Trans Island Air (TIA) has commenced scheduled flights into Saint Lucia.
The airline, based in Barbados, offers chartered flights from Saint Lucia to Barbados, Grenada, Saint Vincent, and Dominica, with a scheduled flight service to commence later this year.
“Trans Island Air presently offers chartered services between Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Saint Vincent, and Dominica, with its twelve passenger beach 99 turbo aircraft,” Airline CEO Bruce Kauffman explained. “A 19 seat twin auto will be added to the fleet by September. We also offer private chartered services to 15 Caribbean destinations within a radius of 800 miles. By the end of November, TIA will upgrade its scheduled chartered service to a fully scheduled service. From Oct. 23 this year, Trans Island Air is committed to inaugurating another service between Hewannora Airport in Saint Lucia and Cane Field Airport in Dominica, to provide connections into Dominica from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the rest of Europe. Working with Saint Lucia we intend to develop Hewannorra as a major gateway airport for the Eastern Caribbean.”
The CEO said the airline hopes to take advantage of the fact that there are more seats into Saint Lucia’s Hewannorra International Airport direct from the United States than any other airport in the subregion. The transformation, Kauffman said, will strengthen Hewannorra in attracting and retaining international airlift, that will redound to the economic benefit of Saint Lucia.
Following Monday’s Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Hon Allen Chastenet enjoyed a courtesy flight with the carrier. The prime minister noted that he was able to attend the Cabinet meeting and still get to his appointment in Grenada on time.
“I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a hub for TIA and I am looking forward to the resounding success of your services,” he said. “Today is probably a perfect example of the immediate impact of TIA’s services. The alternative route to Grenada today, would have taken us eight hours.”
Trans Island Air describes itself as a revolutionized schedule and private charter aviation company with a vision to provide a relaxing, reliable, and flexible flight experience.
Website: http://tia2000.com
Dr. Idamay Denny, Portolio Manager, Social Sector Division, CDB, delivers remarks at the historic project launch workshop in Port-au-Prince on July 5, 2017.
CDB, Government host historic launch for agriculture and education projects in Haiti.
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has held its first ever project launch workshop in Haiti, signalling a historic start to the implementation of two CDB-funded interventions. The projects, which focus on community-based agriculture and rural development, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), were launched on July 5, 2017 at a ceremony, which CDB and Government officials attended.
“These interventions have the potential to not only impact the lives of the direct beneficiaries, and to make a significant impact on the reduction of poverty in Haiti but to also provide lessons which inform the design and development of other such interventions across all of our Borrowing Member Countries,” said Dr. Idamay Denny, Portfolio Manager, Social Sector Division, CDB. Boosting agricultural productivity to reduce poverty
The Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development Project, funded through a grant of USD8 million (mn), supports the efforts of the Government of Haiti to improve the output of the agriculture sector in the North West Department. It is the second poorest Department in the country, where residents depend almost exclusively on agricultural output for their food and nutrition security. However, agricultural productivity has been limited by the area’s irregular rainfall patterns, and loss of land due to deforestation and poorly adapted agriculture production systems.
Under the Project, works will be completed to improve and irrigate 400 hectares of land. In addition, 2,000 stakeholders will be trained in production technology. Welthungerhilfe (WHH), which has a long history of working on the design and implementation of irrigation systems in Haiti, is co-financing the intervention. Securing a better future for Haiti through TVET
The TVET Project II, also launched today, is being funded through a USD12.51 mn grant from CDB. In Haiti, access to TVET is limited and uneven. Students in some regions are underserved, lacking access to relevant programmes in their communities. Girls and women are especially under-represented in traditional male-dominated TVET areas. The Project aims to provide males and females with greater and equitable access to high-quality and relevant education and training. The supply of skilled and employable labour could be expanded in Haiti’s key economic sectors such as construction, tourism and water. During the project launch workshop, stakeholders view a rendering of the St. Martin TVET Centre, which was completely destroyed by the 2010 earthquake. CDB will reconstruct the Centre under the TVET Project II.
Through the Project, the St. Martin TVET Centre, completely destroyed by the 2010 earthquake, will be reconstructed. Equipment, tools and curriculum support materials will be provided for that Centre as well as one also constructed by CDB in Jacmel. It is expected that 2,700 students will benefit from improved physical classroom conditions and enhanced teacher competence; 22 classrooms and laboratories will be built or upgraded to an acceptable standard; 92 teachers will be trained; and 1,800 at-risk learners will benefit from an improved support system, including tuition waivers. Mrs. Maguy Durcé, Director General, INFP, delivers remarks during the project launch workshop on July 5, 2017.
“I shall never cease repeating that professional training is a social challenge that we should all embrace wholeheartedly; for it is not only a path to job creation and a pool of competence for the State, but also a lever of competitiveness for businesses, a springboard enabling youth to be gainfully employed and increasing employability for wage earners,” said Mrs. Maguy Durcé, Director General, National Vocational Training Institute (INFP), who delivered remarks during the launch.
The TVET II Project will be implemented by the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training through INFP. A rendering of the St. Martin TVET Centre, which will be reconstructed by CDB.
Following the ceremony, CDB hosted a workshop during which Bank staff made presentations to participants to familiarise them with actions needed for effective and efficient implementation of the Projects. Training will continue on July 6.
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Allen Chastanet
Prime Minister Hon Allen Chastanet stated yesterday that essential agenda items are to be discussed at the 38th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The conference will take place in Grenada from July 4 – 6.
Prime Minister Chastanet, along with the Minister with responsibility for External Affairs, Hon Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, and Ambassador to CARICOM, Her Excellency Elma Gene Isaac, will attend the meeting held under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon Dr Keith Mitchell.
This meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government also falls on the CARICOM anniversary of July 4, with several significant agenda items down for consideration by the Heads of Government, including regional security, the CSME, tourism, air transportation, and opportunities for financing for development. The Heads of Government will also consider a regional plan for statistics development, a work plan and budget for the single ICT space, reparations, and the 2007 Port of Spain Declaration: “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases.”
Speaking to local media ahead of the trip, the prime minister said critical issues that also need to be discussed at the CARICOM level are Brexit and the situation in Venezuela.
In the prime minister’s absence, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, Hon Ezechiel Joseph, will serve as acting prime minister.
The Barbadian economy continues its recovery on the back of stronger tourism performance but improving public finances remains a critical challenge.
Economic growth in 2016 is estimated to have been 1.6 percent and to have accelerated in the first quarter of 2017 to 2 percent.
The IMF stands ready to assist the government of Barbados through continued policy dialogue and technical assistance.
At the invitation of the authorities, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Judith Gold visited Barbados from June 20–29 to review recent economic developments and discuss the 2017 budget. At the end of the visit, Ms. Gold issued the following statement:
“The Barbadian economy continues its recovery on the back of stronger tourism performance, but improving public finances remains a critical challenge. Economic growth in 2016 is estimated to have been 1.6 percent and to have accelerated in the first quarter of 2017 to 2 percent. The stronger economic performance has supported a reduction in the unemployment rate to 9.7 percent in 2016 from 11.3 percent in 2015. Inflation started to pick up in the second half of 2016 after deflation in 2015, and on a point-to-point basis reached 3.2 percent by end-December 2016 mainly due to higher food prices.
“The current account has further narrowed by 2 percentage points to 4.5 percent of GDP on the back of improved tourism receipts, a robust increase in exports, and low oil prices. Notwithstanding this improvement, international reserves fell to B$682 million by end-2016, about 2 months of imports. Delayed official loan disbursements and privatization, as well as lower private-sector inflows, were key drivers of this decline. Net International reserves remain relatively low.
“There was some progress in reducing the fiscal deficit in FY2016/17, which is estimated to have declined to 5.5 percent of GDP from 6.8 percent in FY2015/16. The majority of the adjustment was generated by lower government spending, while fiscal revenues held steady. Despite this progress, the large government financing requirements were a challenge, as banks reduced their sovereign exposure. As a result, the government had to increasingly resort to funding from the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB).
“Growth in 2017 is projected to slow to less than 1 percent, reflecting the fiscal consolidation efforts introduced in the FY2017/18 Budget. Inflation is expected to continue to accelerate to 6.7 percent by year end because of the increase in the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) and other taxes and fees, but revert to more historical norm in 2018 and subsequent years. There are important downside risks related to the increase in domestic and global uncertainty, including the impact of the Brexit on the British pound.
“Continued fiscal discipline, with economic growth, are essential to securing Barbados’ future. They will be critical to bolster international reserves and support the currency peg. Only a substantial and a sustained reduction in the fiscal deficit, which will put the debt-to-GDP ratio on a solid downward path, will restore the country’s credit rating and attractiveness to investors.
“The May 30th budget accelerates the pace of adjustment. It seeks to address the fundamental imbalance between revenues and expenditures that has characterized Barbados’ public finances in the past decade, and to significantly reduce new funding requirements. The budget is primarily focused on raising revenues while shoring up international reserves, including through an increase in the NSRL—which mostly impacts imported goods—from 2 percent to 10 percent. The government also plans cuts in current expenditure, to complete ongoing privatization efforts, and to undertake new divestments. In addition, the government seeks to initiate a voluntary exchange of debt instruments with the National Insurance Scheme and the CBB to reduce the interest bill. If implemented as envisaged, the 2017 budget would lead to substantial gains toward improving public finances.
“Over the medium-term, further fiscal adjustment would be needed on the expenditure side to decisively reduce debt and debt service costs. Transfers to public enterprises of close to 8 percent on an annual basis represent the second largest expenditure item, after the wage bill, and about the same magnitude as the interest bill on the public debt. Both expenditure categories weigh heavily on public finances and critical reforms are needed over the to restore sustainability and confidence. Reduction in transfers to public enterprises must be supported by structural reforms to reduce SOEs’ operating costs, rationalize their programs, and raise their revenues. Consideration should also be given to divesting commercial SOEs that can be run more efficiently and profitably by the private sector. Other structural reform, especially those focused on improving the investment climate and fostering growth are also critical.
“The IMF stands ready to assist the Government of Barbados, including through continued policy dialogue and technical assistance. The team would like to thank the authorities, technical staff, representatives of civil society, and the private sector, for their open discussions and constructive dialogue.”
The mission met with Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Christopher Sinckler, Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce, and Small Business Development Donville Inniss. Acting Central Bank Governor Cleviston Haynes, the leader of the opposition Mia Mottley, senior government officials, and representatives of the private sector.
The Opposition New Democratic Party of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (NDP) and its supporters rejoiced in the streets of Kingstown on Friday morning after High Court Justice Henry ruled in favour of allowing the hearing of two election petitions initially brought by two Opposition politicians, Benjamin Exeter and Lauron Baptiste over a year ago. This important judgment now allows the Petitions to be heard on their own merit.
Initially, the elections petitions were struck out by Justice Cottle in April 2016 based on a technicality, having accepted the submissions by lawyers for the government that they were filed improperly. However, The OECS Court of Appeal sitting in St. Lucia reversed Justice Cottle’s decision noting apparent bias and ruled that the case be returned to the High Court in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
After a long hard fought legal battle waged by the NDP’s legal team, headed by Queen Counsel, Stanley John, the judgement by Justice Henry delivered on Friday, June 30, 2017 rejected an application by the governing party to strike out the petitions as invalid. This ruling allows for the Election Petitions to be heard in open court.
The NDP is confident that the evidence to be presented will be overwhelming and will show that the electoral procedures in at least two constituencies on December 9th, 2015 were violated resulting in a general election that was not free and fair according to the country’s Representation of the People Act.
In a statement released on Friday Leader of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party Hon. Dr Godwin Friday expressed his deep level of satisfaction with Justice Henry’s ruling:
“We have waited long for justice, and today those wheels of justice are beginning to turn again. Today’s judgement is a win for all Vincentians. It is a judgement in favour of democracy and the spirit of the people.
The Petitions will be heard on their own merit. This is good for democracy. This is good for good governance. But most importantly this is good for our own value of ourselves as a people.
It is good because it reaffirms that our rights and the will of the people are greater than mere legal technicalities outside of the real issues at stake. We are not cogs in a wheel; we are not pawns, we are not pieces of a puzzle, we are real people, with real desires and ambitions and will. The expression of our will should never be denied, neither by the efforts of any agent and certainly not by mere legal technicalities.
Law exists to help societies imagine and become their very best. Law does not exist for its own sake.”
Dr Friday also spoke further on the improper and disturbing actions of electoral officials noting that they must be held accountable for their actions:
“The evidence will be available for everyone to see, and I trust that those responsible for what took place in Central Leeward and North Windward on December 9th, 2015 will be held accountable for their actions.
Accountability seems to be a word and concept that causes a lot of heartaches and sleepless nights for the leadership of the ULP Mal-administration these days. Too bad for them, that’s not my concern. My responsibility as your Party Leader and as Leader of the Opposition is to represent the best interests of all Vincentians and to ensure that this ULP Mal-administration is answerable to the people. The people are the ones who hold all the power in their hands. It has always been that way despite what some people in high offices may think, and we must insist in our words and by our deeds that it remains so.
The foundation of every democracy is free and fair elections, and we all know that the general elections of December 9th, 2015 were anything but, free and fair.”
A trial date for the election petitions will in due course be finalized by the High Court registrar. Dr Friday assures the people of this country that the New Democratic Party is ready to govern and looks forward to fresh elections and a legitimate mandate from the people:
“The New Democratic Party is prepared to chart a new course, a better path and a bright and prosperous future for all Vincentians. We will never give up on our mission. Against all odds we will persevere and be victorious. Let us unite and build a nation that we can be proud of always, where the government is accountable to the people and where good governance becomes a way of life and, so, restores prosperity for all.
We go forward with the legal battle, but we can clear the air of doubt about the 2015 elections by calling fresh elections now! This is what the people want!”
The NDP will continue to push its message of hope and to fight for a better SVG where the rights of our people are respected and their voices heard.
HRWise is proud to launch the second staging of its youth development and mentorship programme E.D.G.E. (Empower.Discover.Grow.Excel). This program is designed to equip young persons, ages 16-21, with the information and skills required to effectively transition from the school environment into the workplace. The program includes a 3-week summer workshop, followed by 3-month internship opportunities for participants who are ready to join the workforce.
E.D.G.E. is aimed at providing coaching and guidance to young adults to improve the caliber of employees entering the workplace every year. “Based on our experience in the HR field, we recognize that employers are generally unrealistic in their expectations related to school leavers. We are expecting persons who have been in a school setting for the past 15 years or more to seamlessly transition into the workplace with no orientation/onboarding” said Ms. Paul, Managing Director. In the absence of formal orientation/onboarding programs in most organizations, HRWise has decided to take action to address this issue, and bridge the existing gap.
E.D.G.E. is concerned with the holistic development of young adults and will therefore focus heavily on the soft skills required for success, as well as work/life balance, among others. Interested individuals, as well as corporate citizens, are invited to partner with HRWise to make a meaningful impact on the social transformation of Saint Lucia’s future workforce. Ms. Paul added “Following a successful first year, we are committed to this program, because we are confident that it will give participants the EDGE to stand out and shine, as engaged new entrants in the workplace”.
The program starts 24 July 2017 and will be held annually. Anyone interested in being part of this program can contact HRWise for more details at 758-458-4001 or info@hrwiseinc.com.
Chancy Fontenelle - St. Luica's 2017 Carnival Queen
18-year-old Chancy Fontenelle Miss HTS/Radio 100 is St. Lucia’s 2017 Carnival Queen. She captured the prestigious title in a keenly contested Pageant held at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday July 1. Chancy – who also captured the award for Best Talent – gave a riveting rendition of Andra Day’s song Rise, with a backdrop video of local producer Francis Leebo Delima, in which he spoke of his battle with cancer and sought to give hope to others so afflicted.
Programme Director – Valerie Albert-Fevrier commented on Chancy’s victory, “We are extremely elated. She made us proud!”
Claire-Marissa Smartt, Miss Massy Stores emerged 1st Runner Up. Claire also won Best Swimwear. Lisa-Marie Faustin, Miss Vybe Radio was 2nd Runner Up. Lisa won Best Interview and also captured the award for Best Evening Wear. Jozel Cooper, Miss Pierre Marcel emerged 3rd Runner Up. She also won Best Costume and Miss Congeniality.
The Queen Show was the culmination of weeks of auditions and preparation by eight beautiful and talented young ladies who competed for title of 2017 Carnival Queen, the privilege to preside over all Carnival events for the season, and serve as ambassador extraordinaire in overseas appearances. The show featured five segments: Swimwear, Talent, Costume, Evening Wear, and Interview.
The Carnival Queen Pageant marked yet another successful production for the Events Company of St. Lucia (ECSL) under the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival banner. Feedback from patrons to the sold-out event was that the committee ‘got it right’ and that the young ladies were all keen to win the coveted title.
Commenting on this year’s Pageant, Chairperson of the Carnival Queen Show Committee, Sue Monplaisir said, “We are thrilled at the reaction to this year’s show. We wish to thank all who worked with our committee, especially the chaperones, for their dedication to this process, ensuring that the contestants were well prepared to give a quality performance.”
Executive Director of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), Mr. Melchoir Henry commented, “The passionate and fervent response to all the performances by the ladies vying for the title of what is arguably the most prestigious Pageant in St. Lucia, tells us that the public embraces quality events.”
The following are the results on the night:
Winner – Chancy Fontenelle 1st Runner Up – Claire-Marissa Smartt 2nd Runner Up – Lisa-Marie Faustin 3rd Runner Up – Jozel Cooper Best in Swimwear – Claire-Marissa Smartt Best Talent – Chancy Fontenelle Best in Costume – Jozel Cooper Best in Evening Wear – Lisa-Marie Faustin Best Interview – Lisa-Marie Faustin Miss Congeniality – Jozel Cooper Miss Photogenic – Shannon Preville
It truly was an epic night where beauty, brains, grace and talent were showcased.
CEO of ECSL – Thomas Leonce, commented, “The Events Company of St. Lucia is especially proud to be a part of this legacy and looks forward to presenting more quality events for Carnival, a very significant leg of the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival.
We must show our gratitude and thank all of the sponsors who by way of their input contributed to the success of this event. These include Vybe Radio, Pierre Marcel, Piton Beer, Crystal Clear, Choice TV, Massy Stores, Bounty Rum and HTS/Radio 100
Overall Sponsors of the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival Series include The Wave Radio, HTS/Radio 100, Vybe Radio, Choice TV, DBS, LUCELEC, TEMPO, RCI, HOT FM and Platinum Sponsor FLOW.
The Innovation Conference team of distinguished presenters from left to right: Dr. Ulrich Thiessen - EU Programme Director; Dr. Terrence Farrell - Chairman EDAB; Mr. Robert Bermudez - Chancellor Designate for UWI; Deputy Permanent Secretary Beverly Khan - Ministry of Planning and Development; Professor Brian Copeland - UWI Campus Principal; Professor John Agard - Director of Research UWI; Mr. Ronald Hinds- CEO Teleios System Ltd. (Photo courtesy the Ministry of Planning and Development)
The Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) of the Ministry of Planning and Development collaborators UWI, EU and IDB hosted an Innovation Conference on June 27-28 at UWI’s Teaching and Learning Complex, St Augustine. The event brought together leaders in academia, private and public sector who articulated ideals for moving our nation towards active innovation.
The deliberations’ common thread was in accord with the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Beverly Khan’s sentiments, “Creativity and Innovation is Limitless.” However, it was agreed for us as a nation to attain this paradigm we must strengthen three main capacities, Academia, our National Innovation Systems (NIS) and increased Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) in Trinidad and Tobago. Duly noted by the EU and IDB representatives is the highly supportive move of the Government in ensuring policy is laid via the National Innovation Policy(NIP) that was presently within Cabinet and being driven by the Hon. Minister Camille Robinson Regis.
In response to academia’s deficit, Professor Brian Copeland, UWI Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal stated in his speech that UWI needs to create a ‘legacy of self-sustainability’ and indicated that UWI is prepared to move academia forward in this direction. He stated in his delivery “to build this legacy, we are actively expanding the current ‘education-for-jobs’ paradigm to one that nurtures creativity and innovation.”
Government partners IDB and EU have given financial and technical support to the Government through the EU – the 11th Economic Development Funds (EDF) which is further supported through a proposed implementation action plan. IDB with the assistance of the Cambridge University has facilitated extensive Foresighting Exercises that have produced a Diversification Roadmap, hence enabling the nation to make that switch. (All documents and presentations are available via the EDAB website http://edab.org.tt).
Through the National Development Policy: Vision 2030 all links have been synchronized towards making Trinidad and Tobago a globally competitive business entity. Vision 2030 acts as a call to action for all stakeholders: Business/Private sector, Government and NGOs to work together to nurture and bring this reality to fruition. Creativity and innovation is in within our reach!
The retail prices of unleaded gasoline, diesel, and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) have increased.
In keeping with changes in international oil prices and government’s application of the modified market pass-through petroleum pricing mechanism, the retail prices of unleaded gasoline, diesel, and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) have changed.
The price of gasoline has increased from $2.55 to $2.80 per litre or $11.61 to $12.75 per gallon; and diesel, from $2.27 to $2.50 per litre or $10.32 to $11.36 per gallon.
The price of the 20 pound (9.07 kg) LPG cylinder has increased from $29.65 to $30.49 per cylinder, the 22 pound (9.98 kg) LPG cylinder from $32.89 to $33.82 per cylinder, and the 100 pound (45.36kg) LPG cylinder from $184.28 to $188.52 per cylinder. The retail price for kerosene remains unchanged at $1.41 per litre or $6.39 per gallon.
The price changes take effect on Monday, July 3. The retail prices of fuel products will be next adjusted on Monday, July 24.
Live, Dream, Achieve – Saint Vincent And The Grenadines Community College’s (SVGCC) Graduation 2017.
“This day belongs to us”- the words of Valedictorian of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), Division of Technical and Vocational Education, Miss Shanika Samuel. Indeed, the day belonged to the graduating class of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, Nursing Education, Teacher Education, and Technical and Vocational Education.
Tuesday, 27th June, would be a day forever etched in the minds of the SVGCC graduating class of 2017, who came out in their finest to accept their certificates of completion from various study programmes. The graduation ceremony took place at the Victoria Park, where hundreds of well-wishers gathered to see their loved ones receive well-earned certificates of completion.
This is the 8th amalgamated SVGCC graduation ceremony, according to the Chairman of the SVGCC Board of Directors, Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache. She stressed the commitment of the Board and staff of the SVGCC, in working tirelessly to create a more efficient institution.
In his address, Director of the SVGCC, Mr. Nigel Scott, told the 2017 graduating class, that it was just the beginning, and that life ahead would present challenges, but there would be days of pleasures as well.
Local entertainer, Mr. Gamal Doyle, better known as “Skinny Fabulous”, delivered the feature address. Mr. Doyle reminded graduands of the need to be grateful to their parents who supported them thus far.
The award for top performer in the Division of Nursing Education went to Miss Shandeen Johnson-DaSouza – Registered Nursing programme. Miss DaSouza also captured the General Nursing Council Award. Top performer in the Division of Teacher Education was Miss Shekemma Humphrey of the Early Childhood Education programme; and in the secondary programme, Miss Shecania Small. Ms. Small also copped the Divisional Award for Excellence.
Top performers in the Division of Technical and Vocational Education were: Miss Kelita Pope, Home Economics programme; Miss Adonica Bynoe-Barnon, Industrial Arts programme; with the Divisional Award for Excellence going to Miss Shenika Samuel, a student from the Business Studies programme, specifically, Accounting. Top performer in the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies was Miss Abigail Scott.
The Valedictory address highlighted the importance of second chances, and that one can triumph despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. This was justly delivered by the top performer in the Technical and Vocational Education Division’s Certificate Programme, Miss Shenika Samuel.
The SVGCC lost several students in tragic circumstances over the past months, thus the Board of Directors and the staff thought it fit to present to the parents of the deceased students, post humous awards.
Over the past two, three and/or four years, the graduates of the SVGCC dreamt, achieved, and lived to see their dreams become a reality.
