Scotiabank and the non-profit organization I Am A Girl are commemorating five years of impactful collaboration through their flagship Adopt-A-Girl programme, which has transformed the lives of vulnerable teenage girls across Barbados. To celebrate this milestone, Scotiabank has reaffirmed its commitment by contributing an additional $60,000 to the initiative, ensuring continued support for girls aged 15 to 18 in overcoming challenges and achieving their academic and personal goals. The programme provides a comprehensive safety net, offering scholarships, essential learning tools, mental wellness services, and assistance with daily necessities like food and hygiene. This holistic approach ensures that, as organizers emphasize, “no girl is left behind due to circumstance.” Since its inception, the partnership has empowered hundreds of girls through mentoring, resources, and encouragement to stay in school and excel. The initiative has been a catalyst for change, not only for the participants but also for their families and communities. Scotiabank’s involvement extends beyond financial support, with employees actively engaging as mentors and capacity-builders through the Empower Employee Resource Group. They have conducted workshops on leadership, financial literacy, career coaching, and interview skills, serving as positive role models. Alian Ollivierre, executive director and founder of I Am A Girl, reflected on the partnership’s success: “Collaborating in a way that truly centres our girls and reflects meaningful partnership has exceeded our expectations. Together, we’ve deepened impact and created measurable change.” Suzette Armoogam-Shah, managing director of Scotiabank Barbados, added: “This partnership is about more than giving; it is about growing. Watching these young women rise, discover their strength, and pursue their dreams has been inspiring.”
作者： admin
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ICBL bee boosts literacy with youthful flair
The Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) recently unveiled its sixth National Junior Spelling Bee, an event that not only celebrates spelling excellence but also underscores the transformative power of literacy in shaping young lives. The launch was met with palpable enthusiasm, as stakeholders gathered to support this educational initiative.
Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation, praised ICBL and its partners for their sustained commitment to education. He emphasized literacy as the cornerstone of national development, stating, ‘Our education system must evolve to prepare us for the future, rooted in our own ideals and focused on competitiveness.’ Blackman also highlighted the alignment of the Spelling Bee with the ministry’s literacy transformation program, urging nationwide recognition of literacy as a collective priority.
Amayah Chase, last year’s champion and the first public school student to win the national title, shared her inspiring journey. ‘Winning this competition was a dream come true. The prizes were exceptional, and my trip to London was unforgettable—I even met my great-grandparents for the first time,’ she recounted. Her former English teacher, Nakesha Hutson, lauded the competition for fostering literacy, academic excellence, and a passion for language.
ICBL CEO Goulbourne Alleyne expressed gratitude to sponsors, including new silver sponsor GO! Insect Repellent. Kristen Austin, Brand Developer for GO!, emphasized the company’s eagerness to support youth development through education. Republic Bank, a long-standing partner, reaffirmed its commitment via its ‘Power to Make a Difference’ program. Sharon Howell, Marketing Officer – Communications, remarked, ‘Education is the most powerful tool to shape a brighter future. Every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential.’
Since its inception, the ICBL Spelling Bee has drawn participants from both public and private schools across Barbados, offering students a platform to compete for prestigious honors and valuable prizes. This year’s edition promises to be even more engaging, with organizers teasing new elements to enhance the experience.
As anticipation builds, educators and sponsors continue to champion the Spelling Bee as a vital platform for inspiring academic excellence and nurturing a literate, confident generation.
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Tributes pour in for late West Indian Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez
The Caribbean and the global Anglican community are united in mourning the passing of Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a revered figure in the Anglican Church, who died at the age of 88. Born in the Bahamas, Gomez made an indelible mark on the religious and social fabric of the region. At just 36, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Barbados on June 24, 1972, becoming the first and only Caribbean-born bishop in the diocese’s 200-year history. He served in this role for two decades before ascending to Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies in 1998. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados fondly remembered Gomez as a ‘soft-spoken gentleman’ whose warmth and dignity endeared him to all. She highlighted his courage in addressing social and political issues from the pulpit, even during tumultuous times in Barbadian politics. Anglican Bishop of Barbados, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell, praised Gomez’s lifelong dedication to the church and his unwavering service to the diocese and the wider Anglican Communion. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis also paid tribute, recalling Gomez’s guidance and moral clarity, which left a lasting legacy. Gomez’s life was a testament to faith, leadership, and service, and his passing marks the end of an era for the Caribbean Anglican community.
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Kanhai: Ik trek gratieverzoek niet in
Attorney Irvin Kanhai remains steadfast in his decision to file a clemency request on behalf of the convicted individuals in the December 8 case. In a statement to Starnieuws, Kanhai confirmed that the request was delivered to the President’s Cabinet on September 17, 2025, and was officially acknowledged. “I have no intention of withdrawing the clemency request. This was submitted after consultation with the four convicts and leaders within the NDP,” Kanhai stated. He emphasized his 25-year involvement in the case, which he has handled pro bono, and his desire to avoid entanglement in internal NDP political disputes. Kanhai described the request as a “legal-scientific approach” rather than a political maneuver, aiming to conclude the case with dignity and legal integrity. The request, addressed to President Jennifer Simons, invokes Article 109 of the Constitution, seeking the remission of the remaining prison sentences for Iwan Dijksteel, Benny Brondenstein, Ernst Gefferie, and Stefanus Dendoe, all sentenced to 15 years. Dijksteel remains at large. Kanhai cited humanitarian and medical grounds for the plea, noting that the convicts, all over 75, suffer from severe health issues and inadequate medical care in Santo Boma prison. The request also highlights “exceptional circumstances” surrounding the trial, including public opinion influence, the role of victims’ families, and alleged judicial bias. Kanhai stressed that the request seeks humanitarian clemency, not a review of the verdict or an admission of guilt. The issue has sparked confusion and division, with President Simons initially claiming unawareness of the request, while Kanhai provided evidence of its receipt. Additionally, three convicts signed statements denying consent for the request, contradicting earlier agreements. The case has ignited intense political debate within the NDP and broader society, raising questions about the legitimacy of the request and the responsibilities of the involved parties.
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West Indies show grit in defeat, says Captain Chase
West Indies Test captain Roston Chase has lauded his team for their valiant effort in the second Test against India, even though they suffered a defeat and lost the two-match series. The regional team managed to extend the game into the fifth day before India secured a seven-wicket victory on Tuesday, completing a 2-0 series sweep. Despite a dismal first innings that forced the West Indies to follow on, opener John Campbell notched his maiden Test century, and Shai Hope ended an eight-year wait for a Test hundred, propelling the team to a commendable 390 in their second innings. Although this marked the Windies’ sixth loss in seven Test matches this year, Chase expressed optimism about the team’s fighting spirit, especially after their innings and 140-run defeat in the first Test. ‘This is the kind of fight I wanted to see from us. It’s a stepping stone and a building block for us to improve as a Test-playing nation,’ Chase stated during a post-match press conference. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this positive momentum, even in defeat, to extract valuable lessons from each game. However, Chase acknowledged that the team’s batting remains a critical area for improvement. ‘Our batting has let us down in the last two series. We have a strong bowling attack despite injuries, but we need to post better first-innings totals to compete in the Test Championship,’ he added. Looking ahead, Chase believes that facing top-tier teams like Australia and India provides essential preparation for upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2026. ‘These tough matches are part of our growth. If we learn from these experiences, we can be more competitive against teams closer to our ranking,’ he concluded.
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Flash Flood Advisory Issued for Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a flash flood advisory for the twin-island nation, alerting residents to potential minor flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. The advisory, which remains in effect until noon on Thursday, comes as a persistent weather trough continues to bring heavy showers and thunderstorms across the islands. Radar estimates indicate that over an inch of rain has already fallen, with additional rainfall expected throughout the morning. Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads, and move to higher ground if necessary. Officials anticipate minor disruptions but do not expect major damage. Forecaster Patrice Edwards advised the public to stay updated through local media or contact the Met Office at 463-4638 for further information. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness during severe weather events in the region.
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Customs Comptroller Raju Boddu Resigns, Citing Health Reasons
In a surprising turn of events, Raju Boddu, the Comptroller of Customs in Antigua and Barbuda, has resigned from his position, marking the end of his extensive tenure as head of the Customs and Excise Division. Sources reveal that Boddu submitted his resignation earlier this week, attributing his decision to health concerns. However, the abrupt nature of his departure has sparked widespread speculation within the department and beyond, with rumors swirling about an ongoing internal investigation. Boddu, a veteran customs administrator, is known for his stringent enforcement strategies and significant contributions to modernizing customs operations during his years in Antigua and Barbuda. Authorities have yet to announce an interim replacement, leaving the department in a state of uncertainty. Opposition Members of Parliament are reportedly preparing to raise pointed questions in the upcoming parliamentary session, seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding Boddu’s resignation. Whispers of ‘irregularities’ and potential misconduct have further fueled the intrigue, though no official statements have been made to confirm these allegations. As the silence from official channels continues, the void left by Boddu’s departure raises more questions than answers, leaving the public and political observers eager for transparency and resolution.
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Connecting communities, government, and markets
When hurricanes devastate the Caribbean, recovery extends beyond rebuilding infrastructure. It hinges on the ability of farmers to replace lost livestock, fishers to access damaged docks, market vendors to preserve perishable goods, and tourism workers to survive prolonged hotel closures. These individuals are the backbone of local economies, yet they often face the longest delays in receiving aid. While governments and private insurers play crucial roles, they frequently fall short in addressing the immediate, small-scale needs of vulnerable workers. Governments focus on large-scale recovery efforts, such as repairing roads and restoring power grids, but struggle to swiftly address individual needs like restoring contaminated wells or replacing fishing equipment. Private insurers, on the other hand, cater primarily to businesses with formal assets, leaving informal workers—such as farmers without land titles or fishers with uninsured boats—without coverage. This gap in disaster response is where meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) steps in. By linking government and insurance resources with the trust and reach of community organizations, meso-level CDRFI creates a more efficient and equitable recovery system. Community institutions, such as cooperatives and NGOs, act as direct links to vulnerable populations, identifying needs and distributing resources. Financial tools like parametric insurance and community savings funds are managed through these groups, ensuring faster and fairer payouts. Governments and private insurers provide broader support, making the system sustainable. Research by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) reveals that 79% of organizations serving vulnerable workers lack budgets for disaster response. Meso-level CDRFI empowers these organizations to access financial resources, deliver support directly, and reduce recovery time. Beyond financial aid, this approach fosters trust, transparency, and local decision-making, essential for long-term resilience. As climate risks escalate, meso-level CDRFI offers a practical solution to strengthen the Caribbean’s disaster response, ensuring that recovery is both swift and equitable.
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Two Saint Lucian stars return home on holiday
Joseph Marcell, the internationally renowned actor celebrated for his iconic role as Geoffrey Butler in *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, is currently savoring a much-needed holiday in his homeland, Saint Lucia. This visit follows his recent performance in Scotland, where he starred in the world premiere staging of Bach’s rediscovered work, *Markus Passion*.
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Former Bishop of Dominica Edward Gilbert passes away
The former Bishop of Dominica, Edward Gilbert, has passed away, according to reports from Dominica News Online (DNO). The respected clergyman died at approximately 11:30 pm last night in a Redemptorist retirement home located in Florida. Details surrounding his passing remain limited at this time, but further information is expected to be released in a subsequent update. Bishop Gilbert’s contributions to the religious community in Dominica and beyond have left a lasting legacy, and his death marks a significant loss for the Catholic Church and its followers. The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from those who knew him and were touched by his work. As the community mourns, many are reflecting on his life of service and dedication to faith.