The Miss Universe sashing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, took an unexpected turn as several contestants, including Miss Universe Belize Isabella Zabaneh, staged a walkout. The incident unfolded during a livestreamed event when Miss Universe Mexico 2025, Fátima Bosch, was publicly confronted by Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President for Asia and Oceania of the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and head of the local organizing committee. Nawat questioned Bosch for skipping a sponsor shoot and insufficiently promoting Thailand as the host country, leading to visible discomfort and her eventual departure. Several contestants followed in solidarity, with Nawat attempting to restore order by calling for security and warning participants to sit down if they wished to continue in the competition. Bosch later described Nawat’s actions as ‘disrespectful,’ emphasizing the importance of empowering women and protecting their voices. Reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig also walked out, posting on Instagram about the significance of standing up for oneself and setting boundaries. The MUO issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to collaboration with local partners and confirming that all scheduled events would proceed as planned. The 74th Miss Universe coronation is set for November 21.
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Consultation Confirms Gaps in Inclusion as Saint Lucia Advances Disability Policy
Saint Lucia has concluded a comprehensive nationwide consultation aimed at shaping its forthcoming National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, took place from October 13 to 23, 2025, and involved over 200 participants across 14 sessions. Facilitated by Dr. Clementia Eugene, the consultations brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, caregivers, service providers, and advocates. The process highlighted Saint Lucia’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Marrakesh Treaty. However, participants identified persistent challenges in accessibility, employment, healthcare, and social protection, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and sustained investment. The draft policy, rooted in principles of equity, autonomy, and respect for diversity, envisions a future where persons with disabilities and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities to participate fully in national life. Key recommendations included enhanced support for independent living through training, respite care, and financial assistance, as well as inclusive access to cultural, recreational, and sporting events. Dr. Eugene will now integrate the feedback into a revised draft, accompanied by an implementation plan and monitoring framework. Once finalized, the policy is expected to serve as a blueprint for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Saint Lucia, ensuring dignity, accessibility, and opportunity for all.
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Antiguan Creative Chaneil Imhoff Designs Official Logo for CHOGM Antigua & Barbuda 2026
In a momentous ceremony held at Sandals Grande Antigua on November 4, 2025, Antiguan creative and communications specialist Chaneil Imhoff was unveiled as the winner of the logo design competition for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Antigua & Barbuda 2026. The event, attended by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams, Commonwealth Secretary-General representative Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and CHOGM Task Force Chair Clarence Pilgrim, marked a historic milestone for the nation as it prepares to host global leaders in 2026. Imhoff’s winning design, featuring an abstract frigate bird, symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the unity of the Commonwealth. The logo incorporates the red, yellow, blue, and black of Antigua and Barbuda’s national flag, complemented by teal and magenta tones from the Commonwealth palette. In her remarks, Imhoff expressed profound gratitude, describing the honor as a testament to the power of local creativity and the Orange Economy. She emphasized the economic and cultural significance of creative industries, urging greater investment to empower Antiguans and Barbudans on the global stage. A seasoned entrepreneur and mental health advocate, Imhoff is the founder of Avada Digital and WISH – the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing, and the host of Government in Motion on ABS Television. Her design now stands as a beacon of Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to engage with the world.
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Against all odds: Baby Niah’s miraculous journey from 25 weeks to thriving infant
Baby Niah Felix, born at just 25 weeks gestation and weighing a mere 1.2 pounds, has defied all odds and continues to astonish her parents, Anne Charles and Thomas Felix, with her miraculous progress. Now an eight-month-old, Niah is thriving at home, achieving all the milestones of a healthy baby. Her journey began when Anne unexpectedly went into preterm labor while visiting her mother in Trafalgar. Despite the initial skepticism from hospital staff due to limited resources, Niah fought through the challenges. She spent three months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she was placed on a ventilator and later a CPAP machine before breathing on her own. Her parents credit her survival to her resilience, the unwavering support of their family, and the dedicated care of the hospital staff. Anne and Thomas expressed their deep gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), who they now consider family. Niah’s story is a testament to the strength of premature infants and the critical role of specialized neonatal care. On World Patient Safety Day 2025, Health Minister Kassani Laville highlighted the remarkable outcomes of the DCFH’s NICU, which has successfully cared for over 1,100 neonates, including three born at 25 weeks gestation.
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Policewoman charged with fatal accident involving student
A 35-year-old policewoman, Yonelle Cumberbatch, has been formally charged in connection with a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old student. The incident occurred on October 30, 2025, on Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. Corporal Cumberbatch, who was driving Motor Car # PAB 214, collided with Navindra Mahes, a pedestrian, who later succumbed to his injuries. On November 4, 2025, Cumberbatch appeared before Senior Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where she was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. She was granted bail set at GY$500,000 and is required to surrender her passport and report to the police monthly as part of her bail conditions. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns over road safety and accountability.
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Ministry of Education National Science Fair: 12 Nov 2025
In an era marked by escalating climate challenges, the Ministry of Education in Grenada is spearheading efforts to harness STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) solutions for climate resilience and disaster management. The initiative, highlighted during the recent National Science Fair, showcased groundbreaking projects in renewable energy, robotics, and sustainable technologies, underscoring the critical role of STEM in addressing global environmental crises. The Grenada Trade Centre served as the hub for these innovations, where young minds presented creative approaches to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance disaster preparedness. The Ministry emphasized the importance of integrating STEM education into national strategies to foster innovation and equip future generations with the tools to tackle pressing environmental issues. This forward-thinking approach aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and build resilient communities. While NOW Grenada disclaims responsibility for contributors’ opinions, the platform continues to amplify discussions on critical topics, encouraging public engagement and awareness.
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BEL Explains San Pedro Power Outage
San Pedro Town experienced a significant power outage on the evening of Sunday, November 4, 2025, following a transformer malfunction near Ramon’s Village Resort. The incident, which occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m., left the town in complete darkness. Residents reported hearing what they described as an explosion-like sound, raising concerns about the severity of the issue.
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the national electricity provider, issued an official statement explaining the cause of the outage. The disruption was attributed to a hardware fault on the overhead section of the 34.5 kV sub-transmission line, a critical infrastructure component that supplies power to the island. This line connects San Pedro to the national grid through a combination of submarine, underground, and overhead systems.
Compounding the problem, BEL’s San Pedro Gas Turbine, which typically serves as a backup power source, could not be activated. The turbine relies on the same damaged transmission line, rendering it ineffective during the outage. Additionally, adverse weather conditions further delayed restoration efforts, prolonging the inconvenience for residents.
Despite these challenges, BEL managed to restore power to the area, bringing relief to the affected community. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the island’s power infrastructure and highlights the need for robust backup systems to mitigate future disruptions.
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Applications for Caribbean STEM Olympiads 2026 close out on November 30
The Caribbean STEM Olympiads (CSO) 2026 is nearing its application deadline, set for November 30, 2025. Organized by the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), this prestigious competition invites students aged 13 to 21 from CARICOM member states and Associate Countries to showcase their talents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
To assist potential participants, the CSF will host its fourth and final informational webinar on November 16, 2025, at 7:00 pm AST. This session, accessible via Zoom, will provide comprehensive details about the Olympiad, including competition rules, entry procedures, judging criteria, and more. It also offers an interactive platform for students and educators to ask questions and engage in discussions.
The CSO features three age-based categories: Level 1 (13-15 years), Level 2 (16-18 years), and Level 3 (19-21 years). Participants can compete individually or as teams representing schools, clubs, or organizations. The competition spans three core areas: Robotics & Electronics Systems, Computer Programming, and Mathematics. Winners will be awarded platinum, gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash prizes.
Preliminary elimination rounds are scheduled for mid to late December 2025, with the finals taking place from January 12 to 18, 2026. Interested students can access the initial registration form and additional details on the official CSO website: https://caribbeanscience.org/cso/.
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Barbados to join the select group of full members of CAF
Barbados is on the verge of making history as the smallest nation to achieve full membership in the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). This milestone was announced by Ryan Straughn, Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, during a parliamentary debate on the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean Bill, 2025. Straughn emphasized that this move would significantly strengthen Barbados’ integration into the regional development finance framework. He compared the decision to joining a credit union, highlighting that it would grant Barbados enhanced access to CAF’s decision-making processes and funding mechanisms. Barbados initially joined CAF 14 years ago under the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) administration, which secured a US$200 million financing facility with a US$15 million subscription. However, the proposed legislative amendments aim to provide Barbados with more flexibility, especially in response to the evolving global financial landscape and the shifting policies of institutions like the World Bank, which has increasingly aligned with the current U.S. administration. Once finalized, this upgraded membership will not only bolster the government’s access to CAF financing but also create opportunities for private sector entities and individual Barbadians to benefit from the bank’s development programs and investment tools.
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3 in every 4 homes in Guyana now have access to fibre… One Communications powers Nation’s digital leap
In a landmark achievement for Guyana’s digital infrastructure, One Communications has announced that its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network now reaches over 75% of households across the nation. This significant milestone underscores the company’s role as the leading provider of advanced fibre connectivity in the country, propelling Guyana’s digital transformation forward. With more than 170,000 homes and businesses now connected, the expansion aligns with the government’s agenda to enhance nationwide connectivity, foster ICT-driven economic growth, and improve access to education. The company’s Chief Operations Officer, Eshwar Thakurdin, emphasized the focus on bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, particularly in regions like West Side, East Coast Demerara, Berbice, and Linden. The project, which required an additional investment of USD 10 million over the past two years, has positioned Guyana as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing broadband markets. Thakurdin highlighted the company’s mission to keep Guyana connected to future advancements, whether for global investors, remote learners, or smart homes. The latest phase of expansion, completed between August and October 2025, has brought high-speed internet to numerous communities, including Look Out, Grove, and Rosignol. Hilton Wong, General Manager of One Communications’ business arm Brava, also noted the transformative impact on small businesses, enabling them to move online and access digital payment solutions. Since its initial rollout in 2017, One Communications has continued to expand its fibre network, with further rollouts planned for 2026. The company, part of the ATN International Group, remains committed to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and national progress through cutting-edge telecommunications solutions.