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  • Kadeem Charles Named UWI Five Islands Valedictorian (VIDEO)

    Kadeem Charles Named UWI Five Islands Valedictorian (VIDEO)

    Kadeem Charles, a first-class honours graduate in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, was named valedictorian of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus Class of 2025. In his valedictory address, Charles shared his journey of resilience and called on his peers to responsibly navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI).

    Speaking under the theme “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” Charles recounted the challenges he faced during his academic journey, including moments when he nearly dropped out. “There were at least three occasions when I almost left university,” he said. “But faith, support from lecturers and colleagues, and the belief in a brighter tomorrow kept me going.”

    Charles credited his passion for gaming as the spark that ignited his love for technology, leading him to his current role as a fraud analyst. “This experience showed me how the skills I gained at UWI could address real-world problems in an AI-powered era,” he explained.

    Reflecting on his early struggles, Charles revealed that he almost lost his scholarship in his first year. “It was a humbling moment filled with self-doubt,” he admitted. “But I realized the only comparison worth making was to my own progress. I studied smarter, worked harder, and moved forward.”

    Beyond academics, Charles emphasized the lessons of resilience, teamwork, and creativity he gained at UWI Five Islands. “The university gave me resilience when I wanted to quit, lifelong friends, and opportunities I couldn’t have created alone,” he said. He fondly recalled late-night hackathons, volleyball matches, and student club activities as formative experiences.

    Charles also addressed the transformative potential of AI, highlighting its applications in healthcare, disaster prediction, and beyond. “AI will reshape work, business, and creativity,” he noted. “But it also raises critical issues like privacy, job displacement, and over-reliance on machines. These are not just global concerns—they are Caribbean issues too.”

    He urged graduates to lead with ethics and empathy, ensuring technology serves humanity rather than the reverse. “While AI may shape our tools, it is our resilience, community, and creativity that define us,” he asserted.

    In closing, Charles expressed gratitude to his family, lecturers, and classmates, particularly mentioning Saskia. “To God, our families, lecturers, and my fellow graduates—thank you. I wouldn’t be here without you,” he said. “Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Let us continue to rise together.”

    The 2025 graduation ceremony highlighted UWI Five Islands’ growing role in nurturing the Caribbean’s next generation of innovators and leaders. Charles’s speech, blending gratitude and determination, encapsulated the optimism of a class ready to embrace an AI-driven future.

  • Jerry Dies as New Atlantic Disturbance Forms

    Jerry Dies as New Atlantic Disturbance Forms

    Tropical Storm Jerry has officially dissipated, concluding its life cycle as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its final advisory on Friday evening. At 5 p.m. AST, the remnants of Jerry were located near latitude 27.6 North, longitude 63.6 West, moving northward at 16 mph. Although the storm has weakened into a remnant trough, it continues to generate gale-force winds of up to 45 mph, extending 240 miles east of its center. While Jerry no longer poses a direct threat to land, forecasters have cautioned that dangerous surf and rip currents will persist, affecting the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas. Additionally, meteorologists are monitoring a disturbance in the eastern Atlantic, which has a medium chance of developing into a tropical system in the coming days. This system currently poses no immediate threat to land but will be closely tracked as it moves westward. Updates on Jerry’s remnants will now be included in the High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.

  • LIVE: Our Lady of Fatima Novena 2025 Night 8

    LIVE: Our Lady of Fatima Novena 2025 Night 8

    In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become pivotal in shaping how information is disseminated and consumed. The recent trend of sharing content through various interactive features such as ‘Share’, ‘Tweet’, ‘Pin’, and visual elements like images highlights the evolving nature of online engagement. A striking example is the use of compelling visuals to capture audience attention, as seen in the image linked to this article. This image, hosted on a news platform, underscores the importance of visual storytelling in enhancing user interaction and content virality. As social media continues to dominate communication channels, understanding the dynamics of sharing and visual content becomes crucial for effective digital strategy.

  • Student still in ICU 1 week after being stabbed at school

    Student still in ICU 1 week after being stabbed at school

    A 15-year-old student from North Union Secondary School remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, a week after being stabbed in the head by a fellow student. The incident occurred on October 3, when a 16-year-old classmate allegedly attacked the victim, leaving him unconscious. The injured student, a Form 2 pupil, has since regained consciousness but has been transferred to the Paediatric ICU for continued care. His aunt, Joy Ballantyne, described his recovery as slow and uncertain, noting that he suffers from short-term memory loss and physical weakness. Bright lights also affect his eyes, further complicating his condition. Ballantyne revealed that her nephew had been a victim of bullying at the school, with the alleged attacker repeatedly taunting him about a condition linked to his mother’s death. Despite prior complaints and interventions by his guardian, the bullying persisted. On October 2, the suspect reportedly threatened to stab the victim if he attended school the next day. The attack unfolded in the schoolyard, where the assailant allegedly stabbed the victim in the head after a brief chase. A video circulating on social media showed the injured student being supported by classmates, his clothes bloodied. Ballantyne disclosed that the stab wound penetrated approximately five centimeters, cracking his skull and causing brain hemorrhaging. Police have taken the suspect into custody but released him without charges. Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor “Buju” Bailey stated that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will determine whether charges will be filed.

  • Investigators Suspect Murder-Suicide

    Investigators Suspect Murder-Suicide

    Authorities in the old capital are probing a tragic incident that unfolded on Simon Lamb Street, where two individuals were found dead in a two-story residence. The event, which took place shortly before noon, has been preliminarily classified as a suspected murder-suicide. The victims, identified as 26-year-old Keira Gentle and 27-year-old Harrison Arnold, were discovered in separate locations within the home—Gentle on her bed and Arnold on the floor. A black 9mm pistol was found near the scene, further corroborating the initial findings. Surveillance footage from the vicinity captured the sound of multiple gunshots, adding weight to the theory of a violent altercation. Law enforcement officials are focusing their investigation on a potential domestic dispute as the underlying cause of the tragedy. The community has been left in shock as details continue to emerge, with police urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

  • Actress Diane Keaton, dead at 79

    Actress Diane Keaton, dead at 79

    The entertainment world mourns the loss of legendary actress Diane Keaton, who passed away on Saturday, October 11, in California. The news was confirmed by PEOPLE, though specific details surrounding her death remain undisclosed. Her family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Reports from TMZ indicate that Keaton was transported from her home to a hospital around 8 AM on the day of her passing. Keaton, a celebrated figure in Hollywood, rose to fame in the 1970s with her iconic roles in The Godfather series and her collaborations with director Woody Allen. Her portrayal of Annie Hall in 1977 earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, cementing her status as a cinematic powerhouse. Over the decades, Keaton’s illustrious career spanned a diverse range of films, including The First Wives Club, numerous projects with director Nancy Meyers, and the beloved Book Club series. Her unique charm, wit, and talent left an indelible mark on the film industry, making her a cherished figure among audiences and peers alike.

  • Boot zinkt op Corantijnrivier

    Boot zinkt op Corantijnrivier

    On October 11, a distressing incident unfolded on the Corantijn River, situated between Apoera and Nieuw Nickerie, when a boat reportedly sank. According to initial reports, all eight individuals on board managed to escape unharmed and found refuge on a nearby small island. The Maritime Police of Nickerie and the Nieuw Nickerie Police were promptly notified following the distress call. Emergency services are now mobilizing to evacuate the stranded passengers from the island as swiftly as possible. The cause of the boat’s sinking remains unclear, prompting authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the incident. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or missing persons at this stage.

  • VIDEO: Pit Bull Attack Victim Shabo Nedwell Attends UWI Graduation, Receives Standing Ovation

    VIDEO: Pit Bull Attack Victim Shabo Nedwell Attends UWI Graduation, Receives Standing Ovation

    In a remarkable display of resilience, 27-year-old Shabo Nedwell attended her graduation ceremony at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus just days after surviving a harrowing pit bull attack. The event, held on Saturday, saw Nedwell receive her Bachelor of Science in Accounting diploma to a heartfelt standing ovation from attendees, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his wife, Maria Bird-Browne. Despite her injuries, Nedwell arrived in a wheelchair, her face partially covered, embodying courage and determination. Her presence moved the audience, turning the ceremony into a poignant celebration of perseverance. Nedwell’s family revealed that she was adamant about attending, determined to honor her academic achievement despite the physical and emotional toll of the attack. Last week, she was mauled by four pit bulls while visiting a family home, sustaining severe injuries to her legs, hands, and face. The incident has sparked widespread discussions about dog control and public safety in Antigua and Barbuda. Nedwell’s story has since become a symbol of strength, inspiring many with her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

  • Peltier suggests gov’t scholarships in honor of ‘media-friendly’ Rosie Douglas

    Peltier suggests gov’t scholarships in honor of ‘media-friendly’ Rosie Douglas

    During the annual Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas Memorial Lecture held at the State House Conference Centre on Thursday, Matthias “Matt” Peltier Jr., a renowned talk show host and radio personality, made a compelling appeal to the Dominica Labour Party (DLP). Peltier urged the government to establish a scholarship program for local media workers in memory of the late Prime Minister Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas. He proposed that the scholarship be awarded every three years to support young media professionals. Additionally, Peltier called for the enactment of a Freedom of Information Bill to enhance transparency and accessibility to information in Dominica. He emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, ‘I think that is very, very necessary.’ Peltier highlighted Douglas’s unique relationship with the media, noting that during his 30-year career, he had never encountered a prime minister as accessible and open to the press as Douglas. ‘You had access to him 24-7. Doesn’t matter what time you call, he might be in the bathroom, he would tell you to hold on then he will return your call,’ Peltier reminisced. Rosie Douglas, who passed away on October 1, 2000, served as Prime Minister for just eight months following his election on January 31 of that year.

  • Small states foreign policy: Drawing on past lessons for the present

    Small states foreign policy: Drawing on past lessons for the present

    Grenada, a small island nation in the Caribbean, is grappling with one of its most complex foreign policy challenges since the tumultuous events of October 1983. As the nation reflects on its history, the lessons from the Cold War era remain strikingly relevant in today’s unpredictable global landscape. Dr. Wendy C. Grenade, a seasoned political scientist, offers a profound analysis of how Grenada can navigate its foreign policy dilemmas by drawing from its past experiences and adapting to contemporary realities.

    October 1983 marked a pivotal moment in Grenada’s history, leaving deep scars on its society. While the Grenada Revolution brought significant social and economic advancements, its alignment with the Soviet Union and Cuba during the Cold War exposed the nation to foreign policy missteps. These historical events underscore the importance of neutrality and non-alignment for small states, which must avoid becoming proxies for larger powers to preserve their sovereignty and peace.

    In the current multipolar world, Grenada faces new paradoxes. Balancing sovereignty amid economic dependency, maintaining neutrality without compromising security, and asserting its identity in a world of unequal power relations are critical challenges. Dr. Grenade emphasizes that strategic diplomacy—defined as the art of achieving equilibrium in an imbalanced global system—must be a cornerstone of Grenada’s foreign policy. This approach requires regional cooperation, technical expertise, and democratic participation.

    Security regionalism, as exemplified by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, provides a framework for collective resilience among Caribbean nations. The Regional Security System (RSS) further strengthens this collective defense, ensuring that Grenada’s security interests are safeguarded alongside its neighbors. Additionally, technical competency and research capabilities within foreign ministries are essential to navigate the complexities of 21st-century diplomacy.

    Democracy also plays a vital role in shaping foreign policy. Public opinion and inclusive governance ensure that citizens’ voices are heard, fostering accountability and sustainability. As Grenada moves forward, the lessons of the past—particularly the dangers of militarization and the imperative of promoting peace—must guide its strategic decisions. Ultimately, Grenada’s foreign policy must serve as a tool to advance its collective well-being and uphold its sovereignty in an increasingly chaotic world.