The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has unveiled the winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) for 2025, the world’s oldest international essay contest for school students. This year’s competition achieved a historic milestone, receiving an unprecedented 53,434 entries from all 56 Commonwealth member nations—a 53% increase from 2024. Entries poured in from 54 countries, with significant contributions from Ghana, Nigeria, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Maldives. The theme, *Our Commonwealth Journey*, encouraged participants to reflect on the Commonwealth’s evolution since its inception in 1949, exploring its diverse cultural, geographical, and societal impact across five continents and a population of 2.7 billion people. A distinguished panel of judges, including luminaries like Sir Ben Okri, Imtiaz Dharker, and Victoria Hislop, selected the winners. The senior winner, Kaira Puri (17) from India, was recognized for her essay *When the Gates Open: From Mud to Stone*, which intertwines mathematics, economics, and personal experience. The junior winner, Vivaan Agarwal (14), also from India, impressed with *Pixels, Poetry and Bridging the Partition Between Us*, advocating for unity and dialogue. Runners-up included Pandora Onyedire (17) from Nigeria and Lakshmi Manognya Achanta (14) from Singapore, whose works explored identity, hope, and cultural heritage. The RCS extended heartfelt gratitude to participants, volunteer judges, and supporters, emphasizing the competition’s role in fostering creativity, empathy, and global connection among young writers.
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Final Information Session Announced for 2026 Caribbean Science Olympiad
The Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2026 Caribbean Science Olympiad (CSO) with its final preparatory session scheduled for Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. AST. This virtual event, hosted on Zoom, aims to provide comprehensive guidance to aspiring participants, covering essential details such as competition rules, entry requirements, and the judging process. Attendees will also have the chance to address any queries or concerns directly with organizers.
The CSO, a flagship event for science and technology in the region, welcomes individual competitors and teams from schools, clubs, and associations across the Caribbean. Participants can compete in three distinct categories: Robotics & Electronic Systems, Computer Coding, and Mathematics. The competition is divided into three age groups: Level 1 (13–15), Level 2 (16–18), and Level 3 (19–21). Winners will be awarded platinum, gold, silver, and bronze medal certificates, along with cash prizes.
Preliminary elimination rounds are set for mid to late December 2025, with the grand finals taking place from January 12 to 18, 2026. The CSF has been actively promoting the event through media appearances, including interviews with Professor Cardinal Warde on platforms like Antigua Barbuda Today and Mornin’ Barbados. This November session is the fourth and final installment in a series of briefings designed to equip participants for the prestigious competition.
For more details and to join the session, visit the official website: caribbeanscience.org/cso or use the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/86884952617.
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Antigua and Barbuda’s Judiciary Rated Among Region’s Cleanest
In the latest World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated remarkable stability, securing the 38th position globally out of 143 countries and ranking fifth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The 2025 Index reveals that the nation maintained an overall score of 0.64, unchanged from 2024, despite a global downturn in governance and institutional integrity. Notably, 68% of countries worldwide experienced a decline in rule-of-law performance, marking the sixth consecutive year of deterioration. Antigua and Barbuda excelled in key areas such as ‘Absence of Corruption,’ ‘Fundamental Rights,’ and ‘Order and Security,’ with its judiciary earning a high integrity score of 0.80, and the police and military scoring 0.73, indicating minimal perceptions of bribery or abuse. However, the legislature remains a weak point, scoring only 0.39 on the corruption scale, well below the regional average, reflecting ongoing public skepticism about political transparency. The executive branch scored 0.59, showing moderate confidence in government accountability. Under ‘Constraints on Government Powers,’ the country scored 0.62, supported by judicial independence and a strong record of lawful transitions of power. Yet, limited access to government data and slow administrative processes dragged down the ‘Open Government’ rating to 0.52. Civil justice emerged as a standout strength with a score of 0.68, highlighting impartiality and low corruption within the court system. Criminal justice scored 0.53, indicating moderate efficiency in investigations and adjudication but weaknesses in correctional systems. The 2025 Index underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s institutional resilience, as its performance remained steady amidst global erosion of rule-of-law safeguards. The World Justice Project described the overall findings as ‘sobering,’ emphasizing the weakening of democratic checks and civic freedoms worldwide. Nevertheless, the Index serves as a crucial tool for identifying strengths to build upon and weaknesses to address.
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“A true taste of the Caribbean” – GCG opens Bistro Vibes at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport
In a move that promises to elevate the travel experience, GCG has unveiled its latest venture, Bistro Vibes, at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport. This new dining establishment aims to encapsulate the essence of Caribbean culture, offering passengers a genuine taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Strategically located within the airport, Bistro Vibes is designed to cater to both departing and arriving travelers, providing a unique blend of local flavors and international appeal. The menu features a curated selection of traditional Caribbean dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients to ensure authenticity. This initiative not only enhances the airport’s amenities but also serves as a cultural ambassador, introducing visitors to the vibrant gastronomy of the Caribbean. GCG’s investment in Bistro Vibes underscores its commitment to promoting regional tourism and supporting local economies. By integrating cultural experiences into the travel journey, the company is setting a new standard for airport dining worldwide.
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Steel pan legend to deliver keynote at Antigua and Barbuda Independence Gala
The rhythmic allure of the steel pan, led by the virtuoso Khan Cordice, is set to captivate audiences at the 44th Antigua and Barbuda Independence Gala. The event, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, at the Toronto Grand Convention Centre, will feature Cordice as the Keynote Speaker, where he will share his artistic journey and profound insights into Caribbean music culture.
Cordice’s journey with the steel pan began serendipitously during his youth in Antigua and Barbuda. What started as an after-school visit to a steelpan yard with a friend quickly transformed into a lifelong passion. His innate talent was evident from the moment he first touched the instrument. By the age of 19, Cordice had already made history as the youngest arranger to win Panorama, the prestigious national steelpan competition of Antigua and Barbuda.
Over the years, Cordice’s prowess has only grown. Leading the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, he has secured an impressive 11 Panorama victories, including consecutive wins in 2024 and 2025—a record in his homeland. His excellence extends beyond Antigua and Barbuda; in 2025, he clinched the Panorama title in Trinidad and Tobago with the Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra.
Beyond his musical achievements, Cordice is a cultural ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda. A former educator and now the country’s Director of Culture, he tirelessly promotes Caribbean artists on international stages, from North America to Japan. His dedication to preserving and elevating Caribbean culture has made him a beacon of excellence and pride for his nation.
The upcoming Independence Gala in Toronto promises to be a celebration of Caribbean heritage, with Cordice’s steel pan melodies serving as a testament to the region’s rich artistic legacy.
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Cuba Ambassador: Aid will continue despite hardships after Melissa
Cuba’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Yenielys Vilma Regueiferos Linares, has acknowledged the difficulties faced by Saint Lucian students in Cuba following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. Despite the country’s economic hardships, Cuba remains committed to its aid initiatives in the region. The hurricane, which struck Cuba as a Category 3 storm on October 26, caused widespread destruction, power outages, and the evacuation of approximately 730,000 people. Linares assured concerned parents that Cuban authorities were taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of students, though the ongoing blackouts have heightened anxieties. She emphasized that recovery efforts are underway across the affected provinces. Linares attributed the slow recovery to the longstanding US economic embargo, which has severely limited Cuba’s access to resources and foreign investment. She also highlighted the recent tightening of economic restrictions under the current US administration. Despite these challenges, Cuba continues to strengthen its diplomatic ties and maintain its medical and sports programs in Saint Lucia. Norberto Ramos González, Director of Cuba’s Medical Brigade in Saint Lucia, noted the embargo’s adverse impact on healthcare, including shortages of medical supplies and medicines. Ambassador Linares expressed pride in Cuba’s achievements in education, health, and culture despite the embargo, envisioning even greater progress without such constraints. Cuba remains dedicated to offering educational opportunities and sustaining its medical brigades in over 56 countries worldwide.
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In observance of Dental Health Week 2025
In a powerful address marking Dental Health Week 2025, Dr. Festima Hamlet, Grenada’s Chief Dental Surgeon, highlighted the critical importance of oral health across all stages of life. Observed from November 2 to 8, this year’s theme, ‘Good teeth, good health at any age,’ serves as a poignant reminder that oral health is not confined to youth but is a lifelong commitment and opportunity for all. Dr. Hamlet emphasized the profound connection between oral health and overall well-being, echoing the words of former US Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, who in 2000 declared that good health is unattainable without proper oral care. This sentiment underscores the necessity of oral hygiene as an essential, non-negotiable aspect of health. The World Health Organization’s 2023 report reveals that over 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, with tooth loss being particularly prevalent among older adults. This can lead to severe consequences, including malnutrition, diminished self-esteem, and systemic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even Alzheimer’s. Dr. Hamlet called for collective action to bridge this gap through community outreach, education, and policy reform. She stressed the importance of supporting senior citizens in maintaining their oral health, describing their smiles as priceless gifts that embody love, laughter, and resilience. Caregivers and families were urged to view oral care for elders as an act of love and a vital component of healthy aging. By promoting preventative care, accessible dental services, and public education, Dr. Hamlet believes we can empower seniors to preserve their dignity, confidence, and overall well-being. She also emphasized the significance of daily habits like brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits in maintaining a healthy smile. Dr. Hamlet concluded her address by advocating for the protection of smiles that have enriched families and communities for generations, asserting that every smile safeguarded contributes to a healthier, happier, and more resilient society. On behalf of Grenada’s Ministry of Health, she extended her best wishes for a meaningful Dental Health Week.
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Cuban Ambassador: ‘Rationality must prevail’ after UN embargo vote
In a significant development at the United Nations General Assembly on October 26, 165 countries, including Saint Lucia, voted in favor of lifting the United States’ longstanding economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba. The embargo, imposed six decades ago, has severely restricted trade, investment, and financial transactions with the island nation, exacerbating its economic struggles and limiting access to essential goods. This annual resolution, calling for the embargo’s end, has been adopted by the General Assembly for over three decades. Last year, 187 countries supported the resolution, with only the US and Israel opposing it. This year, however, seven nations—the US, Hungary, Paraguay, Argentina, Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Israel—voted to maintain the embargo, while 12 abstained. Despite the slight decline in support, Cuba’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Yenielys Vilma Regueiferos Linares, hailed the outcome as a victory, emphasizing that 85% of the General Assembly still favors ending the embargo. She described the vote as an “undeniable victory” for Cuba. The US, however, has continued to lobby against lifting the embargo, citing Cuba’s alleged involvement in the Ukraine conflict as a justification. Ambassador Linares refuted these claims, stating that while some Cubans are involved in the conflict, they are not government-sanctioned. She also highlighted the devastating impact of the embargo on Cuba’s economy, particularly in sectors like healthcare, oil, and tourism, which have been further strained by recent natural disasters. US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jeff Bartos, argued that lifting the embargo would allow Cuba’s government to evade accountability for its financial crisis. Ambassador Linares expressed hope for a more rational approach in the future, urging the international community to recognize the humanitarian toll of the embargo.
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Oorzaak landelijke stroomstoring nog onduidelijk
A significant portion of Suriname experienced a widespread power outage on November 3, affecting not only the capital city of Paramaribo but also multiple districts across the country. The Energy Companies of Suriname (EBS) confirmed that the disruption was a nationwide issue, though the exact cause remains unidentified. According to EBS, the outage occurred suddenly and without warning. The blackout began at approximately 9:45 AM and was largely resolved within an hour, restoring electricity to most areas. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the root cause and prevent future occurrences. This unexpected event has raised concerns about the reliability of the nation’s power infrastructure and its impact on daily life and businesses.
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CARICOM SG congratulates Dominica’s ‘consistent’ development efforts on 47th Independence
Dr. Carla N. Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has commended Dominica for its unwavering dedication to advancing its development goals and fostering regional unity. In a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica on the nation’s 47th Independence Anniversary, Dr. Barnett highlighted Dominica’s pivotal role in the CARICOM integration movement. She particularly praised Dominica’s leadership in implementing full freedom of movement across the region, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. This initiative marks a historic milestone in achieving CARICOM’s collective vision of regional integration. Dr. Barnett also acknowledged Dominica’s consistent efforts in promoting sustainable development and its commitment to the Intra-Community Movement of Skills, a key responsibility within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet. As Dominica celebrates its independence, Dr. Barnett extended her best wishes for continued progress, peace, and prosperity to the nation’s government and people.