The Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO) has significantly bolstered its operational capabilities following the handover of essential office furniture and equipment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on World Fisheries Day, November 21. This initiative is a key component of the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience (BCFR) Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Barbados Fisheries Division. The initial delivery included furniture, audiovisual equipment, and other office supplies, with more items expected in the coming weeks. The handover ceremony took place at BARNUFO’s headquarters in Pelican House, Bridgetown, attended by representatives from BARNUFO, the Japanese Embassy, the Barbados Fisheries Division, and UNDP. BARNUFO President Vernel Nicholls expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of these resources in creating a conducive work environment and enhancing training programs for fisherfolk. She highlighted the need for sustainable fishing practices and industry management, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. UNDP Resident Representative Limya Eltayeb underscored the organization’s commitment to fostering partnerships that drive meaningful impact, while Tia Headley from the Japanese Embassy reiterated Japan’s dedication to supporting the Barbadian fishing community through resilience-building initiatives. Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer, praised the BCFR project for its efforts to strengthen the sector’s climate resilience and capacity. BARNUFO, representing over 8,800 individuals in the fisheries value chain, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the industry’s sustainability and preparedness for future challenges.
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The UWI serves up a local alternative to traditional Christmas ham
Barbados is set to revolutionize its festive cuisine with a groundbreaking local product: chicken ham made from retired egg-laying hens. Traditionally, these hens, which complete their productive cycle annually, are sold for as little as one dollar per pound due to their tough meat, often ending up as low-value pet food. However, students from the Faculty of Science and Technology’s Minor in Food Science at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus have transformed this overlooked resource into a gourmet delicacy.
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Drama Peaks as Romeo Santos Joins the Live Finale of ‘La Casa de Alofoke’ Season 2
The entertainment landscape in the Dominican Republic is set for an unprecedented convergence as international bachata sensation Romeo Santos arrives in Santo Domingo to participate in the season finale of La Casa de Alofoke 2. The artist’s surprise involvement, confirmed through social media by producer Santiago Matías (Alofoke), has generated massive anticipation for what promises to be a landmark moment in Caribbean entertainment.
Santos’ arrival via private jet represents a strategic masterstroke that elevates the reality show’s prestige to unprecedented levels. As one of Latin music’s most influential figures, his participation bridges the worlds of global music stardom and digital-era reality television, creating a cultural phenomenon that transcends traditional entertainment boundaries.
The timing coincides perfectly with Santos’ ongoing promotional campaign for “Better Late Than Never,” his collaborative album with Prince Royce. This synergy between his musical endeavors and the country’s most talked-about reality program creates a powerful platform for cross-promotion and audience engagement.
Industry analysts suggest multiple potential scenarios for Santos’ involvement, ranging from live performances to special interactions with finalists. Such appearances would transform the finale from mere entertainment into a significant cultural event, potentially setting viewership records for Dominican digital programming.
La Casa de Alofoke 2 has dominated social media conversations since its October 20 premiere, consistently generating viral moments and trending topics. The season has distinguished itself through diverse casting, intense emotional dynamics, unexpected alliances, and dramatic eliminations that have captivated audiences across digital platforms.
The inclusion of Santos carries profound symbolic significance beyond entertainment value. As an emblem of Dominican global success, his presence reinforces national cultural pride while attracting international attention to the country’s evolving digital entertainment landscape.
For the remaining contestants, sharing the spotlight with a superstar of Santos’ caliber represents an extraordinary career opportunity. The exposure could dramatically amplify their public profiles and potentially open doors to entertainment industry opportunities that extend far beyond the competition.
The finale culminates 38 days of intense competition characterized by public voting, strategic challenges, and constant viewer scrutiny. Producers have promised an event filled with emotional retrospectives, surprise elements, and unforgettable moments that will honor the season’s journey.
This collaboration signals a new era for Dominican entertainment, demonstrating that digital-native productions can not only compete with traditional television but can attract world-class talent and generate cultural moments that resonate across demographics and borders.
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BookFusion app launches in AI, digital literacy boost
The Ministry of Educational Transformation unveiled BookFusion, a groundbreaking digital reading application, on Wednesday. This innovative platform is designed to foster collaboration among students, teachers, and parents while enhancing technological skills and cognitive development in both home and school settings. The launch coincides with the ministry’s initiative to distribute laptops to first-form students, preloaded with security protocols and educational resources. BookFusion, a key component of the Skills for the Future 2 programme, integrates learning across classroom and home environments, offering a seamless educational experience. Asha-Akua Stoute, a communications specialist with the programme, emphasized the app’s ability to facilitate parental involvement, teacher resource allocation, and student access to materials that support cognitive and recreational growth. Stoute highlighted the platform’s robust security measures, ensuring students engage with appropriate educational content while exploring AI in a constructive manner. Stephen Savoury, project coordinator for Skills for the Future 2, underscored the programme’s commitment to inclusive education, emphasizing the shift from rote memorization to critical thinking and digital literacy. He outlined ambitious plans to modernize classroom infrastructure, transforming them into dynamic, technology-rich hubs of innovation. Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, Chief Education Officer, praised the platform for empowering educators to curate and share resources, fostering a collaborative culture across schools.
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Abuse survivors among many substance abuse cases, says charity
Women grappling with substance addiction frequently endure intimate partner abuse, exacerbating their challenges and impeding recovery, according to experts from Verdun and Marina House treatment centers. Allison Gotip, Clinical Services Director, highlighted that many women are trapped in cycles of addiction due to isolation enforced by abusive partners. These women often become invisible to society, confined to their homes, where they are exploited and deprived of opportunities to seek help. Gotip emphasized that women’s addiction cases are typically more severe than men’s, compounded by trauma from domestic violence. Marina House was established to provide a safe, gender-separated environment for women to heal, as mixed-gender settings can trigger trauma responses. Additionally, societal expectations and childcare responsibilities further hinder women from accessing treatment. Despite their struggles, women are often criticized by family members for prioritizing their recovery, underscoring the need for supportive family therapy programs to facilitate their healing journey.
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School vandalism ‘down sharply’ as govt links drop to ‘zero-tolerance’ policy, beautification
Barbados has witnessed a significant reduction in school vandalism over the past two years, according to Ministry of Educational Transformation officials. The decline is attributed to the government’s zero-tolerance policy and the launch of a nationwide beautification program aimed at modernizing educational environments and fostering pride in school spaces. Minister Chad Blackman emphasized that while isolated incidents persist, the overall trend is positive. He warned students against testing the law, stating that consequences for vandalism are clear and enforced. The government’s goal is to eliminate such incidents entirely, linking improved school maintenance and appearance to reduced vandalism. Historical concerns about student-related damage, such as the 2011 graffiti incident at Coleridge & Parry School, highlight the persistent nature of the issue. Recent cases of bus vandalism have also prompted stricter warnings from the Transport Board. In conjunction with these efforts, the Barbados Best Kept Schools Competition was announced, running from January to April 2026. This initiative, part of broader educational transformation, aims to enhance both infrastructure and cultural attitudes toward schools. Blackman stressed that schools should resemble professional environments conducive to learning and exploration. The program includes phased upgrades to aging structures, improved ventilation, and better-equipped classrooms. Community involvement is a key component, with residents, former students, and youth groups contributing to landscaping and maintenance. The ministry plans to introduce new national standards for school infrastructure and landscaping, aligning with Barbados’ vision of nation-building and preparing students for the future. Blackman described the initiative as a cultural transformation through education, essential for the republic’s progress.
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NIA Brings Detection Dogs to Nevis in Major Security Investment
In a substantial move to fortify public safety, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has officially reinstated its K-9 unit through a strategic investment exceeding US $68,000. Three specialized detection dogs arrived on the island on November 26, 2025, marking the first such security enhancement since 2016.
The canine team, comprising two Belgian Malinois and one Labrador, possesses expert training in narcotics, firearms, ammunition, and explosive detection. They will be housed at the newly constructed kennels within the Cotton Ground Police Station, forming a critical component of Nevis’ security infrastructure.
Superintendent Alonzo Carty, Divisional Commander of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, emphasized the timing significance as the island approaches its busy tourist season. He expressed profound gratitude to Premier Mark Brantley and the NIA Cabinet for fulfilling their security commitment, noting that the dogs would substantially improve detection capabilities for illicit materials.
Certified canine trainer Glenroy Philip outlined the comprehensive operationalization plan, which includes handler pairing, specialized search training, and kennel management over the coming weeks. The program aims to boost detection efficiency by 80-90% compared to conventional methods.
Premier Brantley underscored the administration’s dedication to citizen security despite national defense being a federal responsibility. He affirmed that the investment reflects Nevis’ commitment to maintaining the island as a secure and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
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Premier Brantley Assures Citizens There Will Be No New Taxes in 2026
In a significant fiscal announcement, Nevis Premier Honourable Mark Brantley has unequivocally guaranteed that citizens will face no new tax impositions in the upcoming 2026 budget. The Finance Minister made this declaration during his monthly press conference on November 25, reinforcing his administration’s dedication to shielding residents from additional financial burdens during the upcoming fiscal year.
The Premier elaborated on his government’s established revenue strategy, emphasizing their systematic approach to generating increased government income without resorting to domestic taxation. “No, there won’t be any new taxes,” Brantley stated definitively, outlining the administration’s preference for targeting revenue enhancement through external sources.
Brantley detailed the methodology behind this approach, citing previous increases to the Tourism Development Levy that primarily affects visitors rather than local citizens. Additionally, the government has implemented adjusted charges at the Financial Services Registry, characterizing these as fees rather than direct taxes on the population.
“Our posture has consistently been to seek revenue increases from goods, services, or individuals outside the local population,” Brantley explained. “This strategy has successfully expanded government revenue without placing additional pressure on Nevis residents.”
The 2026 budget, scheduled for presentation on December 2, will prioritize several key development areas. Healthcare infrastructure stands as a central focus, with plans to complete the Alexandra Hospital expansion, establish a permanent facility for the Charlestown Health Centre, and introduce dialysis treatment services on the island.
Educational infrastructure will receive significant attention through upgrades to aging school buildings, while continued enhancements to airport facilities and general public infrastructure remain ongoing commitments. The administration also plans to advance economic development initiatives designed to stimulate job creation, promote social welfare, and ensure long-term sustainability.
These strategic investments reflect the government’s balanced approach to maintaining fiscal responsibility while advancing quality of life improvements for citizens. The December budget address will comprehensively outline projected revenues, expenditures, and policy agendas for the 2026 fiscal year.
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Government to present 2026 Budget focussed on jobs, investment and climate resilience
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is poised to introduce its fiscal year 2026 budget in December 2025, marking a strategic continuation of its Sustainable Island State transformation agenda. Prime Minister and Finance Minister Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew announced the budget’s core priorities during a November 25th Roundtable press engagement, emphasizing three fundamental pillars: employment generation, investment stimulation, and climate adaptation enhancement.
Dr. Drew articulated the administration’s comprehensive approach, stating, “We are examining critical issues including cost of living pressures and food security mechanisms to further strengthen our nation’s resilience. Our strategy encompasses job creation through enhanced investment opportunities while simultaneously fortifying our population against climate change impacts.”
The budget’s climate resilience component gains urgency following Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica. This Category 5 event has accelerated the government’s infrastructure modernization plans, which include implementing hurricane-resistant construction methodologies for housing developments and the new smart-hospital project. Additionally, the budget will allocate resources for underground utility line installation to mitigate weather-related service disruptions.
The Prime Minister confirmed that these strategic priorities will form the foundational framework of the 2026 budget, with detailed allocations and policy measures to be formally presented on Budget Day. The specific date for the budget presentation is expected to be announced imminently, providing full transparency regarding the nation’s fiscal direction and developmental objectives.
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DCs willen strenger optreden tegen vervuiling na Srefidensi
District Commissioners Marlon Budike of Paramaribo-North and Ruchsana Ilahibaks of Paramaribo-Central have expressed general satisfaction with the cleanup efforts in their respective areas following the Srefidensi celebrations. While both officials would have preferred immediate cleanup after the festivities, the process could only begin once the public had fully dispersed. They emphasized that maintaining a clean city is a shared responsibility of every citizen.
Budike noted his contentment with the cleanup operations in key locations such as the Palmentuin, Grote Combéweg, and the entertainment district. Agreements were made in advance with event organizers, particularly for the Palmentuin, to ensure minimal post-event complaints from the community. “We aimed to reduce community grievances as much as possible after the celebrations,” Budike stated.
Ilahibaks highlighted that in Paramaribo-Central, celebrations continued into the early morning, delaying the start of cleanup crews until the public had left. She pointed out that event organizers are legally obligated to clean up the premises as per their permits but stressed that this is impossible while activities are ongoing. “We may decide to deny future permits if rules are not followed. Our focus will be on ensuring immediate cleanup once events conclude,” Ilahibaks told the Suriname Communication Service.
Both commissioners underscored that keeping the city clean is not solely the government’s responsibility but also that of its citizens. By properly disposing of waste or taking it with them, revelers can make a significant contribution. Budike and Ilahibaks called for greater societal awareness and responsible waste management practices.