In a landmark corporate maneuver, General Accident Insurance Company (Jamaica) Limited (JSE: GENAC) and Beacon Insurance Company Limited have announced their merger, aiming to create a dominant insurance entity across the Caribbean. The strategic acquisition, finalized on October 31, 2025, by Musson (Jamaica) Limited, General Accident’s parent company, will see Beacon Insurance operate as a subsidiary under General Accident, pending regulatory approvals. This merger is poised to significantly bolster General Accident’s market reach, particularly in Trinidad and Barbados, while expanding its footprint into new territories such as Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent. With annual gross written premiums surpassing J$32 billion, General Accident’s influence continues to grow. Despite the merger, Beacon will maintain its operational independence under its established brands in Trinidad and Barbados, with its current leadership, including CEO Christopher Woodhams, remaining intact. Woodhams will report directly to Sharon Donaldson, Group CEO of General Accident, and will oversee operations for both brands in Trinidad. Additionally, Christian Hadeed, a director of Beacon, alongside Woodhams, will join the board of General Accident, with the Hadeed family becoming minority shareholders in the newly formed entity. Gerald Hadeed, founder of Beacon, expressed confidence in the merger, highlighting shared insurance principles and a commitment to client service. P.B. Scott, Chairman of General Accident, lauded the partnership, emphasizing the potential to create a robust platform across the Caribbean and enhance service delivery for clients of both companies.
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GFA launches Player Identification drive for Talent Development Scheme
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has announced the launch of a comprehensive Player Identification initiative as a pivotal element of its Talent Development Scheme (TDS). This strategic programme aims to systematically scout and identify the most promising young male footballers across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, ensuring the sustained growth of future youth national teams. The initiative will initially focus on boys born in 2012 and 2013, targeting aspiring athletes at a formative stage of their development. The primary goals of this rigorous evaluation process are to uncover emerging talent and foster high-quality player development. Successful candidates will be integrated into the GFA TDS programme, which offers structured pathways for progression into youth national teams and opportunities for educational scholarships and professional football careers. A GFA spokesperson emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, ‘This systematic identification drive is a crucial investment in the future of Grenadian football. By focusing on early talent recognition and providing structured development within the TDS framework, we are building a sustainable pipeline of players capable of excelling on regional and international stages.’ The GFA has urged parents, guardians, and youth coaches to prepare eligible players for the upcoming scouting events across the tri-island state. Further details regarding screening dates and locations will be announced soon through official GFA channels.
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PM’s brother-in-law gets contract for $40,000 monthly
A significant controversy has erupted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) over a lucrative government contract awarded to Cecil Harris, the brother-in-law of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Harris, a highly qualified civil engineer with extensive experience in law and project management, is reportedly earning EC$40,000 monthly as the project manager for the Taiwanese-funded US$125 million Strengthening Health Resilience Project. This project includes the construction of a 135-bed hospital in Arnos Vale, comprehensive health system reforms, and the management of consultants.
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Artist Talk #2 — Rebecca’s Dolls: A Stitched Story of Slavery in Grenada
The exhibition ‘Rebecca’s Dolls: A Stitched Story of Slavery in Grenada,’ which opened in June 2025 at the Grenada National Museum, has been extended until mid-December due to its profound impact and public interest. Originally slated to close on 12 September, the exhibition delves into the life of Rebecca Ahmuty Snagg, an enslaved woman who served a British family in St. George, Grenada. Her story is vividly portrayed through three fragile dolls she sent to her former enslaver, now preserved at Bristol Archives in England and too delicate to travel. The exhibition also features a painting of Rebecca by Jean Renel Pierre Louis, two dolls crafted by Conny Herrmann, a storybook illustrated by Andrea McLeod, and a fabric pattern inspired by plantation crops from Rebecca’s era. A panel of authentic Madras fabric, donated by the Original Madras Trading Company in Chennai, India, further enriches the display. On 15 November, an artist talk titled ‘Heritage in Education’ will be held at the museum, featuring discussions by artist Suelin Low Chew Tung, historian John Angus Martin, and others, alongside student assignments inspired by the exhibition. The project was funded by the Karun Thakar Fund of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and supported locally by the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs.
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DJ Khris Criminally Charged for Officer’s Death
In a tragic turn of events, Khris Rosado, the 34-year-old Executive Director of Thirsty Thursdays in Belize City, has been criminally charged in connection with the death of Police Constable Arcenio Cus. The fatal incident occurred on July 28, 2025, when Cus, 38, was involved in a head-on collision while riding his motorcycle on the Phillip Goldson Highway. After a thorough investigation, Rosado was formally charged on November 11, 2025, with multiple offenses, including Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, and Failing to Stop and Report an Accident. Rosado is scheduled to appear in court today to face these charges. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the serious consequences of negligent driving and the importance of road safety.
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Raise game on cyber breach transparency, says data chief
Organizations across both public and private sectors remain alarmingly unprepared to effectively communicate data breaches to the public, heightening the risk of reputational damage and eroding consumer trust, warned Data Protection Commissioner Lisa Greaves on Tuesday. Speaking at a workshop titled ‘Human-Driven AI: Powering Communication Excellence,’ hosted by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Barbados Chapter, Greaves emphasized the critical need for transparency and proactive measures in handling cybersecurity incidents. Despite the increasing frequency of data breaches, response strategies remain inconsistent and inadequate, she noted. Greaves highlighted the lack of transparency in Barbados, particularly in informing customers and clients about breaches and managing communication effectively. She cited the 2012 Target retail chain breach in the U.S., where a third-party vendor compromise led to significant reputational fallout due to poor communication. Greaves warned that government agencies are equally vulnerable to such risks, with several recent cyber incidents underscoring the importance of reputational management. She stressed the necessity of employee training, learning from past failures, and having pre-planned communication strategies in place. Under the Data Protection Act, breaches must be reported within 72 hours of discovery. Greaves urged organizations to involve communication specialists in their plans to dispel rumors and reassure the public. She also emphasized the immense value of data and the need for robust security investments, stating, ‘Data makes people billions of dollars a day. That’s the kind of security that has to be around data, because data is that powerful.’
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Police Seek Assistance In Locating Missing Woman
Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have issued an urgent plea for public assistance in locating 56-year-old Dawn Anjella Simon, a volunteer soldier with the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), who has been reported missing. Simon, a resident of Bolans Village, was last seen in the Bolans area on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Despite extensive searches conducted by officers from the Bolans Police Station in surrounding communities, her whereabouts remain unknown. Simon is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a brown complexion and medium build. The police are urging anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913, the Bolans Police Station at 462-1080, or call 911 immediately. The community’s cooperation is crucial in ensuring her safe return.
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Chefs ‘ready’ to defend culinary title in landmark home event
Barbados’ national culinary team is gearing up to defend its Caribbean title on home soil for the first time at the Taste of the Caribbean 2025. The prestigious competition, traditionally held in Miami, will take place from Sunday to Tuesday at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle. The event marks a historic moment as it is the first time the contest is hosted in the Caribbean, adding pressure to the defending champions.
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Barbados deepens UK trade links amid push into new industries
Barbados is intensifying its efforts to attract British investment in renewable energy, space technology, and the creative industries, aiming to establish itself as a hub for emerging sectors amid shifting global economic dynamics. Speaking at the sixth annual UK Trade Mission to Barbados Business Forum, Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment Kay McConney highlighted the growing interest from UK investors, which now extends beyond traditional sectors like tourism and financial services. McConney emphasized the need to adapt to evolving global realities, citing World Bank data that predicts a doubling of energy investment demand in developing countries by 2035. Barbados’ economy has shown robust growth, with 17 consecutive quarters of expansion, as reported by the Central Bank in September 2025. To foster a business-friendly environment, Bridgetown has modernized public systems, digitized services, and implemented reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency. McConney stressed the mutual benefits of UK-Barbados partnerships, including job creation, skills transfer, and access to new market opportunities. British interest spans diverse industries such as financial services, ICT, agro-processing, renewable energy, construction, and manufacturing. Emerging opportunities in education, the blue economy, and innovation-driven fields like space technology and film were also highlighted. British High Commissioner Simon Mustard underscored the importance of strengthening trade and investment links amid global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. He encouraged collaboration in renewable energy, digital transformation, and small business development. UK-Barbados trade grew by 9% in the past year, reaching over $1.59 billion, with the UK targeting high-growth sectors like clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries. Mustard projected a 2.7% growth rate for Barbados in 2025, driven by tourism, construction, renewable energy, and digital transformation. He praised Barbados’ skilled workforce, strong legal framework, and commitment to innovation, positioning it as an ideal partner for the UK in building future industries.
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LETTER: Concerned Parent says ‘Toxic’ Rule Enforcement at Antigua Girls’ High School
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a concerned parent has shed light on the distressing conditions at Antigua Girls’ High School, calling for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Education. The parent, a single mother, expressed deep frustration over the school’s rigid enforcement of rules, which she claims has created an environment of fear and disrespect rather than discipline and learning.
Since the arrival of a new principal in September, the school’s atmosphere has shifted dramatically. Rules that were once enforced with reason and leniency are now applied with harsh rigidity. For instance, students are required to wear only Hoppers brand shoes, a policy that has caused significant hardship for families. The parent shared her own struggle: her daughter, unable to wear Hoppers due to a foot condition, was repeatedly sent home for wearing alternative shoes, despite the family’s financial constraints.
The letter also highlighted the emotional and physical toll on students. One incident involved a teacher punishing a student with spinal injuries by assigning her 200 lines to write three times, ignoring her medical condition. Another incident saw the principal publicly humiliating a student during Independence celebrations, leaving both the child and her mother deeply embarrassed.
Teachers, too, are reportedly suffering under the new administration, with many taking extended sick leave due to stress. The school’s internet is often turned off until late in the day, disrupting lessons and leaving both teachers and students unproductive.
Financial burdens on parents have also escalated. For the 2026 graduation, students are being asked to fundraise $20,000, including $7,000 for the church venue—a demand that is unrealistic in these challenging economic times.
The parent’s plea extends beyond her own child. She writes on behalf of all students and teachers who feel voiceless and overwhelmed. She urges the Ministry of Education to intervene, visit the school, and listen to the concerns of teachers, students, and parents without administrative interference. The parent emphasizes that discipline should build character, not break spirits, and calls for the restoration of Antigua Girls’ High School to a place of dignity, compassion, and learning.