分类: education

  • Farm school grads urged to turn skills into wealth

    Farm school grads urged to turn skills into wealth

    On a momentous Thursday at the St. Lucy campus of the Hope Agricultural Training Institute (HATI), more than 40 trailblazing graduates from the institute’s inaugural Farming and Fishing Gateway Initiative cohort crossed the stage after completing 10 weeks of intensive hands-on training. The milestone event carried more than just celebratory weight: it marked the launch of a national push to redefine agriculture in Barbados from a subsistence practice to a profitable, innovation-led entrepreneurial sector. The call for this paradigm shift came from Dr. Chelston Brathwaite, a veteran agricultural leader and HATI consultant, who addressed the newly minted graduates with a clear, ambitious vision for their futures.

    Brathwaite, who previously served decades as the head of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), emphasized that the training program was not designed to prepare participants for small-scale, hand-to-mouth farming. Instead, it is a foundational stepping stone for a new generation of Barbadian agri-entrepreneurs equipped to leverage modern technology to build scalable, wealth-generating businesses. “We are not here to teach people to eke out a living,” Brathwaite told the assembly. “Our goal is to cultivate a new cohort of informed, skilled Barbadians who can use cutting-edge agricultural technologies to build lasting wealth for themselves and our nation.”

    A core pillar of Brathwaite’s message was the urgent need to move beyond traditional raw commodity production and unlock the massive potential of value-added agriculture. He reminded attendees of a vision he first articulated more than 10 years ago: transforming breadfruit from a simple staple crop into the center of a full-fledged domestic industry. Rather than just exporting or selling whole unprocessed breadfruit, Brathwaite argued, Barbados could build a market for value-added breadfruit products ranging from chips, flour, and pancake mix to wine and baked goods. This approach, he said, creates far greater economic value than raw production alone.

    “Only 30 percent of the total value of any agricultural product exists in the initial growing stage,” Brathwaite explained. “Seventy percent of the value comes after production: in processing, marketing, transportation, cold storage, and distribution. When you harvest a raw crop, that is just the starting line, not the finish line. Your job is to add that value and capture those economic gains for yourself.”

    He also stressed the importance of aligning product development with evolving modern consumer preferences, noting that convenience, nutrition, and organic certification have become non-negotiable priorities for today’s buyers. “Convenience is the new watchword in global food markets,” Brathwaite said. “Consumers do not want to put in hours of preparation; they want safe, nutrient-dense, organic options that are ready to use. As you build your businesses, you must prioritize what the market demands, not just what you are able to produce. That customer focus is what will drive your success.”

    In addition to his advice for graduates, Brathwaite framed the shift to value-added agribusiness as a critical opportunity for Barbados to diversify its national economy, which has long leaned heavily on tourism and international services. A robust, innovative agricultural sector, he argued, can create new jobs, reduce food import dependency, and open new export markets for Barbadian goods.

    Liesel Daisley, project manager for the Farming and Fishing Gateway Training Initiative, echoed Brathwaite’s encouragement while highlighting additional support systems available to graduates. Daisley reminded the cohort that the government-funded Gateway Initiative offers a range of free training programs across other high-demand sectors, including construction and hospitality, all of which include stipends for participants, job placement attachments, and starter toolkits. “These free opportunities will not be available permanently,” Daisley said. “I urge every graduate to continue building your skills by taking advantage of every resource offered to you.” She also encouraged new business owners to stay connected to their HATI instructors for ongoing guidance and to embrace resilience as they navigate the early stages of launching their ventures. “Our goal was to give you a springboard for success,” Daisley told the graduates. “We do not just want to see you build successful businesses in Barbados – we want to see you become change-makers for sustainable agriculture across the entire Caribbean region.”

    Subject instructors shared their own targeted hopes for the graduates’ work. Bernard Thompson, who taught apiculture (beekeeping) to the cohort, said he looks forward to the day when Barbados shifts from being a net importer of honey to a leading exporter of high-quality local Barbadian honey, a goal he said graduates are well-positioned to achieve. Christina Adams, the program’s aquaponics instructor who worked directly with 21 students in the fish farming track, said she expects many of her students will quickly launch their own commercial aquaponics operations. She noted that fish farming can serve multiple purposes, from improving household food security for part-time producers to serving as a full-time profitable commercial venture. “Whether you are growing to feed your own family, earn supplementary income alongside a full-time job, or build a large commercial enterprise, this training has given you the foundation to succeed,” Adams said. “I hope you all maintain that passion for agriculture and strengthening Barbados’ food security that you showed throughout this program.”

  • VACANCY: Clerical Assistant – Lifelong Learning Unit

    VACANCY: Clerical Assistant – Lifelong Learning Unit

    One of the Caribbean’s most prestigious higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), has announced an open vacancy for a full-time Clerical Assistant position within its Lifelong Learning Unit, inviting applications from all suitably qualified candidates across the region and beyond.

    The successful applicant will take on a diverse range of core administrative responsibilities critical to the smooth operation of the unit. Key duties include the systematic upkeep of institutional records, physical files, and digital information systems; timely retrieval of key documentation such as student mark sheets and admission application forms; systematic receipt and initial processing of documents submitted by current and prospective students and other external stakeholders; collation, sorting, and distribution of institutional correspondence and materials; coordination of office supply requests to maintain steady departmental operations; dissemination of accurate, up-to-date information to customers and stakeholders in a timely manner; logistical and administrative support for the preparation of unit-hosted seminars, academic conferences, and university award ceremonies; management of incoming telephone calls and responses to routine public enquiries; and support for travel bookings and itinerary arrangement for departmental staff and visitors as required.

    To be considered for the role, candidates must meet a set of mandatory qualification and experience requirements. A minimum of five passing grades in CXC or GCE O’ Level examinations is required, with passes in both Mathematics and English Language as non-negotiable prerequisites. Applicants must also have at least three years of full-time work experience in a similar clerical or administrative role. Additional core competencies include advanced proficiency in common computer software, internet-based administrative tools, and strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a fast-paced, customer-centric workplace.

    All interested candidates must submit a complete application package, which includes a filled-out official UWI employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining all relevant qualifications and professional experience, contact information (full names and mailing addresses) for three professional references (with at least one reference from the applicant’s current employer), and certified copies of all academic qualifications listed in the application. Completed application packages must be submitted via email to the institution, addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department within the Office of the Campus Registrar at UWI Five Islands Campus, located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua.

    The institution has set a firm application deadline of July 31, 2026. The candidate selected for the role will be required to begin their official duties at the Antigua-based campus on September 1, 2026. The posted salary range for the position falls between 27,099.51 Eastern Caribbean dollars and 33,843.73 Eastern Caribbean dollars per year.

    UWI FIC notes that while the university appreciates interest from all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further screening and interviews. For additional information about the campus or the role, interested parties can contact the institution at (268) 484-3900 or visit the official UWI Five Islands Campus website at www.fiveislands.uwi.edu.

  • VACANCY: Administrative Assistant- Exams Unit

    VACANCY: Administrative Assistant- Exams Unit

    One of the Caribbean’s most prestigious higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, has opened applications for a full-time Administrative Assistant role within its Examinations Unit, operating under the Office of the Campus Registrar.

    Located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua, this position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from Eastern Caribbean $32,519.65 to $48,735.33, commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. The successful hire will report directly to the Assistant Registrar for Examinations, and take on a diverse set of core responsibilities that support the campus’s core academic operations.

    Primary duties for the role include delivering comprehensive administrative support to the Assistant Registrar to ensure consistent alignment with UWI’s institutional policies, rules and regulatory frameworks governing examination operations. The role also requires hands-on support for all logistical and administrative preparations ahead of examination periods, coordination of on-the-ground arrangements during exam cycles, and assistance with compiling, verifying and publishing final student results. Additionally, the Administrative Assistant will contribute to the planning and execution of the campus’s annual Graduation Ceremonies, manage transcript request processing and official transcript issuance, support the printing and distribution of formal degree certificates, oversee inventory management and issuance of academic gowns for events and students, and provide full administrative support for Boards of Examiners meetings—including drafting meeting documentation, recording official minutes, and distributing post-meeting follow-up materials. The role also involves supporting the scheduling of final institutional examinations, responding to student and faculty queries related to examination timetables, and completing any other job-relevant tasks assigned by the Assistant Registrar for Examinations.

    To be considered for the position, candidates must meet a set of clear essential qualification and experience requirements. All applicants must hold a minimum of an accredited Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Educational Administration, or a closely related academic field. Candidates are also required to have at least five years of professional experience in administrative support roles, with preference given to applicants who have gained this experience in a post-secondary or higher education setting. The university notes that completed accredited academic degrees above the minimum educational requirement may be substituted for professional experience on a case-by-case basis.

    All interested candidates must submit a complete set of application materials, including an official UWI employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining all qualifications and professional experience, contact information for three professional references (one of which must be a current employer or supervisor), and official copies of all academic qualifications. Application packets must be submitted via electronic mail to the university, addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department within the Office of the Campus Registrar at UWI Five Islands Campus.

    The deadline for all applications to be received is July 31, 2026. The selected candidate is scheduled to begin their official duties on Antigua’s campus starting September 1, 2026. UWI notes that while the institution appreciates interest from all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps in the hiring process. For general inquiries about the campus or this vacancy, candidates can reach the institution at (268) 484-3900 or visit the official website at fiveislands.uwi.edu.

  • VACANCY: Campus Counsellor

    VACANCY: Campus Counsellor

    One of the Caribbean’s most prominent higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), has publicly announced an open vacancy for a full-time Campus Counsellor position within the Office of the Campus Principal. This key student support role comes with a competitive annual salary ranging from 102,021 to 109,866 Eastern Caribbean dollars, reflecting the institution’s commitment to investing in qualified mental health and student development professionals.

    The selected candidate will take on a core mission: to deliver holistic support that empowers UWI FIC students to get the most out of their entire university journey. The campus counselling department serves the entire UWI FIC community, addressing a wide spectrum of personal, academic and mental health concerns through a multi-faceted service model. Core responsibilities include delivering confidential one-on-one counselling tailored to individual student needs, facilitating structured group counselling sessions, developing and hosting educational workshops on student wellness and life skills, and advocating for student needs within campus governance and support systems.

    Rooted in a comprehensive, student-centered framework, the role combines direct clinical support with structured developmental programming designed to foster long-term positive growth, emotional resilience and personal development for all students engaging with the service.

    UWI FIC has outlined clear eligibility requirements for candidates interested in applying. A master’s degree in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related human services discipline is a mandatory prerequisite for all applicants. Candidates must also hold a minimum of five years of hands-on professional experience working in counselling or a related field. While professional counselling experience in a college or university setting is not required, it is strongly preferred, as is active licensure in mental health counselling from a recognized regulatory body.

    To complete an application, candidates must submit a full package of application materials, including an official UWI employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining all relevant qualifications and professional experience, contact information for at least three professional references (with one reference coming from the candidate’s current or most recent employer), and official copies of all academic transcripts and degree certifications. All application materials must be submitted via electronic mail, addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department within the Office of the Campus Registrar at UWI Five Islands Campus, located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua.

    The institution has confirmed that the successful applicant will be expected to officially begin their duties on Antigua’s UWI FIC campus starting September 1, 2026. As is standard for public university recruitment processes, UWI FIC notes that while all applications are appreciated, only candidates shortlisted for the role will be contacted for further screening and interviews. More information about the institution and this role can be found on the official UWI Five Islands Campus website, or by calling the campus main line at (268) 484-3900.

  • VACANCY: Accounts Receivables Clerk

    VACANCY: Accounts Receivables Clerk

    One of the Caribbean’s most prestigious higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, has announced an open vacancy for a full-time Accounts Receivables Clerk within the Office of the Campus Bursar, inviting applications from all suitably qualified professionals seeking to join the institution’s administrative and finance team.

    The role comes with a competitive annual salary ranging from $27,099.51 to $40,612.01, and the hired candidate will be tasked with a broad set of core finance responsibilities critical to the campus’s daily financial operations. Key duties include accurately posting and documenting all customer payments and transactions tied to UWI Five Islands Campus’ accounts receivable portfolios, generating and distributing invoices to enrolled students and other external debtors, and processing multiple forms of payment including cash, cheques, and credit transactions from these account holders.

    Additional daily responsibilities include preparing regular bank deposits for all funds collected each working day, reconciling total collected cash against the receipts issued on a daily basis, investigating and resolving discrepancies in customer accounts and addressing outstanding past-due balances, managing document organization including copying, filing, and retrieving accounts receivable records, updating digital financial records in the campus’s central Financial Management System, communicating any relevant information updates to relevant staff, departments, and campus stakeholders, and carrying out other role-related duties as assigned by the finance office leadership.

    To be considered for the position, candidates must meet a set of core mandatory requirements. These include holding an associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or another closely related relevant field, or an equivalent professional qualification recognized by the university, plus a minimum of one year of prior hands-on experience working in an accounting or financial role. The hiring committee notes that candidates with additional relevant skills will receive priority consideration: these include prior professional experience working with accounting software and formal financial information systems, as well as advanced, proficient working knowledge of the full Microsoft Office Suite.

    All applicants are required to submit a complete set of application materials, including a filled-out official UWI employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae that outlines full qualifications and professional experience, contact information (full names and physical addresses) for three professional references (one of which must be from the applicant’s current employer), and official copies of all academic qualifications. Submissions must be sent via email and addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department at the Office of the Campus Registrar, The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua.

    The university has confirmed that the successful candidate will be expected to begin their official duties at the Antigua campus on September 1, 2026. As is standard for UWI hiring processes, the institution extends gratitude to all applicants for their interest, but notes that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent interview stages. For more general information about the campus and its job opportunities, candidates can reach the university by phone at (268) 484-3900 or visit its official website at www.fiveislands.uwi.edu.

  • VACANCY: Administrative Assistant -The Office Of The Campus Registrar

    VACANCY: Administrative Assistant -The Office Of The Campus Registrar

    One of the Caribbean’s most prestigious higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, has announced a vacant full-time position for an Administrative Assistant within the Office of the Campus Registrar, and is now accepting applications from eligible, experienced professionals across the region.

    The role comes with a defined annual salary range spanning from 32,519.65 Eastern Caribbean dollars to 48,735.33 Eastern Caribbean dollars, aligned with the university’s standard compensation frameworks for administrative staff. The selected candidate will report directly to the Campus Registrar, and take on a diverse set of core responsibilities that keep the registrar’s office and campus governance operations running smoothly.

    Key duties for the position include delivering comprehensive administrative support to the Campus Registrar, coordinating all logistics related to the registrar’s scheduled appointments and work-related travel arrangements, and supporting all administrative workflows for campus governance committees. This support covers critical tasks such as official minute-taking during meetings, secure document storage, and organized electronic and physical filing systems. The role also requires close collaboration with other team members in the registrar’s office to advance campus-wide special initiatives, drafting and preparing official correspondence and institutional documentation for the office, establishing and updating long-term office files and records, organizing and facilitating both internal meetings and campus special events, and completing any additional job-relevant tasks assigned by the Campus Registrar as needed.

    To be considered for the position, applicants must meet a set of clear qualification and experience requirements. The minimum educational standard is an accredited bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including Business Management, Business Administration, Educational Administration, or other closely related disciplines. Candidates are also expected to have a minimum of five years of professional experience providing high-level administrative support, with preference given to candidates who have previously worked in an administrative role at a higher education institution. Notably, the university allows completed post-minimum academic credentials from an accredited institution to be substituted for required professional experience, creating more pathways for highly educated early-career professionals to apply.

    All interested candidates must submit a complete application packet that includes a filled-out UWI official employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining all qualifications and professional experience, contact information for three professional references (one of which must be from the applicant’s current employer), and official copies of all academic transcripts and degree certifications. Application materials must be submitted via email to the university’s recruitment team, and addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department at the Office of the Campus Registrar, UWI Five Islands Campus, located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua.

    The university has confirmed that the successful candidate will be required to begin their official duties in Antigua on September 1, 2026. In line with standard UWI recruitment practices, the institution extended its gratitude to all prospective applicants for their time and interest, noting that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further interviews and screening. For additional information about the campus or the recruitment process, applicants can visit the official UWI Five Islands Campus website at www.fiveislands.uwi.edu or contact the institution’s main line at (268) 484-3900.

  • VACANCY: Administrative Assistant- Office Of The Campus Principal

    VACANCY: Administrative Assistant- Office Of The Campus Principal

    One of the Caribbean’s most prestigious higher education institutions, The University of the West Indies (UWI), has announced an open vacancy for a full-time Administrative Assistant positioned within the Office of the Campus Principal at its Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC) in Antigua. This key administrative role supports the senior leadership of the campus, and the institution is now calling for applications from suitably qualified professionals across the region and beyond.

    The annual salary for this position falls between Eastern Caribbean dollars 32,519.65 and Eastern Caribbean dollars 48,735.33, commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. The role carries a diverse set of core responsibilities centered on enabling smooth operations for the campus principal’s office. Primary duties include delivering comprehensive day-to-day administrative support to the campus principal, backing up all cross-cutting administrative activities led by the principal’s office, and managing the principal’s full schedule of appointments alongside coordinating all domestic and international travel arrangements.

    Additionally, the hired Administrative Assistant will oversee ongoing inventory and maintenance of all office supplies, equipment, and facilities assigned to the principal’s office, coordinate with internal office staff to advance special institutional initiatives, draft and prepare official correspondence, reports, and other institutional documentation for the office, establish and maintain organized digital and physical file systems for all office records, plan and execute logistics for internal meetings and campus special events, and carry out any other role-relevant tasks assigned directly by the campus principal.

    To be considered for the position, applicants must meet a set of clear essential requirements. Candidates are required to hold at minimum an accredited bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Educational Administration, or another closely related field. They must also have a minimum of five years of professional experience providing high-level administrative support, with preference given to candidates who have previously worked in an administrative capacity at a post-secondary education institution. The institution notes that accredited academic degrees earned above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for required professional experience on a case-by-case basis.

    All interested candidates must submit a complete application package that includes a filled-out UWI official employment application form, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining all qualifications and professional experience, contact information (full names and mailing addresses) for three professional references (one of which must be from the applicant’s current employer), and official copies of all academic transcripts and degree certificates. Completed application packages must be submitted via electronic mail, addressed to the Manager of the Employee Success Department in the Office of the Campus Registrar at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, located in Five Islands, St. John’s, Antigua.

    The deadline for all submitted applications is July 31, 2026. The successful candidate will be required to officially begin their duties at the Five Islands Campus in Antigua on September 1, 2026. UWI notes that while it appreciates the interest of all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further interview processes. For additional information about the campus or this vacancy, interested individuals can contact the institution at (268) 484-3900 or visit the official UWI Five Islands Campus website at www.fiveislands.uwi.edu.

  • UB Seeks International Stamp of Approval for Its Degree Programs

    UB Seeks International Stamp of Approval for Its Degree Programs

    Years of systematic institutional upgrades have culminated in a landmark step for the University of Belize (UB), which formally submitted its Application for Accreditation Candidacy to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) on July 23, 2026. This move paves the way for international validation of UB’s degree programs, unlocking expanded academic and professional opportunities for its current students and graduates across the globe.

    According to UB President Dr. Vincent Palacio, the university dedicated four years to rigorous internal improvements ahead of the submission, overhauling key areas including faculty qualification standards, institutional governance frameworks, policy development, and institutional-wide quality assurance mechanisms. After years of incremental upgrades, institutional leadership confirmed that the university has met the preliminary requirements to launch the formal accreditation process.

    “After four years of targeted work to align our operations with international standards, we are ready to put our application forward,” Dr. Palacio explained in an interview following the submission. “We have systematically reviewed every requirement, from faculty credentials to program evaluation protocols and quality assurance frameworks, and we are confident in the progress we have made.”

    Following the application submission, the next phase of the process will bring a team of SACSCOC assessors to UB’s campus for an on-site verification review, where evaluators will confirm that the university’s stated practices match its actual operations before a final decision on accreditation candidacy is rendered. Dr. Palacio emphasized that the milestone represents a transformative shift for the institution, addressing a longstanding barrier that has impacted UB students for years.

    For students and graduates, the international accreditation will deliver immediate, tangible benefits by dramatically boosting the global credibility of UB degrees. Currently, many transfer applicants from UB face extra hurdles when seeking to move credits to international universities, with admissions departments regularly requiring additional course documentation or rejecting transferred credits entirely due to the lack of formal international accreditation. Once accredited, this barrier will be largely eliminated.

    “Right now, when our students try to transfer to other international institutions to complete a bachelor’s degree after an associate program at UB, or pursue graduate study after earning their undergraduate degree here, the first question they get is whether their home institution is accredited,” Dr. Palacio noted. “With this accreditation, there will be no question. Students will no longer need to submit detailed course outlines for individual credit reviews; institutions will immediately recognize UB’s credits because of the international stamp of approval from SACSCOC.”

    In a separate, parallel development, UB’s medical school is also advancing its own international accreditation push, pursuing validation from the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Medicine and Other Health Professions. That process could only launch after the school completed its first full cycle of student enrollment and graduation, putting it on track for evaluation in the coming years.

    This report is a transcribed excerpt from an evening television newscast covering the announcement.

  • CitCo Provides Range of Summer Opportunities for City Kids

    CitCo Provides Range of Summer Opportunities for City Kids

    As summer break puts formal academic classes on hold across Belize City, the Belize City Council (CitCo) has launched a full suite of no-cost summer enrichment opportunities designed to keep local children engaged, safe, and growing — while easing financial strain on working families. Running through the vacation period, the initiative blends athletic training, academic refreshers, and wellness activities tailored to match the diverse interests of the city’s young population, addressing gaps in accessible out-of-school programming for kids from all backgrounds.

    At the popular Bird’s Isle recreational courts, more than 40 young aspiring basketball players gather every weekday afternoon to build foundational skills in the sport. The peewee basketball camp, led by experienced coach Roscoe Rhys with support from CitCo interoffice champions Auburn Rivero and Kevin Hamilton, focuses not just on athletic technique but also on teamwork, discipline, and positive social connection outside of the classroom. For years, the camp’s most anticipated event has been its final game day, where young participants get the chance to showcase their newly honed skills in an official match. Following the game, city leadership distributes critical back-to-school supplies, including branded backpacks, core academic materials, and this year, new footwear for attendees. Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner noted that the program fills a key need for structured positive activity during the summer break, urging local residents to continue supporting the youth-focused initiative. “It is an opportunity for the city to engage with our youths, with our children — have them be in a positive environment during the course of the summer,” Wagner explained, adding that he hopes to attend this year’s game day as he recovers from a recent recreational sports competition victory.

    For young learners looking to shore up their academic skills ahead of the upcoming school year, CitCo’s City Hub offers free targeted tutoring in English and mathematics. The program builds on the council’s ongoing student support initiative, launched in 2023, which has provided free homework help, one-on-one mentoring, and after-school tutoring to local students through a network of community hubs. Program manager Michael Fritz explained that the summer academic classes were developed to address a documented gap in foundational literacy and numeracy skills among local youth, turning unstructured vacation time into an opportunity for targeted growth. “We are taking it a bit further, and we did realize that there is a gap in terms of literacy, so why not utilize the summer amidst all of the fun, amidst all of the learning, to go back to the basics of math and English?” Fritz said. On a recent program day, more than 20 students actively participated in a reading comprehension lesson led by veteran instructor Dennis Thompson, focusing on the parable of the Prodigal Son.

    Beyond athletics and academics, the council has added wellness programming to suit children seeking a lower-intensity outlet: free weekly yoga sessions held in local parks on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, led by certified instructor Eda Arzu. All programming offerings were curated with input from CitCo’s Child Advisory Body, a youth-led group that recommends activities aligned with the actual interests of local children, rather than top-down assumptions about what young people want. This user-centered approach ensures that every child, regardless of their hobby or skill level, can find a structured, positive activity to fill their summer break.

    For many Belize City families, the free programming fills a significant financial gap. Similar private summer programs typically cost parents upwards of $200 USD per child per week, putting structured enrichment out of reach for many low and middle-income households. By offering all activities and supplies completely free of charge, CitCo’s initiative not only gives kids a productive alternative to unstructured time at home but also provides critical financial relief to households that would otherwise struggle to cover summer childcare and activity costs.

  • Leon Hess student is new Junior Minister for Tourism

    Leon Hess student is new Junior Minister for Tourism

    A promising young student from Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School has claimed the top honor at Saint Lucia’s annual National Tourism Public Speaking Competition, earning the prestigious title of 2026 Junior Minister for Tourism. 10 competitors from secondary schools across the island took part in the annual event, held on July 2, and after rigorous evaluation by a panel of expert judges, 16-year-old Tiffany Jn. Jaques secured the first-place position, the Saint Lucia Department of Tourism officially announced in a press statement this Thursday.

    The annual National Tourism Public Speaking Competition was created to engage young people in the island’s core economic sector, providing a platform for secondary school students to demonstrate their industry knowledge, critical thinking abilities, creative problem-solving, leadership potential and public communication skills to a panel of industry judges. Unlike standard academic competitions, the contest encourages participants to develop concrete ideas for the future of Saint Lucia’s tourism, a sector that accounts for a large share of the island’s national GDP and employment.

    According to the Department of Tourism’s official announcement, Jn. Jaques stood out among the 10 finalists through her sharply articulate presentation, confident stage presence, and well-researched, forward-thinking vision for balancing continued tourism growth with long-term environmental and social sustainability for the sector. Her unique perspective on engaging youth in tourism development resonated strongly with judges, earning her the highest overall score across all competition categories.

    In her new role as 2026 Junior Minister for Tourism, Jn. Jaques will serve as an official youth ambassador for Saint Lucia’s tourism industry. Her core responsibilities will include leading outreach efforts to build tourism awareness among peer groups across the island’s secondary schools, and she will also represent Saint Lucia as an official youth delegate at this year’s Caribbean Tourism Organisation Youth Congress, a regional gathering that brings together young tourism advocates from across the Caribbean to discuss collective sector challenges and opportunities.

    Two other young competitors rounded out the event’s top three rankings: Chayah Robinson, a student from Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, claimed the second-place position, while Aiden George of Saint Mary’s College took third place. The Department of Tourism extended formal congratulations to all 10 finalists who competed in this year’s event, noting that every participant demonstrated impressive passion and insight for the future of the island’s tourism sector.

    The department also offered special thanks to the secondary school principals, teachers, family members and community supporters who provided guidance, preparation and encouragement to all competing students, crediting this collective backing as a key factor in the competition’s continued success year over year.