Olympian Shafiqua Maloney appointed Sporting Ambassador of St Vincent and the Grenadines

Vincentian athlete and Olympian, Shafiqua Maloney has been named as the Sporting Ambassador for St Vincent and the Grenadines. This announcement was made by the Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves during the 45^th anniversary of Independence of the island nation on 27^th October, 2024.

Notably, Maloney is the first Vincentian athlete to reach an Olympic Final. As, she was placed 4^th in the 800m women’s final at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Following her announcement as the Sporting Ambassador of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Shafiqua Maloney extended gratitude to the Government of the country. She also pledged that she would continue to represent the nation with utmost pride and dignity.

“Thank you to the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for my appointment as a Sporting Ambassador,” noted Shafiqua Maloney.

Along with her, the other sporting personalities who have been named as the Ambassadors of St Vincent and the Grenadines are National Footballer, Oalex Anderson, former West Indies Test Cricketer, Jomel Warrican and, former National Footballer, coach, a FIFA referee and trainer of special athletes, Fitzgerald John Hinds King.

The Prime Minister has also named Alvern “Ali” Cadougan as the Cultural Ambassador. She is the first woman to have led the iconic Nelson Bloc Costume Band since 2003.

Along with this, the Prime Minister has made several special announcements, shedding light on the achievements marked by the island nation in the last years. He also mentioned the significant initiatives that will be taken by the Government in order to make St Vincent and the Grenadines, a sustainable nation.

The Prime Minister also focused on elevating all the sectors of the country, be it, sports, education, healthcare with a vision to lead the nation towards growth and development.

Special Announcements by PM Ralph Gonsalves

• 5% additional tax-free salary for all nurses until Dec 2025
• VAT relief for domestic consumers of electricity upto 250 units
• Duty-free concession on cement extended indefinitely
• Record 2000 tuition scholarships issued
• Govt will pay student loans for Dec 2024 around cost – $ 200k
• All primary and secondary school teachers and 2nd-year students at SVGCC to receive free new laptops
• Dec 2024- Feb 2025, a special Cost-of-living allowance of $175 for 3K means-tested
• Duty-free concessions on barrels will continue until Jan 31,2025
• National orchestra and choir to be established
• 320 new SET workers to begin in November
• $200 increase for college graduate SET employees and $300 increase for university graduate SET employees

St Vincent and the Grenadines Independence

St Vincent and the Grenadines marked their 45th year of Independence on 27th September 2024, celebrating the vibrancy, rich culture, and stunning beauty that make the island nation truly unforgettable.

The citizens of the country dressed in a colours of Blue, Gold and Green celebrated the 45 years of Independence, commemorating rich cultural heritage of the nation.