作者: admin

  • Music with a mission: a family’s harmony of love, faith in cancer fight

    Music with a mission: a family’s harmony of love, faith in cancer fight

    For Kevin Moore and his family, music transcends mere performance—it’s a profound purpose. Through their Love Divine concert series under Trumpetboy Entertainment, they have transformed melodies into a lifeline for those battling cancer, raising $15,000 for Cancer Support Services (CSS). The funds, collected at the third installment of the series held on October 12 at the Frank Collymore Hall, were presented to the charity on Wednesday at its Belleville headquarters. The event brought together CSS executive members, including president Carlyle Best, executive director Janette Lynton, and management team member Francina Springer, who received the donation from Kevin and Kelita Moore of Trumpetboy Entertainment, alongside Joycelyn Moore, widow of the late Sylvian Moore. Moore expressed heartfelt gratitude to the artists, musicians, and the public whose collective efforts made the contribution possible. ‘This donation is a small token of our appreciation for the vital work CSS does in our community,’ he said. Carlyle Best praised the Moores for their unwavering commitment, emphasizing that the concert series goes beyond fundraising—it fosters connection, awareness, and hope. ‘You’ve set a standard, and we owe Trumpetboy Entertainment immense gratitude,’ he remarked. Best also highlighted the importance of engaging younger generations in CSS’s mission to ensure its longevity. Founded in 1996, CSS provides counseling, equipment loans, and public education, including regular PSA testing. As the organization prepares for its 30th anniversary, Best reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cancer patients. ‘We walk with you, holding your hand through it all,’ he said. CSS will also host its 11th annual conference at Accra Beach Hotel, focusing on education and awareness, furthering its outreach mission.

  • Urlings Primary students donate to Oncology Unit

    Urlings Primary students donate to Oncology Unit

    In a touching display of compassion and community spirit, students from Urlings Primary School have contributed to the fight against cancer by donating to the Oncology Unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. The donation, raised through Breast Cancer Awareness activities organized earlier this term, was formally presented by members of the school’s Student Council during a visit to the hospital on Wednesday. Oncology Nurse Lisian Thomas expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing that the funds would directly support patients receiving treatment. School officials highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader educational strategy to instill values of empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement through student-driven projects. The gesture underscores the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of social responsibility among its young learners.

  • New QEH discharge system rolls out to speed up bed management

    New QEH discharge system rolls out to speed up bed management

    The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has implemented a new system of daily discharge boards across its wards to streamline patient flow, optimize bed management, and keep families informed throughout the care process. The initiative, introduced earlier this month, is being rolled out in phases and aims to provide patients, their families, and healthcare teams with clear insights into expected discharge dates, enabling better planning and coordination.

  • Smith Highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s Blue Economy Vision at Global Forum in India

    Smith Highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s Blue Economy Vision at Global Forum in India

    MUMBAI, India — Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy for Antigua and Barbuda, has solidified the twin-island nation’s role as a Caribbean pioneer in sustainable ocean development. Representing his country at India Maritime Week 2025, Smith participated in the second edition of ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue,’ a high-profile international forum bringing together ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance global ocean governance and the Blue Economy. As a featured panelist during ‘Plenary 8: Oceans of Opportunity – Re-imagining the Global Blue Economy,’ Smith shared critical insights on human-capital development for small island states, emphasizing its significance in driving sustainable ocean industries. He highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s strides in Blue Economy policies, including the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Ocean and Blue Economy (COBE), designed to train and empower future professionals in regional ocean sectors. Smith’s address resonated strongly with delegates, particularly young professionals and students, who praised his vision as inspiring and forward-thinking. During his visit, Smith engaged in discussions with environmental engineers and researchers from the Indian Institute of Engineering and the Indian Institute of Science, exploring potential collaborations in marine innovation, ocean technology, and sustainability research. Accompanied by Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy, Smith’s participation underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as a regional leader in ocean sustainability. At just 30 years old, Smith has emerged as one of the Caribbean’s youngest and most influential advocates for ocean policy. His message in Mumbai was unequivocal: small island states have the potential—and the responsibility—to shape the global Blue Economy. ‘Antigua and Barbuda is ready to lead,’ he declared.

  • Barbados strengthening international ties to boost investment

    Barbados strengthening international ties to boost investment

    Barbados is actively broadening its diplomatic and economic horizons to attract global investment, as the island nation shifts toward a greener and more diversified economic model. Speaking during a British trade mission to Barbados on Wednesday, Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment Kay McConney emphasized the government’s strategy to forge new partnerships across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This move is part of a broader effort to diversify the nation’s economic base and strengthen ties with both traditional and emerging markets. McConney highlighted that Barbados has already expanded its diplomatic relations with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others, and is preparing to establish a physical diplomatic presence in India. The minister underscored that Barbados’ investment strategy is inclusive, welcoming funding from governments, private sectors, and international agencies. ‘Barbados is open for business to the entire world,’ she stated, emphasizing opportunities for all investors. While deepening ties with the United Kingdom remains a priority, McConney clarified that this is part of a comprehensive global strategy. Export Barbados CEO Mark Hill noted that UK companies are increasingly interested in Barbados’ green industrial initiatives, viewing the Caribbean as a prime location for sustainable development. Hill also highlighted the success of Barbados’ intellectual property investment program, which has attracted attention from European firms, including German companies. He projected that a $2 million increase in IP investment could yield an economic impact of $3 to $4 billion, aligning Barbados with global trends in decarbonization and innovation.

  • Dominica is country most affected by impact of extreme weather event in 30 year period, according to Climate Risk Index

    Dominica is country most affected by impact of extreme weather event in 30 year period, according to Climate Risk Index

    Dominica has been identified as the nation most susceptible to extreme weather events over the past three decades, according to the ‘Climate Risk Index 2026’ released by Germanwatch, an independent organization focused on development, environmental, and human rights issues. The report, presented during the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) of the UN climate change gathering in Brazil on November 12, underscores the escalating devastation caused by climate-induced disasters, particularly in poorer nations. Drawing data from the EM-DAT international disaster database, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, the report highlights Dominica’s acute vulnerability to severe weather, exemplified by the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused damages exceeding three times the country’s GDP at the time. The Climate Risk Index, published since 2006, provides a comprehensive assessment of the human and economic toll of extreme weather events globally. It ranks countries based on fatalities and economic losses over the past year and a 30-year period. Between 1995 and 2024, Dominica, Myanmar, Honduras, Haiti, and Grenada emerged as the most affected nations. In 2024 alone, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada were the hardest hit. The report also cites a World Weather Attribution study linking the unprecedented intensity of recent disasters to human-induced climate change. Since 1995, 9,700 extreme weather events have been documented, with storms accounting for a third of fatalities and $2.64 trillion in global damages. The Caribbean region’s recent experience with Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, further underscores this trend. Despite Dominica’s efforts to rebuild and become the world’s first climate-resilient nation, Germanwatch warns that climate change is an immediate and defining reality. The organization advocates for urgent global action, including reducing emissions, accelerating adaptation efforts, implementing solutions for loss and damage, and ensuring adequate climate finance.

  • Barbados ‘greenfield hub’ for clean, tech-driven industry

    Barbados ‘greenfield hub’ for clean, tech-driven industry

    Barbados is strategically positioning itself as a prime destination for clean, technology-driven industrial investment, capitalizing on Europe’s decarbonization efforts. Mark Hill, CEO of Export Barbados, emphasized the nation’s focus on intellectual property (IP) and tax incentives to attract global investors. Speaking at the sixth annual UK Trade Mission to Barbados Business Forum, Hill highlighted the country’s shift from traditional manufacturing to IP-led growth, ensuring creators feel secure in protecting their innovations.

    Barbados has introduced the Patent Box initiative, offering tax reductions from 9% to 4.5% for manufacturers operating on the island. This framework, Hill noted, positions Barbados as a global leader in IP-based tax systems, surpassing even Malta and the EU for businesses earning under $750 million annually. The government aims to increase industry’s contribution to GDP from 5-10% to 20-25% over the next decade through this IP-focused strategy.

    Export Barbados has also launched the GIGA programme, fostering sustainable, high-tech industrial growth and boosting exports. The initiative aims to transform Barbados into a regional innovation leader by focusing on advanced technology and green industries. Hill underscored the importance of intellectual capital, stating that IP is the core asset of any business, attracting further investment.

    As European economies transition from “brownfield” sites to “greenfield” locations, Barbados has emerged as an attractive option for affordable, modern industrial development. Hill emphasized that the future of industrialization lies in robotics, automation, cybersecurity, and data-driven processes, rather than traditional labor-intensive methods.

    Barbados is also enhancing its data security infrastructure, inviting investors to build customized data systems on the island. This positions Barbados as a secure, off-grid industrial hub with robust cybersecurity frameworks and access to cutting-edge technologies, enabling rapid scalability for businesses.

  • Police Probe Multiple Reports of Cyber Theft, Break-Ins, and Fraud

    Police Probe Multiple Reports of Cyber Theft, Break-Ins, and Fraud

    St. John’s has been struck by a surge of criminal activities this week, prompting intensive investigations by local authorities. Among the reported incidents are cyber theft, residential and commercial break-ins, and credit card fraud. In a particularly alarming case, a local professional reported that her bank account was allegedly hacked, resulting in the theft of over EC $19,000. Additionally, police are probing break-ins at two homes and a restaurant, where cash and valuables were stolen. Another business owner reported the theft of four vehicle rims from his property. The U.S. Consular Office also alerted local police about an American citizen who allegedly used a fraudulent credit card to purchase a travel ticket. Authorities have assured the public that investigations into all these incidents are ongoing and are being treated with urgency.

  • Field hospital to deploy to Jamaica for humanitarian mission

    Field hospital to deploy to Jamaica for humanitarian mission

    In a historic demonstration of Caribbean solidarity, Barbados has initiated a humanitarian mission to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) announced the deployment of a field medical hospital, marking the first time the World Health Organisation-accredited Emergency Medical Team has been mobilized internationally following a severe weather event. The mission, dubbed ‘Operation Helping Hands,’ was approved by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and involves military personnel and medical volunteers providing emergency healthcare in Jamaica’s hardest-hit western region, particularly around Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital. The deployment, which begins next Tuesday, will last one month and include two rotations of approximately 70 personnel each, totaling around 140 to 150 participants. The BDF’s Type 2 field hospital requires 70 medical and logistical staff to operate, with 48 already mobilized and the remaining 22 expected to be filled through regional support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Jamaica Defence Force. Medical Liaison Officer Major David Clarke highlighted the coordination with regional health ministries and organizations, while acknowledging logistical challenges, including the need for special licences for medical supplies. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arthur Phillips assured that essential health services in Barbados would remain unaffected. The mission underscores the importance of regional logistics and volunteerism, with Brigadier Carlos Lovell emphasizing the need for greater medical professional participation. CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank has also contributed $1 million to the relief effort, with half allocated to support the field hospital initiative.

  • Official Administrator Appointed for Global Bank of Commerce

    Official Administrator Appointed for Global Bank of Commerce

    In a significant regulatory move, the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) has appointed an Official Administrator to oversee the operations of the Global Bank of Commerce Limited. This action was taken under Section 104 of the International Banking Act, 2016 (No. 6 of 16 as amended), and became effective on November 10, 2025, as confirmed in a notice issued on November 12. The appointed Official Administrator has assumed full control, taking over “all of the duties and powers previously vested and discharged by the directors of the Bank.” The administrator’s role includes exercising, performing, and discharging all statutory powers, duties, and liabilities of the institution in accordance with the law for a limited period. The primary objective of this appointment is to conduct a thorough review of the bank’s financial position and present a detailed report to the FSRC. Despite the intervention, the bank has assured stakeholders that it “will continue to operate as normal.” Customers, creditors, and other stakeholders will be contacted to discuss the status of their obligations and confirm that all existing arrangements remain intact. The official communication was issued under the Global Bank of Commerce letterhead and signed by the Official Administrator, who has been designated “without personal liability.”