The St. Jude Hospital (SJH) project has reached a significant milestone with the official handover of the completed hospital buildings from contractor Rayneau Gajadhar to the Ministry of Health and the Government of Saint Lucia. The ceremony, held on November 16, marked the beginning of the hospital’s commissioning process rather than its opening. This phase involves preparing the facility for safe and effective operation, including the installation and testing of medical equipment, staff training, and the transition of administrative services. According to Communications Specialist Jade Brown, the hospital is currently in phase one of commissioning, which includes relocating administrative and support services to the new Augier site. The finance department has already begun operations at the permanent location, with other departments such as the kitchen, laundry, and physiotherapy scheduled to follow. Physiotherapy services, temporarily suspended during the move, will resume on November 24 at the new site. Brown highlighted that the delayed arrival of medical equipment, partly due to Hurricane Melissa, has slowed the transition of clinical departments. Three containers of equipment have arrived, with more expected. Brown clarified that the contractor’s continued presence is essential for equipment installation, staff training, and ensuring a smooth transition. She emphasized that patient relocation will only occur once all systems are fully operational and staff are adequately trained. The commissioning team, comprising medical professionals, technocrats, and contractor representatives, continues to assess the hospital’s readiness and plan the next steps in the transition process.
作者： admin
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Republic Bank en UNICEF versterken vroegeducatie in Suriname
In a landmark collaboration aimed at enhancing early childhood education, Republic Bank (Suriname) N.V. and UNICEF Suriname have officially joined forces. The partnership, part of Republic Bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference’ initiative, was launched during a signing ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel. Brian Alleyne, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Suriname) N.V., and Gabriel Vockel, UNICEF Representative for Suriname and Guyana, formalized the agreement with their signatures. The program focuses on equipping daycare centers with essential learning materials and educational tools, fostering inclusive and child-friendly environments, and enhancing the skills of caregivers in early stimulation and play-based learning. Parents will also receive practical guidance to support their children’s development at home. UNICEF emphasized the critical importance of investing in early education, noting that over half of Suriname’s three-year-olds are currently not enrolled in any learning program. Republic Bank echoed this sentiment, stating that investing in children is synonymous with investing in the future. The event was enlivened with performances by toddlers and concluded with the signing of a heart-shaped symbol, where young children placed colorful handprints as a symbol of hope and growth. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring every child in Suriname has the opportunity to learn, discover, and grow through play.
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Grenadian Culinary Delegation at Festival de la Gastronomie 2025
Grenada is set to make a remarkable culinary statement at the grand finale of the 2025 Festival de la Gastronomie in Marigot, St Martin. Organized by the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA), the event titled ‘From the Roots to the Horizon: A Journey of Grenadian History Through Flavours’ will take place on November 22. The Grenadian delegation, led by renowned chefs Anthony Johnson and Joachim Joseph, aims to highlight the island’s rich culinary traditions and innovative gastronomy. Johnson, President of the Grenada Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Association (GGCAA) Inc., expressed pride in representing Grenada and sharing its unique culinary narrative. The presentation will feature two signature dishes: Tri-Island Oil Down, presented in chicken/pork, seafood, and vegan variations, and Sweet Potato Pone with a Twist, incorporating passion fruit as a nod to the festival’s theme. This participation underscores GOCA’s commitment to developing gastronomy as a key sector within Grenada’s creative economy, with significant investments planned for 2026. Senator Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, emphasized the importance of supporting culinary creatives through advanced training and infrastructure. The 12-day festival, now in its fifth edition, celebrates Caribbean collaboration, bringing together chefs from Grenada, Dominica, Barbados, Haiti, and Curaçao to showcase the region’s diverse flavors and culinary artistry.
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Cricket West Indies announces team for test series against New Zealand
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, set to take place from December 1 to December 21 across Christchurch, Wellington, and Mount Maunganui. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship for 2025-2027 and marks the West Indies’ final fixture of the year.
Due to injuries sustained earlier this year, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph will be unavailable for the tour. In their absence, experienced fast bowler Kemar Roach has been recalled to bolster the squad’s pace attack, which also includes newcomer Ojay Shields, receiving his first national call-up. The team recently completed a two-week high-performance camp in Antigua, focusing on preparing for the pace-friendly conditions expected in New Zealand.
Kavem Hodge has been included in the squad following impressive performances against fast bowling, while Khary Pierre has been omitted as spin bowling is not anticipated to play a significant role in the series.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the importance of targeted preparation for the tour. He highlighted the efforts made to replicate New Zealand’s conditions during the high-performance camp in Antigua. Bascombe noted that several squad members are already in New Zealand for the white-ball portion of the tour, giving them valuable time to acclimate.
The Caribbean-based players joined the rest of the squad in New Zealand on November 20, allowing them time to adjust and participate in a two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Lincoln, Christchurch.
West Indies Test Squad for New Zealand:
– Roston Chase (Captain)
– Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain)
– Alick Athanaze
– John Campbell
– Tagenarine Chanderpaul
– Justin Greaves
– Kavem Hodge
– Shai Hope
– Tevin Imlach
– Brandon King
– Johann Layne
– Anderson Phillip
– Kemar Roach
– Jayden Seales
– Ojay ShieldsTeam Management:
– Head Coach: Daren Sammy
– Manager: Rawl Lewis
– Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer
– Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul
– Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith
– Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis Byam
– Mental Skills/Performance Coach: Krisnan Hurdle
– Strength & Conditioning Coach: Darc Browne
– Massage Therapist: Fitzbert Alleyne
– Performance Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram
– Content & Media Officer: Jerome FosterTour Schedule (Caribbean Time):
– Warm-Up Match: November 25-26, Lincoln, Christchurch
– 1st Test: December 1-5, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, at 6 pm AST / 5 pm Jamaica time
– 2nd Test: December 9-13, Basin Reserve, Wellington, at 6 pm AST / 5 pm Jamaica time
– 3rd Test: December 17-21, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, at 6 pm AST / 5 pm Jamaica time -
interCaribbean partners with Virgin Atlantic for single-ticket, interline agreement
interCaribbean Airways has unveiled a groundbreaking interline partnership with Virgin Atlantic, marking a significant step in enhancing travel connectivity between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. The collaboration, centered around key hubs in Barbados and Antigua, aims to streamline travel for passengers by offering seamless connections to Virgin Atlantic’s global network. According to an official statement from interCaribbean, this alliance will enable travelers to book a single ticket for their entire journey, simplifying the check-in process and ensuring smooth transfers at designated connection points. Passengers will benefit from interCaribbean’s regional routes while gaining access to Virgin Atlantic flights to London and other international destinations. Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways, hailed the partnership as a pivotal moment in the airline’s mission to bolster Caribbean connectivity. He emphasized that the collaboration with Virgin Atlantic not only expands travel options for Caribbean residents but also invites Virgin Atlantic customers to explore the Caribbean’s rich cultural and natural diversity. Additionally, the partnership is poised to create new opportunities for Caribbean diaspora communities in the UK, facilitating easier visits to family and friends across the region.
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Envoy highlights humanitarian aid amid rising tensions in Caribbean
Venezuelan Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Leiff Escalona, has reiterated her nation’s dedication to fostering regional solidarity and peace, while voicing apprehension over the resumption of military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago, conducted with US support. Escalona highlighted Venezuela’s recent humanitarian efforts, including the delivery of 46 tonnes of aid to Cuba and Jamaica, both severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The aid comprised food, medicines, medical supplies, and mattresses, with Cuba receiving 26 tonnes and Jamaica 20.
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House Speaker Back On Duty After Cancer Recovery
House Speaker Valarie Woods has made a triumphant return to the National Assembly building nearly a year after disclosing her breast cancer diagnosis. Her comeback was met with heartfelt support from Prime Minister John Briceño, who personally welcomed her back with words of encouragement. “We are overjoyed to see you return in such excellent health. Despite the challenges, you appear more vibrant than ever,” Briceño remarked. In mid-October, Woods marked a significant milestone by ringing the bell at her treatment center, a symbolic gesture signifying the completion of her chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. This joyous ceremony was celebrated by Woods and her supporters at the center, marking a new chapter in her journey. Her return not only signifies personal victory but also serves as an inspiration to many facing similar battles.
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Jose Mai Absent in Today’s House Meeting Since ‘Leave of Absence’
In a notable turn of events, former Agriculture Minister and Orange Walk South Area Representative Jose Abelardo Mai was conspicuously absent from today’s House Meeting. This follows his recent departure from the Cabinet, which has fueled widespread speculation and public scrutiny. Prime Minister John Briceño has maintained that Mai is on a medical “leave of absence” to undergo surgery for injuries sustained in a horse-riding accident. However, sources within the Cabinet revealed that Mai submitted a resignation letter, raising questions about the true reasons behind his exit. Rumors have circulated that foreign pressure, particularly from the United States, may have played a role. Briceño has vehemently denied these claims, stating that no such demands were made during his meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires. Meanwhile, House Speaker Valerie Woods reported the absence of five other representatives: Marconi Leal Jr (Belize Rural North), Abner Andre Perez (Belize Rural South), Kevin Bernard (Orange Walk East), Godwin Haylock (Queen Square), and Miguel Mike Guerra (Cayo West). The timing of Mai’s absence and the conflicting narratives have intensified public interest and debate over the situation.
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Grenada to launch Revised National Adaptation Plan 2025–2030
The Government of Grenada is set to launch its Revised National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for 2025–2030 on November 26, 2025, at the Grenada Trade Centre Annex. The event, led by Hon. Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, will commence at 8:30 am with registration, followed by the official launch at 9 am. This updated NAP represents a pivotal step in fortifying Grenada’s resilience against escalating climate challenges. Building on extensive research, national consultations, and lessons from recent climate events, including the catastrophic Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the plan is Grenada’s most comprehensive adaptation strategy to date. Minister James emphasized the plan’s significance, stating, ‘This is Grenada’s commitment to safeguarding our people, economy, and way of life. The climate crisis is urgent, and this plan empowers us to act decisively.’ The revised NAP aligns with national development strategies like Vision 75 and the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP 2020–2035), ensuring a unified approach to sustainable growth. It incorporates insights from the 2021 Midterm Review, the 2022 First NAP Progress Report, and extensive 2024 consultations. The plan also aligns with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework. Key features include a dedicated NAP Implementation Team, expanded community engagement, gender-responsive approaches, and a strengthened Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system. The NAP outlines six priority areas: strengthening health systems, advancing sustainable infrastructure, enhancing disaster risk reduction, securing water resources, promoting nature-based solutions, and ensuring climate-resilient agriculture. Implementation, set to begin in 2025, will enhance Grenada’s access to international climate finance, institutional readiness, and community resilience, safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems for a more equitable future.
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Ariza Credit Union launches “Triple R Promise”
In a significant step toward prioritizing its members’ needs, Ariza Credit Union has introduced the ‘Triple R Promise,’ a comprehensive suite of benefits crafted in direct response to member feedback. The initiative, announced by CEO Mervyn Lord at a press conference, underscores the credit union’s commitment to enhancing mortgage and savings products based on member suggestions. ‘Our goal is not merely to maximize profit but to maximize the quality of life for our members,’ Lord emphasized. The Triple R Promise includes lower mortgage rates, increased deposit interest, and new savings products, reflecting Ariza’s dedication to sharing its success with its members. In 2024, the credit union plans to return over $2 million to members through dividends and interest. A key feature of the initiative is the reintroduction of the Switch Mortgage, offering interest rates as low as 3.99%, 100% financing, and reduced fees. Additionally, Ariza has expanded vehicle loan options and increased interest rates across various savings products, including secondary savings (2%), lifetime savings (3%), and retirement savings (4.25%). The newly launched Ariza Advantage Account, a long-term savings product, allows members to start with $10,000, earn 3.5% interest quarterly, and secure loans. Lord also highlighted the importance of service enhancement, promising daily efforts to improve member experience. The Triple R Promise marks a new chapter in Ariza’s member-centered approach to financial services.