In a significant step toward fostering inclusive governance, 23 members of various factions in De Nationale Assemblée participated in an interactive training session on analyzing the National Budget through a gender lens. The session, titled ‘A Fair Budget: The National Budget Through a Gender Lens,’ was organized by Stichting Projekta in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Held on Friday, the training underscored the importance of recognizing that budgetary policies are not neutral and can disproportionately impact different societal groups. Sharda Ganga, Director of Projekta, led the session, which was funded by the Equality Fund. Participants were equipped with practical tools to assess the 2026 budget’s effects on women, men, boys, and girls, with applications extending to indigenous communities, people with disabilities, and vulnerable youth. During the opening remarks, Director Nasier Eskak, representing Minister Bee, emphasized the necessity of collaboration in crafting policies that reflect societal diversity. The training highlighted the potential of budgetary measures to either reinforce inequality or promote equal opportunities and social justice. One experienced parliamentarian noted, ‘The gender lens reveals who benefits and who is left out, making it clear that the National Budget is not neutral.’ Practical examples and a checklist provided insights into unintended consequences of policies. Participants stressed that the gender lens encompasses all societal groups, not just women. Shiefania Jahangier, Head of the Bureau for Gender Affairs, urged attendees to integrate gender equality into economic, political, and institutional policies. This training is part of a broader initiative by Projekta to strengthen gender-responsive policymaking within the government and De Nationale Assemblée, aligning with its mission to build a human rights-based, inclusive society.
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Liberty Caribbean sights regional benefits with 5G+
Liberty Caribbean has taken a monumental step in advancing regional digital infrastructure by unveiling the first commercial 5G+ mobile network in the Eastern Caribbean. This groundbreaking initiative, launched under its consumer brand Flow and business arm Liberty Business, positions Barbados as the pioneer in adopting this cutting-edge technology. The company aims to transform technological capabilities into tangible social and economic benefits for Barbados and the broader Caribbean region. Marilyn Sealy, Senior Director and Head of Communications for Liberty Caribbean, emphasized that 5G+ is more than a technical upgrade—it’s an ‘infrastructure of possibility’ poised to revolutionize how people live, learn, work, and access healthcare. The initial rollout connects 22 high-impact sites across Barbados, with plans to achieve 50% population coverage by year-end and full island-wide availability by 2026. Liberty Caribbean has pledged to prioritize security, inclusivity, affordability, and education in its deployment, ensuring that underserved communities benefit from this technological leap. The launch, held on October 15, follows Liberty Caribbean’s successful 5G introduction in the Cayman Islands last year and is part of a broader regional strategy to expand next-generation connectivity across the Caribbean. Senator Jonathan Reid, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, praised the initiative, highlighting 5G’s role as foundational infrastructure for national development. Liberty Caribbean reiterated its commitment to fostering public-private collaboration, community outreach, and education to maximize the network’s impact on sectors like education, healthcare, tourism, and government services. This milestone underscores the company’s century-long legacy of connecting Caribbean communities, empowering businesses, and driving innovation.
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New Student Deportment Policy draws praise, criticism
The Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia has introduced a groundbreaking Student Deportment Policy this academic year, marking the culmination of years of extensive consultations with educators, administrators, students, parents, and other stakeholders. The policy aims to harmonize the maintenance of school appearance standards with the freedom for students to express their identities without facing discrimination. Central to the policy is a framework that establishes clear expectations for student deportment across school communities, ensuring consistency and fairness in its application. While the guidelines address uniforms, jewelry, and general appearance, the most notable change pertains to hairstyles. The new rules permit students, particularly young men, to wear longer hair, dreadlocks, and interlocked styles, provided they maintain cleanliness and avoid obstructing others’ views. This shift represents a significant departure from past practices that often marginalized students with natural or culturally significant hairstyles, particularly those from Rastafarian and Afrocentric backgrounds. The Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari (ICAR), a key participant in the policy consultations, hailed the move as long overdue, recalling decades of discrimination faced by Rastafarian students. Aaron Alexander, ICAR’s president, praised the policy as a historic correction to colonial-era biases, emphasizing the importance of embracing natural hair as a symbol of cultural identity. Rahym Augustin-Joseph, Saint Lucia’s first Rhodes Scholar and a prominent student leader, welcomed the policy as a step forward but called for further refinement to include more Afrocentric hairstyles and ensure equitable implementation. He stressed the need for transparent enforcement mechanisms and student representation in decision-making processes to prevent bias. Augustin-Joseph also highlighted the importance of addressing disciplinary measures and the language used in the policy to avoid perpetuating historical inequalities. The policy has sparked broader discussions about balancing tradition and inclusivity in education, with advocates urging a reckoning with the colonial roots of many societal norms. While the policy is seen as a progressive step, its success will depend on its practical application and the ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
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Kasey Palmer out up to 10 weeks with knee injury – report
Jamaican international footballer Kasey Palmer is set to miss eight to ten weeks of action following a knee injury sustained during the recent World Cup qualifying matches, as reported by UK media outlets. The Hull Daily Mail revealed that the 28-year-old midfielder returned from international duty last week with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, potentially keeping him out of play until early next year. Palmer featured prominently in Jamaica’s 4-0 triumph over Bermuda at Kingston’s National Stadium last Tuesday but was absent from the previous match against Curacao due to a suspension. His injury comes at a critical juncture for the Reggae Boyz, who are vying for a spot in the World Cup. With two crucial games left in the final qualification round—an away fixture against Trinidad and Tobago and a home clash with Curacao in November—Jamaica currently leads Group B with nine points, narrowly ahead of Curacao with eight and Trinidad and Tobago with five.
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Hosein, Simmonds called up – Pierre urges WI to adapt to Bangladesh wicket
The West Indies cricket team has made a strategic move to strengthen their spin options for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Bangladesh by recalling left-arm orthodox spinner Akeal Hosein. This decision comes after the visitors suffered a 74-run defeat in the series opener, where spinners from both sides dominated the low and slow pitch at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Hosein, along with left-arm fast bowler Ramon Simmonds, was added to the squad on October 20, replacing injured fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades. Blades has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour due to a stress fracture in his lower back, while Joseph is set to consult a specialist in England for shoulder discomfort.
The inclusion of Hosein is expected to provide the West Indies with much-needed firepower in their bowling attack, which struggled in the first ODI. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has reinforced their spin-heavy approach by adding left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed to their squad. The hosts have not lost a home ODI series since 2011, making the challenge even more daunting for the West Indies.
Khary Pierre, who made his ODI return after nearly five years, emphasized the importance of adapting to the spin-friendly conditions. “The wicket is very spinner-friendly, and as batsmen, we have to adapt quickly,” Pierre said in a pre-match press conference. Drawing from his recent experience in India, Pierre highlighted the need for discipline and patience on subcontinental pitches.
Despite the challenging conditions, Pierre stressed that the team’s focus remains on execution rather than the pitch. “We have to play on any wicket provided to us. It’s about adapting and playing the game the right way,” he added. With Hosein and Pierre leading the spin department, the West Indies aim to exploit the surface’s assistance and keep Bangladesh’s batsmen at bay.
Pierre, who described his comeback as a result of persistence and hard work, expressed his pride in representing the West Indies. “Playing for the West Indies is my biggest motivation. I’m here to help my team win games,” he said. The team will look to leverage Hosein’s experience in the powerplay as they seek to keep the series alive ahead of the final ODI on October 23.
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Sweden names ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter new coach
The Swedish Football Association announced on Monday that Graham Potter, the former Chelsea and West Ham manager, has been appointed as the new head coach of the national team. This decision comes in the wake of Jon Dahl Tomasson’s dismissal last week following a dismal performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where the team suffered three consecutive losses and secured only one point in four matches. Potter, who was let go by West Ham in September, now faces the challenge of revitalizing a squad featuring star forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Swedish FA emphasized that Potter’s contract covers the ongoing qualifying campaign, including crucial matches against Switzerland and Slovenia in November, as well as a potential playoff in March. Should Sweden secure a spot in the tournament, the agreement will automatically extend to the finals. Potter, who previously managed Swedish club Ostersund FK from 2011 to 2018, expressed humility and enthusiasm about his new role, praising the quality of Swedish players competing in top global leagues. Despite the presence of high-profile talents like Isak and Gyokeres, Sweden has struggled offensively, failing to score in their last three matches and currently languishing at the bottom of Group B. Potter’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Swedish football as they aim to reverse their fortunes and secure a place on the world stage.
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US confirms Observer report – Jamaica among co-hosts for 2031 Women’s World Cup bid
In a landmark announcement, the United States has confirmed that Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica will join its bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The joint bid, formally launched in New York, marks a significant step in expanding the global reach of women’s football. The tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, aims to be the largest and most impactful Women’s World Cup in history.
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Divali persists despite flood clean-up in Rousillac
In the face of adversity, the spirit of Divali remained unshaken in Rousillac, Trinidad, as residents battled the aftermath of torrential rains that struck just a day before the Festival of Lights on October 20. Despite being inundated by floodwaters, the community rallied to clean up and prepare for the celebrations, showcasing remarkable resilience and determination.
The weekend’s tropical wave, which prompted a yellow-level adverse weather alert from the TT Meteorological Service, left over a dozen communities in Central Trinidad submerged. Rousillac, located in the southwest, was among the hardest hit. Streets turned into rivers, and homes were threatened by rising waters, yet the residents refused to let the disaster dampen their festive spirit.
Challiram Jodhan, a 64-year-old resident of Grant’s Road, spent hours preparing his home for Divali, only to see his efforts washed away as floodwaters surged around 5 pm on October 19. ‘I couldn’t do nothing,’ he lamented, recounting how water soaked his storage room and filled the foundation beneath his house. Despite the setback, Jodhan and his family remained steadfast, determined to light their deyas (traditional oil lamps) even if the rains returned.
Nearby, Nike Goomansingh and her husband Cecil faced similar challenges. While their home was spared from the floodwaters, their yard was submerged, forcing them to clean up once again after investing time and money in Divali preparations. Cecil attributed the flooding to poorly designed drainage systems, exacerbated by recent housing developments in the area.
In Dow Village, an elderly man, who chose to remain anonymous, showed damage to his outdoor prayer room, or mandir, where waters had risen to two feet. He blamed the narrow drainage channel running alongside his home for the flooding, which was further worsened by a barrel that blocked the outlet.
Despite the widespread damage, the community’s resolve remained unbroken. Nickolas, a resident of Mon Desir Road, worked with his family to prepare bamboo arches for deyas, grateful that their home was narrowly spared from the floodwaters. Sunny skies on Divali morning facilitated cleanup efforts, though the adverse weather alert remained in effect until 10 pm.
Otaheite/Rousillac councillor Javed Mohammed reported that about a dozen homes were affected, primarily by street flooding. The Disaster Management Unit (DMU) mobilized quickly, assisting with cleanup and distributing supplies to those in need. Similar reports of flooding in Palo Seco and Cedros were yet to be assessed.
As night fell on Divali, the deyas of Rousillac shone brightly, a testament to the community’s unwavering spirit in the face of nature’s challenges.
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Kemps Hill defeat Frome, join Cornwall College in D’Cup round of 16
In a thrilling culmination of the ISSA daCosta Cup round of 32 qualifiers, former champions Cornwall College and Kemps Hill High secured their spots in the round of 16 on Monday. Kemps Hill clinched their place with a decisive 2-0 victory over Frome Technical in a rescheduled Group 1 match at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. The game, originally slated for Saturday, was moved due to a waterlogged field at Foga Road, adding an extra layer of drama to the proceedings.
Robinho Rodney opened the scoring for Kemps Hill in the 10th minute, setting the tone for the match. Ricardo Dean then sealed the win with a penalty in the 49th minute after Shemar Daley was fouled in the 18-yard box. This victory marked a remarkable turnaround for Kemps Hill, who had lost their opening round of 32 game 2-0 to Cornwall College but rallied to win their next two matches, including a high-scoring 6-4 triumph over Cedric Titus on Wednesday.
Frome Technical, who had started strong with wins over Cedric Titus (3-2) and Cornwall College (2-1), needed only a draw to advance but fell short. Meanwhile, Cornwall College topped the group with a superior goal difference of +13, followed by Kemps Hill at +2 and Frome Technical at 0. Cornwall College had previously bounced back from their loss to Frome with a dominant 13-1 victory over Cedric Titus on Saturday.
The round of 16 will also feature Ocho Rios High and Maggotty High from Group 2; Christiana High and Mannings School from Group 3; STETHS and Maldon High from Group 4; Glenmuir High and Manchester High from Group 5; Dinthill Technical and Clarendon College from Group 6; Garvey Maceo High and Old Harbour High from Group 7; and McGrath High and William Knibb Memorial from Group 8. The stage is now set for an intense knockout phase as these teams vie for the coveted ISSA daCosta Cup.
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Cayman Islands releases sweeping immigration reform bill
The Cayman Islands Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of proposed amendments to its immigration laws, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s policy framework. The reforms, now open for public consultation until mid-November, aim to realign the immigration system with the priorities of Caymanians while maintaining the islands’ competitiveness and social cohesion. Among the key changes is the extension of the residency requirement for spouses or civil partners of Caymanians or permanent residents from 15 to 20 years before they can apply for naturalization or permanent residency. Additionally, the amendments introduce stricter measures for work-permit holders, including a two-year restriction on changing employers and a mandatory one-year departure from the islands before reapplying for a permit. The bill also imposes annual declaration requirements for individuals granted Caymanian status, with non-compliance potentially leading to revocation. Other notable changes include age limits for specialist caregiver certificates and financial standing requirements for surviving spouses or civil partners with dependents. Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration Michael Myles emphasized the importance of public consultation in crafting a fair and transparent immigration system that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Caymanian people.