Elijah Anatole, a rising filmmaker from Saint Lucia, is poised to unveil his latest short film, *Omyra*, on October 27, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning career. This 25-minute suspense thriller delves into themes of love, betrayal, and revenge, serving as a precursor to his next major feature film, scheduled for production in 2025. Anatole conceived *Omyra* during a period of creative restlessness while awaiting investor commitments for his upcoming project. ‘I just wanted to keep busy because I hate being idle,’ he shared with *St. Lucia Times*. The film, completed in just a few days on a modest budget, features a dedicated local crew, including young creatives eager to hone their craft. Anatole juggled multiple roles, from cinematography to directing, ensuring the project’s success. The film draws inspiration from biblical parables, designed to keep audiences engaged with its unpredictable twists. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism and local businesses like PorshLyfe, FASHIONBLOC, Rambally’s Funeral Parlour, and Cayman Villas, *Omyra* benefited from donated wardrobe, props, and filming locations. Many cast and crew members volunteered their time, driven by their passion for filmmaking. The premiere at Caribbean Cinemas will be a one-time event, adhering to international film festival regulations. Following the screening, *Omyra* will embark on a global festival circuit, with submissions planned for the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Africa. If not selected for feature expansion, the film will eventually be released on YouTube. Anatole envisions a stronger local film industry through his initiative to connect emerging Saint Lucian creatives with seasoned Hollywood professionals. ‘These experts have worked on major blockbusters, including films by Denzel Washington and Spike Lee,’ he explained. He emphasized the importance of hands-on experience for local talent, aiming to elevate Saint Lucia’s film industry to compete globally. Despite challenges like tight schedules and limited budgets, Anatole praised the dedication of his team. His next project, a six-episode limited series inspired by local folklore, is already in development, with hopes of pitching it to Netflix. ‘We have what it takes to produce top-quality films that can compete with Hollywood,’ he asserted. Tickets for *Omyra*’s premiere are priced at $20, with proceeds supporting film festival entry fees. Anatole hopes the film will inspire a new generation of Saint Lucian filmmakers, declaring, ‘It’s just your mindset that limits you, not your location.’
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Liberty Business talks innovation with government
Liberty Business, the B2B division of telecommunications provider Flow, recently convened senior government officials, technology leaders, and industry partners at the 2025 Government Innovation Summit. Held on October 10 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, the event underscored the pivotal role of digital transformation in national development across Barbados and the Caribbean. The summit shifted the focus from strategic discussions to practical demonstrations, showcasing how next-generation connectivity, secure cloud architectures, and integrated solutions are revolutionizing public service delivery. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this year’s summit emphasized actionable implementation, measurable outcomes, and robust public-private collaboration. Nearly 60 government stakeholders participated in the event, reflecting its significance. Desron Bynoe, Vice President and General Manager of Flow Barbados, highlighted Liberty Business’s role as a trusted partner, strategic advisor, and collaborative ally to Caribbean governments. He emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging local expertise, operational experience, and cutting-edge technology to co-create secure, scalable solutions that translate innovation into tangible public programs. The summit’s agenda centered on four critical priorities for modern public-sector transformation: cybersecurity, Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN), advanced mobile networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Discussions explored how these technologies can be harnessed to deliver safer, faster, and more inclusive public services. Global technology partners, including Fortinet, SimplySecure, Ericsson, Hubcat, Tenable, and InviXible, contributed their expertise through demonstrations and presentations, showcasing integrated solutions tailored to government needs. Jonathan Reid, Barbados’ Minister of Industry, Science and Technology, praised the collaboration with Liberty Business and its partners, noting that the fusion of world-class technology and local expertise is accelerating public service transformation and strengthening digital infrastructure. The summit, themed “This Is How We Do It for You!”, featured expert panels, breakout sessions, and technical demo stations, enabling attendees to engage directly with subject-matter experts and explore practical implementation strategies. Liberty Business reaffirmed its dedication to working with governments, regulators, and industry partners to convert technological advancements into measurable public value, fostering resilient critical services, job creation, investment opportunities, and inclusive growth across the Caribbean.
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SEC en overheid bundelen krachten voor Local Content Conference 2025
In a significant step toward advancing Suriname’s energy sector, Ashwin Adhin, Chairman of the National Assembly (DNA), highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between parliament, government, and the private sector during a meeting with the Suriname Energy Chamber (SEC). The discussion, held in preparation for the upcoming Local Content Conference 2025 scheduled from October 21 to 23, focused on refining the local content policy to drive national development. The conference, organized by the SEC in partnership with Afreximbank, the Energy Authority Suriname (EAS), and the Surinamese government, aims to produce actionable recommendations, including a national definition of local content and a comprehensive roadmap for its implementation. Adhin emphasized that local content is a vital tool for Suriname’s economic growth, with DNA’s legal staff and parliamentary committees actively engaging to identify necessary legislative support. SEC Chairman Orlando Olmberg underscored the broader vision of local content, stating that it extends beyond oil and gas to encompass collaboration, knowledge sharing, and economic diversification. A key objective of the conference is to identify projects worth $200 million that align with the $5 billion in available funding for sector development, facilitated by Afreximbank. Additionally, the initiative aims to foster joint ventures between Surinamese and foreign companies, further boosting the country’s energy sector and economic prospects.
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Corporal Sutherland Warns Over Dangerous Road Spills
Corporal Brendan Sutherland of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has highlighted a growing safety concern regarding frequent spills of cement and concrete on public roads. These incidents, often occurring when trucks navigate uphill or sharp bends, force drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic, creating significant hazards. Residents have voiced fears that a serious accident is imminent if the issue remains unaddressed. Currently, there are no formal regulations mandating truck operators to stop and clear spills, leaving the problem largely unchecked. Authorities are now urging drivers of concrete, sand, stone, and gravel trucks to secure their loads and promptly clean up any spills to ensure the safety of all road users. The most affected areas include Scottsdale, Valley Road, and All Saints Road. This call to action underscores the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to mitigate risks and prevent potential tragedies.
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WEATHER (6:00 AM, Oct 12): Cloudiness, scattered showers today; increase in Saharan dust this weekend
A westward-moving pulse of moisture is set to bring intermittent cloud cover and scattered showers to the region today. Breezy conditions are also anticipated, adding to the dynamic weather pattern. Additionally, a slight rise in Saharan dust concentration is expected to persist throughout the weekend, posing potential challenges for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Authorities advise taking necessary precautions to mitigate health risks. Meanwhile, marine conditions will vary, with wave heights reaching up to 3 feet along the west coast and 7 feet on the east coast. Small craft operators and sea bathers are urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution.
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Former Gold Board Chairman threatens Social Media influencer Mikhail “Guyanese Critic” Rodrigues with defamation lawsuit
Gabriel Lall, the former Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), has issued a stern warning to social media influencer Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as ‘Guyanese Critic,’ over alleged defamatory statements made on his platforms. Lall, a civil society activist, newspaper columnist, and Eucharistic Minister, has demanded a settlement from Rodrigues, who is known for his pro-People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP) stance. The legal representatives of Lall, Christopher Ram and Nigel Hughes, have categorically denied any involvement of their client in corruption, smuggling, or criminal activities. They assert that the accusations have severely tarnished Lall’s personal and professional reputation, causing public embarrassment and ridicule. In a pre-action letter dated October 7, the lawyers have given Rodrigues until October 17 to propose a settlement, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated. The demands include a public apology and retraction on Rodrigues’ social media platforms and in prominent newspapers like Stabroek News and Kaieteur News. Additionally, Lall seeks substantial compensation for the damages incurred. The lawyers have also indicated that even if a settlement is reached, criminal complaints may still be filed with the Guyana Police Force. This development follows a series of defamation cases Rodrigues has lost in recent months, resulting in significant financial penalties.
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Pressure group stages protest against immigration and citizenship bills
On Saturday, Bridgetown witnessed a significant gathering of Barbadians protesting against specific sections of the proposed immigration and citizenship bills. The demonstrators, led by the Loyal Opposition group, voiced their concerns that these laws, if enacted, could profoundly impact the island’s identity, resource allocation, and democratic integrity. The protest commenced at 10 a.m. at Kensington Mall in St Michael, with participants marching to Independence Square. The event was marked by a display of national pride, with some protesters blowing whistles and waving the Barbadian flag, while others held placards with messages like ‘freedom is our right to question everything’ and ‘we do not have a political system, we have an auction’. Organizers characterized the demonstration as ‘peaceful but necessary noise’, emphasizing their opposition to what they perceive as hastily and inadequately considered changes to the country’s immigration and citizenship laws. A primary concern for the protesters is the proposed citizenship requirements, which they argue could lead to an overly lenient acquisition of voting rights, thereby having significant political implications. The Loyal Opposition group clarified that their protest is not against immigrants but is aimed at safeguarding the interests of Barbadians and advocating for a merit-based citizenship process. The controversy surrounding the bills has also been echoed by other figures, including Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne, KC, who has raised questions about the legality of the new freedom of movement policy implemented on October 1.
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Saint Lucian musician Michael Robinson finds his place at New York Fashion Week
Michael Robinson, a celebrated Saint Lucian musician, continues to redefine his artistic journey by venturing into uncharted territories. In September, he achieved a significant milestone by performing at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), one of the most prestigious fashion events globally. This marked his first appearance on such a grand stage, showcasing his versatility beyond music. Dressed in a meticulously crafted ensemble by Japanese designer Shun, Robinson embodied the collection’s minimalist elegance, blending seamlessly into the high-fashion atmosphere. He performed three of his original tracks—’Body Language,’ ‘Honestly,’ and his latest single ‘Muse’—infusing the runway with Caribbean rhythms. The opportunity arose through a collaboration with Saint Lucian photographer Jelani Paul, highlighting the power of authentic connections in advancing his career. Robinson’s NYFW debut was part of a landmark month, as he also attended the Caribbean Music Awards, earning his second nomination for ‘Caribbean Fusion Artist of the Year.’ Reflecting on his achievements, Robinson expressed gratitude for being recognized alongside industry giants like Kalash and Stefflon Don. Looking ahead, he is working on a new project, possibly an EP or album, with international collaborations in the pipeline. Robinson views NYFW as a pivotal moment in his evolving career, emphasizing his desire to explore new creative spaces and connect with diverse industries. He believes music and fashion are intrinsically linked and is eager to participate in more global creative endeavors. For Robinson, NYFW symbolizes growth, versatility, and the expansion of his brand, MR, onto the world stage.
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Saint Lucia receives automated passport control kiosks from OECS Commission
Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) has become a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, offering foreign investors a pathway to citizenship through various investment options. Launched in 2015, the programme has evolved into a significant revenue stream, contributing over $121 million in the 2023–2024 fiscal year alone. However, its rapid growth has sparked debates about its impact on local property markets and housing affordability for citizens. The CIP allows investors to obtain citizenship through donations to the National Economic Fund, real estate investments, government bonds, or enterprise projects. While the programme has tightened due diligence and aligned with regional standards, concerns persist about its long-term effects on local communities. Critics argue that without explicit measures to curb inflationary pressures on real estate, locals risk being priced out of their homeland. Lessons from Tobago, which enforces stricter foreign land acquisition rules, highlight potential solutions for balancing economic growth with social equity. As Saint Lucia’s CIP continues to attract high-net-worth individuals, policymakers face the challenge of ensuring that the benefits of economic citizenship are equitably shared.
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UWI Five Islands Campus Celebrates Largest Graduating Class
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, hosting its largest graduation ceremony to date. The event, held at the SJPC House of Restoration Ministries, celebrated 195 graduates, marking the campus’s biggest cohort since its inception. Among the graduates were the first-ever recipients of degrees in cutting-edge programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, as well as the Master of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Children. This historic occasion also saw the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Dr. Padgett Henry, a distinguished Caribbean scholar and Professor Emeritus at Brown University. Dr. Henry, who joined the ceremony virtually, expressed his profound gratitude, stating, ‘There is no other university that I wanted an honorary doctorate from than the University of the West Indies. This is the real deal. This is the best.’ The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Deputy Governor General Sir Clare Roberts, and UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles. Graduates from across the Caribbean, including students from Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis, were recognized, highlighting the campus’s expanding regional influence. In his keynote address, UWI Chancellor Dr. Dodridge Miller praised the institution’s growth, describing Five Islands as ‘a symbol of educational resilience and regional opportunity.’ Valedictorian Kadeem Charles, who earned first-class honors in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, delivered an inspiring speech, urging his peers to embrace technological innovation while upholding the values of community and perseverance. The ceremony also showcased the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and regional development, with faculty leaders commending graduates for their balance of academic rigor and community service. As the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra filled the hall with music, graduates received thunderous applause from friends and family, many waving flags from across the Caribbean. Chancellor Miller concluded, ‘The Class of 2025 stands as a testament to what our small island states can achieve. You are the architects of the Caribbean’s future — bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.’