The Grenadian government has initiated a significant transformation in its agricultural sector by replacing the long-standing Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) with a new entity, Import-Export Agromart (IMEXA) Ltd. This move comes after years of financial mismanagement and inefficiencies within the MNIB, which had necessitated repeated government bailouts. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell highlighted the absence of financial statements as a major obstacle in securing a private partner for the MNIB. ‘The MNIB was so poorly run that there were no financial statements for many years,’ Mitchell stated during an interactive talk show, ‘DMs with the PM.’ The government has since taken decisive steps to address these issues, including the payment of severance and termination benefits totaling $2,667,892.73 to all 87 MNIB staff members recorded as of 28 February 2023. In August 2023, the government successfully refinanced approximately EC$5 million of debt owed by the MNIB to a local commercial bank, consolidating all outstanding principal balances at an interest rate of 4.0% to be repaid over 10 years. Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall announced in March 2025 that the MNIB would cease operations before the third quarter of 2025, with IMEXA Ltd. established as its successor. Legal and financial experts are currently developing a prospectus and legal agreements to engage a suitable strategic partner for the new entity, aiming to have it operational by the end of the third quarter of 2025.
作者： admin
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School sports are underway, but plenty of room for improvement
The 2025-2026 school sports season officially began on September 30 with the launch of the Under-19 basketball tournament at the Beausejour Gymnasium, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports. The opening matches saw impressive performances from defending champions Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and Soufrière Comprehensive in Group A, while St Mary’s College (SMC) and Leon Hess Comprehensive secured victories in Group B.
SALCC dominated their match against Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) with a commanding 78-39 win. Joel Desrivieres led the charge with 24 points, six rebounds, and four steals, supported by Malik Dennis, who contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and seven steals. Despite the loss, CCSS’s Meshach Duboulary shone with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals, while David Chandler added nine points and an impressive 16 rebounds.
In another Group A clash, Soufrière Comprehensive triumphed over Entrepot Secondary with a 55-30 victory. Cordin Jones was the standout player with 23 points, while Alex Longville and Chaz Alexander provided solid support. Entrepot Secondary’s Imani Gonzague managed 12 points and five steals, but the team was outrebounded 22-15.
Group B saw St Mary’s College deliver a crushing 67-15 win against Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School. Jabarie Archibald led the charge with 21 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, supported by Nezan Lewis and Requeimi Pierre. Cyrilon Cyris was the top performer for Vieux Fort, contributing eight points, eight rebounds, and six steals.
Leon Hess Comprehensive also secured a decisive 61-16 victory over Patricia D James Secondary, last year’s third-place finishers. Sage Lewis led the team with 21 points and seven rebounds, supported by Christopher Thakur and Ahlil Cyril. Rushawn Williams was the standout for Patricia D James, scoring nine points and adding four rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.
The tournament, which includes Corinth Secondary, Choiseul Secondary, Micoud Secondary, and Beanefield Comprehensive, will feature a total of 38 matches and conclude on November 4.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The high cost of broadband
In a groundbreaking development, a new artificial intelligence (AI) system has been unveiled, promising to revolutionize the way we interact digitally. The advanced AI, developed by a team of leading researchers, integrates cutting-edge machine learning algorithms with natural language processing capabilities, enabling seamless and intuitive communication across various platforms. This innovation is set to enhance user experiences by providing more personalized and context-aware interactions, significantly reducing the gap between human and machine communication. The technology is expected to have far-reaching implications, from improving customer service automation to facilitating more effective remote collaboration in the workplace. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this AI breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest to make technology more accessible and user-friendly.
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Caribbean Airlines CEO quits
In a significant development for Caribbean Airlines, CEO Garvin Medera has stepped down from his role after eight years at the helm. His resignation, reported by the Trinidad Express, follows mounting pressure from Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who issued a stern ultimatum to the airline’s management earlier this year. In August, Persad-Bissessar warned that leadership changes would be imminent if the company failed to address its operational challenges within two years. Medera’s departure also coincides with the resignation of the airline’s board following the country’s general elections in April. Recent months have seen heightened scrutiny of the airline’s financial operations, leading to the dismissal or suspension of several senior finance team members. In a strategic move, Caribbean Airlines announced the discontinuation of its services between Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, effective November 2, 2025, as part of efforts to streamline its network and improve efficiency.
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Windies vice skipper wants batting improvement as India dominate first day
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India seized control on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Mohammed Siraj spearheaded India’s bowling attack with an impressive haul of 4-40, dismantling the West Indies for a modest total of 162. The visitors, plagued by injuries and a lack of experience, struggled to build momentum, with Justin Greaves top-scoring at 32. Jasprit Bumrah complemented Siraj’s efforts with three crucial wickets. India’s response was steady, reaching 121-2 by stumps, with KL Rahul anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 53. Shubman Gill remained firm on 18, setting a solid foundation for the hosts. The West Indies, once a cricketing powerhouse, now face an uphill battle, having suffered a 0-3 whitewash against Australia earlier this year. With India heavily favored to dominate the two-match series, the visitors must regroup quickly to avoid another disappointing outcome.
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National domino boss uplifts Jamaica’s seniors through timeless tiles
Humbert Davis, President of the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB), is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of Jamaica’s senior citizens through the strategic and engaging game of dominoes. The NADB, in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), recently hosted a domino tournament that transcended mere competition, fostering mental agility, social interaction, and joy among participants. The event, held in Morant Bay as part of the St Thomas leg of the competition, brought together seniors who engaged in spirited matches, showcasing both skill and camaraderie. Davis emphasized that dominoes is more than a pastime—it’s a vital tool for cognitive health and social connection, essential for healthy aging. The tournament was marked by a warm yet competitive atmosphere, with Gilbert Whittle and Healey Johnson emerging as champions. Whittle expressed his gratitude, praising the organizers for creating a meaningful and enduring experience for seniors. Davis lauded the participants’ enthusiasm, highlighting the event’s success in promoting mental resilience and community engagement.
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CWI director of cricket finds positives in T20 series loss to Nepal
In a surprising turn of events, the West Indies cricket team, ranked sixth globally, suffered a 1-2 defeat against 18th-ranked Nepal in their recent T20 International (T20I) Unity Cup series held in the United Arab Emirates. Despite fielding a young squad with six potential debutants and missing several senior players, the Caribbean side was expected to dominate the series. However, Nepal’s historic victory, their first-ever win against a full-member team in any format, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.
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Garvey Maceo, Glenmuir advance after contrasting results
In a dramatic turn of events during the ISSA daCosta Cup Zone I play-offs on Thursday, defending champions Garvey Maceo High and former champions Glenmuir High secured their places in the Round of 32, albeit with contrasting outcomes. Glenmuir High, despite their strong form, suffered a surprising 0-1 defeat to Kemps Hill High, with Dalton Francis scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute. Meanwhile, Garvey Maceo High triumphed over Denbigh High with a 2-1 victory, marking their second win against Denbigh this season. Both Glenmuir and Garvey Maceo are now tied at 21 points each, ensuring they finish no lower than third in the group. Their qualification brings the total number of schools advancing to the second round to 12, joining Cornwall College, Mannings School, Cedric Titus High, William Knibb Memorial High, Christiana High, Alphansus Davis High, Manchester High, Central High, Clarendon College, and Ocho Rios High. In other matches, Ferncourt High avenged their earlier loss to York Castle High with a 2-0 win in Zone K, while Morant Bay High climbed to the top of Zone L after a 4-1 victory over Yallahs High. Former champions Rusea’s High, currently on 18 points, aim to secure their spot in the next round with a win over Green Island High, who remain unbeaten in their last four games. Titchfield High and St Mary High also look to strengthen their positions in Zone M with crucial upcoming matches.
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Cops target female gang boss
In a significant move to combat organized crime, the St James Police Division has unveiled Operation Endgame, a targeted initiative aimed at dismantling a female-led robbery syndicate plaguing the region. The syndicate, reportedly headed by a woman known as ‘Toots,’ has been operating across multiple parishes, causing widespread disruption and fear, particularly among the Chinese business community. Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, head of the division, emphasized the urgency of the operation, especially as the Yuletide season approaches, to ensure public safety and peace. ‘Our efforts will be relentless in ensuring that this robbery syndicate is fully demolished,’ Samuels declared during a press conference in Montego Bay. Deputy Superintendent Michael Moore, the St James crime chief, revealed that over a dozen suspects linked to the syndicate have already been arrested, with firearms seized during recent operations. Moore noted that these arrests have brought significant relief to the Chinese business community, which has been a primary target of the syndicate. Superintendent Lynroy Edwards, operations officer for St James, outlined the broader objectives of Operation Endgame, which will extend into the new year. The initiative builds on the successes of previous operations, Storm One and Storm Two, launched last year. Edwards highlighted the inclusion of praedial larceny—the theft of animals and agricultural produce—as a key focus area, with partnerships established with the Agricultural Protection Branch to address food security concerns. Police statistics indicate a notable decline in violent crimes in St James, with murders dropping by 57.8% and shootings by 52.8% compared to the same period last year. Samuels reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining this downward trend, aiming to keep murders below 100 for the year. The St James Police have urged continued cooperation from the public to ensure the success of Operation Endgame and to foster a safer, more secure community.
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BRINGING THE HEAT!
Norman Powell, the 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, is gearing up for his 11th season in the league, now as a key player for the Miami Heat. After being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers in July, Powell is determined to carry forward the momentum he gained while representing Jamaica’s national basketball team this summer. The NBA season is scheduled to commence on October 21, marking Powell’s second debut in months following his pivotal role in helping Jamaica qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers in August. Born in the U.S. to a Jamaican father, Powell has become one of the most prominent figures in Jamaican basketball. His standout performance in the 80-76 overtime victory against Costa Rica, where he scored a game-high 34 points, was instrumental in securing Jamaica’s historic qualification. Powell described his experience with the national team as transformative, deepening his connection to his Jamaican heritage. He expressed his excitement about the overwhelming support from the Jamaican and Caribbean communities, which he hadn’t anticipated. Powell also highlighted the benefits of the FIBA-style play, which he believes will enhance his performance with the Heat. The physicality and intensity of international basketball have prepared him well for the upcoming NBA season. Powell is also looking forward to engaging more with the Jamaican community in Miami, home to the second-largest Jamaican population in the U.S. He plans to visit Jamaica more frequently to contribute to the development of basketball on the island. Last season, Powell averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game with the Clippers but missed out on an All-Star selection. This season, he aims to not only earn that recognition but also help the Heat become a more competitive team. The Heat, who finished the 2024/25 regular season with a 37-45 record and were swept in the first round of the playoffs, are looking to Powell to be a driving force in their quest for championship contention.