The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus marked a historic milestone as it welcomed its largest-ever cohort of students during the 2025 Matriculation and Welcome Ceremony in St. John’s, Antigua. Despite inclement weather, over 400 new students, accompanied by their families and university staff, gathered to celebrate their formal induction into the UWI community. This year’s intake saw 443 students admitted from a record 750 applicants, pushing the campus’s total enrolment beyond 1,300. The diverse cohort includes students from Antigua and Barbuda, as well as virtual participants from across the Eastern Caribbean, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia. Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson emphasized the institution’s rapid growth and urged students to view themselves as catalysts for Caribbean transformation. The ceremony featured symbolic traditions, including the signing of the matriculation register, the recitation of the academic vow, and the lighting of the ‘Flame of Excellence,’ which symbolizes knowledge, truth, and shared responsibility. Dr. Camille Samuel, Campus Registrar, reminded students of their lifelong commitment to the UWI community, while Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, joining virtually, highlighted UWI’s global standing and the pivotal role students play in regional development. The event concluded with the university song, performed by the Five Islands Chorale, marking the beginning of the students’ academic journey. This matriculation ceremony not only celebrated a significant milestone but also underscored the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders and change-makers for the Caribbean.
分类： society
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Crash claims life of St George motorcyclist
Authorities are currently investigating a devastating road accident that resulted in the death of 25-year-old motorcyclist Reon Dottin from Drax Hall Tenantry, St. George. The incident took place on Wednesday evening at approximately 6:48 p.m. along Haggatt Hall Road in St. Michael, involving a bus, a van, and Dottin’s motorcycle.
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The tribute became a solemn, simple, and moving moment.
Cuba bid a heartfelt farewell to Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz in a solemn and moving ceremony held at the Colón Necropolis. The event, presided over by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, was marked by military honors and floral tributes from prominent leaders, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz. Cabrisas, a revered figure in Cuban politics, was remembered for his unwavering dedication to the nation and his pivotal role in shaping its economic and diplomatic strategies. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz delivered a poignant eulogy, highlighting Cabrisas’ lifelong commitment to the Revolution, his leadership in key government roles, and his profound impact on Cuba’s international relations. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, family members, and colleagues, who gathered to honor a man whose legacy of integrity, loyalty, and service will endure.
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Independence 42nd Ceremonial Parade introduces new features with evening start time
The 42nd Independence Ceremonial Parade in Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium. This year’s event introduces a significant change with an evening start time, aimed at enhancing the experience for both participants and spectators. The decision, influenced by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, was made to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the comfort of the troops and attendees during the parade. Dr. Marcus Natta, Cabinet Secretary and Co-Chair of the Independence 42 Organising Committee, emphasized the importance of this adjustment, noting that it allows for additional creative elements and special surprises for the audience. Captain Kenish Garnett of the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard Unit will lead the parade for the fourth time, expressing his pride in commanding the event. The ceremony, which will be livestreamed on SKNIS’ and ZIZ’s platforms, promises a blend of patriotism and precision drills, celebrating the nation’s independence from Great Britain on September 19, 1983.
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COMMENTARY: Caribbean Criminal Responsibility – Suffer Little Children
The age of criminal responsibility across the Caribbean reveals a stark disparity, ranging from as low as seven years in Grenada to thirteen years in Haiti. This inconsistency highlights the region’s struggle with juvenile justice reform, a topic that has long been debated globally. While modern criminal justice systems advocate for a minimum age of twelve, many Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda (8 years), the Bahamas (10 years), and Trinidad (7 years), have yet to align with this standard. The United Kingdom, despite expert recommendations, maintains a ten-year minimum, influencing its Caribbean territories like the Cayman Islands, which recently considered but did not adopt a twelve-year threshold. This reluctance to modernize has been criticized, particularly in light of rising juvenile crime rates. For instance, Jamaica has seen twelve-year-olds charged with murder, and the Cayman Islands faced a high-profile case involving a twelve-year-old accused of a gun-related offense. Critics argue that law reform bodies in the region should include not only prosecutors but also criminal defense attorneys, who bring firsthand experience and insight into the challenges faced by at-risk youth. The lack of progress in this area mirrors broader societal issues, such as the Cayman Islands’ failure to implement a comprehensive plan for youth violence prevention despite a significant budget allocation. As the region grapples with these challenges, the question remains: should resources be directed toward building more prisons or investing in alternative solutions to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency?
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Taxi Drivers Threaten Action Over Illegal Operators at Antigua Airport
Licensed taxi drivers at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda have issued an ultimatum to authorities, demanding a crackdown on illegal operators by 1 October. The United Taxi Company, representing the drivers, has expressed growing frustration over the government’s inaction, warning of potential disruptions as the winter tourist season approaches. Vice President Gregory Ail emphasized that unlicensed drivers are operating without background checks, fees, or insurance, posing significant risks to passenger safety and undermining the livelihoods of lawful operators. Despite a fee increase last year, enforcement against illegal taxis remains inadequate, further exacerbating the issue. The drivers are calling for urgent talks with the police and Transport Minister Max Fernandez to address the situation. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has acknowledged the concerns but has yet to take decisive action. With visitor arrivals expected to peak soon, the standoff threatens to escalate into a public clash, potentially tarnishing the country’s tourism reputation.
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Dominica police force receives equipment for UN-funded regional pilot program
The Dominican police force has taken a significant step toward modernization with the introduction of a new Police Records Management Information System, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative, part of a regional pilot project, was officially launched during a ceremony on Wednesday, attended by key stakeholders including UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Stephanie Ziebell and Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore. The system, already operational in six Caribbean nations—Grenada, Antigua, Barbados, St. Kitts, Guyana, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—aims to streamline judicial processes and enhance the professionalism of law enforcement agencies. Ziebell emphasized the UNDP’s commitment to supporting Dominica’s digital transformation and national priorities, calling the equipment a symbol of their enduring partnership. Blackmoore highlighted the project’s potential to improve productivity, decision-making, and crime prevention through advanced data analysis and centralized management. The initiative will equip every police station on the island with the necessary hardware and software, marking a transformative milestone for the Dominican police force.
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MP warns against sacrificing community for tourism at Holetown
Kerrie Symmonds, Member of Parliament for St James Central, has issued a stern warning against prioritizing tourism development at the expense of community livelihoods and public access in Holetown, St James. Addressing attendees at the St James Ideas Forum town hall meeting held at Frederick Smith Secondary School on Wednesday evening, Symmonds emphasized the need to address long-standing concerns over diminishing beach access for locals and the proposed redevelopment of the civic centre site.
Symmonds, who also serves as Barbados’ Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, revealed that he could no longer remain silent on the matter. ‘I felt a duty to speak out, as I have publicly remained quiet until now,’ he stated. ‘Being a senior member of the Cabinet, it’s challenging to publicly dissent from collective decisions. Therefore, much of the dialogue and negotiation must occur behind closed doors.’
He underscored the importance of balancing investment with community coexistence, stressing that development projects must not alienate or exclude local residents. ‘We must find a way to harmonize the Barbadian community with investment efforts. One cannot overshadow the other,’ Symmonds asserted. He pointed to examples in the Caribbean, such as Jamaica, where similar issues have led to division and tension. ‘This has never been the ethos of Barbados. Such scenarios breed discomfort, disquiet, and sometimes even hostility, which are contrary to our values.’
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Island Challenge Aims to Raise £100K in Saint Lucia for Neonatal Care
From October 17 to 20, Saint Lucia will host the third edition of the Island Challenge, a unique endurance event that blends athletic determination with charitable efforts to raise funds for neonatal healthcare. Organized by the Sandals Foundation, Unique Vacations UK Ltd, Island Routes, Sandals Resorts Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the initiative aims to secure £100,000 (EC$362,000) for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex. The SCBU, which annually supports approximately 180 high-risk newborns, will use the funds to enhance its life-saving services. Participants, including travel industry professionals and Sandals team members, will tackle a rigorous four-day course featuring long-distance running, sea kayaking, rainforest hiking, a half-marathon, and an ascent of the iconic Gros Piton. Dr. Damian Greaves, CEO of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex, emphasized the event’s broader significance, stating, ‘The Island Challenge represents hope. By merging tourism, philanthropy, and healthcare, we’re making a tangible difference for our most vulnerable citizens.’ Since its launch, the initiative has raised £200,000 for healthcare projects in Antigua & Barbuda and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, highlighted its community-driven impact, noting, ‘Improving healthcare access, especially for newborns, transforms entire families’ futures.’ Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Vacations UK Ltd, described the event as a catalyst for change, expressing optimism for its continued growth and impact. Locally, the initiative is celebrated as a blueprint for socially responsible tourism, demonstrating how the industry can uplift critical sectors like healthcare.
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Call for extended leave, support for parents of disabled children
Disability rights advocate Felicia Inniss has called for significant policy changes to support parents raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Speaking at the St James Ideas Forum town hall meeting held at Frederick Smith Secondary School on Wednesday night, Inniss emphasized the need for extended maternity and paternity leave, as well as enhanced community-based support systems. She highlighted the unique challenges faced by these families, urging policymakers to address their specific needs. Inniss welcomed the recent introduction of paternity leave but stressed that more must be done to assist parents of children with disabilities. She proposed that parents of children with severe intellectual impairments, diagnosed at birth, should be granted extended leave to better manage their circumstances. Traditional leave policies, she argued, often fall short for families with children requiring complex care. Inniss explained that the emotional and financial toll on these parents is immense, particularly in single-parent households where income may cease entirely. She emphasized the necessity of psychological support and extended leave to ensure parents can adequately care for their children without sacrificing their mental well-being. Inniss concluded by urging society to reevaluate its approach to supporting these families, highlighting the profound mental and emotional impact of raising a child with disabilities.