North Carolina State University’s men’s soccer team celebrated a remarkable achievement on Wednesday as three of its players received prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors. Among them, Saint Lucian striker Donavan Gusto Phillip stood out, earning a spot on the All-Conference Team and being crowned Offensive Player of the Year. The junior forward, hailing from Marchand, is poised to transition to professional football in 2026, having secured a contract with Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids. Additionally, Phillip aspires to represent the Saint Lucia national team, aiming to make his senior international debut. In his final collegiate season with the Wolfpack, Phillip dominated the conference with impressive statistics, leading in shots (62), shots per game (3.65), points (31), points per game (1.82), goals (15), and goals per game (0.88). His stellar performance cemented his claim to the Offensive Player award. NC State’s success extended beyond Phillip, with sophomore centre-back Nikola Markovic being named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and senior goalkeeper Logan Erb earning ACC Goalkeeper of the Year. Erb led the conference in shutouts and shutouts per game, showcasing the team’s defensive prowess. Senior midfielder Taig Healy, who leads the ACC in assists, also secured a place on the All-ACC First Team. This collective achievement marks the first time since 1984 that NC State has placed four players on the All-ACC First Team, a historic milestone in the program’s history.
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‘He is a leader who divides’: Estephane lambastes Chastanet
In a dramatic political shift, former United Workers Party (UWP) MP Edmund Estephane publicly declared his support for the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) during a rally in La Caye, Dennery on November 12. Estephane, who previously represented Dennery South from 2006 to 2021, delivered a blistering critique of the UWP’s leadership, particularly targeting party leader Allen Chastanet and deputy leader Guy Joseph. He accused them of squandering their opportunity to govern and vowed they would never lead the country again. Estephane’s decision to switch allegiance follows a period of intense backlash, including death threats, after he appeared at an SLP event earlier in the campaign season. At the rally, he urged constituents to re-elect incumbent Alfred Prospere and endorsed his brother, John Paul Estephane, for the Babonneau seat. In a symbolic gesture, Estephane removed his white shirt to reveal a red one, signaling his new political alignment with the SLP. “The mood is red,” he concluded, marking a definitive break from his former party.
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UK Intelligence-Sharing Report Denied by T&T Prime Minister
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has vehemently denied a CNN report alleging that the United Kingdom is withholding intelligence from the United States regarding anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Persad-Bissessar labeled the report as ‘fake news’ and accused it of being part of a broader effort to undermine regional efforts to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime. She emphasized that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Rubio has also refuted the claims internationally. The Prime Minister criticized local media outlets for irresponsibly circulating the false report, stressing her government’s commitment to maintaining strong cooperation with the U.S. in addressing transnational criminal networks. Persad-Bissessar highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by drug cartels, which continue to destabilize the Caribbean, and underscored efforts to enhance national security systems to combat drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, and human trafficking. She warned that illicit trade has fueled decades of violence and instability in the region. The CNN report had claimed that the UK paused intelligence sharing with the U.S. due to concerns over the legality of military strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in numerous casualties and prompted skepticism from other U.S. allies, including Canada and Colombia.
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Melius recalled to Windwards for Regional Super50 cricket
Kimani Melius, the former West Indies Under-19 captain, has made a notable return to the regional cricket scene, securing a spot in the Windward Islands squad for the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament. This marks his first appearance in List A cricket after a two-year hiatus. The 24-year-old top-order batter from Boguis, Saint Lucia, is one of four Saint Lucians selected for the five-match series, which kicks off on November 19 in Trinidad & Tobago. The Windward Islands Cricket Board has announced a 14-member squad for the tournament, aiming to add to their four previous 50-over titles since the competition’s inception in 1972. Melius joins allrounder Shadrack Descarte and young fast bowlers Keon Gaston and McKenny Clarke in the squad, alongside wicketkeeper Noelle Leo and fast bowler Dillan John, who have been training with the team since early October. Melius, who debuted for West Indies B in 2018, has played 23 List A matches, accumulating 397 runs with a high score of 46. His best performance came in his debut year, averaging 21.60 in five fixtures. Descarte, known for his T20 skills, brings experience from the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) victory with Saint Lucia Kings. Gaston and Clarke, both promising talents, have shown their potential in regional and CPL matches. The Windward Islands will begin their campaign against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes on November 19 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
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BREAKING: Belizean Arrested and Charged for Labour and Sex Trafficking
In a significant development, Reyna Urbina, a 46-year-old Belizean from the Orange Walk District, has been arrested and charged with two counts of labour trafficking and two counts of sex trafficking. The arrest was carried out by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIPS) Police Unit of the Belize Police Department. Urbina is accused of trafficking two adult women from Central America, subjecting them to forced labour and sexual exploitation. Following her arrest, Urbina was granted bail set at $10,000 with two sureties. She is required to adhere to stringent conditions, including surrendering all travel documents, obtaining court permission before leaving the country, avoiding any contact with complainants or prosecution witnesses, and signing in at the Orange Walk Police Station every Wednesday and Friday. The case has been adjourned to January 16, 2026. This arrest was the result of a coordinated effort involving the ATIPS Police Unit, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Immigration Department, the Department of Human Services Alternative Care Unit, INTERPOL Belize, and several supporting NGOs. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspected human trafficking activities by calling 911, the Department of Human Services at 0-800-PROTECT, or Crime Stoppers Belize at 922 or via the P3 Tips App.
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During Cyber Security Awareness Month, Digicel Business and Symptai offer free dark web scan for businesses
The Caribbean region, increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime due to a shortage of local cybersecurity expertise, is taking proactive steps to address this growing threat. In observance of Cyber Security Awareness Month, Digicel Business has joined forces with Symptai to offer Caribbean enterprises complimentary dark web scans. This initiative aims to help organizations identify potential data breaches and mitigate risks before they escalate into costly incidents.
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CASAS start intensieve training voor luchtvaartveiligheid in Suriname
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname (CASAS) has launched a pivotal seminar and workshop on Safety Management Systems (SMS) this week, aimed at enhancing safety standards in Suriname’s aviation sector. Held from November 10 to 14 at the Jacana Amazon Wellness Resort, the training marks the initiation of a comprehensive project to meet the latest international aviation requirements. The event saw participation from 58 attendees, including representatives from all Surinamese airlines, CASAS inspectors, and specialized personnel. Renowned security and crisis management expert Daniel Juzi, a certified EASA instructor, led the sessions. The training focused on updating and deepening knowledge about SMS, which helps analyze incidents, prevent recurrences, and strengthen the safety culture within the industry. Damienne Lansdorf, Human Resource Manager at CASAS, emphasized that aviation safety is a shared responsibility. The seminar also included a refresher course for inspectors on November 12, addressing the need for updated training. Despite progress since the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audits in 2009 and 2012, challenges such as insufficient training, weak legal frameworks, and irregular funding have hindered development. The lack of a local aviation school forces inspectors to train abroad, incurring significant costs. The current government has acknowledged these issues, with President Jennifer Simons establishing an Aviation Safety Task Force to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. The seminar highlighted the four pillars of aviation safety: risk analysis, safety policy, safety performance, and safety culture. This intensive training and broader safety program represent a crucial step toward making Suriname’s aviation sector safer and more resilient.
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Dalia Vellos Speaks Out After Christy Guzman Cleared of Charges
In a deeply emotional public statement, Dalia Vellos, 37, has opened up about the years of domestic abuse she endured, following the withdrawal of all charges against her niece, Christy Guzman. Guzman, 21, was cleared after new evidence revealed she acted in self-defense during a fatal altercation with Wilson Hernandez, Vellos’ abusive partner. The incident occurred when Hernandez was choking Vellos, and Guzman, holding a licensed firearm, shot him in a moment of panic, resulting in his death. The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Javier Chan, confirmed the charges were dropped due to the lack of evidence contradicting the account. Vellos emphasized that the shooting was not premeditated but a desperate act of survival. She also shared graphic text messages from Hernandez, which included threats and demands for her to commit suicide. Vellos used her platform to shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence, urging victims to speak out and document their abuse. She condemned the public backlash against Guzman, stating, ‘It was never planned—it was survival.’ Her statement concluded with a powerful message to other survivors, encouraging them to seek help and break the cycle of silence.
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Appointment of Honorary Consul of Japan in St George’s, Grenada
On November 12, 2025, Dr. Akima Umezawa, the Ambassador of Japan, announced the historic appointment of Dr. Nicole Phillip as the first Honorary Consul of Japan in Grenada. The official ceremony, held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort in St. George’s, was attended by senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests. Ambassador Umezawa highlighted the significance of this appointment in deepening the 50-year diplomatic relationship between Japan and Grenada, which he referred to as a ‘golden jubilee.’ He underscored the multifaceted cooperation between the two nations, including Grenada’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan’s support for sargassum countermeasures, vocational training expansion, and media tours showcasing Japan’s ODA facilities. Dr. Phillip, currently the Acting Director of the University of the West Indies Global Campus, was praised for her academic leadership and contributions, positioning her as a key figure in fostering future bilateral relations. Acting Prime Minister Phillip Telesford also commended the appointment, celebrating the enduring friendship between the two countries. Dr. Phillip expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to strengthening ties and pledged to build on the foundation of mutual cooperation. The ceremony concluded with a captivating performance by Yosuke Irie, a renowned Japanese Shakuhachi artist, adding a cultural touch to the event.
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Syria denounces theft of valuable statues from National Museum
A significant theft has struck a Syrian museum, with six precious sculptures of Venus among the stolen artifacts. These sculptures, crafted from marble, alabaster, and plaster, were integral to the museum’s esteemed collection. Among the stolen pieces is a restored marble Venus with damaged feet, an incomplete alabaster figure, and a plaster statue depicting a standing woman, renowned as a quintessential representation of female sculpture. The Ministry of Culture has issued a call to action, urging both domestic and international institutions to collaborate in locating the stolen works and providing any relevant information. The ministry underscored the protection of Syrian heritage as a shared national and collective duty. This initiative aligns with a broader national strategy focused on documenting and preserving Syrian antiquities, enhancing museum security, and safeguarding the artistic and cultural legacy that reflects Syria’s rich, millennia-spanning history.