Three bright students from Melrose Primary and Junior High have been honored with scholarships by the Kiwanis Club of Barbican, aimed at alleviating the financial burden of textbooks and other school-related expenses for the 2025-2026 academic year. The recipients, Nia-Lea Williamson, Mahalia Powell, and DeAndre Spence, were celebrated during an awards ceremony held on August 19 at the Jamaica Employers’ Federation headquarters on Ruthven Road in St Andrew. The scholarships, part of the Norris Crooks Scholarship programme, are named in memory of the club’s late esteemed president, Norris Crooks. Each scholarship provides financial assistance of up to $30,000 to students preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations. The initiative underscores the club’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting young learners in their academic journeys.
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Melodii on the rise
Melodii, a rising recording artist, is capturing hearts in the music industry with his soulful voice and deeply relatable lyrics. His latest track, ‘Stages,’ released on August 31 under the production of Stocks An Bondz Recordz, has been a significant attention-grabber. The song reflects his personal journey in music and life experiences, offering listeners a glimpse into his world. Born and raised in Clarendon, Melodii, whose real name is Roderick Baker, discovered his passion for music at the tender age of 10. His growing popularity is fueled by other notable releases such as ‘Legends,’ ‘Darkness,’ and ‘Learn.’ Unlike many dancehall artists, Melodii takes pride in creating music free of expletives, a choice that has resonated positively with his audience. ‘Not everybody from my era or my age group is doing the type of music that I am. To see somebody like me who’s around a lot of different artistes and still choose to keep a firm meditation, the people love that,’ he shared. Inspired by legends like Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Christopher Martin, and Romain Virgo, Melodii is committed to promoting conscious and clean music. He also looks forward to future collaborations with artists like Hammond, Masicka, and Nhance, whose motivational music pushes him to pursue his goals. Melodii envisions a long-term career in music, aiming to reach global audiences of all age groups. He aspires to perform at major music festivals such as Reggae Sumfest and Rebel Salute. ‘I just want everybody to know that no matter what happens, this is me and this is always going to be me and I’m not going to change. I’m always going to do music and spread something positive. I’m always going to try to elevate myself and I want them to do the same,’ Melodii affirmed.
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Antigua Prepares for Busy Cruise Season With Hundreds of Calls Scheduled
Antigua and Barbuda is poised for an exceptionally vibrant 2025–2026 cruise season, with a staggering 540 ship calls scheduled between October 2025 and April 2026, as revealed in the latest calendar update from Antigua Cruise Port. Published on September 25, 2025, the schedule features a diverse array of cruise operators, including industry giants such as Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Cunard. While the majority of these vessels will dock in St. John’s, the ports of Falmouth and Barbuda are also set to welcome a significant number of arrivals. The season will encompass a mix of transit stops, homeport operations, and overnight stays, catering to vessels of varying sizes—from intimate boutique luxury ships carrying fewer than 200 passengers to colossal megaships accommodating over 4,000 travelers. With multiple days expected to host two or more ships simultaneously, the upcoming season is anticipated to be one of the busiest in recent memory. Although the schedule outlines maximum vessel capacities, actual occupancy rates may vary. Antigua Cruise Port has emphasized that all berthing assignments and times remain subject to change, reflecting the dynamic nature of cruise operations. This surge in maritime activity is expected to provide a substantial boost to the local economy, particularly in tourism and related sectors.
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From Burritos to Breakthroughs: Lessons from Chipotle’s Turnaround for Caribbean Entrepreneurs and Business Owners.
In the realm of business, few narratives are as inspiring as a remarkable comeback. Chipotle Mexican Grill’s resurgence under CEO Brian Niccol stands as a testament to strategic innovation and bold leadership. For entrepreneurs in Antigua and Barbuda, Niccol’s journey offers invaluable insights into revitalizing and future-proofing businesses. Here are five key lessons distilled from Chipotle’s transformation.\n\n**Lesson 1: Embrace Digital Transformation**\nWhen Niccol assumed leadership in 2018, Chipotle was grappling with food safety scandals and a damaged reputation. His immediate focus was on digitization. By introducing mobile ordering and drive-through “Chipotlanes,” he streamlined the customer experience. This digital leap propelled Chipotle’s revenue from \$4.8 billion to \$9.9 billion in just five years. The takeaway for local businesses is clear: digital convenience is no longer optional. Investing in mobile platforms, online booking, and loyalty apps can enhance accessibility and customer satisfaction.\n\n**Lesson 2: Operational Efficiency as a Growth Driver**\nNiccol’s strategy extended beyond digitization to operational optimization. He implemented second “make lines” for online orders, automated food preparation, and streamlined kitchen processes. These changes, though unglamorous, were transformative. For Caribbean businesses, this underscores the importance of addressing internal inefficiencies before pursuing expansion. Auditing and improving processes can build trust and loyalty, which are essential for sustainable growth.\n\n**Lesson 3: Innovate the Customer Experience**\nRather than overhauling the menu, Niccol focused on reimagining how customers interacted with Chipotle. He introduced lifestyle bowls for niche diets and made certain items app-exclusive, driving digital engagement. For instance, the app-only quesadilla led to a 37% surge in loyalty sign-ups within a week. Entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from this approach by exploring ways to enhance customer interaction, such as offering exclusive online deals or creating personalized experiences.\n\n**Lesson 4: Balance Growth with Brand Integrity**\nWhile Niccol’s strategies boosted profits, they also raised concerns about declining customer experience, including smaller portions and reduced human interaction. This serves as a cautionary tale for Caribbean businesses: as you scale, ensure that growth amplifies your brand’s core values rather than eroding them. Protecting what makes your business unique—whether it’s customer service or artisanal quality—is crucial.\n\n**Lesson 5: Leadership Requires Courageous Change**\nNiccol’s success was rooted in his willingness to challenge traditions and make bold decisions. His ability to execute transformative strategies with resilience highlights the importance of courageous leadership. For business leaders in Antigua and Barbuda, this is a call to embrace change, pivot business models, and invest in long-term transformation.\n\n**Universal Applicability**\nThese lessons transcend industries and borders. Whether in hospitality, financial services, or education, the principles of digital transformation, operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and courageous leadership are universally applicable. By fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, Caribbean businesses can position themselves for success in an evolving global landscape.
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PM Skerrit states fervour for education reform, to his regional counterparts
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has issued a compelling call for education reform in the Caribbean, labeling it an ’emergency.’ Speaking at the 10th Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers for Education (COM:edu) held at the State House Conference Center, Skerrit emphasized the urgent need for systemic changes in the region’s education sector. He urged ministers to lead the transformation, stating, ‘You are fortunate as ministers to have the opportunity now to be the leaders in the reform we need today.’ Skerrit highlighted the global and regional imperative to address structural challenges, warning that the current system’s focus on exam preparation is insufficient. He also called for significant changes at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), arguing that merely adding subjects to the curriculum is not progress. The meeting, which took place on September 25–26, 2025, aimed to advance the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) 2012–2026, focusing on inclusive education, improved learning outcomes, and comprehensive reforms. Skerrit stressed that while access to education, inclusivity, and teacher training have been addressed, a paradigm shift is essential to prepare students for the future. ‘We have to equip our children with what they need today to live in this very difficult world,’ he concluded.
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LIVE: Historic First Trade Union Congress aiming to unite all Trade Unions in Dominica
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, engagement metrics continue to play a pivotal role in shaping content strategies. A recent analysis underscores the growing importance of interactive features such as sharing, tweeting, and pinning posts. These actions not only amplify reach but also foster deeper connections with audiences. The accompanying image, sourced from a reputable news platform, visually encapsulates this trend, showcasing a snapshot of a highly engaged post. As platforms evolve, understanding and leveraging these engagement tools will be crucial for content creators and marketers alike. The data suggests that interactive content is more likely to resonate with users, driving both visibility and impact.
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12-year-old charged for wounding 15-year-old
In a shocking turn of events, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has charged a 12-year-old boy in connection with a violent stabbing incident that left a 15-year-old hospitalized. The altercation took place on Tanner Street on the afternoon of September 15, 2025, where the victim was reportedly attacked with a sharp object, sustaining severe injuries. The injured teenager was rushed to the hospital and remains in the Intensive Care Unit, fighting for recovery. The accused juvenile has been formally charged with Unlawful Wounding, and the case has been referred to the Child Justice Board for further proceedings. This incident has sparked widespread concern in the community, raising questions about youth violence and the need for preventive measures. Authorities are urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and engage in open dialogues with their children to address behavioral issues early on.
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Authorities on watch as new livestock threat looms
Barbados has intensified its biosecurity measures following alarming reports of the New World screwworm fly, a highly aggressive livestock parasite, spreading across the Caribbean. The parasite, recently detected in Mexico, poses a significant threat to local herds if it reaches the island. Dr. Mark Trotman, Chief Veterinary Officer, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that while Barbados has historically been free of the pest, the regional spread has put the island on high alert. The screwworm fly, which affects both animals and humans, transmits its larvae through open wounds, leading to severe infestations if left untreated. Dr. Trotman assured that there is no risk from importing meat products, such as beef or pork, from the United States, but live animals are under strict scrutiny. Health certifications and thorough inspections are mandatory for imported livestock to ensure they are free of larvae or originate from safe areas. In the event of an infestation, affected animals will be quarantined and treated rather than denied entry or euthanized. Dr. Trotman warned that the parasite could devastate Barbados’ livestock industry, particularly sheep, goats, and pigs, if it gains a foothold. He urged vigilance among farmers and veterinarians to report any unusual maggot infestations in wounds, as the screwworm fly lays eggs in fresh wounds, unlike typical maggots that target decomposing flesh. Human infections, though treatable, require aggressive intervention if larvae burrow into the flesh. Dr. Trotman emphasized that maintaining clean wounds in both animals and humans is the cornerstone of prevention.
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Professor warns of rising mental health risks linked to AI and social media
Barbados is witnessing growing concerns over the rise of associative disorders among young people, attributed to excessive use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media. Professor Dwayne Devonish, a specialist in management and organizational behavior, has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of overreliance on technology. Speaking at the Small Business Association’s Youth Forum at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Thursday, Devonish emphasized that such dependence could exacerbate loneliness, impair cognitive function, and expose individuals, particularly young adults and teenagers, to significant privacy risks.
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Dominican women two-out-of-three, in landmark WINAIR all-female flight
In a groundbreaking moment for Caribbean aviation, Windward Island Airways International (WINAIR) celebrated the successful operation of its first all-female flight on September 24, 2025. The historic journey connected Sint Maarten with Curaçao and Aruba, featuring a crew of three women, two of whom are native to Dominica, earning the title ‘daughters of the soil.’ The team included Captain Dannah Abraham, First Officer Alexandra Dupigny, and airhostess Kimone Eristhee. For Captain Abraham, who recently made headlines as WINAIR’s first female ATR captain, the flight held profound significance. She shared, ‘Today felt bigger than anything I’ve experienced before — it wasn’t just about being the first female captain, but about flying with an all-female crew. When women see us in these roles, they feel inspired and accomplished.’ Captain Abraham’s journey to this milestone was marked by perseverance. Starting as a flight attendant at 24, she faced setbacks but remained dedicated to her dream of becoming a pilot. Over a decade later, she achieved this remarkable feat. She emphasized, ‘It took time and dedication, but if you continue working towards your dream, your time will come — and when it does, you must be ready.’ Passengers on the flight responded with applause, celebrating the historic achievement. Captain Abraham expressed gratitude to WINAIR’s management, the outstation teams in Aruba and Curaçao, and the passengers who shared in the special moment. Pascalle Wong-A-Foe, WINAIR’s Marketing and Communications Manager, highlighted the broader significance of the flight, stating, ‘This historic flight is more than a milestone for WINAIR — it is a proud moment for the Caribbean. It symbolizes progress, empowerment, and the remarkable dedication of our women in aviation.’