It was a very good run with Searchlight newspaper

As Interactive Media ceases operations indefinitely, it is sweet sorrow that the Searchlight Newspaper will fold as of today, September 25, 2026.

This the last publication culminates 31 years of dependable journalism, that has made St Vincent and the Grenadines a more informed place as stories were to light- changes were effected as readers consumed the contents with much assurance of accuracy and unbiased reporting.

Like everything else, metamorphoses have taken place within the newspaper industry and communication sector as a whole.

Unfortunately, as well, this On Target column will have its eulogy read, as its eternal rest comes with the package.

But as we weep and probably mourn, it would not hurt for us to reflect on the life of this weekly exposition that has made analyses on a wide cross- section of sports issues, locally, regionally and internationally.

On Target, was started by William “Kojah” Anthony, before I became the columnist in October 2006.

Hence, it has been two decades of using the medium to ventilate my opinion.

Most gratifying is the fact that several authorities have acted on the views expressed in countless On Target submissions.

Indeed, these positive responses have been part of the highlight reel aggregated overtime.

Decisively, On Target, on occasions traversed the route of biting commentaries, with the objective of pricking the consciences of those with the responsibility of making sports better, to expend their best for fear of being the subject of another weekly critique.

Additionally, Searchlight provided an outlet for me to develop my writings as for the past twenty- four years, my name was attached to most of the sports articles published.

However, this writer’s contribution and sustainability over the years, was not confined to sports, as it times, I ventured out in doing human interest stories and other hard news items.

In recompense, I became well known in various circles here and abroad.

My writings earned me a number of titles at the Annual Sports Awards, inclusive of seven successive Sports Journalists of the Year accolades.

These go along with other recognition from national associations, the National Sports Council, community organisations and individuals.

Notably, I was afforded several opportunities to travel to cover international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games in Australia (2018), England (2022), as well as the Pan American Games in Peru (2019), and Chile (2023).

Thanks to my writings and platform provided by this outlet, I was selected to travel overseas on four occasions with senior St Vincent and the Grenadines men’s Football teams as the press officer.

As it stood, this reporter was the first such appointment by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF). Too, through the exposure from Searchlight I was able to rack up thirteen years of service with the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA), and NORCECA as a press delegate to several court and Beach tournaments across the ECVA host territories.

The accumulated acumen, friendships, partnerships, networking and other accruals from the twenty- four years of association with Searchlight is priceless.

Gratitude is a must, and I cannot in this time of farewell relent in giving praises where they are due.

To all the editors, fellow contributors and reporters, paginators, proof readers and others who have toiled in the vineyard from 1995 to 2026, your efforts are well archived, as your combined expertise has reshaped the journalism landscape of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is no gainsaying that Searchlight has been a trend setter since its first publication hit the street.

The advent of a midweek, the online presence, coupled with the skilful utilization of the various social media platforms, distanced Searchlight from its competitors.

To Interactive Media, I say thank you for accommodating me, unearthing a hidden talent that germinated, grew, blossomed and bore fruit.

All the best to everyone, as the pages of Searchlight finally close.