The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has unveiled plans for the nation’s first-ever National Flower Festival, set to take place from November 8 to 15, 2026. The announcement was made during a press conference at The Tower Estate, marking a significant milestone for Grenada’s floriculture, tourism, and creative industries. The festival aims to celebrate the island’s natural beauty, floral heritage, and the talents of growers, arrangers, designers, and horticultural communities across the tri-island state. The 8-day event will feature a variety of activities, including village beautification projects, garden tours, floral installations, workshops, community competitions, and culinary and cultural experiences inspired by Grenada’s botanical richness. Randall Dolland, Chairman of the GTA, emphasized the festival’s role in showcasing Grenada’s natural environment and expanding niche markets. He highlighted the potential for integrating edible flowers into cuisine, advancing the perfumery sector, and promoting sustainability practices. The festival will also provide new opportunities for culture, agriculture, tourism, and enterprise. Catherine John, a key figure in Grenada’s Chelsea Flower Show delegation, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, noting its potential to inspire future generations and celebrate the island’s floral abundance. The GTA has stressed the importance of early engagement with growers, communities, and tourism partners, with planting efforts for the festival already underway. The event will be organized in collaboration with floriculture groups, creative industries, the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association, and various government ministries. Further details about the festival, including branding, program, competitions, tours, and participation guidelines, will be announced in early 2026.
作者： admin
-
Flag-Raising Ceremony and March Opens 16 Days of Activism in Belize City
On the morning of November 25, 2025, Belize City launched the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence with a poignant flag-raising ceremony. This nationwide campaign, themed ‘Prevent to Protect: Ending Gender-Based Violence Begins With Us,’ aims to heighten awareness and bolster prevention efforts. Sixteen symbolic flags were raised, each representing a day of activism and honoring survivors of gender-based violence, serving as a stark reminder of the lives impacted and a rallying cry for collective action. Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller led the Belize City Council’s delegation, joined by Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez, representatives from the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, the National Women’s Commission, and members of the Child Advisory Body and the Youth Shadow Council. Following the ceremony, a march from the Civic Centre to the House of Culture saw leaders, activists, students, and citizens unite in solidarity. Minister Garcia-Ramirez emphasized the importance of reporting abuse, urging the public to move beyond social media comments and seek proper channels for assistance. Student advocates highlighted the role of social media in spreading awareness and the need to recognize subtle signs of abuse. The campaign comes amidst alarming statistics, with over 19,000 cases of femicide reported across Latin America and the Caribbean in the past five years, according to ECLAC’s Gender Equality Observatory.
-
Nigerian company becomes latest marketing CBI Agent
A Nigerian firm, VTA Global Services, has recently been authorized as a Marketing Agent for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to expand its reach across Africa. The license, effective from November 3, 2025, was officially announced in the Government Gazette on November 21, 2025, and signed by Thomas Anthony, CEO of the Investment Migration Agency (IMA).
VTA Global Services, located in the upscale Osborne Foreshore area of Ikoyi, Lagos, specializes in providing global citizenship services, including those for Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Dominican Republic. The company emphasizes its expertise in immigration consulting, aiming to secure positive outcomes for its clients.
Nigeria has emerged as the leading African nation in terms of applications for Grenada’s CBI program, a trend that the IMA plans to extend to other African countries. In July 2025, Anthony highlighted Nigeria’s dominance in CBI applications and announced plans for a West African tour to promote the program further. The IMA has already engaged with Kenya through a collaboration with the Nairobi Chamber of Commerce, attracting over 100 participants to a recent event.
The CBI program, launched in 2014, has become a significant revenue generator for Grenada, with marketing agents required to collaborate with local agents to submit applications for consideration. The program’s expansion into Africa aligns with Grenada’s broader strategy to attract investment and foster economic growth through immigration initiatives.
-
Koning Willem-Alexander opent Surinamemuseum in Amsterdam
On Srefidensi Dey, King Willem-Alexander officially inaugurated the Surinamemuseum in Amsterdam, a project spearheaded by the Vereniging Ons Suriname. The event was attended by Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema, who praised the initiative, emphasizing the museum’s role in bridging the historical and cultural ties between the Netherlands and Suriname. “Understanding Amsterdam is impossible without acknowledging Suriname’s story,” Halsema remarked, pointing to landmarks like the Palace on the Dam and the warehouses of the West India Company as reminders of the city’s colonial past and its involvement in slavery. She highlighted the museum’s significance in providing a space for the history of enslaved Surinamese and their descendants, a narrative long overlooked in Dutch society.
King Willem-Alexander, who received a guided tour from museum director Jan Gerards, congratulated Suriname on its 50th anniversary of independence. He expressed his enthusiasm for an upcoming state visit to Suriname with Queen Máxima, stating, “We would have liked to visit much earlier, but now we can focus on building mature and equal bilateral relations rooted in our shared history.”
The Surinamemuseum, housed in the 19th-century Hugo Olijfveldhuis on Zeeburgerdijk, offers visitors an immersive experience. The entrance features a recreation of the Surinamese rainforest, complete with taxidermied birds, animals, and reptiles, while large screens showcase the country’s natural landscapes. Subsequent rooms delve into the history and culture of Suriname’s diverse population, with significant attention given to the era of slavery, including life on plantations and the struggles of freedom fighters like Boni and Anton de Kom. The latter is honored with a striking installation by artist Ken Doorson. The museum’s top floor provides an overview of Suriname’s past 50 years, covering its turbulent post-independence era and the enduring influence of Surinamese immigrants on Dutch music, art, and sports.
-
President: De viering is voor vandaag; vanaf morgen bouwen we aan onze roadmap
In a landmark address during the extraordinary session of the National Assembly commemorating Suriname’s 50th anniversary of independence, President Jennifer Simons urged the nation to embark on a new phase of collective development. Speaking to a diverse audience, the President emphasized the need for unity beyond political and ethnic divides, advocating for the creation of a long-awaited national roadmap.
Reflecting on the historical significance of November 25, 1975, President Simons acknowledged the challenges Suriname faced in its early years, including internal tensions and political struggles, which hindered the establishment of a unified national vision. “Fifty years later, the time has come to finally achieve this,” she declared.
The President highlighted the importance of serious reflection, evaluation, and shared responsibility in shaping Suriname’s future. She called on all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, origin, or residence, to participate in crafting a vision centered on social justice and well-being. While recognizing the country’s economic potential, she cautioned about the need to navigate global power dynamics realistically.
President Simons stressed that the true work begins now, urging Surinamers to focus on a shared future where everyone can thrive. She reminded the nation of its inherited responsibility to build a socially just society that prioritizes the welfare of its people.
The President outlined three pillars of independence—political, economic, and psychological—that Suriname must strive to achieve. She introduced the concept of ‘Srefidenki,’ a collective awareness necessary to transform today’s opportunities into benefits for all citizens.
Concluding her speech, President Simons delivered a powerful message: “The struggle is not against others. It is against everything that hinders us from achieving our goals—within ourselves and in our society. By confronting these challenges and bringing out the best in ourselves, we can develop this nation.”
-
Young Apprentices Complete Antigua and Barbuda’s First Maritime Training Programme
Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant milestone in its maritime sector with the successful completion of its inaugural Maritime Apprenticeship Programme by three young apprentices. This groundbreaking initiative, launched earlier this year at the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) Conference in Curaçao, was a collaborative effort between Tropical Shipping, PMAC, and the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority. Spanning six weeks, the programme offered a blend of classroom education, practical training, and mentorship in critical areas such as cargo handling, vessel operations, and port logistics. Tamara Lowe-James, Island Manager of Tropical Shipping and chair of the programme committee, emphasized the initiative’s goal to cultivate a skilled and motivated workforce. “The future of our industry hinges on the dedication and adaptability of young professionals,” she stated. Acting Port Manager Jason Roberts highlighted the programme’s role in shedding light on often-overlooked career opportunities within the port sector, which is increasingly embracing technological advancements. The apprentices were awarded certificates during a ceremony held on Tuesday, where they shared how the programme enhanced their technical expertise and career aspirations. Organizers expressed gratitude to local partners and announced plans to continue the programme annually, selecting three new participants each year to foster a robust maritime workforce.
-
National footballer Eartha Pond nominated for UK Sports Award
National footballer Eartha Pond has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to grassroots sports with a nomination for the Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year Award, part of The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year 2025 Awards. Pond, a former defender for top clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, has also represented the Piton Girlz in 2023. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is a dedicated community activist and social entrepreneur. The award, as highlighted in an official letter shared on Pond’s social media, honors women who break barriers and unite communities through the joy of sports and physical activity. Pond’s nomination is largely attributed to her impactful work with the “Girls Allowed” programme, which has engaged over 8,000 girls across the UK in diverse sports, and her “Mums Allowed” initiative, empowering women to rediscover movement and wellbeing. Additionally, she has sponsored kits for Saint Lucia’s national women’s team. Expressing her gratitude on Instagram, Pond emphasized her long-standing commitment to grassroots efforts in education, sports, and policy. Voting for the awards is open to UK residents until December 20, 2025, with winners announced on February 4, 2026.
-
Antigua and Barbuda Senior Women’s National Team Commences 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign
The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has officially launched the Senior Women’s National Team’s journey in the Concacaf Qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Brazil. The team’s campaign begins with a home match against Nicaragua on Thursday, November 27th, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. This fixture signifies the start of a pivotal competitive phase for the nation’s women’s football program. Following this, the team will head to Turks and Caicos in December for a series of friendly matches. The qualifying schedule includes four group-stage matches: a home game against Guyana on March 5, 2026, an away match against Jamaica on April 10, 2026, and a final fixture against Dominica on April 14, 2026. The top team in the group will progress to the 2026 Concacaf W Championship in November 2026. The ABFA has reiterated its commitment to advancing women’s football through investments in technical programs, coaching development, grassroots initiatives, and women’s competitions. The association calls on supporters, partners, and stakeholders to rally behind the Senior Women’s National Team as they represent the nation on the regional and international stage. The final squad includes notable players such as goalkeepers Anik Jarvis and Amyah Hodge, forwards Gabrielle De Suza and Kai Jacobs, midfielders Zolique Samuel and Kevoncia James, and defenders Brianna Roberts and Carlene Thomas.
-
Victory Center Appeals for Public Support Following Break-In and Theft
The Victory Center, a dedicated institution for children with special needs, has issued an urgent plea for public assistance following a recent burglary at its facility. The break-in, which occurred last week, resulted in the theft of several critical items essential for the education and care of their students. Among the stolen items are air conditioners from multiple classrooms, two televisions, two speakers, an ice maker, seven tablets, two 5-gallon water bottles, and one transformer. These items are indispensable for the daily operations and the nurturing environment that the center strives to maintain.
Founded in 2012, the Victory Center has been a beacon of hope for over 40 children with special needs, including those with Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, developmental delays, and various learning disabilities. The center’s approach emphasizes small, ability-based classes, a holistic curriculum, and individualized support to ensure each child can learn, grow, and thrive. Many students have benefited from long-term support, while others have successfully transitioned back into government schools after acquiring essential academic, social, and emotional skills.
The loss of these items has placed an unexpected burden on the small school community, disrupting the learning environment that these children rely on. The center is now calling on the public for help—whether through providing information about the stolen items, donating similar equipment, offering financial support, or forming partnerships. Every act of generosity, no matter the size, will help ensure that the students are not further disadvantaged and that their educational journey continues without interruption.
The Victory Center extends its heartfelt gratitude in advance for the public’s support, compassion, and commitment to protecting spaces dedicated to children with special needs.
-
Ukraine Backs U.S. Peace Plan as Russia Bombards Kyiv
Ukraine has expressed its backing for a U.S.-proposed peace plan with Russia, even as missile and drone strikes continue to wreak havoc in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to engage in critical discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days to address unresolved issues. This development follows recent talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Geneva, as well as meetings between U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted significant progress towards a peace agreement, emphasizing that while some sensitive details remain, they are not insurmountable. The urgency for a resolution is underscored by ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine, which have resulted in casualties and disrupted essential services in Kyiv. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the potential of the U.S. plan but stressed the importance of ensuring that peace does not equate to capitulation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that any revised peace proposal must align with the agreements made during the Alaska summit between Putin and Trump.