Mark Doyle

Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says he has not yet decided whether he will attend the ceremonial opening of Parliament, even as the constitutional deadline approaches for the first sitting following last month’s general elections. Addressing reporters at a mid-week press conference, Gonsalves revealed that he has placed the matter under “prayerful consideration,” and remains uncertain about when he will take the oath of allegiance required of all newly elected Members of Parliament. Under the Constitution, Parliament must convene within 30 days of the return of the election writ. The opening session is largely symbolic, featuring the swearing-in of MPs…

A Georgetown woman is calling for urgent police action after her 11-year-old niece was allegedly sexually assaulted in September by a 16-year-old boy from Diamonds Village. The aunt, La Fleur Spring, says she fears the case is not being given the attention required to protect the child and ensure justice is served. Speaking exclusively with Cliplet News, Spring said the alleged incident took place in September and was immediately reported to the Georgetown Police Station, where officers recorded a formal statement. According to Spring, police later detained the 16-year-old suspect but released him approximately three hours later without charge—a development…

A 16-year-old boy from Byrea has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred in North Union earlier this year. Police reported that the arrest was made on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, following ongoing investigations into an altercation that took place on October 3, 2025. According to investigators, the accused allegedly carried out an act “more than merely preparatory” to the offence when he stabbed the complainant in the head with a pair of scissors. The teen was brought before the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, where he was not required to enter…

Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has unequivocally rejected allegations concerning his wife’s business activities at Argyle International Airport, announcing that his legal team has begun preparing defamation actions against IWitness News and The Vincentian newspaper. Addressing reporters during a press conference at the Unity Labour Party headquarters on Tuesday, Dr. Gonsalves condemned the claims carried in local media as “completely untrue,” adding that his wife, Eloise Gonsalves, has formally engaged attorneys to pursue redress. According to the Opposition Leader, the accusations—first raised in an opinion column by attorney and commentator Jomo Thomas—are unfounded and potentially damaging. Dr. Gonsalves stressed that…

Local entertainer Christopher “2 Kool Chris” Jones was today, December 10, found not guilty of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Kevin Patterson during an incident that occurred on July 4, 2024, at Bay Street, Kingstown. Jones appeared before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, where the Magistrate delivered the ruling after hearing evidence from both the prosecution and the defence. The court determined that the prosecution did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Jones unlawfully wounded Patterson during the confrontation. Background of the Case The charges stemmed from an altercation near Bay Street in early July, when Patterson reported to police that…

Former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has sharply criticised the newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) administration, accusing it of mismanaging issues at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) and misleading the public on several national matters. Speaking at a press hearing today, Gonsalves defended his administration’s track record, particularly regarding the maintenance and strengthening of AIA. He noted that under his leadership, the airport’s runway was properly maintained and supported by international contractual arrangements. According to Gonsalves, his government previously worked with contractors from Taiwan on a technical agreement to reinforce the runway by mixing asphalt with concrete to improve…

Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has ordered the immediate reopening of the Campden Park Container Port, citing significant readiness setbacks at the newly built Kingstown Modern Port that have slowed cargo processing ahead of the Christmas season. The decision followed an on-site tour by Dr. Friday and several Cabinet ministers, who inspected the multimillion-dollar complex and concluded that substantial operational work remains incomplete.“A great deal of readiness work remains to be done,” the Prime Minister acknowledged, noting that the government must ensure that households receive their holiday barrels and businesses can restock during the busiest commercial period of the year.…

What many Vincentians had long hoped for is now a reality. A teacher dismissed under the COVID-19 vaccine mandate has returned to the classroom — marking the first concrete sign that promises by the New Democratic Party (NDP) government are being fulfilled. On Friday, December 5, 2025, Ann‑Marie Ballantyne — a former French and Spanish teacher at St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) — walked back into her old classroom. Ballantyne had been dismissed in November 2021 after refusing to comply with the then-government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Ballantyne told the media she returned to SVGS earlier in the week to express…

Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says his current security arrangements stem from a decision made by Cabinet during the early years of the Unity Labour Party’s administration. However, on Monday, Minister of National Security St. Clair Leacock confirmed that all security detail allocations — including those for former leaders — are now under review. Leacock, who was addressing concerns related to the security detail of the Leader of the Opposition, said the existing system is being evaluated to ensure consistency and adherence to policy. He disclosed that the assigned officers for former prime ministers…

Former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has pushed back against criticism surrounding the security personnel seen accompanying him during recent walk-throughs of his North Central Windward constituency. Videos circulated online show Gonsalves moving through communities with at least two members of his former prime ministerial security detail, sparking commentary—particularly from voices aligned with the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). Speaking on Star Radio, Gonsalves made it clear that the arrangement is not new, nor is it a personal request. “I understand that when I was walking about and there were a couple of security officers with me, that attracted some…