The tourism industry in St. Kitts and Nevis is experiencing robust growth, with significant increases in both air and cruise arrivals, as the nation gears up for its 2026 strategic objectives. Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson highlighted these positive trends during a recent stakeholder meeting, emphasizing key achievements such as an 18% rise in seat capacity, a 10% increase in visitor arrivals from January to September 2025, and a 29% surge in cruise arrivals compared to the previous season. Cruise passenger spending also climbed from $135 to $145 per person. Henderson underscored accessibility as a cornerstone of tourism expansion. As the government prepares its 2026 national budget, which will outline development priorities, Henderson described the stakeholder sessions as crucial for reflecting on accomplishments, identifying areas for improvement, and refining strategies for future goals. Tourism remains a vital economic driver for the Federation, benefiting related industries and sustaining economic activity. The minister outlined three core objectives for the sector: building resilience to external shocks, promoting year-round visitation to reduce seasonal vulnerabilities, and ensuring sustainable growth rooted in community partnerships. The Ministry has aligned its policies with this vision, updating the National Tourism Strategy to guide development through 2026 and beyond. Efforts include professionalizing the sector through initiatives like the Lifeguard Policy, which enhances visitor safety, and legislative amendments to the Prescribed Areas Act to support diverse tourism-related businesses. Cross-ministerial collaborations with the Ministries of Environment, Public Infrastructure, and Energy aim to strengthen sustainability through waste management, renewable energy adoption, and coastal conservation practices. As global travel trends evolve, St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to build on these achievements, ensuring tourism remains a sustainable and inclusive economic engine.
作者： admin
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104 road fatalities for the year
Guyana has reached a grim milestone in 2025, with road fatalities climbing to 104, following the tragic death of a 15-year-old schoolboy in Success, East Coast Demerara. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when Navindra Mahes, a student of Annandale Secondary School, was struck by a car driven by a 35-year-old female police lance corporal. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the collision happened as Mahes attempted to cross the Success Public Road using a pedestrian crossing. He sustained severe head injuries and a fractured right leg, succumbing to his injuries at 9:56 a.m. while receiving treatment at Georgetown Public Hospital. The driver has been placed under close arrest as investigations continue. This year’s fatality count surpasses the 100 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024, underscoring a pressing need for enhanced road safety measures. The incident has reignited public concern over traffic safety and the enforcement of road regulations in Guyana.
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Saint Lucia calls for Caribbean unity in driving sustainable trade agenda
Saint Lucia has issued a compelling call for Caribbean nations to redefine their economic trajectories by embracing sustainable trade and bioeconomy strategies. This initiative aims to align climate action with innovation, value creation, and global competitiveness. The two-day workshop, titled ‘Crafting a Sustainable and Inclusive Trade and Bioeconomy Agenda for CARICOM,’ held from October 29–30 at the Harbor Club, focused on five key thematic sessions designed to drive regional transformation through sustainable trade and bioeconomic development. These sessions included: defining the nexus between trade, climate, and the Caribbean bioeconomy; exploring innovation, digital trade, and AI; unlocking the ocean economy; building resilient food systems; and financing the bioeconomy and green industrial policy. Permanent Secretary Janelle Modeste-Stephen emphasized the critical role of trade policy in facilitating access to green technologies, promoting regional value addition, and ensuring the free movement of environmental goods and services across borders. She highlighted that sustainable trade is not just a pathway but a necessity for the survival and prosperity of small island states. The workshop aimed to shape a unified regional strategy for sustainable trade, climate resilience, and bioeconomic transformation. Modeste-Stephen warned that the Caribbean is at a historic turning point, facing overlapping global crises such as climate change, rising protectionism, and the impact of trade wars. She stressed the need for decisive action, unity, and creativity to navigate these challenges and position the Caribbean as a leader in sustainable and inclusive trade and bioeconomy.
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ERC proposes counselling for social media woman for racist remarks – ERC
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) announced on Thursday that Jennifer Ally, a woman summoned for making racially insensitive remarks on social media, has expressed her willingness to cooperate with the Commission to address the concerns arising from her public statements. The ERC has proposed a series of social interventions, including psychosocial counselling and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, aimed at fostering greater understanding, respect, and responsible communication in the public sphere. While the investigation into her remarks continues, the Commission emphasized that these measures are part of its broader mandate to promote harmony and good relations among Guyana’s diverse ethnic groups. The ERC also stated that it will closely monitor Ms. Ally’s future public engagements to ensure sustained commitment to respectful discourse. Although the ERC lacks prosecutorial authority, it may refer matters requiring legal enforcement to the Guyana Police Force under Article 212D (j) of the Constitution. The Commission reiterated its dedication to mediation, conciliation, and arbitration as tools to resolve conflicts and foster social unity. This case follows a similar incident earlier this year involving Daniel ‘Baby Skello,’ who was arrested for blasphemous libel after failing to respond to the ERC’s summons regarding offensive content in a song.
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21st Chinese Medical Team arrives in Guyana
The 21st Chinese Medical Team has officially landed in Guyana, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China to enhance the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. Comprising 18 highly skilled professionals specializing in diverse fields such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, traditional Chinese medicine, and public health, the team is poised to make substantial contributions to Guyana’s medical landscape. Upon their arrival, the team met with Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, to discuss their mission, areas of focus, and planned activities. Dr. Anthony lauded the enduring partnership between the two nations, emphasizing the pivotal role Chinese medical teams have played in fortifying Guyana’s healthcare system. He reiterated his ministry’s unwavering support for the team’s efforts to expand access to high-quality healthcare services across the country. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, Director of Medical and Professional Services, and Dr. Jeetendra Mohanlall, Acting Chief Medical Officer. This visit underscores the deepening ties between Guyana and China, with a shared commitment to advancing public health and medical excellence.
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Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Launches Independence “Cape Video”
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has unveiled its inaugural Independence video, titled ‘Cape,’ performed by Empress, to commemorate the nation’s 44th Independence Anniversary. This groundbreaking initiative aims to capture the essence of patriotism, unity, and national pride through the uplifting anthem ‘Cape,’ which serves as the centerpiece of this year’s Independence celebrations. The song aligns seamlessly with the national theme, ‘Solid, Stable, Soaring,’ symbolizing the nation’s progress and resilience.
The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, lauded the campaign, emphasizing its significance in fostering national identity. ‘This initiative perfectly encapsulates who we are as a people: Solid, Stable, and Soaring. It’s inspiring to see our children connect with this song, and I hope it instills in them a sense of pride and ambition to carry our flag forward,’ he remarked.
Empress, the artist behind the anthem, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s celebrations. ‘I am deeply honored that the ABFC chose ‘Cape’ for this year’s Independence campaign. The flag of Antigua and Barbuda holds profound meaning for me, and I’m thrilled to see it resonate with so many,’ she shared.
The ABFC has called on citizens and friends of Antigua and Barbuda to watch the official ‘Cape’ video and join in celebrating the nation’s pride, strength, and resilience. Whether at home or abroad, the video serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s enduring spirit and its achievements on the global stage.
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Jonge tech-talenten op wereldrobotica-wedstrijd in Panama
The FIRST Global Challenge 2025, an international robotics competition often dubbed the ‘Olympics of Robotics,’ is currently underway in Panama, drawing young participants from 190 countries. Representing Suriname are Rechero Godlieb, Shivish Ramkhelawan, Ndari Mertotaroeno, Zayenn Soebarman, and Jason Wong Loi Sing. This talented team, aged between 14 and 18, received their invitation just a month ago. Despite the tight timeline, they managed to design and build a fully functional robot in just ten days, meeting all international standards to qualify for the competition. The event, held at the Panama Convention Center, focuses on the theme ‘Eco Equilibrium,’ encouraging participants to develop robots that address pressing environmental issues and promote biodiversity conservation. This marks Suriname’s sixth participation in the prestigious event. The team, guided by Julie Sundar of the Codettes Foundation and Theo Boomsma of IoTLab Suriname, expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness. ‘It’s such a big stage. We’re absolutely ecstatic,’ they shared. The journey to Panama was no small feat, requiring meticulous preparation of travel documents and technical verifications in a short span. The team extended their gratitude to parents, the U.S. Embassy, and key supporters like Giovanni Mertotaroeno and Rody Kartowirjo for their invaluable assistance. Suriname’s young innovators are proud to represent their nation on this global platform and are determined to make their mark in the competition.
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Official kickoff of SARSEA Project
The Caribbean region has taken a significant step forward in addressing the growing sargassum crisis with the official launch of the Sargassum Regional Strategies for Ecosystem-based Actions (SARSEA) project on October 28 in St Lucia. The event, attended by government officials, institutional representatives, and scientists from across the Caribbean, marked the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to mitigate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of sargassum strandings. Funded by France through the Agence française de développement (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, the SARSEA project aims to strengthen regional cooperation, support small island states, and enhance scientific research on sargassum management. The initiative also emphasizes the integration of gender considerations to ensure an inclusive approach. High-level officials, including French Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris and OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, expressed their commitment to the project, highlighting the importance of shared knowledge and collaborative efforts. The launch event featured panel discussions, strategy presentations, and the signing of a formal partnership agreement between the OECS and Expertise France. The project’s first collective scientific assessment workshop, led by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), was also held on October 29. By fostering a network of stakeholders and pooling resources, SARSEA aims to improve preparedness and resilience in the face of sargassum challenges across the Eastern Caribbean.
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RSLPF to receive new K9 as investigation into Tyson’s death continues
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is poised to enhance its K9 unit with the addition of a new police dog early next year. This development comes as the force continues its investigation into the untimely death of K9 Officer Tyson earlier this year. Police Commissioner Verne Garde confirmed during a press conference on October 30 that arrangements have been finalized with French authorities for the donation of the new K9. The official handover is scheduled for January 26, 2026. Preparations are already in progress to ensure a seamless integration, including specialized training for handlers and the establishment of formal operational protocols for canine management. Additionally, Commissioner Garde has requested formal transportation arrangements for the K9 through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and a budget has been allocated for the construction of a new K9 facility at La Toc within the Police Training School. Meanwhile, the RSLPF remains committed to uncovering the cause of Tyson’s death. While initial toxicology reports ruled out rat bait poisoning, further comprehensive tests are being conducted to determine the exact cause. Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Mashama Sealy assured that a detailed report will be provided once the results are available. Despite this loss, the RSLPF’s K9 unit remains active, with K9 Voyu currently assisting in narcotics detection, search operations, and security duties.
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High Commissioner Croney delivered keynote at LSME Annual Convocation
Her Excellency Rachér Croney, Grenada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, graced the London School of Management Education (LSME) Annual Convocation as the Guest of Honour on Tuesday, 16 September 2025. The prestigious event, held at The Mayfair in Romford, celebrated the academic accomplishments of LSME graduates and acknowledged their contributions to the field of management education. High Commissioner Croney delivered an inspiring keynote address to the graduates, their families, and distinguished guests from academia and diplomacy. She highlighted the significance of their achievements, stating, ‘Today is not just a ceremony—it’s a milestone. It’s the day your hard work, perseverance, and belief in yourself converge into one defining moment.’ She urged the graduates to embrace leadership as a choice, emphasizing integrity, empathy, and impact. The ceremony included the presentation of diplomas, special recognitions, and speeches from LSME leadership, such as Principal Dr Sarita Parhi and Board Chair Professor Stephen McKinney. High Commissioner Croney also commended LSME’s efforts in recruiting international students and discussed potential partnerships, including scholarships. The event underscored the strong educational and cultural ties between Grenada and the UK, reflecting the international character of modern management education. The High Commission for Grenada expressed its commitment to fostering equitable access and increased opportunities for Grenadians to study in the UK.