A young mother is grappling with emotional and financial distress after her car was broken into early Monday morning outside the Little Canton Supermarket. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 a.m., left her vehicle ransacked and several valuable items stolen. Among the missing belongings were a red purse containing cash, identification cards, a driver’s license, social security and medical cards, and a Jamaican bank card. Additionally, thieves took irreplaceable keepsakes, including IDs belonging to her late grandfather, which she described as ‘deeply sentimental.’ The victim is now faced with the daunting task of replacing her vital documents while coping with the emotional toll of losing cherished mementos. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the theft, but the incident has left the community on edge. The young mother’s ordeal highlights the broader issue of vehicle break-ins and the profound impact such crimes can have on individuals and families.
作者： admin
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CXC® promotes the ethical and responsible application of AI in educational evaluation
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) recently concluded a series of regional engagement sessions in Guyana, focusing on the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational assessments. Held from October 8 to 11, the event attracted over 300 participants, including educators, students, employers, and other key stakeholders. The sessions aimed to introduce CXC®’s standards and guidelines for AI integration, fostering a collaborative approach to modernizing education across the Caribbean. Dr. Wayne Wesley, CXC®’s Registrar and CEO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to aligning its initiatives with the educational goals of member states. During a meeting with Guyana’s newly appointed Minister of Education, Hon. Sonia Parag, Dr. Wesley highlighted ongoing projects such as the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), which targets out-of-school youth and adult learners through modular learning. Minister Parag praised CXC®’s efforts, noting their alignment with the Ministry’s digital school initiative aimed at enhancing student performance. The engagement sessions, which began in Barbados in mid-September and continued across Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the OECS, will culminate in an online webinar on October 17. Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC®’s Director of Operations, expressed satisfaction with the regional response, particularly the consensus reached in Guyana to allow AI tools for idea generation in student assessments, while prohibiting direct AI content in submissions. Looking ahead, CXC® will host a Regional Education Conference in Jamaica from October 28 to 30, themed “Navigating the Digital Age: Rethinking Teaching, Learning, and Assessment,” to further advance the region’s educational transformation.
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Living hostages freed in Gaza conflict, sealing conditions of ceasefire
In a landmark development, Israel and Hamas initiated a tentative ceasefire agreement on Monday by exchanging prisoners and hostages, marking a pivotal moment in the two-year conflict that has ravaged Gaza. The U.S.-mediated deal has ignited cautious optimism for a potential resolution to the protracted crisis, according to an AP News report. However, significant challenges persist, including Hamas’s potential disarmament, the governance of Gaza, and the broader issue of Palestinian statehood, underscoring the fragility of the accord. The release of the remaining 20 living hostages brought a sense of relief and closure to many Israelis, though efforts to recover those who perished in Gaza remain ongoing. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted in Beitunia, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and Khan Younis in Gaza, as 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, alongside 1,700 others detained without charges, were freed. Mahmoud Fayez, a detainee released after being held since last year, expressed gratitude, stating, “Praise be to God, our Lord, who has honored us with this release and this joy.” The release of hostages has alleviated some urgency to end the war, reducing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite subsequent phases of the agreement. As part of the initial ceasefire, four deceased hostages were returned to Israel, with 24 more expected soon. The deal also mandates Israel to facilitate a surge of humanitarian aid—food, medicine, and essentials—into Gaza. Despite the celebrations, Gaza’s residents face a grim reality: the territory remains devastated by Israeli bombardments, with its economy in ruins, essential services disrupted, and countless homes destroyed. Netanyahu, absent from the Egypt meeting due to a Jewish holiday, assured the Israeli parliament of his commitment to the deal, claiming it “ends the war by achieving all our objectives.” U.S. President Donald Trump, visiting the region to celebrate the progress, urged Israeli lawmakers to seize the opportunity for broader Middle East peace. In Egypt, Trump and other global leaders convened to address the agreement’s complexities and lay the groundwork for future negotiations.
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Mecca, Dupes score credits on Mahalia’s new Luvergirl EP
Saint Lucian artists Dupes and Mecca have made their mark as featured writers on Mahalia’s latest EP, ‘Luvergirl.’ Mahalia, a British singer celebrated for her MOBO Award win and Grammy and BRIT nominations, released the seven-track project in August. Dupes is credited as a writer on two tracks, including ‘Pity,’ which was produced by Jamaica’s IzyBeats and features reggae legend Tanya Stephens. The song cleverly samples Stephens’ 2004 classic of the same name. Additionally, Dupes and Mecca contributed to the dancehall-inspired track ‘Instructions,’ which is built around the iconic Jamaican riddim, ‘The Buzz.’
These collaborations emerged from the Trade Partnerships – Masterroom Music Songwriting Camp, held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in February. The initiative aimed to strengthen creative and commercial ties between the Caribbean and the UK music industries. Lorcan O’Brian, Caribbean Regional Trade for Development advisor, emphasized the Caribbean’s immense talent and creativity, stating, ‘We really want to see that grow and ensure those commercial links are made with the UK.’
Arnette Mark, CEO of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, praised the songwriting camp as a platform that not only promotes local talent but also positions the island as a hub for cultural collaboration. ‘Getting that exposure and meeting people from outside of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a great thing for us,’ she said, expressing her anticipation for future collaborations and more writing camps. O’Brian added that the long-term vision is to deepen cross-cultural exchange, highlighting the deep historical ties between the UK and the Caribbean. ‘We want to boost cultural collaboration, keep revenue flowing from the UK, and creativity flowing in both directions,’ he concluded.
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LETTER: When Failure Speaks Loudly: A Response to Anthony Smith Jr.
In a scathing letter to the editor, a concerned resident of All Saints West has called out their parliamentary representative, Anthony Smith Jr., for his perceived failure to address critical issues plaguing the constituency. The letter, written in response to Smith’s recent article criticizing Harold Lovell, accuses the representative of hypocrisy and neglect. The resident highlights several pressing concerns, including the closure of the All Saints Clinic for over 900 days, escalating crime rates, deteriorating infrastructure, and inadequate garbage collection. These issues, they argue, have left the community in a state of despair. The letter also questions Smith’s political integrity, noting his shift from the UPP banner to the government benches without delivering tangible results. The resident concludes by demanding accountability and better leadership, emphasizing that the people of All Saints West deserve a representative who prioritizes their needs over personal ambition.
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Officer, sergeant transferred from Police Academy for “inappropriate conduct”
In a significant development at the Guyana Police Force Academy’s Georgetown campus, an officer and three sergeants have been reassigned following allegations of “inappropriate conduct.” The Guyana Police Force confirmed the transfers, emphasizing that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness. The investigation, led by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), has concluded, with statements collected from several Academy staff members and recruits. The case file is set to be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution on October 13, 2025, for further legal guidance. The OPR, which reports directly to the Police Commissioner, initiated the probe after the incidents were brought to the Commissioner’s attention. This move underscores the Police Force’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within its ranks. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for the institution’s internal governance and public trust.
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Boogschutters richten pijlen op de toekomst
Archery, often considered a niche sport in Suriname, is steadily gaining recognition thanks to a recent open day event organized by TNF Archery, DWL Archery Club Suriname, and KFC Suriname. Held at the Witte Lotus, the event aimed to introduce the public to the basics of archery, including fundamental techniques, different types of bows, and the sheer joy of hitting a target. Participants, ranging from curious beginners to potential enthusiasts, were guided through the process with instructions like “Elbow up for more power. Pull. Aim. Hold. Release!” The targets were set at a modest five meters to ensure accessibility and encourage participation. One young participant, visibly thrilled after hitting the bullseye, celebrated with a spontaneous dance, exclaiming, “Right in the center!” Niradj Hanuman of TNF Archery emphasized the event’s goal: “We want to raise awareness about archery. It’s still a niche sport here, but we hope to change that by showing people how fun and rewarding it can be.” Hanuman also highlighted the sport’s global significance, noting that target archery is an Olympic discipline, while hunting archery remains popular in certain regions. Currently, TNF and DWL are the only archery clubs in Suriname, but efforts are underway to establish a national federation in collaboration with the Surinamese Olympic Committee to further develop the sport.
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Mexico Floods Leave 47 Dead, Dozens Missing
Mexico is grappling with a devastating humanitarian crisis as torrential rains from Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond have caused catastrophic floods and landslides, leaving at least 47 people dead and 38 others missing. The states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, and Puebla have been the hardest hit, with Veracruz reporting 18 fatalities, Hidalgo 16, and Puebla 12. Rescue operations are underway, with the Mexican Army, Air Force, and National Guard mobilizing to deliver essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, to affected areas. In some regions of Veracruz, floodwaters surged to over 12 feet after rivers overflowed, exacerbating the destruction. President Claudia Sheinbaum visited the impacted towns on Sunday to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. The Civil Protection agency has confirmed the ongoing search for missing individuals, while rescue teams work tirelessly to evacuate residents and provide emergency care. The dual tropical systems have now dissipated, but the aftermath continues to pose significant challenges for recovery and rebuilding.
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Message from the Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service
On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025, the Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service (ABMS) emphasized the critical importance of investing in resilience rather than disaster response. This year’s theme, ‘Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,’ highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural hazards. The ABMS has been instrumental in safeguarding lives and property through its multi-hazard early warning system, as demonstrated during Tropical Storm Jerry. However, the flooding of the ABMS office during the storm underscored the urgent necessity for a climate-resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other global institutions, every $1 invested in early warning systems can yield returns of $10 to $15 by reducing losses and enhancing economic stability. The Global Commission on Adaptation estimates a cost-benefit ratio of 1:9, while the WMO suggests that an $800 million investment in developing countries could prevent $3 to $16 billion in annual losses. The ABMS Director called for sustained investment in people, technology, and resilient infrastructure to ensure the continued effectiveness of early warning systems in protecting lives and livelihoods for future generations.
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FAO Launches Digital Agriculture Workshop to Boost Horticultural Crop Management
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, has launched a groundbreaking national workshop focused on digital solutions for horticultural crop management. Held at the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the event brought together extension officers, farmers, backyard gardeners, and technical officers for hands-on training in Digital Agriculture and Soil Scanning. This initiative is part of the FAO FVC Digital Solutions Project, a regional effort designed to enhance farmers’ ability to manage data for better decision-making across the fruit and vegetable value chain (FVC). The project introduces cutting-edge tools and technologies that enable real-time collection, analysis, and sharing of agricultural data, thereby improving the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of small- and medium-scale farming operations. Mr. Ika Fergus, FAO National Correspondent, and Mr. Adrian Bowen, National Focal Point, are leading the local implementation. They highlighted the initiative’s goal to bridge the gap between traditional farming and digital transformation by providing practical knowledge in data management, crop monitoring, and soil information systems. A significant focus of the workshop is soil scanning integration, which combines field data, laboratory analyses, and satellite imagery to create detailed maps of soil types, fertility, and suitability. This approach allows farmers and technicians to make informed decisions on crop selection, fertilizer use, irrigation planning, and land management. Facilitators noted that these digital mapping tools will help the Ministry develop a national soil information system, supporting horticultural development, broader agricultural planning, and climate resilience. Participants will also be trained to upload and interpret data from their districts, ensuring the technology is practical and community-centered. This workshop exemplifies how innovation and information technology are revolutionizing food production, management, and marketing in Antigua and Barbuda.