The Grenada Cultural Foundation (GCF) is proud to announce the annual Aunty Tek Spice Word Festival, taking place from October 13 to 18, 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Echoes of our History and Culture,’ underscores the festival’s mission to celebrate Grenada’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage through a series of engaging events tailored for students and the broader community. The festival aims to highlight the power of words, both written and spoken, while fostering a deeper connection to Grenada’s traditions. Student-focused activities include a Short Story Writing Competition open to primary, secondary, and tertiary students, as well as theatrical productions like ‘Confessions: The Tale of Two Fishermen,’ a Grenadian folklore presentation by La Boucan Creative Centre. Additionally, special presentations by Richardo Keens-Douglas and book reading sessions at primary schools will further enrich the experience. Public events feature a Round Table Discussion on ‘Grenadian Folklore: Its Relevance and Meaning’ and an Open Mic Night for local poets and storytellers. Parish-based activities will also showcase community performances, including storytelling, poetry, and drumming. The GCF encourages widespread participation in this vibrant celebration of Grenadian culture.
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Seajays surge to victory as national swim champs
The 13th Annual CapriSun Swim Meet, held at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre, witnessed an intense showdown between the island’s top swimming clubs, with Seajays emerging as the champions after two days of thrilling competition. Over 190 swimmers from six clubs participated in the national championships and Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Trials, showcasing their skills under brilliant sunshine. Seajays secured victory with a total of 1,284 points, narrowly edging out their closest rivals, Sharks, who scored 1,219 points. The triumph was largely driven by the exceptional performance of Seajays’ boys’ team, which amassed 867 points, 292 points ahead of Sharks. However, Sharks dominated the girls’ category with 644 points compared to Seajays’ 417. Lightning Aquatics claimed third place overall, while Southern Flying Fish, RR Aquatic, and RHAC Swim Club also competed fiercely. CARIFTA Aquatics medallist Sapphire Parks shone brightly, winning seven gold medals in the 11-12 category, including the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle, as well as the 50m and 100m butterfly, and the 200m individual medley. Kenya Andrew also made significant contributions, securing gold in multiple events for the Under-9 category. Miles Andrew led the charge for Seajays’ boys, sweeping nine gold medals in the 9-10 rankings. Nathan Lewis and Noah Dorville further solidified Seajays’ dominance with their stellar performances in the 11-12 and 13-14 boys’ categories, respectively. The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude from Seajays’ president Denise Parks and head coach Brian Charles, who praised the swimmers’ dedication and teamwork. The club also extended thanks to CapriSun, the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation, sponsors, volunteers, officials, and parents for their unwavering support in making the meet a resounding success.
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CARICOM Gathers in Saint Lucia for Crucial Second Preparatory Meeting for COP30
CARICOM leaders gathered in Saint Lucia from October 7 to 10, 2025, for the Second Regional Preparatory Meeting ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Hosted by the Government of Saint Lucia in partnership with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the event marked a pivotal moment in solidifying the Caribbean’s negotiating priorities and unified stance for the upcoming global climate summit in Belém, Brazil, this November. This meeting follows the successful first convening held earlier in Miami, highlighting the region’s unwavering commitment to amplifying a cohesive Caribbean voice in international climate negotiations. Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary General, emphasized the critical role of climate finance in the region’s advocacy, noting that while global pledges have increased, actual contributions remain insufficient and disbursements are slow and fragmented. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to face bureaucratic hurdles, eligibility constraints, and inadequate support for adaptation and loss and damage. Key priorities discussed included reforming multilateral climate finance architecture to ensure equity and transparency, scaling up the Loss and Damage Fund, and addressing the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS. The four-day meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including ministers, technical experts, COP negotiators, and civil society representatives, showcasing the region’s whole-of-society approach to climate action. Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director of the CCCCC, underscored the importance of unity and moral clarity, stating that the Caribbean’s collective voice has historically influenced global climate policy, as seen in the Paris Agreement and the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund. The Caribbean, being on the frontline of the climate crisis, faces existential threats from rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and coastal erosion, making climate action a matter of survival and resilience.
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Julien Alfred’s track spikes auctioned for US$75k
In a remarkable display of philanthropy and sportsmanship, Olympic champion Julien Alfred’s custom PUMA Nitro sprint spikes were auctioned for $75,000 at a fundraising event hosted by BodyHoliday. The event, titled ‘Power and Grace: An Evening in Honour of Julien Alfred,’ raised over $100,000 on October 11 to support the development of the next generation of Saint Lucian athletes. The winning bidder, American basketball coach and businessman Kevin Graves, now owns a piece of sporting history while contributing to a noble cause. Graves, who mentors NBA star Bam Adebayo, emphasized the importance of supporting charitable organizations like the Alfred Foundation. The spikes, molded to Alfred’s feet and mounted on a rubberized track featuring Saint Lucia’s area code, started bidding at $1,500. Other auctioned items included Alfred’s PUMA jersey and bib from Tokyo 2025, which fetched $1,900 from former basketball player and political candidate Marcellus Bax Stiede. The event also saw significant donations, including $25,000 from an anonymous donor, $5,000 from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, $10,000 from Sunswept Resorts/BodyHoliday CEO Andrew Barnard, and $5,000 from Bay Gardens. The Daren Sammy Foundation contributed EC$10,000, with a video message from the West Indies head coach expressing support for Alfred. The evening featured an intimate interview with Alfred, who shared her ambitions to break the World Record in the 60m event and compete for gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Entertainment was provided by soca stars Sly and Shemmy J, accompanied by a gourmet three-course meal.
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Dominica observes Flag Day today
Dominicans both at home and abroad are enthusiastically encouraged to proudly display their national flag today as Dominica commemorates ‘Flag Day.’ This special day, established by the Cultural Division, is an integral part of the country’s Independence Celebrations, aimed at fostering national pride and recognition of the flag as a symbol of unity and identity. The current design of the Dominican flag, adopted on November 3, 1988, is renowned for its intricate and meaningful composition. It features a circular emblem of red, showcasing a blue-chested Sisserou Parrot perched on a twig, always facing the flagpole. The parrot is encircled by ten lime green stars outlined in yellow, set against a backdrop of forest green. The flag also incorporates a triple-colored cross formed by three vertical and three horizontal stripes of yellow, black, and white. Each element of the flag carries profound significance, reflecting the nation’s heritage and values. The original flag, designed by the late Dr. Alwin Bully, was unveiled on November 3, 1978, following a national competition. Notably, Dominica’s flag stands out globally with its eight colors, making it one of the most complex and costly flags to produce.
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Dominican Republic’s president vows history-making Central American and Caribbean Games 2026
The Dominican Republic is set to host the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026, marking what is anticipated to be the largest edition of this prestigious regional multi-sport event. President Luis Abinader has declared that the nation will make history through its hosting of the Games, which will bring together over 6,000 athletes competing for a record-breaking 3,244 medals. The government has already allocated RD$315 million to the Dominican Olympic Committee to support athlete training, coaching, and preparatory camps, with high-performance athletes receiving a 100% increase in funding. The event will feature 40 sports, 57 disciplines, and 63 modalities, with 483 events held across eight venues, including the National District, Santo Domingo, Santiago, Bonao, Punta Cana, Cabarete, Baní, and Juan Dolio. Approximately 90% of the venues are expected to be completed by December 2025, with significant investments in facilities such as the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. A lasting legacy of the Games will be the ‘Villa Centroamericana y del Caribe,’ a complex of 150 low-cost housing units that will be converted into affordable homes for Dominican families post-event. President Abinader emphasized that the Games will promote inclusion, national unity, and partnerships across various sectors, while also enhancing the Dominican Republic’s identity and regional reputation. This initiative underscores the government’s strategy to leverage major sporting events for urban development, housing solutions, and national branding.
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Three Saint Lucians named to FIFA Committees
In a groundbreaking development this week, three distinguished Saint Lucians have been appointed to key standing committees of FIFA, the global governing body for football, for the 2025-2029 term. This historic decision was finalized during the FIFA Council Meeting held on October 2 in Zurich, Switzerland, following extensive consultations with FIFA member associations and regional confederations. The appointments mark a significant recognition of Saint Lucia’s contributions to the sport on both local and global stages. Lyndon Cooper, President of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA), has been named Deputy Chair of the FIFA Development Committee. Examin Philbert, President of the Vieux Fort Football League, has secured a seat on the FIFA Women’s National Team Competitions Committee, while Dr. Natasha Innocent has been appointed to the FIFA Medical Committee. Cooper, who also serves as President of the Caribbean Football Union, emphasized the significance of these appointments, stating, ‘This recognition at the highest level of football underscores the progress we are making in developing the sport locally and regionally.’ FIFA has expressed its satisfaction with the appointments, acknowledging the ongoing commitment of Saint Lucians to advancing football globally. The standing committees, which report directly to the FIFA Council, play a crucial role in advising and assisting the Council in their respective areas of expertise. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the broader implications of these appointments, noting, ‘The new Standing Committees will enhance the involvement of member associations, increase female representation, and bring focused technical expertise to various aspects of football, ensuring FIFA is better prepared for future challenges.’
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Senator Lamin Newton Reflects on Lessons of Resilience After UWI Graduation
Senator Lamin Newton has delivered a powerful message of self-improvement and positivity following his recent graduation from the University of the West Indies (UWI). In a heartfelt reflection shared online, Newton emphasized the importance of personal growth, urging individuals to focus on becoming better versions of themselves rather than succumbing to negativity.
Newton, who described his university journey as a period of learning and resilience, recounted facing criticism and doubt but remaining steadfast in his goals. ‘I was laughed at, belittled, and criticized. However, I never allowed that to break my focus and resolve,’ he wrote. His message highlighted the value of perseverance and using one’s experiences to inspire others rather than tear them down.
The senator also addressed broader societal issues, calling on people to abandon hate and jealousy. ‘The time has come for ‘you’ to let go of the hate and jealousy — it does you no good,’ he stated. Newton expressed his desire to be a source of encouragement, reminding his audience that ‘nothing is beyond your reach.’ His words have resonated widely, with many supporters applauding his academic achievement and his advocacy for self-reflection and positivity.
Newton’s graduation marks another milestone in his ongoing commitment to public service and personal development. His message serves as a timely reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering a culture of mutual support and growth.
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SLP newcomer to challenge UWP stronghold in Micoud South
The Micoud South constituency, traditionally a bastion of the United Workers Party (UWP), is set to witness a fiercely contested general election as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) unveils its latest candidate, Dr. Shanda Harracksingh. A medical professional and native of Micoud, Harracksingh was officially introduced on October 5, 2025, at the Micoud Playing Field. The event reportedly drew one of the largest crowds in the SLP’s recent history, signaling a potential shift in voter sentiment. Harracksingh faces a formidable opponent in Allen Chastanet, the UWP’s political leader and current Member of Parliament for the constituency. Since 1997, Micoud South has remained under UWP control, largely due to the enduring legacy of the late Sir John Compton. In her inaugural address, Harracksingh acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the need for change. She criticized Chastanet for his prolonged absence from the constituency, declaring, “We have given him several chances. It is time to turn the page. No more excuses. It is time for change.” Harracksingh outlined her vision for the constituency, focusing on elderly care, agricultural development, and infrastructure improvements. She pledged to establish an elderly care center, enhance road access for farmers, and promote agro-processing initiatives. “I am a daughter of the soil,” she asserted, “and I will deliver for this community.” As the election season heats up, Micoud South emerges as a critical battleground, testing whether voters will remain loyal to the UWP or embrace the SLP’s message of renewal.
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Chris Dehring sees hope for West Indies cricket through sports tourism
Despite recent struggles on and off the field, Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring has outlined an ambitious plan to revitalize Caribbean cricket through sports tourism. Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 in Barbados, Dehring addressed the financial challenges and opportunities facing the region’s beloved sport. Recent setbacks, including a revised 2026 cricket calendar and poor international performances, have raised concerns about the future of West Indies cricket. However, Dehring remains optimistic, citing the enduring passion of Caribbean fans as a foundation for recovery. He emphasized the importance of leveraging sports tourism to attract global attention and investment. Key initiatives include the development of a 20-acre world-class facility in Antigua, featuring a cricket ground, high-performance center, and a transformed “Sticky Wicket” restaurant into an elite cricket academy and museum. Dehring also called on the Caribbean corporate community to invest in cricket, highlighting the sport’s potential to benefit the entire region. With the global sports tourism market projected to reach USD 645.76 billion by 2025, this strategy could provide a much-needed financial boost to West Indies cricket.