Dr. Kenneth Darroux, former Health Minister of Dominica, has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dominica Hospital Authority. He succeeds Nancy Francis, a St. Lucian national, who served in the role for two years. Dr. Darroux expressed gratitude for Francis’s foundational work, which set the authority on a path toward prosperity. He acknowledged the challenges of stepping out of semi-retirement to take on this critical role but emphasized his readiness to address the complexities of managing a national hospital. Dr. Darroux, who has served as a patient, medical doctor, intern, Health Minister, and deputy director of the hospital board, brings a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system to his new position. Since assuming the role, he has been actively engaging with staff across all levels to identify issues and gather insights. He plans to present a detailed report to the Minister of Health outlining necessary steps to steer the hospital in the right direction. A key focus for Dr. Darroux is restoring public trust in the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), which has faced criticism despite significant investments in modern facilities and advanced medical equipment. He highlighted the importance of motivated and satisfied staff in delivering quality healthcare and revealed plans to hire a PR consultant to improve the hospital’s public image. Dr. Darroux’s extensive career in healthcare and politics, including his current role as Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscores his commitment to strengthening Dominica’s health systems and disaster resilience.
作者： admin
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LETTER: How Do Men Feel Walking Hand in Hand With Half-Naked Women?
In a thought-provoking letter to the editor, Cheryl Baptiste raises pressing questions about the decline of modesty in contemporary society. She reflects on the increasing trend of women wearing revealing clothing in public spaces, accompanied by men who seem indifferent to the attention it garners. Baptiste contrasts this with the dignified manner in which previous generations carried themselves, emphasizing pride and class in their attire. She challenges both men and women to reconsider their choices: men, to reflect on the kind of attention they desire when their partners are the center of stares, and women, to question whether self-worth truly depends on the amount of skin shown. Baptiste calls for a revival of self-respect and pride in public presentation, arguing that streets, malls, and airports are not runways or beaches. Her message is a plea for a return to modesty and dignity in how we present ourselves in shared spaces.
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Jamaican artiste Skeng to headline Yamaha Sunfest
The stunning Pigeon Point beachfront in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, is set to host the second edition of Yamaha Sunfest, a vibrant celebration blending water sports, music, and cultural exchange. Following the success of its inaugural event last year, which attracted thousands of French visitors and locals, organizers are gearing up for another unforgettable experience. This year’s festival promises to unite the cultures of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Lucia through a diverse mix of musical genres, culinary treats, and beachside entertainment. The festivities kick off on November 7 with a lively street party in Gros Islet, featuring local and French DJs at the ‘On the Rocks’ welcome event. The main event, Yamaha Sunfest, takes place on November 8 at Pigeon Point Beach, running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s celebration pays tribute to Guy Thelamon and boasts an impressive lineup of artists, including Jamaican dancehall sensation Skeng as the headliner. Other performers include Armani, Danthology, N’ken, Cecilene, Subance, Mighty, and DJs Ti Maestro, Mano, and Shakazulu. The festival concludes on November 9 with a chill-out session featuring DJs, a relaxation zone, massages, and body painting, offering a perfect end to this cultural extravaganza.
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Fathers’ absence, custody disputes fuelling youth crime – study
A groundbreaking study has highlighted the alarming connection between the surge in violent behavior among young men and the absence of fathers, coupled with the weaponization of child visitation disputes. The research underscores how fractured family structures and the lack of positive male guidance are leaving boys susceptible to negative street influences. Conducted by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit, the study analyzed the social histories of 47 individuals under 25 who are currently on remand in prison. Senior research analyst Kirt Goodridge revealed that 66% of these young men were raised in female-headed households, with 57% reporting family incarceration, often for serious crimes. The majority of these households were located in St Michael (51%) and Christ Church (26%). While 44% of respondents described their communities as peaceful, a staggering 63% had witnessed violent incidents, including shootings, fights, and murders. Goodridge emphasized the pivotal role of fathers in shaping young men’s development, noting that the absence of male role models often leads boys to seek guidance from peers who glorify violence and machismo. He called for family-strengthening programs, judicial reforms to prevent the weaponization of child visitation, and educational reforms to ensure young men remain in school until the age of 18. Research officer Melanie Banfield echoed the need for family-based interventions, advocating for mentorship programs and sustained engagement to curb youth offending.
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Guyana elected to UNESCO Executive Board for first time in five decades
In a landmark achievement, Guyana has been elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for the first time in five decades. This significant milestone underscores the nation’s growing influence in global education, science, culture, and communication. The election, held on October 31 during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, positions Guyana to play a pivotal role in shaping international standards and fostering collaboration among UNESCO’s 194 member states. On November 7, Guyana’s Ministry of Education hailed the achievement as a proud moment, emphasizing the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace and sustainable development. Education Minister Sonia Parag, addressing the General Conference, reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to educational equality and inclusion, highlighting efforts to preserve cultural heritage and boost cultural industries as drivers of economic growth. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali also reiterated Guyana’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 4, focusing on inclusive, quality education through initiatives like curriculum reform, ICT integration, and expanded access to learning resources. Guyana’s election strengthens its voice in global policy-making, advancing inclusive, knowledge-based societies worldwide.
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Man Ambushed and Shot at in Unitedville
A violent ambush in Unitedville, Cayo, left a 38-year-old construction worker critically injured on Thursday night. Kevin Trapp, the victim, was returning home around 8:40 p.m. when two unidentified assailants approached his vehicle. One of the attackers fired multiple shots, striking Trapp several times. A family member rushed him to San Ignacio Community Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition. Trapp has a history with law enforcement; in 2021, he was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply after police discovered 70 packets of cannabis, a digital scale, and $288.50 BZD during a home search. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, which has raised concerns about safety in the area.
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Call for facilitators: HOPE Substance Use Disorder group treatment programme
The Legal Aid and Counselling Clinic (LACC) has announced an open call for professionals to join a transformative initiative aimed at combating substance use disorder (SUD). The organisation is seeking qualified individuals to undergo training as facilitators for the HOPE Programme, a pioneering psycho-educational intervention designed to support recovery and behavioural change. The three-day training session, set to take place from 19 to 21 November 2025, marks the first phase in building a national network of certified facilitators who will spearhead the programme’s implementation. The HOPE Programme integrates evidence-based methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed practices. These approaches collectively emphasise healing, personal accountability, and values-driven transformation. Ideal candidates include counsellors, social workers, psychologists, and other allied professionals with experience in mental health, group facilitation, or substance use recovery. Applicants should demonstrate empathy, structured thinking, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. By becoming a HOPE facilitator, professionals will play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. Interested candidates are invited to submit their résumés to [email protected], addressed to Tyrone Buckmire, Director of LACC, by the close of business on 14 November 2025. This initiative underscores LACC’s dedication to fostering hope and resilience in communities affected by substance use disorders.
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2025 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers organisers present valued sponsors
The IGY Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia is gearing up to welcome participants of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) as they cross the finish line. This year marks a significant milestone for the ARC, celebrating its 40th anniversary, with Saint Lucia proudly serving as the event’s finish line for the 37th consecutive year. The rally, which features over 100 cruising yachts, begins in Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria and concludes in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia.
On November 6, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) hosted a sponsors’ presentation for the 2024 event, which is set to commence on November 23. Christopher Gustave, SLTA’s marketing manager for Caribbean, events, and sports, emphasized the rally’s significance during the ceremony. He highlighted Saint Lucia’s unique appeal, stating, ‘Every year as the ARC makes its journey across the Atlantic and sets its sights on Rodney Bay, the world is reminded of what makes Saint Lucia truly special: our beauty, our people, our hospitality, and our ability to host world-class events.’
Gustave also underscored the ARC’s broader impact, describing it as more than a yacht race. ‘It is a global story about courage, adventure, and connection,’ he remarked. He praised the strong partnerships with sponsors, which play a crucial role in enhancing Saint Lucia’s tourism offerings and ensuring the event delivers value, visibility, and unforgettable experiences.
The 2024 ARC is supported by a range of sponsors, including platinum sponsors Sixt Rent a Car and SOL Saint Lucia, gold sponsors The Wave Saint Lucia, and silver sponsors Angostura and Bank of Saint Lucia. Bronze sponsors Massy Stores Saint Lucia, Piton Beer, and telecommunications partner Digicel are also contributing to the event. The rally is organized under the auspices of the World Cruising Club, with additional support from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Events Saint Lucia, and IGY Rodney Bay Marina.
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World Bank Confirms $150 Million Disaster Payout to Jamaica After Melissa
In a significant move to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the World Bank has confirmed a $150 million payout under its catastrophe bond. This financial injection, the first full payout triggered by Jamaica’s 2024 bond, is a critical step toward rebuilding the nation’s shattered infrastructure and economy. However, the funds represent only a fraction of the estimated $6 to $7 billion in damages—nearly one-third of Jamaica’s annual GDP—caused by the Category 5 storm. The hurricane’s ferocity claimed 32 lives, left thousands homeless, and severed access to essential services in rural areas, with 36,000 people urgently requiring food aid. The payout, activated by pre-agreed parametric triggers linked to the storm’s central pressure and path, highlights the role of innovative financial tools in disaster risk management. World Bank Vice President Jorge Familiar praised Jamaica’s proactive approach as a model for enhancing financial resilience in climate-vulnerable nations. Despite the payout, the disaster underscores the growing disparity between financial preparedness and the escalating scale of climate-induced destruction. As Jamaica transitions from recovery to reconstruction, World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerra emphasized the opportunity to build more resilient infrastructure and leapfrog toward sustainable development.
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Gunmen Tie Up Bullet Tree Man, Steal His Truck
A harrowing home invasion unfolded in Bullet Tree Village early Friday morning, leaving a local welder bound and robbed of his possessions. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on November 7, 2025, when 38-year-old Roger Reimer, a Belizean welder, was ambushed by two armed men upon entering his residence on Guana Belly Road. According to police reports, one of the assailants brandished a pistol, forcing Reimer inside. The attackers proceeded to bind his hands and feet with tape before demanding money. They reportedly made off with $300 in cash, several personal belongings, and Reimer’s 2013 dark grey Dodge Ram 1500, valued at $45,000. The stolen vehicle, bearing license plate C-15217, remains at large as authorities intensify their search. The incident has left the small community on edge, with residents calling for increased security measures. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.