Carib Scope

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  • Art of Her crowns first winners as beauty professionals showcase talent

    Art of Her crowns first winners as beauty professionals showcase talent

    On a bustling Saturday evening at Bridgetown’s Solidarity House, the first-ever Art of Her: The Beauty of South Central competition drew to a close, with three standout female beauty professionals taking home top honors and a collective $20,000 in prizes. The event, born from a vision to elevate women-owned beauty businesses across Barbados, offered creators a rare platform to display their technical skill, build their personal brands, and connect with industry peers — growing far beyond its original goal of highlighting talent within the St Michael South Central constituency after widespread interest from beauty workers across the island.

    Organized in partnership with local retailer #1 Beauty Supply, the competition centered on the overarching theme of “Fantasy”, split into three specialized categories: Crowning the Fantasy for hair artistry, The Face of Fantasy for makeup artistry, and Fantasy at Your Fingertips for nail art and design. A panel of four industry judges, led by Chief Judge Debra Proverbs, evaluated the 10 competing artists who created their works live on-site, with attendees free to move between dedicated hair, makeup, and nail stations to observe creative processes and interact with contestants throughout the evening.

    At the end of judging, Shanice Thompson claimed first place in the Makeup Artistry category, beating out runner-up Aliyah Daniel and third-place finisher Simone Williams. Thompson’s award-winning look, crafted on model Shakila Bayley, drew inspiration from Barbados’ iconic sunsets, blending bold, warm hues of red, orange, and gold with delicate floral accents. The newly crowned winner called her victory a validation of years of hard work invested in her craft, noting that the competition has already opened new doors for her business through exposure and professional networking.

    “It feels amazing to see my hard work, dedication, and passion pay off. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud of how far I’ve come,” Thompson said, adding that her prizes — which include a professional makeup recliner, lash supplies, a ring light, and a curated gift set — will go directly toward growing her brand and expanding access to new clients.

    In the Nail Art and Design category, Antavia Alexander secured the top spot ahead of Richanne Lashley and Ria Browne. Alexander’s intricate nail art, painted on model Jonnell Farrell, celebrated the beauty of sisterhood, drawing inspiration from the quiet joy of women gathering for a picnic. Her design featured detailed depictions of fresh fruit, blooming flowers, and a honeybee, crafted to honor the strength and unity that women provide one another. The shy designer shared that competing in a public setting pushed her far outside her comfort zone, calling the experience a transformative personal and professional milestone. Alexander’s prizes include a professional nail table, lamp, storage trolley, and gift set, which she will use to continue growing her business.

    Hair stylist Ashéy Johnson took home the crown in the Hair Artistry category, the only competitor to remain in the field after other contestants dropped out. Rather than treating her solo entry as a formality, Johnson leaned into the unique pressure of the moment and delivered a standout creation titled *Crowned by Kadooment*, which repurposed a Crop Over costume backpack into a vibrant, elaborate hairstyle rooted in Barbadian cultural heritage. Johnson said her work was designed to challenge the idea that local traditions are relics of the past, instead framing them as foundational elements that lift up and shape contemporary Barbadian identity. Her prizes include a professional shampoo station, roller ball hair dryer, and gift set sponsored by Aventa Barbados, and she called the new professional connections and visibility her biggest takeaway from the competition.

    Beyond the live competition, the evening offered a full lineup of entertainment and industry engagement. Local soca artist Faith Callender performed her newest singles “From Nothing” and “Keep It”, while the Vida by Esquire Crop Over band opened the event with a cultural showcase. Pageant contestants from the Mum, This One’s For You initiative also made a special stage appearance, and beauty brand Rogue Beautii led a live makeup demonstration using products sponsored by global beauty brand Maybelline. The evening concluded with a Fantasy Finale showcase and official awards ceremony.

    Local MP Marsha Caddle, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasized the long-term socio-economic impact of investing in women beauty entrepreneurs. Caddle noted that the global beauty industry generates roughly $700 billion in annual revenue, and supporting local women creators delivers outsized benefits to entire communities. “When we support their productive capacity, we know that families and communities benefit. We know that income in the hands of women tends to have greater multiplier effects for the health and education of children and families,” she said, thanking #1 Beauty Supply owner Mohammed Jaouni, manager Charmaine Carter, and their team for stepping in as immediate partners when the event was first proposed.

    Event technical consultant Ashley Lashley shared that the entire event was planned and executed in less than a month — a timeline far faster than the months of preparation typical for large industry events. Lashley credited the quick turnaround to the dedication of the cross-functional planning team, which included Aisha Marshall, Amber Price, Allan Farmer, Tyrique Wilson, Dr Abdul Mohamed, Rico Graham, and Shelly Williams, as well as the support of sponsors, partners, volunteers, and competing artists. Lashley added that the high level of talent on display and strong audience turnout prove there is significant unmet demand for local programming that elevates and showcases Barbadian beauty professionals.

    Additional sponsors and partners that contributed to the event’s success include Beyond Design, AccuSounds Inc., Iridescent Lighting, Mayhem Soundz, REI Academy, the Division of Youth and Culture, and the National Cultural Foundation.

  • Government Yet to Access $100M Road Project Loan, PM Says

    Government Yet to Access $100M Road Project Loan, PM Says

    In a recent address to the country’s national parliament this week, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has delivered a key update on the financing of a critical national infrastructure initiative, confirming that the government has yet to access any funds from the $100 million loan facility specifically allocated to the National Road Project.

    When fielding questions from parliamentary representatives about the current status of the planned financing, Browne clarified that no proceeds from the earmarked credit have been drawn down or received by the administration to date. The full $100 million facility remains entirely untouched, with no disbursements having been processed since the facility was approved for the infrastructure scheme.

    “We have not received any proceeds from the loan as yet. It remains undrawn, but we hope to commence accessing the facility from later this month,” the prime minister told legislative members during the question-and-answer session.

    The multi-million dollar loan is designated exclusively to support the National Road Project, one of the government’s flagship public works programs. The core goal of this large-scale initiative is to upgrade and expand the Caribbean nation’s existing domestic road network, addressing longstanding infrastructure gaps, improving connectivity between communities, reducing travel times, and supporting long-term economic growth across the country.

  • Girl Guides Association of Dominica set for annual general meeting

    Girl Guides Association of Dominica set for annual general meeting

    The Girl Guides Association of Dominica is gearing up for its 2026 Annual General Meeting, scheduled to take place June 19 at the Goodwill Primary School Auditorium in Roseau, bringing hundreds of stakeholders from across the island together to reflect on 12 months of growth and lay out strategic plans for the coming years.

    Billed under the unifying theme “Honoring Our Roots, Proud Past, Progressive Future,” the meeting will kick off at 4:30 PM, with a guest list that includes rank-and-file Guides, unit leaders, long-time volunteers, community supporters, and invited dignitaries. Among the high-profile attendees are Dominica’s President and national Chief Guide Her Excellency Mrs. Sylvanie Burton, and Roseau Mayor Lucy Belle-Matthew, both of whom will take part in the official opening proceedings.

    The day’s agenda has been structured to blend ceremonial celebration, organizational accountability, and forward-looking strategic discussion. Attendees will be welcomed with the national anthem and an opening prayer, followed by welcoming remarks from organizational leaders, vibrant cultural performances prepared by local Guide units, the presentation of annual activity and financial reports, and a special awards segment recognizing outstanding contributions to the movement over the past year. Two featured guests, youth development advocate Brendalyn Bazil and Minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development Honourable Gretta Roberts, will also deliver addresses to the assembled gathering.

    A centerpiece of the public session will be the release of the annual Chief Commissioner’s Report, presented by sitting Chief Commissioner W. Valencia Webb. The document details a year of significant momentum and expansion for the Guiding movement across Dominica, with the association recording steady membership growth as more girls and young women from communities across the island sign up to join local units.

    Over the past year, members have participated in a diverse slate of programming designed to build critical life skills, ranging from intensive leadership training camps and large-scale environmental conservation projects to community service outreach, educational skill-building workshops, and traditional Guiding outdoor adventures. All activities are centered on the core goals of nurturing self-confidence, collaborative teamwork, and personal resilience among young participants. The report also highlights the expansion of several local Guide units and ongoing organizational investments in leadership development to strengthen the volunteer base that powers the movement.

    In prepared comments, Chief Commissioner Webb emphasized that the past year’s progress would not have been possible without the sustained commitment of unit leaders, volunteers, participating parents, and local community partners, all of whom work together to deliver transformative, positive experiences for girls and young women across Dominica.

    After the conclusion of the public ceremonial session, voting delegates will move into a closed business session to handle core organizational governance matters. The key order of business during this segment will be the election of new leaders for multiple executive board positions, including Chief Commissioner, Assistant Chief Commissioner, International Commissioner, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Delegates will also approve the meeting agenda, confirm official minutes from the previous AGM, and debate proposed changes to the association’s strategic direction that will guide its continued growth in the coming years.

    Organizational leaders note that the association remains laser-focused on expanding its reach across the island, enhancing the quality of its programming, and opening new opportunities for girls in every community. Ahead of the meeting, planning committee members expressed expectation that the 2026 AGM will reaffirm the organization’s longstanding mission to nurture confident, responsible, and civically engaged young women, while upholding the core values of the global Guiding movement and pursuing new opportunities for growth and impact.

  • Cricket West Indies Announces Test Squad for Two Match Series Against Sri Lanka

    Cricket West Indies Announces Test Squad for Two Match Series Against Sri Lanka

    June 16, 2026, ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced its 15-member Test squad ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, set to be hosted entirely at Antigua’s iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium between June 25 and July 7. The series marks a critical milestone for the West Indies team as it closes out the current World Test Championship cycle on home soil, with additional fixtures against Pakistan and Bangladesh still to come later this year. The side is gearing up to leverage familiar home conditions to end the cycle with momentum and a string of strong performances.

    Leading the Caribbean side will be experienced all-rounder Roston Chase, who takes on captaincy duties for the series. A standout feature of this squad announcement is the return of several key players who have been sidelined by injury or limited selection in recent tours. Wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva earns his way back into the squad after a dominant run of form across the last two West Indies Championship seasons, where he piled up 996 runs to underscore his value to the side.

    Joining Da Silva in a recall is batter Amir Jangoo, who is set to feature in his first Test squad since January 2025. Jangoo’s call-up comes off the back of a standout campaign in this year’s West Indies Championship, where he finished second in the overall run-scoring rankings, highlighted by a double century that caught selectors’ eyes. Fast bowling duo Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph also return to the Test setup after recovering from injuries that forced them to miss recent away tours of India and New Zealand. The pair last appeared in a Test squad during the 2025 home series against Australia.

    West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy says the team is ready to embrace the challenge of facing a competitive Sri Lankan side on home turf. “Every Test series is an opportunity for us to grow as a team and strengthen our identity,” Sammy explained in a press statement following the squad announcement. “Sri Lanka are a quality side, so we know we’ll have to be at our best, but we’re excited about the challenge ahead. For us, it’s about playing with discipline, showing character when the game gets tough, and representing the West Indies with pride. The players have been putting in the work, and we’re looking forward to putting on a strong display for our fans across the Caribbean.”

    To prepare for the series, the full squad is currently undergoing a high-performance training camp in Antigua that kicked off on June 12 and will run through June 22. Players who recently competed in a white-ball series in Jamaica joined the camp on June 15. The camp program prioritizes technical skill refinement, match-specific simulation, fitness conditioning, and team cohesion building, while also giving coaching staff the chance to evaluate player readiness and adjust game plans ahead of both the Sri Lanka series and the concluding World Test Championship home series against Pakistan.

    Sammy emphasized that the training camp is a foundational part of the team’s summer preparation. “This is a key component of our preparations heading into the series, providing players and coaches with valuable time to enhance and improve the skills we want to see sharpened, based on the areas we need to focus our attention on when facing this opponent,” he said. “It also gives us the opportunity to put clear objectives and plans in place for the conclusion of the summer against Pakistan.”

    Ahead of the first Test, a four-day warm-up fixture will give fringe players and Test hopefuls the chance to prove their form against the touring Sri Lankan side, taking place from June 18 to 21 at Antigua’s Coolidge Cricket Ground. Tevin Imlach will lead a 13-man WI Select XI in this warm-up match, which Sammy says serves an important role in fostering healthy competition within the West Indies player pool for upcoming series.

    “Additionally, the four-day warm-up game prior to the series provides the chance for some of our test hopefuls to play in high intensity action and create the avenue for more competition within the squad ahead of the upcoming and future series,” he added.

    Full 15-member West Indies Test Squad: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales.

    Full 13-member WI Select XI Warm-up Squad: Tevin Imlach (Captain), Joshua Bishop, Jonathan Drakes, Karima Gore, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk Mckenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemol Savory, Ojay Shields, Nial Smith, Gilon Tyson, Kevin Wickham.

    Confirmed Series Schedule:
    – Four-day Warm-up Match: June 18-21, Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua (WI Select XI vs Sri Lanka)
    – First Test: June 25-29, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
    – Second Test: July 3-7, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

  • MP sees beauty industry as part of broader growth strategy

    MP sees beauty industry as part of broader growth strategy

    Ahead of Barbados’ 60th anniversary of independence, a senior government official is pushing to unlock the massive economic potential of the local beauty industry, framing it as an underutilized engine for inclusive entrepreneurship, job creation, and broad-based national growth. Marsha Caddle, who serves as both Member of Parliament for St Michael South Central and Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning, made the case for expanded beauty sector investment following the conclusion of the inaugural *Art of Her: The Beauty of South Central* contest, an event she organized at Solidarity House Saturday night.

    Caddle explained that the local competition was designed first to spotlight untapped creative talent across her constituency, but also to draw national attention to a global industry that generates more than $700 billion in annual economic activity worldwide. She argued that the beauty sector holds particular promise for expanding economic opportunity for Barbadians, especially women seeking to build their own businesses. “As we head toward our 60th anniversary of independence, I feel like it’s time for us to start exploring other drivers of growth and drivers of growth that are ripe for investment and ownership by many more people so that more people can be a part of the prosperity of Barbados,” Caddle told Barbados TODAY in an interview after the event.

    Beyond direct job and business creation, Caddle highlighted the outsized social impact of supporting women-led entrepreneurship in the sector. When women control their own income, she noted, those earnings consistently flow back into improving child health, family education, and broader community well-being, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond individual businesses. “We have to continue to invest in women’s capacities. We have to make sure that women are always controlling income because income controlled by women helps to contribute to the health and education of children and families,” she said.

    Caddle’s long-term vision extends far beyond a single constituency contest: she hopes initiatives like *Art of Her* will lay the groundwork for the founding and expansion of hundreds of new women-owned beauty businesses across the country. To support that growth, the Mia Mottley administration is already rolling out broader reforms to improve Barbados’ overall business climate, as part of a national strategy to identify 25 to 50 high-growth companies that can drive more inclusive economic expansion. Caddle confirmed that beauty sector businesses are eligible to be among that targeted group of high-potential enterprises.

    What makes the beauty sector particularly compelling, Caddle added, is its deep interconnectedness with other fast-growing creative industries in Barbados, opening up cross-sector growth opportunities that many other sectors cannot match. The industry already has natural synergies with Barbados’ expanding carnival sector, and can provide critical specialized skills to support the country’s emerging film and entertainment sectors.

    Caddle pointed to the government’s ongoing plan to launch a national Barbados film festival, part of a broader push to grow the local film industry by attracting both local content creators and international production companies to film on the island. Local beauty professionals with specialized skills in makeup artistry, hairstyling, and other creative services would be positioned to support these productions, creating an entirely new stream of employment opportunities for local workers. “This is a sector that runs deep. It has potential for tremendous linkages to carnivals all over the world, to the film industry, to all the other parts of the creative sector. So I think that it is one that is worthwhile to invest in,” she said.

    While identifying high-potential growth sectors like beauty is a key priority for the government, Caddle stressed that ongoing business environment reform is equally critical to unlocking long-term economic expansion. The current administration’s top priorities for reform include cutting red tape and reducing wait times for planning approvals, expanding access to affordable financial services for small and medium enterprises, and cultivating a more competitive national business landscape.

    “Both government and the private sector have some work to do on strengthening and modernising what we do, and that is going to be a big focus of mine in the next months and years going forward,” Caddle said. She added that the government’s strategy balances targeted support for emerging high-potential sectors with broad economic reform, noting that intentional investment in sectors with clear existing demand and growth capacity is a core part of the country’s path to shared prosperity. “I think that part of it is to be able to invest in sectors where there’s clearly an interest and there’s clearly capacity for growth, which is what we’re doing with the beauty industry,” she said.

  • Ireland imposes visa restrictions on St Lucia

    Ireland imposes visa restrictions on St Lucia

    In a sudden policy shift that has caught Caribbean leadership off guard, Ireland has implemented new mandatory visa requirements for all citizens of St Lucia seeking to enter or transit through the European nation, a move that St Lucia’s prime minister confirms came with no advance formal notification from Irish authorities.

    Addressing reporters on Monday — the same day the new regulation entered into force — St Lucia Prime Minister Phillip Pierre acknowledged that Dublin holds full authority to set its own domestic immigration policy, and he cannot publicly speculate on the specific motivations behind the decision. He clarified that St Lucia is not the only small nation targeted: Ireland has imposed identical visa rules on other Caribbean states including St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the Central American country Nicaragua.

    While Pierre emphasized he has no power to reverse Dublin’s policy change, he made clear St Lucia does not accept the move as an inevitable outcome. “It is not something we’re happy about,” he said, adding that he holds out hope that Irish authorities will reconsider the restriction in the future. He also noted that St Lucia retains diplomatic and multilateral tools to advance its position, including its voting power at the United Nations, which the country will deploy strategically to advocate for its interests.

    Pierre confirmed he first received official notification of the policy change from Ireland’s embassy in Canada on June 12, just four days before the restrictions took effect. The new requirements apply to all passport holders, including those holding diplomatic and service passports, and even extend to travelers passing through Irish airports on connecting itineraries, who now must obtain a transit visa before travel.

    To avoid disrupting pre-planned trips, Ireland has put in place a transitional grace period: St Lucia citizens who booked their travel to Ireland before June 15, 2026, and complete their entry and exit from the country before July 14, 2026, will be exempt from the new rule, as long as they hold all required standard travel documentation including a valid passport and confirmed travel tickets. Ireland advises all travelers with existing bookings to check the official Immigration Service Delivery website for updated guidance.

    In the official notification sent to St Lucia’s government, Ireland framed the new rule as part of a broader effort to align its immigration rules with the United Kingdom as part of the Common Travel Area agreement that governs free movement between the two jurisdictions. Pierre added that Irish authorities have advised all prospective applicants that visa processing across all categories is currently estimated to take between eight and 10 weeks.

    The policy change, Pierre argued, highlights a growing global trend toward anti-immigration sentiment and growing nationalist insularity that demands closer collective action from small Caribbean states. He stressed that the development reinforces why regional integration through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is more critical than ever for small island nations.

    “That’s why CARICOM is so significant, because we have to face these challenges alone,” Pierre said. “No one will assist us. No one will care about us. We have to work together.” He added that the shift by Ireland, a developed Western nation, fits into a broader pattern of wealthy countries adopting restrictive anti-immigration policies to score domestic political gains, a trend over which small developing states have little direct influence.

    Pierre noted that global policy shifts targeting migration are not limited to Ireland, pointing to parallel changes in the United Kingdom driven by domestic political calculations, and emphasized that regional coordination is the only viable path for Caribbean nations to protect the mobility interests of their citizens going forward.

  • Rotary Club of Grenada: Brunch for a cause at Rhythm & Spice

    Rotary Club of Grenada: Brunch for a cause at Rhythm & Spice

    The Rotary Club of Grenada, a long-standing volunteer service organization dedicated to elevating quality of life across the island through local community initiatives, has announced a groundbreaking new fundraising event: Rhythm & Spice — A Brunch Experience. Scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 3 pm to 11 pm at the scenic Quarantine Point Recreational Park, this purpose-driven gathering reimagines traditional charity fundraising by blending premium leisure, authentic local culture, and collective community impact into one unforgettable pre-Carnival experience.

    Unlike standard fundraising galas, Rhythm & Spice is built around the idea of doing good while having fun, giving attendees the chance to enjoy a full day of curated entertainment and local flavors while directly contributing to the Rotary Club’s ongoing community projects across Grenada. As an official Diaspora Homecoming event, it is designed to welcome a diverse range of guests, from local Rotary supporters, couples, and friend groups to visiting diaspora members and travelers seeking meaningful, high-quality social experiences on the island.

    The day’s itinerary is structured to guide guests from a relaxed afternoon brunch into a vibrant evening celebration, starting with check-in at 3 pm. All early guests will receive a complimentary signature stemless wine glass, available while supplies last. Throughout the afternoon and evening, guests will have access to an all-inclusive spread of traditional Grenadian cuisine, curated to highlight the island’s iconic culinary heritage. Standout menu items span savory classics including corn soup, cream of split pea, tania log, on-site fried fishcakes served with baked and fried bakes, Creole fish, macaroni pie, stewed peas, cou cou, stewed callaloo, lambie souse, and a custom hot herbal beverage station. For dessert, guests can indulge in local favorites such as sweet potato pudding, coconut drops, and bread pudding, among other beloved Grenadian treats. Premium alcoholic beverages and limited-time drink specials will also be available for purchase from three on-site bars, with all additional sales going toward the club’s fundraising total.

    Between 3 pm and 6 pm, guests can explore the scenic surroundings of Quarantine Point with extra experiential activities arranged exclusively for the event. Partner Ryde Go is providing Mini Scenic ATV Tours that offer sweeping panoramic views of the local landscape, as well as fun Tuk Tuk rides around the park grounds, creating ideal photo opportunities for attendees. The day will also feature multiple sponsor-backed prize giveaways, including coveted day passes from resort partner Sandals Grenada, with additional prize announcements to be shared in the coming months via the event’s official social media channels.

    As the sun sets, the event transitions to a live entertainment segment starting at 7 pm. Hosted by popular local personality Blackstorm, the evening lineup features a performance from Sakinah & The Alpha One Band, alongside guest sets from celebrated local acts Tallpree, Shortpree, and Dash. Blackstorm will then close out the event from 10 pm to 11 pm with high-energy party vibes, capping a full day of shifting moods from relaxed brunch to full festival-style celebration.

    Tickets for Rhythm & Spice are currently available in an early-bird pricing tier of EC$200, which can be purchased through the event platform Go2Fete.com, in-person at Grenadian Optical, or directly from any Rotarian. After the early-bird window closes, advance tickets will be available for EC$250. Every ticket includes access to the all-inclusive food experience, all live entertainment, and entry to all event activity areas. Complimentary on-site parking at Quarantine Point is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no extra fee for guests. The event’s suggested dress code is Brunch Chic, Island Elegant with Spice-Inspired Tones, matching its festive, purpose-driven pre-Carnival vibe.

    Organizers emphasize that every dollar raised through Rhythm & Spice will go directly toward advancing the Rotary Club of Grenada’s community service projects across the island, making the event far more than a social gathering: it is an opportunity for attendees to brunch for a meaningful cause. For the latest updates, additional event details, and more information about the Rotary Club of Grenada’s work, guests can visit the organization’s official social media pages.

  • Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle Sworn In

    Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle Sworn In

    In a formal constitutional ceremony that marks a key step in the island nation’s legislative process, opposition leader Jamale Pringle has been officially sworn in to his role, solidifying the structure of the country’s parliamentary opposition. The oath-taking event, which followed weeks of post-electoral procedural alignment, brought together parliamentary officials, fellow opposition lawmakers, and diplomatic observers to witness the peaceful transition of opposition leadership. Pringle, who has built a political platform focused on fiscal accountability, infrastructure investment, and expanded social services for working-class communities, takes office at a time when the country is navigating ongoing economic recovery from global supply chain disruptions and rising cost of living pressures. In his first remarks after the ceremony, Pringle emphasized his commitment to constructive, principled opposition, stating that his caucus would work to hold the governing administration accountable while collaborating on policies that deliver tangible benefits to all citizens. Political analysts note that Pringle’s swearing-in completes the formation of the 15th parliament, establishing a clear balance between the governing majority and the opposition bloc that will shape legislative debate over the next five-year term. Observers also highlight that the peaceful and orderly completion of the leadership process underscores the stability of the country’s democratic institutions, amid growing regional attention to Caribbean governance dynamics.

  • Five Bills for second reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, June 18, 2026

    Five Bills for second reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, June 18, 2026

    BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts – June 16, 2026 – The government of St. Kitts and Nevis has formally released the official Order Paper for the upcoming sitting of the nation’s National Assembly, scheduled to convene at 10:00 a.m. on June 18 at the National Assembly Chambers within Government Headquarters in Basseterre. Formal public notice of the sitting has already been distributed across official government channels.

    As the administration continues to advance its commitment to strengthened good governance through targeted legislative reform, five amendment bills are scheduled to proceed to their second reading during this plenary session. All five pieces of legislation already completed their first reading stage during the previous sitting held on June 11, 2026.

    The portfolio responsibility for all five bills falls to Honourable Konris Maynard, who serves as Minister for Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communication and Technology, and Posts. Maynard will introduce the motion for second reading for each of the proposed amendments: the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Gaming (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Anti-Proliferation (Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction) (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Virtual Asset (Amendment) Bill 2026, and the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2026.

    To ensure full public transparency and access to the parliamentary process, the sitting will be broadcast to audiences across St. Kitts and Nevis through multiple platforms. Live audio coverage will be carried by ZIZ Radio 96 FM and other participating local radio stations. Live television coverage will be available via TV Channel 5 in St. Kitts and TV Channel 98 in Nevis, and a free live stream of the full proceedings will also be hosted on the official ZIZ Online website at www.zizonline.com.

    Members of the public seeking to review the full text of the proposed bills can access digital copies via two official channels: as soon as documents are finalized, they will be posted to the Bills section of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) official website, and will also be made available through the SKNIS official Facebook page. This press release was originally issued by SKNIS and published in full by SKNVibes.com, which notes that it does not edit for spelling or grammatical errors and that the views expressed do not necessarily represent those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors, or advertisers.

  • The criminality of suicide

    The criminality of suicide

    For people who reach their breaking point and survive a suicide attempt, the aftermath should be healing, not legal punishment. Yet across the Caribbean nation of Grenada, this chilling scenario remains a concrete possibility, as the country’s century-old colonial-era law still labels attempting to end one’s own life as a criminal offense. Medical professional and public health scholar Dr. Ishma Harford is now pushing for urgent change, arguing that the outdated legislation inflicts deep harm even when it is not actively enforced, and that decriminalization must be paired with systemic cultural and institutional shifts to address Grenada’s growing mental health challenges.

    Under Section 233 of Chapter 72A of Grenada’s Criminal Code, a suicide attempt is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years of prison time, a $4,000 fine, or both. While the modern legal system rarely pursues prosecutions, preferring a more supportive approach to survivors, the law remains on the books, and there have been rare cases where it has been enforced. Grenada is not alone in this policy: it is one of four Caribbean countries that still criminalize suicide, joining The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia.

    The lingering criminalization creates damage that extends far beyond the rare court case, Dr. Harford emphasizes. For a person already in acute mental distress, the threat of a criminal record or jail time acts as a powerful barrier to reaching out for help. What begins as a desperate cry for support can turn into a permanent mark on a person’s criminal history, creating barriers to employment, housing, and social acceptance for years after the crisis passes. Even when prosecution never happens, the knowledge that the law criminalizes their suffering deepens the shame that already isolates people experiencing suicidal thoughts, turning survival into another source of stigma rather than a chance to heal.

    Dr. Harford traces the roots of Grenada’s suicide criminalization law to its colonial origins. The framework was inherited from an era that framed suicide as both a moral failure and a crime against God and wider society, a perspective that is reflected even in the language of the current legal code. The code uses the word “committed” to describe suicide – the same verb applied to violent offenses such as assault and fraud – a linguistic choice that reinforces the harmful framing of suicide as a wrongful act rather than a symptom of untreated mental health crisis. Changing this terminology, Dr. Harford argues, is a critical first step toward shifting how society as a whole understands and responds to suicide.

    While decriminalization is an urgent necessity, Dr. Harford stresses that removing the criminal offense from the books alone will not solve Grenada’s mental health challenges. Addressing the crisis requires intentional, long-term investment and engagement from all members of Grenadian society, far beyond symbolic gestures such as candlelight vigils. The core shift that is needed is cultural: open conversations about mental health must be normalized, so that people experiencing distress no longer suffer in silence. Clear, accessible pathways to mental health care must be widely publicized, ensuring that any person in crisis knows where to turn for immediate support. Most importantly, the country needs a humane care system that meets people where they are in their moment of need, rather than a system that responds to vulnerability with shame and police intervention.

    Though decriminalization is often dismissed as a minor legal technicality, Dr. Harford argues that it carries profound symbolic and practical meaning. Changing the law would send a clear message that Grenadian society embraces progress, and that it will not punish the most vulnerable members of the community when they need support most. It would signal that suicide survivors are not abandoned, and that the government is taking active steps to reduce the deep stigma around mental illness – a stigma that Dr. Harford notes already imposes steep social and economic costs on the country.

    Dr. Harford ends by drawing a parallel to a recent progressive policy shift in Grenada: in January 2026, the country decriminalized cannabis on the grounds that national law must reflect modern social realities. If that change was warranted, he asks, why should the criminalization of suicide remain? If the core purpose of law is to deliver justice, he concludes, there is no justice in punishing a person who has survived a suicide attempt – what they deserve is compassion, grace, and care.