American couple gives SVG first baby of 2025 at MCMH 

By Admin. Updated 1:48 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Anna and Ross Dudley, an American couple from Mississippi and Arkansas, were surprised to learn that their third child would be the first baby born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the year 2025 at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

The Dudleys, who describe themselves as gospel singers frequently traveling for their work, are no strangers to having their children born in international locations. Their first child was born in France, while their second child arrived in Canada.

Mrs. Dudley gave birth to a baby boy named Charles early on New Year’s Day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

“We had no idea we would live here,” Mr. Dudley shared during an interview with One News SVG at MCMH today.

“Our two kids were born in August 2024, and we plan to stay here until August this year,” the couple said.

They say they are living here in SVG to support Mohammad Abu-Halaweh, a Canadian student at Trinity Medical School. They consider Mohammad part of their family, having lived with him in Canada for the past ten years.

The U.S. couple, who also live in Canada, relocated to SVG from Vancouver when Mrs. Dudley was four months pregnant.

“I was four months pregnant when I came here,” Mrs. Dudley stated.

So far, the couple has reported positive experiences regarding the treatment they have received at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

Regarding the naming of their third child, they chose the name Charles, as it is a traditional name that has been passed down through their family.

In an interesting coincidence, their first child is named Vincent, which reflects part of the name of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

“When we named him that four and a half years ago, we had no idea we would be coming to St. Vincent to live,” they remarked.

The couple residing in the Ratho Mill area expressed their thoughts about St. Vincent, noting that their favorite spot so far has been Breaker’s Beach in Prospect. 

They have also embraced the Vincentian culture. 

Mr. Dudley mentioned that St. Vincent is reminiscent of Mississippi and Arkansas, particularly in terms of fishing practices. “People fish here just like we do back home,” he said, adding that some of the fish species are similar, such as grouper and barracuda.

The couple, who primarily perform live music, stated that they have yet to perform in St. Vincent and missed an opportunity to do so in October when they were scheduled to perform at the grand opening of St. James Medical School.