The drag racing community is mourning the loss of Jerome Marsh, a passionate enthusiast who tragically lost his life in a devastating two-vehicle collision in Parham on Friday night. According to police reports, Marsh was behind the wheel of a yellow Toyota Vitz when it collided with a Toyota Noah van. Emergency responders utilized specialized equipment, commonly referred to as the ‘jaws of life,’ to extricate Marsh from the wreckage. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. Marsh’s 14-year-old son, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained injuries and remains hospitalized. The driver and a passenger of the Toyota Noah were also injured and are currently receiving medical care at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the crash are ongoing, with further details expected to be released in due course.
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Medicinal Cannabis Authority Establishes Committee to Address Substance Misuse in Schools
The Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) has taken decisive action to address the growing issue of substance misuse among students by establishing a specialized committee. This initiative underscores the MCA’s dual commitment to fostering a regulated medicinal cannabis industry while safeguarding public health. During its statutory meeting on November 20, 2025, the MCA Board expressed grave concerns over increasing reports of substance abuse in schools and resolved to tackle the issue head-on.
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Wales storm into semis with dominant 5–2 victory
In a thrilling night of football at the Gall Hill Playing Field in St. John, Weymouth Wales delivered a dominant performance to secure a 5–2 victory over Notre Dame, booking their place in the semi-finals of the Prime Minister’s Cup. The Carrington Village side showcased their superiority from the outset, with defender Andre Applewhaite leading the charge. Applewhaite, named Flow Man of the Match, scored twice in the 45+2 and 90+3 minutes, while also contributing defensively. Wales’ early dominance was evident with goals from Nicoli Brathwaite (4th minute), Romario Harewood (12th), and Ackeel Applewhaite (21st), establishing a commanding 3-0 lead. Notre Dame briefly rallied with two quick goals from Carl Joseph’s spectacular free kick and Antone Greaves’ composed finish, but Wales quickly regained control to seal their progression. In the night’s second match, Paradise FC edged past Ellerton in a tense encounter that went into extra time. After a goalless 90 minutes, the decisive moment came in the 113th minute when Ellerton captain Shakille Belle inadvertently scored an own goal, sending Paradise into jubilation. Despite Ellerton’s resilient defense and goalkeeper Kerry Holder’s heroics, Paradise’s attacking trio of Khimani Cox, Tyrel Rayside-Demedonca, and Mikalai Dziazhko kept the pressure on. Substitute Kishmar Ramsey’s free kick delivery led to the unfortunate deflection off Belle, ending Ellerton’s hopes and securing Paradise’s spot in the semi-finals.
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Neighbourhood firm champions sporting ambitions at Welches Primary
Students at Welches Primary School were encouraged to embrace the transformative power of sports as local firm Equip4you announced its sponsorship of the school’s cricket, netball, and football teams. The event, which brought together young athletes of the Welches Wolves, featured inspiring remarks from Stephen Leslie, Marketing Director of the Barbados Cricket Association. Leslie emphasized that sports are not merely recreational activities but pathways to discipline, personal growth, and global opportunities. He urged students to seize the moment, stating, ‘Sports will provide you with opportunities that you would never have thought about in your journey.’ Leslie also praised Principal Julia Broomes, teacher Jason Parris, and Equip4you Director Sam Johnson for their dedication to nurturing young talent. Drawing from his extensive experience, Leslie highlighted how sports can forge connections and open doors beyond Barbados. He shared anecdotes from his travels across the Caribbean and a memorable experience in Jamaica, where he witnessed Olympic champion Usain Bolt and other athletes secure scholarships through their performances. Leslie encouraged students to envision a future beyond academics, citing global icons like Rihanna and cricket legends Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle as examples of Barbadian success. He also stressed the growing opportunities for both genders in sports, emphasizing the importance of building a strong personal legacy. Sam Johnson expressed pride in Equip4you’s partnership with Welches Primary, describing it as a meaningful and flourishing relationship. Shakira Doughlin, Regional WM manager at Lyfstyl Caribbean, shared her own journey in athletics, urging students to embrace the personal growth and global exposure that sports offer. Justin Parris, Barbados Under-15 captain and Welches alumnus, encouraged young athletes to stay determined and learn from their mistakes, highlighting the lifelong bonds and lessons that sports create.
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Seamoss Storefront and Interpretative Centre opens in Bequia
In a landmark move for sustainable economic development, the Seamoss Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has unveiled the region’s first dedicated Seamoss Storefront and Interpretative Centre in Bequia. Funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the centre represents a significant stride in empowering local communities and preserving cultural heritage. Shavorn Stephens, the association’s founder, hailed the opening as a historic milestone, emphasizing its role as a symbol of economic empowerment, cultural pride, and resilience within the sea moss community. The facility offers local producers a specialized retail space to showcase a diverse range of products, from raw and dried sea moss to innovative value-added items like teas, gels, and skincare products. Additionally, the centre features an interpretative section that educates visitors on the history, cultivation practices, nutritional benefits, and cultural significance of sea moss, while paying tribute to the pioneering contributions of women like Ann Bernard Harvey. Jessica Mackie, representing the Government of Canada, underscored Canada’s commitment to supporting sustainable, community-driven initiatives, while Chief Fisheries Officer Jennifer Howard-Cruickshank praised the project for its role in advancing the blue economy. The centre is poised to enhance local income opportunities, promote food security, and position St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a leader in sustainable marine resource development.
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Cabinet Stakeholder Meetings- Farmers and Supermarkets Next
In a significant move to enhance governance and economic collaboration, the Cabinet has announced the expansion of its weekly stakeholder meetings to include farmers and supermarket operators. Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant revealed that the initiative follows a successful inaugural session with 14 local contractors earlier this week. The government aims to institutionalize these meetings as a cornerstone of its governance model, fostering direct dialogue between policymakers and key economic stakeholders. Farmers are slated to meet with the Cabinet next Wednesday, with supermarket operators expected to join the discussions shortly thereafter. Merchant emphasized that these sessions will be an ongoing process, with the Ministry of Works identifying additional contractors for future engagements while other ministries propose their own stakeholder groups. The primary objectives of these meetings are to provide direct support, gather critical feedback, and address operational challenges faced by industry participants. The initiative is closely aligned with the government’s broader food security agenda, with farmers set to discuss critical issues such as irrigation, fencing, seedling production, access roads, subsidies, and the reallocation of unused agricultural lands. Supermarket operators, on the other hand, will focus on consumer prices, supply chain efficiency, and national food resilience. Merchant underscored the importance of these weekly sessions in promoting transparency, enhancing sector performance, and ensuring that policies are grounded in real-world insights. The government views this initiative as a vital tool for fostering collaboration and driving sustainable economic growth.
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The lasting impact of the Boy Scout movement on my life
In 1950, at the age of nine, Dr. Basil Springer first stepped onto the grounds of Harrison College in Barbados, unaware of how the Boy Scout movement would profoundly shape his life. Under the guidance of Mrs. Beryl Sharpe, he joined the Cub Scout programme, where he discovered discipline, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose that would remain with him throughout his life. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would leave an indelible mark on his character and values. At age 11, Dr. Springer transitioned to the Scout movement under the leadership of Mr. Ralph Mann, an English Scout leader and teacher at Harrison College. Mr. Mann’s dedication to Scouting and his emphasis on leadership development had a lasting impact on young Basil, providing him with opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to community service. One of the most cherished aspects of Dr. Springer’s Scouting journey was his enduring friendship with Trevor Austin Hassell, whom he met on his first day at Harrison College. Together, they rose through the ranks, from Cubs to Scouts, eventually achieving the prestigious title of Queen’s Scouts. In 1958, alongside Trevor’s younger brother, the late Frank Hassell, they embarked on a memorable Venture Scout journey along the old Barbados train line, now known as The Barbados Trailway. Their adventures extended beyond Barbados, as they participated in Scout camps in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and represented Barbados at the 8th World Scout Jamboree in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, in 1955. Led by Captain Reuben Sealy, this event was a defining moment in their Scouting careers. After the Jamboree, Dr. Springer spent a memorable week in New York with his Aunt Iris, further enriching his experiences. Decades later, the bond between Dr. Springer and Trevor remains strong, nurtured by their shared Scouting memories. Now back in Barbados after years abroad, they meet every two months for lunch, reflecting on their past adventures and the enduring lessons of Scouting—discipline, leadership, and service. These principles continue to guide their lives, leaving a legacy of friendship and community impact. Dr. Basil Springer GCM, a corporate governance adviser, credits the Boy Scout movement for shaping his character and values, which he carries forward in his professional and personal life.
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Government Scales Back One Million Trees Goal to 300,000 on Advice of Forestry Experts
In a significant shift, the government has scaled back its ambitious tree-planting campaign from one million trees to 300,000, following recommendations from forestry experts. The decision was announced by Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant during Friday’s post-Cabinet briefing. Merchant explained that the Forestry Division had advised the Cabinet that the original target was unfeasible, prompting a reevaluation of the initiative. The revised goal, now set at 300,000 trees, reflects a more realistic and achievable approach, ensuring the program’s success and proper implementation. The Forestry Division, alongside the Department of Agriculture and other relevant agencies, will spearhead the adjusted campaign. This move underscores the government’s commitment to aligning its environmental agenda with expert insights, prioritizing practicality and sustainability in national reforestation efforts.
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Black Bar Association to Host Major U.S. Legal Conference in Antigua Next Year, Cabinet Spokesman Says
Antigua and Barbuda has been chosen as the host nation for a significant U.S. legal conference organized by the Black Bar Association of the United States, scheduled for January 2024. The announcement was made by Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant during a post-Cabinet briefing on Friday. Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin confirmed that the association has finalized its plans to hold the event in Antigua, marking another milestone in the country’s growing portfolio of international gatherings. This decision underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s emerging status as a prime destination for high-profile professional, legal, and academic conferences. Merchant emphasized that the government views this development as a testament to the nation’s enhanced reputation as a regional hub for major events. He highlighted the country’s improved infrastructure, robust air connectivity, and its welcoming environment for international delegations as key factors driving this trend. While specific details regarding the number of attendees and conference sessions remain undisclosed, Merchant assured that further information will be released by the Attorney General’s office closer to the event. The government anticipates substantial economic benefits from the influx of conference tourism, including increased hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and local spending. This initiative aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to diversify tourism and attract new visitor demographics to the country.
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Taiwan’s participation in the ‘Global Mutirão’ on climate transition
Taiwan is taking decisive steps to address the escalating challenges posed by climate change, aligning its efforts with global initiatives to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In 2025, Taiwan faced severe flooding due to consecutive typhoons and torrential rains in its southern and eastern regions, highlighting the urgent need for robust climate action. As a proactive member of the international community, Taiwan has outlined a clear Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035, setting ambitious goals for a low-carbon transition. The country is also publishing regular National Inventory Reports and Biennial Transparency Reports to ensure transparency and accountability in its emissions reduction efforts. President Lai Ching-te’s National Project of Hope, launched in 2024, emphasizes green growth and a 2050 net-zero transition. This initiative is supported by five key strategies: intelligent green energy development, dual-track industrial transformation, fostering sustainable lifestyles, government leadership, and ensuring a just transition. In June 2024, the National Climate Change Committee was established to drive societal momentum and dialogue on climate governance. Taiwan has set mid-term emissions reduction targets of 26-30% by 2030 and 36-40% by 2035, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Climate Change Response Act enshrines this commitment in law, while the Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Action Plan mobilizes ministries and agencies to implement mitigation programs. Taiwan is also advancing carbon pricing through a combined fee system and emissions trading scheme, aiming to reduce emissions by 37 million metric tons of CO2e by 2030. Additionally, the country is enhancing climate adaptation efforts through a National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan, focusing on critical infrastructure, water resources, and public health. Taiwan’s submission of its NDC 3.0 and participation in COP30 underscore its commitment to global climate action and its call for international support in achieving a net-zero future.