In a striking revelation, the Cayman Islands, one of the Caribbean’s most prominent financial hubs, lacks any form of bank deposit insurance, leaving customers vulnerable in the event of a banking crisis. This oversight stands in stark contrast to neighboring nations like the British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Jamaica, which offer varying levels of deposit protection. The absence of such safeguards in the Cayman Islands has raised concerns, particularly in light of recent global banking turmoil, such as the Silicon Valley Bank collapse.
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Dominica clinches perfect record in ECVA U-23 Volleyball Championship with final win over Antigua
Dominica emerged victorious in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Championship on Monday, defeating Antigua and Barbuda in a thrilling four-set match at the YMCA Indoor Facility. The Nature Isle team demonstrated their prowess early on, securing the first set with a commanding 25–15 score. Antigua and Barbuda, buoyed by their home crowd, fought back to even the score with a 25–20 win in the second set. Dominica regained their momentum in the third set, led by standout player Deye, who propelled the team to a 25–17 victory. In the decisive fourth set, Dominica maintained their composure despite a late surge from Antigua and Barbuda, clinching the match 25–19 and finishing the championship undefeated with a perfect 6–0 record.
Head coach Itoma James lauded his team’s development throughout the tournament. “Our chemistry was initially a bit shaky, but I knew we had the skill, experience, and talent to excel. We approached each game methodically, and with every match, the team’s cohesion improved. The players consistently demonstrated their potential to be a dominant force in the region for years to come,” James remarked in an interview with the Antigua Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
James also emphasized the team’s balanced attack as a key factor in their success. “While other teams relied on a single standout player, we had multiple scoring options. This versatility made it challenging for opponents to counter our strategies,” he explained.
Tournament MVP Sheron Vidal James reflected on the importance of tactical intelligence in the game. “Volleyball isn’t just about power; it’s about strategy. Smart placements, forcing errors, and seizing opportunities can be game-changers. Utilizing your IQ on the court is crucial,” he noted.
Dominica’s victory not only secured the championship title but also highlighted the depth and potential of their young volleyball talent, positioning them as a formidable contender in future regional competitions.
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CPSO welcomes removal of US tariffs on key Caricom exports
The Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) has lauded the United States’ decision to eliminate tariffs on critical export sectors within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), marking a significant relief for regional industries. These tariffs, initially imposed in April 2025 and later updated in August 2025, had severely impacted Caricom’s export revenues, particularly in the Base Metals, Agriculture & Food, and Chemicals sectors. The CPSO had previously estimated that the reciprocal tariffs would result in an annual loss of US$653.6 million in export revenue for Caricom Member States. The Agriculture & Food and Chemicals sectors bore the brunt of these tariffs, with projected annual losses of US$117.7 million and US$86.1 million, respectively. The removal of these tariffs, enacted through an Executive Order on 14 November 2025 by President Donald Trump, is expected to stabilize key agricultural and agroprocessing supply chains across Caricom and enhance the competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s chemical exports, including fertilizers and related products. Dr. Patrick Antoine, CPSO Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director, emphasized the pivotal role of coordinated advocacy by Caricom Heads of Government, including Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis, in securing this outcome. The US remains Caricom’s principal trade partner, and the tariff removal is anticipated to strengthen the US-Caricom trade relationship. The CPSO continues to work towards eliminating remaining tariffs affecting Caricom’s exports to the US, reinforcing its commitment to advancing trade facilitation, competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience.
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High Court to hear challenge of FTC’s refusal to demand Light & Power financial records
The High Court of Barbados is poised to determine whether the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) must compel the Barbados Light and Power Company (BLPC) to disclose financial documents. This decision follows renewed legal action by public interest intervenors, reigniting a prolonged dispute over electricity rates. Earlier this month, the court canceled a scheduled hearing after discovering that no formal application had been properly filed. However, last week, the intervenor team, led by Ricky Went, resubmitted a comprehensive set of documents, including their notice of application, a certificate of urgency, and a draft order they seek the court to approve. The court has set next Wednesday to hear the application, filed by the intervenors’ lead attorney, senior counsel Hal Gollop. The case centers on whether the FTC can require BLPC to provide information following its February 2023 rate review decision, which the intervenors argue remains unresolved. The FTC maintains that the process is concluded and lacks the statutory authority to mandate the release of the documents. A hearing initially scheduled for last Tuesday was canceled when the court discovered procedural errors in the filing process. Senior counsel for the FTC, Alrick Scott, informed the court that BLPC had not been served with any notice of application and was unaware of Gollop’s filing. Further investigation revealed no formal application had been made, prompting the court to vacate the hearing date. The intervenors argue that analyzing BLPC’s financial data is crucial before the FTC issues its final ruling on the rate decision, as rate proceedings are infrequent. They emphasize the importance of public trust in the regulatory process. However, the FTC, through Scott, has reiterated its refusal to comply, citing no statutory obligation to release the requested documents.
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PM urges St Lucy to be patient over water woes
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on residents of St Lucy to remain patient as the government addresses persistent water supply challenges in the parish and surrounding areas. For years, districts in St Lucy and St Peter have grappled with water discolouration, a problem that has significantly impacted daily life. Speaking at the launch of the Lamberts and Castle wind farm project at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Mottley acknowledged the issue and assured residents that measures are underway to alleviate their concerns. She highlighted that financial relief has been provided to affected households, with residents of St Lucy and eastern St Peter exempt from basic water rates since April. This initiative, announced in March, is part of a 12-month commitment to support communities while infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of ageing water mains and improvements to filtration systems, are completed. Mottley emphasized the complexity of the process, stating, ‘As much as I would like to wiggle my nose and say, ‘let there be pipe,’ it takes time for us to lay pipe.’ She reassured residents that the government remains committed to resolving the issue and will provide further updates in due course.
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Flood claims mount as insurers count losses after Sunday deluge
Barbados is grappling with the aftermath of the most severe flooding in a decade, which has left one man dead and caused extensive damage to vehicles across the island. The record-breaking floods, which occurred on Sunday, have led to a surge in motor insurance claims, with insurers estimating payouts in the tens of thousands of dollars.
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GHTA CEO shines as key panellist at CHTA CHIEF conference
Arlene Friday, CEO of the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA), emerged as a pivotal figure at this year’s Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) conference. As a key panellist on the forum titled ‘Tourism for Us,’ Friday captivated attendees with her profound insights and actionable strategies on community tourism across the Caribbean region. Her address underscored the indispensable role of local communities in crafting authentic and sustainable tourism experiences. She urged Caribbean communities to reclaim their narratives, ensuring that their unique histories, traditions, and voices remain central to tourism development. ‘Communities are not just part of the tourism product — they are the heartbeat of it,’ Friday asserted. ‘When we empower our people to tell their own stories and create genuine connections with visitors, tourism becomes not only sustainable but transformative.’ Friday also emphasized the importance of fostering stronger linkages between hospitality stakeholders and local communities. She highlighted that such collaborations not only drive economic opportunities but also preserve cultural identity. Her message of empowerment and inclusion resonated deeply with industry professionals, policymakers, and delegates, all of whom are committed to a more community-centred approach to tourism. The CHIEF Conference continues to serve as a dynamic platform for tourism leaders to connect, share innovations, and chart the future of the region’s hospitality sector. Arlene Friday’s contributions at the conference reinforce the critical importance of placing people and place at the heart of tourism growth throughout the Caribbean.
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Kwaliteitsverbeteringen Kwatta Landbouwmarkt, duidelijkheid over terreinstatus
The recently completed fish hall at the Kwatta Agricultural Market marks the beginning of a new era in quality improvement for the market. The board of the S. Kisoensingh Foundation, which oversees the Kwatta Agricultural Market, presented this development during an introductory meeting with Mike Noersalim, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV). During the meeting, the foundation shared detailed financial data, including income and expenditure reports. It was previously reported that the market generates approximately SRD 500,000 in monthly revenue, which, according to the foundation, nearly covers its operational costs. Currently, around 700 vendors utilize the market, primarily on Sundays and Wednesdays. These vendors pay a fixed fee per sales day for access to facilities such as tables, seating, roofing, and sanitation. A key topic of discussion was the legal status of the land on which the market operates. Minister Noersalim clarified the ministry’s policy: the land will remain dedicated to market activities, with other forms of business explicitly excluded. The foundation retains the authority to manage the market and continue operations on the LVV-owned land. Both parties agreed that the meeting resolved uncertainties and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to ensure the market’s orderly and transparent management.
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Boy, 9, undergoes brain surgery after beating by schoolmate
A mother has expressed her profound distress after her 9-year-old son was severely injured by an older student at Kingstown Preparatory School on October 22. The incident led to the child developing meningitis, necessitating emergency brain surgery. The boy, now in the Paediatric Critical Care Unit of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), is battling seizures and enduring immense physical and emotional pain. His mother, who requested anonymity, revealed that her son’s condition is critical, with doctors describing him as the sickest child in the ward. The boy, who initially kept the assault a secret, began experiencing severe headaches and pain days after the incident. His family later discovered that he had been slammed into a door and concrete by another student. Medical examinations revealed significant inflammation and pus in his brain, requiring the removal of 100 ml of pus during surgery on November 12. The mother, who lives overseas, returned to St. Vincent to authorize the life-saving procedure. She expressed frustration over the lack of accountability from the school and the Ministry of Education, as well as the absence of remorse from the family of the alleged perpetrator. The mother plans to pursue legal action, citing the emotional trauma her son now endures, including feelings of insecurity about his appearance due to surgical scars. She remains by her son’s side at the hospital, grappling with the emotional and financial burdens of his recovery.
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Grenada and Embassy of Japan commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations
On November 12, 2025, Dr. Akima Umezawa, the Ambassador of Japan, announced the historic appointment of Dr. Nicole Phillip as Grenada’s first Honorary Consul of Japan. Dr. Phillip, the Acting Director of the University of The West Indies Global Campus in St. George’s, is renowned for her expertise in history and academic leadership. This landmark announcement was made during celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Grenada and Japan, a partnership rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and shared vision. Over the past five decades, Japan has significantly contributed to Grenada’s development in education, disaster resilience, agriculture, and technical training, while Grenada has actively engaged in cultural and academic exchanges. The appointment ceremony, held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests. Ambassador Umezawa described the appointment as a pivotal step in strengthening the bilateral relationship, referring to the anniversary as a “Golden Jubilee.” He highlighted key achievements, including Grenada’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan’s support for sargassum countermeasures, and vocational training initiatives. Dr. Phillip expressed her gratitude and commitment to fostering deeper ties between the two nations. The celebrations continued on November 13 with a musical concert featuring the Japanese Bamboo Flute and the National School Orchestra, symbolizing cultural harmony. Acting Foreign Minister Senator Adrian Thomas emphasized the significance of the 50-year friendship and expressed optimism for future collaboration in cultural exchange, innovation, and economic ties. He also congratulated Dr. Phillip on behalf of the Government and People of Grenada, recognizing her contributions to education and leadership.