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Kia Kirwan to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss Afrikana International 2027

Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 Carnival Queen Kia Kirwan has earned the opportunity to represent her home country at the first-ever Miss Afrikana International pageant, scheduled to launch in November 2027.

Kirwan comes into this new competition with a proven track record of success across regional pageantry. Over the course of her current reign as Carnival Queen, she has already represented Antigua and Barbuda at four major regional competitions, claiming a top placement in three of those events. Her most notable achievement to date is securing first runner-up at the 2026 Miss OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) Pageant hosted in Dominica, where she also took home two individual segment awards for standout performances.

Miss Afrikana International is the brainchild of Abena Akuaba Appiah, a Ghanaian beauty queen, successful entrepreneur, and social advocate who claimed the Miss Grand International title in 2020. Unlike many mainstream global pageants, this new competition was crafted specifically to celebrate women of African descent from across the globe – including those based on the African continent, throughout the Caribbean, and across the wider African diaspora.

Organizers have outlined that the competition will center on six core pillars: beauty, culture, intelligence, leadership, African heritage, and community service. Contestants will be evaluated across a range of competition segments, including cultural presentation, evening gown, talent or creative expression, one-on-one interview, public speaking, and a pre-competition community impact project that showcases each contestant’s commitment to service.

While the inaugural event is locked in for November 11, 2027, organizers have not yet revealed the host city or official venue for the pageant. Kirwan’s selection as Antigua and Barbuda’s representative has been officially confirmed by the Miss Afrikana International organization, and further updates on the competition are available through the pageant’s official online channels.

21 9 月, 2026
Did You See the Paratroopers? Two Nations Mark Belize @45

On September 21, 2026, Belize capped off a weekend of nationwide 45th Independence anniversary celebrations with a breathtaking aerial display that highlighted the close ties between the Central American nation and its Caribbean partner Guyana. Four experienced paratroopers from the Belize Defence Force launched themselves from a BDF-owned Cessna 208B Grand Caravan at an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet above the capital city of Belmopan, kicking off the day’s centerpiece military spectacle.

The aircraft was operated by a skilled two-person crew, led by command pilot Major Elder Correa, with Major Pierce Colemane supporting him in the copilot seat. After exiting the plane, the four paratroopers held a controlled freefall for nearly 2,000 feet before expertly deploying their parachutes, then glided steadily toward the pre-marked landing zone to complete the jump.

This joint commemorative initiative actually began two days prior, on Sunday, when a team of paratroopers from the Guyana Defence Force carried out an identical demonstration, touching down in the open field directly in front of Belmopan’s Curl Thompson Building. Both jumps were carefully integrated into the official calendar of anniversary events, designed to add a layer of military precision, thrilling spectacle, and diplomatic symbolism to a weekend already brimming with community and national celebrations across every district of Belize.

When the Belizean paratroopers reached the landing zone on Saturday, both the national flag of Belize and the flag of Guyana were prominently displayed. This intentional gesture was far more than ceremonial: it served as a public testament to the longstanding collaborative partnership and shared regional ties between the two sovereign nations, all while honoring the milestone of four decades of Belizean independence.

21 9 月, 2026
School unites in prayer for students hurt in Cas En Bas crash

On a crisp Monday morning at Entrepôt Secondary School, the entire school community set aside their usual routine to come together for an extraordinary gathering: a multi-faith prayer service held to uplift two of their own, who are fighting to recover from severe, life-altering injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle road collision last week.

The crash, which unfolded in the Cas En Bas neighborhood at approximately 4:50 p.m. on Friday, September 18, left three pedestrians injured, among them 5th-form student Tatiyanna Innocent and first-year student Jeanquan Jn Pierre. According to Saint Lucia Police authorities, the collision began when a white Toyota Hilux and a black Mitsubishi Lancer, traveling in opposite directions, crashed head-on. The out-of-control vehicles then struck two parked construction vehicles before hitting the group of walking pedestrians. In the aftermath of the crash, Jeanquan underwent an emergency amputation of one foot due to the severity of his injuries. Both young students were rushed to a local hospital with critical wounds, and have since been transferred out of the intensive care unit into a general inpatient ward, a small but hopeful update shared by the school’s principal, Arthur Scott.

News of the crash and the students’ injuries has hit the Entrepôt Secondary campus hard. Many classmates have struggled to process the tragedy, with Scott noting that the incident has sparked deep introspection across the student body: “Our students are impacted by that. Some of them are really in reflection mode. It could have been them.” To support students navigating the grief and anxiety of this event, mental health counsellors from across the island have been brought in to provide one-on-one and group support to help the school community cope.

At present, visits to the injured students remain restricted, as their open wounds leave them vulnerable to infection. Scott emphasized that despite the limited access, the entire school stands in solidarity with Tatiyanna, Jeanquan, and their families through this grueling ordeal. “They know that we are there with them, and we are trying our best to make sure that they get the necessary support that is needed at this time,” he said.

In a public appeal, Scott has called on community members across Saint Lucia to contribute any support they can to ease the significant burden the students’ families are facing as they begin what will be a long road to recovery. Even small acts of kindness, from messages of well-wish to material support, can make a profound difference for the young survivors, he noted. Already, alumni of the school and other community members have stepped forward to offer assistance, donating bottled water and nutritional drinks to support the students’ recovery. Moving forward, the school plans to launch an online fundraising campaign to cover the pair’s mounting medical costs and ongoing recovery expenses. “The children truly need a lot of help in getting back on their feet and living normal lives,” Scott added.

Beyond the appeal for support for the two students, Scott used the moment to urge all road users in Saint Lucia to exercise greater caution when driving, and called for systemic changes to improve safety for students traveling to and from school. “We have to be looking out for each other,” he said. “We need to be a more caring society.”

21 9 月, 2026
Super 50 quarterfinalists settled after weekend games

The final weekend of group-stage play in the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Men’s Super 50 Tournament delivered high-octane batting drama, headlined by two blistering individual centuries and dominant victories that finalized the knockout stage lineup. Across three competitive groups, teams fought for their place in the upcoming quarterfinals, with Gros Islet, Micoud, and Mon Repos notching lopsided wins to seal their positions, while Central Castries claimed an automatic group lead via forfeit.

On Saturday at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, Group B’s decider between Gros Islet and Vieux Fort North looked poised for a low-scoring affair early, when Gros Islet slumped to 92 runs with seven wickets down. But a stunning counterattack from lower-order batters Jard Goodman and Tyrel Chicot turned the tide completely, as the pair forged a match-defining 183-run eighth-wicket partnership that propelled their side to a mammoth total.

Goodman turned in one of the tournament’s standout performances, notching his second century of the competition and finishing unbeaten on 123 runs off just 64 deliveries. His innings included four boundaries and a staggering 13 maximums, while Chicot contributed an equally aggressive 87 runs from 45 balls, with seven fours and seven sixes of his own. By the end of their 26 overs, Gros Islet had posted 323 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

Vieux Fort North never came close to chasing the daunting target, folding to 133 runs for nine wickets in their allotted overs. Merkenry St Luce top-scored for the side with 27 runs, while Kalvin Williams added 25. Bowler Tarrique Edward claimed two wickets for 32 runs, and Isaiah Jones took two wickets for just six runs to lock in the 190-run victory. The win left the two-time defending champions Gros Islet as the only undefeated side in Group B, with three wins from three matches, while Vieux Fort North ended the preliminary round winless with three losses.

Across at the Wenn Playing Field in Group A, Micoud delivered an equally dominant performance to secure their quarterfinal spot, beating Dennery by a 234-run margin. Opener Mervin Wells led the charge with a rapid-fire century of his own, scoring 115 runs off only 55 balls for a strike rate of 209, smashing 13 fours and seven sixes along the way. Wells and opening partner Tristan Norbal, who contributed 55 runs from 46 balls, built a 138-run first-wicket stand in less than 12 overs to set the tone for the innings.

Micoud closed their 24 overs at 288 runs for five wickets, before their bowlers skittled Dennery for just 54 runs in 9.2 overs. Avalinus Callender top-scored for Dennery with 35 runs, but Ted Jonas took three wickets for 23 runs and Mcwayne Vidal claimed two for 28 to seal the win. The result pushed Micoud into second place in Group A with two wins and one loss, behind group leaders and unbeaten Babonneau. Dennery, who previously forfeited a match to Choiseul, finished the preliminary round without a single win.

Group C’s final matches concluded on Sunday at the Wenn Playing Field, where Mon Repos locked in second place with a 102-run win over Mabouya Valley. Batting first, Mon Repos reached 229 runs for six wickets in 32 overs, powered by half-centuries from Micah Naitram (58), Cody Fontenelle (54 not out), and Shawnil Edward, who hit an unbeaten 60 runs from 33 deliveries including five fours and four sixes.

Mabouya Valley was bowled out for 127 runs in 16.4 overs in reply: Rick Smith notched 41 runs and Chad Polius added 40, but a devastating spell of bowling from Liam Joseph, who claimed four wickets for just 15 runs, combined with three wickets each from Edward and Fontenelle, secured the win for Mon Repos. Mon Repos ended the group stage with two wins and one loss, while Mabouya Valley finished with one win and two losses. Central Castries claimed the Group C title with three wins, including a walkover victory after Desruisseaux forfeited their Saturday match.

All three group winners — Babonneau from Group A, Gros Islet from Group B, and Central Castries from Group C — enter the knockout quarterfinal round next weekend with perfect undefeated records from the preliminary stage, positioning them as early favorites to claim the tournament title.

21 9 月, 2026
High-level delegation to 81st UN General Assembly

The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) officially opened its doors in New York on September 8, 2026, and Grenada is being represented at the global gathering by a high-profile delegation headed by Minister of Finance Dennis Cornwall. The assembled delegation draws senior representatives from across Grenada’s foreign affairs and trade apparatus, including Roxie McLeish Hutchinson, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development; Andrea St Bernard, Ambassador and Project Sponsor for the national development-focused Project Polaris; and two additional senior ambassadors from the foreign ministry, Richard Nixon and Hassan Hadeed.

As the UNGA enters its core general debate segment, Ingrid Jackson, Grenada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will deliver the island nation’s official national address. This year’s UNGA-wide theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All”, frames the content of Grenada’s statement, which outlines the country’s key priorities for global engagement.

For small island nations like Grenada, participation in annual UN General Assembly sessions is far more than a routine diplomatic engagement: it offers a critical, high-profile platform to advance national and regional priorities on a global stage. This year’s gathering is no exception, with Grenada reaffirming its longstanding commitment to multilateral cooperation, collective action, and cross-border partnership to tackle the interconnected, increasingly complex challenges that face the global community today.

In its national statement, Grenada will place particular emphasis on four core priorities: advancing broad-based sustainable development, strengthening national climate resilience, driving inclusive economic transformation, and elevating the shared priorities of all Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — a bloc that disproportionately bears the brunt of global challenges like climate change despite contributing very little to global emissions.

Throughout the duration of UNGA 81, the Grenadian delegation will maintain a full schedule of bilateral and multilateral meetings with global counterparts. These engagements are designed to strengthen existing strategic partnerships, deepen longstanding diplomatic ties, and advance Grenada’s core national development goals. The gatherings also create a valuable space to build new collaborative ties with international development agencies, partner governments, and other key stakeholders from across the UN membership.

One central focus of the delegation’s advocacy on the margins of UNGA 81 is advancing Grenada’s key domestic development initiatives, most notably Project Polaris. Delegates will hold targeted discussions with potential partners to mobilize political and financial support for the project, attract new foreign and domestic investment opportunities, and build out collaborative partnerships that align with Grenada’s long-term national development strategy.

In comments ahead of the gathering, Finance Minister Cornwall emphasized the irreplaceable role the United Nations plays as a global forum for open dialogue, cross-border cooperation, and collective problem-solving. “At a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges, meaningful partnerships and international solidarity are more important than ever,” Cornwall stated. “Grenada remains committed to working collaboratively with the international community to pursue sustainable solutions that benefit our people and contribute to global progress.”

The delegation’s participation in UNGA 81 ultimately reflects Grenada’s ongoing commitment to constructive engagement on pressing global issues, while simultaneously strengthening diplomatic relationships that advance the nation’s development priorities and deepen regional cooperation across the Caribbean.

21 9 月, 2026
Small Business Unit expands Creole exhibition with shopping, culture and entertainment

Dominica’s Small Business Support Unit is opening new doors for local micro-entrepreneurs and artisans this fall, expanding its annual Creole product exhibition to connect small-scale makers directly with a wider base of local and visiting shoppers. The popular community commerce event will take place across three consecutive Fridays – September 25, October 2, and October 9 – running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the ground floor of the island’s Government Headquarters.

21 9 月, 2026
Grand Anse Beach incident: Clarification regarding ongoing investigations

In the wake of a deadly two-fatality incident that unfolded on Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach during the 2026 Carnival weekend, the Grenada Ports Authority (GPA) has issued an official public statement pushing back against widespread speculative commentary and misleading media reports circulating in public discourse.

Multiple recent media outlets have circulated claims that either specific parties have already been cleared of wrongdoing in connection with the tragedy, or that formal assignments of responsibility for the incident have already been finalized. In its statement, signed by General Manager and Director Franklyn E Redhead, the GPA emphasized in unequivocal terms that no such official conclusions have been reached to date.

At present, the full circumstances of the tragic event remain under active investigation by Grenada’s competent statutory bodies. The Royal Grenada Police Force has already publicly confirmed it is leading the probe, and has committed to releasing updated information to the public incrementally as the inquiry moves forward. In addition to the police investigation, a separate statutory probe carried out under Sections 432 and 434 of Grenada’s Shipping Act CAP 303 is also still ongoing, and has not yet reached a formal conclusion.

Against this backdrop, the GPA laid out two core clarifications for the public and media: First, no individual or entity has been officially cleared of liability or formally assigned responsibility for the incident. Second, no binding or formal findings should be drawn or assumed until all relevant investigating bodies have completed their work, verified all relevant facts, and documented the full context of the event.

The port authority stressed that it is both premature and inappropriate for any third party to claim the case has been fully resolved while official investigations remain open. Any final determination of responsibility, the GPA noted, must be rooted in evidence-based findings from competent statutory investigators, collected and assessed through formal, standardized investigative procedures.

The GPA reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to upholding rigorous maritime safety standards, and acknowledged the deep public concern and grief that has followed the tragic loss of two lives. The authority confirmed it will continue to fully support competent investigating bodies as they work to establish a complete, accurate account of what happened, and has committed to reviewing any lessons identified through the investigation to improve future safety practices.

In closing, the GPA called on local media outlets to exercise careful editorial judgment when covering the incident, urging reporters to clearly distinguish between verified investigative findings, unconfirmed preliminary updates, and unfounded speculation. The organization says it will uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigative process, and will await the formal conclusions of the competent statutory authorities before issuing any further findings on the incident.

This statement was contributed to NOW Grenada, which notes that it does not take responsibility for the content or opinions shared by contributing parties, and invites users to report any abusive content through official platform channels.

21 9 月, 2026
587 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized in Caribbean Counter-Drug Operation

A coordinated multinational counter-narcotics initiative spanning the Caribbean region has delivered a major blow to transnational maritime drug trafficking, with authorities confiscating 587 kilograms of cocaine and taking three suspects into custody. The successful operation brought together three key stakeholders: the United States Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF South), law enforcement and security agencies from the Dominican Republic, and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.

The entire mission traces its origins to a routine aerial patrol conducted by a U.S. Coast Guard maritime surveillance aircraft, which first spotted a suspicious high-speed ‘go-fast’ vessel acting in a manner that raised red flags for drug smuggling. Once the vessel was identified, U.S. operational teams launched a sustained tracking effort, drawing on integrated support from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and additional patrol aircraft to maintain constant visibility of the target. As planning for the interception moved forward, both the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands contributed their own air assets to extend and reinforce the surveillance cordon around the suspect vessel, ensuring it could not slip away into international waters.

In the operation’s final stage, Dominican Republic security forces led the interception, successfully boarding and taking control of the go-fast vessel. A search of the craft uncovered 24 compressed bales of cocaine, which collectively weighed in at 587 kilograms. All three people found on board were taken into detention to face legal processing. According to official operational briefings, maritime patrol aircraft from all participating nations logged roughly 21 hours of combined flight time to support the mission, highlighting the intensity of the coordinated effort.

JIATF South officials noted that this interception marks a notable milestone for Dominican Republic counter-narcotics authorities: it stands as one of the farthest offshore drug seizures the country has successfully carried out in recent years. The operation serves as a tangible demonstration of how cross-border collaboration, targeted intelligence sharing, persistent aerial surveillance, and integrated command coordination can dismantle drug trafficking operations that exploit the vast, unpatrolled waters of the Caribbean. Authorities emphasized that the success of this mission reinforces the value of ongoing multilateral partnerships to combat organized drug trafficking networks operating in the region.

21 9 月, 2026
The Dominica State House is lit purple to commemorate World Alzheimer’s Day

A new collaborative initiative between the Dominica Dementia Foundation and the Office of the President of Dominica is shining a symbolic light of support for individuals and families navigating life with dementia. To mark this year’s World Alzheimer’s Day, which falls on September 21, the iconic State House building will be bathed in purple light from dawn until dusk across four consecutive days, running from September 18 to September 21.

Purple has long been the internationally recognized color representing dementia awareness, and this visual display is far more than just a decorative gesture. It is a core part of a global movement that seeks to destigmatize Alzheimer’s disease and all other forms of dementia, while bringing critical public attention to the challenges faced by affected communities worldwide.

Organizers behind the initiative emphasize that the glowing purple facade of State House serves as a constant reminder: no individual has to face the impact of dementia in isolation. The call to action is clear: communities everywhere must come together to offer compassionate, practical support to people living with dementia and their care networks, lighting a path toward a more inclusive and understanding future for all affected by the condition.

21 9 月, 2026
Cabo Rojo International Airport to boost southern Dominican economy

A major infrastructure development is underway in the Dominican Republic, with the upcoming Cabo Rojo International Airport positioned to reshape the economic and tourism landscape of the country’s underdeveloped southern region, senior civil aviation authorities have confirmed. The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) is currently moving forward with two critical pre-launch initiatives: procuring cutting-edge aeronautical technology and recruiting specialized, highly trained personnel to ensure the new airport meets the long-term projected demand for regional air travel.

In a recent interview on *Hoy Mismo*, the daily morning news program on Color Visión (Channel 9), IDAC Director General Igor Rodríguez Durán shared new details about the project. Cabo Rojo will become the Dominican Republic’s ninth international airport, developed under a public-private trust structure as a core component of President Luis Abinader’s national regional development strategy. The facility was conceptualized to address longstanding gaps in national air connectivity, opening up new commercial and investment opportunities that have remained untapped in the southern part of the country for decades.

Construction work on the airport’s main runway is advancing at a fast pace, and the runway will be outfitted with a modern, high-capacity lighting system to support safe operations in all weather conditions. To uphold the highest standards of operational safety and efficiency, the entire airport complex will integrate the latest advancements in aeronautical technology. This includes a new air traffic control tower fitted with industry-leading communication systems, primary and secondary radar infrastructure integrated with ADS-B tracking technology, a VOR/DME navigation system for precision positioning, an automated meteorological observation station to provide real-time weather data, and redundant, robust backup power systems to prevent operational disruptions.

To accommodate the expanded airspace capacity that the new airport will bring, IDAC has partnered with the Dominican Ministry of Public Administration to launch a competitive, open recruitment process for civil service roles. The initiative aims to recruit, train, and onboard 50 new certified air traffic controllers to manage operations at the facility.

Once fully operational, industry and government analysts project that Cabo Rojo International Airport will create hundreds of both direct and indirect jobs across the southern region. Beyond immediate employment gains, the airport is expected to catalyze sustained, long-term economic activity by establishing the Dominican Republic’s southern coast as a competitive new destination for international leisure and business travel.

21 9 月, 2026