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GASA commends inaugural SolidBase Invitational Swim Meet 2026

The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has issued a formal statement celebrating the resounding success of the first ever SolidBase Invitational Swim Meet 2026, which ran from May 15 to 17 at the Good Hope Swimming Pool. This landmark competition marked an important milestone for competitive swimming in the Caribbean nation, carrying official GASA sanction as a qualifying event for the upcoming Goodwill Championships.

A total of four local aquatic clubs brought their top athletes to compete across the three-day event: Grenfin Swim Club, SolidBase Triathlon and Swimming Team, Sailfish Swim Club, and Stingray Swim Club. Throughout the intense schedule of races, participating swimmers showcased remarkable levels of grit, competitive spirit, and technical skill, all while upholding high standards of sportsmanship. Athletes pushed themselves to hit the qualifying times needed for the Goodwill Championships and compete for overall team glory, delivering a series of standout performances that impressed organizers and spectators alike.

At the conclusion of the meet, GASA awarded top team honors to two standout squads: Grenfin Swim Club claimed the title of Overall Female Champions, while SolidBase Triathlon and Swimming Team took home the Overall Male Champions trophy. The association also highlighted the exceptional results of age group champions across every competing division. For the 6 & Under category, Kitania Scott of Grenfin claimed female top honors, while Nelson Wilson-Louison II of SolidBase took the male title. In the 7–8 division, Tyler Charles and Zion Doughlin, both of Grenfin, secured female and first place respectively. For 9–10 year olds, Halle Gooding of SolidBase won the female division, with Keshon Cobb of Grenfin taking male top spot. The 11–12 category saw both titles go to SolidBase, with Angliner Jackson-Bain claiming female gold and Mateo Thomas winning the male division. In 13–14, Eliza Rose Benjamin of Grenfin took female first, while Ethan Chu Fook of Sailfish claimed male top honors. For 15–17 age group, Maggie Watson of Grenfin won the female division, and Jacob Collymore of Sailfish took the male title. Rounding out the awards, Sara Dowden of Grenfin claimed the 18 & Over female championship, with Fernando Gabriel of SolidBase winning the male open division.

In its statement, GASA extended praise to every athlete who stepped onto the starting blocks for the meet, noting that their hard work and commitment was central to the event’s success. The association also offered special recognition to the army of coaches, supporting parents, dedicated volunteers, and certified officials whose behind-the-scenes work made the smooth running of the competition possible. GASA additionally singled out SolidBase Triathlon and Swimming Team for its work organizing and hosting the inaugural invitational, crediting the team for advancing the growth of all aquatic sports across Grenada.

Organizers say they are encouraged by the consistent, steady growth competitive swimming has seen in Grenada in recent years, and are looking ahead to a future of expanded development, wider grassroots participation, and more high-level competition opportunities that allow local athletes to test their skills against top talent across the region and around the world. This report appears courtesy of contributor content hosted by NOW Grenada, which notes it is not responsible for the opinions or content shared by third-party contributors.

20 5 月, 2026
Another strong showing by Team Grenada

After a historic run of strong performances at the 2026 Roger Boyce Classic Semi Pro and IFBB Pro World Cup hosted in Barbados, Grenada’s national bodybuilding team received a warm official welcome from the Grenada Bodybuilding, Weightlifting and Fitness Federation (GBBWF) on Tuesday, May 19.

Under the strategic leadership of GBBWF President Cecil Mitchell and IFBB Pro Coach Vonne Francis, the delegation of Grenadian athletes turned in standout results across three competitive divisions: Men’s Physique, Classic Physique, and open Bodybuilding, going head-to-head with elite competitors from across the globe.

The tournament’s breakout story came from first-time regional competitor Daniel Louison, who clinched the gold medal in the Men’s Physique Up to 179cm category in his debut major outing. Joining Louison on the podium in the same division was compatriot Rashid Bridgeman, who claimed second place.

In the Men’s Physique Juniors division, Javon Joseph secured a second-place finish, with Bridgeman taking third. Joseph also added a bronze medal to his tournament tally with a third-place finish in the Men’s Physique Up to 176cm category. Veteran competitor Kevon Frederick delivered consistent top performances across two divisions, earning silver in Classic Physique and bronze in Men’s Bodybuilding.

For the professional division, three Grenadian athletes made their highly anticipated Elite Pros debut, all having earned their IFBB Pro Cards just last year in 2025. Odel Cato turned in the strongest professional debut, advancing all the way to the final round and finishing within the top 10 in the Men’s Physique division. Fellow first-time pros Grantley Charles and Renaldo Parkes also held their own against some of the most decorated bodybuilding professionals in the world, turning in competitive showings in their debut professional outings.

In comments following the team’s return, GBBWF publicly praised every member of Team Grenada for the extraordinary discipline, relentless determination, and exemplary sportsmanship they displayed while representing the country on the regional international stage. The federation also extended special acknowledgment to key sponsors and supporters, including Grenada’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Fit for Life, and Mitchell’s Health and Wellness, as well as the broader community of fans and well-wishers who have consistently backed the team’s efforts.

This report is credited to NOW Grenada, which notes that it is not responsible for opinions or statements shared by third-party contributors.

20 5 月, 2026
Law Passed, But Protection System Still Not Active

In November 2025, Belize’s Parliament passed a landmark piece of legislation aimed at closing critical gaps in access to emergency protection for domestic violence survivors. The reform promised faster, more accessible intervention by allowing specially trained Senior Justices of the Peace (JPs) to issue urgent short-term protection orders during periods when formal courts are closed — including weekends and public holidays, when incidents of domestic violence often spike and survivors have historically been left without immediate legal recourse. But half a year after the bill was signed into law, the entire system has yet to be activated, leaving vulnerable people waiting for the protections they were promised.

The rollout of the new framework has stalled at the first critical step: the mandatory specialized training for qualified senior JPs has not yet begun, according to leaders of Belize’s official JP association. NGO Senator Janelle Chanona has publicly raised alarm over the delay, warning that the urgent gaps in the domestic violence justice system the law was meant to fix remain unaddressed six months on.

Adrian “Danny” Madrid, president of the Association of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of the High Court, outlined the multiple barriers holding up implementation in an interview. He explained that this initiative is unprecedented in Belize, requiring careful navigation of new regulatory and operational structures that do not fit the country’s existing justice system model.

Currently, Belize has more than 3,000 active JPs across the country, but only a small fraction meet the strict eligibility requirements to serve as senior JPs with the new authority to issue protection orders. Under the law, JPs must complete a minimum of 10 years of service to be considered for senior status, in addition to holding an unblemished police record. Even eligible candidates must complete intensive specialized training before they can begin handling domestic violence cases, a step that has yet to get off the ground.

Madrid noted that the strict eligibility and training rules are intentional: senior JPs will be stepping into high-stakes, often dangerous situations when courts are unavailable, effectively taking on the role of sitting magistrates for emergency protection orders. Beyond regulatory barriers, however, the program faces a more immediate challenge: widespread hesitation among qualified senior JPs to take on the new role, driven by fears for personal safety.

“One of the first things that some of them will tell you is, ‘I’m afraid because suppose I am with this person who is reporting a domestic violence act, and then the person who did the violence comes to me and then beat me and the person up,’” Madrid shared.

To mitigate these safety concerns, program planners have structured all interactions under the new system to take place at official police stations, where survivors and JPs will have immediate access to law enforcement protection. Moving forward, the intensive required training is expected to be led jointly by Belize’s Ministry of Domestic Violence and the Attorney General’s Ministry once logistics are finalized, though no firm timeline for the start of training or full activation of the system has been announced.

20 5 月, 2026
Charles wins silver at Boyce Bodybuilding Classic in Barbados

One of Saint Lucia’s top competitive bodybuilders, Kirby Charles, has added another major accolade to his growing list of achievements, bringing home a silver medal from the 2026 Roger Boyce Classic and IFBB Pro World Cup hosted at Barbados’ Garfield Sobers Complex. Charles secured second place in the hotly contested men’s physique division, marking the latest addition to his multi-year streak of podium finishes across regional elite bodybuilding competitions.

In an official press statement celebrating the athlete’s win, the Saint Lucia Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (SLABBFA) praised Charles’ performance as nothing short of outstanding. Currently training out of Mango Moon Gym, Charles already holds multiple national championship titles in his home country. The regional governing body highlighted that the competitor showcased extraordinary physical conditioning, symmetrical muscle development, unwavering discipline, and commanding stage presence throughout the tournament.

SLABBFA President Eugene Gabriel emphasized that Charles’ latest podium finish is a historic milestone for Saint Lucian bodybuilding, noting that the result stands as a powerful testament to the athlete’s relentless commitment, strict discipline, and enduring passion for the sport. Competing against the highest-caliber athletes from around the globe at a premier IFBB World Cup event, Gabriel explained that Charles’ second-place finish cements Saint Lucia’s growing reputation as a competitive force on the international fitness stage. Beyond his own success, Gabriel added that Charles has now set a new benchmark of excellence that emerging local athletes can aspire to match.

Charles’ consistent success on the regional circuit dates back years: between 2022 and 2025 alone, he claimed three medals at the Central American and Caribbean Championships, proving his ability to perform at a high level across multiple major competitions. Widely recognized as the largest bodybuilding and fitness event in the Eastern Caribbean, this year’s iteration of the Roger Boyce Classic drew roughly 300 top-tier competitors from local, regional, and international backgrounds, creating one of the most competitive fields the tournament has ever hosted.

20 5 月, 2026
After 24 Years, Belize Central Prison Gets a New CEO

A historic leadership transition has concluded at one of Belize’s most important correctional facilities, bringing a close to nearly a quarter-century of steady governance. After 24 years at the helm, Virgilio Murillo has stepped down as chief executive of the Kolbe Foundation, the non-governmental entity that manages Belize Central Prison through a long-standing public-private partnership with the national government. On May 19, 2026, George Gomez officially assumed the role of CEO, marking a new chapter for the country’s largest correctional institution.

The handover between the two leaders did not happen abruptly. It was the final outcome of a carefully planned four-month transition process designed to ensure continuity of operations and a smooth transfer of responsibilities. Both the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise and the Kolbe Foundation’s Board of Directors have publicly lauded Murillo’s transformative impact on the prison system over his 24-year tenure. Under his leadership, the facility saw widespread reforms that improved both institutional management and inmate conditions, reshaping what was once considered a struggling correctional system into one aligned with modern correctional practices.

Moving forward, Gomez has made clear that his core priorities as the new CEO will center on expanding evidence-based rehabilitation programs and strengthening reintegration support for incarcerated individuals preparing to rejoin society after completing their sentences. To preserve institutional memory and ensure ongoing access to Murillo’s decades of expertise, the foundation has named him CEO Emeritus. He will remain actively involved with the organization in the new role of Special Advisor to the Board of Directors, providing guidance and insight as the new leadership pursues its reform agenda. This transition reflects the foundation’s commitment to balancing institutional continuity with forward-looking progress in correctional services.

20 5 月, 2026
Belize’s Economy is Valued at US $3 Billion

On May 20, 2026, the World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors greenlit a new five-year Country Partnership Framework that maps out a collaborative path with Belize’s government to drive private sector-led economic expansion across the small Central American-Caribbean nation.

Per World Bank data, Belize’s total gross domestic product currently sits at roughly US$3 billion, marking meaningful progress in macroeconomic stability after years of targeted government policy reforms. In recent years, the country has cut its public debt-to-GDP ratio sharply from 103% down to 62%, while unemployment has dropped to an unprecedented 2.1% — a historic low for the nation. Economic activity has also rebounded strongly from recent global shocks, positioning Belize for further expansion if persistent structural and climate-related risks can be addressed.

The largest pillar of Belize’s economy, tourism, accounts for nearly 50% of total national output, but the sector remains exceptionally exposed to the accelerating impacts of climate change. Ongoing degradation of Belize’s iconic barrier reef, a top global tourist attraction and critical natural infrastructure, poses direct threats to not only tourism but also commercial fishing and agricultural production. Reef damage also amplifies the country’s vulnerability to storm surges and other climate-fueled extreme weather events that can derail economic activity.

To tackle these climate risks, the new partnership framework allocates World Bank financing to upgrade critical public infrastructure: improving drinking water systems, expanding sanitation access, overhauling waste management practices, and supporting climate-resilient agricultural techniques, with a specific focus on vulnerable coastal communities that bear the brunt of climate impacts. The strategy also outlines a goal to position Belize as a key transportation and trade hub connecting the Caribbean region and mainland Central America, unlocking new cross-border economic opportunities.

Energy security represents another core priority of the new partnership. The World Bank notes that despite a nearly 50% jump in peak energy demand over the past decade, Belize has not added significant new domestic electricity generation capacity, and currently imports half of its power through volatile global spot markets. This leaves the country exposed to extreme price swings and supply disruptions. To resolve this gap, the framework supports policy overhauls for the energy sector, upgrades to national electricity grid management, and creates new incentives to attract private sector investment in domestic energy generation.

The plan also confronts long-standing labor market challenges, including a widespread shortage of skilled workers and a stark gender participation gap. As of mid-2025, less than 50% of working-age women were active in the labor force (either employed or actively seeking work), compared to nearly 75% of working-age men. World Bank analysis identifies unequal responsibility for unpaid childcare as one of the primary drivers of this persistent gap.

To close this divide, the strategy allocates funding for expanded investment in early childhood education and affordable childcare services in low-income and underserved communities. This investment is designed to remove barriers that keep women out of the workforce or from pursuing further education and professional training, boosting inclusive economic growth across the country.

Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño expressed strong support for the new partnership, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building on recent economic gains while expanding opportunity for all Belizeans. “This partnership with the World Bank Group will support us in that effort,” Briceño said.

Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean, emphasized the institution’s long-term commitment to Belize’s development trajectory, saying “The World Bank Group is steadfast in supporting Belize’s next phase of growth.” The full strategy will pool resources from four key World Bank Group institutions — the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) — under a coordinated “One World Bank Group” delivery model.

20 5 月, 2026
Fuel Tax Cuts Drain $80M from Belize Revenues

BELIZE CITY – May 20, 2026 – Sustained fuel tax cuts implemented by Belize’s ruling administration to buffer households from skyrocketing global fuel prices have already stripped $80 million from the national treasury, Prime Minister John Briceño has confirmed. Speaking to media this Wednesday morning, Briceño made clear that the government has no plans to reverse the policy, arguing that passing the full weight of global price volatility onto ordinary citizens is economically and politically untenable.

“We simply cannot transfer the entire cost burden to Belizean families. That is why this government made a deliberate choice to cut the fuel taxes we collect,” Briceño stated. The most recent round of cuts shaved approximately one dollar off the per-gallon cost of fuel, taking effect at midnight this Wednesday. Even with these reductions, official price adjustments released overnight show that overall fuel market trends remain upward: regular gasoline has jumped by more than one dollar per gallon, though the adjustment brought unexpected drops for premium gasoline and diesel, leaving premium fuel actually cheaper than regular at retail pumps. Kerosene prices also declined in the latest adjustment.

Current tax and government levies still account for roughly 25 percent of the average price motorists pay per gallon of fuel, even after the multiple rounds of cuts implemented by Briceño’s government. As the government continues absorbing massive revenue losses to keep fuel costs manageable, the parliamentary opposition has ramped up pressure on the administration over the growing cost of living crisis.

United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader Tracy Panton framed the current crisis of soaring fuel and living costs as “COVID 2.0” during an appearance on the popular *Open Your Eyes* morning talk show Wednesday. Panton echoed the prime minister’s own framing of imported inflation, noting that just like the COVID-19 pandemic originated outside Belize’s borders, the current fuel price surge is driven by the volatile ongoing conflict in the Middle East that pushes up global crude acquisition costs.

But Panton emphasized that regardless of the external root of the crisis, the Belizean government bears a clear responsibility to protect working people and vulnerable communities from the fallout. “Inflation may be imported, but we have a responsibility as a government to mitigate the impact on Belizeans, the working class, the vulnerable,” Panton said.

Briceño pushed back against criticism Wednesday, defending his administration’s actions by noting the government is already doing everything possible to cap fuel costs for consumers. To offset the $80 million in lost revenue and balance the national budget, Briceño confirmed the government is targeting cuts to non-essential spending on goods and services, but drew a line at slashing critical social support programs, which will remain fully protected from budget trimming.

“Even as fuel prices continue to climb, we are keeping taxes cut because we are committed to finding a sustainable balance between the global market cost of fuel and the tax burden our people face,” Briceño added. Full coverage of the ongoing fuel price crisis and government response will air this evening on News 5 Live at 6 p.m.

20 5 月, 2026
COFCOR-voorzitter Bouva wil sterkere positie CARICOM op wereldtoneel

On May 20, Suriname officially took over the rotating chairmanship of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), the key ministerial coordination body for foreign affairs of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), at the opening of the body’s 29th plenary session held in Paramaribo. The gathering, hosted at Paramaribo’s Yogh Hospitality, brought together top foreign affairs officials from across the Caribbean bloc to align shared positions on pressing cross-regional and global challenges.

In his keynote opening address, incoming chairman Melvin Bouva, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, outlined a clear priority agenda for his tenure, emphasizing that the Caribbean bloc must amplify its collective profile on the global stage. Bouva argued that CARICOM, as a region rich in natural resources, holds unique strategic importance for the entire world. He called on member states to not only deepen existing partnerships with major international actors, but also conduct rigorous reviews of current cooperation frameworks to ensure they deliver tangible, equitable benefits to all Caribbean nations.

Bouva also noted that Suriname’s leadership of COFCOR lays critical groundwork for the country’s upcoming assumption of the overall CARICOM presidency, which President Jennifer Simons will take over in July this year. During Suriname’s COFCOR chairmanship, top policy priorities will include advancing coordinated action on climate change adaptation, strengthening regional energy and food security, and expanding cross-regional connectivity infrastructure. Expanding strategic cooperation with partner nations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East also sits high on the agenda. Beyond these new priorities, the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Haiti remains a core ongoing focus for the bloc, while discussions will also cover shifting global geopolitical dynamics and the potential expansion of CARICOM’s membership.

Outgoing chairman Denzil Douglas, who led COFCOR through the 2025-2026 term, opened the session with a retrospective of his tenure, marked by rising global tensions and growing instability in the international rules-based order. Douglas pointed to ongoing armed conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East as key sources of spillover risk for small island and coastal Caribbean states, noting that small nations increasingly face challenges navigating a global order where narrow national interests often override agreed international norms.

Douglas stressed that sustained unity among CARICOM member states remains non-negotiable to protect regional stability, pointing to ongoing crises in Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela, alongside recurring global public health threats including hantavirus and Ebola, as clear examples of challenges that demand a coordinated collective response. He concluded his address by formally congratulating Bouva and the Suriname delegation on assuming the COFCOR chairmanship, expressing his confidence that the incoming leadership will successfully strengthen CARICOM’s collective voice in global affairs.

20 5 月, 2026
Govia Welcomes New Senate, Praises Youth and Female Representation

In the ceremonial opening of Antigua and Barbuda’s Senate this Wednesday, held weeks after the April 30 general election reshaped the nation’s legislative bodies, Leader of Government Business in the Senate Shenella Govia opened proceedings with warm welcomes, reflective praise, and a forward-looking call for collaborative governance.

First, Govia extended her congratulations to Alincia Williams-Grant and Philip Shoul, who secured re-election to the top leadership roles of the Upper House. Addressing Williams-Grant directly, Govia expressed full confidence in the pair’s leadership, saying, “I know that you’re more than capable to lead this honorable house.”

Beyond leadership appointments, Govia centered much of her address on the shifting demographic makeup of the government’s Senate caucus, celebrating what she framed as meaningful progress toward inclusive governance. She highlighted that five members of the government bloc are women, a milestone that transformed the chamber into what she called “an institution of empowerment and an institution of opportunity.” Reflecting on the shift, she added, “How refreshing it is specifically to see five of us on this side as women.”

Govia also turned attention to the growing inclusion of young people in the nation’s legislative landscape, pointing to a clear pipeline of young political talent nurtured through Senate service. She noted that multiple young former senators from the previous term have now advanced to take up seats in the lower House of Representatives, a progression she credited to the intentional work of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. “We have seen it from the last Senate … and now they are in the lower house. This is the type of institution that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party continues to build,” she explained.

Extending her welcome across the aisle, Govia extended greetings to newly appointed opposition senators, sharing her hope that the incoming parliamentary term would be defined by rigorous, productive debate that serves the best interests of the nation. “We look forward to a very interesting debate in this house,” she said. “May our discussions be very fruitful.”

Closing her address, Govia offered gratitude to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for the trust he placed in all government-appointed senators, and confirmed she was eager to continue her own service in the role of Leader of Government Business in the Senate for the new term.

20 5 月, 2026
Mayor Lendor-Gabriel shares journey raising autistic son

In a vulnerable, insightful conversation with St Lucia Times, Castries Mayor Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel has pulled back the curtain on her years-long journey raising Kyan Gabriel, her autistic son, walking readers through the unique hurdles, unexpected life lessons, and hard-won victories that have reshaped her family’s perspective and fueled her child’s extraordinary growth. For Lendor-Gabriel, parenting a neurodivergent child begins with a core shift in mindset: every child is an unplanned gift, and it is a parent’s duty to nurture that gift exactly as it is, rather than trying to force it to fit preconceived expectations.

“You cannot determine what child that you have, but once you are gifted with that child, you have a responsibility to ensure that you will nurture that child in the best way that you can,” she explained, adding that meaningful development rests on three non-negotiable pillars: a child must feel unconditionally loved, gain the skills to function confidently in broader society, and access a consistent, high-quality education that meets their needs.

Lendor-Gabriel identifies wholehearted parental acceptance as the foundational first step for any family navigating an autism diagnosis, paired with intentional outreach to qualified support systems. She specifically credits Saint Lucia’s Child Development and Guidance Centre for the transformative impact it had on Kyan’s early development. When he was young, Kyan was completely non-verbal, but targeted support from the centre helped him make the dramatic transition to communicating verbally – a leap that changed the trajectory of his life.

Developing mutual understanding with an autistic child, she notes, demands intentional patience and sharp attentiveness. Parents must carve out consistent time to learn their child’s unique mode of expression, prioritize adapting communication strategies to fit the child’s needs, and pay close attention to how their child responds to different environments and interactions.

In Kyan’s case, early exposure to learning materials unlocked abilities that many would have never expected. Even when he was still non-verbal, he demonstrated striking cognitive skill: he taught himself to read and write independently, and by 3 and a half years old, he could spell complex words like “xylophone” with ease. Lendor-Gabriel emphasizes that this breakthrough teaches a critical lesson: parents must provide early, consistent exposure to new experiences and learning tools, because it is impossible to know what potential a child holds until they are given that chance. Most importantly, she stresses, a lack of verbal communication does not equal a lack of cognitive function.

Of course, the journey has not been without challenges. Lendor-Gabriel openly shares that Kyan has often faced misunderstanding and judgment from the general public, with members of the community frequently reacting negatively to his behavior and approaching the mayor to criticize her parenting. She reminds other parents going through similar experiences that these harsh reactions almost always stem from ignorance, not malice: “the person does not understand that child,” she explains. She also counsels families to teach neurotypical siblings to practice empathy and patience, encouraging them to respond with compassion rather than frustration when others misunderstand their brother or sister.

One of the most critical pieces of advice Lendor-Gabriel offers to parents of autistic children is to avoid isolating their kids from the broader community. “One of the things you should not do is hide the child,” she says, pushing back against the social pressure that many families feel to keep neurodivergent children out of public life. Instead, she argues, integration is key: autistic children deserve the same chances to interact and grow in mainstream society, because there is no separate “special world” that can meet their need for connection and growth.

Community and institutional support remain non-negotiable for meaningful integration, she adds. Lendor-Gabriel expressed deep gratitude to the educators and institutions that supported Kyan’s journey, particularly those who made his inclusion in the mainstream public education system possible. She describes mainstream education as a core component of success for neurodivergent young people, while acknowledging that accommodations like full-time learning aides are often necessary during a child’s early school years.

Kyan’s journey has culminated in remarkable academic success: he graduated from the public education system with seven O-Levels and took home four subject-specific academic prizes. Lendor-Gabriel attributes this achievement not just to Kyan’s natural ability, but to the consistent, coordinated support between school faculty and family that created the conditions for him to thrive.

Beyond academics, Kyan is a multi-talented musician with a passion for guitar, inspired by iconic Saint Lucian musician Ronald “Boo” Hinkson. Lendor-Gabriel advocated for Kyan to be accepted into a community music program where his talent could be nurtured, opening the door to mentorship and public performance opportunities. Kyan has even written his own song, titled “This Is Me,” which carries a powerful, unapologetic message for autistic people and their advocates: “I’m not broken, I’m just unique.” The song stands as a broader rallying cry for widespread acceptance of all children on the autism spectrum.

Through sharing her family’s story, Lendor-Gabriel hopes to shift public perspective on autism, empower other parents to embrace their children fully, and build a more inclusive society that meets the needs of neurodivergent people across the island.

20 5 月, 2026