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Saint Lucia earns more medals in regional table tennis

The small Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia’s table tennis community is basking in an unprecedented wave of success, after its young athletes claimed four medals across disciplines at the 2025 ITTF-Americas Caribbean Youth Championships, hosted in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The historic achievement carries extra meaning for local fans, as the medal haul landed right alongside the global celebration of World Table Tennis Day on April 23.

The Saint Lucian delegation got off to a strong start early in the tournament, locking in a bronze medal with a third-place finish in the men’s team event. Over the following two days of competition at Parque del Este, the young competitors added three more medals to their tally, including one regional title: the women’s doubles gold, plus bronze medals in both the Under-15 boys’ singles and Under-19 girls’ singles events.

The standout performer of the delegation was 19-year-old Shatal Charles, who walked away from the tournament with two medals. Partnering with Stuti Kashyap – the top-ranked female youth player in the Caribbean region, representing Antigua & Barbuda – Charles claimed the women’s doubles gold in a dramatic five-set final against Trinidad and Tobago’s Chloe Fraser and Jordan Thong. The pair dropped the second and third sets after taking the opening match, but rallied to win the final two sets comfortably, closing out the 3-2 victory with set scores of 13-11, 10-12, 10-12, 11-3, 11-4.

Their path to the final was equally impressive. In the quarterfinals, they delivered a dominant 3-0 sweep over Curacao’s Mikha Boekhoudt and Trinidad and Tobago’s Jannah Mohammed, winning all three sets by comfortable margins. They followed that up with a 3-1 semi-final win over the home crowd’s favorites Eduanni Mercedes De La Cruz Figueroa and Yesmeily Guerrero of the Dominican Republic to secure their spot in the title match.

In addition to her doubles gold, Charles earned a bronze medal in the Under-19 girls’ singles event, turning in a series of gritty comeback wins against higher-ranked opponents to advance deep into the competition. After an opening-round loss to Fraser on the tournament’s first day, Charles rebounded quickly, pulling out a tense 3-2 win against the Dominican Republic’s Yandra Arianna Mejia. She followed that with a nail-biting 4-3 win over Guerrero in the Round of 16, then notched another 4-3 victory against Naymaris Hernandez Martinez – a former Caribbean Under-15 champion from Puerto Rico – to advance to the singles semi-finals.

Saint Lucia’s head coach Chris Wells praised Charles’ mental resilience following the run, noting that she had defeated two opponents who had beaten her handily in past tournaments. “Shatal had two very tough matches,” Wells explained. “The first match versus the Dominican Republic player was a girl that destroyed her in straight sets two years ago. The second girl from Puerto Rico was a former Caribbean Under-15 Champion. Last year, Shatal lost in quarterfinals.”

Though Charles dropped the semi-final match 4-0 to her doubles partner Kashyap, her semi-final finish secured her a bronze medal, marking a massive personal and national milestone for the young athlete. She has already signaled her intent to return to the regional championships in 2027, targeting even stronger results.

Fifteen-year-old Leshon Francis was another standout for Saint Lucia, adding an individual bronze medal in the Under-15 boys’ singles to the team bronze he earned earlier in the tournament. Francis dominated his qualifying group, sweeping three straight matches 3-0 against Nyal Bushell of Barbados, Ajani Spencer of Jamaica, and Ysminsky Sosa of the Dominican Republic to top the group standings and advance to knockout play.

His strong form carried into the knockout rounds: he delivered another 3-0 sweep of the Dominican Republic’s Rommel Pepen in the Round of 16, then notched a 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic’s Edwin Ventura to reach the semi-finals. Francis’ run ended there with a 3-0 loss to Puerto Rico’s Matthew Cao, but his semi-final finish earned him a well-deserved bronze medal.

Two other Saint Lucian competitors turned in strong performances despite not winning medals: Manie Eleuthere topped his preliminary group to advance to the quarterfinals of the Under-19 boys’ singles event, where he fell 4-0 to defending champion Rafael Cabrera of the Dominican Republic. Khamari Harris failed to advance out of group play in singles, but paired with Mekhi Simmons of Antigua & Barbuda to reach the quarterfinals of the boys’ doubles event.

For a small island nation with a relatively small table tennis program, the four-medal haul marks one of the strongest showings in Saint Lucia’s youth table tennis history, and has given the local community a major boost as it celebrates World Table Tennis Day this year.

23 4 月, 2026
Female interest in ICT careers growing

A growing number of school-aged girls across Barbados are increasingly drawn to careers in information and communication technology (ICT), marking a significant shift in a sector long dominated by male professionals, according to the country’s Data Protection Commissioner Lisa Greaves. Greaves shared the update with reporters on the sidelines of 2024’s Girls in ICT Day, an annual global event hosted this year under the forward-looking theme “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future”. This year marks only the second time the Caribbean nation has hosted the in-person event, and organizers are already seeing measurable progress in changing entrenched cultural perceptions about technology careers. “For generations, ICT has been viewed as a male-centric field, so the core goal of this initiative is to open young girls’ eyes to the range of rewarding career pathways available to them in the sector and help them build early interest,” Greaves explained in her remarks. “We want to empower young women to see ICT as a viable, exciting career option for them, to imagine themselves as innovators and active architects of the digital future we all share.” What makes this growing interest particularly notable is the consistent upward trend in participation that organizers have tracked since the first event. Greaves confirmed that interest has climbed steadily year over year, with a stark jump in attendance that signals a broader cultural shift among young Barbadians engaging with tech-focused opportunities. “We’ve definitely seen a clear uptick in interest,” she noted. “Last year, our numbers were much lower, and each year the event gets bigger. Whenever we visit local schools to talk about ICT, both boys and girls come away energized and curious about the career options available.” Beyond growing attendance, the nature of the interest is also expanding: girls are no longer only looking at traditional technology roles, they are increasingly exploring newer, creative career tracks across the digital ecosystem. Popular areas of interest now include social media-focused ICT applications for digital marketing, influencer content creation, and cybersecurity, alongside longstanding core roles like database administration and chief technology officer positions that remain in high demand across industries. To put the growth in perspective, Greaves revealed that just 40 girls attended the event in 2023, while more than 100 participated in 2024’s activities. This expanding interest does not happen by accident, Greaves added: the upward trend is supported by a year-round suite of outreach initiatives designed to keep ICT accessible and top of mind for students across the island. Alongside the annual Girls in ICT Day, organizers host a yearly Science Festival that centers technology engagement, as well as school road shows that travel across the country to connect with students directly. In total, three to four dedicated outreach programs roll out every year to nurture growing curiosity about the sector. Thursday’s 2024 event gathered around 100 students from 10 different secondary schools across Barbados, giving attendees hands-on, interactive exposure to a wide range of cutting-edge emerging technologies. Participants got to test immersive virtual reality systems, practice foundational coding skills, and watch live demonstrations of real-world cybersecurity investigation work. The day’s activities also included interactive drone flight exercises, basic robotics challenges, and even water robotics projects, which helped students understand how ICT principles apply to a diverse range of sectors and real-world use cases, from environmental management to engineering.

23 4 月, 2026
Lexus Recalls Vehicles Due to fuel pump failure

A critical safety recall has been issued for more than 9,000 Lexus vehicles manufactured by Toyota, after regulators confirmed a potentially dangerous defect that could cause sudden engine stalling and increase the risk of road accidents. The recall, announced jointly by the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impacts a total of 9,139 vehicles across three popular Lexus model lines.

The core issue centers on a defective fuel pump that can fail unexpectedly during operation. When the component malfunctions, vehicle owners may experience multiple warning signs, including illumination of the dashboard check-engine light, difficulty starting the engine, or sudden stalling while the vehicle is in motion. Sudden stalling at highway speeds or in heavy traffic creates a clear hazard for drivers, passengers, and other road users, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

The affected models span multiple production years: the 2015 through 2022 Lexus RC, the 2016 through 2020 Lexus GS, and the 2022 Lexus IS. All owners of these included vehicles are eligible to have the faulty fuel pump replaced at no cost through any authorized Toyota Lexus dealership.

The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division has emphasized that under the provisions of the 2025 Consumer Protection Act, consumers bear no financial responsibility for repairs associated with manufacturer-initiated safety recalls. For owners seeking additional information, further details and assistance are available through the official consumer affairs portal at consumeraffairs.gov.ag.

23 4 月, 2026
Antigua Consumers Urged to Act as Kia America Recalls 141,000 Carnival Vehicles Over Fire Risk

U.S. consumer safety regulators have issued a public advisory after Kia America announced a widespread safety recall covering roughly 141,000 Kia Carnival sport utility vehicles manufactured between the 2022 and 2026 model years. The core issue identified by the automaker centers on a defective connection between the vehicle’s fuel pipe and fuel rail. This manufacturing flaw can allow fuel to leak from the joint, creating a significant elevated risk of vehicle fire that threatens driver and passenger safety.

The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division, which issued the public advisory, confirmed that official recall notification letters are scheduled to begin mailing to all registered U.S. vehicle owners starting June 2, 2026. Even with the scheduled mailing timeline, regulators are urging owners of affected Kia Carnival models to take proactive steps to check their vehicles immediately rather than waiting for official correspondence, due to the serious safety hazard posed by the potential fire risk.

In a key clarification for consumers, the Division emphasized that all repair work completed as part of this manufacturer-initiated safety recall will be provided completely free of charge. Owners will not be required to pay any out-of-pocket costs for parts, labor, or associated services to fix the defective fuel pipe connection. Consumers seeking additional details about the recall or support to schedule a repair can find further information and assistance through the official consumer affairs portal at consumeraffairs.gov.ag.

23 4 月, 2026
Antigua Consumers Alerted as Ford Motor Company Recalls Over 83,000 Vehicles for Safety Defects

Ford Motor Company has launched a wide-ranging safety recall covering more than 83,000 of its latest model-year vehicles to address two distinct, dangerous manufacturing defects that threaten driver, passenger and pedestrian safety, regulators have announced.

The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division, alongside the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has confirmed that the recall targets two separate hazards: a faulty headlight software function and a defective exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) valve, each capable of triggering life-threatening situations on the road.

The first hazard affects 35,772 vehicles built with a flawed Dynamic Bending Light software system. When the system malfunctions, it can misalign vehicle headlights, creating intense glare that blinds oncoming motorists and drastically reduces visibility for other road users. The second, separate defect impacts 47,804 vehicles equipped with a faulty EGR valve; the component can fail unexpectedly, leading to an immediate, sudden loss of drive power while the vehicle is in operation—raising the risk of high-speed collisions and roadway accidents.

The recall covers a broad range of 2025 and 2026 model vehicles from both the Ford and Lincoln luxury brands. Affected Ford nameplates include the 2025-2026 Explorer, as well as the 2025 Bronco, Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick, Mustang, and Ranger. Lincoln models included in the recall are the 2025 Corsair and 2025 Nautilus.

Owners of the recalled 2025-2026 Ford Explorers, the model impacted by the headlight software defect, have two convenient options to obtain a free fix: they can schedule an appointment at any authorized Ford dealership to have the update installed, or they can download and install the corrected software remotely via an over-the-air update directly to their vehicle.

Regulators stress that all repairs connected to this manufacturer-initiated safety recall are provided at no cost to vehicle owners, with no out-of-pocket charges required for parts or labor. Consumers seeking additional information or to check if their vehicle is included in the recall can visit the official consumer affairs portal at consumeraffairs.gov.ag.

23 4 月, 2026
New Gun Rules…Old Concerns(?)

Scheduled to take full effect in less than two months, a pair of controversial firearms policy adjustments announced by Belize’s Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) has reignited longstanding debates over regulatory oversight, public safety, and government transparency, even as the agency frames the changes as a common-sense update to outdated rules.

In an official policy notice published April 23, 2026, the FACB outlined two key shifts to the country’s firearms regulatory framework. First, the board issued a formal clarification that four common types of firearm accessories — red dot sights, telescopic scopes, weapon-mounted lights, and micro conversion kits — no longer require separate government approval when installed on a already legally licensed firearm. Under the current Firearms Act, owners must seek additional authorization for modifications that alter a weapon’s core characteristics, but the FACB argues these accessories do not change a firearm’s mechanical function, original caliber, or official classification, putting them outside the bounds of restricted modifications.

This regulatory clarification removes a layer of red tape for licensed firearm owners, registered dealers, and commercial importers, who will now be able to outfit weapons with these accessories without navigating lengthy additional approval processes. The FACB has emphasized that it still reserves the right to review any accessory on a case-by-case basis, and that modifications that do alter a weapon’s core functionality — such as converting a semi-automatic weapon to automatic fire or changing its native caliber — remain strictly banned under national law.

The second major change set to go into effect June 1, 2026 is the end of a two-year moratorium on new .223 caliber rifle license applications. The licensing suspension was first implemented in February 2024 to allow the FACB to conduct a full audit and comprehensive review of the country’s firearms licensing system. As of the policy announcement, however, that audit remains incomplete. The FACB justified lifting the suspension early by noting that an extended hold on new applications was no longer justified, after licensed firearm users and dealers repeatedly raised concerns that the ban was disrupting lawful activity in the sport and recreational hunting sectors.

The dual policy moves have quickly sparked public pushback and debate over whether the regulatory changes put public safety at risk, while also raising questions about the FACB’s decision-making process. Gun safety advocates and critics argue that even if accessories like micro conversion kits do not change a firearm’s official classification on paper, they can meaningfully alter how a weapon is handled and used in practice, potentially increasing its risk in dangerous scenarios. The FACB’s conclusion that these accessories do not boost a weapon’s lethality is rooted in a narrow legal interpretation, critics say, and it places undue responsibility on the agency’s discretionary oversight to police problematic modifications.

The changes also bring long-simmering questions about the FACB’s operational capacity to the forefront. While the board will retain case-by-case oversight of firearm accessory modifications, observers have questioned whether the agency has sufficient staffing, funding, and technical resources to effectively monitor evolving firearm technologies and enforce compliance with existing regulations. Even as supporters of the changes frame them as a long-overdue clarification of ambiguous rules that unfairly burdened legal gun owners, concerns persist about the lack of transparency around the early end to the .223 license moratorium, which is being lifted before the original audit of the licensing system is even completed.

23 4 月, 2026
St. Vincent and the Grenadines pledges $100,000 US aid package to support the Cuban people

In a public address to the nation’s Parliament this week, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Fitzgerald Bramble announced a landmark $100,000 U.S. humanitarian aid commitment to the people of Cuba, reaffirming the Caribbean nation’s long-standing solidarity with the island amid its ongoing economic and social challenges.

The decision to approve the aid package came directly out of collaborative discussions held during the recent CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting hosted by St. Kitts and Nevis, where regional leaders convened to coordinate collective responses to shared issues impacting small island developing states across the Caribbean. Minister Bramble emphasized that the pledge underscores St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ unwavering support for the Cuban people, aligning with consistent regional efforts to stand in solidarity with neighboring nations facing external pressures.

Beyond the financial commitment, Bramble commended the work of Cuba’s newly installed Head of Mission in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, noting the diplomatic mission has delivered outstanding service to the Caribbean nation’s community living and studying in Cuba. The mission maintains regular, open communication with Vincentian students pursuing education in Cuba, and provides consistent updates to the students’ families back home. Bramble gave public assurance that the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to leverage all available resources to support these students and their families as they navigate ongoing uncertain conditions.

The announcement comes at a time of renewed focus on regional cooperation within the Caribbean Community, with member states increasingly aligning on shared priorities to support collective resilience and mutual assistance across the bloc.

23 4 月, 2026
Grenada to launch major labour reform plan on May Day

Grenada is set to launch a sweeping five-year national labour transformation initiative this May Day, alongside marking the holiday’s first-ever celebration on the country’s sister island of Carriacou, Attorney General and Labour Minister Claudette Joseph confirmed following a recent Cabinet meeting in St. George’s.

The centerpiece of the reform agenda is the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for 2026–2031, a collaborative framework developed through tripartite negotiations between government, employer representatives, and worker bodies, with technical guidance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The initiative is designed to align targeted labour market improvements with Grenada’s broader national development goals, addressing longstanding gaps that have held back inclusive economic growth.

According to Joseph, the programme targets three core priority areas to upgrade Grenada’s labour ecosystem. The first focuses on strengthening overall labour market functionality through coordinated policy governance and expanded institutional capacity, with the goal of building a more skilled, productive national workforce. A key deliverable already in advanced planning is the new Public Employment Services Agency, which will streamline job matching by connecting unemployed workers to open positions matching their skills, while helping employers source qualified candidates. The government is also working to boost the quality and relevance of the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, to smooth transitions for graduates moving from training programs into full-time employment.

The second priority area centers on expanding formal, decent work opportunities across key economic sectors, with a particular focus on Grenada’s vital tourism and hospitality industries. The programme will roll out targeted business development support to drive increased formalisation of employment, raise productivity, and improve working conditions through sustained social dialogue between industry stakeholders.

The third priority focuses on reinforcing fundamental labour protections for all workers across the country. To advance safe working conditions, a new draft Occupational Safety and Health Bill is already undergoing intergovernmental review, with plans to implement the legislation in the near term. The government is also moving to strengthen national labour dispute resolution systems, with a tripartite-agreed action plan to upgrade the institutional framework for resolving workplace conflicts.

In a landmark change to family leave policies that has been greenlit by Cabinet, Grenada will extend paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 14 weeks, and introduce two weeks of paid paternity leave for new fathers for the first time in the country’s history. Adoptive parents will also be eligible for the same leave benefits under the new policy. Government officials are currently finalizing amendments to the National Insurance System (NIS) Act and Employment Act, which will be tabled for parliamentary approval in the coming weeks.

Multiple components of the DWCP are already underway with continued support from the ILO, and Cabinet has approved a dedicated subcommittee under the Labour Advisory Board to oversee full implementation of the programme. Joseph expressed strong confidence that the ambitious reform agenda is fully achievable, noting that if delivered as outlined, it will fundamentally reshape employment structures and worker protections across Grenada for years to come.

Alongside the launch of the reform plan, this year’s May Day celebrations will make history as the first time the national holiday event is hosted on Carriacou, after being held exclusively on mainland Grenada in previous years.

23 4 月, 2026
Ace Academix to host free Online Creative Writing Workshop for grade 6 Students

Dominica-based leading Caribbean education provider Ace Academix is gearing up to launch its third annual 100% free online creative writing workshop, launched in partnership with the Creative Writing Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, ahead of the island’s 2026 Grade 6 National Assessment. Scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the initiative is open to all Grade 6 students across Dominica, with a specific focus on learners preparing for the high-stakes national examination set to be held in May 2026.

Now in its third consecutive year, this skills-building program has carved out an important role in Dominican education since its debut in 2024, designed to address a longstanding gap in exam preparation: consistent, high-quality support for writing skills, which are consistently ranked as one of the most challenging components of the Grade 6 National Assessment. Over its first two iterations, the workshop has helped hundreds of learners cultivate the capacity to write effectively, articulately, and confidently under timed exam conditions, laying the groundwork for stronger assessment outcomes.

Founded in August 2020, Ace Academix has built a reputation as a impact-driven leader in the region’s education space over the past six years, working to expand access to targeted learning resources that help Dominican students reach their full academic potential. A core part of the institution’s strategy to elevate learning outcomes has been building cross-regional and local collaborative partnerships, which allow it to bring diverse expertise and innovative instructional approaches to local students. This year’s partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago-based Creative Writing Institute brings together top writing instruction talent from across the Caribbean to deliver a dynamic, practical learning experience tailored to exam candidates’ specific needs.

The workshop curriculum is built around four key areas of focus that directly address common student struggles. Participants will gain hands-on practice and guided instruction across four core writing genres tested on the national assessment: narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive writing. They will also learn easy-to-remember practical acronyms and structured strategies to organize their writing coherently under pressure, build techniques to boost both creativity and clarity in their written work, and master test-taking strategies specifically designed to improve writing performance during timed exams.

Jemima Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Ace Academix, emphasized the core mission behind the ongoing initiative in a statement announcing the workshop. “Writing is a skill that many students struggle with, especially in high-pressure exam settings,” Mills explained. “Through this workshop, we are equipping students with practical tools, proven strategies, and the confidence they need to approach their upcoming exams successfully. Our continued cross-Caribbean collaboration allows us to deliver a richer, more effective learning experience that meets the unique needs of our students.”

As a community-focused initiative, the entire workshop is offered completely free of charge to all participating students and families, removing financial barriers to access for learners gearing up for their national assessment. Organizers have noted that capacity for the online event is limited due to the small-group targeted instruction model, so interested participants are encouraged to register as early as possible to secure a spot. Registration can be completed via the official form at https://forms.gle/1y8G9uMamBb5bmK96, and any questions can be directed to the Ace Academix team via phone or WhatsApp at (767) 225-1128 or by email at info@aceacademix.dm.

23 4 月, 2026
Trump Orders “Shoot to Kill” in Hormuz; Pope: ‘Not in Favour of War’

Tensions in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz have reached a dangerous new boiling point, after former US President Donald Trump issued a sweeping “shoot to kill” directive targeting Iranian vessels suspected of laying mines in the key global waterway. The aggressive order has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and stoked widespread fears that a localized maritime dispute could spiral into a full-scale regional conflict.

The escalation comes amid growing international pushback against the rising hostilities, led by Pope Leo XIV, who has reaffirmed his firm opposition to the deepening US-Iran confrontation. In a pointed public address, the head of the Catholic Church emphasized that any path to lasting resolution must grow out of a commitment to peace, not violent confrontation. “As a pastor I cannot be in favour of war,” Pope Leo XIV stated. “I would like to encourage all to make efforts to look for answers that come from a culture of peace and not from a place of hate and division.”

The pontiff went further, highlighting the far-reaching human and economic costs of the escalating standoff. He warned that the mounting conflict has already created a chaotic situation for the global economy, pushing up energy costs and deepening hardship for ordinary people around the world. He also issued a separate condemnation of the Iranian government’s crackdown on domestic protests, stressing that all human life deserves inherent respect regardless of context.

Pope Leo XIV’s remarks come one week after Trump publicly attacked the pontiff for his critical stance on the Middle East crisis, which has re-emerged as one of the world’s most volatile military flashpoints. In recent days, the Trump administration has ramped up US military presence in the region: Washington currently has 19 warships deployed across the Middle East, including two full aircraft carrier strike groups, with additional military assets positioned in the Indian Ocean to support ongoing operations.

In comments to reporters, Trump confirmed there is no set deadline for ending hostilities or entertaining Iranian peace overtures, and repeated his claim that Iran’s leadership is fractured and indecisive. “Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is!” Trump asserted. The claim was immediately rejected by top Iranian officials, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who jointly insisted that the country maintains “iron unity” under the leadership of Supreme Leader.

Global energy markets have already reacted sharply to the rising tensions. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for global oil trade, with roughly a fifth of all globally traded crude passing through the waterway daily. As traders price in the rising risk of disrupted shipping lanes, oil prices have climbed sharply in recent trading sessions, adding new inflationary pressure to already fragile global economies.

23 4 月, 2026