vote for the first time since 1998. His argument troubled me because Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is one multi-island country and not a combination of separate countries. Residents of Friendship, Ashton and Charlestown are as much Vincentian as residents of Park Hill,…

In 18 days, SVG will go to the polls to elect a new government. Ralph is dangerously frightened. He is panicking now because he is so concerned about himself and the possible legacy of embezzlement, corruption, vindictiveness, injustice, and, most of all, fraudulent elections, of which his family will have to bear the brunt of the burden when he no longer exists as prime minister. He is very worried about the old people’s saying, “All crave, all lose.” He knows that to protect his legacy, he MUST REMAIN IN POWER BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. He is cognisant that the truth…

Who Deserves Your Vote? The familiar rhythm of election season has returned to the shores of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Campaign vehicles are winding through our villages, loudspeakers are echoing off hillsides, rallies are pulsing with music and fervour, and social media are ablaze with partisan fluff. Yet, beneath this spectacle lies a question that every Vincentian of voting age must answer in quiet contemplation: who deserves your vote? The weight of an ‘X’ ‘X’ – a simple mark on a ballot paper, but one which carries enormous power. It can lift a nation toward prosperity or condemn it to…

The University of the Southern Caribbean mourns the passing of Dr. Vernon E. Andrews, a distinguished educator, musician, and former President of Caribbean Union College (now USC). Dr. Andrews devoted a lifetime of faithful service to the institution, serving as teacher, department chair, and dean. His visionary leadership helped secure the historic affiliation with Andrews University. He was married to Dr. Phyllis Andrews, and together they were the proud parents of four children, the late Vernetta, Vaughn, Veldon, and Verleyne. We celebrate his enduring legacy of scholarship, music, faith, and service that continues to inspire generations of USCians. Our prayers…

RFHL RECORDS US$329 MILLION IN END OF YEAR PROFITS Vincent A. Pereira, Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), announced today that the Group achieved a profit attributable to equity holders of US$329 million for the year ended September 30, 2025. This is an increase of US$29 million or 9.7% over the 2024 reported profit of US$300 million, driven by sustained loan growth, prudent risk management, and improved operational efficiency. In presenting the results, Mr. Pereira said “For the past financial year, the Republic Financial Holdings Limited Group has delivered record results, strengthened its balance sheet, and deepened relationships with…

Pilot suspended as GCAA probes landing at construction site and risky take-off A pilot working with Air Services Limited, who mistakenly landed a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Aircraft at a school construction site in Lumidpau, Region 9 and took off from the location nearly hitting a fence, has been suspended by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority pending a full investigation. The pilot’s name has not been revealed. The investigation into the incident which occurred on the 6th November, is expected to be completed within a week. In a statement, the GCAA said the aircraft bearing the registration 8R-THR, has also…

interCaribbean Airways Launches New Nonstop Service Between San Juan and St. Kitts interCaribbean Airways is pleased to announce nonstop flights between San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) and St. Kitts (SKB), commencing December 18, 2025. The service operates in each direction, two times weekly with a 1-hour and 10-minute flight time, providing enhanced access between Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. “This route marks another important step in our mission to connect the people and cultures of the Caribbean,” said Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways. “By establishing nonstop service between San Juan and St. Kitts, we’re creating a vital link between…

The Mental Health Rehabilitation Center, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, will be hosting Psychiatric Out-Patient Clinics in Bequia, Union Island, and Canouan. Take this opportunity to access free mental health services close to home: Mental Health Consultations Follow-up Care for Psychiatric patients Counseling Consultation with a Social Worker Bequia – October 31, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Union Island – November 5, 2025 | 10:15 AM – 3:30 PM Canouan – November 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Multiple schools across SVG are grappling with severe environmental health risks that threaten student and teacher safety, the Teachers’ Union revealed today. Oswald Robinson, President of the SVG Teachers’ Union, has raised alarming concerns about the deteriorating conditions in several secondary schools across the nation. The most pressing issues have been identified at Bethel High School in Campden Park and the Lowmans Leeward Anglican School. “These are not minor inconveniences,” Robinson emphasized. “We’re talking about serious health hazards that directly impact the learning environment and the well-being of our students and educators.” The Teachers’ Union is demanding immediate intervention from…

Residents of Byera and surrounding areas are invited to a community consultation on Monday, September 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM at the Byera Health Centre. This consultation will provide an update on the facility’s redevelopment under the OECS Regional Health Project (ORHP-SVG), funded by the World Bank. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has received US $10.5 million from the World Bank to support the OECS Regional Health Project, implemented by the Economic Planning Division, with support from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. The project, comprising four key components, aims to strengthen health facilities, enhance public health surveillance,…