Grenada has introduced a groundbreaking Retail Bond Programme designed to raise EC$5 million while making investment opportunities more accessible to its citizens. With a minimum investment threshold of EC$500—significantly lower than the traditional $5,000 requirement—the initiative aims to democratize wealth-building for first-time and small-scale investors. The government announced the programme on September 23, 2025, and within just eight days, over 500 individuals expressed interest in purchasing the bonds. Juletta Edinborough, a Fiscal Debt Specialist at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), highlighted the remarkable response during the launch of Financial Information Month 2025, themed ‘Financial Investing: From Savers to Investors.’ Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall emphasized that the Retail Bond is tailored for everyday Grenadians, offering a safe, tax-free investment backed by the government. Key features of the bond include a two-year investment term, tax-free returns, and a focus on enhancing financial literacy. Interested individuals must pre-register through the Ministry of Finance’s website, with brokers engaging potential investors ahead of the auction scheduled for October 31. This initiative underscores Grenada’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and fostering a culture of financial responsibility.
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Saint Lucia added to US Human Trafficking Tier 2 watchlist
The United States has included Saint Lucia in its Tier 2 Watchlist in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, raising alarms over the nation’s sluggish progress in combating human trafficking. The U.S. State Department highlighted that Saint Lucia, alongside other countries in this tier, has not met the minimum standards for eradicating trafficking but is actively striving to improve. Despite these efforts, the report underscores that the government has not shown significant advancements compared to the previous year. Critical issues identified include the absence of trafficking investigations, prosecutions, or convictions in the past year, no identified victims during the reporting period, and no penalties imposed for trafficking crimes under existing laws. Additionally, the report points out insufficient victim services and identification mechanisms. Saint Lucia’s Counter-Trafficking Act, enacted in 2010, has been criticized for its lack of enforcement. The government’s failure to prohibit recruitment fees for workers, a common risk factor for trafficking, was also noted. The Tier 2 Watchlist serves as a warning; if Saint Lucia does not demonstrate substantial improvements within the next year, it risks being downgraded to Tier 3, which could impact U.S. aid and international collaborations. The 2025 report also mentioned other Caribbean nations, with Barbados being downgraded to the watchlist, while the Bahamas and Guyana maintained their Tier 1 status. Although the situation does not warrant immediate panic, the report strongly urges countries like Saint Lucia to enhance prosecutions, proactively identify victims, train frontline workers, and bolster victim support systems. The full report is accessible at www.state.gov.
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Barbados downgraded to US Tier 2 Watch List on human trafficking
Barbados has been downgraded from Tier 2 to the Tier 2 Watch List in the United States’ 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, signaling concerns over the country’s insufficient progress in combating human trafficking. The Tier 2 Watch List designation is reserved for nations showing declining efforts, failure to identify victims, or worsening trafficking conditions. The US State Department highlighted that while Barbados has made notable efforts, it failed to demonstrate overall improvement compared to the previous reporting period, a critical requirement for maintaining Tier 2 status. This downgrade places Barbados under closer scrutiny for potential backsliding in anti-trafficking measures. The TIP Report, a globally influential assessment, emphasized that Barbados does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. Key shortcomings include the absence of trafficking investigations, prosecutions, or convictions under the country’s anti-trafficking law. Additionally, no trafficking victims were identified or assisted for the third consecutive year, and no anti-trafficking training was provided to first responders. The government also failed to draft or implement a new national action plan after the previous one expired in 2023. While Barbados continued screening vulnerable populations and conducting public awareness campaigns, these efforts were deemed insufficient to retain Tier 2 status. The report criticized the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Act for allowing fines instead of imprisonment for sex trafficking, a provision the US government argues undermines the severity of the crime. Further concerns were raised about systemic issues within the justice system, including resource shortages, court backlogs, and the lack of dedicated courts for trafficking cases. Civil society groups reported that law enforcement prioritized other high-profile crimes, leaving trafficking cases under-investigated. Experts also pointed to inadequate screening of at-risk populations, such as migrant workers and women in commercial sex, as a significant gap in Barbados’ anti-trafficking efforts.
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ISFODOSU professor Fátima Pons drives community engagement through school projects
The Félix Evaristo Mejía (FEM) campus of the Higher Institute for Teacher Training (ISFODOSU) is deepening its community engagement by delivering specialized value to local schools and businesses. Spearheaded by Dr. Fátima Pons, a distinguished research professor and head of the Extension Division at FEM, this initiative underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering collaborative solutions for societal challenges in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Pons emphasized the importance of direct collaboration with educational spaces during a recent appearance on the EduMás platform’s “Viva la Mañana” program. She highlighted the role of ISFODOSU in empowering teachers, counselors, and principals to drive collective progress. Families are also central to ISFODOSU’s vision, as they are seen as the cornerstone of community development. The university’s outreach efforts have been met with enthusiastic responses from local communities. Among the innovative projects led by Dr. Pons is the Educational Sites Project, which transitions schools from traditional bulletin boards to digital platforms like Google Sites, enhancing transparency and project management. Another key initiative, the Positive Discipline Project, integrates research-based strategies from renowned educators such as Dr. Becky Bailey and Dr. Randall Sprick to promote positive behavior across school ecosystems. Dr. Pons, a dedicated educator and researcher, reaffirmed ISFODOSU’s mission to cultivate pedagogical excellence, emphasizing the institution’s focus on ethics, principles, and values in shaping the future of Dominican education.
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Royal Caribbean Unveils Colorful Ferry Fleet Ahead of Paradise Island Beach Club Launch
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Royal Caribbean is set to make a splash with the introduction of a dynamic fleet of water ferries, designed to transport visitors to the eagerly awaited Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, slated for a December 2025 opening. The five bespoke ferries, managed by Bahamas Transport Logistics (BTL), a Bahamian-owned company, will serve as the initial touchpoint for cruise passengers heading to the new beach club. These vessels are engineered to blend efficiency with local culture, featuring lightweight aluminum hulls for seamless travel and vibrant, tropical-inspired designs. Philip Simon, President of Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering an exceptional, sustainable, and authentically Bahamian experience. The ferries, each named and colored after Bahamian wildlife — Flirty Flamingo (pink), Sassy Starfish (blue), Coral Calypso (orange), Twisted Turtle (green), and Lucky Lizard (turquoise) — are equipped with advanced navigation and propulsion systems, ensuring quick turnarounds while embodying the islands’ relaxed, fun-loving spirit. BTL’s involvement highlights Royal Caribbean’s dedication to centering Bahamians in the project, with the company overseeing daily operations and maintaining international safety and service standards. The ferry fleet is part of a broader initiative to infuse Bahamian culture into every facet of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island experience, from food and entertainment to decor and staffing. This 2025 launch will mark Royal Caribbean’s first private beach club, combining the island’s natural allure with the cruise line’s renowned hospitality. As development progresses on Paradise Island, the ferry fleet’s debut is poised to herald a uniquely Bahamian welcome for the thousands of visitors anticipated upon the project’s official opening.
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Hubbard’s Motor launches GAC vehicle brand in Grenada
Hubbard’s Motor, a key player in the Auto Division of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL), has officially announced the launch of the globally acclaimed GAC vehicle brand in Grenada. This strategic partnership brings together GAC’s award-winning designs, cutting-edge technology, and Hubbard’s Motor’s longstanding reputation for reliability and service excellence. GAC, ranked #181 on the 2024 Fortune Global 500 and recognized by J.D. Power as the #1 Quality Chinese Brand for eight consecutive years, sold over 2 million vehicles worldwide in 2024. With international collaborations including Honda, Toyota, and Mitsubishi, GAC is now poised to transform Grenada’s automotive landscape. The initial lineup features the Emkoo, a futuristic SUV; the GS3 Emzoom, awarded Highest Quality Compact SUV in China; and the AION EV Series, honored as China’s Highest Quality Electric Vehicles in 2024. Each vehicle undergoes rigorous durability testing, and customers in Grenada will benefit from extensive warranties, including 7 years/250,000 km coverage for the Emkoo and Emzoom, and 8 years/160,000 km for the AION EV Series. Osmond Henry, General Manager of Hubbard’s Motor, emphasized that GAC’s exceptional design, performance, and safety standards, combined with Hubbard’s trusted after-sales service, will redefine the driving experience in Grenada. Christopher Dowden, Manager of Hubbard’s Motor, highlighted that this launch is not just about introducing new vehicles but shaping the future of mobility on the island. This collaboration ensures Grenadian drivers have access to world-class automotive solutions that blend innovation, reliability, and local expertise.
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A new wave of young farmers is stepping forward to shape the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s agriculture
Antigua and Barbuda is making significant strides in revitalizing its agricultural sector by empowering the younger generation. The recent relaunch of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Forum for Agriculture (ABAFI) underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the aging farmer demographic, which currently averages over 55 years old. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. emphasized the urgency of investing in youth and women to ensure the sector’s sustainability.
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Burnett Renews Call for Police Accountability Board as Families Wait for Justice
Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has reiterated his call for the creation of a Police Accountability Board, emphasizing the urgent need to address transparency issues and restore public confidence in law enforcement. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett highlighted the growing concern over unresolved cases and the lack of clear communication with affected families, which he argued is eroding trust in the justice system.
Burnett pointed out that many families are left in the dark for months or even years, unsure whether investigations into serious crimes, including suspicious deaths, are being actively pursued. This silence, he noted, not only exacerbates the suffering of victims’ relatives but also fosters an environment ripe for rumors and speculation, further damaging the relationship between the public and the police.
He stressed that while frontline officers often face resource constraints, accountability must extend to higher levels of command. Burnett proposed that an independent Police Accountability Board could serve as a crucial oversight mechanism, ensuring that investigations are conducted transparently and efficiently. Such a body, he argued, would provide much-needed assurance to the public that cases are being handled with integrity and diligence.
Burnett’s remarks were part of a broader discussion on crime and governance, where panelists linked rising violence to systemic failures in planning and coordination. His intervention underscored the human impact of these issues, drawing attention to the plight of families who have been left waiting for answers.
For Burnett, the establishment of a Police Accountability Board is not merely about oversight—it is a vital step toward rebuilding public trust. ‘Accountability has to start from the top and flow through all levels,’ he asserted, emphasizing the need for transparency and responsiveness in addressing public concerns.
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Stephon Jackson, Second Suspect Charged in High Street Robbery
In a significant development in the High Street robbery case, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has arrested and charged 27-year-old Stephon Jackson of Clare Hall. The incident, which occurred on September 22, involved the robbery of two individuals who were stripped of their vehicle, mobile phones, and other valuables. Jackson is alleged to have acted alongside other accomplices in the crime. Earlier, a 17-year-old from Clare Hall was also arrested and charged in connection with the same incident. Jackson is expected to appear in court later this week. Meanwhile, a third suspect voluntarily surrendered to the police on Tuesday, marking a crucial breakthrough in the ongoing investigation. Authorities continue to probe the matter, emphasizing their commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice. The case has drawn public attention, highlighting concerns over street crime in the region.
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COMMENTARY: The long walk to full free movement within the CARICOM Single Market
A significant milestone in Caribbean integration has been reached as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) announces full free movement among four member states: Belize, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados. This landmark decision, rooted in the Enhanced Cooperation Chapter of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, marks a transformative step toward regional unity and economic collaboration. The initiative, spearheaded by Prime Ministers Mia Mottley, John Briceño, Roosevelt Skerritt, and Ralph Gonsalves, builds upon the foundation laid by the 1989 Grand Anse Declaration, which envisioned a Single Market for the Caribbean. Citizens of these nations can now travel, work, and reside indefinitely across the participating jurisdictions without the need for work permits or additional visas. This development not only strengthens regional ties but also opens doors for enhanced cultural exchange, economic opportunities, and shared governance. Dr. Kai-Ann Skeete, Trade Policy Research Fellow at the Shridath Ramphal Centre, emphasizes the importance of this integration, urging young professionals to explore opportunities within the OECS territories, which have long embraced free movement. She also calls for strategic communication, technological innovation, and civil society engagement to address challenges such as transportation, standardization, and geopolitical tensions. As CARICOM moves forward, the region must harness youthful energy and collective wisdom to ensure equitable and sustainable development. The words of former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur resonate deeply: ‘It is time to now give Caribbean unity a chance.’