Introduction
Hurricane Beryl’s impact on St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Hurricane Beryl struck on 1st July 2024, causing extensive damage to housing, food security, education and public health, with thousands requiring immediate assistance. The government responded by distributing food and taking on public debt to support recovery efforts and safeguard lives. Nonetheless, Union Island and other areas may experience power outages throughout the year, affecting safety and livelihoods. Parliamentary opposition stated that the storm highlighted government neglect in the Southern Grenadines, the most severely impacted region. There were also requests to ensure political activists do not lead the recovery efforts.
Expression
Journalist threatened over gas leak report
On 21st September 2024, the newspaper SEARCHLIGHT reported to law enforcement a threat made via WhatsApp against one of their journalists. This occurred after the journalist published a non-by-lined article about a child who had died in a house as a result of a gas leak. The newspaper issued a statement condemning the threats: “We condemn in the strongest terms, any threat or threats issued to our Reporters or Members of our Staff, and we will ensure they are reported to the Police.”
Threats issued to a SEARCHLIGHT journalist by a man who claims to be the father of a primary school student who died at Glen, have been reported to the police. https://t.co/wjfHo4NB2X pic.twitter.com/AZOLswd1XX
— Searchlight SVG (@SearchlightSVG) September 20, 2024
Association
Court stays case against activist
On 28th May 2024, the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate John Ballah, stayed Adriana King’s legal case, in which she faced charges of obstructing Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves from entering Parliament in 2021. This stay effectively suspends the matter, leaving it unresolved on the record.
King was represented by attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, who expressed confidence that the court would support the defence’s submissions, citing significant delays and procedural irregularities. She noted that the Magistrate’s Court guidelines suggest a six-month timeframe for resolving such matters, whereas King’s case had been ongoing for over two years.
Bacchus-Baptiste argued that these delays and amendments prejudiced King, leading to financial strain, as she was placed on half pay for the duration of the proceedings. She also highlighted the importance of this decision for King, who, while exercising her right to protest, had endured significant financial and emotional hardships due to the prolonged duration of the case.