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Brigidy Stars, Eclipse, West Bridge and Massy Square reach Domino Knockout semi-finals

The F.R.S L’Express Des Isles and Morancie & Sons Knockout Domino Competition wrapped up an electrifying quarter-final round on Saturday night, leaving a packed, lively crowd on the edge of their seats as four elite squads secured their spots in the upcoming semi-final stage of the tournament.

Topping the quarter-final leaderboard was Brigidy Stars of Paix Bouche, the reigning league champions, who delivered a dominant, commanding performance against Team Denver. The title holders outmatched their opponents from start to finish, closing out the matchup with an impressive final score of 3038 points against Team Denver’s 2256, cementing their status as one of the tournament’s top contenders.

Next up, league runners-up Eclipse of Pottersville turned in a similarly decisive win against the Warriors. The Pottersville-based squad put on a masterclass in strategic domino play, crushing their competitors with a lopsided 3031 to 1968 scoreline that earned them a well-deserved place in the final four.

In the third high-stakes quarter-final, West Bridge of Roseau fought through a tight contest to overcome Public Enemies. The Roseau squad held their nerve through key turning points in the match, ultimately pulling ahead to claim victory with a 3005 to 2584 final score, booking their first semi-final berth of the competition.

Rounding out the four semi-finalists is Massy Square, another Paix Bouche-based side, who secured their spot with a solid, consistent performance against Kalinago. Massy Square maintained control throughout their matchup, finishing with a 3005 to 2286 win that locked in their place in the next round.

With the quarter-final round now complete, the tournament is set to shift to the semi-final stage, with the first leg of matchups scheduled to kick off Thursday night in Paix Bouche. The opening semi-final will pit undefeated league champions Brigidy Stars against a gritty West Bridge squad, while runners-up Eclipse will go head-to-head against Paix Bouche’s Massy Square.

The return leg of the semi-finals is scheduled for the following Saturday night, hosted at two separate venues: the Roselin Bar in Pottersville will host the rematch between Eclipse and Massy Square, while the second rematch between Brigidy Stars and West Bridge will take place near the West Bridge area. Fans across the region are already gearing up for what promises to be two more weekends of high-intensity domino action as the tournament narrows down to a final champion.

4 5 月, 2026
CariGenetics and St George’s University launch Prostate Cancer Genetic Study in Grenada

In a formal press conference held Tuesday at the Presidential Suite of SGU’s Chancellery Building in Grenada, regional genomic initiative CariGenetics and St George’s University (SGU) jointly unveiled the Caribbean Prostate Cancer Genetic Study’s Grenada cohort — a landmark initiative that marks the first large-scale genetic research project in the island nation’s history.

The launch represents a watershed moment for locally led genomic science, precision medicine advancement, and men’s health advocacy across the Caribbean region. As part of CariGenetics’ broader regional mission to correct historical underrepresentation of Caribbean populations in global medical research, the study fills a critical gap that has long left local communities without tailored healthcare insights.

Prostate cancer stands as one of the most pressing public health threats facing men across the Caribbean, and in Grenada specifically it is the leading cause of cancer death among male residents. The collaborative research team aims to unpack how genetic factors unique to Caribbean populations influence prostate cancer risk, with the ultimate goal of improving screening protocols, prevention strategies, targeted treatment plans, and long-term public health policy for Grenadian and Caribbean men more broadly.

The Grenada cohort is the third regional group to be added to CariGenetics’ ongoing Caribbean-wide prostate cancer research initiative, following the successful completion of data collection in Bermuda and St. Lucia. The project feeds into the larger Caribbean Genome Program, an ambitious effort that aims to sequence the full genomes of 250,000 Caribbean residents by 2030. By expanding the volume of genetic data from Caribbean populations, the program seeks to close deep, long-standing gaps in global health data and advance more equitable healthcare outcomes for groups that have historically been excluded from major medical research.

Beyond generating critical genomic data, the partnership between CariGenetics and SGU is designed to build local research infrastructure and workforce capacity. The initiative will establish on-island laboratory sequencing capabilities for human genomic research, and will include specialized training for SGU’s nursing department on best practices for participant recruitment in genetic studies. The training program will be delivered by CariGenetics in collaboration with the UK-based Association of Genetic Nurses and Counsellors (AGNC).

“For decades, Caribbean people have been left out of the research that shapes modern clinical care and medical progress,” explained Dr. Carika Weldon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CariGenetics, during her press conference remarks. “This study changes that narrative. It is not just about including Grenadian and Caribbean men in the future of healthcare — it is about letting them lead that future. When we understand our own DNA, we can build better prevention tools, catch risk earlier, deliver more informed treatment, and make stronger public health decisions that work for our communities.”

The press conference convened cross-sector leaders from genomics, public health, and higher education to underscore the urgent need for targeted prostate cancer research in the region, and to outline how widespread community participation can drive the shift toward more personalized, proactive healthcare for Caribbean men. Attending speakers included Grenada’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shawn Charles, Dr. Weldon, and SGU researchers Dr. Trevor Noël and Dr. Dolland Noel.

Grenada’s Ministry of Health has offered full official endorsement of the study, Dr. Shawn Charles confirmed in his address. “As the leading cause of cancer death for men in Grenada, work to advance prostate cancer research could not be more critical. We urge all eligible men to take advantage of this opportunity and take part in this important work.”

SGU Provost Dr. Mark Clunes echoed that commitment, noting: “St. George’s University is proud to partner with CariGenetics on this transformative initiative. Prostate cancer is a major public health concern for men across the Caribbean, and this work reflects our shared dedication to raising awareness, advancing life-saving research, and improving health outcomes for Caribbean communities. By expanding Caribbean representation in genomic research, this study will help build a future of precision medicine that is more equitable, more relevant, and centered on the needs of the populations it serves.”

Dr. Weldon also highlighted the contributions of two high-profile Grenadian male community leaders who have joined the effort to boost participation: Sir Dr. Kirani James, president of the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) and the most decorated 400-meter track athlete in history, and Mr. Killa, Grenada’s cultural ambassador and one of the world’s leading Soca artists, who is a prominent advocate for holistic wellness. Both leaders are leveraging their public platforms to encourage men across Grenada to learn more about prostate health, prioritize early screening, and participate in the study. Their involvement underscores the value of trusted community voices in breaking down barriers to men’s health engagement and empowering people to take control of their well-being.

4 5 月, 2026
COMMENTARY: World Press Freedom Day

As the world marks World Press Freedom Day 2026 on May 3, the latest annual assessment from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) delivers a stark warning: global press freedom has declined to its lowest point in two and a half decades, with more than half of all nations now categorized as having either “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for independent journalism.

The iconic American journalist Walter Cronkite once summarized the inseparable link between a free press and democratic governance: “Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.” Decades later, that statement carries new urgency as the global retreat of press freedom accelerates. Journalists across every region face growing rates of imprisonment, targeted harassment, and heightened scrutiny of their work, while heavy-handed state regulation of media activity signals deepening democratic erosion. When press rights are curtailed, it is always the general public that bears the greatest cost, as independent oversight of power and access to unbiased information are eroded.

First introduced decades ago, RSF’s World Press Freedom Index evaluates the state of press freedom across 180 countries and territories. The framework defines press freedom as the ability of journalists to carry out their work independently, free from political, economic, legal, or social interference and without threats to personal safety. It scores countries based on five core indicators: the surrounding political context for media, the legal framework governing journalism, economic conditions for media workers, the broader socio-cultural environment, and on-the-ground safety for reporters.

Observed annually on May 3 and formally established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, World Press Freedom Day serves two core purposes: it is a day to stand in solidarity with media outlets facing censorship or attempts to shut down independent reporting, and a moment of remembrance for journalists who have lost their lives while pursuing the truth. The day also acts as a global checkpoint to celebrate the foundational principles of press freedom, assess global conditions for independent journalism, defend media independence from targeted attacks, and honor reporters killed while practicing their profession.

This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” aligns with the UN’s stance that independent, free media and press freedom underpin global peace, equitable economic recovery, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights by enabling access to reliable information, strengthening accountability, fostering constructive public dialogue, and building public trust. Today, that work is facing unprecedented new threats: malicious actors are leveraging artificial intelligence to spread disinformation and manipulate public discourse, eroding public trust in media and undermining national security. At the same time, independent media outlets face growing economic instability that threatens their survival. The RSF report notes that self-censorship among journalists has risen by more than 60% globally, driven by fear of retaliation, coordinated online harassment, judicial intimidation, and crippling economic pressure. Against this backdrop, World Press Freedom Day 2026 provides a critical opportunity to reaffirm global commitments to freedom of expression, and to align actors across journalism, technology (including the AI sector), and human rights groups around actionable solutions to strengthen resilient, independent information ecosystems for the future.

One of the most alarming trends highlighted in the 2026 index is the accelerating criminalization of journalism across the globe. Anne Bocande, a representative from RSF, emphasized that existing international protection mechanisms for journalists are no longer adequate, as international law is increasingly undermined and cases of violence against journalists go unpunished with widespread impunity. The erosion of journalistic independence and increasing suppression of core press principles are the central findings of the 2026 index.

Regional performance varies widely across the Americas and beyond. Jamaica ranked 26th out of 180 countries, holding a relatively strong regional standing but continuing a years-long downward slide: it fell from 24th place in both 2024 and 2025, and from a top-10 ranking in 2020, with growing concerns over journalist safety and declining government transparency driving the drop. Trinidad and Tobago fell 13 places to rank 32nd; while the country still holds an overall “good” rating for press freedom, worsening economic and political conditions have eroded its media environment. Canada placed 20th, while the United States ranked 64th. At the lower end of the index, Russia ranked 172nd, China 178th, North Korea 179th, and Eritrea ranked last at 180th. In the Caribbean, Guyana slipped three spots to 76th, with an overall score of 59.58 (down from 60.12 in 2025), placing its media environment in the “problematic” category. Haiti ranked 107th, with a global score of 50.32, landing it in the “Difficult” category, reflecting a ongoing, severe crisis for independent journalism in the country. Burkina Faso ranked 110th overall. For the tenth consecutive year, Norway held the top spot on the index, with the Netherlands and Estonia rising to second and third place respectively, leading a top tier dominated by Nordic and Baltic nations with strong protections for press freedom.

As the global community gathers to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026, the occasion serves as a urgent reminder to governments worldwide to uphold their formal commitments to protecting press freedom. It is also a moment for media professionals to reflect on the challenges facing press freedom and core ethical standards of their work. In the words of former U.S. President Barack Obama: “we have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth.”

This commentary is from Wayne Campbell, an educator and social commentator focused on how development policies shape culture and gender equity, and does not represent the views of Duravision Inc., Dominica News Online, or any of its affiliated brands.

4 5 月, 2026
GDF soldier shot on border with Venezuela

On Monday morning, May 4 2026, a shooting incident on the disputed Guyana-Venezuela border left a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) wounded, adding new tension to a long-running territorial dispute that is currently being reviewed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

According to an official statement released by the GDF, the attack took place at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time in the Black Water area, where a GDF boat patrol was conducting an escort mission for three civilian vessels carrying personnel and cargo traveling from Makapa to Eteringbang. Unidentified attackers opened fire on the convoy, striking the deployed soldier twice in the right leg. Military medics quickly stabilized the injured service member, who is now being evacuated to the capital city of Georgetown to receive advanced medical care.

After the ambush, the GDF patrol engaged the attackers in return fire and successfully maneuvered the entire civilian convoy out of the high-risk zone to safety. To date, the GDF has not confirmed whether the individuals who opened fire were Venezuelan security forces or armed civilians operating from the Venezuelan side of the border. However, a senior unnamed GDF officer noted in an off-the-record comment that Venezuelan authorities must be aware of the armed groups operating in the area, which uses the dense jungle along the Cuyuni River as cover to launch attacks against Guyanese personnel. “We are being attacked from the Venezuelan side of the Cuyuni by a group who uses the jungle as cover from sight and fire. The Venezuelan authorities can not be unaware of this situation,” the senior officer stated.

This shooting is not an isolated event: the GDF confirmed that prior attacks targeting Guyanese soldiers have occurred in the same border region in previous months and years. The timing of Monday’s incident coincides with the opening of public hearings at the ICJ focused on the substantive merits of the territorial dispute between the two South American nations. At the core of the dispute is the legal validity of the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which originally established the current land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

In the aftermath of the attack, the GDF reaffirmed its commitment to securing the country’s western border. “The Force remains fully committed to the protection of its personnel and the safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity,” the statement read, adding that the military will maintain a robust, active operational presence across the entire border region moving forward.

4 5 月, 2026
Fire Service responds to 100 calls over Labour Day weekend.

The island nation of Saint Lucia’s public emergency responders faced a surge of urgent calls across the 2025 Labour Day long weekend, logging an extraordinary 100 responses from 9 a.m. on Friday, May 1 through 9 a.m. on Monday, May 4, according to official service updates. Among the incidents, three stood out as life-threatening serious emergencies: two separate violent chopping assaults and a cliff-side motor vehicle crash that put a young child at risk.

4 5 月, 2026
SUMUN 2026 zet jongeren centraal in debat over AI en mensenrechten

In a gathering that places youth voices front and center in global policy conversations, the 2026 Suriname Model United Nations (SUMUN) conference wrapped up its sessions focused on human rights in the age of artificial intelligence, held at the iconic National Assembly building in Paramaribo. More than 45 young delegates between the ages of 17 and 22 gathered to debate pressing international issues, putting months of preparation and specialized training on display for diplomatic leaders and foreign guests in attendance.

SUMUN is designed specifically to give emerging young leaders hands-on exposure to the fields of diplomacy, policy development, and cross-border cooperation. This year’s opening ceremony drew a lineup of high-profile guests, including Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Melvin Bouva, Minister of Oil, Gas and the Environment Patrick Brunnings, as well as senior foreign diplomats: French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste and Argentinian Ambassador Emiliano Gabriel Waiselfisz.

In his keynote address to delegates, Minister Bouva centered his remarks on the critical need to include youth perspectives in global conversations that will shape their futures. Drawing on the conference’s 2026 core theme of human rights in the artificial intelligence era, he emphasized that ethical guardrails for emerging technologies can only be effective when rooted in coordinated global collaboration that includes the input of the generation that will live with AI’s long-term impacts.

Anand Gajapersad, president of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo, one of the initiative’s supporting organizations, also addressed delegates, highlighting how inclusive diversity and cross-community collaboration are foundational to solving modern global challenges. Ravi Patandin, chair of the SUMUN organizing committee, expanded on this, outlining how meaningful youth engagement in public decision-making strengthens long-term social and economic development across all nations.

Weeks before the official conference got underway, all participating students completed a rigorous six-week training program focused on building core leadership, structured debate, and public communication skills. During the simulation sessions, which mirrored the working procedures of the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly, delegates presented formal position papers and negotiated resolutions on AI and human rights before an independent panel of judges. A series of awards were granted to recognize outstanding participation, including honors for the best position paper, best delegate, and best speaker.

Following the conclusion of the conference, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo reaffirmed its admiration for the dedication and critical thinking demonstrated by all participating delegates. The organization also emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting youth development initiatives that empower young people to contribute meaningfully to public life and global problem-solving.

4 5 月, 2026
“I Miss Him So Bad”: Mother Mourns Son Killed in Crash

A quiet Saturday afternoon took a devastating turn for a Belize City family, leaving a grieving mother mourning the sudden loss of her son, one of two fatalities in a horrific multi-vehicle crash on the George Price Highway. The collision, which unfolded between mile markers 16 and 17 in the Belize District on Saturday night, claimed the lives of 24-year-old Glenn Lamb Jr. and his close friend and father figure Nelson Hemsley.

Michaela Baide, Lamb Jr.’s heartbroken mother, shared that her son had no plans to leave the family home that day. “From Thursday he said he no going nowhere,” Baide recalled in an interview. It was Hemsley’s request that convinced her son to step out that afternoon, a decision that would end in tragedy. “He never came home,” Baide said, her voice heavy with grief.

Describing her son as a gentle, respectful young man who avoided drinking, smoking and late-night partying, Baide called him her everything. “He was humble, he was my perfect child,” she said. “He gave me the world. I miss him so bad it got me down, but I think when I lay him to rest, everything will be okay. I just wish I had one more minute with him.”

Acting Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of Belize’s National Crimes Investigation Branch, confirmed details of the crash to reporters. First responders found Lamb Jr. and Hemsley unresponsive and trapped inside the black Ford Escape SUV the pair were traveling in. Both men were pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

The collision involved three vehicles in total: the Ford Escape, a Ford van driven by Chadwick Ysaguirre, and a motorcycle operated by David Lambey. Initial investigative findings indicate the sequence of events began when the Ford Escape struck the motorcycle, before swerving across the center line into the direct path of the oncoming van, triggering a fatal head-on impact.

Romero confirmed that the two other people involved in the crash—Ysaguirre and Lambey—are currently in stable condition. Some have already been released from medical care, while others remain in hospital for ongoing observation and treatment.

To determine if alcohol impairment played a role in the collision, investigators have sent urine samples from all involved parties for toxicology testing, and are currently awaiting the results of the analysis. Local outlet News 5 will be airing a full, in-depth report on the crash during its 6 p.m. News 5 Live broadcast tonight, with further updates as the investigation progresses.

4 5 月, 2026
Greaves confident ahead of Pan Am Cycling Championships

Rising Barbadian junior track cycling talent Arielle Greaves has touched down in Veracruz, Mexico, gearing up to compete across three disciplines at the 2025 Junior Pan American Track Cycling Championships, scheduled to run from May 5 to 9.

Already building a formidable reputation on the global junior cycling circuit, Greaves is entered to compete in the sprint, keirin, and 1km time trial events at the continental championship. Ahead of the opening race day, the young athlete expressed cautious optimism and clear competitive goals for what marks her final year competing in the junior division.

“I’m incredibly excited to line up at another major international championship,” Greaves shared in pre-event comments. “My training block has been really intensive, filled with high-volume overload work and targeted speed endurance sessions. I feel really prepared and confident heading into my first races here.”

Greaves outlined two core ambitions for the tournament: first, she hopes to beat her own existing junior national record in the flying 200m, a mark she set during a 2025 competition in Lima, Peru where she clocked 11.800 seconds. Second, she aims to cap her junior career by standing on the podium. “With God’s grace, I want to end my time as a junior by bringing home medals. More than anything, I just want to improve on my last major performance,” she added. The young cyclist also shared words of encouragement for aspiring young female athletes, urging them to embrace challenge and enjoy the process. “Don’t be scared, just go for it, work hard, have fun, and the results will follow,” she said.

Greaves traveled to Veracruz alongside two support team members: team manager Deidre Hinkson and Trinidad and Tobago-based mechanic Elisha Greene. Speaking from the championship venue to Barbados TODAY, Hinkson confirmed the small Barbadian delegation had settled in smoothly ahead of competition. Local conditions have mirrored the athletes’ home climate so far, with sunny days similar to Barbados, though evenings have brought slightly cooler temperatures.

Hinkson acknowledged that the Pan American Championships will pose a stiff test, with top-ranked junior riders from cycling powerhouses across South America set to compete. “This is going to be a really competitive event – we’re up against strong delegations from Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, host nation Mexico and more. We know the competition will be extremely high standard across all events,” she explained.

Despite the tough competition, Hinkson said Greaves enters the tournament in peak form after months of dedicated preparation. For the past several months, Greaves has been based in Trinidad to train, a necessary arrangement due to the ongoing lack of a dedicated velodrome in Barbados – a gap that Hinkson says puts local developing riders at a significant structural disadvantage.

“Not having a local velodrome is a major loss for our cycling ecosystem. That’s where youth development starts, and without that infrastructure, we’re automatically at a disadvantage,” Hinkson explained. “For Arielle and fellow rider Amber Joseph, that means they have to train overseas to get the high-quality track time they need to compete at this level.”

Greaves will get her championship campaign underway on May 6, opening with the 200m time trial before moving on to the 1km time trial and keirin events in subsequent days. Heading into the tournament, Hinkson said expectations for the young Barbadian are high, thanks to her consistent training and proven international experience. “She’s in great shape, she’s put in all the work, and we have high hopes for her across all three of her events,” Hinkson added.

4 5 月, 2026
Man remanded on firearm, ammunition charges

A 27-year-old male resident of St. Michael, Barbados has been ordered into pre-trial custody at a state prison following his initial court appearance in a weapons-related criminal case. The defendant, Trasuon Romario Roger Alleyne, who lives in the Morris Gap neighborhood along Westbury Road, was taken into police custody and formally charged by investigators from the Barbados Police Service’s elite Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on April 30. The two charges against him include illegal possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of 26 rounds of live ammunition.

Alleyne made his first court appearance this week on Monday, May 4, before Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick at the District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 1. Under the island nation’s legal procedures for serious indictable offenses, Alleyne was not required to enter a formal plea during this initial hearing. Following the brief proceeding, the Chief Magistrate ordered that Alleyne be remanded to the custody of the Barbados Prison Service at the Dodds Correctional Facility, where he will remain behind bars leading up to his next court date.

The case has been formally transferred from the initial criminal court to the District ‘A’ Traffic Court, with the next procedural hearing scheduled for June 1. As the legal process moves forward, no additional details about the circumstances of the alleged weapons possession or any other context surrounding the arrest have been released by law enforcement officials as of this reporting.

4 5 月, 2026
Man remanded on theft, traffic charges

A 25-year-old resident of Christ Church, Barbados, has been ordered into pretrial custody at Dodds Prison after a court appearance this week, facing a broad suite of criminal charges spanning theft and serious driving violations.

Nathan Emmanuel Malik Lovell, who lives in the Inch Marlow neighborhood of the parish, was taken into custody and formally indicted by the Barbados Police Service for offenses he is alleged to have committed over a four-day period between April 21 and April 25 this year. The charges against Lovell include the theft of a commercial motor van valued at an estimated 52,000 Barbados dollars, plus a separate count of stealing additional personal property worth $12,340. He also faces counts of possession of criminal apparatus and theft of services, commonly referred to as theft of use.

Beyond the theft-related allegations, Lovell has additionally been charged with four separate driving offenses: improper overtaking that violates road traffic regulations, failing to bring a vehicle to a stop following a road accident, operating a motor vehicle without the legally required third-party insurance coverage, and driving without holding a valid, current driver’s license issued by Barbados’ transport authorities.

Lovell made his initial court appearance on Monday, May 4, before Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick at District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 1. Under Barbados’ criminal procedure rules, Lovell was not required to enter a plea to the indictable offenses that fall under the court’s jurisdiction. Following the brief hearing, Chief Magistrate Frederick ordered Lovell to be remanded into the custody of the Barbados Prison Service, where he will remain held at the Dodds correctional facility pending his next court date.

All of the outstanding matters against Lovell, including both the theft and traffic violation charges, have been transferred to the District ‘A’ Traffic Court, with the next procedural hearing scheduled to take place on June 1.

4 5 月, 2026