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New magazine to spotlight Caribbean student-athletes, DA’s Addison James on first cover

A groundbreaking regional publication designed to unlock new pathways for Caribbean student-athletes and position the region as a leading hub for sports, education and sports tourism is scheduled to launch on July 31, 2026. Developed by publisher Visit Nature, the first issue of *Student Athlete Focus Magazine – OECS Edition* is far more than a conventional sports magazine: it operates as a purpose-built regional platform linking emerging talented student-athletes to educational, athletic and professional openings across local and global markets.

Centered on the core theme “Creating Pathways—Connecting OECS Student-Athletes to Regional and Global Opportunities,” the debut issue features Dominican javelin standout Addison James as its lead profile. The publication grows from a widely shared observation across the Caribbean: while the region produces no shortage of world-class athletic talent, systemic gaps have long prevented young competitors from accessing the scholarships, higher education placements and professional careers their skills deserve. This magazine was created to fill that gap.

Unlike traditional sports publications that prioritize only competition results and medal hauls, *Student Athlete Focus Magazine* chronicles the full, holistic journey of a student-athlete. It follows athletes from their first introduction to grassroots sports through academic growth, university recruitment, international competition, leadership development and long-term career advancement. It also shines a spotlight on the critical supporting roles that families, coaches, schools, athletic recruiters and post-secondary institutions play in nurturing emerging talent. Beyond athlete profiles, the magazine covers topics ranging from student mental and physical wellness, academic readiness, and regional sports collaboration to the growing economic opportunities tied to the Caribbean sports sector.

Per the publisher, the publication’s overarching goal is to become the Caribbean’s premier media platform dedicated exclusively to student-athletes, while advancing long-term regional development by closing the gap between raw talent and tangible opportunity. Its key objectives include expanding scholarship access for Caribbean athletes, building stronger connections between local competitors and post-secondary institutions and recruiters worldwide, balancing priority on academic achievement alongside athletic performance, amplifying successful athlete development programs, fostering deeper cross-regional cooperation in sports, and marketing the Caribbean as a top destination for international sporting events, elite training camps and sports-related investment.

“Our athletes have always had the talent. What has been missing is a platform that consistently connects their stories, achievements and potential with the people who can create opportunities. Student Athlete Focus Magazine was created to become that bridge,” the publication’s leadership noted.

To reach the broadest possible audience, the magazine will leverage a mixed distribution model combining both digital and print strategies. As part of its pre-launch campaign across the OECS and the wider Caribbean, full-page print advertisements embedded with QR codes will run in major regional newspapers. Readers can scan the codes directly on their mobile devices to access the full digital edition instantly, extending the magazine’s reach far beyond the limits of traditional print circulation.

Internationally, the publication will be promoted to hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States via targeted media guides. This strategy places Caribbean student-athletes directly in front of athletic directors, head coaches, university admissions officials and recruitment teams, while also raising global awareness of the Caribbean region’s unique assets. The magazine also acts as a powerful marketing tool for Caribbean sports tourism, a goal that will expand in subsequent issues.

Future editions will feature in-depth coverage of regional sporting venues, host destinations, upcoming tournaments, world-class training facilities, local accommodation options, cultural attractions and sports investment opportunities across the Caribbean. The publication will also actively promote the region as a premier host for a wide range of events, from youth football tournaments, basketball championships and cricket festivals, to athletics training camps, beach sports competitions, golf tournaments, sailing regattas, road races and marathons. Additional coverage will include sport fishing events, masters-level competitions for adult athletes, and university athlete showcases.

The decision to integrate athlete development with destination marketing represents an innovative approach to driving inclusive economic growth across the region, according to the publisher. The launch comes at a time of rapid expansion for the global sports industry, which now boasts an annual market valuation of over $600 billion. Sports tourism is one of the sector’s fastest-growing segments, with projections showing it will surpass $1 trillion in annual value by the mid-2030s, driven by rising demand for international competitions, youth tournaments, off-season training camps, fan travel and destination-specific sporting events.

Publishers note the Caribbean is uniquely positioned to capture a large share of this growing market, thanks to its track record of producing internationally celebrated athletes, year-round favorable weather, upgraded modern sporting facilities, and a strong global brand as a top travel destination. *Student Athlete Focus Magazine* aims to amplify that advantage by tying athlete development directly to regional promotion. Beyond its coverage of athletes and destinations, the publication also seeks to foster collaboration across athletes, educators, coaches, governments, sports governing bodies, universities, tourism stakeholders and the private sector to strengthen opportunities for young competitors and support sustainable long-term development across the region.

16 7 月, 2026
How a beach house dream became StolenTime’s 60-year success story

Deep in the tropical heart of Saint Lucia, a decades-old dream rooted in a husband’s loving promise to his wife has reached an extraordinary milestone. What began as a quiet ambition to build a private beach house in the 1940s has bloomed into one of the Caribbean’s most enduring and beloved hospitality success stories, marking six decades of operation this year.

The story traces back to Dennis Barnard, who purchased a stretch of sun-drenched beachfront land years before all-inclusive resorts revolutionized Caribbean travel. Barnard’s wife, Marguerite Laurie Barnard, had long nurtured a dream of raising a family in a beachfront home of their own, and pushed her husband to seize the opportunity. That fateful purchase laid the foundation for what is today known as StolenTime by Rendezvous, a family-owned resort that has welcomed millions of guests since 1966 and shaped the trajectory of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry forever.

On a warm Wednesday evening, hundreds of guests gathered beneath the resort’s towering native trees to mark the momentous diamond anniversary. Attendees spanned generations: members of the Barnard family, sitting government officials, industry leaders, current and former long-time employees, loyal repeat visitors, and close friends of the resort came together to celebrate the landmark occasion. The night concluded with a brilliant firework display painting the Caribbean sky, a fitting tribute to a resort that has been woven into the fabric of Saint Lucia’s national identity for 60 years.

When the property first opened its doors to guests in the summer of 1966, it operated under the name Malabar Beach Hotel. Fifteen years later in 1981, it rebranded to Couples St Lucia, earning its place as one of the Caribbean’s very first fully all-inclusive resorts. A decade later in 1991, the property adopted the name Rendezvous, a brand that would carry it through the turn of the century. After the global COVID-19 pandemic upended the international travel industry, the resort underwent a full reimagining: it emerged as StolenTime by Rendezvous, a wellness-focused retreat that retained the signature personalized service that had set it apart from competing properties for decades.

For current CEO Andrew Barnard, grandson of founder Dennis Barnard, the 60th anniversary celebration meant far more than marking a business milestone. Addressing the crowd of attendees gathered for the event, he reflected: “Tonight, as I look around, I do not simply see guests gathered to celebrate a resort story. I see six decades of friendship, dedication, loyalty, and shared memories. More than anything else, that is what StolenTime truly represents.”

Barnard walked attendees through his grandfather’s original vision, explaining that what started as a simple plan for a family beach house quickly grew into something much bigger. “He believed that visitors could experience the genuine warmth of Saint Lucia through authentic hospitality, personal service, and a true sense of belonging,” Barnard said, adding that even as the resort expanded and evolved through six decades of changing travel trends, this core philosophy has never wavered.

Tracing the resort’s journey from Malabar Beach Hotel to its current identity as StolenTime, Barnard framed each rebrand as a careful adaptation to shifting traveler demands, all while remaining anchored to the family’s original values. “As the resort emerged from the shadow of the COVID pandemic, the team reimagined the resort as a wellness-focused retreat and relaunched as StolenTime,” he explained. “While names have changed, the resort’s purpose has not. If there’s one thing that these 60 years have taught us, it is that our greatest strength has never been our buildings, our tropical beach, our location, or our breathtaking gardens. It is always and always will be our people.”

In a moment of good news to mark the anniversary, Barnard announced the resort had just earned international recognition: it was recently ranked among the Top 24 Best Hotels and Resorts in the Caribbean by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. “It is an amazing achievement to be forging its place next to some of the most iconic hotels and resorts in this region,” he said.

Yhasmine Hylton, general manager of StolenTime who has led the property for the past five years, noted that reaching a 60-year milestone is a rare feat for any hospitality business, especially one that remains independently family-owned and locally rooted. “Sixty years is an extraordinary achievement. Few resorts have the privilege of celebrating such a milestone, and fewer still are family-owned, homegrown, and deeply rooted in Saint Lucia,” Hylton said. She added that the resort’s true magic extends far beyond its postcard-perfect beachfront setting. “It is found not only in its beautiful setting, but in the relationships created here, the memories shared, and the genuine warmth extended to every guest.”

Reflecting on six decades of guest experiences, Hylton remarked that the resort’s lush gardens have born witness to some of life’s most precious moments. “If these gardens could talk… they would tell countless stories. They would speak to honeymoons and anniversaries, proposals and reunions, laughter shared over dinner, quiet walks along the beach at sunset, and friendships that have lasted a lifetime.”

Hylton also emphasized the critical role generations of employees have played in the resort’s long-term success, highlighting the legacy of Sandra John, the resort’s longest-serving team member who retired last year after 52 years of dedicated service. “These are really years of service,” she said. “Many employees have spent decades becoming part of the memories guests carry home with them.”

Addressing the anniversary gathering, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Dr Ernest Hilaire praised the Barnard family for nurturing one of Saint Lucia’s most beloved hidden treasures while maintaining a people-first approach to hospitality. Recalling his own childhood, Hilaire shared that he often walked along the beach bordering the resort property on his way home from school, but did not step onto the resort grounds until decades later. “I was really, really blown away with the beauty of this property and the serenity of this property,” he said. “You’ve done a fantastic job to keep this gem hidden in Saint Lucia.”

Hilaire noted that the evening’s celebration reinforced a timeless truth that outlasts every passing travel trend: “No matter what happens in terms of new fads and new trends, there’s an unquestionable principle that defines the quality of a hospitality offering like yours, and that is how you make people feel.” He also commended the resort’s decades-long commitment to its staff, pointing to the 52-year tenure of Sandra John as proof of the resort’s positive work environment. “How does somebody work at one particular place for 52 years? It says something about the appreciation for the experiences they go through when they come to work,” he said.

The minister further acknowledged the resort’s outsized contribution to putting Saint Lucia on the global tourism map, noting that travelers he meets when traveling overseas often share fond memories of stays at the property, even when they reference one of its former names. “You’ve been one of the finest ambassadors for Saint Lucia,” he told the resort’s leadership.

Looking toward the future, Barnard said the resort’s focus will remain on growing while staying true to its roots, with planned ongoing investment in wellness programming, innovative guest experiences, and deepened community partnerships across Saint Lucia. “Our responsibility is not only to preserve what has been built over the past 60 years,” he said, “but to continue building upon it so that those who come after us experience the same warmth, care and authenticity that has defined this unique and beautiful place from the very beginning.”

As the final fireworks faded into the tropical night sky over the Caribbean Sea, the celebration stood for more than six decades of successful operations. It honored a humble family dream that grew from a simple beach house plan into one of Saint Lucia’s most recognizable and respected hospitality brands. Even as buildings, names, and travel trends shift across the region, one thing remains constant: thoughtful, authentic hospitality never goes out of style.

16 7 月, 2026
LETTER: Increase Penalties for Selling Marijuana to Youth

A concerned local resident of Antigua and Barbuda has submitted an open letter to the nation’s government, sounding the alarm over the expanding public safety risk created by drug dealers who target underage students and teenagers with marijuana sales. In the letter, the writer is pushing for legislative adjustments that would introduce significantly harsher legal penalties for offenders who knowingly supply cannabis to minors. The writer emphasized that childhood and adolescence represent an irreplaceable, critical developmental window for all young people, where physical, emotional and cognitive growth lays the foundation for lifelong success. Early exposure to illicit drugs, the letter argues, inflicts lasting harm that goes far beyond immediate consequences: it erodes young people’s capacity to focus in school, impairs their ability to make informed, responsible decisions, and blocks them from reaching their full personal and professional potential. Long-term risks linked to underage marijuana use include higher rates of chronic addiction, plummeting academic performance, a greater likelihood of developing severe mental health conditions, and an increased chance of engaging in criminal activity well into adulthood. Unlike drug transactions between consenting adults, the sale of marijuana to minors is not a mere violation of drug laws, the writer contends. It is a predatory act that exploits the developmental vulnerability of young people, who often lack the life experience to fully grasp the long-term damage of substance use. This exploitative behavior does not only harm individual children—it puts entire families, schools and local communities at risk, and undermines the tireless work of parents, educators and youth organizations that dedicate themselves to guiding young people toward healthy, productive futures. Enforcing stricter penalties for this specific crime, the letter argues, would achieve two key goals. First, it would send an unambiguous public message that the Antigua and Barbuda government prioritizes the protection of children and the security of the nation’s long-term future. Second, harsher consequences would act as a powerful deterrent, discouraging dealers from targeting vulnerable young people for quick profit. The writer also stressed that tough enforcement alone is not enough to address the issue. Alongside stronger legal penalties, the resident is calling for sustained government investment in evidence-based drug education, community-level prevention programs, accessible youth counseling services, and local outreach initiatives that connect at-risk young people with support. A balanced, multi-pronged strategy that combines deterrence with prevention and rehabilitation, the letter argues, would let Antigua and Barbuda both protect current generations of young people and tackle the underlying root causes of underage drug use. Closing the letter, the writer reaffirmed that the nation’s youth are entitled to safe, supportive environments where they can learn, grow and chase their goals without being targeted by actors who profit from their inexperience and vulnerability. The resident formally urged the government to open a review of existing drug legislation and advance new measures that impose stricter punishments on anyone convicted of selling marijuana to school-aged children and teens. The letter closes with gratitude for the government’s ongoing work to advance the well-being of all Antigua and Barbuda residents, and a request for urgent consideration of this critical public safety issue.

16 7 月, 2026
PM Briceno Dismisses UDP Protest, Says Opposition Must Win Back Public Trust

On July 16, 2026, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño publicly dismissed the latest protest demonstration organized by the country’s main opposition bloc, the United Democratic Party (UDP), saying the opposition’s top priority is not challenging his administration but rebuilding public trust to win broader voter support.

The UDP launched its protest on Friday, framing the action as the opening move of a sustained nationwide campaign targeting the Briceño administration. The opposition has leveled unaddressed corruption allegations against the ruling government and said further actions will follow to ramp up pressure. While opposition protesters gathered in city streets to voice their demands, Briceño revealed he chose to step away from political affairs entirely that afternoon to spend quality time with his granddaughter.

In an exclusive interview with local outlet News 5, the prime minister emphasized that his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather remain central to his life, separate from his duties as head of government. “I am not only the prime minister,” Briceño explained. “It was raining, so we couldn’t go to the park like I planned. Instead, we went to Moe’s which has an indoor playground, and we spent an hour and a half there. That quiet time is the real joy of life.”

When asked if he views the UDP’s criticism and protest campaign as a meaningful political threat, Briceño questioned whether the opposition’s messaging actually resonates with ordinary Belizeans. “What they really need to worry about is that the people of this country are not taking them seriously,” he stated.

Briceño also pointed to a recent gathering of his own ruling party, the People’s United Party, held the day after the UDP protest in the southern town of Dangriga, to back up his claim. He noted that even though the UDP arranged free cross-country bus transportation to mobilize protesters for their demonstration, the total turnout at the opposition’s event was still lower than the number of attendees that turned out for his party’s council meeting in Dangriga.

For its part, the UDP has reaffirmed that Friday’s protest is just the first phase of a coordinated, incremental campaign to keep pressure on the Briceño administration over the unresolved corruption claims the opposition has put forward.

16 7 月, 2026
Youth advocates join global ‘Kick Big Soda Out’ movement during FIFA World Cup

On July 11, a diverse coalition of young activists, medical students, and members of the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition joined a worldwide movement challenging the long-standing practice of large sugary drink manufacturers sponsoring the world’s most high-profile sporting events. For the Caribbean island nation, this fight is far from an abstract global campaign: official data shows nearly 42 percent of Barbadian children currently live with overweight or obesity, making the public health harms of targeted sugary beverage marketing visible every day in local clinics, schoolyards, and neighborhood communities across the country.

As the centerpiece of their local activation, youth leaders from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados’ Childhood Obesity Prevention Programme organized a symbolic 5-a-side futsal tournament at The Oasis Football Turf, designed to bring public attention to the global Kick Big Soda Out campaign and escalate ongoing advocacy to restrict marketing for unhealthy food and drinks on school grounds. As of the event date, more than 706,000 people across the globe have signed the campaign’s petition, and 104 global and local organizations have formally pledged their support.

The tournament featured two competing teams drawn from leading regional medical education institutions: Ross University School of Medicine and the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Faculty of Medical Sciences. Rather than sporting logos from corporate beverage sponsors, players wore custom jerseys emblazoned with direct, unflinching messages highlighting the interconnected harms of overconsuming sugar-sweetened drinks: “Excess Sugar,” “Blood Sugar Spike,” and “Plastic Pollution,” tying public health outcomes to the growing environmental crisis caused by single-use beverage containers.

Throughout the day, activists engaged with spectators through informative placards, fact-based educational outreach, and open discussion, sharing key data on rising childhood obesity rates, excessive sugar intake among young people, and the growing public health burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across Barbados. The event centered a critical public question that challenges long-standing norms in global sports: should products proven to contribute to chronic poor health be promoted to billions of fans through the world’s most beloved athletic events?

Activists also emphasized the urgent need to shield children and adolescents from predatory marketing of unhealthy beverages, urging attendees to add their names to the Kick Big Soda Out campaign, which demands that major international sporting governing bodies end all sponsorship and marketing partnerships with unhealthy food and beverage companies. One local advocate noted that corporate soda sponsorship has become so normalized in global sports that it is often accepted as an unchangeable part of athletic culture, but argued that the product has no legitimate place in health-focused athletic spaces. “Big Soda directly undermines public health, and nothing matters more than our health,” they said.

Team captains from both competing squads echoed this call for healthier, more responsible sports sponsorship ecosystems. The captain of the UWI Cave Hill team pointed out that global soccer draws an audience of billions, making it one of the most powerful platforms for public messaging in the world. “Advocacy succeeds when it engages the general public, and bringing ordinary sports fans into the movement for healthier habits is the most effective way to challenge Big Soda’s influence,” he said.

The Kick Big Soda Out campaign continues to pressure leading global sporting bodies, including FIFA and the International Olympic Committee, to prioritize partnerships that support public health and wellbeing, instead of tying their brands to companies whose products drive the global obesity and NCD crisis. Beyond Barbados, youth-led activation events are also being held across five countries: Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago, building a growing global movement to decouple sports from harmful sugary drink marketing.

16 7 月, 2026
CARDI showcases research and innovation at first regional agriculture symposium

Against a backdrop of growing climate uncertainty, shifting global food markets and rising import dependence, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) has kicked off its first-ever Agricultural Research and Innovation Symposium (ARIS), a landmark regional gathering that unites cross-sector stakeholders to reimagine the future of Caribbean agriculture.

Opening its doors on July 8 in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, the three-day event operates under the overarching theme “Advancing Agricultural Innovation for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Food Systems”, designed to serve as a collaborative hub where lab-based research can connect directly with the farmers, policymakers and industry leaders who will put those findings into practice.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Lennox Andrews, Chairman of CARDI’s Board of Governors and Grenada’s Minister of Agriculture, framed the symposium as a critical response to the cascading challenges facing the region’s agricultural sector. “Climate change, evolving pest and disease pressures, and global market disruptions demand that we embrace science, innovation and collaboration as essential tools for securing the future of Caribbean agriculture,” Andrews said. He emphasized that the research on display at ARIS underscores CARDI’s core mission to develop practical, on-the-ground solutions that boost farm productivity, reinforce regional food systems, and protect the livelihoods of smallholder and commercial farmers alike. Andrews also called for sustained investment in the institute, noting that delivering consistent, impactful solutions requires adequate long-term resourcing.

For CARDI Executive Director Ansari Hosein, the inaugural symposium marks the start of a new, more accessible tradition for the regional research body. “It brings together our scientists from across the region to share the results of research conducted over the last 2 years in our Member States and, more importantly, to engage directly with farmers, policymakers, development partners and the private sector,” Hosein explained. Outlining CARDI’s core mandate, he added, “Our objective is to ensure that research moves beyond the laboratory and delivers tangible benefits for food and nutrition security, climate resilience and agricultural competitiveness throughout the Caribbean.”

Speaking on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministerial Advisor Ravi Pooran Maharaj lauded the symposium for filling a critical gap as a regional coordination platform. “The Caribbean’s future food security depends upon our collective ability to transform research into action,” Maharaj said. “This Symposium provides an important platform where researchers, policymakers, innovators, and practitioners can exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the adoption of technologies that will help transform agriculture across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.” He echoed calls for greater adoption of climate-smart practices, noting that modern regional agriculture must lean into improved crop varieties, precision farming techniques and sustainable production methods to build resistance to shocks.

Michelle Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary in Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, echoed Maharaj’s praise, emphasizing that cross-sector collaboration is non-negotiable for solving the Caribbean’s most pressing agricultural challenges. “The challenges facing Caribbean agriculture require strong partnerships between researchers, policymakers and producers,” Thomas said. “By creating opportunities to share knowledge and practical solutions, initiatives such as this Symposium help ensure that scientific research informs policy, strengthens national agricultural programmes and delivers meaningful benefits for farmers and consumers across the Region.”

The symposium featured three targeted technical sessions that spotlight two years of CARDI research across its 14 member states, covering the region’s highest-priority agricultural challenges. A core focus of the event was reducing the Caribbean’s heavy reliance on imported food and feed: researchers shared findings from feasibility and productivity studies on commercially growing white potatoes in Grenada, tropical wheat in Belize, as well as improved varieties of lettuce, corn, silage, dasheen and black-eyed peas tailored to regional growing conditions.

Digital agriculture and emerging technology also took center stage at ARIS. Discussions and presentations covered a range of forward-looking topics, including strategies to attract younger generations to agricultural careers, digital management platforms for livestock feed, AI-powered tools for rapid crop disease diagnosis, and upgraded digital extension services designed to give farmers real-time data to make more informed production decisions.

In closing, CARDI reaffirmed its long-term commitment to delivering science-backed, practical solutions that strengthen regional food and nutrition security, lift farmer incomes, and boost the global competitiveness of Caribbean agricultural products. The institute announced plans to make the ARIS symposium a recurring event to continue advancing collaborative innovation across the region.

16 7 月, 2026
CXC Overhauls School-Based Assessments, Phases Out SBAs for Many Subjects

As generative artificial intelligence reshapes learning landscapes globally, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its long-standing School-Based Assessment (SBA) programme, introducing a revised assessment framework built to safeguard the credibility of regional qualifications amid growing AI-driven academic integrity challenges. The reforms, which will impact both the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programmes, are set to begin phased implementation starting in the 2027 academic year.

The updated framework is the product of years of extensive consultation with education stakeholders across 21 Caribbean nations and territories, developed with the core goal of ensuring exam results continue to accurately reflect students’ independent knowledge and individual abilities. In a public statement from the council, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wayne Wesley emphasized that the reforms do not signal a ban on generative AI for student learning. Instead, he framed the changes as a proactive response to technological disruption that is necessary to preserve public trust in the regional assessment system.

“CXC® will always act in the best interest of the region, even when that requires difficult decisions. The SBA has served Caribbean students well for nearly half a century, and we do not reform it lightly,” Dr. Wesley noted. “But the integrity of our qualifications is not negotiable. When the system that was designed to assess a student’s work can no longer reliably do so, we have an obligation to act, and to act decisively. That is precisely what this reformed framework represents. CXC® is cleareyed about the challenges of our time, and we are resolute in our commitment to the standard that Caribbean families, educators, and employers have come to trust.”

Under the restructured model, the SBA will remain in place for subjects that depend on hands-on practical demonstration and project-based work to accurately measure student competency. This group includes Agricultural Science, Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, Technical Drawing, and Food, Nutrition and Health. The council also confirmed that moderation processes for these remaining SBA programmes will be strengthened to further boost accountability.

For primarily theory-based subjects, however, the traditional SBA model will be gradually phased out entirely. Subjects affected by this shift include core academic areas such as Mathematics, English, Caribbean History, Social Studies, Principles of Business and Information Technology. In place of the traditional out-of-classroom school-based assessment, students in these subjects will complete Paper 032, an assessment format currently used as an alternative for specific candidate groups.

The revised Paper 032 will retain the extended learning focus of the original SBA, but will be administered under formal, supervised examination conditions to confirm work authenticity. To support this adjusted approach, students will receive their assessment topics four weeks in advance of the exam, will be granted extra time to complete the assessment, and will be permitted to bring personal reference notes into the testing room.

CXC Director of Operations Dr. Nicole Manning explained that the redesigned assessment structure strikes a careful balance between supporting meaningful, extended learning and restoring certainty that student work is authentic. “The new, deliberate and necessary design of the SBA, preserves the spirit of extended, reflective assessment while restoring CXC’s confidence in authorship and authenticity,” Dr. Manning said. She went on to call on students, parents, and teaching staff across the region to collaborate in upholding the value of CXC qualifications, noting that the high standards of regional certification have been built through decades of collective effort and benefit all stakeholders.

“A CXC® qualification means something. It means something to employers, to universities, to parents, families and guardians, who have invested years of commitment and sacrifice into a child’s education,” Dr. Manning said. “It is in our collective interest that we hold to this standard, which we have all worked so hard to build.”

The council has outlined a clear phased timetable for the rollout of the new model. For CAPE candidates enrolled in non-practical theory-based subjects, Paper 032 will fully replace the traditional SBA starting with the May-June 2027 examination cycle. For CSEC candidates, a multi-year transition period has been scheduled: in 2027, individual schools will retain the option to choose between the traditional SBA and the new Paper 032 for their non-practical subject candidates. Starting with the May-June 2028 CSEC examinations, however, all non-practical subject candidates will be required to complete Paper 032.

CXC also confirmed that existing policies around score transfer will remain consistent. Under the council’s long-standing two-year rule, previously earned SBA marks will continue to be transferable for eligible candidates, and starting in 2027, Paper 032 scores will also follow the same two-year transfer policy.

16 7 月, 2026
CXC announces major changes to school-based assessments as AI reshapes education

As generative artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into classroom learning across the globe, regional education assessment bodies are moving quickly to adapt their systems to protect the credibility of qualifications. The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has become one of the first major regional assessment organizations to announce sweeping reforms to its decades-old School-Based Assessment (SBA) program, rolling out a restructured framework set to launch in 2027 that directly addresses the risks of AI-generated student work.

The changes, which will impact both the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programs, follow more than a year of extensive consultations with education stakeholders across 21 Caribbean countries and territories. CXC leadership emphasized that the reforms are not intended to ban student use of generative AI, but rather to ensure that exam results continue to accurately measure individual student knowledge and skills amid a shifting educational landscape.

“The SBA has served Caribbean students well for nearly half a century, and we do not reform it lightly,” said Dr. Wayne Wesley, CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer. “But the integrity of our qualifications is not negotiable. When the system that was designed to assess a student’s work can no longer reliably do so, we have an obligation to act, and to act decisively.” Wesley added that the council recognizes generative AI can function as a valuable learning tool, and the reforms only seek to preserve public trust in the assessment process that Caribbean families, educators, and employers have relied on for generations.

The new framework adopts a targeted, subject-specific approach to assessment. For programs that rely heavily on hands-on, practical, or project-based work where in-person skill demonstration is critical, the traditional SBA model will remain in place. These subjects include Agricultural Science, Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, Technical Drawing, and Food, Nutrition and Health. CXC has also announced it will strengthen moderation processes for these practical SBA programs to add an additional layer of integrity oversight.

For primarily theory-based subjects including Mathematics, English, Caribbean History, Social Studies, Principles of Business, and Information Technology, the traditional SBA will be phased out entirely over the next two years. In place of take-home, out-of-examination SBA projects, students in these subjects will complete Paper 032, an in-exam assessment that was previously used only as an alternative option for select candidates.

Under the revised Paper 032 model, students will receive their assessment topics one month in advance of the exam date to allow for extended research and preparation, will be granted extra time to complete the assessment, and will be permitted to bring approved reference notes into the exam room. This structure retains the original SBA’s focus on extended, reflective learning while ensuring all work submitted is completed by the student under supervised conditions, eliminating the risk of undetectable AI-generated content.

Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC Director of Operations, explained that the redesigned assessment strikes a careful balance between supporting meaningful learning and protecting the authenticity of student work. “The new, deliberate and necessary design of the SBA, preserves the spirit of extended, reflective assessment while restoring CXC’s confidence in authorship and authenticity,” Manning said. She emphasized that the value of CXC qualifications matters to every stakeholder in the region, from employers and universities to families that have invested years of time and resources into students’ education, making collective commitment to high assessment standards a shared priority.

CXC has outlined a clear implementation timeline for the transition. For CAPE candidates enrolled in non-practical, theory-based subjects, Paper 032 will replace the traditional SBA starting with the May-June 2027 exam session. For CSEC, the council will allow a one-year transition period, where schools can choose between the traditional SBA and the new Paper 032 model for their 2027 candidates. Starting with the May-June 2028 CSEC exam session, all non-practical subject candidates will be required to complete Paper 032. The council also confirmed that its existing two-year mark transfer policy will remain in place for both remaining SBA programs and the new Paper 032 assessment, allowing students to carry over valid scores from previous exam sittings under the same terms that have applied to SBA marks for decades.

16 7 月, 2026
Police Officers to Receive Enhanced Insurance and Welfare Support, Benjamin Says

In a significant announcement made during a landmark police graduation event, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has formally committed the government of Antigua and Barbuda to upgrading insurance coverage and welfare benefits for the nation’s police force. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the 50th recruit graduation ceremony of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, Benjamin outlined that the state carries a core obligation to safeguard the women and men who put their lives at risk daily to protect public safety.

Benjamin stressed that policing stands among the most high-stress, dangerous professions across the country. Serving officers and their families should never be forced to face uncertainty about financial security if a line-of-duty tragedy leaves an officer injured or killed, he added. Right now, government officials are conducting a comprehensive review of existing policies, with the explicit goal of rolling out expanded insurance coverage for on-the-job injuries and more robust welfare support packages for the families of fallen or disabled officers.

“Law enforcement officers regularly step into harm’s way to keep our communities safe, and they are fully deserving of ironclad guarantees that the state will stand by them and their loved ones when they need it most,” Benjamin told the gathered crowd of new graduates, senior police officials and government guests. He added that meaningful investment in officer welfare goes far beyond base salaries and upgraded equipment. It requires building a holistic support system that properly acknowledges the enormous personal and professional sacrifices that police officers and their families make in service to the nation.

Beyond welfare commitments, Benjamin also highlighted the government’s broader ongoing investment in national security. He detailed that multiple initiatives are already underway to modernize the country’s police force, including the adoption of new policing technologies, expanded professional training programs for officers at all ranks, and upgrades to critical police infrastructure across the islands.

Speaking directly to the 50 newly graduated recruits, the Attorney General urged the incoming class of officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and compassion throughout their careers. He reminded the new officers that public trust in law enforcement depends not just on successful enforcement of the law, but also on how officers interact with and serve the communities they protect.

Closing his address, Benjamin framed the new welfare commitments as a core part of the government’s broader national security strategy. Sustainable national development, he argued, relies on a professional, well-resourced police service that is prepared to address the growing complexity of 21st century security challenges. By supporting officers properly, the government is laying the groundwork for a safer, more prosperous future for all Antigua and Barbuda residents.

16 7 月, 2026
Young swimmers reach finals, rewrite records at PanAms

The 2026 PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships, held from July 8 to 12 at the Hernando Arbeláez Jiménez Olympic Swimming Pools in Ibagué, Colombia, brought together more than 500 elite swimmers from 31 countries and territories around the Americas. Among the competing delegations, Team Saint Lucia turned in a standout performance that defied expectations, with eight athletes advancing to multiple event finals and shattering a host of national and age-group records—even though the Caribbean nation left the competition without earning a single podium medal.

Thirteen-year-old rising star Sapphire Parks emerged as the most impressive performer from Saint Lucia’s squad, turning heads with her consistency across multiple events in the girls’ 13-15 age division. Parks, already a two-time CARIFTA Aquatics gold medalist, secured a sixth-place finish in the 400m Individual Medley final with a time of 5:32.90, and followed that up with a seventh-place showing in the 100m butterfly final at 1:07.21. She went on to qualify for finals in three additional events: the 100m backstroke, 200m butterfly, and 200m breaststroke. Pending official ratification by the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation, Parks broke five age-group records at the championships, including improving her own existing senior national record in the 400m IM. Across all her events, she earned a total of 78 ranking points to finish seventh out of 48 competing girls in her division.

In the women’s 19 & Over category, Tokyo 2020 Olympian Mikaili Charlemagne delivered a solid performance for the delegation. Charlemagne finished fifth in the 50m butterfly final clocking 28.90 seconds, and added a sixth-place finish in the 100m butterfly competition. She narrowly missed qualifying for two additional finals, finishing in ninth place in both the 50m and 100m freestyle events by just fractions of a second.

Fayth Jeffrey, a 16-year-old Saint Lucian swimmer based in the United States who will turn 17 in December, qualified for the final in her only individual event of the championships. Competing in the 16-18 girls’ 50m breaststroke, she posted a time of 35.77 seconds to secure an eighth-place finish in the final round.

In the boys’ 16-18 division, Jayden Xu—who claimed a medal at the same PanAm Aquatics event in 2025—replicated his success by advancing to the 50m backstroke final, where he finished seventh with a time of 28.68 seconds. While Tyler Dantes failed to qualify for any individual finals, he still left his mark on the competition: he set a new age-group record for 13-16 boys in the 50m backstroke, finishing sixth in his preliminary heat with a time of 30.76 seconds.

Beyond individual success, Saint Lucia’s senior mixed relay squads also punched their tickets directly to the championship finals. The 19 & Over mixed 4×100m medley relay team, made up of Xu, Caden Calderon, Jeffrey, and Charlemagne, finished fifth overall with a combined time of 4:28.24. The nation’s mixed 4×100m freestyle relay team also matched that result, taking fifth place in the final.

At the conclusion of the five-day competition, Mexico claimed the title of Absolute Championship by points total. Host nation Colombia led the overall medal table with 85 total medals, 31 of which were gold. Mexico followed close behind with 99 total medals and 30 gold medals. Chile finished with 31 total medals, 18 of them gold, while Argentina rounded out the top performing nations with 42 total medals including 13 gold.

16 7 月, 2026