Grenada’s Governor-General, Dame Cécile La Grenade, alongside the nation’s government, has proudly announced the recognition of several distinguished citizens in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours. These individuals have been celebrated for their exceptional contributions across various sectors, including public service, culture, education, sports, and community development. Their achievements have not only enriched Grenada’s national identity but also strengthened its communities. Among the honorees, Ruth Elizabeth Rouse was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her extensive public service and diplomatic career, which included roles as High Commissioner to the UK and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation. Keith Emmanuel Richard Williams received the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his three decades of dedication to Grenadian culture, education, and sports. Other notable recipients include Annie Lauretta Rush-Bain, recognized for her community service and leadership in local organizations, and Lyneth Ann Edwards, posthumously awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her lifelong contributions to art and culture. These honours underscore Grenada’s commitment to excellence and national pride, inspiring future generations to serve their country and humanity with distinction.
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Murder in Corozal, Drug Related
Authorities in Corozal are probing a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday night, which is believed to be linked to drug-related activities. The victim, identified as Arnaldo Vellos, was gunned down near his residence in the Finca Solana area on October 31. Despite being rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, Vellos succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed that the incident appears to be drug-related. According to Romero, the suspects, all residents of Corozal, are known to law enforcement. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend three individuals suspected of involvement in the murder. The investigation is still active as police work to uncover further details surrounding the case.
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Krijgsraad wil Rodney Cairo horen in strafzaak tegen Veira
In a significant development in the criminal case against Danielle Veira, former head of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), the President of the Military Court, Cynthia Valstein-Montnor, announced on Monday that she intends to hear Rodney Cairo, the aggrieved party in the case, at the next hearing. This decision follows the receipt of new information that necessitates Cairo’s testimony. The Military Court aims to expedite the witness examination to conclude the case before the year’s end. Initially, the prosecution’s closing argument by military auditor Romeo Rampersad was scheduled for Monday, but he requested a brief postponement due to the case’s complexity. This request was granted, and the prosecution will now present its closing argument on November 18. Veira is accused of ordering the abduction of military officer Cairo in April 2020. Veira claims that Cairo had been a ‘person of interest’ for years due to actions and statements that allegedly threatened national security. She denies any involvement in the abduction, stating, ‘I did not send anyone to Mr. Cairo. What happened in his home was a crime, and I was unaware of it, including the use of weapons; otherwise, I would have signed off on it. I only understood later what had occurred and that Cairo had been restrained.’ In an interview with DTV-Express, Cairo stated, ‘The only solution should be that one of us is removed, for Veira has started a war and must face the consequences.’ Veira’s defense team, comprising Derrick Veira and John Kraag, represented by Cedric Meijnaar, argues that Cairo’s statements could be interpreted as threats and believes he should be ‘thoroughly questioned.’
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Addressing trauma in the education system
The catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s education system and the mental well-being of its citizens. With sustained winds of 298 km/h (185 mph), the hurricane surpassed the intensity of Hurricane Katrina, causing widespread destruction and claiming 28 lives, with many still missing. The aftermath has forced numerous schools to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, exacerbating an already fragile education system. Prior to the disaster, Jamaica’s schools were grappling with underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of focus on mental health. The hurricane has further exposed these vulnerabilities, leaving students and teachers to face collective trauma. Many schools in South Western Jamaica, including parishes like Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, remain without electricity and internet, rendering virtual learning impossible. The loss of essential school supplies and educational gadgets, such as laptops and tablets, has disproportionately affected students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. To mitigate the disruption, experts are advocating for an abridged curriculum that prioritizes essential learning outcomes while addressing the psychosocial needs of students and teachers. Mental health support, including art therapy, drama, and counseling, is crucial to help individuals cope with the trauma. The World Bank has warned that the long-term consequences of school closures will be felt for decades, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s education system.
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LIVE: National Day Observance Ceremony 2025
In a groundbreaking development, a new AI technology has emerged, promising to redefine the way we interact with digital platforms. This innovative system, showcased in a recent demonstration, leverages advanced algorithms to enhance user experience and streamline digital processes. The technology, which has been in development for several years, is now ready for public release, marking a significant milestone in the field of artificial intelligence. Experts believe that this breakthrough will not only improve efficiency but also open up new possibilities for digital innovation. The demonstration, which included a series of interactive features, highlighted the system’s ability to adapt to user needs in real-time, offering a glimpse into the future of digital interaction. As the technology becomes more widely available, it is expected to have a profound impact on various industries, from e-commerce to social media, and beyond.
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Saint Lucia to establish Maritime Authority amid wide sector reforms
Saint Lucia is poised to establish a National Maritime Authority, a significant step aimed at separating regulatory oversight from port operations and modernizing the nation’s maritime governance framework. The announcement was made during a Maritime Symposium hosted by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), where officials unveiled a series of reforms designed to enhance safety, professional standards, and international compliance. Lorraine Matthew, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport, emphasized that the reform, led by a Cabinet-appointed committee chaired by her office, will eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure a modernized transport governance structure. The symposium served as a critical platform for dialogue, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss emerging opportunities and strategies to advance the maritime industry. Among the initiatives highlighted was the National Demarcation Programme, which aims to improve safety and spatial management along Saint Lucia’s coastline. Matthew noted that all equipment has been procured, technical training finalized, and contractor selection is underway, with Rodney Bay chosen as the first site due to its high marine activity density. Additional reforms include licensing and certification upgrades, streamlined vessel concessions, and enhanced safety and environmental measures. Internationally, Saint Lucia reaffirmed its support for the High Seas Treaty, a vital tool for global cooperation in biodiversity conservation. Domestically, the country is modernizing its maritime legislative framework through measures such as finalizing the Open Ship Registry Framework and enacting the Marine Pollution Bill. These reforms collectively strengthen Saint Lucia’s compliance with international conventions and reinforce its position as a responsible maritime sector.
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Commonwealth Secretary-General and Secretariat Team Arrive in Antigua and Barbuda
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey, along with senior officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda to kickstart preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. The delegation was warmly welcomed at the V.C. Bird International Airport by His Excellency Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mrs. Ann-Marie Layne, Director General of Foreign Affairs, representing Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne and Foreign Minister Hon. E.P. Chet Greene. Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, also extended a warm greeting to the visiting team. This visit marks the beginning of a week-long series of official engagements, including the launch of CHOGM 2026 and meetings with the CHOGM 2026 Task Force to assess progress. Secretary-General Botchwey expressed her enthusiasm, stating, ‘Antigua and Barbuda embodies the warmth, resilience, and partnership that define the Commonwealth. I look forward to collaborating with leaders, youth, and communities to ensure CHOGM 2026 delivers real impact and shared prosperity across our 56 member states.’ The visit coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Anniversary, highlighting the enduring partnership between the Commonwealth and its member states. Dr. Pilgrim emphasized the significance of hosting such a prestigious event, while Mrs. Layne reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making CHOGM 2026 historic and impactful. High Commissioner Hill echoed these sentiments, underscoring the nation’s readiness to lead and collaborate on global issues.
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Veterans in Sports scores big for cancer in ‘Kick for A Cure’
Veterans In Sports Inc. has once again demonstrated its commitment to social change with its annual ‘Kick for a Cure’ initiative. This community-driven event, which also marks the official launch of the veterans’ football season, serves as a powerful platform for raising cancer awareness. This year’s edition, held on November 1 and 2 at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet, saw 12 teams, each comprising 30 players, compete in the Super Knockout Championship. The Marchand Veterans emerged victorious, defeating the reigning champions Vieux Fort North with a 3-1 scoreline. Lincoln ‘Ice Cream Man’ Philip stole the show with a hat-trick, earning him multiple accolades, including MVP of the Finals and the Tournament, as well as Most Goals of the Tournament. Marchand’s Canicius Philip was also recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. Beyond the competitive spirit, the event carried a profound message, symbolically issuing a ‘red card’ to cancer. With non-communicable diseases accounting for 82 percent of deaths on the island, ‘Kick for a Cure’ served as both a celebration of sport and a call to action for public health. Alvin Malaykan, CEO of Veterans In Sports, emphasized the organization’s goal to encourage regular health checkups, particularly among older men who are often reluctant to seek medical attention. This year, the initiative partnered with the Saint Lucia Cancer Society, which provided on-site medical professionals to offer cancer screening information and address public inquiries. Dr. Tamara Remy, one of the participating professionals, highlighted the event’s timing, coinciding with Men’s Health Month, as an opportune moment to educate and fundraise for cancer awareness.
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The Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School is having quite a moment in school sports; make that a full-blown season.
The Sulphur City Secondary School (SCSS) has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing playoff spots in all six tournaments organized by the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports for the 2025-2026 term. The school is excelling in various categories, including Under-15 and Under-19 boys’ football, Under-16 and Under-19 girls’ netball, Under-16 boys’ basketball, and Under-16 table tennis. This unprecedented success underscores SCSS’s dominance in youth sports. Meanwhile, District 8, comprising Soufrière and Canaries, continues its reign as two-time Inter-District primary school track and field champions. SCSS has also maintained a near-unbeatable record in schools’ netball for nearly a decade. Their basketball team, despite reaching the finals three consecutive years, is yet to claim the title. However, they are back in the semifinals this Tuesday, with a strong chance of advancing to Thursday’s final, marking their fourth straight appearance. Coach Marc Antoine expressed cautious optimism after their 48–38 quarterfinal victory over Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School. He acknowledged the team’s subpar execution but praised their adherence to the game plan. The boys from Sulphur City are determined to return to the finals and secure the championship this time. Antoine, who also coaches the Soufrière Kings in the KFC National Basketball League, emphasized his role in developing young talent from an early age. His goal is to guide the teams as far as possible in the tournaments, with the ultimate aim of reaching the finals.
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Education minister pledges ‘aggressive’ literacy drive
The Ministry of Educational Transformation in Barbados has unveiled an ambitious nationwide literacy campaign, Project SOAR (Strengthen Our Ability to Read), aimed at transforming reading into the country’s ‘superpower’ for future development. Minister Chad Blackman announced the initiative during the launch of Literacy Week at St Giles Primary School, emphasizing that literacy is essential for Barbados to lead globally despite its lack of natural resources. ‘Our strength lies in our ability to think critically and influence global decisions. By teaching our children to read, we are preparing them to lead the world,’ Blackman declared. The campaign, set to roll out aggressively in the coming weeks, targets both children and adults, with a focus on ensuring every child can read by age seven and improving adult literacy rates. The minister highlighted that the programme will be implemented through community centres, schools, and online platforms, making it accessible to all. Blackman stressed the importance of parental involvement, urging caregivers to prioritize reading as a key tool for their children’s success. He also linked poor literacy to societal challenges, such as youth frustration, and called for a collective national effort to achieve full literacy. The initiative will involve collaboration between the government, private sector, and NGOs, marking a significant step toward educational transformation in Barbados.