Saboto Caesar, the Agriculture Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, has called on CARICOM and OECS member states to unify their cannabis legislation frameworks. Speaking at the Cannabliss 2025 Conference, Caesar emphasized that a harmonized legal approach would save time and resources for new entrants into the cannabis industry. He described such a framework as a ‘plug-and-play’ solution, enabling countries to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of drafting individual laws. Caesar highlighted the ‘Waiting to Exhale’ study by CARICOM as a foundational guide for national policy decisions, outlining three potential pathways for cannabis industry development: purely recreational, purely medicinal, or a hybrid approach. St Vincent and the Grenadines initially adopted a cautious, purely medicinal strategy with full religious tolerance, which allowed the country to attract early investor interest. However, Caesar noted that this wave of investment has since diminished, underscoring the urgency for regional collaboration. He criticized the double standards within CARICOM, where some member states import cannabis from North America while restricting exports from neighboring countries. Drawing parallels to the cooperative success of the banana industry in the Windward Islands, Caesar urged governments to adopt a collective approach. He also advocated for integrating cannabis into a broader health and wellness economy, emphasizing synergies with other natural products like turmeric and moringa. To achieve this vision, Caesar stressed the need to restructure industry management institutions, separating regulatory functions from research and development. He concluded by positioning cannabis as a cornerstone for a diversified Caribbean wellness sector, combining agriculture, culture, science, and tourism to transition from raw exports to global leadership in the wellness economy.
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‘Ferries, not flights’: Caribbean officials push for cost-effective, cargo-friendly sea links
For decades, the necessity of enhancing regional connectivity through maritime routes has been a focal point among tourism officials, business leaders, and various interest groups in the Caribbean. However, options for sea travel have remained largely restricted, with services like L’Express Des Îles primarily catering to sub-regional transport between French and Kweyol-speaking islands. Ferry services, with their dual capacity to transport both passengers and cargo, present a transformative opportunity for the region. Such connectivity could seamlessly link business and leisure travelers across destinations, fostering economic integration and unity among geographically proximate islands. This potential was a central theme on Day 2 of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, where tourism ministers from across the Caribbean emphasized the value of expanded ferry services. Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism for Tobago, highlighted the pressing need for additional ferry capacity to address gaps caused by heavy domestic bookings on Caribbean Airlines, which currently serves as the primary carrier for international arrivals via Trinidad’s Piarco Airport. Burris underscored the strategic advantage of Tobago’s proximity to Grenada, Barbados, and Guyana, advocating for enhanced southern Caribbean connectivity. Grenada’s Minister of Tourism, Adrian Thomas, echoed these sentiments, noting that ferries could not only improve passenger transport but also transform agricultural waste into commercial opportunities by facilitating the movement of perishable goods. Thomas emphasized the cost-effectiveness of sea travel compared to air transport, particularly for inter-island journeys. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism for Turks and Caicos, passionately argued for the establishment of a reliable regional supply chain, lamenting the inefficiency of current shipping routes that often detour through Miami, inflating costs and impacting the cost of living. Jolly called for coordinated efforts within regional organizations like CARICOM and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation to address these logistical challenges. While the discussions at SOTIC 2025 highlighted the immense potential of ferry services, the realization of this vision hinges on the decisive actions of key stakeholders.
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Yeni Berenice: “All animal abuse must be prosecuted.”
In a significant move to combat animal cruelty, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, the Attorney General of the Dominican Republic, has emphasized that the law strictly prohibits all forms of animal abuse and mandates prosecution for offenders. Speaking at the first Animal Festival’s panel titled ‘Justice for the Voiceless: Challenges and Advances in Animal Protection,’ Reynoso highlighted the urgent need for enhanced protection of animal rights. She warned that individuals who engage in animal abuse often exhibit broader patterns of violent behavior within their communities, including domestic and social violence. Reynoso stressed that such individuals must not only be rehabilitated but also legally pursued to foster a culture of respect and sensitivity toward all living beings. She clarified that ignorance of the law is no defense, as legal principles dictate that all laws are deemed to be known within 24 hours in the National District and 48 hours elsewhere in the country. To bolster enforcement, the Public Ministry School is training 100 lawyers to represent victims of animal abuse across the country’s 35 judicial districts. Additionally, the Public Ministry conducts autopsies on animals when necessary and is advocating for legislative reforms to reconsider penalties for animal cruelty. Reynoso also addressed the challenges of rehabilitating rescued animals, citing the lack of adequate recovery spaces. She defined abuse broadly, including neglect, physical harm, and confinement in unsuitable environments, urging society to recognize and prevent such mistreatment.
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Classrooms to get creative as education reform continues
Barbados is embarking on a groundbreaking shift in its education system, moving away from traditional rote learning toward a more interactive, student-driven approach. Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman unveiled this ambitious initiative during a thanksgiving service at the Sanctuary Empowerment Centre, marking the start of Education Month. Under the theme ‘Nothing is Impossible,’ Blackman emphasized the need to foster creativity, curiosity, and real-world skills among students. ‘The days of teachers simply lecturing from A to Z are over,’ he declared. ‘Students must now engage in presentations, collaborative projects, and technology-driven learning. Schools must become vibrant, interactive spaces that unlock each child’s potential.’
Blackman highlighted the importance of modernizing school infrastructure to support these innovative methods. ‘Our schools must be purpose-built, modern, and clean—places where teachers thrive, children grow, and communities connect,’ he said, acknowledging the challenges of this transition but stressing its necessity. The reforms aim not only to address current educational needs but also to prepare students for an unpredictable future. ‘We don’t know what jobs, technologies, or challenges they will face, but we know they must be adaptable, creative, and resilient,’ Blackman explained.
Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the moral and emotional dimensions of education. Quoting an African proverb, she said, ‘The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth. If we create a village where every child is seen, heard, and valued, we will ignite their hearts with purpose, pride, and hope.’ Archer-Bradshaw stressed that education must be fair, inclusive, and relevant, warning that neglecting its moral aspect could have societal repercussions. ‘To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society,’ she said, quoting Theodore Roosevelt.
The event also featured guest speaker Joel Manning, who called for faith and a renewed mindset in the transformation process. ‘Transformation starts with God,’ Manning asserted. ‘Before making any decisions in education, we must seek His authority. Putting God back into the classroom and into ourselves is essential for true change. Nothing is impossible when we begin with Him.’ The service concluded with musical performances, including a steelpan solo, and a collective commitment to redefining education in Barbados.
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Traffic changes for Barbados Cancer Society walk
The Barbados Cancer Society’s annual ‘Walk for A Cure’ event is set to take place on Sunday, October 5, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., prompting significant traffic adjustments across the Barrow Section of the ABC Highway. To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the event, several road closures and diversions will be implemented. The affected stretch includes the Barrow section of the ABC Highway, from the Everton Weekes Roundabout (Warrens) to the Clyde Walcott Roundabout (Hothersal Turning), as well as the route from the Everton Weekes Roundabout to the Darcy Scott Roundabout (Chefette Warrens). Motorists traveling along the Barrow section from the Norman Niles Roundabout (Haggatt Hall) towards Clyde Walcott Roundabout will be redirected via Waterford Boulevard, with options to proceed towards Station Hill or Codrington. Additional diversions include routes via Bush Hall Main Road, Spooners Hill/Codrington junction, and White Hall Main Road, among others. Drivers are advised to follow the designated detours to avoid delays. The Barbados Police Service will deploy officers to manage traffic and ensure compliance. Vehicles operated by emergency services, including the Barbados Defence Force and the Barbados Fire Service, are exempt from these restrictions. Non-compliance with traffic directives may result in fines of BDS$500 or imprisonment for up to three months. The event underscores the community’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support.
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Sagicor Life Inc. crowned best large business at BCCI Bicentennial Gala and Awards
In a grand celebration marking 200 years of business excellence, Sagicor Life Inc. (Sagicor) emerged as a standout performer, securing the prestigious Best Business Award in the Large Business Category at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) Bicentennial Gala & Awards. The event, hosted at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Resort, gathered the nation’s foremost corporate leaders to honor resilience, innovation, and leadership across various industries.
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Barbados welcomes UN resolution creating gang suppression force for Haiti
Barbados and fellow CARICOM member states have expressed strong support for a recent United Nations Security Council resolution establishing a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) comprising up to 5,500 personnel to be deployed in Haiti. The resolution, adopted on Monday, aims to bolster ongoing initiatives to stabilize Haiti’s security environment and facilitate the organization of elections. François Jackman, Barbados’ Permanent Representative to the UN, speaking on behalf of CARICOM, emphasized the resolution’s significance as a pivotal step toward creating conditions conducive to elections, delivering humanitarian aid, rebuilding institutions, and fostering long-term economic development in Haiti. Ambassador Jackman affirmed CARICOM’s commitment to collaborating with the Security Council to provide essential support to the Haitian people. He also called on the international community to intensify its efforts to end the prolonged violence and suffering endured by Haitians. The GSF, which replaces the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Force operational since 2023, is a more substantial and mission-focused force tasked with combating the rampant violence and chaos instigated by armed gangs in Port-au-Prince and other regions of Haiti.
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UWI Five Islands to Graduate Record 200 Students on October 11
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is set to mark a historic milestone with its 2025 graduation ceremony on October 11. This year, the campus will celebrate a record-breaking 200 graduates, more than double the number from the previous year. The event, themed “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” will be broadcast live on Flow Evo and UWI TV Global, symbolizing a blend of perseverance, excellence, and innovation.
Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson highlighted the institution’s remarkable growth since its inception in 2019. With current enrolment surpassing 1,300 students, the campus anticipates exceeding 1,500 students with its January intake. This year, 443 students were admitted from a record 750 applicants, leaving 40 percent of hopefuls without places, underscoring the campus’s growing competitiveness and its pivotal role in expanding access to higher education across the Eastern Caribbean.
The graduation ceremony, scheduled for 4 p.m. in Antigua and Barbuda, will be broadcast simultaneously across the Caribbean. It will honor students from various faculties, celebrating their personal achievements and contributing to the region’s human capital development. This event not only marks a significant moment for the graduates but also reflects the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and regional progress.
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Large and dangerous swells continue to head our way, warnings and Advisories issued
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services have issued urgent high surf warnings and advisories for several Caribbean islands, including the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, and Nevis. The warnings, effective until Monday, and advisories until Tuesday, highlight the arrival of moderate long-period swells, creating life-threatening conditions along northern and north-facing coastlines. Significant wave heights are expected to reach 2.1 to 3.1 meters (7 to 10 feet), with occasional peaks near 3.7 meters (12 feet). These conditions are likely to cause dangerous battering surfs, rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion. The swells, originating from the north, are predicted to produce breaking waves over 2.7 meters (9 feet), posing severe risks to life, property, and infrastructure. Coastal flooding is anticipated due to high tides combined with onshore winds and swell actions. The potential impacts include loss of life, injuries, beach closures, disruptions to marine activities, and damage to coral reefs. Authorities urge the public to avoid affected waters and coastal structures, bathe only in lifeguard-monitored areas, and exercise extreme caution. Rip currents, a significant hazard, can carry even strong swimmers out to sea. If caught in a rip current, individuals are advised to remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shoreline. The Meteorological Office continues to monitor the situation and advises the public to stay updated through official channels.
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ABEC Wins Prestigious Electoral Management Award in Botswana
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has achieved a historic milestone by winning the Electoral Management Award at the 21st International Electoral Awards ceremony held in Gaborone, Botswana. This marks the first time ABEC has secured the top honor in this prestigious category, highlighting its commitment to excellence in electoral administration. The event, part of the International Electoral Awards & Symposium, brought together electoral commissions, governance experts, and democracy advocates from around the globe. ABEC triumphed over formidable contenders, including the National Electoral Institute of Mexico and the Chhattisgarh State Electoral Commission of India. Representing ABEC at the ceremony were Mrs. Vernest Mack, Member of the Commission, and Miss Trissy Bowers, Executive Secretary, whose presence underscored the Commission’s dedication to transparency and best practices. In his remarks, Ambassador Arthur G. B. Thomas, Chairman of ABEC, emphasized that the award is a celebration of the people of Antigua and Barbuda and their unwavering belief in democracy. He stated, ‘This honor reaffirms our small nation’s ability to stand tall in integrity and fairness, demonstrating the strength and resilience of our democratic voice.’ Mr. Ian S Hughes, Supervisor of Elections, echoed this sentiment, attributing the award to the professionalism and dedication of the ABEC team. The Commission has pledged to leverage this recognition to further enhance electoral processes, foster stakeholder engagement, and uphold the highest standards of fairness and credibility in future elections.