Carib Scope

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  • Moves to make circle hooks mandatory for longline fishing fleet

    Moves to make circle hooks mandatory for longline fishing fleet

    Barbados is set to become a regional leader in sustainable fisheries management with a groundbreaking new regulation that will require all horizontal longline vessels operating in its territorial waters to swap traditional J-hooks for specially designed circle hooks. The policy, rooted in years of locally conducted scientific trials, marks a step beyond basic international compliance, aiming to both boost target fish catches and drastically improve survival rates for vulnerable non-target species released back into the ocean. The regulation was formally announced alongside the launch of a national public outreach campaign, “Transformative Change: Fish Smart, Hook Right”, hosted by the Barbados Fisheries Division on Friday, which seeks to prepare local fisherfolk, seafood vendors, and the general public for the industry-wide transition.

    Unlike J-hooks, circle hooks feature a distinct circular shape, with their point bent perpendicularly back toward the shank. This simple design alteration drives a major improvement in conservation outcomes: multiple studies, including the local trials completed by Barbados’ fisheries team, confirm that circle hooks are far more likely to hook fish in the mouth rather than the gut or internal organs. This difference dramatically cuts down on injury and mortality for non-target species, including endangered sea turtles, sharks, and other protected marine life that are commonly caught accidentally as bycatch and released by longline vessels.

    The transition to circle hooks is not a new global requirement: as a contracting party to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), Barbados has been obligated since 2022 to adopt measures such as circle hook or finfish bait use to reduce sea turtle bycatch. But acting Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Christopher Parker emphasized that the country’s approach sets a new precedent for the Caribbean region, going far beyond the basic commitments required by ICCAT. No other member state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) or the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism has combined locally generated, evidence-based trial data, a structured financial support scheme for fisherfolk, and formal binding domestic legislation to implement the change all at once. If successful, Dr. Parker noted, Barbados will establish a replicable model for other small island developing states across the region to follow, outpacing even the relatively basic requirements already implemented in the United States.

    The policy itself defies the common framing of conservation as a trade-off with fishing productivity, Dr. Parker explained. Instead, it delivers on three core goals: better catch rates for target species, higher survival for released non-target species, and a more sustainable future for Barbados’ fishing industry as a whole. The regulatory change followed years of collaborative research between the Fisheries Division and the REBYC-III CLME+ project, a regional initiative focused on reducing bycatch in Caribbean fisheries. Nia Browne, project coordinator for the REBYC-III CLME+ team in Barbados, shared that the team ran two separate field trials on local longline vessels to test two common circle hook models: C16 and C18.

    Both circle hook variants outperformed traditional J-hooks on key metrics, but the C16 configuration stood out for its impact on target species catches. When controlling for fishing time and location, trials found that C16 circle hooks delivered a statistically significant increase in catches of yellowfin tuna, Barbados’ primary target tuna species for longline fishing. Beyond higher yields, the trials confirmed the conservation benefits of the design: 90% of hooked ETP (endangered, threatened, and protected) species were hooked in the corner of the mouth, compared to just 30% for J-hooks, making safe release far more likely and drastically boosting post-release survival rates.

    To address widespread concerns among local fisherfolk about the higher upfront cost of circle hooks, the Fisheries Division has rolled out a targeted support scheme. A box of circle hooks currently retails for roughly US$200, compared to US$120 for an equivalent box of J-hooks, a price difference that creates a barrier for many small-scale fishing operations. To offset this, the division has partnered with REBYC-III CLME+ to launch a gear-exchange program that allows fisherfolk to trade in their old J-hooks for discounted circle hooks. The team has also negotiated discounted bulk rates with local fishing gear suppliers to bring down costs further for participants.

    “I am asking you to be part of this change not because the government demands it, but because the evidence of the gear trials shows it is good for your catch, good for the ocean, and good for the next generation of Barbadians,” Dr. Parker told attendees at the campaign launch.

    The launch event also included contributions from legal and conservation stakeholders: Makayla Williams, legal consultant for the Fisheries Division, walked attendees through the binding legislative framework under the Sustainable Fisheries Development and Management Act that formalizes the mandate, while Nikola Simpson of regional conservation group Sustainable Caribbean outlined the broader implications of the policy for regional ocean health. The event closed with cultural tributes and campaign materials: a custom campaign jingle performed by singer Reniece Bonnett, an educational skit outlining the hook transition, and a saxophone tribute by Darren Watson to the late former Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, who championed sustainable fisheries reform in Barbados before her passing.

  • Falcons soar to 2026 DABA Premier Division Championship

    Falcons soar to 2026 DABA Premier Division Championship

    After five hard-fought games in the 2026 Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) Premier Division National Championship series, the Falcons Basketball team has emerged as the undisputed top team, clinching the coveted national title with a hard-earned 77-68 victory over the 767 SC Dominators in the decisive Game 5. This final win brings a dramatic, tightly contested series to a thrilling close, capping off a standout full-season campaign for the rising squad. When the pressure peaked in the do-or-die championship match, the Falcons demonstrated unshakable poise and competitive grit. As the game tightened, the squad delivered key scoring runs to pull away from their determined opponents, locking in the victory and securing their place as this year’s champions. This championship marks a major milestone for the Falcons franchise, carving out a new memorable entry in the team’s ongoing basketball history. Officials from the DABA have formally extended their congratulations to every person behind the Falcons’ successful run, from the on-court players and coaching staff to team management and the loyal fanbase that supported the squad through every match of the 2026 season. The association also publicly commended the Falcons for their steady consistency and unwavering determination throughout the entire tournament, qualities that paved their path to lifting the national crown. As the team celebrates their victory, the 2026 championship solidifies their status as the top amateur side in Dominica for this year.

  • Carriers cautious over CAL route gap

    Carriers cautious over CAL route gap

    State-owned Trinidadian carrier Caribbean Airlines is set to terminate its direct passenger and cargo service between Tobago and Barbados this Wednesday, a network adjustment that has left a critical gap in regional air connectivity. But in exclusive comments to Barbados TODAY, the two major regional airlines best positioned to absorb the abandoned route have confirmed they have no immediate plans to step in.

    The route cancellation forms part of Caribbean Airlines’ broader strategy to optimize its regional network and align flight schedules with shifting customer demand. The carrier emphasized that travelers will still retain access to connections across Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados via its existing operating structure. Its long-running direct Piarco (Trinidad) to Barbados service, which traces its origins back to the launch of regular commercial passenger flights in Barbados in 1938, will remain unchanged, with two daily flights (BW216 and BW448) continuing to operate. Only the Trinidad-Tobago-Barbados triangular route, operated under flight numbers BW212 and BW213, will be scrapped.

    Caribbean Airlines has noted that “multiple travel options” will remain available for passengers transiting between the three destinations. Travelers holding pre-booked tickets on the canceled services will be re-accommodated on same-day alternative Caribbean Airlines flights, and the carrier says it will reach out directly to all affected customers to share details of revised itineraries. It has urged passengers to verify that contact information linked to their bookings is up to date to ensure they receive timely notifications of any changes to their travel plans. The airline stressed that the schedule adjustment is designed to preserve reliable, convenient regional connectivity while matching capacity to current passenger demand, and has advised passengers traveling after Wednesday to confirm their booking status ahead of departure. It added that customers with affected reservations do not need to make alternate arrangements independently at this stage, as the airline will coordinate rebooking directly.

    While the carrier has left an opening for other regional airlines to capture the new demand gap, industry players have signaled that any move to add the route will be slow and contingent on rigorous market assessment. Lyndon Gardiner, chairman and founder of interCaribbean Airways, told Barbados TODAY in an interview from his base in the Turks and Caicos Islands that his company is constantly evaluating opportunities to expand regional connectivity, but has no immediate plans to launch a Tobago-Barbados service.

    “It is fair to say we look around and see if we can provide better connectivity for our passengers. So, I wouldn’t say that we are looking at this specifically or we are not looking at it specifically. I would be more general to say we always have our scope up to see what else we can do to add value to the network we have already built,” Gardiner explained. He added that launching any new route requires extensive planning, and the announcement of Caribbean Airlines’ exit came too recently for a rapid response: “No, there are no immediate plans. That news was only recently shared. So, for us, it takes time to obviously plan and then launch it. So, it’s not something we can do on the fly.”

    For LIAT (2020) Airline Limited, the restructured successor to the former regional carrier once co-owned by the Barbados government, the decision to avoid immediate entry stems from a desire to avoid cutthroat overcapacity on already crowded routes. LIAT currently is assessing its existing Antigua-Barbados service, and has ruled out rushing to fill the Tobago-Barbados gap to avoid going head-to-head with interCaribbean, which already operates a major hub in Barbados.

    “It [plans to fill the gap] is not a consideration that we are actively thinking of; surely because we know that interCaribbean obviously has a hub in Barbados and is poised to fill the gap,” LIAT Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Abdulsalam told Barbados TODAY from the airline’s Antigua headquarters. “We will be operating from Antigua into Barbados. So, what we are looking to do, is to assess and determine if indeed we are able to fill that gap; because there is no point being a head-to-head on a route that is already covered in terms of capacity, because it would just be who is leading on either side, and it’s a race to the bottom.”

    Abdulsalam noted that interCaribbean already operates 10 to 11 weekly flights between Antigua and Barbados, and LIAT, which is still in the process of re-establishing its route network after restructuring, has no interest in adding oversupply to an already saturated route. “You could appreciate, interCaribbean would execute…a carrier that is based in that home hub, where its aircraft are over-nighting; it is easier to dispatch a flight out of your hub to all of your destinations, as opposed to another carrier coming in, and there have to be enough traffic coming into that destination,” she said. Abdulsalam added that LIAT does not expect to make a decision on adding the Tobago-Barbados route for at least two more months: “For the month of September, it is not in our plans. That I can say. But what will come up in the next month or two, based on how we assess the market and the capacity requirements of the route, then we can make a determination if we will deploy additional capacity to provide coverage that may be suitable or enough for the demand.”

    Smaller regional carrier SVG Air, which operates daily 19-seater Twin Otter services connecting its St Vincent base to destinations including the Grenadines, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat and Carriacou, says it currently lacks the aircraft capacity to take on the additional demand, though founder Paul Gravel says the airline is open to assisting if approached. “We don’t have the equipment; we don’t have the spare equipment at the moment. Nobody has reached out to us, but we are willing to help; but we don’t want to step on anybody’s toes,” Gravel told Barbados TODAY.

    Reaction from Barbados’ business community has so far been muted, with importers reporting no immediate major concerns over the lost cargo capacity. The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has been surveying its membership to gather feedback on the service cut, and so far has received no reports of material negative impacts. “No, [no adverse impact]. I met with council last week, and there were no reports in the negative regarding the impacts, given that change in the schedule,” BCCI President Paul Inniss told Barbados TODAY. “To date, we don’t have any information to suggest that it would materially impact chamber members.”

  • Dominica successfully hosts six-week CXC examination programme

    Dominica successfully hosts six-week CXC examination programme

    Over a six-week testing window concluding earlier this year, Dominica successfully hosted the June 2026 sitting of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) qualifications, with exam sessions running at 17 dedicated centres distributed across the island. Details of the large-scale assessment exercise were outlined by Magalie Celestine, the CXC Local Registrar for Dominica, during an official results presentation held on Monday at the Dominica Public Service Union Building.

    Celestine shared that 66 percent of all examination staff deployed for the 2026 sitting served as invigilators, tasked with monitoring test sessions and upholding the CXC’s strict assessment integrity rules. One of the most notable shifts in this year’s administration was the expansion of electronic testing: 12 of the 17 local centres were able to fully deliver Paper One assessments via digital platforms. However, infrastructure gaps slowed full digital transition at the remaining five sites. Limited available devices and unreliable, inconsistent internet connectivity meant those locations could only offer electronic testing for a subset of subjects. To mitigate risks of service disruptions from power outages or digital failures, every centre maintained printed physical copies of all exam papers as a fail-safe backup, ensuring no candidate was unable to complete their assessment due to technical issues.

    Despite robust invigilation protocols, two separate examination integrity breaches were recorded during the 2026 sitting. According to Celestine, one candidate sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) was caught attempting to use a prohibited cell phone during their exam. A second candidate, registered for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), was found in possession of a defaced timetable that contained hidden handwritten notes for unauthorized use. In line with CXC’s zero-tolerance policy for examination misconduct, both candidates have had their entire 2026 sitting results cancelled.

    The 2026 examination cycle also showcased the flexible cross-regional cooperation that underpins the CXC’s service model, Celestine noted. Thanks to coordination through the CXC’s interconnected regional network, Dominican candidates who were unable to return to the island for the sitting were able to complete their CSEC and CAPE assessments at test centres in four neighboring Caribbean territories: Anguilla, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, and St. Kitts and Nevis. In turn, Dominica accommodated external candidates from Montserrat who registered through the Academic School of Learning, allowing them to complete their exams at local Dominican centres.

    Special accommodations were also extended to elite athletes whose training and competition schedules required cross-border travel. One competitive athlete from Dominica’s Goodwill Secondary School, who had scheduled commitments in Saint Lucia, was permitted to complete their CXC exams at a test centre in that territory. Conversely, an athlete based in Barbados was accommodated at Dominica’s Portsmouth Secondary School to sit their assessments during the June sitting.

    Looking ahead to future CXC cycles, Celestine emphasized that the ongoing expansion of electronic testing is transformative for the regional examination body. The shift to digital delivery is steadily increasing the CXC’s ability to serve candidates who reside outside their home countries, or who have had to relocate temporarily for work, education, athletic or other legitimate reasons, making the qualification more accessible to mobile populations across the Caribbean.

  • BDF Participates in Fuerzas Comando 2026 in Paraguay

    BDF Participates in Fuerzas Comando 2026 in Paraguay

    From August 24 to 28, 2026, the capital city of Asunción in Paraguay played host to Fuerzas Comando 2026, one of the Western Hemisphere’s most prominent annual special operations exercises. Among the 18 elite special operations teams from 18 nations across the region in attendance was a contingent from the Belize Defence Force (BDF), represented by its specialized Special Operations Task Unit.

    Designed to push the limits of special operations personnel, the exercise featured a rigorous lineup of challenges spanning physical endurance, tactical proficiency, and technical expertise. Each test was intentionally structured to assess competitors’ ability to maintain precision, coordinate closely as a team, and make sound critical decisions under high-stakes pressure. By the end of the five-day competition, the BDF team secured 14th place overall in the field of 17 competing nations.

    For the Belize Defence Force, the outcome of the competition is only a secondary measure of the exercise’s value. In a post-event statement, the BDF emphasized that participation itself delivered irreplaceable professional value, creating a rare open platform for troops and command staff to share innovative tactics, exchange institutional knowledge, and deepen practical interoperability with partner military forces from across the Western Hemisphere.

    The exercise drew to a formal close with an official closing ceremony, which brought together top military leadership from all participating nations. Key attendees included General Manuel Rodríguez Sosa, Commander of the Paraguayan Army and President of the Conference of American Armies, as well as Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, the current Commander of the Belize Defence Force, who represented Belize at the high-level command gathering.

  • OAS Secretary General Visits Belize-Guatemala Adjacency Zone

    OAS Secretary General Visits Belize-Guatemala Adjacency Zone

    Ahead of the eagerly anticipated International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the long-running Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute, Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert Ramdin led a high-profile delegation from the Group of Friends of Belize and Guatemala on a three-day visit to the contested Adjacency Zone between August 31 and September 2, 2026. The trip, which included bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from both nations and regional integration leaders, comes as part of sustained diplomatic efforts to advance peaceful resolution of the decades-long border conflict.

    The stated objectives of the visit extend far beyond diplomatic discourse. According to OAS officials, the mission seeks to reaffirm the intergovernmental body’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement, conduct an on-the-ground assessment of ongoing confidence-building measures, and amplify the positive impact of community-focused and educational programs that have taken root in the zone. A key secondary goal is to mobilize additional international technical and financial backing for the OAS mission that has maintained a permanent presence in the area for nearly 25 years.

    The Group of Friends delegation in attendance featured senior representatives from 11 nations and the European Union, including Argentina, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Türkiye, showcasing broad international support for the diplomatic process. On the first full day of the visit, Ramdin and the delegation convened a joint meeting with Belizean Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez Alvarado at the local OAS office, where they received detailed briefings on the mission’s recent activities and evolving security and political developments in the zone.

    In a symbolic gesture of cross-border collaboration, the delegation toured the OAS-run Ta’ Amay Peace Promotion and Training Centres and took part in the unveiling of a new mural celebrating peaceful coexistence. The mural was created collaboratively by young artists from both Belize and Guatemala, and has been hailed as a tangible symbol of binational integration and growing community trust across the disputed border.

    Following the joint events, Ramdin carried out a series of separate bilateral engagements with each foreign minister, meeting in Belmopan (Belize’s capital) and Guatemala City respectively. While in Guatemala City, he also held talks with Lina Eugenia Ajoy Rojas, Secretary General of the Central American Integration System, to align regional diplomatic efforts ahead of the ICJ ruling.

    Established in 2000 as a core confidence-building measure, the Adjacency Zone is a 213-kilometer long, 2-kilometer wide buffer strip spanning approximately 426 square kilometers. The zone was created to maintain stability, open channels for dialogue, and prevent escalation during the dispute resolution process. Two years after its creation, the OAS formalized its permanent presence through the establishment of its General Secretariat Office in the zone, with a mandate centered on preventive diplomacy, cross-border security, and inclusive social development.

    Over more than two decades, the OAS mission has notched a series of key achievements that have kept the peace. To date, the mission has verified more than 500 cross-border incidents, facilitated regular coordination meetings between the armed forces of both nations, and maintained a permanent open communication channel between the two countries’ foreign ministries. This includes eight annual coordination meetings between mid-level military officers and four between senior commanders, creating consistent routines that reduce the risk of miscommunication and escalation.

    At the community level, the OAS’s impact is visible through four Ta’ Amay Peace Promotion and Training Centres located in Benque Viejo del Carmen (Belize), Melchor de Mencos, Santa Cruz, and Aldea El Arenal (Guatemala). More than 2,500 students have completed skills and leadership training through these centers, over 80 percent of whom are women. Beyond training, the centers host a wide range of community initiatives focused on improving access to healthcare, justice, and social and cultural development opportunities for residents on both sides of the border.

  • Month of the Elderly 2026 to highlight the voices and contributions of seniors

    Month of the Elderly 2026 to highlight the voices and contributions of seniors

    The Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA) has officially launched its full slate of activities for the 2026 Month of the Elderly, a month-long initiative designed to honor, celebrate, and elevate the contributions of the island nation’s senior citizens. The program was publicly announced at a formal media launch hosted in the conference room of the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, marking the official kickoff of preparations for the annual observance.

    This year’s series of events is organized around the guiding theme “Empowering Elder Voices for an Inclusive Future,” which frames the DCOA’s core goal of centering older community members and keeping them integrated into public life. The month’s activities will open on September 1 with an official radio address that formally inaugurates the 2026 observance. Just one day later, on September 2, a virtual interfaith prayer session will be held for participants to connect virtually, followed by a community barbecue scheduled for September 4 that brings seniors and community members together in a casual, festive setting.

    One of the most anticipated highlights of the 2026 calendar is Grandparents Week, which will run from September 9 to September 12, building up to the official celebration of Grandparents Day on September 13. The DCOA has issued a public call for all members of Dominica’s communities to take part in these events, encouraging residents to express their gratitude and appreciation for grandparents and all older residents who have shaped the nation.

    Aligning with other cultural observances on the island, the DCOA has partnered with organizers of Kalinago Week to host the popular Senior Lunch Initiative on September 17, which offers an opportunity for intercultural connection and communal engagement for seniors. Additional scheduled events include a 8-day Holistic Health and Wellness Energy radio segment running from September 11 to September 18, a creative Senior Sip and Paint social activity for older participants on September 18, and a community flea market on September 19 where seniors can showcase and sell handmade crafts and homemade goods.

    The program continues with two more community-centered events: Senior Sports Day on September 20, which gives active seniors a chance to participate in friendly recreational competition, and Centenarians Day on September 21, a special observance honoring Dominicans who have lived for 100 years or more, celebrating their long lives and accumulated wisdom. After these events, a public Health Fair will open to seniors and the general public on September 26, followed by the annual Walk of Ages community procession on September 27. The full Month of the Elderly program will conclude on October 1, which marks the global observance of International Older Persons Day.

    Across all of its 2026 events, the DCOA aims to foster broader public recognition of the vital role older people play in Dominican society, while creating structured opportunities for seniors to stay active, visible, and actively engaged in both national and local community life.

  • UG to host 6th annual Caribbean Sociological Association conference

    UG to host 6th annual Caribbean Sociological Association conference

    In an official announcement released Tuesday, 1 September 2026, the Caribbean Sociological Association (CSA) confirmed that its sixth annual academic conference will take place from 23 to 25 September 2026, hosted by the University of Guyana on its Georgetown campus. This year’s gathering is set to draw a diverse cross-section of attendees, including academic scholars, independent researchers, social policy advocates, youth leaders, and field practitioners from across the Caribbean basin, as well as North and South America, all gathering around the timely central theme: “Sociology of Societies in Transition: Exploring Tensions Between Stability and Change”.

    Association leaders note that the 2026 theme was deliberately chosen to reflect the sweeping shifts reshaping communities across the region. Many Caribbean nations, including host country Guyana, are currently navigating far-reaching socio-economic transformations driven by a range of factors: from the recent discovery of massive oil reserves that have upended traditional economic structures, to ongoing recovery efforts following major climate disasters, to evolving global geopolitical interventions that alter regional social dynamics.

    Over the three-day event, more than 40 individual presentations will delve into these interconnected shifts, examining transitions across socio-economic, political, environmental, geopolitical, and digital spheres across the Americas. In a statement included in the announcement, CSA President Dr. Duane Edwards framed the decision to hold the 2026 conference in Guyana as a uniquely fitting choice. “There is perhaps no better place to hold this conference than in Guyana,” Edwards explained. “Guyana itself is undergoing one of the region’s most notable economic transitions. Over the few days, participants will be given the unique opportunity of witnessing glimpses of transitions and the real-time impact it has on the society.” Edwards added that the event will create space for attendees from across the Caribbean and its global diaspora to open collaborative conversations about how nations across the region are managing varying forms of transformation.

    One of the most anticipated highlights of the conference will be the opening keynote address delivered by Professor Paloma Mohammed-Martin, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana. A trailblazer as the first woman to hold the Vice Chancellor role at the institution, Mohammed-Martin is a respected Guyanese behavioral scientist, long-standing academic leader, and prominent cultural advocate. Conference organizers note that her lived and professional experience positions her keynote to set a dynamic, thoughtful tone for what is expected to be a groundbreaking platform that advances dialogue around sustainable development across the Caribbean and beyond.

    Local community members in Guyana are invited to register and participate in the momentous academic gathering. For full information on the conference agenda, registration details, and venue logistics, interested parties can visit the CSA’s official website at www.caribsociology.org.

    Founded as a regional scholarly collective, the CSA is committed to advancing rigorous sociological research, fostering cross-border collaboration, and elevating public understanding of the unique dynamics shaping Caribbean societies. The organization’s core mission centers on advancing social justice, advancing equitable development, and strengthening regional cooperation across the Caribbean and its global diaspora.

  • RGPF celebrates 49th Passing Out Ceremony of Recruit Class 2026

    RGPF celebrates 49th Passing Out Ceremony of Recruit Class 2026

    On a formal occasion steeped in institutional tradition, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) marked a key milestone in its public service mission with the 49th Passing Out Ceremony, celebrating the successful graduation of Recruit Class 2026 after months of rigorous preparation. The event, hosted at Camp Salines, drew a distinguished cross-section of attendees, including Grenada’s Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, Prime Minister and National Security Minister Honourable Dickon Mitchell, senior government representatives, top RGPF command, and the proud family members of the graduating recruits. These new officers have completed intensive training designed to prepare them for their core mission: serving and protecting all residents across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

    The centerpiece of the ceremony was a precision parade that put the new recruits’ skills on full display, showcasing their command of drill protocols, peak physical conditioning, meticulous attention to detail, and calm professionalism. Their performance bore clear testament to the long-held high standards and institutional traditions that define the RGPF.

    In his keynote address to the graduating class, RGPF Commissioner of Police Randy Cannaught extended warm congratulations to the new officers, while issuing a clear call to uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, and unwavering excellence across every stage of their careers. “This passing out ceremony is not simply the end of a training programme; it is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to public service,” Commissioner Cannaught told the assembled graduates. “The citizens of Grenada place their trust in you. Wear the uniform with pride, serve with compassion, and lead by example. As you progress through your careers, I expect you to become leaders, not simply because you acquire rank, but because people can look to you for guidance, discipline, mentorship and sound judgment.”

    The Commissioner also took the opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of the RGPF training staff and instructors, whose relentless guidance and hands-on mentorship shaped the recruits into capable, confident law enforcement officers prepared to tackle the evolving, complex challenges of modern policing.

    A standout moment of the celebratory event came during the awards segment, where top-performing recruits received honors for exceptional performance across five key categories: academic excellence, drill proficiency, physical fitness, leadership, and overall outstanding recruit.

    As the new graduates marched onto the parade square in formation, their family members and supporters watched on with visible pride, marking a moment that reflected months of personal sacrifice, steady perseverance, and unwavering determination from every recruit. Event organizers explicitly acknowledged the ongoing encouragement and support of the graduates’ loved ones as a critical factor in the cohort’s overall success.

    Beyond celebrating individual achievement, the 49th Passing Out Ceremony also reaffirmed the RGPF’s long-term commitment to building a professional, modern, and community-centered police service. As the newest officers take their formal oath of office and assume their posts across the country, they join a decades-long legacy of dedicated men and women committed to protecting lives, preserving public peace, and serving the nation with honor. Recruit Course #49 of 2026 now steps into its next chapter, carrying forward the core values of courage, discipline, and selfless service that have defined the Royal Grenada Police Force for generations.

  • Mercy Hospital celebrates 81 years

    Mercy Hospital celebrates 81 years

    On Tuesday, 1 September 2026, one of Guyana’s leading Catholic healthcare providers, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (SJMH), celebrated a major institutional milestone: its 81st anniversary of continuous service to the Guyanese people. To honor the occasion, a special commemorative Mass was held at the hospital’s scenic Serenity Gardens at midday, bringing together staff, supporters, and community members to mark eight decades of commitment to medical care.

    Founded by the Sisters of Mercy back in September 1945, SJMH has undergone a remarkable transformation over its 81-year history. What began as a small, modest infirmary has evolved into a fully equipped, modern multi-specialty hospital that boasts cutting-edge diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic infrastructure. Through every stage of its growth, the hospital has never strayed from its founding core mission: delivering skilled, compassionate healthcare to every person who seeks care, regardless of race, religious background, or social status.

    For long-serving members of the SJMH team, the institution’s impact extends far beyond the walls of its treatment rooms. “It has been a blessing and privilege to serve Mercy Hospital for over 3 decades,” Terry Mohamed, the hospital’s Communications Coordinator, shared in an official statement from the Georgetown-based facility located on Parade Street, Kingston. “We at Mercy not only address patients’ immediate health needs, but we ensure we walk alongside them even after they are discharged,” he added, emphasizing the organization’s holistic approach to patient care.

    Jerri Dias, Chief Operating Officer of SJMH, framed the 81st anniversary as a tribute to the generations of people who have built the hospital’s legacy. “This anniversary is a tribute to the unwavering dedication of our medical staff, nurses, support teams, and the Sisters of Mercy, whose vision continues to guide us,” Dias said. “As healthcare in Guyana evolves, we remain focused on advancing our facilities, embracing modern technology, and—above all—preserving the patient-first care that has defined our institution for over eight decades.”

    A look back at SJMH’s 81 years of service highlights three core pillars that have shaped its work:
    First, a enduring legacy of comprehensive care: The hospital has consistently delivered a full spectrum of essential health services, ranging from 24/7 emergency care and obstetrics & gynecology to general surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, and rehabilitation services, meeting diverse health needs across the community.
    Second, deep-rooted commitment to community outreach: Staying true to the Sisters of Mercy’s founding mission, the hospital has prioritized targeted support for underserved and vulnerable populations across Guyana, while leading public health initiatives that expand access to care outside its facility walls.
    Third, continuous modern expansion and improvement: To keep pace with the growing needs of Guyana’s rising population, the hospital has pursued ongoing upgrades to its diagnostic technology, laboratory capacity, and patient care facilities, balancing modern innovation with its timeless patient-centered values.