The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has achieved a significant milestone by receiving continuing registration status from the Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB). This accreditation, granted in September 2025, validates the campus’s adherence to the highest educational standards and allows it to operate until 2027. Established in 2019, the Five Islands Campus is the fifth in the UWI system and has quickly become a cornerstone of higher education in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider OECS region. Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson emphasized the campus’s dedication to maintaining UWI’s legacy of academic excellence, particularly as a modern institution tailored for the digital age. Campus Registrar Dr. Camille Samuel highlighted the rigorous post-pandemic efforts to meet elevated standards, ensuring a seamless transition back to full face-to-face learning. ABNAB praised the campus for its commitment to quality education, marking this achievement as a pivotal step in advancing higher education in the region. The campus offers over 40 degree programs across four schools and houses the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE), underscoring its focus on marine science and sustainable development. This recognition reaffirms UWI Five Islands’ role as a beacon of educational excellence in the Caribbean.
分类： society
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Chinese community in Dominican Republic celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival
The Chinese community in the Dominican Republic marked a dual celebration on Sunday, commemorating both the Mid-Autumn Festival and the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The festivities, held in Santo Domingo’s Chinatown, showcased a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, including the Lion Dance, musical performances, and children’s acts. Attendees also enjoyed traditional cuisine and participated in rituals such as the giving of red envelopes and the distribution of over 400 gifts, symbolizing goodwill and hospitality. Rosa Ng Báez, president of the Flor Para Todos Foundation, highlighted the 161-year history of the Chinese community in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing their significant contributions to national development. She also acknowledged the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 2018 and China’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ng called on Dominican authorities to assist Chinese companies facing challenges and expressed gratitude to collaborators and institutions for their role in organizing the event. The celebration was attended by Zhou Yuqi, counselor of the Chinese Embassy, leaders of the Chinese Colony, and descendants of early Chinese pioneers who fostered ties since the 19th century. The event concluded with the screening of the documentary “Migrants” and a tribute to Dominicans who traveled to China in the 1960s and 1970s, underscoring the enduring cultural and historical connections between the two nations.
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‘Bounty’ remanded on murder and conspiracy charges
Nigel “Bounty” Pinder, a 49-year-old shopkeeper from Cox Hill, Church Village, St Philip, is set to reappear in court on October 8 after being remanded to Dodds Prison on serious charges, including multiple counts of murder and conspiracy to murder. Pinder was brought before Acting Magistrate Angela Knight in the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon under tight security, with heavily armed police officers stationed at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court complex. The proceedings drew a crowd of onlookers, some of whom voiced support as Pinder was escorted into the courtroom.
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Government announces registry of sexual offenders
In a significant move to enhance public safety, the Dominican Republic’s Joint Task Force has unveiled a new sexual offenders registry, to be managed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful emphasized that this initiative is backed by the Penal Code and forms part of broader efforts to combat crime. Additionally, the government plans to implement an action plan in October to confiscate firearms from civilians who violate Law 631-16 on Weapons and Ammunition. These measures were announced during the 109th follow-up meeting of the Task Force, chaired by Vice President Raquel Peña, and will target regions with the highest rates of homicides and firearm-related conflicts under the National Disarmament for Peace Plan (Decree 212-21). A grace period from October to December, established via Ministry resolution MIP-RR-0008-2025, will allow individuals to renew expired firearm licenses under more favorable economic conditions. According to police data, 5,700 firearms have been recovered this year, including 3,958 illegal weapons, 364 with expired licenses, and 1,228 linked to judicial investigations.
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Pathfinder Club celebrates 75 years of legacy and service in Dominica
The Pathfinder Club, a youth ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, commemorated its 75th anniversary in 2025, marking decades of fostering spiritual, social, physical, and leadership growth among young people. Established as a platform for character development and service, the Pathfinder movement has left an indelible mark on generations of youth through its holistic programs. On September 20, 2025, Pathfinder Clubs worldwide celebrated World Pathfinder Day under the theme “Pathfinders on Purpose,” highlighting the organization’s core values and mission. In Dominica, the festivities were particularly vibrant, with 13 active clubs engaging in community outreach, marches, and open-air programs. Activities included delivering gift baskets, conducting service projects, and hosting inspirational gatherings. For instance, clubs in Salisbury united for a colorful march and open-air event featuring music, motivational messages, and food distribution to families in need. Similarly, in Roseau, southern clubs concluded their march with a community gathering at Tarish Pit. The Pathfinder Club has long been instrumental in nurturing leadership skills and preparing youth for local and international service. Many alumni have excelled in church leadership, community service, and professional fields, showcasing the club’s enduring impact. This year’s celebrations coincided with Dominica’s National Youth Independence Celebrations, where Pathfinders, Master Guides, and Adventurers participated in a joint march. Felicia Royer, the Pathfinder Coordinator, emphasized the club’s significance, stating, “This milestone reminds us that the Pathfinder Club is more than uniforms and parades. It is a ministry that has shaped thousands of young lives.” Pastor Sean Shepherd, the National Youth Director, echoed this sentiment, inviting youth aged 10 to 16 to join the club, describing it as a space for wholesome development, friendship, and service. The Pathfinder Clubs in Dominica remain committed to empowering youth and fostering a culture of faith, leadership, and excellence, continuing a legacy that has positively impacted lives for over 75 years.
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Woman robbed at knifepoint in Hatton
Authorities in Hatton have launched an investigation following a harrowing robbery that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning. The incident took place on Union Road at approximately 03:00, where a woman was confronted by two men. One of the assailants brandished a silver knife, demanding the victim’s handbag. The perpetrators made off with $340 in cash and a Samsung mobile phone before fleeing the scene. Despite an immediate search of the area by law enforcement officers, no arrests have been made thus far. The police have assured the public that enquiries are ongoing and are urging anyone with information to come forward. This alarming event has heightened concerns about safety in the area, prompting calls for increased vigilance and security measures.
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Volunteers in Simon collaborate on International Coastal Clean-Up Day
In a remarkable display of environmental commitment and community spirit, the Grenada Fund for Conservation and the Sandals Foundation joined forces to lead this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICCD) on September 20. Over 50 volunteers, including students, Girl Guides, Scouts, Youth and Climate Ambassadors, and staff from Sandals Grenada Resort, gathered at Simon (Seamoon) Beach in St. Andrew to tackle marine pollution and safeguard the island’s precious marine ecosystems. The event, part of a global initiative, focused on solid waste management to improve water quality and protect aquatic habitats. The volunteers collected an impressive 1,134 pounds of trash, including 7,207 plastic bottles, clothing, household items, and more. Tyrone Buckmire, Founder of the Grenada Fund for Conservation, hailed the effort as one of their largest to date, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental preservation. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, underscored the critical role of marine ecosystems in providing sustenance, economic stability, and natural disaster protection. Beyond the one-day cleanup, the Sandals Foundation has been a leader in marine conservation for 16 years, supporting coral restoration, environmental education, and biodiversity projects. The Grenada Fund for Conservation has also benefited from four grants over the past six years, enabling initiatives like eco-tourism development and coastal restoration. This year’s ICCD not only revitalized Simon Beach but also inspired a broader movement for environmental sustainability in Grenada.
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GUT wants government to resume principals’ allowances
As World Teachers’ Day approaches on October 5, Jude Bartholomew, President of the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT), has urged the government to reinstate allowances for school principals that were eliminated following the enforcement of the latest collective bargaining agreement. Bartholomew emphasized the disparity in compensation, noting that principals were previously among the lowest-paid educators, earning less than regular teachers. During a press conference on September 29, 2025, he highlighted that while the union successfully negotiated higher pay grades for principals—elevating primary school principals from Grade H to I and secondary school principals from Grade I to J—the Ministry of Education subsequently removed their allowances. Bartholomew described this move as ‘unjust and unfair,’ calling for the restoration of these benefits in honor of World Teachers’ Day. The GUT plans to commemorate the occasion with an event at St John’s Anglican School on October 3. Additionally, Bartholomew advocated for compensation for teachers serving as acting principals and the payment of seniority allowances to qualified teachers who have completed college and passed three appraisals. He criticized successive administrations for failing to uphold this clause in the collective agreement, stressing that such payments should continue until a new pay structure is established.
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Police Probe Burglary at Medical Surgical Associates in Woods Centre
Authorities are currently investigating a burglary that occurred at the Medical Surgical Associates office located in the Woods Centre, Gambles. The facility, owned by Dr. Joey John, was reportedly broken into between the evening of September 26 and the early hours of September 28. According to preliminary investigations, the perpetrators gained access by prying open a rear door on the eastern side of the building. Once inside, they forcibly entered the accounts office, broke into a locked filing cabinet, and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and cheques. The suspects are believed to have exited through the same door they used to enter. Forensic teams have already processed the crime scene, and detectives are reviewing CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation. The incident has raised concerns about security measures in the area, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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‘Bounty’ remanded for multiple murder charges
Nigel ‘Bounty’ Pinder, a 49-year-old resident of Cox Hill, St Philip, has been remanded to Dodds Prison following his appearance in the District C Magistrates’ Court. Pinder faces a series of grave charges, including multiple counts of murder and conspiracy to murder. The allegations span a period from June 2023 to January 2024, involving the deaths of Randy Brathwaite, Junior Taitt, and Shane Renaldo Parris. Pinder is accused of directly committing these murders as well as conspiring with others to carry out the killings. Appearing before Acting Magistrate Angela Knight under heavy police escort, Pinder was represented by Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens. As the charges are indictable, no plea was required at this stage. The case has been adjourned, with Pinder scheduled to reappear in court on October 8. The proceedings have drawn significant attention due to the severity and complexity of the charges.