In a significant meeting held at Government Headquarters on Thursday, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, and China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, discussed pivotal projects aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. Among the key topics were the expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the redevelopment of the National Stadium. Minister Straughn highlighted the invaluable contributions of Chinese medical teams, emphasizing their transformative impact on healthcare delivery in Barbados. He also provided updates on the National Stadium redevelopment, expressing optimism that the upgraded facility would promote physical activity and athletics by hosting major events. Ambassador Zheng commended Barbados for its declining debt-to-GDP ratio, attributing this achievement to the country’s resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. He also lauded the latest FITCH ratings, which reaffirmed Barbados’ B+ credit rating. The discussions further explored strategies to deepen the long-standing bilateral relationship, including the Scotland District Road Rehabilitation Project, additional investment opportunities, and initiatives to attract more Chinese tourists to Barbados. The diplomatic ties between the two nations, established on May 30, 1977, continue to flourish through these collaborative efforts.
作者： admin
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CWI Announces Restructured CG United Super50 Cup for 2025
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has introduced a revamped structure for the 2025 CG United Super50 Cup, the premier regional 50-over cricket tournament. Scheduled to take place in Trinidad from November 19 to November 29, the competition will feature six teams instead of the previous eight, with a total of 16 matches replacing the earlier 31-match format. The West Indies Academy and Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) teams have been excluded from this year’s edition. The tournament will adopt a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing directly to the final. Participating teams include Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Barbados Pride, Guyana Harpy Eagles, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, and Windward Islands Volcanoes. The decision to streamline the event comes amid financial challenges faced by CWI, as highlighted during their recent Quarterly Media Briefing. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized that the changes aim to enhance competitiveness and quality of play. He noted that the reduced format would require teams to adopt more strategic preparations, while the exclusion of CCC and West Indies Academy players would intensify competition for spots within territorial franchises. The championship purse remains a significant incentive, with the winner set to receive US$100,000, the runner-up US$50,000, and the third and fourth-placed teams each earning US$25,000. The full fixture schedule is expected to be released shortly.
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DSB waarschuwt voor toename digitale fraude
October has been designated as Cyber Security Month worldwide, an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about digital resilience. In Suriname, concerns are growing over the surge in online fraud, phishing, and identity theft. The Surinaamsche Bank (DSB) has emphasized that digital vigilance is no longer optional but a necessity, as cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters are deploying a range of deceptive tactics, including fake emails, SMS messages, WhatsApp communications, and even counterfeit social media profiles that appear to originate from banks, businesses, or government agencies. Their primary objective is to trick individuals into divulging personal or financial information. To combat these threats, DSB has issued key recommendations for the public: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails; always access websites directly through a browser. Verify the sender’s authenticity, as official bank emails typically end with their domain (e.g., www.dsb.sr), though spoofing remains a risk. Be wary of urgent requests, threatening language, or impersonal greetings, as these are often red flags. Never share passwords, PINs, CVV codes, or other sensitive data, regardless of the channel used to request it. Additionally, vigilance extends beyond the internet. At ATMs, individuals are advised to shield the keypad when entering their PIN, take their card and receipt immediately, and report any irregularities or tampering to the bank promptly.
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Cricket West Indies Announces ODI Series against England U19
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced a seven-match Youth ODI series between the West Indies Men’s Under-19 team and England Under-19s. The series, set to take place from November 16 to December 1, 2025, will be hosted at the Grenada National Stadium in St George’s. This series is a pivotal part of the West Indies’ preparation for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup in January 2026, following their recent 4–3 series victory against Sri Lanka in Antigua. Originally planned for St Vincent, the series was relocated to Grenada due to scheduling conflicts with the National Sports Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both teams will arrive in Grenada on November 8, with three days of training and a warm-up match against a Grenada Under-25 select XI scheduled before the series opener. CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of the series, stating that it provides a critical opportunity for the squad to refine their skills and gain exposure to high-level competition. The matches will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, with live scorecards available on www.windiescricket.com.
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Come Worship in Pink
The Antioch Baptist Church is extending a heartfelt invitation to the public for a special event titled ‘Worship in Pink,’ scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. This unique gathering aims to bring the community together in a morning of fellowship, prayer, and uplifting worship. The event is dedicated to honoring those who have battled breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and remembering loved ones who have lost their lives to the disease. Services will be held at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., providing two opportunities for attendees to participate in this meaningful occasion. The church encourages everyone to join in this act of solidarity and support, fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the community.
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The 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition Commences
The 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition has officially commenced, bringing together high school and first-year college students from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Organized by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC) and licensed broker-dealers, the event aims to provide students with a hands-on experience in securities market activities. Running from October 14 to November 7, 2025, the competition offers participants the chance to apply their knowledge, gain practical investing skills, and compete for the prestigious title of Regional Schools Investment Champion. The event began with an Education Webinar on October 2, followed by a Competition Briefing on October 8. This initiative not only fosters financial literacy but also aims to inspire young individuals to explore investment opportunities and build wealth. As the ECSE and ECSRC celebrate their 24th anniversary on October 19, 2025, the competition serves as a platform to cultivate future active participants in the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market. For updates, visit the ECSE’s website and social media pages.
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NIA Invites General Public to a Town Hall Meeting on Proposed “Destiny” Special Sustainability Zone Project
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has announced a public town hall meeting to discuss the proposed Destiny Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) project, underscoring its commitment to transparency and community engagement. Scheduled for October 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall in Charlestown, the event invites residents to voice their opinions and gain insights into the development plans. Premier Mark Brantley emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the island’s sustainable future. The NIA has already conducted consultations with key stakeholders, including tourism representatives, religious leaders, and business communities, as part of its inclusive approach. Additional meetings with other groups, such as the Police High Command and Nevis Sixth Form College students, are planned. Premier Brantley encouraged citizens to attend the town hall, highlighting the government’s dedication to open dialogue and collective decision-making. The NIA reaffirmed that public involvement is essential to ensuring that the development aligns with the aspirations of the Nevisian people.
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Rising Star Au/Ra Opens for Katy Perry at London’s O2 Arena — From Antiguan Roots to the Global Stage
This week, Au/Ra, the international recording artist born Jamie Lou Stenzel, achieved a significant milestone in her career by opening for pop sensation Katy Perry at London’s iconic O2 Arena. This performance marks a pivotal moment in her journey from the small island of Antigua to one of the world’s most prestigious stages. Growing up in English Harbour, Au/Ra was immersed in music from an early age, thanks to her father, renowned music producer Torsten Stenzel. Her first taste of fame came at just 12 years old with a viral YouTube cover of Lorde’s “Royals,” featuring local talent Drastic. By 14, she had signed with Sony Music, and today, she is under the wing of Island Records, the legendary label behind artists like Bob Marley and U2. Au/Ra’s music is a unique blend of her Caribbean roots and global influences, creating an ethereal pop sound that is introspective, cinematic, and emotionally resonant. Her breakout single, “Panic Room,” garnered international acclaim for its raw portrayal of anxiety and self-discovery, amassing over 1.5 billion streams and earning her a devoted global fanbase. Opening for Katy Perry is a full-circle moment for Au/Ra, symbolizing the power of determination, authenticity, and creativity. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, ‘Performing at the O2 is a dream come true. It reminds me that even from the smallest places, you can reach the biggest stages.’ With her captivating voice, deeply personal songwriting, and magnetic stage presence, Au/Ra continues to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide, solidifying her place as a rising star in the music industry.
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Desalination plant nears completion as Government moves to restore 24-hour water supply in Basseterre
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is making significant strides in addressing the nation’s water supply challenges as the two-million-gallon-per-day Desalination Plant at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park approaches completion. This critical infrastructure project is poised to restore a 24-hour water supply to Basseterre, the capital city, marking a major milestone in the Federation’s efforts to improve water accessibility. Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Konris Maynard, announced that the plant was powered up for the first time on October 16, 2025, initiating a series of rigorous tests on its treatment processes, including reverse osmosis systems. These tests are expected to continue for several weeks to ensure operational efficiency. Minister Maynard emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviating water shortages, particularly in Saint Kitts, during a National Assembly sitting on October 17, 2025. Once operational, the plant will provide a reliable water source to meet the increasing demands of households and industries. Beyond Basseterre, efforts to enhance water availability are also underway. A recent hydrological drone survey identified 17 potential sites for underground potable water, with drilling of new wells set to begin in December 2025. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s dedication to securing sustainable water resources for the nation.
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Buckley’s Tank Recommissioned as APUA Expands Water Storage Capacity
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has successfully recommissioned the Buckley’s Tank, a critical 600,000-imperial-gallon water storage facility, following extensive refurbishment efforts. This milestone marks the restoration of its full operational capacity, ensuring a more reliable water supply to communities in the southeastern region, including Liberta and Horsford Hill, which have historically faced periodic water shortages. The project was celebrated during a site visit on Friday, attended by Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister of Public Utilities, and Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs and parliamentary representative for St. Paul’s. APUA Chief Executive Officer John Bradshaw highlighted the broader upgrades underway across the island’s water infrastructure, such as the refurbishment of the two-million-gallon Crabbs storage tank, the commissioning of the 450,000-imperial-gallon Pattersons tank, and the planned construction of new storage facilities in the New Winthropes Wink Eye area. These investments aim to enhance both production and storage capacities, ensuring a sustainable and dependable water supply for all consumers.