The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said late Sunday night that the military aircraft activity and paratroopers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are not linked to regional tensions or foreign military operations.
“The aircraft activity observed over parts of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is part of planned Independence Day exhibitions organised in coordination with relevant state agencies,” the constabulary said in a press statement.
“These exercises are ceremonial, professionally supervised, and form part of the official programme of events marking the nation’s 46th Anniversary of Independence.”
The RSVGPF acknowledged that in the current climate of international uncertainty, citizens may be “naturally curious or even concerned when they observe unfamiliar aerial manoeuvres.
“However, it is important to distinguish between verified information and online speculation.”
The RSVGPF said it “unequivocally rejects any assertion suggesting the presence or use of jamming devices, restrictions on airspace, or any form of security threat to the State or its citizens.
“These rumours are entirely false, misleading, and irresponsible, serving only to create unnecessary panic and confusion.”
The statement came hours after a video was published on social media, showing what appeared to be a paratrooper landing on the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines building at Reigate, Kingstown.
The video showed what appears to be three men in civilian wear, one of them apparently carrying an assault rifle, and a fourth man, wearing what appears to be the black uniform of the Rapid Response Unit, walking on the roof of the building.
People offered various theories about the person and their intentions.
In its statement, the RSVGPF said that while the media play an important role in informing the public, “sensational headlines and conjecture can lead to unnecessary fear and confusion.
“The RSVGPF encourages all media entities and citizens to verify information through official channels before publication or sharing.
“As a proud nation celebrating 46 years of Independence, the RSVGPF urges all Vincentians to turn their attention to the spirit of unity, discipline, and resilience that defines our people. Let us not allow speculation to distract from our shared pride in country and heritage.
“The RSVGPF assures the public that Independence Day celebrations are being conducted with full regard for public safety and security, and all activities remain under proper coordination.”
Apparently, the participation of Guyanese skydivers in the independence parade at Arnos Vale on Monday night was intended to be a surprise.
However, the team made a video post about it on its Facebook page, saying, “Look out St Vincent and the Grenadines, the team will be coming to the Arnos Vale Stadium this weekend”.
The post appears to have since been removed.
Meanwhile, Rajkumar Singh also posted about the event on Facebook, saying on Oct. 25:
“The Guyana Skydiving Team is soaring to new heights! Heading to St. Vincent to represent our nation for Independence celebrations. Guyana to the skies — let’s fly the Golden Arrowhead high! stay tuned for updates!”
Tensions are high across the southern Caribbean and the rest of the region as the United States warship “USS Gravely” docked in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, even as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar sought to downplay threats of military aggression in the region.
Last week, the Donald Trump administration announced that it is intensifying its military build-up in the Caribbean with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordering the deployment of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its carrier air wing, to the Caribbean in aid of what the administration says is its counter-drug initiative.
Washington said the enhanced US force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster US capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and its security in the Western Hemisphere.
In recent times, the Trump administration has deployed several warships and over 10,000 troops to the Caribbean in what pundits claim is a pretext for an eventual land invasion of Venezuela.