The impactUS conference, a transformative leadership and personal-branding event, is set to revolutionize how executives lead and communicate across the Caribbean. Founded by Shermalyn Sidonie-John, a renowned brand marketing strategist, TEDx Speaker, and the visionary behind The Influential BossLady, this initiative challenges outdated leadership models and addresses what she terms ‘the million-dollar problem of invisible leadership.’ Scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, the one-day event will convene executives, founders, and high-achieving professionals from across the region for a day of leadership transformation. This year’s theme, ‘Creating Leaders Who Multiply Leaders,’ focuses on empowering leaders to redefine success through authenticity, visibility, and legacy. In an interview with St. Lucia Times, Sidonie-John emphasized that impactUS was designed to help leaders anchor their true selves in their communication and influence. ‘Leadership today demands transparency, not perfection,’ she stated. ‘When leaders remain invisible, organizations lose trust, innovation stagnates, and the next generation lacks a blueprint to follow.’ Citing Gartner’s 2024 Global Leadership Research, she highlighted that 76% of employees believe their leaders fail to engage authentically in professional development. To bridge this gap, Sidonie-John developed The Influence Capital Blueprint, a proprietary framework that transforms visibility into measurable influence. The blueprint is structured around three pillars—presence, trust, and legacy—guiding leaders to convert personal authenticity into professional advantage. During impactUS, Sidonie-John will lead four signature sessions: ‘Executive Presence That Multiplies Influence,’ ‘Leader-as-Coach & Communicator,’ ‘Creating Leaders Who Multiply Leaders,’ and ‘The 90-Day Multiplication Blueprint.’ These sessions are designed to equip attendees with actionable strategies to enhance leadership visibility and impact. Sidonie-John challenges the notion that visibility equates to vanity, asserting that it is instead a form of value creation. ‘People are tired of perfection. They crave real insight: how you failed, what you learned, and how you rose. That’s what multiplies influence,’ she explained. She also refuted the outdated narrative that visibility equals arrogance, stating, ‘If we remain unseen, how can emerging leaders see themselves in us? Visibility builds pipelines of purpose.’ The Influential BossLady, led by Sidonie-John, has become a trusted partner for corporations aiming to strengthen leadership communication, rebuild trust, and future-proof their talent pipelines. ‘It’s about developing leaders who inspire loyalty, drive innovation, and leave a legacy that outlives their title,’ she added. At impactUS, women leaders from Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean will gather to share insights in a safe, empowering environment designed for genuine growth. ‘Every leader carries a brand that transcends their position,’ Sidonie-John concluded. ‘That brand, the one called you, will outlive any title or company. Your influence is your legacy.’
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Gonsalves to campaign for St. Lucian party with policies he opposes in SVG
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is set to travel to St. Lucia to campaign for the re-election of the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP), despite opposing some of its policies in his own country. The SLP, led by Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre, is aiming to secure a second consecutive term in the upcoming December 1 elections, a feat not achieved in St. Lucia since 2006. The SLP and Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP) share a political alliance, though they diverge on key issues such as VAT-free shopping days and citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. Gonsalves has criticized these policies as gimmicks, particularly when proposed by SVG’s opposition, the New Democratic Party (NDP). In St. Lucia, the SLP has proposed a VAT-free shopping day in December, following a bonus salary payment to public sector workers. Meanwhile, in SVG, the NDP has promised similar measures, including VAT reductions and increased public assistance, if elected. Gonsalves dismissed these proposals, labeling them as impractical. The political dynamics between the two nations highlight regional policy debates and the interconnectedness of Caribbean politics. Gonsalves’ decision to campaign in St. Lucia underscores his commitment to regional solidarity, despite local criticisms and policy disagreements.
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Argentinians friends of Cuba paid tribute to Fidel Castro
The House of Friendship, a hub for the Argentine Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (MASCuba) in Buenos Aires, hosted a significant commemoration event that attracted a large and attentive audience. The gathering was a powerful reminder of unwavering support for Cuba’s revolutionary legacy and its people, who are currently grappling with multiple crises, including the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the persistent U.S. embargo. The event featured a series of influential speakers who highlighted the enduring spirit of solidarity between Argentina and Cuba. Ruben Zaccaro, a prominent leader of MASCuba, inaugurated the proceedings, followed by Hugo Fontana, an Argentine architect who contributed to Cuba’s early development post-revolution. Stella Calloni, a respected Argentine political scientist, and Esteban Luchetta also shared their insights. Jorge Marti, head of the Cuban Mission, and Erenia Garcia, president of the Union of Cuban Residents in Argentina (URCA), concluded the event. Zaccaro reflected on Fidel Castro’s revival of Jose Marti’s emancipatory ideals, which inspired the historic attack on the Moncada Barracks—a pivotal moment that ignited the Cuban Revolution.
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Health Authorities Mark World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is actively participating in World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), underscoring its dedication to combating the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Often termed the ‘silent pandemic,’ AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medications, rendering infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat. Aligning with the WAAW 2025 theme, ‘Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,’ CARPHA is advocating for the responsible use of antimicrobials and showcasing the progress made through its Integrated AMR Programme. This initiative, supported by key partners such as the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Fleming Fund, and the Pandemic Fund Project, exemplifies regional collaboration. The programme enhances surveillance, laboratory capacity, and coordinated actions across sectors to detect, understand, and respond to AMR in the Caribbean. A significant milestone is the establishment of the Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA), a joint effort between CARPHA and UKHSA, which serves as the technical backbone of CARPHA’s AMR agenda. CARA is advancing AMR Reference laboratory capacity across Trinidad, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia, developing a regional AMR surveillance system, and harmonizing standards and expertise. CARPHA has also expanded its Jamaica and Saint Lucia laboratories as regional reference hubs for AMR testing, reducing delays and improving pathogen detection. Through partnerships with UKHSA, CARPHA has bolstered workforce capacity, receiving technical experts to enhance surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency response. Additionally, CARPHA, PAHO, and UKHSA have organized regional training workshops on phenotypic testing, molecular testing, and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA Executive Director, emphasized the urgency of collective action, stating, ‘Antimicrobial resistance threatens the health and development of every Caribbean nation. Success requires responsibility from governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, farmers, laboratories, and the public.’ CARPHA continues to support Member States in preserving the effectiveness of life-saving medicines through strengthened surveillance, testing capacity, and One Health partnerships. During WAAW, CARPHA urges all stakeholders to champion responsible antimicrobial use and support AMR prevention initiatives.
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Eight will always be more than seven
In a bold assertion, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s electoral prospects, stating that losing any seat between West St. George and North Windward is ‘completely out of any comprehension.’ However, a closer examination of the electoral trends in key constituencies reveals a more nuanced picture, challenging the ULP’s perceived invincibility.
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The test that ends the debate
A heated debate has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago regarding a rent-to-own housing unit acquired by Soleil Gonsalves, the daughter of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves. The new UNC government alleges that she received preferential treatment under the former PNM administration, while the Gonsalves family maintains that the property was secured through the open market. However, a closer examination of the rent-to-own system reveals why such claims are untenable. Rent-to-own is not a standard commercial real estate transaction. It is a government-supported initiative designed to assist low- to middle-income individuals who are unable to qualify for traditional mortgages due to insufficient income, lack of down payments, or unstable employment. These schemes are inherently selective, offering reduced monthly payments and state subsidies to help beneficiaries gradually build equity. In this case, the unit in question reportedly costs TT$2,750 per month, a stark contrast to its market rental value of TT$10,000. This 70% reduction underscores the program’s nature as a subsidy, not a market-rate purchase. The assertion that the unit was available on an open market is further undermined by the fact that over 214,000 Trinidadians are on the HDC waiting list for affordable housing, some for decades. If the unit were genuinely accessible to anyone, it is implausible that it would bypass thousands of long-suffering citizens. This raises critical questions about transparency and fairness in the allocation process. The controversy highlights the need for public clarity on the purpose of rent-to-own schemes: to provide a lifeline for those excluded from traditional homeownership pathways. The truth of this case suggests that the unit was not obtained through an open, first-come-first-served process, but rather through a system that appears to favor select individuals.
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Innovation across sectors at science fair
The annual National Science Fair, organized by the Ministry of Education, showcased a range of groundbreaking innovations and sustainable practices this year. Among the standout exhibits was a cutting-edge computer application designed to assist disaster management officials in monitoring relief supplies in real time. This tool enables shelter and warehouse managers, along with senior NEMO officials, to efficiently track and distribute aid, ensuring it reaches the intended recipients without delay. Another notable innovation was a wearable sweat patch that allows users to monitor body fluid loss, offering potential benefits for health and fitness enthusiasts. The fair also featured creative projects such as the extraction of floral scents for perfume production, sustainable farming techniques from the Grenadines, and natural water purification methods. In the realm of robotics, a group of students unveiled a motorized vacuum-cleaning device equipped with proximity sensors, demonstrating their technical prowess. Additionally, exhibits on satellite communications and the use of traditional herbs for hypertension control highlighted the intersection of technology and health. The event, themed ‘Bridging Science and Society,’ spanned three days and included a prize-giving ceremony at the Methodist Town Hall in Kingstown. Juanita King, the fair’s coordinator, expressed her satisfaction with the diverse and high-quality exhibits, particularly praising the participation from secondary schools on mainland St. Vincent and the Southern Grenadines. This year’s fair saw contributions from 17 primary schools and 12 secondary schools, including all the Grenadine islands, underscoring the event’s widespread appeal and educational impact.
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Gonsalves asks US to grant Vincies visa-free entry
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has formally requested the United States to grant visa-free entry to Vincentian passport holders. In a three-page letter addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 22, Gonsalves highlighted the unique circumstances of his nation in the evolving global migration and geopolitical landscape. He emphasized that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the only English-speaking Caribbean country without diplomatic ties to China or a citizenship-by-investment program, maintaining relations with Taiwan instead. Gonsalves argued that Vincentians already enjoy visa-free access to numerous countries, including the UK, EU Schengen states, and the UAE, and have consistently upheld the integrity of their travel privileges. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that granting this request would benefit both nations amid shifting global dynamics. While the US State Department has referred the matter to the Department of Homeland Security, a scheduled meeting in September was postponed due to an emergency. Gonsalves assured that discussions are ongoing, though a resolution is unlikely before the upcoming general election on November 27. He also criticized the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) for policies that could complicate travel to the US, Canada, and Europe. This initiative underscores Gonsalves’ efforts to strengthen international ties and improve opportunities for Vincentians abroad.
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Police and military agents are the main perpetrators of femicides in the Dominican Republic
A recent study titled ‘Femicide in the Dominican Republic during 2024: An X-ray of Femicide Violence 2016-2024’ has uncovered alarming trends in gender-based violence. The report reveals that active or inactive members of military institutions and armed forces, including the National Police and the Army of the Dominican Republic, are the primary perpetrators of femicide in the country. In 2024 alone, 73 women were violently killed by 74 men, with the majority of these crimes committed by police officers and military personnel against their partners or ex-partners. Shockingly, 67% of these cases involved the use of service firearms, and 83% of the perpetrators chose to take their own lives with the same weapon after committing the crime. The victims, predominantly aged between 25 and 31, left behind an average of one to four children, resulting in 77 children orphaned in 2024. Over the past nine years, femicides have orphaned 1,072 children, with 524 being children of female victims, 418 of perpetrators, and 130 shared by both. Tragically, 21 children were killed during violent conflicts between their parents. The study highlights the devastating physical and emotional consequences of femicide, particularly on children and adolescents, and underscores the urgent need for systemic change to address this crisis.
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Nearly three million Dominicans live outside the Dominican Republic. Where are they?
The Dominican diaspora has grown significantly, with nearly three million Dominicans now residing outside their homeland. According to the 2024 Sociodemographic Registry Report of Dominicans Abroad, published by the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (Index), the total number of Dominicans living abroad has reached 2,874,124. This marks an increase of 27,408 individuals compared to the previous year, reflecting a growth rate of nearly 1%. The registry, updated until December 2024, spans 119 regions, including 95 sovereign states and 24 dependent territories, with new additions such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Women constitute the majority of the diaspora, accounting for 53.5% (1,480,252), while men represent 46.5% (1,284,882). The youth demographic, aged 25 or younger, makes up 37.2% of the total, whereas those aged 55 and older account for 19.1%. Geographically, the Americas host the largest share of the diaspora, with 89.9% (2,580,924) of Dominicans residing there, followed by Europe with 10% (288,515). The United States remains the top destination, home to 2,398,009 Dominicans, followed by Spain (201,162), Italy (29,791), Chile (22,836), Canada (22,125), the Netherlands (17,979), and Venezuela (11,399). Other countries with notable Dominican populations include Mexico (10,539), Panama (8,785), France (8,699), the United Kingdom (8,149), Argentina (7,817), and Germany (6,580). Within the United States, New York has the highest concentration of Dominicans (848,560), followed by New Jersey (380,143) and Florida (312,604). In Spain, Madrid (68,448) and Barcelona (40,353) are the primary hubs for the Dominican community.