Carib Scope

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  • St Gabriel’s tops exam as teachers urge stronger reading habits

    St Gabriel’s tops exam as teachers urge stronger reading habits

    The 2025 Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination has delivered a mix of celebration and urgent concern for the island nation’s primary education system, after one standout campus claimed the country’s top performing boy and girl, while educators sound the alarm over plummeting national English proficiency scores.

    St Gabriel’s Primary School emerged as the clear standout of this year’s exam results, securing the top two overall scores for male and female candidates, and placing four of its students in the national top 10 rankings. But even as the school community celebrates this historic achievement, local educators are using the moment to draw attention to a growing systemic challenge: a sharp, nationwide drop in English performance that they warn threatens foundational learning across all subject areas.

    Official data shows the national average English score fell more than eight points this year, dropping from a mean of 72.5 in 2024 to 64.2 in the 2025 exam cycle. This decline has prompted educators across the country to call for urgent, system-wide action to rebuild student reading habits, which they identify as the core root of the poor English outcomes.

    Annabelle Thornton, a Class 4 teacher at St Gabriel’s who instructed this year’s top female performer Xiomara Alexis Lascaris, told reporters she is immensely proud of her students’ successes, and credits the school’s holistic, balanced approach to education for its top results. Unlike many institutions that narrow their focus exclusively to high-stakes exam core subjects, Thornton explained St Gabriel’s prioritizes a broad curriculum that nurtures well-rounded learners.

    “I feel extremely proud of Xiomara and every one of our students who sat this exam,” Thornton said. “They put in tireless work for months, and these results are a testament to that effort.” She added that the school does not funnel all its resources into mathematics and English test preparation alone, instead ensuring students get regular exposure to science, Spanish, religious education, drama and music to build diverse skills.

    At the same time, Thornton emphasized that even at high-performing St Gabriel’s, reading remains a non-negotiable foundational priority that the school prioritizes every day. “Reading is the base of all learning, full stop. It doesn’t matter what subject you’re teaching — if a student can’t read fluently and with comprehension, they can’t succeed,” she explained. “That’s why I believe every primary school across the country needs to make expanding reading opportunities a top priority right now, given these falling English scores.”

    To build reading proficiency, Thornton said St Gabriel’s integrates a wide range of reading materials into daily lessons, from traditional comprehension exercises to newspaper articles, general interest magazines and sports publications that meet students’ individual interests. “We push reading more than many other skill areas because it is the foundation that everything else builds on. There’s no way around it,” she said.

    Beyond a broad curriculum and strong reading focus, Thornton added St Gabriel’s longstanding commitment to project-based learning and extracurricular engagement has helped its students grow into confident, articulate, well-prepared learners. “We’ve always structured our program around termly projects, which get students applying their skills to real topics rather than just memorizing for tests,” she said. “We’re a balanced school that cares about more than just test scores, and that shows in how our students perform and present themselves.”

    Kirsty Lashley, another St Gabriel’s educator who worked with this year’s cohort of top performers, echoed Thornton’s praise for her students’ hard work, while noting that the school community remains focused on students still waiting for their results. “I’m absolutely delighted for the students who have already seen their hard work pay off with these strong scores, but we’re also thinking of those who haven’t received their results yet,” Lashley said. “Every single one of these students worked incredibly hard over the past year, and they all deserve recognition for that effort. When it comes to our school’s success this cycle, I think we’ve just been truly blessed.”

    As the country processes the 2025 entrance exam results, the call for expanded reading investment in primary education is expected to move to the forefront of education policy discussions on the island, as educators work to reverse the ongoing decline in English performance.

  • “His Loss Leaves an Immeasurable Void”: 55-Year-Old Dies in Motorcycle Crash

    “His Loss Leaves an Immeasurable Void”: 55-Year-Old Dies in Motorcycle Crash

    A devastating road accident has claimed the life of a 55-year-old local man, Aurelio “Jack” Bonell, following a head-on collision between two motorcycles along Cristo Rey Road in Cayo District on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, confirmed details of the incident in a press briefing. He told reporters that first responder units were dispatched immediately after receiving emergency calls about the crash, and arriving officers found two heavily damaged motorcycles at the scene, along with three injured people. Initial investigations indicate the two motorcycles were traveling in opposite directions when the collision occurred. Despite emergency medical response, Bonell could not survive the severe injuries he sustained in the impact, Romero confirmed.

    The two other people involved in the crash, identified as Kevin Miranda and Kristali Miranda, were rushed to a local medical facility for treatment. Authorities confirmed Monday that the pair remain in stable condition as they recover from their injuries.

    Bonell’s family has shared an emotional tribute to the 55-year-old in a public social media post, remembering him as a deeply loving member of his extended community. “He was a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and dear friend whose kindness, warmth, and presence touched the lives of many,” the post read. The family added, “His loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”

    As of Tuesday, the investigation into the crash remains active. Romero confirmed that law enforcement is still working to establish full fault for the collision, and no decisions have been made on whether criminal charges will be filed against any of the surviving involved parties.

  • St Gabriel’s Primary students take top honours in Common Entrance

    St Gabriel’s Primary students take top honours in Common Entrance

    One of Barbados’ most celebrated private primary institutions, St Gabriel’s Primary School, has turned in a standout performance in the 2024 Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination, securing both the top male and top female scores island-wide while placing four students in the overall top 10 rankings. The landmark result ranks among the school’s strongest academic showings in modern history, sparking widespread celebration across the campus after official results were unveiled by Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman.

    For 11-year-old Benjamin Luciene, the newly crowned top-performing boy, the achievement is the product of years of steady support from his school, family, and friends. In an interview following the results announcement, Luciene spoke through a wide smile about his overwhelming pride and gratitude for everyone who walked the journey with him. “I’m just so happy and proud to have achieved this result – I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” he said. “I had consistent support from my family, my teachers, and my friends every step of the way. On exam day, I just focused on giving it my all, and I’m completely satisfied with how everything turned out.”

    Like many test-takers, Luciene acknowledged pre-exam jitters played a role in the lead-up to test day. “To be honest, I just wanted to get it over with,” he admitted. “When the day finally came, all I focused on was doing my best and staying calm no matter what happened.” His father, Maxime Luciene, credited the family’s low-pressure, balanced approach to childhood and academics for his son’s success, alongside the high-quality instruction St Gabriel’s provided. “We are over the moon with this result, and we have to thank God and the entire team at St Gabriel’s for everything they’ve done,” he said. “At home, our main goal was to create an environment where Benjamin could thrive naturally. We know academics matter a lot, but for us, it was just as important to make sure he got to be a kid first. We prioritized giving him a healthy home, nutritious food, spiritual guidance, and all the tools he needed to succeed on his own terms.”

    Claiming the title of top-performing girl was Xiomara Alexis Lascaris, who said months of consistent revision and intentional preparation paid off far beyond her expectations. Lascaris, who has long set her sights on attending Harrison College, shared that she already got a preview of her next academic home and is eager to start the new chapter. “I feel so accomplished right now – I know I put in the work, and it feels good to see that effort rewarded,” she said. “I’m so thankful to every single person who supported me to get here. I went on a campus tour of Harrison College recently, and it was just beautiful. I got to see the classrooms and learn all about the different opportunities I’ll have there, and I can’t wait for my time there.” Her mother, Witney Lascaris, praised her daughter’s relentless work ethic and willingness to make short-term sacrifices to reach her goal. “I couldn’t be more proud of Xiomara. She worked so hard for this, and there were definitely things she put on hold to focus on her prep. She’s such a hard worker, and she takes her studies incredibly seriously.” Lascaris also shared that her daughter’s long-term ambitions have evolved over the years, ranging from exploring space as an astronaut to flying commercial aircraft as a pilot.

    Two more St Gabriel’s students, Shiloh Noelle Brewster and Adelaide Mae Sikkens, also claimed spots in the island’s top 10 overall rankings, cementing the school’s dominant performance. For Brewster, who earned a spot at her first-choice school Queen’s College, the reward for her hard work is simple: getting back to the hobbies she put on pause during exam prep. “I’m really proud of myself, and I’m so happy to have my free time back now that it’s over,” she said with a laugh. To make space for studying, Brewster cut back on screen time and spent hundreds of hours working through practice exam papers, and her prize for hitting her goal is a simple one: her favorite doughnuts. Her father, Leon Brewster, said her result is a direct reflection of her innate discipline and quiet confidence, while her mother Denise Brewster noted that the entire family adjusted their routines to support Shiloh throughout her preparation.

    For Sikkens, the fourth top-10 performer from the school, the achievement came with characteristic modesty. When asked about her result, she simply smiled and said, “I feel happy.” Her mother Dana shared that the family followed a simple, low-stress strategy to keep her grounded ahead of the exam: “We just focused on keeping her calm and sticking to our normal routine. We didn’t want to add extra pressure, and it worked out perfectly.”

    Education observers across Barbados have noted that St Gabriel’s performance this year highlights the consistent quality of education the private institution delivers, and the balanced approaches taken by all four top-performing students’ families are already being cited as examples for future test-takers across the island.

  • UWI to host regional forum examining Cuba’s ongoing crisis

    UWI to host regional forum examining Cuba’s ongoing crisis

    As regional and global concerns mount over Cuba’s deepening socio-economic struggles, the University of the West Indies (UWI) is stepping into a leading role to unpack the crisis and mobilize collective support for the Caribbean nation. The institution has announced two key initiatives: a high-profile Vice-Chancellor’s Forum dedicated to analyzing Cuba’s current challenges, and a university-wide humanitarian campaign to gather essential supplies for Cuban communities.

    Scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, the hybrid forum titled “Perspectives on the Current Cuban Crisis: Issues, Impact, and Imperatives” will kick off at 11:00 AM Eastern Caribbean/Atlantic Standard Time (10:00 AM Jamaica local time). The in-person portion of the event will be held at the Eon Nigel Harris Council Room within UWI’s Regional Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, with a free global live stream hosted on UWItv to enable participation from audiences across the Caribbean and beyond.

    Cuba currently faces a cascade of interconnected socio-economic headwinds: widespread shortages of basic necessities, chronic energy infrastructure disruptions, and sustained macroeconomic pressures that have rippled across the entire Caribbean region. These challenges unfold against a complex backdrop of strained international relations, ongoing domestic policy reforms, long-standing global trade restrictions, shifting tourism trends, and growing migration pressures that make Cuba’s trajectory a critical concern for the entire Caribbean community.

    As the Caribbean’s preeminent regional research and public engagement institution, UWI has positioned itself to foster evidence-based understanding of the crisis, rather than letting it go undiscussed. In addition to the upcoming policy forum, the university has launched the “One-UWI Humanitarian Effort,” a four-week initiative running throughout June that mobilizes staff, students, alumni, and institutional partners across all UWI campuses to raise funds for purchasing urgently needed essential supplies for Cuba.

    The forum is a collaborative effort organized by the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, in partnership with the Office of the Board for Undergraduate Studies, the Latin American-Caribbean Centre, and the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies. It will assemble a cross-functional panel of leading regional and international experts, spanning academia, diplomacy, and public policy, to examine every dimension of the crisis: its root causes, the scale of its impact, the Cuban government’s existing response frameworks, potential new policy pathways, implications for CARICOM and global diplomatic relations, and actionable opportunities for regional cooperation and targeted support.

    The event will open with formal remarks from Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and Her Excellency Tania López Larroque, with the expert panel featuring Jessica Byron-Reid, Bert Hoffmann, Andy Knight, Miriam Nicado, and Indira Rampersad. Co-moderation duties will be split between Canute S. Thompson and Don D. Marshall, while Gillian Bristol, Strategic Coordinator of the UWI Multilingual Culture Programme, will serve as chair of the live gathering.

    UWI’s Vice-Chancellor’s Forum series has built a 10+ year track record as a trusted platform for rigorous public debate on the most pressing regional and international issues. Under the leadership of Sir Hilary Beckles, the series has consistently connected leading scholars, policymakers, and practicing experts to confront the social, economic, political, and developmental challenges shaping the Caribbean and the wider world.

    UWI has urged all interested members of the public to access the live discussion via the UWItv official website or regional Flow television channels. The event is designed to deliver timely, data-driven analysis, encourage constructive cross-stakeholder engagement, and advance collaborative solutions to one of the most urgent issues facing the Caribbean region today.

  • New Tricks for Old Farms

    New Tricks for Old Farms

    On a Thursday ceremony marking the conclusion of a capacity-building Farmer Field School program focused on boosting livestock output and modernizing farm management, smallholder farmers across western Belize walked away with critical new resources: electric fencing kits and high-quality forage growing materials, ready to implement the sustainable techniques they learned over the course of the training.

    The hands-on program, which blended classroom learning with on-site practical demonstrations, has already driven tangible changes to how participating farmers operate their land and manage their herds. Multiple participants took the stage at the closing event to share their early successes with the new approaches they adopted.

    One farmer told the crowd he had already cultivated nearly 200 leucaena seedlings, divided his grazing property into managed paddocks, and established an on-site nursery for elephant grass. This shift eliminates the need to haul planting material from distant farms, cutting both his costs and logistical burden dramatically.

    A second participant explained a new low-impact land clearing strategy he now follows: instead of clearing all existing vegetation and planting new shade trees that often fall victim to cattle damage, he selectively preserves naturally established shade trees that already thrive on his land. This approach reduces labor and capital costs while maintaining the shade that cattle need for heat stress relief.

    A third farmer showcased even more innovative technology adoption: he now uses a consumer drone to herd cattle across large pasture tracts. The tool has cut his reliance on hired herders, reducing operating expenses, and made it far faster and easier to locate stray calves scattered within large herds.

    Not all remarks focused solely on success, however; several participants raised ongoing challenges facing their operations, most notably unpredictable weather patterns that threaten newly planted seedlings and forage crops. They called for expanded access to affordable irrigation systems and sprinklers to help protect their agricultural investments from drought and erratic rainfall.

    As part of the program, participants took a guided study tour of the Belmopan Model Farm, a demonstration facility where they got to see rotational grazing systems and electric fencing infrastructure in action first-hand. They also attended a hands-on demonstration of effective screwworm treatment products, a critical tool for protecting livestock health in the region.

    William Usher, Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA), opened the ceremony and emphasized that the model farm is a permanent community resource open to all BLPA members. “This is your association,” Usher told attendees. “You can come here anytime. You can walk into this office anytime. Don’t feel that we who are here are the ones dictating anything to you guys. You are here to dictate to us where to go as far as we are concerned in terms of this industry.”

    The Farmer Field School initiative was conceptualized and developed by the Nature Conservancy (TNC), with BLPA leading on-the-ground implementation. The program was delivered in formal partnership with Belize’s Ministry of Agriculture, the Belize Maya Forest Trust, and the University of Belize Central Farm, bringing together public, private, non-profit and academic stakeholders to support smallholder agricultural development in the region.

  • FTC urges students to put consumer rights at centre of business

    FTC urges students to put consumer rights at centre of business

    As part of Parkinson Memorial School’s annual Business Week celebrations, the Barbados Fair Trading Commission (FTC) recently hosted an interactive, week-long consumer rights workshop aimed at equipping young business students with practical real-world knowledge and exam preparation for their 2027 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) assessments. Centered on the theme “All About Business”, the program prioritized demystifying core consumer protection concepts, outlining official redress pathways for dissatisfied customers, and emphasizing the critical role of consumer rights in building sustainable, successful business ventures.

    Brian Parris, head of the business studies department at Parkinson Memorial School, opened the workshop by framing consumer rights as a foundational business principle, rather than an afterthought. He highlighted that consumers are the most critical stakeholders for any business, a reality many enterprises overlook when prioritizing short-term profit over long-term customer relationships. “What we are having today is a consumer rights workshop, and as we know, the customer is our major stakeholder in business,” Parris explained. Drawing a parallel between workplace protections for employees and consumer protections for customers, he noted that just as workers have established channels to address workplace grievances, consumers also have formal avenues to seek resolution when they receive faulty products or substandard services.

    Parris went on to clarify the FTC’s core mandate as the national body tasked with safeguarding consumer interests across Barbados. He emphasized that prioritizing consumer rights is not just a legal requirement—it is a strategic advantage for businesses. “You’ll find that businesses can enhance their relationships with customers if they understand the consumer rights that they have to protect and preserve,” he said. Beyond building practical business acumen, Parris shared his hope that the workshop would spark greater enthusiasm among students for business studies, encouraging them to pursue higher standards of academic and professional excellence. “I’m hoping that [today] not only just broadens their eyes to these business concepts but gets them more interested and enthused to take the bar a little higher,” he added.

    Dava Leslie Ward, Director of Consumer Protection at the FTC, followed with an actionable presentation outlining the commission’s ongoing work to advocate for Barbadian consumers and resolve a wide spectrum of consumer complaints. She explained that the FTC addresses every consumer concern through tailored, strategic approaches, drawing from recent advocacy work to illustrate the tangible impact of consumer protection regulation. One prominent example she highlighted is the FTC’s successful push for mandatory data usage alerts for mobile phone customers, a policy change that protects consumers from unexpected, excessive overage charges. “How many times have you gone over your data? Did you get a warning before you went over your data? At the commission, that’s one of the things we fought for from a consumer protection perspective and as well from a utility regulation perspective,” Ward said. She closed by reaffirming the FTC’s commitment to standing as a dedicated advocate for all Barbadians seeking fair treatment from businesses and service providers, noting that the commission regularly collaborates directly with providers to resolve disputes and deliver fair outcomes for consumers.

  • Espat Speaks to News 5 on Taking Over Ministry of Home Affairs

    Espat Speaks to News 5 on Taking Over Ministry of Home Affairs

    In a major cabinet reshuffle triggered by an official investigation, Belize’s Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira has been granted an immediate leave of absence from his post, as the nation’s Auditor General launches a 12-week probe into public procurement practices from Mira’s time leading the Ministry of Defence.

    The Office of Prime Minister John Briceño made the announcement official on June 22, 2026, confirming that Julius Espat — the current Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing — will step into the acting role of Home Affairs Minister while retaining his existing responsibilities for the full duration of the audit. The temporary appointment will be formally finalized once Espat completes the required documentation signing before the Governor General.

    In an official statement released to the public, Briceño framed the administrative adjustment as a demonstration of the current administration’s unwavering commitment to governmental accountability. “It is critical that the public understands we treat any questions about ministerial conduct with the utmost seriousness,” Briceño noted. “Our core obligations are twofold: ensuring taxpayer funds deliver maximum public value, and upholding full compliance with all existing procurement rules.”

    Contrary to many forced cabinet removals, the Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Mira himself requested the leave of absence. Espat corroborated this account in an interview with News 5, confirming that Mira volunteered to step aside following a direct discussion with Briceño.

    Espat told reporters he first received the request from the Prime Minister on Saturday evening, and accepted the temporary posting after an extended conversation about the scope of the role. He characterized the dual portfolio appointment as one of the most demanding professional challenges of his political career. “This is easily the most difficult assignment the country could put forward right now,” Espat said. “But our team is ready to meet the challenge head on. We will assemble a qualified working group, and we will work through this process step by step.”

    Moving forward, Espat plans to first receive a comprehensive full briefing on the Home Affairs Ministry’s command structure, ongoing initiatives and daily operations before rolling out any major policy or administrative changes. He also acknowledged that he will need to reorganize his existing leadership team to effectively manage two overlapping cabinet portfolios. To date, no extended timeline for the acting appointment has been confirmed beyond the scheduled three-month audit period.

    When asked if Mira made the correct choice to step aside rather than remain in post during the investigation, Espat declined to offer a definitive judgment, noting that the choice was entirely personal to Mira. “Only he could make that decision,” Espat explained. “Every decision we make as politicians and local representatives doesn’t just impact us as individuals. It touches our families, the constituents we were elected to serve, our legislative colleagues, our party, and the entire nation.”

    The audit itself is focused specifically on contracting procedures during Mira’s tenure at the Ministry of Defence. Recent public allegations have claimed that members of Mira’s family were awarded millions of dollars in government supply contracts, with payments intentionally split into amounts under $10,000 to bypass mandatory Treasury Department oversight protocols. Mira has issued a formal statement denying any personal involvement in improper procurement decision-making.

  • Police Officer Shot by BDF Soldier

    Police Officer Shot by BDF Soldier

    A violent altercation between an off-duty Belize police officer and a member of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) has left both men receiving medical care at Belize City’s premier public medical facility, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). The clash unfolded in the early hours of Sunday in Lemonal Village, a quiet community located in Belize River Valley, after a verbal dispute escalated into physical harm, law enforcement officials confirmed.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hilberto Romero, who leads the National Crimes Investigation Branch, outlined the sequence of events to reporters on Tuesday. Both men—Police Constable Pharon Musla of the Belize Police Department and BDF Lance Corporal Alexander Reynolds—were in attendance at a repast gathering shortly after midnight when tensions boiled over between them. All official accounts confirm that both personnel were off-duty at the time of the incident, and alcohol was involved in the gathering, per ACP Romero’s statement.

    Initial accounts from the police investigation allege that Musla first inflicted a chop wound to Reynolds’ head. In response, Reynolds drew a personal firearm and fired multiple shots at Musla. There remains a discrepancy in early official accounts over the weapon’s specifications: ACP Romero stated the firearm was a privately licensed 9-millimeter pistol, while preliminary investigations conducted by the BDF have identified the weapon as a 0.380 caliber handgun registered to a female owner.

    Following the exchange of violence, both injured men were rushed to KHMH for urgent medical intervention. Musla was admitted with multiple gunshot wounds, while Reynolds is being treated for the head injury he sustained during the confrontation. As of the latest update, both individuals are in stable condition, and a full joint investigation is underway to clarify the details of the incident and determine what criminal charges, if any, will be filed.

    “They are both at the KHMH receiving treatment. They are both in stable condition,” Romero reiterated to reporters. “A thorough investigation will be carried out to determine charges.”

  • Lashley shines as Wales advance to BFA Champions Cup final

    Lashley shines as Wales advance to BFA Champions Cup final

    The stage is now set for the Barbados Football Association Champions Cup final, after two dramatic semi-final clashes delivered contrasting outcomes but the same result: two elite clubs booking their spot in the title decider. Defending champions Weymouth Wales turned in a clinical first-half performance to see off Brittons Hill United 3-1, led by veteran striker Armando “Sugar” Lashley who continued his red-hot scoring streak with a first-half brace. The match unfolded at the BFA Technical Centre on Sunday, where Lashley found the back of the net as early as the 4th minute, and doubled his tally just 11 minutes later to put the defending champions firmly in the driver’s seat. Before halftime, in the 42nd minute, defender Akeem Hill extended Weymouth Wales’ lead to three, putting the result almost out of reach for Brittons Hill.

    Brittons Hill was not without opportunity in the opening 45 minutes, however, squandering at least two clear scoring chances that could have shifted the momentum of the tie. A late injury-time penalty converted by Cotrey Hoyte gave the side a consolation goal, but it was not enough to reverse the deficit. The defeat means Brittons Hill will return to the third-place playoff for the second straight year, a disappointing outcome for a side that had enough openings to compete much closer.

    Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Weymouth Wales assistant coach Andrew Jean expressed satisfaction at returning to the Champions Cup final, but acknowledged room for improvement in his side’s second-half performance. “The first half was excellent, and we stuck to the game plan, as we moved the ball quickly and maintained possession,” Jean explained. “The second half was not so good, however we are working towards a bigger goal which is the final and the upcoming Caribbean Football Union competition. This week is going to be a lot of recovery, but obviously we’re here to win the game.”

    The result marks a notable turnaround for Weymouth Wales, which struggled with inconsistent finishing for much of the current season after a rash of injuries depleted their starting roster. Jean credited the club’s focused behind-the-scenes training for the recent improvement in front of goal, singling out Lashley’s return to form as a major boost. “Our last five sessions were really just attacking drills, movement off the ball, one touch play, getting behind the defense,” he said. “We are also very happy that Sugar found some form. Everyone knows he is a top goal scorer.”

    In the second semi-final, Division Two underdogs Mavericks – the lowest-ranked side remaining in the tournament – faced off against Paradise, and were on the wrong end of a dominant 10-0 defeat that saw Paradise cruise into the final. Boosted by the return of forward Jaron Ougtherson, who recently rejoined the club following a stint playing overseas, Paradise’s attack ran rampant throughout the 90 minutes. Ougtherson notched a first-half hat-trick, while forward Sheran Hoyte bagged four goals of his own to cap off the lopsided result. Even with the heavy loss, Mavericks can count themselves a little unlucky, after hitting the woodwork twice in the match, which would have given the youthful side at least one consolation goal.

    After the match, Paradise head coach Mario Harte praised his squad for securing their place in the final, while also offering high praise for the young Mavericks side, tipping them to be a force to be reckoned with in coming years. “Obviously we’re happy with the victory, because it is a semi-final game regardless of the score,” Harte said. “The main thing is to make it to the final, which we did so congrats to the boys for that. Hard luck to the young Mavericks team. I hope that they hold their heads high and continue to build because their time will be coming soon. They have some very good talent.”

  • Joy, tears, hope fill St Paul’s as students embrace next chapter

    Joy, tears, hope fill St Paul’s as students embrace next chapter

    On the much-anticipated results day for primary school students transitioning to secondary education, the halls of St Paul’s Primary School, located on Brittons Cross Road in St Michael, hummed with a complex tapestry of emotions: unbridled excitement, quiet relief, and raw, heartfelt emotion. Students and educators gathered to mark the milestone, celebrating successful school placements before the cohort moves on to the next chapter of their academic journeys.