The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has called on the government to exercise prudence in the implementation of the reciprocal full free movement of CARICOM nationals, expressing concerns over potential strains on employment capacity and public services. Although CTUSAB did not provide specific evidence, General Secretary Dennis De Peiza emphasized the need for careful management of the policy, which allows indefinite stays for CARICOM nationals in Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica. The agreement, effective since October 1, aims to foster regional integration but has raised alarms about its immediate impact. De Peiza acknowledged the policy as a bold step towards Caribbean regionalism but questioned its timing, warning of potential threats to social, economic, and political stability if not properly regulated. He stressed the importance of ensuring gainful employment for migrants to prevent overburdening social services and called for a monitoring system to address issues like homelessness and worker exploitation. CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips echoed these concerns, highlighting Barbados’ existing challenges in creating sufficient job opportunities for its citizens and questioning the feasibility of sharing workspaces without sustainable job creation. Both leaders urged the government to prioritize local employment and housing needs before fully embracing the initiative.
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High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, and BVI
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla, cautioning residents and visitors about perilous surf conditions expected to last through Thursday. The advisory highlights that moderate long-period swells are producing waves ranging from 6 to 10 feet along northern and north-facing coastlines. These conditions are anticipated to result in life-threatening rip currents, coastal flooding, and significant beach erosion. Authorities are strongly advising the public to avoid northern beaches and to swim only in areas monitored by lifeguards or on sheltered southern beaches. Additionally, the Met Service has warned against venturing onto rocks and jetties due to the hazardous surf. For ongoing updates, the public is encouraged to monitor official channels and follow relevant hashtags such as #HighSurfAdvisory, #AntiguaBarbuda, #MarineAdvisory, and #StaySafe.
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Forestry Department issues warning on illegal hunting during Creole Heritage Month
As Saint Lucia marks Creole Heritage Month, the Forestry Department has issued a strong reminder to the public about their legal obligations to safeguard the island’s unique wildlife. The department emphasized the importance of protecting endangered and endemic species, which are vital to the island’s ecological balance. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, hunting, capturing, or selling fully protected animals such as the agouti, opossum (locally known as manicou), Saint Lucia iguana, and boa constrictor is strictly prohibited. These species are listed under Schedule 1 of the Act due to their vulnerability and ecological significance. The Forestry Department also highlighted Section 17 (e) of the Act, which makes it illegal to expose, offer for sale, or purchase protected wildlife or their parts without a valid permit. Additionally, the public is urged to avoid purchasing or consuming wildlife products during the festive season, as such actions fuel illegal wildlife trade and endanger biodiversity. Violators face severe penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. The department calls on citizens to celebrate Creole Heritage Month responsibly by preserving Saint Lucia’s natural heritage for future generations.
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Sandals, local fisherfolk discuss boosting sustainable seafood supply
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has taken significant steps to establish a sustainable and reliable seafood supply chain in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) by engaging directly with the local fishing community. On October 14, representatives from Sandals SVG, alongside Winsbert Harry, President of the National Fisherfolk Organization (NFO), and members of the Barrouallie Fishing Cooperative, conducted a site visit to a proposed storage and processing facility in Barrouallie. The visit highlighted critical areas for improvement, including investments in storage infrastructure, ice supply, and handling systems, all designed to meet the resort’s stringent quality and efficiency standards. Discussions also centered on diversifying the seafood supply by incorporating species such as butterfish (coral trout) and various groupers, in addition to the resort’s existing offerings. The collaboration deepened on October 15, when Sandals hosted a workshop at the resort for NFO and cooperative members. The session focused on understanding seasonal seafood demand, assessing feasible catch volumes, reviewing pricing models, and mapping out logistics for direct delivery to the resort. Participants also addressed training needs in quality control, proper handling, and cold storage management to align with international hospitality benchmarks. As a tangible outcome, the parties agreed to launch a trial program centered on tuna, supported by recently installed fish aggregating devices that have boosted tuna availability. The NFO is set to finalize a target species list and propose a delivery structure in the coming weeks, with training sessions planned to ensure quality and traceability. This initiative reflects SRI’s broader commitment to community empowerment and the integration of locally sourced, high-quality ingredients into its culinary offerings. Matthew Flynn, SRI’s senior purchasing manager, emphasized that the partnership exemplifies Sandals’ ethos of linking tourism with community development. ‘By investing in local capacity and strengthening the seafood supply chain, we are creating meaningful opportunities for Vincentian fisherfolk while providing our guests with the freshest taste of the Caribbean,’ Flynn remarked.
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Elmsbridge Donates $5,000 to Support SLBMC’s PINKparty and Breast Cancer Awareness Efforts
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has secured a significant boost to its breast cancer awareness efforts with a $5,000 donation from Elmsbridge, a leading property developer in Antigua. This contribution marks Elmsbridge’s debut as a sponsor of the hospital’s PINKparty fundraising campaign, an annual event dedicated to raising funds for critical healthcare advancements. The proceeds from this year’s PINKparty will be directed toward acquiring a state-of-the-art mammogram system, aimed at improving early detection capabilities and bolstering cancer care services across Antigua and Barbuda. Elmsbridge emphasized its commitment to supporting the local community, stating, ‘As property developers deeply rooted in Antigua, we are dedicated to uplifting the people and places that define this island.’ The PINKparty is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, commencing at 5:30 PM. Interested individuals are encouraged to register and join the initiative to champion breast cancer awareness and care.
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Digicel Business and Symptai Offer Complimentary Dark Web Scans for Cybersecurity Month
In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity across the Caribbean, Digicel Business and Symptai have announced a complimentary dark web scan initiative in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This program, available until November 21, 2025, aims to help regional businesses identify potential data breaches and mitigate risks before they escalate. The Caribbean, often perceived as vulnerable to cyber threats due to limited local expertise and insufficient proactive measures, stands to benefit greatly from this initiative.
Cybercrime continues to surge globally, with data breaches costing an average of US$4.88 million annually. Common vulnerabilities include phishing attacks, misconfigured devices, and compromised credentials. By detecting exposed data early, businesses can safeguard customer trust, secure critical systems, and minimize the impact of cyber threats.
Marlon Cooper, CEO of Symptai, emphasized the inseparable link between cybersecurity and business strategy. ‘No organization can achieve sustained growth without protecting its data,’ he stated. ‘Prioritizing security is essential for maintaining trust, enhancing competitiveness, and securing the region’s economic future.’
Liam Donnelly, Chief Business Officer at Digicel, highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering organizations. ‘With our team of experts and global partnerships, we bring world-class cybersecurity and data protection services to the Caribbean,’ he said.
The collaboration between Digicel Business and Symptai provides businesses with access to a comprehensive suite of ICT, cybersecurity, and data protection services. These include 24/7/365 Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, endpoint protection, managed firewalls, consultancy, and penetration testing. This unified approach ensures that organizations of all sizes can effectively safeguard their data, systems, and operations.
Businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the free dark web scan to identify and address potential risks promptly. For more information or to request a scan, visit /global/en/cybersecurity-month-2025.
About Digicel:
Digicel is a leading digital connectivity provider, operating in 25 markets across the Caribbean, Central, and South America. With a focus on economic participation and digital inclusion, Digicel serves nine million customers through mobile, home, and business solutions.About Symptai:
Symptai, headquartered in Jamaica, is a premier IT consulting firm with over 27 years of experience. Specializing in cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital transformation, Symptai empowers organizations to build resilience, comply with regulations, and unlock long-term value through technology. -
Youth crime surge alarms cops
Acting Police Commissioner Erwin Boyce has issued a stark warning regarding a significant rise in youth-related criminal activities, revealing that hundreds of teenagers and young adults have been charged in recent months. Speaking at a press briefing held at Police Headquarters on Roebuck Street, Boyce emphasized that the age group of 15 to 30 is of particular concern, with many individuals already facing charges for serious offenses.
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DPP urges stepped up discipline, responsibility
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Alliston Seale SC has issued a stark warning about the growing trend of parental neglect in Barbados, emphasizing that the failure of parents to guide their children is fostering bad habits and delinquent behavior long before the justice system intervenes. Speaking during the sentencing phase of convicted murderer Gabriel Shando Hayde, Seale stressed the critical role parents play in shaping their children’s moral compass.
Seale urged parents to correct their children’s misbehavior early, referencing biblical teachings: ‘Who the Lord loves, He chasteneth.’ He clarified that discipline does not necessarily mean physical punishment but involves making children aware of their wrongdoings. Encouraging bad behavior, he warned, only leads to dire consequences, as seen in Hayde’s case.
Hayde, found guilty by a 12-member jury for the 2020 murder of 26-year-old Kerwin Howell, exhibited a drastic behavioral shift during his teenage years. Probation and psychological reports revealed that while Hayde performed well in primary school, his behavior deteriorated in secondary school. He began breaking school rules, selling snacks on campus, skipping classes, gambling, and engaging in fights. Seale highlighted that these issues were overlooked by his parents, who failed to intervene.
The acting DPP criticized the tendency of some parents to shift blame onto teachers, the church, or the government instead of taking responsibility for their children’s actions. He noted that Hayde’s parents were unaware of his daily marijuana use and his belief that there was nothing wrong with the ‘block culture.’ Seale concluded that such negligence is a societal problem contributing to the rise in youth crime in Barbados.
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Temporary road closure: Marian public road
The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Traffic Department has announced a temporary road closure affecting a section of the Marian public road. Starting from Thursday, 23 October 2025, the stretch between the intersection with Calivigny public road near the Gospel Hall Church and the Cocoa Road intersection will be closed daily from 9 am to 4 pm. This closure is expected to last for several weeks to facilitate the Calivigny–Marian Pipeline Upgrade Project, spearheaded by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa).
During this period, no vehicles will be permitted to travel along the specified section of Marian public road in either direction. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route via the intersection with Calivigny public road near the Brooke Smith Lowe Institute. However, access will be granted to residents of Marian and local business operators directly impacted by the closure, allowing them to reach their properties.
The RGPF has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and urges the public to cooperate during this essential infrastructure upgrade. The project aims to enhance water and sewerage services in the region, contributing to long-term community benefits.
For further updates or concerns, the public is encouraged to contact the Office of the Commissioner of Police. NOW Grenada, the source of this announcement, clarifies that it is not responsible for the opinions or statements made by contributors and provides a reporting mechanism for any misuse of its platform.
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Finance Minister outlines SVG’s ‘fundamental’ problems
Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves has outlined what he considers the fundamental challenges facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 25 years after the Unity Labour Party (ULP) assumed power. Speaking in Calliaqua on Sunday, Gonsalves addressed a controversial statement made by Central Kingstown MP St. Clair Leacock earlier this year. Leacock had argued that the low salaries of MPs, particularly in comparison to public servants, result in inadequate pensions for retired lawmakers—a point Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves agreed with. Leacock, an opposition lawmaker, also noted that his current salary as an MP is less than what he earned as a graduate teacher in the 1980s. The ULP has since used Leacock’s remarks out of context as part of their election campaign strategy. Gonsalves, who is seeking a third term as MP for East St. George, countered Leacock’s assertion, emphasizing that the fundamental issues in the country are not about politicians’ salaries but rather about improving education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare. He highlighted the need for better access to education, higher minimum wages, and greater opportunities for young people. Gonsalves also expressed frustration with what he described as ‘backward’ elements in society that hinder progress. As the general election approaches, Gonsalves is expected to face a challenge from Laverne Gibson-Velox of the New Democratic Party (NDP), who is making her second attempt to unseat him. In the 2020 election, Gonsalves won by a narrow margin of 196 votes, down from 607 in 2015. The election is anticipated to take place by November, ahead of the constitutional deadline in February 2026.