Y.A.R.A. TO CELEBRATE 31 ON JANUARY 22.
January 22, 2026 will mark 31 years since recently rebranded Youlou Amateur Radio Association -YARA started it operations with a hike to Mt. St. Andrews (MSA), announcing to the world that the Rainbow Radio League (original name for YARA) was launched. The portable HF radio equipment including a heavy 12 Volt lead acid battery was toted up the steep slopes of the fourth highest mountain in SVG. The radio operators during that initial hike included Albert Browne J88CT, Paul Lowman J88DF, Sean Patterson J88CU and Donald De Riggs J88CD.
For a few years after 1995, the 22nd of January, Mt. St. Andrews became a mecca for local radio amateurs, mainly for the exercise, excellent view and regional and international contacts made from the summit of MSA. The team would assemble at the base of MSA for the final ascent at around 5:30 AM to avoid carrying the heavy battery, radio equipment and tent uphill under a scorching overhead sun. In the following years and before January 22 ‘Discovery Day’ holiday was abandoned by the government of the day, the RRL used that holiday to ‘discover’ places like Savan Island, Mustique, Petite Mustique, Grand Bonhomme, Petit Tabac, Baliceaux and Battowia, places we never visited before, taking portable HF radios with us on every occasion.
After the turn of the century, the RRL now YARA (Youlou Amateur Radio Association), successfully executed five consecutive annual regional field exercises dubbed “Operation X”. These field exercises gave the opportunity to radio amateurs from Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada and SVG to visit each other’s territory setting up and operating HF radios from the main emergency shelters in all these islands, with the cooperation of all the Disaster Management agencies of the countries named including NEMO SVG. NEMO staff also benefited from this training.
Mustique Airways, SVG Air, ICE AIR (St. Lucia) and LIAT were all instrumental for the success of these field exercises. Logistical issues forced the discontinuation of these practical and very useful training exercises, due to the lack of our own aeronautical and maritime assets. To enable YARA to be especially effective in delivering our service as emergency communications (Emcoms) first responders, we NEED our own maritime (rescue boats) and aeronautical (aircraft) assets so that we can train with our Coast Guard (CG) and be of assistance to them when the situation/emergency requires extra help.
Our accomplishments include responding to the Emcoms needs of Dominica following the passage of Hurricane Maria in 2017. YARA intends to visit Dominica for a joint Emcoms exercise in 2027 to mark the 10th anniversary of the passage of hurricane Maria. On that occasion YARA intends to collaborate with WARA (Waitikubuli Amateur Radio Association) as we sharpen our emergency communication skills. Our members working with the Coast Guard were also involved with the rescue of a Barbadian fishing boat that had been drifting for 10 days. Former Commander of the CG Brenton Caine would no doubt remember that rescue as if it was yesterday.
As YARA prepares for its 31st anniversary on January 22, 2026, the Directorate wishes to thank our sponsors and members who have kept the flame of Amateur Radio aka Ham radio alive. A few names from the long list need special mention here and these include BOSVG, Sol Petroleum, SVGAIR, Barefoot Charters, Grenada Co-Op Bank, SVGCG, RIGGS Construction, Keith Boyea, Leroy “Super fly” Edwards, John Crichton, Ian Veira, Elvis Gooding, Kelly Glass, Gus & Bert De Roche, Jeffery King, Zannie Adams, Lesroy Noel, Bernard Morgan, Howie Prince, Michelle Forbes, Dr. Masada James and from Grenada Floyd Dowden and Sylvan Mc. Intyre.
Maxwell Burke, captain of the MV Guidance that vanished during hurricane Beryl, also played a pivotal part in our development and assisted YARA on several occasions including a training exercise. See “Operation Mike Charlie” on YouTube. OT Mayers, Clifford Davy, Claude Richards J85M, Kerwin Morris J85A, Martin Barnard J88AA, Robert Young J85I and Vincent Bacchus – KA2CPA/J85B (all deceased) were some of our benefactors, mentors and members.
Our members who have made notable contributions to our longevity include the following: Marilyn J88NEE, Vulon J88VL, Kavern J88NEI, Christine J88NEJ , Elna J88NEK, Carol J88NHO, Helen J88DL, J88NEY Rochelle, J88NEX Raquel, Molica J88NMF, Velitha J88NGI, Denise J88NLS, Shamanta J88NSF, Anesha J88NAP, Karyn J88NKC, Lavell J88LM, Syl J88NSB, Steve J88NAC, Leon J88NFJ, Ron J88NRH, Ronald J88EA, Andre J88FP, Justin J88DA, Reni J88DM, Jose J88NGR, Eban J88NGL, Ian J88NIR, Cally J88DX, Sylvester J88DT, Monte J88NMB, Clayton J88NFE, Brian J88NFN, Leslie J88LE, Percy J88NEB, Lawson J88NLL, Sean J88CU and in recent times Tony KC2ADI/J88BT, Jeff J85E, James J88NJT, Arington J88SE, Justin J88PB and Jas J88NCJ.
On Thursday, January 22, YARA will elect a new Directorate to run the day to day affairs of this non-profit , community service amateur radio organisation. The elections will be followed immediately by a 31st anniversary toast to the incoming Directors of YARA. The out going Executive Director/President Donald De Riggs J88CD, will still serve as IPP (Immediate Past President) according to the YARA Charter/Constitution. The offices voted for include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer; and together with the IPP and two committee members, comprise/ constitute the Executive Directorate. The zonal Directors are appointed with their consent. The zonal directors are the main contact persons in each geographic district under their purview.
And finally and most importantly a special thanks to both print and electronic media for publishing our work over the years … SVGTV, NBC radio, Magic FM, Searchlight, NEWS, Vincentian, IWN and others have all contributed to publishing and archiving our activities over the past 30 years. For disseminating our work and activities the entire membership of YARA is truly appreciative.
Report submitted by : Donald De Riggs.