Carib Scope

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  • Stig Gets Sober, Drops His Most Personal Album Yet

    Stig Gets Sober, Drops His Most Personal Album Yet

    Beloved Belizean recording artist Stig Da Artist is stepping back into the global music spotlight with a career-defining new project – but this release comes paired with a profound personal transformation that has reshaped both his life and his craft.

    Officially dropping this week, the 10-track self-titled album *STIG* marks a major milestone for the artist, born Earlyn “Stig Da Artist” Hutchinson. Recorded in a tight two-week window at Placencia’s iconic Placencia Sound Studio alongside veteran producer Randy Sutherland, the project features collaborations with a star-studded roster of guest artists including Byron Messiah and Tanya Carter. While the album still delivers the high-energy club bangers that have earned Stig a loyal global fanbase, the artist says this work stands out as his most vulnerable and intentional collection to date: it is the first full album he has created entirely while sober, a shift that unlocked a new level of creative focus in the recording space.

    In an exclusive sit-down interview, Stig opened up about his journey to sobriety, the sweeping changes he has made to his daily life and personal mindset, and how that growth has seeped into every layer of his new music.

    “My goal for this album was to build a versatile playlist, not just a one-note emotional storytelling project that feels monotonous,” Stig explained. “Every track is designed to stand on its own – you can throw the whole album on at the gym, on a drive, on the radio, or out at a club and it works. I don’t have anything against alcohol; I still make music for people who love to party, and every now and again I might have a drink myself. But for me, personally, I’m committed to becoming the best version of myself across every area of my life: musically, spiritually, financially, emotionally.”

    Stig reflected on how daily pressures often push people toward habits that hold them back, saying he has intentionally shifted his focus to healthier, more uplifting pursuits. “For me, that means investing time in positive things: running, working out, reading, writing, and even going to church. It’s all part of a deeper spiritual journey – it doesn’t have to be church for everyone, but that’s what works for me, and that’s what I encourage other people to explore for themselves,” he said. “People might think my approach sounds contradictory: I make party music but I’m focused on personal and spiritual growth. But for me, it all comes back to mindset and your own individual journey.”

    One of the album’s most personal touches is a vintage interlude pulled from an interview Stig gave roughly a decade ago to journalist Isani Cayetano. In that old conversation, a younger Stig shared his goal to hone his craft and become the best version of himself as an artist. Looking back a decade later, he says the new album is the manifestation of that years-old promise.

    “My goal from the start was to be the most persistent, consistent, hardest working artist of my generation from Belize. Speaking humbly, I feel I’ve delivered on that,” Stig said. “I got to create a true masterpiece for our country, so I have to celebrate me and my whole team for pulling this off.”

    For fans eager to listen, the new album is currently available for purchase on iTunes and can be streamed on all major global music platforms including Spotify and Audiomack.

    This report is adapted from a transcribed evening television broadcast, with Kriol language phrasing preserved using standard orthography.

  • Bay Primary School to be renamed after Sir Garry

    Bay Primary School to be renamed after Sir Garry

    Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Friday that a proposal to rename Bay Primary School in honor of the country’s beloved national hero, cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers, has already drawn strong early public support, with more than 300 signatures collected to back the initiative. The plan will next be forwarded to the National Honours Advisory Council for formal review.

    Sir Garfield, who passed away recently, has deep roots tied to the school and the surrounding Bayland community. He attended the institution’s predecessor, Bay Street Boys’ School, one of the oldest public primary schools on the Caribbean island. The legendary cricketer also honed his skills and earned his first athletic recognition on Bay Pasture, which today serves as the playing field for Bay Primary School after the campus relocated to its current Bayville site in 1958.

    Speaking during a formal tribute session in the House of Assembly, where lawmakers unanimously adopted a resolution honoring Sir Garfield, Prime Minister Mottley said she expected widespread backing for the renaming plan across the country. Renaming the school after the local-born global icon, she argued, would create a permanent, generations-long source of inspiration for young students from the community. It would stand as a constant reminder that children born and raised in working-class local communities can achieve extraordinary, world-class success, just as Sir Garfield did.

    “There could be no more long-lasting and fitting tribute,” Mottley told the assembled lawmakers.

    Beyond the school renaming, the Barbadian government is launching a second project to embed Sir Garfield’s core values in future generations: a pocket-sized collection of life lessons titled *365 Not Out*. Mottley explained that the book will feature one daily insight drawn directly from Sir Garfield’s life experiences and personal character, with a goal of distributing copies to every schoolchild across Barbados by the start of 2026. The prime minister envisions the book becoming a core touchstone in the national education system, ensuring that Sir Garfield’s wisdom outlives him and continues to guide young Barbadians long into the future.

    Mottley emphasized that Sir Garfield’s greatest contribution to Barbados extended far beyond the countless athletic records he set during his legendary cricket career. His most enduring legacy, she said, is the belief he instilled in ordinary Barbadians that greatness is within reach for anyone, regardless of their background. “Government can build pavilions, fund programmes, and prepare pitches. But we can’t legislate belief,” she noted. “What Sir Garry did for this country was to make aspiration visible.”

    Reflecting on the widespread outpouring of public grief following Sir Garfield’s death, Mottley highlighted the remarkable fact that even 52 years after his final Test match appearance in 1974, the cricket legend remained one of the most respected and beloved figures in the country. Mottley credited his enduring standing to his personal character, rather than his athletic achievements alone: he was known for his quiet humility, often offering gentle encouragement to young emerging cricketers without seeking public recognition for his mentorship.

    The prime minister also used the tribute as an opportunity to challenge Barbadians to reevaluate how the nation recognizes greatness, noting that there was public debate in 1998 when the living sportsman was first named a National Hero, with some questioning whether a non-political figure deserved the honor. “We must not believe that the only people capable of greatness are political persons,” she said. “He was never just a cricketer. He was always the greatest of all time. And he was always a Barbadian man exhibiting some of the best values that this country could have.”

    Mottley also addressed past unfair criticism of Sir Garfield’s plain-spoken communication style, recalling his response to detractors who judged him for his informal use of English: “I never set out to be the best English speaker in the world.” She used the anecdote to push for greater inclusivity across Barbadian society, noting that too many people are marginalized for not conforming to narrow expectations of speech, appearance, or background. “This country must forever be that place that accommodates people,” she said.

    Mottley made clear that both the school renaming and the book project are designed not just to honor Sir Garfield’s legacy, but to create a foundation that encourages the next generation of Barbadian talent to emulate his combination of excellence and humility. “The actions which we take as a government must not be to simply reflect on him and his record, but must always be a platform to see where the next Garry Sobers is going to come from, where the next Robyn Rihanna Fenty is going to come from,” she said.

    Following the prime minister’s address, the House of Assembly unanimously approved the resolution honoring Sir Garfield, naming him “an exemplar of excellence, dignity, humility and grace” and extending its deepest condolences to his family.

  • “Laid to rest”: Forensic Service Pushes to Identify Remains Dating Back to 1998

    “Laid to rest”: Forensic Service Pushes to Identify Remains Dating Back to 1998

    More than 25 years after the oldest set of unidentified human skeletal remains entered its custody, Belize’s National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) is moving forward with a dedicated initiative to give names to the unknown dead and bring closure to families that have waited decades for answers. As of August 2026, the agency has successfully completed its first major milestone of the project: one set of remains has been formally returned to the family of the deceased for a proper burial.

    The initiative, which launched to clear NFSS’s backlog of unidentifed remains held in storage, targets approximately 20 sets of skeletal remains that have been in the agency’s possession, with some of the cases stretching all the way back to 1998. To connect remains to missing people, the NFSS is leveraging a multi-pronged approach that combines modern DNA testing, detailed archival record research, and intentional public outreach to connect with potential family members.

    In an official statement, NFSS Executive Director Gian Cho confirmed the progress of the ongoing work. “Since we launched the project, we have successfully handed over one set of skeletal remains to the next of kin via our local representative,” Cho explained. He added that the agency has already sent DNA samples from three additional active cases to overseas testing facilities over the past few months, and results are expected to arrive within the next 60 days. If those tests are successful, three more families will soon be able to lay their missing loved ones to rest.

    Cho clarified that the current project is limited exclusively to remains that are already in NFSS custody, and does not extend to open missing person cases where no remains have yet been recovered. For the agency, the work is rooted in a core commitment to human dignity: “Every person has the right to be recognized, and to be treated with respect even after death. Equally importantly, their family members have the right to be reunited with their loved one’s remains so they can give them a proper burial. That is our ultimate priority,” Cho emphasized.

    To continue advancing the identification work, the NFSS is issuing a public call to action: any Belizean family that has a missing loved one matching the profile of the unidentified remains in the agency’s custody is urged to come forward to provide information and DNA samples. This community participation is a critical piece of the project, as it provides the genetic matches needed to confirm identities and bring the decades-long wait for closure to an end.

  • New St James housing project to deliver 34 homes

    New St James housing project to deliver 34 homes

    Barbados is one step closer to expanding affordable home ownership for its low- and middle-income residents, after the City of Bridgetown (COB) Co-operative Credit Union broke ground this Friday on the Deanstown Heights Housing Development in St James. The project will deliver 34 moderately priced homes, with more than a dozen prospective buyers already confirming their interest before construction even begins, marking a new expansion of the credit union’s role in the country’s housing market.

    Traditionally, COB Credit Union has offered home financing to its members, but this development represents a strategic shift: through its subsidiary COB Financial Services Incorporated (COBFSIA), the organization is now directly developing a full residential community tailored to the needs of ordinary Barbadians. Kemar Cumberbatch, president of COB Credit Union and chair of COBFSIA, called the groundbreaking a defining milestone for the institution during the ceremony, where he turned the first sod for the project.

    “Together we give ordinary people extraordinary economic power, and today that collective boardroom vision becomes a visible reality,” Cumberbatch told attendees. The development is designed with flexibility to fit diverse household needs and budgets: it offers six distinct home models, ranging from 873 to 1,492 square feet of interior space, sited on individual lots between 5,443 and 10,079 square feet. Pricing for the completed homes falls between BDS $362,500 and BDS $571,000, a range structured to align with the financial capabilities of target buyers.

    Cumberbatch emphasized that the true impact of the project will extend far beyond construction statistics. For young professionals securing their first property, working-class families growing their children in a safe, permanent space, and parents building intergenerational wealth, Deanstown Heights turns the long-held Barbadian dream of “a piece of the rock” into a tangible reality. He acknowledged that rising costs for land, construction, insurance and financing have made home ownership increasingly out of reach for many in recent years, prompting COB to redesign the home buying journey to remove common barriers. By integrating land access, home construction, mortgage financing and property insurance under a single connected institutional framework, the credit union eliminates the administrative and financial hurdles that often derail aspiring homeowners.

    “This project demonstrates the evolving powerful role that our credit unions must play in the modern Barbadian economy,” Cumberbatch said, thanking the state-run National Housing Corporation (NHC) for its partnership and expressing openness to future collaborative developments. Rhonnelle Smith, senior operations officer at COBFSIA, outlined the accessible financing terms that set the project apart: developers are offering up to 95 percent financing for buyers, with insurance options provided through partner Cooperators General. As of the groundbreaking, more than 12 potential buyers have already submitted inquiries, with several nearing the final stage of securing commitment letters for their properties.

    Located near established St James communities including Apes Hill, Polo Ground, St Silas Heights, Waterhall Terrace and Waterhall Tenantry, Deanstown Heights benefits from pre-existing local infrastructure including roads, water access and electrical service, reducing development costs and allowing more competitive pricing for buyers. All homes will be constructed using the Forster construction system, a Swiss-engineered sustainable building method that uses 100 percent steel framing for durable, eco-friendly residential architecture.

    Barbados Minister of Housing Chris Gibbs praised the project during the ceremony, noting that it aligns directly with the Mia Mottley administration’s national target of delivering 2,000 new homes per year to address unmet housing demand. While the 34-unit development is a smaller addition to the annual target, Gibbs highlighted its strategic value as an infill project within an existing developed area, leveraging existing infrastructure to keep costs low for both developers and home buyers. He also noted the natural synergy between the COB project and the NHC’s existing waiting list for affordable housing: many applicants on the NHC’s list are also COB credit union members, allowing the partnership to deliver housing to people already actively seeking properties, rather than building unneeded supply.

    Gibbs emphasized that the public-private partnership model used for Deanstown Heights is the future of Barbados housing development, noting that government alone cannot meet the country’s growing demand for affordable home ownership. “This is the type of partnership that we have to explore because, as I said, government can’t do it all,” he said.

  • Traffic Advisory Issued for CHOGM Security Exercise at V.C. Bird International Airport

    Traffic Advisory Issued for CHOGM Security Exercise at V.C. Bird International Airport

    As the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda finalizes preparations to host the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), local aviation officials have issued an official public advisory to prepare travelers and motorists for a large-scale security simulation next week. The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) announced that the full-scale security and preparedness exercise will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, August 10, on the grounds and surrounding area of V.C. Bird International Airport, the country’s primary air gateway.

    The simulation is a core component of national readiness efforts ahead of the high-profile multilateral summit, designed to test coordination between security agencies and airport operations teams to respond to potential security scenarios. To support the smooth execution of the drill, temporary traffic restrictions will be implemented on access roads leading into and around the airport terminal and parking areas.

    The ABAA is urging all members of the public who intend to drop off or pick up passengers at the airport during the exercise window to plan ahead, allocate extra time for their journeys, and prepare for unavoidable minor delays. Uniformed police officers will be stationed across the airport precinct and surrounding road network to manage traffic flow, while additional plainclothes and uniformed police personnel will be deployed throughout the airport terminal to participate in the security drill.

    Local officials have issued a clear appeal to all motorists and travelers to comply fully with all instructions issued by on-site law enforcement personnel, as this cooperation will be critical to keeping the exercise safe, orderly, and efficient. In a statement, the ABAA expressed its advance gratitude for the public’s patience, cooperation, and understanding during the drill, emphasizing that the preparedness exercise is an indispensable milestone in delivering a safe, secure, and successful CHOGM summit for all attending heads of government, delegates, and visitors.

  • Autistic Teen’s Body Recovered After More Than Three Hours of Search

    Autistic Teen’s Body Recovered After More Than Three Hours of Search

    On August 7, 2026, rescue teams in Belize concluded a grueling three-plus hour search operation to recover the body of 16-year-old autistic teen Xue Liu, who drowned after jumping into a river to escape a sudden swarm bee attack alongside her elderly father.

    The tragedy unfolded near Haulover Bridge, located just outside Belize City along the Phillip Goldson Highway, when Liu and her father were ambushed by a large swarm of bees while walking along the riverbank. Fleeing the aggressive insects, Liu jumped into the water to escape the attack and went missing shortly after.

    A combined response team made up of local lifeguards and Belize Coast Guard personnel launched an immediate search effort, conducted in water that ranged between 30 and 35 feet deep. Search lead Tevin Conorque explained that the operation faced multiple dangerous obstacles from the start: poor visibility from murky river water complicated the dive search, and rescue divers also operated under the constant risk of encountering crocodiles known to inhabit the waterway.

    Despite these extreme challenges, the team persisted through more than three hours of free diving searches, eventually locating Liu’s body in the exact area where witnesses confirmed she had entered the water. Conorque noted that the team prioritized recovering the teen’s remains to give her grieving family closure, a goal they ultimately achieved after delivering the body to Liu’s brother, who Conorque described as the most profoundly affected by the loss.

    “It’s an absolutely tragic outcome that a young life was lost to drowning in this incident,” Conorque told local outlet News 5. “But for our team, the priority was giving this family some measure of peace by bringing their loved one home. We held onto hope through every minute of the search, and that persistence allowed us to get her out for them.”

  • Panel belicht positie en kracht van Inheemsen

    Panel belicht positie en kracht van Inheemsen

    On the eve of International Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated on August 9, the Suriname-based foundation Stichting Skrifi hosted a pivotal panel discussion and photo exhibition at the Spice Quest venue on Wednesday evening, centering three core themes: Indigenous peoples’ social standing, collective land rights, and cultural preservation. The event brought together indigenous leaders, academic experts, and a senior government minister to unpack ongoing challenges facing indigenous communities and outline actionable steps to advance equity and recognition across the nation.

    The five-member panel included Sharmaine Artist, chair of the Key Holders of Sustainable Environment foundation; Jupta Itoewaki, president of indigenous rights organization MULOKOT; Cylene France, director of the office of the Suriname Association of Indigenous Village Heads; Lloyd Read, chair of the Indigenous Collective Suriname; and historian Agir Axwijk. Alongside the debate, a public photo exhibition showcased documentary imagery from two indigenous communities, the villages of Mata and Kwamalasamutu, offering attendees an intimate look at daily life and cultural traditions in these areas.

    The first segment of the evening opened with panelists sharing perspectives on the inherent strength and valuable contributions of indigenous peoples to broader Surinamese society. Axwijk framed indigenous traditional knowledge as an enduring, unbreakable source of power from a historical perspective. France emphasized indigenous communities’ inherent strength in environmental and cultural stewardship, noting that formal recognition of collective land rights forms the foundational bedrock for indigenous peoples’ future self-determination. Itoewaki centered the living power of indigenous communities as the legitimate governing authorities of their traditional territories. Artist highlighted the resilience of indigenous generations, describing a community that refuses to fade, surrender or disappear. The opening discussion closed with Read outlining the untapped potential and unique strength of indigenous-led local economies.

    The second segment of the event centered on a lively debate around two provocative propositions, with both panelists and audience members invited to share their views. The first proposition argued that indigenous peoples currently do too little to raise public visibility, resulting in the broader Surinamese society holding an incomplete and inaccurate view of their cultural and social power. The second proposition stated that Suriname’s current national education system contributes more to the erasure of indigenous culture than it does to its preservation. The exchange of perspectives produced a robust, substantive dialogue that engaged all attendees.

    A core consensus emerged across the discussion: as the original inhabitants of Suriname, indigenous peoples still do not hold the equal, respected social position they deserve. Panelists emphasized that critical work remains unfinished, particularly in expanding indigenous participation in national and local decision-making processes and securing full legal recognition of collective land rights. Until these and other priority issues are resolved, they argued, indigenous peoples cannot be considered full, equal members of Suriname’s national society.

    A highlight of the evening came from the attendance of Dirk Currie, Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science and Culture. Currie extended an invitation to panelists for a formal follow-up meeting to explore how to better integrate indigenous history, culture and social perspectives into national school curricula. Panelists responded positively to the invitation, expressing hope that they will be able to convene with the minister in the near term to co-develop a shared strategy for education reform.

    Event organizers also announced that the upcoming exhibition at Villa Zapakara will be dedicated entirely to the indigenous peoples of Suriname, extending the public conversation sparked by Wednesday’s event. Stichting Skrifi organized the gathering to add deeper context and public engagement to the national observance of Indigenous Peoples Day on August 9. Looking back on the event, organizers expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that it delivered valuable insights, inspired cross-community dialogue, and renewed collective momentum to keep educating Surinamese society about the strength, history, and critical role of the nation’s indigenous communities.

  • Imani Sinclair Receives Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust 100 Young Leaders Award

    Imani Sinclair Receives Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust 100 Young Leaders Award

    A rising voice for youth empowerment across the Caribbean, Imani Sinclair, a respected youth advocate and community organizer from Antigua and Barbuda, has joined an elite cohort of 100 emerging changemakers from Commonwealth nations, earning the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) 100 Young Leaders Award. The honor recognizes outstanding leadership, volunteer service, and unwavering dedication to driving tangible positive progress across communities.

    The formal award presentation took place on Friday, 7 August 2026, at a celebratory ceremony hosted at Government House in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, presented the award to Sinclair, with a distinguished guest list in attendance including Her Excellency Lady Williams, Resident British Commissioner His Excellency John Hamilton, Sinclair’s family members, close friends, and other invited stakeholders.

    The commendation spotlights Sinclair’s years of consistent work advancing youth development, expanding access to education, building leadership pipelines, providing mentorship to young people, leading community service initiatives, and fostering cross-regional collaboration across the Caribbean. Currently, Sinclair holds the position of Operations Manager at the Nolan Hue Foundation, a community-focused organization dedicated to uplifting local young people. Her influence and leadership reach far beyond Antigua and Barbuda’s borders, extending across the entire Caribbean region and onto the global stage. As the Caribbean Coordinating Ambassador for One Young World, a leading global youth leadership network, she works tirelessly to strengthen connections between young leaders across the Caribbean’s island nations and ensure that underrepresented Caribbean perspectives are centered in global policy and dialogue on future-focused issues.

    In remarks following the award presentation, Sinclair reflected on what the recognition means to her, framing it as both a landmark personal achievement and a renewed call to continue her work serving communities across the region. The award carries extra special meaning this year, as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to welcome global leaders for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the coming months, positioning the twin-island nation as the central hub for Commonwealth cooperation and diplomatic dialogue.

    “Receiving this recognition in the same year that Antigua and Barbuda will welcome the entire Commonwealth for CHOGM makes this moment even more meaningful,” Sinclair said. “It is an incredible opportunity for our country, and I hope it also reminds all of us just how important it is for young people to hold a meaningful seat at the table when we discuss the future of the Commonwealth.”

    For Sinclair, the national recognition also serves as a platform to amplify the dynamic, impactful leadership emerging from Antigua and Barbuda and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the globe, challenging stereotypes that marginalize small nations’ contributions to global progress.

    “I am incredibly proud to represent Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean,” she shared. “We may come from small islands, but there is nothing small about our ideas, our ambition or the impact we can have. I hope this recognition encourages another young person from Antigua and Barbuda to know that their work can be seen and their voice can reach far beyond our shores.”

    Sinclair also extended her gratitude to the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust for the honor, as well as the Governor-General and his office, the British High Commission, and the wide network of organizations, mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who have supported her work and professional journey over the years. “No achievement like this happens alone,” she emphasized. “I have been fortunate to work alongside incredible people who believe deeply in service and in the potential of young people. I share this moment with all of them and with every young person I have had the privilege of working with.”

    Established to elevate youth leadership across the Commonwealth, the QECT 100 Young Leaders Award celebrates young people from all 56 Commonwealth member states whose leadership and community initiatives are driving positive, lasting change in local and regional communities.

  • 2026 School Supplies and Uniform Assistance Programme

    2026 School Supplies and Uniform Assistance Programme

    Grenada’s Ministry of Education has kicked off the distribution of digital QR code vouchers to eligible parents and guardians participating in the country’s School Supplies and Uniform Assistance Programme, rolling out a modern, convenient support system for low-income households ahead of the new school year.

    Unlike traditional paper-based assistance, this new digital format offers a secure cashless transaction framework, allowing approved beneficiaries to access their allocated funds directly when purchasing required school items. The vouchers are being sent out in staggered batches to recipients via two primary channels: SMS text messages from the official contact line 1 (878) 231-3486, and email from [email protected]. To access the voucher after receiving the notification, recipients need an active internet connection to open the embedded link, and education officials recommend that users save a screenshot of the QR code to ensure quick, easy access when visiting participating vendors.

    Once beneficiaries have their QR code ready, they can redeem the voucher at any of the programme’s pre-approved authorized retailers spread across all of Grenada’s parishes and the island of Carriacou. A full list of authorized vendors has been published alongside the programme announcement, with locations sorted by parish for easy reference: In St Andrew, participating retailers include Anthony’s Fashion Store, Dee’s School and Stationery Supplies, Fletcher’s Creation, two Gora Enterprise locations on Ben Jones Street in Grenville, Louisa’s Booth #58, May Fair, Pick-N-Pay, Salim (Grenville), Save N’ Gain Department Store, Shopper’s Paradise, Spice Fashion, and Super Store. For residents of St George, authorized vendors are Ali’s Creation, Bargain House, Cost U Less, Gora Enterprise, Grenada Teachers School Supplies Ltd., Johnny’s Enterprise, L A Purcell, Majestic Department Store, two S Kumar Variety Store locations (St George’s and Grand Anse), Shoprite Store, Standard Book Store, Suchi Enterprise, and two Salim locations on Halifax Street and Melville Street. St John residents can redeem vouchers at Campbell’s Variety Store and J &A Enterprise, while St Patrick locations include Miah’s Collection, Sanchee Variety Store, and Zi Zi Mini Mart. On the island of Carriacou, participating vendors are Alexis Variety Store, All in One Variety Store, Bargain Land, Franko Tailoring, Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT), Jharm’s World, Joseph Plus 1, Nacodia Design, Noreen Sewing Studio, Reann’s School Essentials, Teacher Sharon’s One Stop Shop, and Teeny Things.

    The programme sets out clear guidelines for which items are covered by the assistance, spanning all core back-to-school needs. Covered clothing items include aprons, pants, school belts, shirts, shoes (capped at a maximum $100 reimbursement), skirts, socks, ties, full school uniforms, and vests. Paper products eligible for purchase include book covers, colouring books, copy paper, drawing books, envelopes, exercise books, notebooks, pocket folders, sketch pads, along with a full range of writing supplies such as chalk, colouring pencils, crayons, markers, pen sets, pencil sets, pencils, and pens. General stationery and office supplies covered include erasers, rulers, scissors, sharpeners, staplers, stapling pins, and white out, while students can also use vouchers for school bags and lunch kits. Specialized mathematical and technical tools including calculators, geometry sets, math sets, set squares, and T-squares are also approved, alongside basic sewing supplies for uniforms such as buttons, fasteners, ribbons, school uniform cloth, and zips.

    Ministry officials have encouraged approved beneficiaries to redeem their vouchers in a timely manner, noting that the vouchers will remain valid through September 25, 2026. For any questions, technical support, or programme-related enquiries, parents and vendors can reach the programme support team via call or WhatsApp at 1 (473) 415-1458, or by email at [email protected]. The ministry added that all enquiries must be directed through these designated channels, as the ministry is currently operating under a remote work arrangement.

    At its core, the School Supplies and Uniform Assistance Programme is designed to deliver targeted financial support to households facing economic hardship, with the core goal of ensuring all school-aged children have access to the essential resources they need to attend classes and fully engage in their education without barriers. In closing the announcement, the Ministry of Education expressed gratitude to participating parents and authorized vendors for their ongoing cooperation, and stated that the ministry expects a smooth, successful rollout of the new digital voucher system.

    This announcement was published via NOW Grenada, which notes that it is not responsible for contributor-provided statements or content, and provides a channel for users to report any abuse related to posted content.

  • Waldrond eager to defend her BRTO title

    Waldrond eager to defend her BRTO title

    As the highly anticipated 2024 Barbados Road Tennis Open (BRTO) prepares to kick off later this August, defending women’s champion Sheldene Waldrond has declared she is fully prepared to retain her crown at Barbados’ most prestigious road tennis competition. Spanning from August 15 through October 3, the tournament carries a generous purse that awards a $20,000 top prize to both the men’s and women’s singles champions. In an interview ahead of the tournament, Waldrond revealed she resumed structured training earlier in 2024, specifically adjusting her routine to adapt her game and gain a competitive edge over the field. “I’ve been putting in the work, switching up my training regimen to change the dynamics of my play, and I’m hungry to get back on court and defend my title,” she said. Waldrond, who claimed her 2023 title after a hard-fought final victory over Rachel Smith, also expressed enthusiastic approval of the organizers’ decision to add an Under-18 junior division to this year’s tournament lineup. A long-time advocate for growing the sport among young people, she has made it a priority to mentor emerging female players. “I love seeing young women get involved in road tennis, and I always do what I can to give them confidence and help them grow as competitors,” Waldrond added. For event organizers, 2024 marks a major milestone: this year’s tournament is the fifth iteration of the BRTO, which has evolved from a bold initiative into a cornerstone of Barbadian sporting culture and national pride. Shawn Burke, chairman of the BRTO Planning Committee, reflected on the tournament’s origins and growth, noting that the event was founded five years ago with a clear mission: to elevate Barbados’ unique indigenous sport, create life-changing opportunities for local athletes, and build a national stage that matches the caliber of the island’s exceptional homegrown talent. “What started as an ambitious vision has transformed into Barbados’ premier road tennis competition, one that consistently showcases the absolute best talent our island has to offer,” Burke explained. He added that the tournament’s steady growth over the past five years serves as proof of what can be accomplished when bold vision is paired with consistent commitment and community buy-in. Every year, the organizing team challenges itself to raise the bar for the event, improving experiences not just for competing players, but for the fans and corporate partners who have continued to believe in the sport’s future in Barbados. In honor of the fifth anniversary and in recognition of the critical role fans play in making the BRTO a success, organizers have expanded fan engagement activities for this year’s tournament. Attendees will get the chance to sign a collection of commemorative display rackets, take photos with their favorite players, share their experiences on social media, and enter a competition for a special fifth anniversary prize, which will be awarded to the social media post that earns the most likes from the public. “This fifth anniversary doesn’t just belong to the players who take the court,” Burke said. “It belongs to every single person who has supported this tournament, cheered on our athletes, and believed in our mission over the last five years.”