Barbados has taken a significant leap in enhancing its emergency response capabilities with the launch of a $1 million upgrade, including the introduction of its first dedicated ambulance as part of a new national ambulance system. The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to reduce response times and improve efficiency in handling urban fires and flood-related emergencies. The upgraded fleet features two high-capacity trash pumps, a fully equipped ambulance, and two compact fire tenders designed to navigate narrow city streets often obstructed by parked vehicles. Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams announced that the new headquarters at The Pine, initially planned solely for the Fire Service, will now also house the National Ambulance Service. This joint facility is expected to strengthen coordination between the two services, as they often respond to similar emergencies. Abrahams emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the upgrades, noting that the entire fleet, including the two fire tenders, two trash pumps, and the ambulance, cost less than $800,000. The new trash pumps, the first of their kind in Barbados, are designed to dewater flooded areas swiftly, reducing flood damage and mosquito breeding. Additionally, all new fire officers are being trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to provide immediate medical assistance while awaiting ambulance transport. Abrahams praised the Barbados Fire Service for its vision and dedication, describing the upgrades as ‘cutting-edge technology’ that propels the service into the modern era. The new systems are expected to significantly improve public safety and save lives by enabling faster and more efficient responses to emergencies.
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Talks collapse in Community College staff dispute
The ongoing dispute at Barbados Community College over a critical job vacancy intensified on Friday as negotiations with the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) broke down, leaving staff in a state of uncertainty and raising concerns about the institution’s hiring practices. The discussions, which spanned several weeks, were initially characterized by the college as being conducted in an atmosphere of “mutual respect and cooperation.” However, despite significant progress, the parties failed to reach a final agreement, as confirmed in a statement issued late Friday. Principal Annette Alleyne expressed appreciation for the NUPW’s constructive engagement but lamented the inability to finalize a resolution. She emphasized the college’s commitment to maintaining open communication and working toward a fair and sustainable outcome. NUPW General Secretary Richard Green voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating that the union would take further steps to ensure fairness and equity for the affected employee. When questioned about potential escalation to the Labour Department, Green affirmed that all necessary actions would be pursued. The dispute, which follows a staff strike on September 30, underscores ongoing tensions regarding recruitment processes. Employees have accused management of sidelining long-serving staff in recent hiring decisions, prompting urgent union intervention. The most recent meeting between the parties occurred earlier on Friday, but no resolution was achieved.
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President honours three for outstanding national service
In a prestigious ceremony at State House on Friday, the President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, bestowed the nation’s highest honors upon three distinguished leaders for their exceptional contributions to justice, public safety, and national security. The awards, conferred under the Barbados National Honours and Decorations Act, recognized Chief Justice Leslie Francis Haynes, Commissioner of Police Richard Alphonzo Boyce, and Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Brigadier Carlos Andréz Ronaldo Lovell.
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LETTER: Mary Statue vs Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Statue
In a heartfelt plea for unity and mutual respect, humanitarian Peetron Thomas addresses the ongoing debate surrounding religious statues in Antigua. Thomas emphasizes that traditions and beliefs, such as the veneration of Mother Mary statues, are deeply rooted in culture and heritage and should be respected rather than dismantled. Drawing parallels to biblical teachings, he highlights the importance of allowing individuals to practice their faith freely without judgment or division. Thomas argues that the focus should shift from tearing down statues to fostering unity, prayer, and understanding among diverse religious communities. He criticizes the infighting among churches, urging them to embody the teachings of Christ through love and compassion rather than condemnation. Thomas also points out the irony of targeting scriptural-based statues while ignoring more pressing issues like satanic practices. His message is clear: Antigua is too small for division, and the path forward lies in embracing love, wisdom, and peace.
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UWI 2025 Graduation Ceremonies Begin Today At With UWI FIC In Antigua
The University of the West Indies (UWI) has officially launched its 2025 graduation season, marking a significant milestone with nearly 9,000 degrees conferred across its five campuses in Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Cave Hill (Barbados), Five Islands (Antigua and Barbuda), and its Global Campus. The first of 15 ceremonies began this weekend at the Five Islands Campus, the youngest in the UWI system, setting the stage for a series of celebrations that will span the region.
This year’s graduation theme, ‘Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,’ encapsulates the transformative journey of the Class of 2025. These graduates embarked on their academic pursuits during a pivotal era marked by the rise of remote learning and artificial intelligence. Emerging as digitally fluent and resilient leaders, they are poised to shape the Caribbean’s future in an increasingly tech-driven global landscape.
Among the graduating class are the inaugural cohorts of the Master of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Children and the Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science. These programs underscore UWI’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and equipping students with cutting-edge skills.
In a longstanding tradition, UWI will also bestow honorary degrees upon 11 distinguished individuals whose contributions span music, agriculture, religion, science, research, and aviation. These honorees exemplify the university’s dedication to celebrating Caribbean excellence and global impact.
The ceremonies will be broadcast live and on-demand via UWItv.global, UWItv’s Facebook Live, Flow EVO channels, and Flow’s Bluu mobile app, allowing family, friends, and well-wishers worldwide to partake in the celebrations.
Founded in 1948 as a university college of London with just 33 medical students, UWI has evolved into a globally respected institution with nearly 50,000 students. It offers over 1,000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate degree options across diverse fields, including Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport.
UWI’s global standing is further validated by its consistent inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018. It is the only English-speaking Caribbean institution featured in four of THE’s prestigious ranking lists: World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings, Latin America Rankings, and Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This recognition has also catalyzed the establishment of UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISD), a global online graduate business school aimed at nurturing future leaders for sustainable development. As an SDG-engaged university, UWI continues to play a pivotal role in Caribbean development and global progress.
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Internationale coalitie start uitvoering USD 20 miljoen natuurproject
Suriname is making significant strides in biodiversity conservation, thanks to a $20 million commitment from international environmental organizations. The funds, pledged during Climate Week in New York, are earmarked for the restoration and sustainable management of Suriname’s exceptionally rich biodiversity. A delegation led by Re:wild recently met with President Jennifer Simons to discuss the practical implementation of these initiatives. The coalition includes prominent organizations such as Rainforest Trust, Art into Acres, the Andes Amazon Fund, and the Liz Claiborne & Art Ortenberg Foundation. President Simons reiterated her commitment to preserving 90% of Suriname’s forest cover and enacting the Sustainable Nature Management Act by 2025. John Goedschalk, the president’s climate and biodiversity advisor, emphasized that the focus is on practical investments. Projects will include expanding protected areas, promoting regenerative agriculture techniques like permaculture, and developing sustainable ecotourism. Additionally, investments will be made in training, infrastructure, electricity access in remote areas, and enhancing the capacity of wildlife rangers. President Simons expressed satisfaction with the progress and international involvement, highlighting Suriname’s role as a carbon-negative nation. This recognition opens new opportunities for green financing, sustainable tourism, and regional environmental collaboration.
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Venezuela’s opposition leader Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize, dedicates to Trump
In a historic moment for Venezuela, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless fight against dictatorship in the country. The 58-year-old industrial engineer, currently living in hiding, was recognized by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for her courageous efforts to promote democracy and freedom in Venezuela. Machado, who was barred from running for president in 2024 by Venezuela’s courts, dedicated the award to the suffering people of Venezuela and acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump for his unwavering support of her cause. Trump, a vocal critic of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, has been a key ally in the international effort to challenge Maduro’s regime. The Nobel Committee praised Machado as a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism, highlighting her role in inspiring a movement for democratic change. However, it remains uncertain whether Machado will be able to attend the award ceremony in Oslo on December 10 due to her precarious situation. The White House, while critical of the Nobel Committee’s focus on Venezuela amidst other global conflicts, expressed hope that the award would energize the Venezuelan opposition’s push for a peaceful transition to democracy. The United Nations also welcomed the recognition, viewing it as a testament to the Venezuelan people’s aspirations for free and fair elections. This marks the first time a Venezuelan has won the Nobel Peace Prize, adding to the legacy of Latin American laureates. The award comes at a time of heightened tensions in Venezuela, with the U.S. intensifying its efforts to combat drug cartels in the region, an operation Machado has publicly supported. As the world watches, Machado’s recognition serves as a beacon of hope for those striving for freedom and justice in Venezuela and beyond.
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SKN Business Community Commends NIA for Transparency on Proposed SSZ Development
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has garnered praise from the St. Kitts and Nevis business community for its transparent approach to the proposed Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) development, codenamed ‘Destiny.’ On October 7, 2025, Premier Mark Brantley, alongside his Cabinet, hosted a meeting with key stakeholders, including the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SKNCIC), the Nevis Branch of the CIC, and the Bankers and Financial Services Association of St. Kitts and Nevis (BFSA). The event, held at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, drew approximately 40 representatives from the private sector. Attendees were provided with a detailed overview of the multi-billion-dollar project through a developer-led video and a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, which outlined the project’s vision, economic impact, and social benefits. Discussions during the meeting centered on critical aspects such as developer financing, environmental safeguards, land sales, tax concessions, and employment opportunities. Premier Brantley highlighted the project’s potential contributions, including infrastructure upgrades to the Alexandra Hospital and Long Point Pier, a US$1 million annual scholarship fund, and profit-sharing arrangements to support Nevis’s social programs. However, he emphasized that the project remains under review, with no final approval yet granted. The meeting was part of the NIA’s broader public engagement strategy to ensure stakeholder input is considered before any decisions are made. Business leaders, including SKNCIC President Trevor Blake and BFSA President Pamela Herbert-Daniel, commended the government for its openness and commitment to transparency. The NIA plans to continue its outreach efforts through a series of town hall meetings to keep the Nevisian community informed about the SSZ Destiny project.
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Warm, zonnig weer met meer bewolking in de middag
The day commenced with calm weather and predominantly clear or slightly cloudy skies in the early morning. The sun quickly dominated the horizon, pushing temperatures to summer-like levels by midday, with highs expected around 34°C. As the afternoon progressed, cloud cover increased, particularly over coastal and inland areas, with cumulus clouds gradually forming. Despite the growing cloudiness, the likelihood of heavy rain or thunderstorms remains low, according to forecasts. Most of the day is anticipated to stay dry, with occasional shaded moments in the late afternoon. By evening, cloud cover further thickened, and temperatures began to decline gradually. The night remained warm, with temperatures hovering between 26–28°C, accompanied by a slight chance of overcast or veil-like clouds.
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China en VS escaleren handelsconflict: wereldwijde onrust
The longstanding trade tensions between China and the United States have intensified following a series of aggressive economic measures from both nations. This week, the Chinese government announced increased port fees and additional import tariffs targeting American vessels and products. This move comes as a direct response to President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 100 percent. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce described the measures as a “targeted and proportionate response” to what Beijing terms “unfair economic aggression” from the US. Key sectors affected by the new tariffs include American agricultural products, semiconductors, and industrial machinery. President Trump defended his tariff hike as a necessary step to “protect American industries from unfair competition and cheap dumping practices by China.” However, analysts warn that this escalation could trigger a global trade war, potentially disrupting prices, production, and investments worldwide. The Chinese yuan has already felt the impact, hitting a record low of 7.32 yuan per US dollar on Friday, its weakest level since June. Investors fear that a weaker yuan could exacerbate the trade conflict by making Chinese exports cheaper, further straining the US trade balance. International markets have reacted nervously, with oil prices dipping slightly and stock exchanges in Asia and Europe closing with losses. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has urged both countries to “return to dialogue and multilateral trade agreements” to de-escalate the situation.