The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has announced an extension to the Second Call for Proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, part of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project. Originally set to close on November 21, 2025, the new deadline is December 5, 2025, at 11:59 pm. This extension provides Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines with additional time to apply for grants aimed at fostering growth in the Fisheries, Marine Tourism, and Waste Management sectors. The programme offers funding ranging from US$5,000 to $25,000 to support equipment upgrades, production improvements, sustainability, market expansion, and capacity building. Training sessions are already underway in Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, while St Lucia has completed its series, with participants reporting enhanced skills and readiness. MSMEs are urged to seize this final opportunity to transform their businesses and contribute to the region’s Blue Economy. Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected], with detailed instructions available in an accompanying video and on the programme’s official website.
作者： admin
-
Priest roused from sleep and robbed in T&T
In the wake of a recent robbery at St. Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church in La Romaine, Trinidad, a local priest has pointed to the erosion of familial values as a key driver behind the island’s escalating crime rates. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of November 24, saw five masked intruders target 69-year-old Father Derek Anton and a 22-year-old security guard. The assailants ransacked the church’s administration building, restrained Fr. Anton, and stole his cellphone, wallet, and a portion of the previous day’s collections before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement later discovered a breach in the property’s wire fence and recovered an envelope containing cash.
Fr. Jayson Grell, a resident priest in San Fernando, spoke to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, linking the attack to broader societal issues. He emphasized the breakdown of family structures as a root cause of rising violence, including home invasions and kidnappings, not only in Trinidad and Tobago but across the Caribbean and globally. Grell called for a return to gospel principles and urged parents to take a more active role in raising their children. He also questioned the impact of technology on family life and critical thinking, advocating for collective societal introspection to rebuild moral values.
The Archdiocese of Port of Spain confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway, led by PC Mahadeo of the San Fernando Police Station. No arrests have been made yet. This robbery is the latest in a series of crimes targeting clergy members in Trinidad and Tobago, underscoring the urgent need for societal reform.
-
PHARCS brings third Dementia-Friendly Gathering to community this week
In a continued effort to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals impacted by dementia, PHARCS, in partnership with community advocate Tina Alexander, is organizing its third Dementia-Friendly Gathering. Scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2025, at the PHARCS Morne Daniel center, the event aims to provide a safe and engaging space for senior citizens, including those living with dementia. The gathering will feature a variety of activities designed to foster social interaction, physical engagement, and emotional well-being. Highlights include gentle physical exercises, craft projects, singing, familiar prayers, domino games, dancing, and a guest speaker. Attendees will also have the option to purchase a hot meal, with transportation available for an additional fee. Marie-Therese Junkerre, founder and CEO of PHARCS, emphasized the positive reception of previous events, stating, ‘These gatherings showcase the transformative power of creating spaces where seniors feel included, respected, and loved.’ PHARCS remains committed to advocating for a national dementia strategy and strengthening community partnerships to enhance the quality of life for Dominica’s elderly population. Community members, caregivers, and families of older individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their participation.
-
OPINION: Can Technology Really Help The Caribbean Recover Faster After Disasters?
In the Caribbean, where natural disasters are becoming increasingly severe and frequent, the gap between swift recovery and prolonged suffering often hinges on one critical factor: access to timely and accurate information. Who is affected? How extensive are the damages? Who requires immediate assistance? These questions underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions to transform chaos into coordinated action. The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) highlights the potential of technology to address these challenges, but also emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access and integration with traditional support systems. Currently, only 21% of community organizations in the region maintain vulnerability data on their members, leaving many at-risk individuals—such as elderly farmers, young fishers, and market vendors—without targeted assistance during crises. Digital tools like shared databases, mobile apps, and SMS-based platforms can help local organizations identify risks and track needs in real time. For instance, cooperatives could use apps to pinpoint members most exposed to flooding, while credit unions could quickly verify eligibility for emergency payouts. However, the digital divide remains a significant barrier. Many women, rural families, and the elderly lack access to smart devices or stable internet, and post-disaster power outages can render digital tools temporarily useless. To bridge this gap, CPDC advocates for a ‘Smart Caribbean’ approach that blends digital tools with traditional methods, ensuring no one is left behind. Technology also plays a crucial role in strengthening Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) at the meso level. Parametric insurance, for example, uses weather data triggers to automate payouts, while mobile money transfers and digital surveys enable informal workers to access financial support. Ultimately, recovery must begin before disaster strikes. By combining technology with trusted institutions, the Caribbean can shorten recovery times, target assistance more effectively, and build resilience for the future. CPDC’s research offers a roadmap for integrating technology and CDRFI to protect livelihoods and ensure faster, more equitable recovery.
-
Joseph dominates Sunshine meet again
Saffie Joseph Jr., the celebrated Barbadian trainer, has once again proven his dominance in the horse racing world by securing his 14th consecutive championship meet title at Gulfstream Park. The Sunshine Meet, which concluded over the weekend, saw Joseph clinch the title with an impressive 34 victories out of 143 starts, outpacing second-place trainer Jose D’Angelo by eight wins. This remarkable achievement adds to Joseph’s stellar year, which includes 14 graded stakes victories and earnings totaling US$1,332,480. The title was sealed when Message of Hope, a four-year-old colt ridden by apprentice Micah Husbands, triumphed in Sunday’s second race, covering 1700 meters in 1:43.85. Joseph, visibly elated, attributed his success to divine grace, the dedication of his team, and the exceptional performance of his horses. He remarked, ‘It never gets old. The horses got in form, and it worked out. All the credit goes to the horses, God, and the workers.’ Meanwhile, jockey Edgard Zayas celebrated his 10th riding title, marking his third win in five years. Zayas ended the meet with 44 victories, narrowly edging out Miguel Vasquez, who secured 42 wins. Zayas expressed his gratitude for the support from trainers, owners, and his family, emphasizing the importance of momentum heading into the upcoming Championship Meet.
-
Lady Tridents squad confirmed
The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has unveiled the Lady Tridents squad for the pivotal 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago, set to take place on December 1 at Kensington Oval. Head Coach Kerry Trotman expressed unwavering confidence in her team’s ability to deliver a strong performance in this high-stakes encounter. The match, scheduled for 4 p.m., will be free for spectators, with the team aiming to harness the energy of the home crowd. Trotman highlighted the squad’s resilience and focus throughout their preparation journey, emphasizing the inclusion of overseas-based players who bring added experience and depth to the team. “We’ve named what we believe is the strongest available squad,” Trotman stated. “We’re confident in our competitiveness and believe that executing our game plan will lead to a favorable result.” The squad features a mix of local and international talent, including goalkeepers Lisa Harding (Merstham Women F.C., England) and Chioma Maycock (Empire F.C.), as well as captain Shanice Stevenson (Paradise F.C.). The management team, led by Trotman, includes Assistant Coach Mario Vanterpoole, Manager Tricia Forde, and Goalkeeping Coach Richard Bynoe, among others. With preparations in full swing, the Lady Tridents are poised to make their mark in this crucial qualifier.
-
Silver and Centro Caribe qualification for Barbados rugby
The Barbados men’s rugby team has achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Centro Caribe Games, set to take place from July to August in the Dominican Republic. This accomplishment came after the team secured second place at the Rugby Americas North Sevens Tournament, held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago. While the men’s team celebrated their success, the women’s team faced a challenging tournament, failing to secure a single victory.
The men’s campaign began on a rocky note with a heavy 0-45 defeat against defending champions Canada in their opening match. Their struggles continued with a 7-19 loss to Mexico. However, the team rallied on Saturday, clinching their first win against Bermuda with a score of 21-7, which propelled them into the quarterfinals. There, they dominated Guyana’s Mean Green with a 36-5 victory. In the semifinals, Barbados triumphed over Bermuda once again, 26-7, securing a spot in the final. Despite a 0-31 loss to Canada in the championship match, their semifinal performance was enough to guarantee their place in the 2026 Centro Caribe Games. They will join Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala-Costa Rica, and hosts Dominican Republic in the multisport event.
In stark contrast, the women’s team endured a difficult tournament, scoring only five tries across six matches. They faced defeats against Bermuda (5-22), Jamaica (0-59), Guyana (5-10), Mexico (10-35), Trinidad and Tobago (0-46), and Guyana again in the fifth-place playoff (7-14). Jamaica and Mexico secured the Centro Caribe berths for the women’s competition.
The men’s team featured three debutants—Joshua Rudling, Justin Hart, and Christopher Blades—alongside returning players Jake Caddy and Grayson Haynes, who rejoined the squad after a four-year hiatus. The team’s preparation included an intensive eight-day training camp in Turks and Caicos.
This dual narrative of triumph and struggle highlights the contrasting fortunes of Barbados’ rugby teams as they look ahead to future challenges.
-
Windies eye historic Test win in New Zealand
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed unwavering confidence in his team as they prepare for their upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Despite a challenging history in New Zealand, where the West Indies last won a Test match in 1987 and a Test series in 1995, Sammy remains optimistic about their prospects. The team recently concluded competitive T20I and One Day International (ODI) series against the Kiwis, creating numerous opportunities to win but ultimately falling short. Sammy praised New Zealand’s dominance at home while highlighting the positives from the previous series. The West Indies will begin their campaign with a two-day warmup match against a New Zealand XI before the first Test on December 2. Sammy emphasized the team’s improved mindset and intensity during training, noting their determination to end the year on a high note. He also drew attention to their recent performance against India, where they pushed the hosts into a fifth day of a Test match—a rare feat in India. While acknowledging the historical odds, Sammy believes the team’s execution and competitive spirit could lead to an upset in the three-match series.
-
Nederlandse premier bezoekt SAO en prijst vakmanschap bij erfgoedproject
On Srefidensidag, the Stichting Arbeidsmobilisatie en Ontwikkeling (SAO) welcomed a distinguished guest: Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. His visit was a gesture of appreciation for the craftsmanship of SAO trainees, who have constructed a miniature replica of a traditional Surinamese folk house. This project not only enhances the trainees’ employability in the field of built heritage but also contributes significantly to the preservation of historic wooden buildings in Paramaribo. Prime Minister Schoof was particularly impressed by the trainees’ specialized skills, which make them valuable assistants in restoration projects—a critical need given the many buildings requiring urgent attention. The centerpiece of the visit was ‘Oso Tori Oso,’ a wooden miniature house inspired by a traditional folk dwelling on Mahonylaan. Created by trainees from the Construction, Woodworking, GaWaSa, and Welding departments, the project is part of a broader collaboration involving the Dutch foundation Under the Blue Surface (UBS), SAO, NAKS, and other partners. It intersects heritage, art, theater, and architecture, highlighting Suriname’s unique building styles and the stories behind its iconic wooden houses, which are becoming increasingly rare in Paramaribo. Funded through the Dutch International Cultural Policy, the miniature house initially toured as a traveling exhibition, drawing significant public interest, and now has a permanent home on the SAO grounds. It serves as a tangible reminder of Paramaribo’s 19th and 20th-century streetscapes. Dr. Raj Jadnanansing, Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor, who welcomed Prime Minister Schoof, emphasized the importance of sustainable collaboration between Suriname and the Netherlands. He advocated for continued joint projects and exchange programs between SAO and Dutch vocational institutions to enhance the knowledge and skills of students and interns on both sides. SAO Director Joyce Lapar highlighted previous successful collaborations and expressed her ambition to expand the miniature project, including a replica of the former home of Anton de Kom. She hopes for support from the Dutch Embassy and renewed twinning initiatives between the two countries. Prime Minister Schoof assured that SAO remains a key focus in the bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and Suriname.
-
Barbados and Nigeria sign landmark MOU
In a landmark move, the governments of Barbados and Nigeria have formalized a transformative partnership aimed at bolstering local pharmaceutical production, enhancing regulatory collaboration, and expanding market access across the Caribbean, Latin America, ECOWAS, and the African continent. The agreement, encapsulated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was signed between Barbados Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BPI) and Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). This pact establishes a robust framework for cooperation across four critical areas: industrial capacity and human capital development, market access and shaping, clinical trials collaboration, and regulatory, financing, and policy alignment. The MOU follows extensive high-level discussions, including talks between Barbados’ Senior Minister of Health, Dr. Jerome Walcott, and Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate. It also builds on ongoing efforts with AMA Medical Manufacturing, a leading Nigerian biopharmaceutical company exploring the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Barbados. Minister Walcott hailed the partnership as a significant stride toward health sovereignty, aligning with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s vision of a transatlantic pharmaceutical bridge connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Professor Pate underscored Nigeria’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order, which aims to achieve 70% domestic production of essential medicines and medical devices by 2030. Key initiatives under the MOU include the development of a Barbados-Nigeria pharmaceutical skills pathway, reciprocal market access, clinical trials integration, regulatory reliance agreements, and a joint financing pipeline with development finance institutions. The partnership also advances discussions with AMA Medical Manufacturing, potentially creating the first Africa-Caribbean pharmaceutical production corridor. A Joint Steering Committee has been established to oversee immediate implementation.