John Moore Bar, a cherished institution in Weston, St. James, Barbados, has long been more than just a rum shop—it’s a cultural landmark where community, tradition, and connection thrive. On Saturday, the bar celebrated its grand reopening, marking not just a return to business but the dawn of a new era. Proprietor Cherie Rochester, who took over from her uncle Lamonte ‘Greedy’ Addison, welcomed the crowd with a heartfelt, “Welcome home everyone!” Her words resonated deeply, as the bar holds a special place in her heart and in the lives of many Barbadians.
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Patricia D James Secondary wraps Jounen Kwéyòl with cultural celebration
From October 20 to 24, Patricia D James Secondary School (PDJSS) became a vibrant center of cultural celebration as it hosted Jounen Kwéyòl 2025. The week-long event culminated in a spectacular Friday finale that highlighted Saint Lucia’s rich heritage and the extraordinary talents of its students. The festivities featured a diverse array of activities, including traditional games, a Creole showcase, a door decoration contest, a treasure hunt, and an exhilarating woulélaba match. Students also engaged in a traditional hairstyle competition, savored a classroom brunch of local delicacies, and watched a locally produced film. The grand finale on Friday transformed the school grounds into a lively cultural fair, complete with horse riding, a competitive Creole Iron Chef challenge, bamboo bursting, fire dancing, and dynamic musical performances. Beyond celebrating cultural heritage, the event also showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of PDJSS students. From aspiring chefs and hairstylists to musicians and content creators, the students demonstrated their potential as the next generation of innovators. A standout moment was the participation of student Ethane Neptune, who professionally represented his business, Sunrise Stables, in collaboration with the school. Ms. Abraham, a teacher and event coordinator, emphasized the broader significance of the event, stating, ‘As educators, we don’t just teach, we help shape pathways for our students to express themselves, lead, and succeed. This year’s Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations were not just about culture, but also about empowerment, entrepreneurship, and pride in identity.’
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IOM Mobilizes Emergency Relief as Hurricane Melissa Closes in on Jamaica
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has initiated emergency relief efforts as Jamaica braces for the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm. Natasha Greaves, IOM’s Head of Office in Jamaica, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘We expect significant displacement, with many requiring immediate shelter and essential supplies.’ The IOM’s emergency response team is collaborating with Jamaica’s national system, prioritizing shelter, critical provisions, and data collection. Greaves highlighted the importance of established partnerships in ensuring swift and effective aid delivery. Hurricane Melissa’s outer bands have already unleashed torrential rains and powerful winds across the island, prompting the Meteorological Service of Jamaica to issue warnings of ‘catastrophic flash floods and landslides.’ Authorities have enforced mandatory evacuations in high-risk zones. The storm has already claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, underscoring its deadly potential.
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Calypso 2026 season events now open to artists for registration
As the 2026 carnival season draws near, the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) has officially launched registration for the highly anticipated National Calypso Competition. Aspiring calypsonians are invited to sign up at Aturo Sports, located within the Prevost Cinemall in Roseau, Dominica, with a participation fee of $50. The competition promises to be a vibrant showcase of talent, with a series of events scheduled to unfold over the coming months. The eliminations are set for December 13, 2025, followed by the Quarter Finals on January 17, 2026, the Semi-Finals on January 31, 2026, and culminating in the Grand Finals on February 14, 2026. The DCA has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering the evolution and popularity of Calypso music through this prestigious event. For additional details, interested parties can reach out via the contact numbers provided: 1-767-235-0573 or 1-767-618-3794.
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St. Kitts and Nevis Evacuates Students from Jamaica Ahead of Hurricane Melissa
In a swift and decisive move, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has successfully evacuated 27 of its nationals studying in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa intensifies. A chartered flight departed Kingston on Saturday evening, October 25, 2025, transporting the students to Turks and Caicos, with a subsequent journey to St. Kitts scheduled for Sunday, October 26. This evacuation underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. For students who chose to remain in Jamaica, the government has collaborated with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Student Association (SKNSA) to ensure their safety. These students are being housed in a secure hotel that meets stringent safety and emergency standards, with university shelters on standby if further precautions are required. The government is also closely monitoring the hurricane’s trajectory across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, maintaining active communication with regional partners and CARICOM institutions. Nationals in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant, adhere to local authorities’ guidance, and maintain contact with their respective embassies. For additional support, individuals can reach out to Ms. Karyl Woods, President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Student Association, or the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Cuba, led by Ambassador H.E. Verna Mills.
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Skerrit hails freedom of movement as a dream come true.
In a landmark decision, the Caribbean nations of Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica have collectively embraced full freedom of movement for their citizens, a move hailed by Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit as a ‘dream come true.’ Speaking at the Barbados Labour Party’s 86th Annual Conference in Queen’s Park, Skerrit emphasized the historic significance of this initiative, describing it as a pivotal step toward regional unity and opportunity. ‘History has turned the page,’ Skerrit declared, highlighting that this decision fulfills long-held aspirations of Caribbean leaders and citizens alike. He underscored the profound impact of the policy, framing it not merely as a legislative change but as a testament to the region’s shared vision of connection, progress, and dignity. ‘It means a Barbadian and a Dominican can live and work across each other’s shores with dignity, rights, and a sense of belonging,’ Skerrit explained. He further illustrated the practical benefits, noting that professionals like nurses and masons can now pursue opportunities across borders without bureaucratic hurdles. This development, Skerrit asserted, represents the culmination of decades of promises under CARICOM and the Treaty of Chaguaramas, embodying the vision of ‘one region, one people, one destiny.’ He praised Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for her leadership in advancing the initiative and extended an open invitation to Barbadians to contribute to Dominica’s growth. Skerrit concluded by emphasizing the transformative potential of unity, stating, ‘Free movement, education, and resilience are not just policies—they are engines of opportunity that empower families, businesses, and the entire region.’
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BVA Slams Refereeing in Bronze Medal Loss to Panama
The Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) has expressed profound dissatisfaction with the officiating during the bronze medal match between Belize and Panama at the 2025 Central American Games in Guatemala. In a statement released on October 23, the BVA criticized head referee Tatiana Villalobos of Costa Rica for a contentious decision in the fifth set. With Panama leading 13–12, a ‘ball out’ call was made against Belize, despite what the BVA claims was clear evidence that the ball had touched a Panamanian player. The point was awarded to Panama, giving them match point. Belize’s team captain sought clarification, but the referee refused to consult with other officials. Shortly after, a red card was issued to a Belizean player for an emotional reaction, granting Panama the final point and the bronze medal. Upon returning home, the team remained silent, visibly disheartened. However, members of the women’s team voiced their solidarity and frustration over the outcome. The BVA described the incident as a ‘grave injustice’ that not only impacted the match’s result but also violated the principles of fair play. The association has lodged formal complaints with AFECAVOL, NORCECA, and FIVB, demanding a thorough investigation and measures to prevent future occurrences. While acknowledging the unchangeable result, the BVA reaffirmed its unwavering support for the national team, praising their integrity, passion, and professionalism throughout the tournament.
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Belizean Students in Jamaica Brace for Hurricane Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 165 mph, approaches Jamaica, Belizean students on the island are making urgent preparations. The hurricane, one of the most powerful in Jamaica’s history, is expected to make landfall tonight, bringing catastrophic rainfall of 15 to 30 inches and triggering flash floods and landslides. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica reported that the storm’s center is currently 230 kilometers southwest of Kingston, moving slowly at 6 km/h before turning northward. Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that the time for preparation is over, urging residents and international students to follow safety instructions and conserve water. Belizean law student Isareli Cal shared her struggles in securing supplies, noting that stores were running out of essentials. While the Belizean consulate has offered shelter to off-campus students, many, like Cal, are relying on personal resources and family support. The Belizean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has pledged post-storm assistance to students. As the island braces for impact, the international community watches with concern.
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OP-ED: The Caribbean united in promoting agricultural development and prosperity in the Americas
On November 4, Brasilia will host a pivotal meeting of the Americas’ agriculture ministers, including representatives from the 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations, to elect a new Director General for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). This election is critical for shaping the future of agricultural policies, particularly in areas like biotechnology, life sciences, information technology, data science, robotics, engineering, and artificial intelligence. These advancements aim to reconcile the dual objectives of boosting productivity and ensuring sustainability. Agriculture must increasingly secure food, energy, and fiber supplies, generate employment, and foster rural development, thereby contributing to social stability and governance. The IICA has undergone significant repositioning over the past eight years, gaining widespread recognition across the Americas and beyond. The new Director General will need to spearhead efforts to develop and implement technological, policy, and institutional solutions to address the challenges of feeding a growing population with healthy and sustainable diets, while also generating income and employment, especially for vulnerable populations. Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, an agricultural scientist and candidate from Guyana and CARICOM, emphasizes the need for humility, transparency, and technical expertise in leading IICA. The 2025 Conference of Ministers of Agriculture is expected to be a milestone in consolidating the Americas’ role in global food security. The projected increase in the global population to 10 billion by 2050 necessitates a significant boost in food production, highlighting the responsibility of the Americas, a continent with a diverse agricultural landscape. IICA’s mission is to transform this diversity into complementarity, fostering development and prosperity through soil recovery, smart intensification, strong family farming, loss reduction, and innovation.
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Governor General Calls for Renewal of National Values at Wreath-Laying Ceremony
During the Independence Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Heroes Park in Tomlinson’s, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams called upon the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda to recommit to the principles and values upheld by the nation’s heroes. The event, held on Monday, brought together government officials, diplomats, students, and service members in a moment of collective reflection and tribute. Sir Rodney emphasized that the ceremony was not merely a commemorative act but a profound opportunity to evaluate the nation’s journey and aspirations. He described it as “a mirror through which we might ask ourselves what the journey of our lives and our national life has been so far.”
Invoking the 2025 Independence theme, *Solid, Stable, Soaring*, the Governor General outlined a vision for national growth. He explained that being “solid” signifies integrity and unity, “stable” reflects strong institutions and shared values, and “soaring” represents collective progress over personal gain. Sir Rodney also paid homage to the nation’s six national heroes—Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., Dame Georgiana Nellie Robinson, Sir George Walter, King Court, Sir Lester Bird, and Sir Isaac Vivian Richards—noting that while their paths varied, their ultimate goal was the advancement and upliftment of the people.
“As we lay our wreaths this morning, let them not only symbolize remembrance, but also rededication,” he stated, expressing optimism that the best days for Antigua and Barbuda lie ahead. The ceremony, part of the lead-up to the nation’s 44th Independence anniversary, featured an invocation and blessing by the Very Reverend Dean Dwayne Cassius. Education Minister Daryl Matthew also spoke, highlighting plans to involve more students in future observances to foster a deeper appreciation of national history and identity.
Wreaths were laid by Sir Rodney, Acting Prime Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Minister Matthew, relatives of national heroes, and foreign dignitaries, including ambassadors from Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the United Kingdom. The event is part of a series of Independence celebrations, culminating in next week’s ceremonial parade and national food fair.